[SEMCO] March 2009 CZ-Mail

Wed Mar 11 14:24:35 EDT 2009

CZ-MAIL

March 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=March%202009%20CZ-mail%20Request> .

Ocean Planning Process Continues

In February, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) held two public meetings (February 7 in Sandwich and February 10 in Boston) to present the work group reports <http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Ocean+%26+Coastal+Management&L2=Massachusetts+Ocean+Plan&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_oceans_tech_materials&csid=Eoeea>  and associated map products that are being developed to support the ocean management plan. At each meeting, EEA gave an update of the overall plan development schedule and then spent the bulk of the meeting discussing the work group reports. These meetings were very well attended and received, and met EEA's goal to provide an opportunity to comment on a key baseline portion of the ocean management plan. EEA is currently working to incorporate suggestions, including those for additional data. Also, much effort was spent in February on two other main tasks: first, developing a methodology to identify "special, sensitive, and unique marine and estuarine life and habitats," as required in the Oceans Act; and second, refining the goals and outcomes for the ocean management plan, which were presented for reviewed by the Ocean Advisory Commission at their March 4 meeting. 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+Coastal+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.

Changes at CZM

We are pleased to announce two new staff assignments. Jan Smith will serve as manager of CZM's coastal and marine habitat and water quality unit. Jay Baker is the new Director of the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MBP). We look forward to working with Jan and Jay in their new roles.

Grants/Funding Opportunities

Inundation Visualization Contract Opportunity - CZM is 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. To view the Request for Responses (RFR), visit the Comm-PASS website <http://www.comm-pass.com/>  and search for solicitation number "ENV 09 CZM 09." Proposals are due by March 13.

Ocean Planning Contractor - CZM is seeking a contractor to provide strategic, technical, and administrative support to the EEA ocean planning process. The contractor will assist with development of materials responsive to federal law and regulations applicable to use or development in state ocean waters, and will support the acquisition and synthesis of existing human use and natural resource data for federal waters. EEA is currently developing an integrated ocean management plan pursuant to the Massachusetts Oceans Act of 2008, which requires that the plan identify and protect areas of special, sensitive, or unique marine life and habitat, and identify suitable locations and performance measures for uses and activities allowed in Ocean Sanctuaries. For details and to view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS website <http://www.comm-pass.com/>  and search for solicitation number "ENV 09 CZM 10." Proposals are due by March 13.

Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Funding - CZM is 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. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS website <http://www.comm-pass.com/>  and search for solicitation number "ENV 09 CZM 07." Proposals are due by March 16.

§319 Grants Pre-RFR Meeting - On March 18 from 10:00 a.m.-noon, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will hold a meeting to field questions and discuss the upcoming RFR for the §319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program. The meeting will be held at the MassDEP offices in Worcester. Additional information is available on the Comm-PASS website <http://www.comm-pass.com/> . Search for the keyword "319." For more information, email MassDEP's §319 coordinator, Jane Peirce, at jane.peirce at state.ma.us <mailto:jane.peirce at state.ma.us?subject=§319%20Grants> . For details about past §319 projects, see MassDEP's Website <http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/grants.htm#sums> .

NOAA Funding for "Shovel-Ready" Habitat Restoration Projects - NOAA is seeking "shovel-ready" proposals for coastal habitat restoration projects including wetlands restoration, dam removals, shellfish restoration, and coral reef restoration. Funding is being provided under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. Proposals are due by April 6. For more information, see the NOAA website <http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/recovery> .

Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative - The National Association of Counties, in partnership with the NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program, is seeking proposals for Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative (CCRI) grants <http://www.naco.org/Template.cfm?Section=New_Technical_Assistance&template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=28425> . In 2009, CCRI will provide grants to improve stream, river, estuarine, and other important marine habitats, with a priority of fish passage barriers in coastal streams and rivers. Applications are due by April 6.

Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration Grants - The Gulf of Maine Council is seeking proposals for coastal habitat restoration projects within the Gulf of Maine watershed. In partnership with the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service's Community-Based Restoration Program, the Gulf of Maine Council provides grants to further the goal of habitat restoration and to support a strategic approach to marine, coastal, and riverine habitat restoration. For details, see the request for proposals <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/habitatrestoration/rfp-2009-2010.html> . Applications are due by May 1. 

