PCB Levels in Fish and Insects Higher in 2014 than 2012 in the Housatonic River in Connecticut
BEAT, along with four other parties, has appealed the Final Permit issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the General Electric Company (GE) for the remediation of the Rest of the Housatonic River. Next, we wait for EPA’s response to our appeals, which we expect at the end of January. In the meantime, we are particularly disturbed by the 2014 GE Connecticut Housatonic River fish and aquatic insect report from GE that came out at the end of July 2016. <more>
Great Barrington River Walk Closing for the Season after a Successful Year
As the season comes to a close, the folks at Great Barrington’s Housatonic River Walk would like to thank the volunteers, contributors, and Greenagers who made this year possible. Join them again in the spring for their ‘trail-opening’ workday on Saturday, April 22, 2017. <more>
Governor Baker Slashes Environmental Funding AGAIN!
Yesterday the Governor issued $98 million in cuts to spending for the current fiscal year, FY17. And get this — almost 10% of them were to environmental programs. “The Governor’s 9C budget cuts disproportionately devastate agencies protecting our environment and public health. The cuts will have a negative impact on the state’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, both environmentally and economically.” Press Release from Erica Mattison, MPA, JD, Legislative Director, Environmental League of MA<more>
First-ever National People’s Hearing on FERC
Held in DC
On December 2nd in Washington, D.C. 65 people from 15 states and the District of Columbia, from as far away as Arizona, Mississippi and Florida, testified to a packed room at the National Press Club about their uniformly bad personal and organizational experiences with FERC. The groups that have taken up this fight range from small, local neighborhood groups to national organizations, from people primarily concerned about the invasion and disruption of their property to those concerned about the threat posed by fracking to our disrupted climate. All are concerned about the risks to health and safety for those living close to pipelines, compressor stations, storage facilities and export terminals, all of which pollute the air and are prone to explosions and fires. By Ted Glick, Future Hope Column, 12/6/16 <more>
Mass Power Forward Local Clean Energy Webinar – December 13th
Want to do more locally on clean energy? Join this webinar to learn how to use the Clean Energy Checklist to assess your town or city’s actions so far, and to learn about our toolkit to get local clean energy projects and policies going in your community! Our dependence on dirty energy like oil and gas pollutes our air and water and harms the health of Massachusetts’ communities. Pipelines threaten our safety and our green spaces. There is another way. <more>
Jobs
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society – Western Mass
Administrative and Event Assistant – Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance – Remote position
Streamflow Protection Biologist (Fish & Wildlife Scientist III) – Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department – Montpelier, VT
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director – North Adams, MA
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation – Executive Director – Williamstown, MA
PCB Levels in Fish and Insects Higher in 2014 than 2012 in the Housatonic River in Connecticut
BEAT, along with four other parties, has appealed the Final Permit issued by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to the General Electric Company (GE) for the remediation of the Rest of the Housatonic River. Next, we wait for EPA’s response to our appeals, which we expect at the end of January.
In the meantime, we are particularly disturbed by the 2014 GE Connecticut Housatonic River fish and aquatic insect report from GE that came out at the end of July 2016. This report is available on the “EPA Clean-ups: GE-Pittsfield/Housatonic River Site” website under “All Publically Available Documents” HERE (See document dated: July 22, 2016.)
In general, the report indicates an upward trend in PCB levels in Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass compared to the previous monitoring cycle in 2012. PCB levels in the three aquatic insect species monitored (Caddisflies, Dobsonflies and Stoneflies) werealso somewhat elevated, as compared to 2012.
As GE phrased it for the fish: “Comparison of Fish Results with Previous Years PCB concentrations in Smallmouth Bass and Brown Trout in 2014 were generally higher than in any of the years between 1994 and 2012, but remained well below the levels found in 1992 and most prior years.”
And yet, the plan is to do NO remediation in Connecticut.
Great Barrington River Walk Closing for the Season after a Successful Year
Among their 2016 accomplishments are the following:
- Outdoor kinetic learning programs and onsite training to 90 Greenagers, middle-schoolers, and other teens
- e-birding programs to 18 participants
- Native habitat for butterflies
- 20′ “peace bridge” at Du Bois River Park
- Native restoration of 2.63 acres of riverbank
- Planted 2280 native trees, shrubs, live stakes and plants
- Rid the riverbank of exotic invasives
- Installed 2-130′ rows of CPA-funded riverbank reinforcement, backfilled and planted
- Controlled canary reed grass, prepared 11 areas for live stake planting, and planted 613 trees, shrubs and plants downstream in The Berkshire riverfront improvement area
- 4 paid apprentices provided 300+ hours
- Greenager crews provided 216 paid hours
- 163 volunteers contributed 338 on-site hours
- Published 4th edition of 60 page River Walk Guide funded by Housatonic Heritage
- Completed River Walk Website with new media and archival features
- Estimated 12,000 visitors yearly
For a full report of this year’s activities, CLICK or check out the new features on their website at www.gbriverwalk.org.
