[SEMCO] February 2009 CZ-Mail

[Cz-Mail, (env)]

CZ-MAIL

February 2009

 

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly electronic newsletter from the
Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). Each issue
provides information on major CZM initiatives, available tools and
publications, upcoming workshops and events, grants, contracting
opportunities, job openings, coastal legislation, and other news of
interest to people working on coastal issues. Additional information
about CZM's programs, publications, and other coastal topics can be
found on the CZM website <http://www.mass.gov/czm/> . Please feel free
to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends-and if you have any
suggestions for future editions, would like your name added to the
mailing list, or would like your name removed, please email your request
to CZ-Mail at state.ma.us
<mailto:CZ-Mail at state.ma.us?subject=February%202009%20CZ-mail%20Request>
.

 

Ocean Planning Process Continues

In January, the Ocean Science Advisory Council concluded its review of
the first draft of the baseline assessment and the agency workgroup
reports. This milestone set the stage for the Council's upcoming work on
assisting the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
in developing the science and research plan, a key component of the
ocean management plan that will provide a strategy for addressing
scientific questions and data needs to help inform ocean management in
the years to come. The Ocean Advisory Commission also met in January and
provided input on the conceptual plan framework and associated goals and
objectives for the ocean management plan. To enable stakeholders to
review technical materials prepared to date as part of the ocean
management plan development process, EEA has scheduled two public
meetings on February 7 in Sandwich at the Daniel Webster Inn from 9:00
a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and February 10 in Boston at the Fish Pier from 6:00
p.m. to 9:30 p.m. EEA will incorporate the input from these meetings
into draft plan development. Both meetings have identical agendas and
have been planned at locations that will provide opportunity for broad
participation. Please register online
<http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/?p=WEB228P4BSTVCH> . For more on the
ocean planning process, see EEA's Massachusetts Ocean Plan website
<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeasubtopic&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Ocean+%26+Coas
tal+Management&L2=Massachusetts+Ocean+Plan&sid=Eoeea> . To receive
periodic ocean plan updates, send an email to
join-env-oceanplan at listserv.state.ma.us.

 

Governor Signs NDA Enforcement Legislation

On January 13, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law H 4805
<http://www.mass.gov/legis/185history/h04805.htm> , legislation that
gives the director of the Massachusetts Environmental Police, and all
that serve under him, the ability to issue an administrative penalty of
up to $2,000 per infraction for violations of No Discharge Area (NDA)
regulations. This enforcement authority applies to environmental police
officers, harbormasters, fish and game wardens, and police officers
assigned to patrol the waters of the Commonwealth. Specifically, the law
states that no person shall discharge any sewage, whether treated or
not, from a marine sanitation device into any waters of the Commonwealth
designated by the Secretary of Environmental Affairs as an NDA. Roughly
70 percent of the Commonwealth's waters have been designated as no
discharge. For more information, see CZM's NDA web site
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/nda/> , the map of the NDAs in Massachusetts
<http://www.epa.gov/region01/eco/nodiscrg/ma.html> , and the complete
text of the new law
<http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw08/sl080495.htm> .

 

StormSmart Coasts Begins Implementation Phase 

CZM continues the implementation of StormSmart Coasts
<http://mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/>  with five selected projects-Boston,
Falmouth, Hull, Oak Bluffs, and the three-town team of Duxbury,
Kingston, and Plymouth. In January, the program held the first Coastal
Advisory Group Meeting, bringing together more than 30 officials from
the selected communities. In the meeting, CZM and the communities
discussed the work ahead and clearly identified the primary goals of the
projects. Expected project outcomes include a model pre-disaster hazard
mitigation plan that incorporates sea level rise and anticipated
intensity and frequency of storms due to climate change; outreach
materials that target key audiences including homeowners; development
review guidance; and model improvements to floodplain bylaws. Federal
and state agencies, regional planning agencies, and other technical
experts will be project partners.

 

CZM Staff & People

Mass Bays Welcomes New Intern - The Massachusetts Bays Program is
delighted to welcome Josh Daskin as its new intern. Josh will be at Mass
Bays through April to assist with the upcoming State of the Bays report
and develop outreach materials on climate change adaptation. A regular
on the Dean's List at Brandeis University, Josh is a senior in the
biology and environmental studies program and aspires to pursue graduate
studies in either ecology or conservation biology. His experience
includes a summer 2008 research grant at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab in
Alabama, environmental education, and science writing. Welcome aboard
Josh!

 

Grants/Funding Opportunities

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation RFR Expected to Be Released Soon
- CZM expects to release a Request for Responses (RFR) soon seeking
applications for funding under the Coastal and Estuarine Land
Conservation Program <http://www.mass.gov/czm/celcp/index.htm>  (CELCP).
CELCP provides state and local governments with matching funds to
purchase significant coastal and estuarine lands, or conservation
easements on such lands, that are considered important for their
ecological, conservation, recreational, historical, or aesthetic values.
Applications will be reviewed and ranked for nomination to the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for evaluation and
potential Federal Fiscal Year 2010 CELCP funding. For details, stay
tuned to CZM's Jobs & Grants web page
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/jobsandgrants.htm> .