EPA Smart Growth Assistance - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for technical assistance from communities looking to incorporate smart growth in future development. EPA will provide direct technical assistance in areas such as climate change, green job development, corridor redevelopment, green building development, suburban retrofitting, and disaster resiliency. For more information, see the EPA website <http://epa.gov/smartgrowth/2009_sgia_rfa.htm> . Applications are by April 23.

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

*         EPA CARE Grants - EPA is seeking proposals for the Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) program to support community-based partnerships to reduce toxic pollution at the local level. For details, see the CARE website <http://www.epa.gov/care> . Proposals are due by March 16.

Products/Publications

2009 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities - The 2009 Boaters' Guide to Tides and Pumpout Facilities is now available. Each year, CZM and the Division of Marine Fisheries produce this wallet-sized pamphlet, printed on waterproof paper, which contains information on the locations of pumpout facilities along the Massachusetts coastline and a June-September tide chart. 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%20and%20Pumpout%20Facilities> . Additional information about pumpouts, including an online list of pumpout facilities, is available on CZM's website <http://www.mass.gov/czm/nda/pumpouts/index.htm> .

Adaptation Options for Coastal Areas Guide - The Climate Ready Estuaries program has finalized a technical report entitled Synthesis of Adaptation Options for Coastal Areas <http://www.epa.gov/climatereadyestuaries/downloads/CRE_Synthesis_1.09.pdf>  (PDF, 1.2 MB), which  provides an overview of adaptation options available to coastal managers to reduce their system's vulnerability to climate change impacts. For more information, see EPA's Adaptations Options web page <http://www.epa.gov/climatereadyestuaries/adaptationoptions.html> .

Analysis of Stormwater BMPs - EPA has released Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMP) Performance <http://www.epa.gov/region1/npdes/stormwater/assets/pdfs/BMP-Performance-Analysis-Report.pdf>  (PDF, 2 MB), which provides long-term efficiency information for eight different stormwater BMPs according to design capacity and soil infiltration rate. All BMPs in this analysis were designed and maintained in accordance with MassDEP Stormwater Performance Standards.

National Water Quality Inventory Report - EPA has released the National Water Quality Inventory: Report to Congress <http://www.epa.gov/owow/305b/2004report/>  for 2004, which summarizes water quality assessments submitted by the states to EPA as required in the Clean Water Act. The report finds 44 percent of assessed river and stream miles, 64 percent of assessed lake acres, and 30 percent of assessed estuary square miles were found to be impaired for one or more of the uses designated for them by the states. Leading causes of impairment included pathogens, mercury, nutrients, and organic enrichment/low dissolved oxygen.

Riverways eNewsletter - The February 2009 issue of Riverways NewsNotes <http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/newsletters/newsnotes31.htm> , an eNewsletter from the Massachusetts Riverways Program, is now available online. This edition features a story on the wild and scenic designation of the Taunton River. Also included are available grants, upcoming events, online resources, and publications.

Gulf of Maine Times-Additional Online Content - The Gulf of Maine Times <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times>  has added online-only content to supplement the Fall/Winter 2008 issue. Read about what's being done to save fish and marine mammals from entanglement in 'ghost' fishing nets; federal protection of the Atlantic wolfish; and a book review of An Enormous, Immensely Complicated Intervention, which defends the efforts of the New England Fisheries Management Council. There are also letters to the editor, calendar items, and some news shorts as well. See the items labeled "Web only content" under Features & Columns <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/times/fallwinter2008/>  sidebar on the left-hand side of the page.

Habitat Classification Workshop Proceedings - In September 2008, the Habitat Conservation Subcommittee of the Gulf of Maine Council convened a workshop to discuss regional habitat classification needs in the Gulf of Maine. The goals of the workshop were to facilitate communication on seafloor mapping and classification and to understand management needs for information about marine habitats. Participants were from federal, state, academic, and non-governmental organizations from throughout the Gulf of Maine region, with representatives from both Canada and the U.S. participating. See the workshop proceedings <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/publications/GOMC%20Habitat%20Classification%20Proceedings%201.7.09.pdf>  (PDF, 112 KB).

