[SEMCO] February 2010 CZ-Mail

[Cz-Mail, (env)]

CZ-MAIL
February 2010

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/>. To subscribe to CZ-Mail, send a blank email to join-env-cz-mail at listserv.state.ma.us<mailto:join-env-cz-mail at listserv.state.ma.us>. Also, please feel free to share CZ-Mail with colleagues and friends-and if you have any suggestions for future editions, or would like make a change to your CZ-Mail subscription, please email your request to CZ-Mail at state.ma.us<mailto:CZ-Mail at state.ma.us?subject=February%202010%20CZ-Mail>.

Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan Efforts Continue
In December 2009, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) released the final Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan<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_mop&csid=Eoeea>, the nation's first comprehensive plan to protect critical marine resources and foster sustainable uses in the state's ocean waters. The plan-finalized six months after release of the draft plan, in accordance with the Oceans Act of 2008-provides new protections for critical environmental resources in nearly two-thirds of the Commonwealth's coastal waters and sets standards for the development of renewable energy as well as other uses, new and traditional. See the EEA press release<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Ocean+%26+Coastal+Management&L2=Massachusetts+Ocean+Plan&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=100104_pr_ocean_plan&csid=Eoeea> for details. Printed copies of the two-volume plan are now available; to receive a copy, email your request to czm at state.ma.us<mailto:czm at state.ma.us?subject=Printed%20Copy%20of%20Ocean%20Management%20Plan>.

Now that the plan is promulgated, implementation efforts are under way. As put forward in the science framework (in Volume 2 of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan), several science and data needs are key priorities for the next steps in ocean management. CZM is working with the Massachusetts Ocean Partnership<http://www.massoceanpartnership.org> (MOP) to scope work plans for some of these priorities, including identification of spatial and temporal patterns of human uses (specifically recreational uses, recreational fishing, and commercial fishing). These efforts build on the work done as part of the ocean management plan. Through MOP funding, CZM is also working with researchers from the University of Massachusetts to refine and further develop their Gulf of Maine-wide ocean current circulation model. Results from this work will be incorporated into ocean habitat classification efforts and generally enable enhanced understanding of oceanographic processes in Massachusetts marine waters. CZM is also coordinating with MOP and other potential partners in the Northeast to implement data sharing and networking tools. These projects are all anticipated to be carried out over the next one to two years.

In addition to these science-related tasks, administration of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan will also include other near-term efforts. EEA will develop amendments to existing state regulations to implement the plan. Other aspects of plan administration, including acquiring data necessary for the performance indicators developed in the plan and continued coordination with regional and federal levels of government, will also be put into place.

StormSmart Coasts Pilot Community Progress
Through CZM's StormSmart Coasts program<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/index.htm>, seven cities and towns participating in five pilot projects have taken significant steps toward addressing coastal storm damage and sea level rise issues in their communities. The team of Duxbury, Kingston, and Plymouth is conducting outreach programs targeted to homeowners in and near high-hazard zones. These programs outline steps residents can take to ensure personal safety and prevent property loss while potentially reducing flood insurance premiums, resulting in long-term savings. Through this pilot project, a brochure called Protect Your Family and Your Home<http://www.kingstonmass.org/filestorage/40/888/Kingston_Flood_Hazard_Brochure.pdf> (170 KB) is now available on the Kingston town website. Oak Bluffs on Martha's Vineyard will present bylaw amendments to town meeting voters this spring aiming to minimize the impacts from storms, including property damage, lack of safe access for emergency response, economic costs, public health threats, and loss of public recreational areas. The city of Boston acquired data to inform its sea level rise mapping, which is now in development, and is drafting a "toolbox" of regulatory options to minimize public safety threats and damage to buildings. The town of Falmouth is developing a "Hazard Mitigation Plan" to reduce anticipated risk to its residents, businesses, and municipal services due to expected sea level rise and the potential increase in intensity and frequency of storms. Finally, the town of Hull has created an innovative incentive program to encourage builders to "freeboard," or elevate existing and new buildings above predicted floodwaters, which could substantially reduce flood insurance costs and decrease damage to homes by storms and flooding. See the StormSmart Coasts website<http://www.mass.gov/czm/stormsmart/index.htm> for more information and updates on these and other projects as CZM moves forward with climate change adaptation.