 

Inundation Visualization Contract Opportunity - In February, CZM expects
to release an RFR seeking proposals to develop 3D models that visualize
inundation scenarios due to flood events and sea-level rise. The project
must be completed by June 30. Stay tuned to CZM's Job & Grants web page
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/jobsandgrants.htm>  for the latest information
about this RFR.

 

WHOI Sea Grant Funding - The Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution's
(WHOI) Sea Grant Program is seeking pre-proposals for its 2010-2012
funding cycle. The theme areas for this cycle are fisheries and
aquaculture, environmental technologies, and estuarine and coastal
processes. Those interested are encouraged to attend the WHOI Sea Grant
open meeting on February 11 at 2:00 p.m. in Redfield Auditorium. For
details, see the WHOI Sea Grant website
<http://www.whoi.edu/seagrant/whatsnew/rfp.html> . Pre-proposals are due
by March 2.

 

EPA CARE Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is
seeking proposals for the Community Action for a Renewed Environment
(CARE) program. Up to $3 million is available in 2009 to support
community-based partnerships to reduce toxic pollution at the local
level. Eligible applicants include county and local governments, tribes,
nonprofit organizations, and universities. For additional information,
see the CARE website <http://www.epa.gov/care> . Proposals are due by
March 16.

 

Reminder - This opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still
available:

*         Research and Mentoring Experiences for Teachers - The
University of Rhode Island's Office of Marine Programs is seeking
applicants for the ARMADA Project-Research and Mentoring Experiences for
Teachers <http://www.armadaproject.org/overview.htm> . The ARMADA
Project provides K-12 teachers an opportunity to participate in ocean,
polar, and environmental science research, as well as peer mentoring.
Applications are due by February 9.

 

Products/Publications

StormSmart Fact Sheets - In January, CZM's StormSmart Coasts program
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/>  released a two new fact sheets.
The first, Case Study: Massachusetts Communities Reduce Storm Risk in
Developed Areas
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/resources/stormsmart_quincy.pdf>
(PDF1.3 MB), explains how two Massachusetts communities are using
federal funds to make existing homes safer. The second, Landscaping to
Protect Your Coastal Property from Storm Damage and Flooding
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/resources/stormsmart_landscaping.pdf
>  (PDF, 956 KB), details landscaping approaches that can help counter
the forces of wind, waves, and runoff and protect property against
erosion caused by storms and flooding.

 

Pressure Washing Guidance - In December, CZM released A Guide to
Selecting Pressure Washing Management Practices and Technologies:
Supplement to the Massachusetts Clean Marina Guide
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/pressurewashing/pw_guide.pdf>  (PDF,
1.4 MB) to provide guidance to marinas and boatyards about the proper
handling and disposal of wastewater and solids generated when boat hulls
are cleaned. The guide includes a review of relevant regulations,
pressure washwater disposal options, and equipment that can be used to
minimize impacts from pressure washing practices. In January 2009, a
copy of the guide will be mailed to all Massachusetts marinas,
boatyards, and yacht clubs. For more marina and pressure washing
information, see CZM's Marinas in Massachusetts website
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/> . For a copy, email your request and
mailing address to czm at state.ma.us
<mailto:czm at state.ma.us?subject=Pressure%20Washing%20Guidance> .

 

2009 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - Each year, CZM and
the Division of Marine Fisheries produce the Boaters' Guide to Tides and
Pumpout Facilities. The wallet-sized pamphlet, printed on waterproof
paper, contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along
the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. The 2009
guide is now available. For a free copy, email your request and mailing
address to czm at state.ma.us
<mailto:czm at state.ma.us?subject=2009%20Boaters'%20Guide%20to%20Tides%20a
nd%20Pumpout%20Facilities> .

 

Marine Invasive Species Monitoring Guide - In December, CZM's Aquatic
Invasive Species Program <http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/index.htm>
released a new resource for groups that monitor marine invasive species.
Developed as the primary guidance document for the Marine Invader
Monitoring and Information Collaborative (MIMIC), Monitoring Marine
Invasive Species: Guidance and Protocols for Volunteer Monitoring Groups
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/docs/mimic_guide_web.pdf>  (PDF, 2.3
MB) includes information on site selection, monitoring protocols,
safety, and identification resources. For more information, contact
Adrienne Pappal at adrienne.pappal at state.ma.us
<mailto:adrienne.pappal at state.ma.us?subject=Marine%20Invasive%20Species%
20Monitoring%20Guide> .

 

Gulf of Maine Times - The Fall/Winter 2008 issue of the Gulf of Maine
Times <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times>  is now available online. This
edition is primarily devoted to exploring efforts around the Gulf to
provide alternative, renewable forms of energy such as wind and tidal
power. The lead story, "Harnessing the Gulf's Winds, Tides for Reliable
Energy Independence" shows a sampling of such efforts Gulf-wide.