Governor Baker Slashes Environmental Funding AGAIN!
From Erica Mattison, MPA, JD
Legislative Director
Environmental League of MA
Yesterday the Governor issued $98 million in cuts to spending for the current fiscal year, FY17. And get this — almost 10% of them were to environmental programs.
Here is Environmental League of Massachusetts’ (ELM’s) reaction to the Governor’s 9C cuts:
“The Governor’s 9C budget cuts disproportionately devastate agencies protecting our environment and public health. The cuts will have a negative impact on the state’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities, both environmentally and economically. Our future growth requires clean water and the safe clean-up of contaminated sites, particularly in our Gateway Cities. Our public health requires clean air to slow the growth of childhood asthma. And working families who cannot ‘jet away’ for exotic vacations need our nearby parks and recreation areas. The $9 million worth of budget cuts to environmental programs may seem small, but represents almost 10% of the Governor’s $ 98 million of 9C cuts. This comes on top of a 30% reduction in state spending on environmental protection since 2008. State agencies such as DEP and DCR are on the verge of dysfunction. State spending on environmental agencies in the aggregate represents only .5%, half of one percent of the overall state budget, an infinitesimal number. With these cuts we continue to move in the wrong direction.” -George Bachrach, President & Erica Mattison, Legislative Director, Environmental League of Massachusetts.
ELM is urging concerned citizens to call the Governor at 617-725-4005 to communicate that they are disappointed by his disproportionate cuts to environmental programs, noting that it is important that at least a few dozen calls to his office immediately will ensure the message gets through loud and clear that our community is not ok with these disproportionate cuts.
First-ever National People’s Hearing on FERC
Held in DC
By Ted Glick
Ted Glick Future Hope Column
December 6, 2016
On December 2nd in Washington, D.C. 65 people from 15 states and the District of Columbia, from as far away as Arizona, Mississippi and Florida, testified to a packed room at the National Press Club about their uniformly bad personal and organizational experiences with FERC.
For years a movement has been building to take on FERC, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. This agency, officially created in the late 70’s, was little-known beyond the fossil fuel industry until the rise of fracking and with it, the proliferation of proposed new pipelines and other infrastructure to transport and store fracked shale gas.
The groups that have taken up this fight range from small, local neighborhood groups to national organizations, from people primarily concerned about the invasion and disruption of their property to those concerned about the threat posed by fracking to our disrupted climate. All are concerned about the risks to health and safety for those living close to pipelines, compressor stations, storage facilities and export terminals, all of which pollute the air and are prone to explosions and fires.
182 organizations representing communities in 35 states and the District of Columbia signed an open letter to Congress in September calling for an investigation into FERC. At the Peoples Hearing on December 2nd, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, representatives of these impacted communities provided testimony and evidence demonstrating the need for Congressional hearings on FERC.
The hearing began with a welcome from Maya Von Rossum, leader of the Delaware Riverkeeper Network and primary leader of this initiative. She explained, “The unparalleled gathering here of so many impacted community representatives demonstrates the broad opposition to the abuses of power and law being inflicted by FERC. Congress needs to investigate how FERC is misusing its authority and to recognize that major changes are necessary to protect people from FERC’s abuse of power.”
Those testifying were organized into panels that addressed specific problems with the way FERC operates:
-private property taken for corporate gain
-people’s rights and state’s rights abused
-conflicts and self-dealing
-ignoring facts, science and law
-future generations ignored
-public voice stripped
-taking public treasures
-false claims of need
-bias and abuse in the process
-people’s rights and voices undermined
-real people, real harms
Mass Power Forward Local Clean Energy Webinar – December 13th
WHEN: December 13, 2016 at 8pm – 9pm
Jobs
Plant Conservation Volunteer – New England Wild Flower Society
New England Wild Flower Society is seeking enthusiastic people who have a commitment to plant conservation and protecting natural habitats to participate in their Plant Conservation Volunteer Program. Plant Conservation Volunteers (PCVs) puts the skills of citizens to work collecting information on rare plants and their habitats across all six New England states. The majority of the work focuses on rare plant monitoring, but there are also opportunities to assist with invasive species removal, habitat management projects and botanical surveys that benefit rare plants. The Society also offers free field trips and some learning opportunities to PCVs. It’s an excellent opportunity to develop your botanical skills and put them to work, learn more about the flora of New England, meet others with similar interests, and help preserve your state’s natural heritage.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend the annual 1-day training session held on a weekend in March/April for each of the New England states to review surveying protocols and PCV guidelines. The schedule is on our website for training sessions.