Atlantic CoastWatch Newsletter - The January/February 2009 Atlantic CoastWatch <http://www.atlanticcoastwatch.org/Newsletter.htm> , the bimonthly newsletter from the Sustainable Development Institute, is now available. Atlantic CoastWatch provides locally relevant news and information about the Atlantic Coasts of Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean.

EPA Nonpoint News - The February 2009 issue of Nonpoint Source News-Notes <http://www.epa.gov/newsnotes/>  is now available online. This EPA newsletter covers the condition of the water-related environment, control of nonpoint sources of water pollution, and the ecological management and restoration of watersheds.

Runoff Rundown - The winter 2009 issue of Runoff Rundown <http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs045/1101639006674/archive/1102429740332.html> , the quarterly electronic newsletter of the Center for Watershed Protection, is now available. The Center for Watershed Protection is a national organization that works to protect, restore, and enhance our streams, rivers, lakes, wetlands, and bays.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The February 2009 issue of MPA News <http://depts.washington.edu/mpanews/MPA104.htm>  is now available and features articles on ocean acidification, the U.S. National Marine Protected Area (MPA) Framework, and other MPA news and notes.

Reminder - The following CZM publications listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:

*         StormSmart Fact Sheets - CZM's StormSmart Coasts program <http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/>  has 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 - CZM has 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. For a printed copy, email your request and mailing address to czm at state.ma.us <mailto:czm at state.ma.us?subject=Pressure%20Washing%20Guidance> . For more marina and pressure washing information, see CZM's Marinas in Massachusetts website <http://www.mass.gov/czm/marinas/> .

*         Marine Invasive Species Monitoring Guide - CZM's Aquatic Invasive Species Program <http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/index.htm>  has 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.

Websites

MassDEP Online Permits - eDEP <http://www.mass.gov/dep/service/compliance/edeponlf.htm>  is a secure site for submitting environmental permits, transmittals, certifications, and reports electronically to MassDEP. With eDEP, you can fill out your forms online, save your work, return later to submit your forms and payments, electronically "sign" your submittals, and print out receipts of your transactions.

New Climate Change Web Page - NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) has launched a new section of its website that focuses on climate change. The OCRM Climate Change web page <http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/climate.html>  is designed as a resource for coastal managers and to inform the public about the effects of climate change on coastal habitats and communities. The site includes discussions of sea level rise, ocean acidification, and changing species distribution.

Massachusetts Rivers Alliance - A new nonprofit organization, the Massachusetts Rivers Alliance <http://massriversalliance.org/>  has been formed to develop practical and effective policy solutions that provide a sustainable future for the rivers and the citizens of the Commonwealth. This Alliance brings together organizations and individuals throughout Massachusetts who are working together to improve river protection through advocacy and education.

NOAA Online Media Library - NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries has launched a new online multimedia library that offers public access to thousands of NOAA high-resolution, ocean-related photos and videos featuring all 13 national marine sanctuaries and the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. The database is fully searchable and all the images are tagged with relevant information including resolution and usage rights. See the NOAA Sanctuaries website <http://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/photos> .

Google Ocean - Google Ocean has been launched as part of Google Earth 5.0. Users can now travel in 3D through the planet's oceans, fly over and around underwater seamounts, and follow scientific research expeditions. Take an online tour of Google Ocean <http://earth.google.com/tour.html#v=3>  and download Google Earth 5.0 <http://earth.google.com/> .

Conservation Common - The Trustees of Reservations' Putnam Conservation Institute developed ConservationCommon <http://www.conservationcommon.org/Default.aspx>  as an online resource for those working to preserve and protect the special places in Massachusetts. Users can share knowledge, observations, events, and questions; learn from white papers, workshops, and discussion boards; and connect with other organizations and volunteers involved in conservation in Massachusetts.

Public Comment

OCS Oil and Gas Leasing Program-Comment Period Extended - U.S. Department of the Interior's Mineral Management Service 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 5-year program <http://www.mms.gov/5-year/>  that expires on June 30, 2012. For details, see the Federal Register Notice <http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-1062.htm> . Comments are now due by September 21.

Calendar

Wednesday Walks - On Wednesdays in March and April, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold a series of walks with naturalist Connie Boyce. For details about each walk, see the museum calendar <http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?module=PostCalendar&func=view&tplview=default&viewtype=month&Date=20090301&pc_username=&pc_category=&pc_topic=> .