 

EPA Report on Sea Level Rise - EPA, in collaboration with the U.S.
Geological Survey (USGS) and NOAA, has released a report that discusses
the impacts of sea level rise on the coast, coastal communities, and the
habitats and species that depend on them. The report, Coastal
Sensitivity to Sea-Level Rise: A Focus on the Mid-Atlantic Region
<http://www.epa.gov/climatechange/effects/coastal/sap4-1.html> ,
examines multiple opportunities for governments and coastal communities
to plan for and adapt to rising sea levels.

 

Coastal Condition Report - The National Coastal Condition Report III is
the third in a series of environmental assessments of U.S. coastal and
Great Lakes waters. A collaboration of the EPA, NOAA, USGS, the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), coastal states, and the National
Estuary Program, the report assesses America's coastal conditions using
five indicators-water quality, sediment quality, benthic community
condition, coastal habitat loss, and fish tissue contaminants. See the
National Coastal Condition Reports web page
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr/> .

 

Cruise Ship Discharge Report - EPA has released a Cruise Ship Discharge
Assessment Report that assesses five primary cruise ship waste
streams-sewage, graywater, oily bilge water, solid waste, and hazardous
waste. See the EPA Cruise Ship Discharge Assessment Report web page
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/cruise_ships/disch_assess.html> .

 

Revised Guidance to Protect Wetlands and Streams - EPA and the
Department of the Army have issued a revised guidance to ensure
wetlands, streams, and other waters are better protected under the Clean
Water Act (CWA). The revised guidance replaces previous policy issued in
June 2007 and clarifies a June 2006 Supreme Court decision in Rapanos v.
United States regarding the scope of the agencies' jurisdiction under
the CWA. See the EPA website
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/CWAwaters.html> .

 

Study on Coastal Wetlands - NOAA and USFWS have released the report,
Status and Trends of Wetlands in the Coastal Watersheds of the Eastern
United States: 1998 to 2004
<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/habitatprotection/pdf/wetlands/Final%2
0Coastal%20Wetlands%20Report.pdf>  (PDF, 447 KB), which shows a loss of
59,000 acres per year in the coastal watersheds of the Atlantic Ocean,
Great Lakes, and Gulf of Mexico. This causes concern, as coastal
wetlands are important habitat for commercial and recreational fish,
waterfowl, and other species, and they protect coastal communities from
the effects of coastal storms and floods.

 

CICEET Progress Reports - The Cooperative Institute for Coastal and
Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) has released the Fall 2008
Progress Reports <http://ciceet.unh.edu/stats/fall_reports_08.html>  for
its environmental technology development projects. Each project targets
a priority challenge faced by natural resource managers in coastal
states around the country. With support from CICEET, researchers from
academia, industry, and the public sector are developing tools to
monitor harmful algal blooms and coastal water quality, manage nutrient
pollution, treat contaminated sediments, restore habitats, and support
community resiliency. 

 

Coastal Services Magazine - The January/February 2009 issue of Coastal
Services <http://csc.noaa.gov/magazine/2009/01/> , a NOAA Coastal
Services Center magazine, is now available online. This issue features
articles about a using science to create dune and beach protection
policy in Virginia, sustainable tourism in Ohio, and providing GIS
services to conserve lands in Maine. 

 

Coastal Society Bulletin - The Winter 2008 issue of the Coastal Society
Bulletin
<http://www.thecoastalsociety.org/E_Bulletin/Winter2008/Winter%202008%20
bulletin.html>  is now available. This edition features an article on
leadership, gender, and the future of coastal and ocean management.

 

Reminder - The following CZM publication listed in the last regular
CZ-Mail is still available:

*         Freeboard Fact Sheet - CZM's StormSmart Coasts program
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/>  has released Raise Your Home,
Lower Your Monthly Payments: Protect buildings and reduce monthly
expenses with freeboard
<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/resources/stormsmart_freeboard.pdf>
(PDF, 172 KB). Freeboard is the practice of raising a building's lowest
floor above predicted flood elevations-a cost-effective approach can
lead to substantial reductions in flood insurance premiums,
significantly decrease the chances a home will be damaged by storms and
flooding, and help protect against sea level rise.

 

Websites

Google Earth with NOAA Charts - A new tool has been developed to provide
NOAA nautical charts in a familiar Google Earth interface. The GeoGarage
spatial image server <http://demo.geogarage.com/noaa/> , provides access
to 1,018 U.S. nautical charts. Users can zoom in or out and adjust the
transparency of these charts to see the underlying orthophotos and
terrestrial maps.

 

Living Shoreline Course for Marine Contractors - The Virginia Institute
of Marine Science offers a free online design online course for marine
contractors on "living shoreline" type designs. In this approach, the
shoreline is re-shaped with natural materials to reduce erosion. See the
Living Shoreline Design web page
<http://ccrm.vims.edu/education/ls_design_class/index.html> .

 

Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology Database - The U.S. Department of
Energy has developed an online Marine and Hydrokinetic Technology
Database
<http://www1.eere.energy.gov/windandhydro/hydrokinetic/default.aspx>
that provides up-to-date information on marine and hydrokinetic
renewable energy, both in the U.S. and around 

the world. The database includes wave, tidal, current, and ocean thermal
energy, and contains information on the various energy conversion
technologies, companies active in the field, and development of projects
in the water.