- Review available surveys and choose ones for your abilities and/or surveys that will excel the New England Plant Conservation Program.
- Complete at least one rare plant survey including research on plant/accessing location, coordinating with other volunteers to survey, conducting the survey and completing and submitting field forms digitally through a secure website.
- Conduct possible seed collections on rare plants following specific protocols.
- Represent the PCV program and conduct work in a professional manner.
- Keep ALL data on rare plant populations confidential.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Good candidates are motivated, independent workers; have some skill in plant identification, good observation skills and are adventurous.
- Ability to collect and organize scientific data and filing field forms in a timely manner.
- Some computer proficiency is required for communication and submitting field forms.
- The physical ability to hike in uneven terrain and varying weather conditions.
- The ability to work independently or with a team of other volunteers.
- Ability to travel some distance to survey sites and endure possible long days in the field.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply visit our website and fill out the electronic application by February 1st, 2017:
http://newenglandwild.org/conserve/saving-imperiled-plants/plant-conservation.html/
Interested applicants with botanical knowledge and are outside of Eastern Massachusetts are encouraged to apply. All who are interested must apply and be accepted into the program before attending a training session due to the sensitive nature of rare plant data and data security agreements we have with each state’s Natural Heritage.
Applications are reviewed during the winter (January – February) to be considered for that field season year. To be considered for the 2017 season, please submit your application via the online application by February 1st, 2017.
QUESTIONS? Contact: Laney Widener, Botanical Coordinator, New England Wild Flower Society, 508-877-7630 ext. 3204, lwidener@newenglandwild.org
If you would like a botanical adventure, join the PCV program. This is a great way to meet new friends, explore a wide range of habitats while contributing to the knowledge of our flora. I joined the PCV program the first year it was in Maine and love it as a way to help our environment. ~ B. G.
Administrative and Event Assistant
Urban Sustainability Directors Network &
Carbon Neutral Cities Alliance
Position Type: Full-time
Position Description: The USDN/CNCA Administrative and Event Assistant plays a crucial role in supporting information exchange among members by delivering member services and providing support to other staff in a virtual team environment.
This position will provide the following administrative support: – Schedule meetings, conference calls, and webinars for members and staff, working with various national and international time zones and logistical challenges. – Assist with logistics for webinars and conference calls. – Assist with logistics for in-person meetings before, during, and after the events. – Format USDN/CNCA documents and presentations with branding and graphics. – Maintain member spreadsheets, website profiles, and tracking documents. – Assist in tracking member activity, including responses to scheduling polls, call attendance, and other participation data. – Track status and execution of subcontracts and partnerships. – Other administrative tasks as assigned.
Requirements: Education: – Associate’s degree required. Bachelor’s degree preferred. – Background in administrative assistance or customer service preferred. – Demonstrated interest in sustainability or local government desirable.
Previous experience: – 2-3 years related experience required. May include internships. – Past experience in detail-oriented position preferred.
Hard and Soft Skills: – Long-term commitment to provide high-level administrative support in a fast-paced environment. – Excellent communication skills to keep multiple team members abreast of progress with ongoing tasks, while in a virtual environment. – Detail-oriented and able to accurately meet and communicate about deadlines. – Organized, analytical, and highly motivated. – Independent (comfortable and efficient working alone) while a good team player (communicating with other team members through frequent electronic correspondence and infrequent in-person interaction). – Skilled in computer technology, including Microsoft Office and Google products. – Experience in managing large data sets preferred. – Proactive, able to identify potential issues and brainstorm solutions. – Results-oriented and committed to learning and continuous improvement. – Mission-driven with a passion for fostering social, economic, or environmental change. – Diplomatic, comfortable interacting frequently with city officials and funders.
Compensation: Competitive for early-career position. Benefits negotiable.
Location: USDN/CNCA has no central office, so the position is strictly work-from-home with weekly web meetings. Ability to travel to Milwaukee or western Massachusetts area desired but not required. Candidates must furnish their own quiet office space, computer, and Microsoft Office suite.
To Apply: Send a cover letter addressing the requirements for the USDN/CNCA Administrative Assistant, resume, and three references to Mia Arter, USDN Program Director, at miaarter@usdn.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
Streamflow Protection Biologist
(Fish & Wildlife Scientist III)
Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department
Overview: The Fish and Wildlife Department’s mission is to the conservation of fish, wildlife and plants and their habitats for the people of Vermont. The protection and enhancement of aquatic habitat is essential to the maintenance of healthy aquatic populations and the recreational fisheries that they support. This position provides an excellent opportunity to make a difference in a small state where you will be involved in a variety of dam, streamflow and other aquatic habitat issues.