Spring Walks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of spring walks. All walks are free and open to the public. See the Trust's website <http://www.harwichconservationtrust.org/> .

Whaling History Lecture Series - On March18 and April 1, the New Bedford Whaling Museum will host the whaling history lecture series Man and Whales: Changing Views through Time. All lectures will be held in the Museum Theater at 6:30 p.m. See the Museum calendar <http://www.whalingmuseum.org/calendar/index_cal.html>  for details.

North Shore Climate Change Workshop - On March 12, the Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with CZM and the Massachusetts Bays Program, will hold a workshop entitled North Shore Climate Change and Sea Level Rise Workshop: Is Your Community Prepared? Presentations will feature climate change impacts on the North Shore, regional and state efforts to adapt to climate change, implementation of CZM's StormSmart Coasts program in five pilot communities, local success stories from Scituate and Quincy, and will conclude with an open group discussion that includes next steps for municipalities and agencies. This workshop, to be held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at the Peabody Institute Library in Danvers, is targeted at municipal officials and staff. For more information, contact Sam Cleaves at scleaves at mapc.org.

High School Student Marine Science Symposium - On March 18, Massachusetts Marine Educators, the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, and the New Bedford ECHO Project will present the 26th annual High School Student Marine Science Symposium <http://massmarineeducators.org/hsmss2009.shtml>  from 8:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth.

Hurricane and River Flooding Talk - On March 19, the Boston Society of Civil Engineers Section (BSCES) of the American Society of Civil Engineers will welcome David R. Vallee, Hydrologist-in-Charge at the NOAA Northeast River Forecast Center, who will address hurricane concerns and river flooding in southern New England. For more information, see the BSCES website <http://www.bsces.org/> .

Field Guide Training Course - Starting March 19, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold its annual training course for those interested in becoming museum field guides. This year's course will consist of eight sessions held from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. each Thursday through May 7. Field guides are trained to take out school groups in the spring and fall and lead tourists during the summer. For more information, see the Museum's website <http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=154> .

Planning Conference - On March 21, the 8th annual Citizens Planning Training Collaborative Conference <http://www.umass.edu/masscptc/> , Advanced Tools and Techniques for Planning and Zoning, will be held at Holy Cross College in Worcester. The conference is valuable for planning, zoning, and conservation officials; citizens interested in land use and development issue in their communities; municipal staff members; and other professionals and consultants.

BUAR Public Meeting - On March 26, CZM's Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources (BUAR) will hold its bimonthly public board meeting at CZM's Boston office in the CZM Large Conference Room at 1:30 p.m. For additional information, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone at state.ma.us <mailto:victor.mastone at state.ma.us?subject=BUAR%20Public%20Meeting> .

Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network Conference - On March 27-29, the Northeast Region Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Network Conference <http://support.neaq.org/ners>  will be held in Salem. This annual conference brings together more than 100 scientists, marine animal specialists, managers, educators, and stranding network volunteers to network and share the latest knowledge about marine animal strandings, disease, rescue, and rehabilitation. On March 27 and 28, scientific papers will be presented, and March 29 will feature a special symposium on marine animal disease in the 21st century.

Land Conservation Conference - On March 28, The Trustees of Reservations, the Putnam Conservation Institute, and the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition will hold the 19th Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference <http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/38698_massachusetts_land_conservation_conference_2009.cfm>  in Worcester. This annual, day-long event provides land trust board members, staff, volunteers, and municipal commission members with information, skills, and connections for effective land conservation.

Eelgrass Presentation - On March 30 at 7:30 p.m., Salem Sound Coastwatch <http://www.salemsound.org/>  will hold a free lecture entitled Eelgrass-Our Very Own Coastal Treasure at the Beverly Public Library <http://www.beverlypubliclibrary.org/> . Eelgrass provides one of the most important marine habitats and the second largest eelgrass beds in Massachusetts are located along the Beverly and Manchester coast. The presentation will feature Robert Buchsbaum from Mass Audubon, Tay Evans from the Division of Marine Fisheries, Sue Tuxbury from NOAA Fisheries, and Phil Colarusso from EPA.