 

Online Education Resources for Teachers - NOAA's National Ocean Service
(NOS) is offering a new set of environmental science resources for
teachers in grades 5-12. Teachers need accurate information and
resources to integrate ocean, coastal, and climate science into local
and state curricula. These resources provide a variety of lesson plans,
background information, resource links, tutorials, archived professional
development seminars, media galleries, and interactive tools. The
modules, created in partnership with the National Science Teachers
Association, focus on estuaries, coral ecosystems, and the ocean's role
in weather and climate. See the NOS professional development resources
for teachers website
<http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/pd/welcome.html> .

 

Ocean Guardian Programs - The NOAA National Marine Sanctuaries Ocean
Guardian Programs encourage children to explore their natural
surroundings to form a sense of personal connection to the ocean and/or
watersheds in which they live. Students can become a member of the Ocean
Guardian Kids Club. Teachers can form an Ocean Guardian Classroom. Check
out the Ocean Guardian Programs website
<http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/ocean_guardian_prog.html> .

 

Submerged Lands Conference Presentations - Presentations from the 27th
Annual International Submerged Lands Management Conference, held last
fall in Traverse City, Michigan, are available online. The conference
highlighted issues surrounding the administration of submerged lands and
adjacent uplands, such as regulations for energy facility planning and
siting, protecting underwater natural resources, and dredging and
coastal protection. See the conference website
<http://www.submergedlands2008.com/program.html> .

 

Green Stormwater Practices - EPA and the U.S. Botanic Garden produced
the online video, Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/video.html> , which highlights green
techniques such as rain gardens, green roofs, and rain barrels to help
manage stormwater runoff. The film showcases green techniques that are
being used in urban areas to reduce the effects of stormwater runoff on
the quality of downstream receiving waters. 

 

Public Comment

No Discharge Area - EPA is seeking comments on a Massachusetts request
to designate the coastal waters of the Lower North Shore as a vessel No
Discharge Area. The NDA will encompass the coastal waters of Revere,
Saugus, Lynn, Nahant, and Swampscott. Within the NDA, the dumping of all
boat sewage, both treated and untreated, will be prohibited. For
details, including commenting instructions, see the Federal Register
Notice <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E8-31300.htm> . Comments are
due by February 4.

 

Cape Wind EIS - The U.S. Department of the Interior's Mineral Management
Service (MMS) has released the final environmental impact statement
(EIS) for the Cape Wind Energy Project proposed for Nantucket Sound. To
download an electronic copy of the EIS, see the MMS website
<http://www.mms.gov/offshore/AlternativeEnergy/> . Although this is a
final EIS, comments are being accepted. Details on commenting are
provided in the Federal Register Notice
<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-1065.htm> .

 

Draft Watershed TMDL Handbook - EPA is seeking comments on the draft
Handbook for Developing Watershed TMDLs. EPA is looking for ways to help
states expedite development of scientifically defensible total maximum
daily loads (TMDL). One strategy is to use a watershed framework.
Grouping multiple impaired waterbodies into a single watershed TMDL may
provide cost savings and result in more effective TMDLs that allow
better restoration of impaired water bodies. See the EPA Impaired Waters
and Total Maximum Daily Loads web page
<http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/techsupp.html> . Comments are due by
February 18.

 

Climate Change Report - NOAA and the U.S. Climate Change Science Program
are seeking comments on the draft Unified Synthesis Product, Global
Climate Change Impacts in the United States. This product will provide a
single coherent analysis of the current understanding of climate change
science, summarize the contributions of the Climate Change Science
Program, and identify important gaps in the science. For details, see
the Unified Synthesis Product web page
<http://www.climatescience.gov/Library/sap/usp/> . Comments are due by
February 27.

 

OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program - MMS is seeking comments on the Draft
Proposed 5-Year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) Oil and Gas Leasing
Program for 2010-2015. This proposed program will succeed the current
program that expires on June 30, 2012. For details, see the Federal
Register Notice <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-1062.htm> .
Comments are due by March 23.

 

Reminder - The following comment opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail
is still open:

*         Draft TMDLs for Stormwater Permits Handbook - EPA's Office of
Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds (OWOW) and Office of Wastewater
Management (OWM) are seeking comments on the Draft TMDLs to Stormwater
Handbook <http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/stormwater/#tmdlresources> , a
technical reference for TMDLs and stormwater permits. Submit comments to
Christine Ruf at ruf.christine at epa.gov by February 27, 2009.

 

Calendar

MACC Conference - On February 28, the Massachusetts Association of
Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold the 2009 MACC Annual
Environmental Conference <http://www.maccweb.org/edu_aec.html>  in
Worcester. Join more than 1,000 Conservation Commissioners, local
officials, state and federal officials, consultants, and attorneys for
the largest regular environmental conference in New England. CZM's Cape
and Islands Regional Coordinator, Steve McKenna, will present a workshop
on beach nourishment and sediment management, an important tool for
maintaining public and private beaches. This presentation will provide
an overview of different types of beach nourishment projects and discuss
the importance of regular nourishment to help mitigate impacts caused by
various types of coastal engineering structures. The goal is to help
Commissioners effectively review and evaluate nourishment projects, and
also to improve and encourage local sediment management efforts.