Grants/Funding Opportunities
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Funding - CZM anticipates the release of an RFR in the next couple weeks 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 2011 CELCP funding. Stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page<http://www.mass.gov/czm/jobsandgrants.htm> for updates. Although the exact proposal due date will not be set until the RFR is released, CZM estimates that CELCP proposals will be due around the fourth week of March. For more information, contact David Janik at david.janik at state.ma.us<mailto:david.janik at state.ma.us>.

Water Quality Management Planning Program Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the Fiscal Year 2010 Federal §604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Program Grants. The focus of the 2010 grants will be watershed or sub-watershed based nonpoint source assessment activities that support MassDEP's assessment efforts. The priority watersheds for 2010 include: Farmington, Westfield, SuAsCo, Taunton, South Coastal, Hudson, Housatonic, North Coastal, Charles, and Ten Mile basins. To view the RFR, visit the Comm-PASS website<https://www.ebidsourcing.com/displayPublicSearchAdvancedSolCriteriaEdit.do?doValidateToken=false&menu_id=2.3.3&org.apache.struts.taglib.html.TOKEN=3eef8c0bb7160917ee3ff0959e298389> and search for solicitation number "BRP 2010-01." Project Summaries for previously funded projects are available on the MassDEP website<http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/grants.htm#sums>. Applications are due by March 19.

Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants - The EEA Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking proposals for Land and Water Conservation Fund Grants, which provide matching funds to states and local governments for the acquisition and development of public outdoor recreation areas and facilities. A grant workshop will be held on March 3 at 10:00 a.m. at 100 Cambridge Street, Boston. It is recommended that all potential applicants attend this workshop. Please RSVP to Melissa Cryan at melissa.cryan at state.ma.us<mailto:melissa.cryan at state.ma.us>. For more information, please visit the DCS Grant Programs web page<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=4&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+Assistance&L2=Grant+%26+Loan+Programs&L3=Division+of+Conservation+Services+(DCS)&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_dcs_dcs_grant_programs&csid=Eoeea>. Applications are due by March 31.

Five Star and Nature Restoration Trust - The Five Star Restoration Program and the Nature Restoration Trust are seeking applications for financial assistance to support community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach, and training activities. For details, see the Five Star Restoration Program website<http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=30&ContentID=14560>. Applications are due by February 11.

Small Shipyard Grants - The U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration is seeking applications from small shipyards for capital and related infrastructure improvements that will facilitate efficiency, competitive operations, and quality ship construction, repair, and reconfiguration. For details, see the Federal Register Notice<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-475.htm> or contact Carl Setterstrom at (202) 366-5737. Applications are due by February 16.

BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for the 2010 Grassroots Grants<http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/apply.asp>. Up to $4,000 is available to local volunteer organizations for the promotion of safe and clean boating education. Applications are due by February 28.

EPA CARE Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for the Community Action for a Renewed Environment<http://www.epa.gov/care> (CARE) program 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. EPA will hold three webcasts to answer questions about the application process on February 2, 23, and 26 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. Proposals are due by March 9.

Sounds Conservancy Grants - The Sounds Conservancy Grants Program<http://qlf.org/atlantic_program/Sounds/sounds.htm> is dedicated to supporting the conservation and restoration of the sounds of Long Island, Fishers Island, Block Island, Rhode Island, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket and their adjacent coastlines in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, and Rhode Island. The program encourages and supports projects that lead to improved marine and coastal resource management with funding up to $2,500 available to university, college, and high school students, private individuals, and nonprofit organizations. Applications must be postmarked by March 15.

Estuary Habitat Restoration Program - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and NOAA are seeking proposals for the Estuary Habitat Restoration Program. Projects must address the potential effects of sea level change and other impacts related to climate change on the viability of the proposed restoration. Recommended projects must provide ecosystem benefits, have scientific merit, be technically feasible, and be cost-effective. For details, see the Federal Register Notice<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/2010-681.htm>. Proposals are due by March 16.

Reminder - This opportunity listed in the last CZ-Mail is still available:
·         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-2010.html>. Full applications are due by April 2.

Products/Publications
Massachusetts Bays Window - The Autumn 2009 issue of Massachusetts Bays Window<http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/activities.htm>, the eNewsletter of the Massachusetts Bays Program (MBP), highlights ongoing habitat restoration initiatives, volunteer field survey efforts, and a variety of outreach events related to habitat and water quality protection.