Explore Our Estuaries - On May 1, join naturalists from around the country in EstuaryLive <http://www.estuaries.gov/estuaries101/EstuaryLive/Default.aspx?ID=258> , an annual, free, live, interactive field trip through our nation's estuaries. Participants have an opportunity to submit questions directly to field trip leaders during the broadcast. This year's program will feature six 30-minute segments broadcasting live from three of NOAA's National Estuarine Research Reserves (NERR)-Hudson River NERR in New York, South Slough NERR in Oregon, and Padilla Bay NERR in Washington. Register <http://www.estuaries.gov/estuaries101/EstuaryLive/Register.aspx>  for the broadcast.

Green Roofs Conference - On June 3-5, the 7th annual International Green Roof Conference and Trade Show <http://www.greenroofs.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=18&Itemid=66>  will be held in Atlanta, Georgia. Organized by Green Roofs for Healthy Cities-a nonprofit industry association working to promote the green roof industry in North America-the three-day conference will consist of plenary and specialized sessions focused on three main topics: policies and programs to support green roofs, the technological and environmental benefits of green roofs and walls, and research and technical papers on green roof performance.

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

*         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-WF09WI1&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.

*         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.

*         New England Estuarine Research Society Meeting - On April 2-4, the New England Estuarine Research Society <http://www.neers.org/>  (NEERS) will hold its spring 2009 meeting in Salem, which will feature a special symposium about the science behind ocean management.

*         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 Massachusetts 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. 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.

*         International Marine Conservation Congress - On May 20-24, the 2009 International Marine Conservation Congress <http://www2.cedarcrest.edu/imcc/index.html?CFID=8079427&CFTOKEN=72562364>  (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.

*         Marine Educators Conference - 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.

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.)

*         Lawsuits challenge state on Cape wind-farm ruling (Cape Cod Times, 2/26/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090226/NEWS/902260327/-1/NEWS01 

*         Cape wind farm foes sue state agency (Boston Globe, 2/26/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/connecticut/articles/2009/02/26/cape_wind_farm_foes_sue_state_agency/ 

*         Environmental officials promote environmentally friendly boat washing methods at regional boat show (EEA Press Release, 2/20/09) - 
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090220_pr_boat_wash&csid=Eoeea 

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.)

*         House OKs Merrimack dredge plan (Cape Cod Times, 2/27/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_057233500.html 

*         New alliance turns to local river activist as leader (Salem News, 2/27/09) - 
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_058001808.html

*         Rock Harbor plans draw complaints (Cape Cod Times, 2/27/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090227/NEWS/902270323/-1/NEWS01 

*         Claims seals deplete fish stocks disputed (Cape Cod Times, 2/27/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090227/NEWS/902270331 

*         City gets new, free pump-out boat (Salem News, 2/26/09) -
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_057000628.html 

*         Maritime shipping makes hefty contribution to harmful air pollution (NOAA News, 2/26/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090226_shipping.html 

*         Fairhaven considers more curbs on dredge shellfishing (Standard-Times, 2/25/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090225/NEWS/902250366 

*         Mashpee mooring fees hit new high (Cape Cod Times, 2/25/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090225/NEWS/902250325/-1/NEWS01 

*         Feds voice concerns about suspension of fishing rule (Standard-Times, 2/25/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090225/NEWS/902250357 

*         Judge extends eased regs for fishing (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/24/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_054222139.html 

*         Rules, lawsuit keep fishing lines tangled (Cape Cod Times, 2/23/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090223/NEWS/902230316/-1/NEWS01 

*         Offshore energy projects pile up (Cape Cod Times, 2/22/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090222/NEWS/902220323/-1/NEWS01 

*         Orleans discourages bathing at Rock Harbor (Cape Cod Times, 2/22/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090222/NEWS/902220319/-1/NEWS01 

*         Crackdown has fishermen reeling (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/21/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_051222353.html 

*         Tugboat tug of war roils Buzzards Bay (Cape Cod Times, 2/20/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090220/NEWS/902200332 

*         Newbury gets grant to study dam removal (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/19/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_049233551.html 

*         NMFS faces questions from leaders, fishermen (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/19/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_049230506.html 

*         Congressmen fight fishing rule (Standard-Times, 2/19/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090219/NEWS/902190326 