 

Whale Seminar - On February 4 at 6:30 p.m., the New Bedford Whaling
Museum <http://www.whalingmuseum.org/>  will hold the seminar, Whaling
to Watching. The human interaction with whales has changed greatly over
the past nine centuries. Through history, whales have been curiosities
and sea monsters, commodities and sources of wealth and investment,
rallying points for environmental consciousness, and the focus of
intense and ongoing scientific research. Join the museum for this
discussion presented by museum historian, Mike Dyer and the Whale and
Dolphin Conservation Society's Senior Biologist, Regina Asmutis-Silvia. 

 

Horseshoe Crab Talk - On February 10 at 1:30 p.m., the Cape Cod Museum
of Natural History <http://www.ccmnh.org/>  will host The Horseshoe
Crab, Living Fossil & Modern Medicine with Dr. Michael Dawson of
Associates of Cape Cod talking about the biology of the horseshoe crab.

 

Beach Preservation Technology Conference - On February 18-20, the
Florida Shore & Beach Preservation Association will hold the 22nd Annual
National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology
<http://www.fsbpa.com/seminar.htm>  in St. Petersburg Beach, Florida. 

 

Eelgrass Workshop - On February 24-25, the workshop Status, Trends, and
Conservation of Eelgrass in Northeastern United States and Canada
<http://www.ecsga.org/Temporary_items/eelgrass_workshop.htm>  will be
held in Portland, Maine. For more information contact Hilary Neckles at
HNeckles at usgs.gov.

 

Ecological Landscaping Conference - On February 27-28, the Ecological
Landscaping Association will present the 15th Annual Conference &
Eco-Marketplace <http://www.ecolandscaping.org/conference.html>  in
Springfield. The conference features almost twenty seminars and
workshops presented by practitioners, writers, and educators in the
fields of landscaping, gardening, eco-design solutions, and more.
Sessions explore all aspects of ecological, sustainable, and organic
landscaping, including minimizing water use, developing healthy soils,
supporting urban and suburban forests, and designing and building
gardens with diversity and native populations in mind. 

 

Coastal GeoTools Conference - On March 2-5, Coastal GeoTools 2009
<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/geotools>  will be held in Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina. Coastal GeoTools is the conference series that focuses on the
technical information needs of the nation's coastal programs. The theme
for 2009 is "Building the Digital Coast," a new initiative that provides
easy access to organized and relevant data, tools, and technical
training.

 

Climate Change Preparation Workshop - On March 3, the Massachusetts
Coastal Training Program will hold the workshop Plan to Protect: How
Communities Can Prepare for Climate Change
<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/eventshow.aspx?eventid=110>  in
Hyannis. This full-day workshop will present case studies about
different approaches to adaptation planning.

 

Grant Writing Workshop - On March 9-10, Grant Writing USA, in
coordination with the Bentley University Police Department, will hold a
grant writing workshop
<http://cmpgnr.com/r.html?c=1395521&r=1394190&t=1618795672&l=1&d=9048759
7&u=http%3a%2f%2fgrantwritingusa%2ecom%2fevents%2fwrite%2fwama0309%2ehtm
l%3fm&g=0&f=90487600>  at the Bentley campus in Waltham. The workshop is
targeted at city, county, and state agencies, as well as nonprofit
organizations, and educational institutions. 

 

Coastal Erosion Control Workshop - On March 11, Everett J. Prescott,
Inc. will hold its 2nd Annual Coastal Erosion Control Workshop in
Hyannis. For more information on this full-day workshop, contact Chris
Holman at chris.holman at ejprescott.com.

 

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On March 14, Mass Audubon will
hold the 14th Annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference
<http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/catalog.php?code=172-WF09W
I1&sancName=&getresults=long>  at Cape Cod Community College. This
full-day conference will feature presenters from environmental
organizations across Cape Cod, speaking on a diversity of natural
history topics. Come learn about local research projects, conservation
efforts, and local environmental organizations.

 

Mapping Massachusetts Communities Workshop - On both March 26 and 27,
New Urban Research is holding a one-day GIS workshop in Waltham. Mapping
Massachusetts Communities Workshop: An Introduction to GIS and Community
Analysis
<http://www.urban-research.info/workshops/massachusetts-gis.htm>  is a
beginner-level class for anyone interested in mapping their community.
Using ArcGIS 9.3, participants will learn to create thematic maps of
their own data, and display spatial trends in information.

 

NOWRA Annual Conference - On April 6-9, the National Onsite Wastewater
Recycling Association (NOWRA) will hold the 18th Annual Technical
Conference and Expo <http://www.nowra.org/annual_conference.html>  in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The NOWRA annual conference serves as the premier
national conference for the decentralized wastewater industry.

 

Water Resources Research Conference - On April 7, the Massachusetts
Water Resources Research Center will hold the Sixth Annual Water
Resources Research Conference
<http://www.umass.edu/tei/wrrc/WRRC2004/Conference2009/>  at the
University of Massachusetts Amherst. The conference will highlight
interactions in water resources, including science, policy, management,
and design.