General Job Description: This position will work to protect and restore aquatic habitat and aquatic biota throughout the State of Vermont. This position requires strong interpersonal, communication, organization and technical skills, and requires close coordination with regional fisheries staff and collaboration with state, federal and non-governmental organizations. This job involves the participation in FERC hydroelectric licensing permit proceedings; coordinating Department positions on a variety of dam and streamflow project proposals; developing aquatic protection policies, protocols and regulations; and maintaining partnerships and conducting outreach and trainings. Applicants should have a strong background in aquatic/fisheries biology and a solid understanding of the principles of hydrology, fluvial geomorphology, aquatic habitat and fish passage. Experience with IFIM and PHABSIM analytical approaches is desirable. The position requires a mix of field, office and outreach activities. Work is performed under the supervision of the Fisheries Program Manager and is stationed in Montpelier VT.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education: Master’s degree or higher in a natural resources field.
Experience: 2 years in a natural resources field. OR….
Education: Bachelor’s degree or higher in natural resources field or biology.
Experience: 4 years in a natural resources field. OR….
2 years as a Fish & Wildlife Scientist II with the State of Vermont.
Special Requirements: N/A
Starting Salary: $ 23.89 per hour (Pay Grade 24), plus benefits.
Closing Date: 12/7/2016
Contact: Apply online: http://humanresources.vermont.gov/ Job#620271
This Fish & Wildlife Scientist III position is open to all State employee and external applicants. If you would like more information about this position, please contact Rich Kirn via email (rich.kirn@vermont.gov). Resumes will not be accepted via e-mail. You must apply online to be considered. The State of Vermont is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applications from women, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and people from diverse cultural backgrounds are encouraged.
Hoosic River Revival – Executive Director
The Hoosic River Revival, based in North Adams, Massachusetts, seeks an Executive Director to lead our river restoration efforts. We are a community-based nonprofit working to contribute to North Adams’ urban renaissance by transforming an unattractive concrete-walled section of the Hoosic River into a beautiful, ecologically-sound and publicly-accessible riverscape. This full-time position provides an opportunity to live in the beautiful New England Berkshires and oversee a project that will benefit local ecosystems and economies. No previous experience with river ecology is required. Our ideal candidate will have strong experience with project management and working closely with a board, as well as navigating government processes. To read the full job description go to http://www.hoosicriverreviv
Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation –
Executive Director
The Williamstown Rural Lands Foundation (WRLF), a 30-year old land conservation trust and education organization in Williamstown Massachusetts, announces the retirement next year of its long-time executive director, Leslie Reed Evans, and the search for her replacement to lead WRLF during an exciting time in its history. Leslie’s tenure at WRLF has spanned 23 years of exemplary service to our community. She was hired in late 1993 as interim director and was offered the permanent position in 1995 at a time when the organization was completing several major land conservation projects under her dynamic leadership and was in the midst of its largest yet, the effort to preserve the south Williamstown farm and forest lands owned by Norris Phelps along Oblong Road and extending to the Taconic Ridge. At that time, WRLF had a 14-member Board of Directors, a supporting membership of about 200 families, and an annual budget of $39,000. There were 268 acres of private land under conservation restriction, and 66 acres in WRLF’s direct ownership.
Today, WRLF annually monitors 288 acres of conservation restriction land and has close to 600 acres under its own management, including its 55-acre Sheep Hill headquarters and 380 acres on Pine Cobble, its largest preserve. Its membership has more than doubled and its annual budget has grown nearly tenfold. It has established itself as a key resource in the community and an important contributor to the beauty and quality of life which Williamstown residents and visitors alike enjoy.
During Leslie’s tenure and with the active participation of an engaged, dedicated Board of Directors, WRLF undertook many innovative projects, including managing the Reynolds limited development/conservation project, making land available for the Williamstown’s first Habitat for Humanity home, and establishing Caretaker Farm as a Community Land Trust to make it affordable to a new generation of farmers. Perhaps what Leslie is most proud of and in addition to the land conservation projects she has overseen is the acquisition and preservation of Sheep Hill and its establishment as a community resource for outdoor education and recreation for families, school children and visitors.
The search for a new executive director will begin immediately. The job posting and explanation of the application requirements are described on WRLF’s website, wrlf.org, under “Job Opportunities” on the home page. For further information contact WRLF or call its headquarters at 413-458-2494.