*         Town of Newbury awarded $62,000 federal grant to restore the Parker River (EEA Press Release, 2/18/09) - 
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=090218_newbury_river&csid=Eoeea 

*         Parker River protector hands over reins (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/18/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_048224554.html 

*         Judge frees up fishing days at sea (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/18/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_048223549.html

*         Nearly seven months after tragedy, replacing of World's End culvert is in the works (Patriot Ledger, 2/18/09) - 
http://www.patriotledger.com/homepage/x286839854/Nearly-seven-months-after-tragedy-replacing-of-World-s-End-culvert-is-in-the-works 

*         Next fishing rules target to be catch, not 'days' (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/17/09) - 
http://gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_048002640.html

*         North Atlantic is world's 'climate superpower' (NewScientist, 2/17/09) - 
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20126955.400-north-atlantic-is-worlds-climate-superpower.html 

*         Company looks to harness Cape canal's tidal power (Cape Cod Times, 2/16/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090216/NEWS/902160302/-1/NEWS01 

*         Regulations, bleak future wear down MA fisherman (Boston Herald, 2/15/09) - 
http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view.bg?articleid=1152405 

*         State to assist Plum Island sand deposits (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/14/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_044222310.html 

*         State: Install sewers, build treatment plants (Cape Cod Times, 2/13/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090213/NEWS/902130330/-1/NEWS01 

*         Antibiotic resistance: A rising concern in marine ecosystems (NOAA News, 2/13/09) - 
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20090213_antibiotic.html

*         New project, web site to focus on fishing (Standard-Times, 2/13/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090213/NEWS/902130308/-1/NEWS05 

*         Fishermen's hope withdraws from Cabinet contention (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/13/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_043220044.html 

*         Health authorities seek to boost local oversight of state's beaches (Boston Globe, 2/12/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2009/02/12/health_authorities_seek_to_boost_local_oversight_of_states_beaches/ 

*         Activists push for offshore energy drilling ban (Boston Globe, 2/12/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/12/activists_push_for_offshore_energy_drilling_ban/ 

*         Lease suspensions felling fleet (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/12/09) - 
http://gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_043220710.html 

*         Fishery future's in hands of courts (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/12/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_042224512.html 

*         Fairhaven clamping down on shellfish licenses (Standard-Times, 2/12/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090212/NEWS/902120395 

*         New Bedford seeks $6M for river cleanup (Standard-Times, 2/12/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090212/NEWS/902120402 

*         Interior Dept. delays leasing for offshore oil: Will seek more public input, resource data (Boston Globe, 2/11/09) - 
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2009/02/11/interior_dept_delays_leasing_for_offshore_oil/

*         PI sand bridge growing (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/11/09) - 
http://newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_041233914.html 

*         Judge leaves fishing rules fuzzy (Cape Cod Times, 2/11/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090211/BIZ/902110315 

*         Amendment 13 to control fishing rules while judge considers request (Standard-Times, 2/11/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090211/NEWS/902110385 

*         Regional fishery managers vote to reject federal draft report (Standard-Times, 2/11/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090211/NEWS/902110373 

*         Fish panel stands firm vs. NMFS (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/11/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_041220053.html 

*         Fishing chiefs grapple with mandate suspension (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/10/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_040230045.html 

*         Swansea readies for possible shellfishing (Herald News, 2/10/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x114013157/Swansea-readies-for-possible-shellfishing

*         Shearer: LNG needed 'more than ever' (Herald News, 2/8/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x1851008475/Weavers-Cove-Project-needed-more-than-ever 

*         'Cautiously enthusiastic': Army Corps' PI report prompts urgency, optimism (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/8/09) - 
http://newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_039224134.html 

*         Sandwich to reopen long-closed shellfish beds (Cape Cod Times, 2/7/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090207/NEWS/902070317/-1/NEWS01 

*         Report: PI losing 13 feet per year (Daily News of Newburyport, 2/6/09) - 
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_036223254.html 

*         Cape Cod without oysters and lobsters? (Cape Cod Times, 2/6/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090206/NEWS/902060314/-1/NEWS01 

*         Sea level rise may be worse than expected (ABC News, 2/5/09) - 
http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=6813894 

*         Key hurdles cleared, Cape Wind ready to rev up (Cape Cod Times, 2/4/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/NEWS/902040317/-1/NEWS01 