 

Great Marsh Symposium - On April 11, the Great Marsh Symposium, Discover
a Coastal Treasure in Our Backyard, will be held at the Parker River
National Wildlife Headquarters in Newburyport. The symposium will
feature numerous presentations by experts on the Great Marsh-the largest
continuous stretch of salt marsh in New England. For details, see the
Great Marsh website
<http://www.massaudubon.org/GreatMarsh/Great_Marsh_Web_Site/index.htm> .

 

Massachusetts Envirothon - The 2009 Massachusetts Envirothon, the
leading natural resource education program for Commonwealth's high
school students, will kickoff on May 13 at the Doyle Center in
Leominster. Teams comprised of five students represent their school or
organization in a statewide competition testing their knowledge of
aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife, and current environmental issues. A
final competition event and award ceremony will be held on May 30. To
get involved, see the Massachusetts Envirothon website
<http://www.maenvirothon.org/index.htm> .

 

Northeast Beaches Conference-Call for Papers - The 2009 Northeast
Beaches Conference <http://www.ieca-nechapter.org/coastal2009.html>
will be held in Woods Hole on September 21-23. The theme for 2009 is
local efforts in shoreline management and protection. Abstracts are due
by May 15. 

 

Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference - On May 18-20, the New England
Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC) will hold the
20th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference
<http://www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference/>  in Portland, Maine. The
three-day event brings together those in New England and New York state
involved in nonpoint source pollution management, including participants
from government and private sector, academia, and watershed
organizations.

 

International Marine Conservation Congress - On May 20-24, the 2009
International Marine Conservation Congress
<http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/imcc/index.html?CFID=8079427&CFTOKEN=7256236
4>  (IMCC) will be held in Washington, DC. The goal of the IMCC is to
put conservation science into practice through public and media outreach
and the development of science-based deliverables that will be used to
drive policy change and implementation. Major themes for the 2009
conference include global climate change, the land-sea interface,
ecosystem-based management, and poverty and globalization.

 

Marine Educators Conference-Call for Presentations - On June 29-July 3,
the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA) will hold the NMEA
2009: One World Conserving One Ocean conference
<http://209.232.236.13/nmea2009/>  in Pacific Grove, California.
Presentation proposals are due by February 15.

 

Reminders - The following calendar items, posted in the last regular
CZ-Mail, are still to come:

*         Climate Change Symposium - On February 5, 2009, the New
England Aquarium in coordination with the Woods Hole Oceanographic
Institution will hold a free climate change symposium to bring business
leaders, policy makers, and non-governmental organizations together to
examine the impacts of climate change and acidification on the marine
environment. The symposium is by invitation only. Contact Vickie Cataldo
at vcataldo at neaq.org if you or your organization is interested in
attending.

*         New England Estuarine Research Society-Call for Abstracts - On
April 2-4, the New England Estuarine Research Society
<http://www.neers.org/>  (NEERS) will hold its next meeting in Salem.
Abstracts are due by February 6.

 

CZM in the News

Below are links to recent news and journal articles that feature CZM.
(Articles may only be available for a limited time. Not working? Try
copying the web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking
on it.)

*         Coastal agency approves Cape Wind plan (Cape Cod Times,
1/27/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090127/NEWS/90
1270310 

*         Wetlands restoration project in Dennis wins national award
(EEA Press Release, 1/27/09) - 
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pr
essrelease&f=090127_pr_dennis_wetlands&csid=Eoeea
<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=p
ressrelease&f=090127_pr_dennis_wetlands&csid=Eoeea>  

*         Ship discharges threaten sea life (Boston Globe, 1/26/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/education/higher/articles/2009/01/26/ship_dis
charges_threaten_sea_life/ 

*         Federal grant to fund fixing Bourne culvert (Cape Cod Times,
1/20/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090120/NEWS/90
1200316/-1/NEWS01 

*         Massachusetts awarded over $375K to boost wetlands protection
(EPA Press Release, 1/9/09) - 
http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/6d651d23f5a91b768525735900400c2
8/02da4b95c46d78be8525753900712dfc!OpenDocument 

*         Federal grants aim to protect, restore coastal habitat
(Standard-Times, 1/6/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090106/NEWS/
901060326 

*         Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management announces five
StormSmart Coasts pilot projects (EEA Press Release, 1/5/09) - 
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pr
essrelease&f=090105_pr_stormsmart&csid=Eoeea 

*         Mass. launches effort to protect coast residents: Rising sea
levels pose a threat (Boston Globe, 1/3/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/01/03/mass_
launches_effort_to_protect_coast_residents/ 

*         Bourne gets EPA grant to replace culvert (Cape Cod Times,
12/30/08) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081230/NEWS/81
2300309/-1/NEWS01 

 

In the News

Below are links to recent news and journal articles on coastal issues.
(Articles may only be available for a limited time. Not working? Try
copying the web address directly into your browser, rather than clicking
on it.)