*         Bill would bar oil drilling on Georges Bank (Cape Cod Times, 2/4/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/NEWS/902040328/-1/NEWS01 

*         Fishing regulators seek stay of ruling (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/4/09) - 
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_034221633.html 

*         Fishing regulators challenge court order (Standard-Times, 2/4/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/NEWS/902040330 

*         Fishing rules order questioned (Cape Cod Times, 2/4/09) - 
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090204/BIZ/902040310/-1/BIZ 

*         Weaver's Cove pushes offshore LNG plan to forefront (Standard-Times, 2/3/09) - 
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090203/NEWS/902030326 

*         Weaver's Cove files modified LNG proposal (Herald News, 2/2/09) - 
http://www.heraldnews.com/archive/x1556212181/Modified-LNG-proposal-submitted 

*         A new 'working waterfront': Mayor's harbor plan tied to more flexible uses within port area (Gloucester Daily Times, 2/2/09) - 
http://gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_033225450.html 

Other Items of Interest

Environmental Education Awards - EEA is now accepting applications for the 2009 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education. All K-12 Massachusetts schools are eligible for cash awards for outstanding environmental and energy education projects. For more information, see the EEA website <http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeamodulechunk&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_grants_eee_awards&csid=Eoeea> , or email Meg Colclough at meg.colclough at state.ma.us. Applications are due by April 3.

Gulf of Maine Council Awards - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment is seeking nominations for its annual Visionary Awards, Longard Award, Susan Snow-Cotter Leadership Award, and the first Industry Award <http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities/#awards> . Visionary Awards will be presented to two individuals or organizations in each state and province bordering the Gulf. The Longard Award will be presented to an outstanding volunteer within the Gulf watershed. The Susan Snow-Cotter Award will recognize a coastal management professional who exemplifies outstanding leadership or exceptional mentoring in the Gulf of Maine watershed. The Industry Award will go to a business that has shown leadership in efforts to improve the well-being of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem. Submit nomination forms for all awards by April 24 to info at gulfofmaine.org.

Commonwealth Joins Precipitation Network-Volunteers Needed - On March 1, Massachusetts officially joined a growing national network of home-based and amateur rain spotters known as the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network (CoCoRaHS).and is now seeking volunteers to provide daily data. CoCoRaHS is a nonprofit, community-based network of volunteers that measure and map precipitation. Currently, more than 12,000 volunteer observers in 39 states upload daily precipitation totals to the COCORaHS website <http://www.cocorahs.org/> . The result is more precise information about where rain, snow, and hail falls and in what amount, which allows climatologists to draw better precipitation maps and gain a better understanding of weather. Massachusetts is the 40th state in the network, joining Rhode Island as the second state in New England. The network hopes to reach 20,000 observers by 2010. Massachusetts CoCoRaHS is a collaboration of Colorado State University; National Weather Service offices in Albany, New York, and Taunton; the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation; and the American Meteorological Society. For more information, including volunteer sign ups, see the CoCoRaHS website <http://www.cocorahs.org/> .

Vessel Discharges Require Permit - EPA has issued a new National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) general permit to regulate 26 types of discharges from vessels operating in U.S. waters. As a result of a court ruling, certain vessel owners and operators who have previously been exempt from Clean Water Act requirements will now have to get a permit. The permit covers non-recreational vessels 79 feet in length or longer, such as cruise ships or oil and cargo tankers, but excludes fishing vessels of any length, unless they discharge ballast water. The new permit incorporates the U.S. Coast Guard's mandatory ballast water management and exchange standards, and provides technology- and water-quality-based effluent limits for other types of discharges, including deck runoff from rain or cleaning, ballast water used to stabilize ships, and gray water from showers, sinks and laundry machines. It also establishes specific corrective actions, inspections and monitoring, and recordkeeping and reporting requirements. For details on this new permit, see the EPA website <http://www.epa.gov/npdes/vessels> .

Rachel Carson Contest - EPA is calling for submissions to the third annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest. Carson is considered to be the founder of the contemporary environmental movement through her landmark book, Silent Spring. Entries will be accepted in four categories-poetry, essay, dance, and photography. For more information, see the EPA contest website <http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm> . Submissions are due by June 10.

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 the 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.

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=March%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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