*         Ruling reaction: Feds say no to leased days at sea (Gloucester
Daily Times, 1/30/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_029231010.html 

*         Fed judge sets aside fishing rules (Gloucester Daily Times,
1/27/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_027224027.html 

*         Grab a rake: Shellfishing likely OK in town (Herald News,
1/27/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x716057990/Shellfishing-likely-OK-in-t
own 

*         Two coastal properties are now protected (Salem News, 1/26/09)
- 
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_026005607.html 

*         On island, 26 owners resist hooking into water/sewer (Daily
News of Newburyport, 1/26/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_025223114.html 

*         New study shows climate change largely irreversible (NOAA
News, 1/26/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090126_climate.html 

*         More accurate FEMA flood maps could help avoid significant
damages and losses (Science Daily, 1/25/09) - 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090123111515.htm 

*         Small hydropower device may bolster fish-farm industry (Boston
Globe, 1/25/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2009/01/25/small_hydropow
er_device_may_bolster_fish_farm_industry/ 

*         Warming trends alter conservation: Experts think old paradigm
of fixed boundaries will not work as sea levels rise (Washington Post,
1/25/09) - 
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/24/AR200901
2401728.html 

*         Lawmakers vow to protect Georges Bank (Cape Cod Times,
1/24/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090124/NEWS/90
1240302/-1/NEWS01 

*         Documents: Coast Guard 'policy' includes VMS safety use
(Gloucester Daily Times, 1/22/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_021234316.html 

*         Some shellfish beds to reopen (Herald News, 1/21/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/local_news/x2119711800/Some-shellfish-bed
s-to-reopen 

*         New Bedford wants to join fishing regulations lawsuit
(Standard-Times, 1/21/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090121/NEWS/
901210349 

*         Fall River LNG proposal dealt major blow (Standard-Times,
1/16/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090116/NEWS/
901160341 

*         Feds: Fish rules' goal is to reduce fleet (Gloucester Daily
Times, 1/16/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_015224904.html 

*         Chatham beach closed to swimming (Cape Cod Times, 1/16/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090116/NEWS/90
1160321 

*         Secretary Bowles cites progress toward clean energy future
(EEA Press Release, 1/16/09) - 
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pr
essrelease&f=090116_pr_stateofee&csid=Eoeea 

*         More rules on tap for fishermen (Gloucester Daily Times,
1/15/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_014231041.html 

*         Fort Point plan calls for tower (Boston Globe, 1/15/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2009/01/15/fort_point_plan_calls
_for_tower/ 

*         Cape wind farm review probed (Cape Cod Times, 1/15/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090115/NEWS/90
1150320 

*         Sparks fly as feds propose new fishing curbs (Standard-Times,
1/15/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090115/NEWS/
901150373 

*         NOAA proposes guidelines for fishery disaster determinations
(NOAA News, 1/15/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090115_disaster.html 

*         NOAA issues final guidance on annual catch limits to end
overfishing (NOAA News, 1/15/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090115_endoverfishing.html 

*         Patrick sets state goal for wind power (Boston Globe, 1/14/09)
- 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/01/14/patri
ck_sets_ambitious_goal_for_increasing_wind_power_in_mass/ 

*         Making Cape officials pay for 'sexy' stormwater (Cape Cod
Times, 1/14/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090114/NEWS/90
1140320/-1/NEWS01 

*         Essex looks at harvest limits, netting to grow more clams
(Gloucester Daily Times, 1/14/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_014004841.html 

*         NOAA proposes interim northeast groundfish rules (NOAA News,
1/14/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090114_groundfish.html 

*         Stalled ocean current gets recharged (Cape Cod Times, 1/14/09)
- 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090114/NEWS/90
1140326/-1/NEWS01 

*         Fishermen urge better use of VMS (Gloucester Daily Times,
1/14/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_013233000.html 

*         Swings in North Atlantic oscillation variability linked to
climate warming (Science Daily, 1/14/09) - 
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090113101200.htm 

*         Whale expert captivates Rockport students (Gloucester Daily
Times, 1/13/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_012222601.html 

*         PI sandbag work resumes for final push (Daily News of
Newburyport, 1/13/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_012234641.html 

*         Buoy to test feasibility of wave energy (Daily News of
Newburyport, 1/13/09) - 
http://newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_012234326.html 

*         Report: Wind farm will affect views (Cape Cod Times, 1/13/09)
- 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090113/NEWS/90
1130320 

*         First offshore wind farm is meeting stiff resistance (Wall
Street Journal, 1/13/09) - 
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123181056426575945.html 

*         $100,000 lab will showcase aquatic life (Salem News, 1/12/09)
- 
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_011234604.html 

*         Law seeks to halt boat sewage in Greater Lynn communities
(Lynn Daily Item, 1/11/09) - 
http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2009/01/12/news/news13.txt 

*         Costs skyrocket for beach replenishment (Daily News of
Newburyport, 1/10/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_009221811.html 

*         Christmas trees not welcome on PI beach (Daily News of
Newburyport, 1/9/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_008233111.html

*         Massachusetts' fishing industry ranks third based on economic
impact of all 50 states (Patriot Ledger, 1/7/09) - 
http://www.patriotledger.com/business/x82236150/Massachusetts-fishing-in
dustry-ranks-third-based-on-economic-impact-of-all-50-states 

*         NMFS issues report on economic data for fishing activities
(Standard-Times, 1/7/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090107/NEWS/
901070344 

*         Dredging suspended until June (Herald News, 1/7/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x497780135/Dredging-suspended-until-Ju
ne 

*         New ID security in place at ports (Cape Cod Times, 1/6/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090106/NEWS/90
1060318 

*         NOAA to investigate rarity of wolfish (Cape Cod Times, 1/6/09)
- 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090106/NEWS/90
1060314/-1/NEWS01 

*         Cape marine center to pump canal sea water (Cape Cod Times,
1/3/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090103/NEWS/90
1030318/-1/NEWS01 

*         High numbers of Right Whales seen in Gulf of Maine (NOAA News,
12/31/08) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20081231_rightwhale.html 

*         View with no barrier: City proposes walking paths atop
hurricane levee (Standard-Times, 12/30/08) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20081230/NEWS/
812300342 

*         Company seeks permits to build 100 platforms off Nantucket and
R.I. (Boston Globe, 12/29/08) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/29/wind_
wave_power_play/ 

*         2d incident involving an LNG tanker off coast stirs critics
(Boston Globe, 12/29/08) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/29/2d_in
cident_involving_an_lng_tanker_off_coast_stirs_critics/ 

*         Humans, oceans shaped North American climate over past 50
years (NOAA News, 12/11/08) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2008/20081211_climate.html 

 

Other Items of Interest

2009 Nickerson Fellowship - The Nickerson Conservation Fellowship
Committee is currently soliciting proposals from self-directed,
qualified individuals whose work will contribute to the knowledge of
natural and cultural resources within Cape Cod National Seashore.
Proposals will be accepted for research in the broad areas of the
natural and social sciences, including coastal erosion, effects of tidal
restoration, saltmarsh dieback, nutrient loading in estuaries and
harbors, and horseshoe crab ecology and management. The 2009 fellowship
will provide a $3,000 stipend as well as free housing. For details,
including application information, contact Megan Tyrrell at
Megan_Tyrrell at nps.gov. The application deadline is March 31.

 

Right Whale Ship Strike Speed Restrictions - Speed restrictions of 10
knots or less are now in effect for vessels 65 feet and greater in the
Cape Cod Bay Seasonal Management Area, the Mid-Atlantic Seasonal
Management Areas, and the Southeast Seasonal Management Areas. For
details about these restrictions and other ship strike rules and
recommendations, see NOAA's Ship Strike web page
<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/shipstrike> .

 

Stellwagen Advisory Council - The Stellwagen Bank National Marine
Sanctuary <http://stellwagen.noaa.gov/>  is seeking applicants for one
alternate position representing business/industry on its Sanctuary
Advisory Council. To receive an application kit, contact
Elizabeth.Stokes at noaa.gov. Applications are due by February 23. 

 

Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program is
accepting applications for the 2010 Dean John A. Knauss Marine Policy
Fellowship Program <http://www.seagrant.noaa.gov/knauss/> . This
one-year program provides a unique educational experience to students
who have an interest in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and in
the national policy decisions affecting those resources. The program
matches highly qualified graduate students with hosts in the legislative
and executive branches, or appropriate associations/institutions located
in the Washington, DC area, for a one year paid fellowship. Applications
are due by February 20, 2009.

 

CZM Mourns Loss of Michael Penney and Barbara Fegan - It is with sadness
that we report that former CZM staff member, Michael Penney, passed away
on December 17 at the age of 61. In the 1980s, Michael worked for CZM on
policies that promoted public walkways along the harbor at places like
Rowes Wharf. See the Boston Globe's obituary
<http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/01/03/michae
l_penney_61_found_beauty_in_natures_flaws/>  for more on Michael and his
life. CZM also mourns the loss of long-time member of CZM's Coastal
Resources Advisory Board (CRAB), Barbara Fegan, who died on January 10.
She started Coastweeks in 1982 to educate people about the country's
coastal resources and pushed for getting Stellwagen Bank declared a
national marine sanctuary. See the Boston Globe's obituary
<http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/obituaries/articles/2009/02/02/barbar
a_fegan_87_activist_former_wellfleet_selectwoman/>  for more on Barbara
and her life. CZM extends our heartfelt condolences to both of their
families.

 

 

 

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Deval L. Patrick, Governor

Timothy P. Murray, Lieutenant Governor

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Ian A. Bowles,
Secretary

Office of Coastal Zone Management - Deerin Babb-Brott, Director

Editor - Robin Lacey
<mailto:robin.lacey at state.ma.us?subject=February%202009%20CZ-Mail> 

Internet Coordinator - Joe Pelczarski

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management

251 Causeway Street, Suite 800

Boston, MA 02114-2136

(617) 626-1200

CZM Information Line - (617) 626-1212

CZM Website - www.mass.gov/czm

A publication of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
pursuant
to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No.
NA08NOS4190418.

This publication is funded (in part) by a grant/cooperative agreement
from the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and
do not necessarily reflect the views of NOAA 
or any of its sub-agencies.

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