Mass Bays Fact Sheets - MBP recently produced a series of fact sheets that outline the history and mission of the program, highlighting the recent successes of the organization in the areas of habitat protection, coastal water quality remediation, and environmental education. Five full-color fact sheets are available that focus on the whole Massachusetts Bays Program, as well as each of its four Regional Coordinators and their host organizations. Download the fact sheets from the MBP website<http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/reports.htm>. For hard copies, contact Jay Baker at Jason.baker at state.ma.us<mailto:Jason.baker at state.ma.us>.

Climate Ready Estuaries Progress Report - EPA has released the Climate Ready Estuaries 2009 Progress Report<http://www.epa.gov/cre/downloads/2009-CRE-Progress-Report.pdf> (PDF, 4.2 MB). The Climate Ready Estuaries program<http://www.epa.gov/cre/> works with National Estuary Programs, including the Massachusetts Bays Program, and other coastal managers to assess climate change vulnerabilities, develop and implement adaptation strategies, engage and educate stakeholders, and share the lessons learned with other coastal managers. Estuaries and coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to climate variability and change. To protect these ecosystems from projected impacts of sea level rise, increasing temperatures, and other effects, coastal managers may need to develop and implement adaptation measures.

CICEET Progress Reports - NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) has released the Fall 2009 Progress Reports<http://ciceet.unh.edu/news/releases/fall09_reports/index.html> for its environmental technology development projects. These projects are dedicated to developing tools that help coastal communities become more resilient in the face of increasing development and climate change. The focus areas include improved tools for land use planning, habitat restoration and protection, and water quality monitoring. These reports detail progress in gathering data, meeting research objectives, reaching out to coastal managers, and soliciting feedback from potential end users.

Economics for Coastal Managers - NOAA's Coastal Services Center (CSC) has released Introduction to Economics for Coastal Managers<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/economics>, a basic introduction to economic ideas and methods that can be applied to coastal resource management. The economic concepts provided in this introduction are illustrated through several case studies. The publication is the third in a series of coastal and ocean economics publications<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/coastaleconomics> developed by CSC on the use of social science tools for coastal management.

Stormwater Management at Federal Facilities - EPA has issued guidance to help federal agencies minimize the impact of federal development projects on nearby water bodies. Technical Guidance on Implementing the Stormwater Runoff Requirements for Federal Projects under Section 438 of the Energy Independence and Security Act<http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/lid/section438/> provides details on a variety of stormwater management practices often referred to as "green infrastructure" or "low impact development" practices, including reducing impervious surfaces, using vegetative practices, using porous pavements, and installing green roofs.

Ebb & Flow - The Winter 2010 issue of Ebb & Flow<http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/ebbflow2.htm>, the eNewsletter of the Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), highlights the restoration of Ox Pasture Brook in Rowley, the Cape Cod Restoration Plan, Marshfield's Green Harbor River Restoration Project, and other DER projects, and includes sections on grants, resources, and events.

Coastal Management Newsletter - The January 2010 edition of NOAA's Coastal Program Division's Coastal Management News<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/news/czmnewsletter.html> features articles about offshore renewable energy planning in Oregon, Maine's climate change documentary, and more.

Coastal Services Magazine - The January/February 2010 issue of Coastal Services<http://csc.noaa.gov/magazine/2010/01/>, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, features articles about a national approach for low impact development, pharmaceuticals in the environment, and hurricane resilience in Hawaii.

Atlantic CoastWatch Newsletter - The November/December 2009 issue of Atlantic CoastWatch<http://www.atlanticcoastwatch.org/Newsletter.htm>, the bimonthly newsletter from the Sustainable Development Institute that provides news and information about the Atlantic coasts of Canada, the United States, and the Caribbean, includes articles on Cape Wind in Nantucket Sound, sustainability in the Caribbean, courts and the seashore, and other Atlantic coast news.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The January-February 2010 issue of MPA News<http://depts.washington.edu/mpanews/MPA112.htm> features articles on the effect of marine protected areas (MPAs) on fisheries, climate change resources, and other MPA news and notes.

Right Whale News - The November 2009 issue of Right Whale News<http://www.rightwhaleweb.org/pdf/rwn/rwnov09.pdf> (PDF, 275 KB) is now available online. Right Whale News is a quarterly newsletter distributed electronically to participants in conservation and recovery of the North Atlantic right whale and its habitats.

NMEA Newsletter - The Winter 2009 issue of NMEA News<http://www.marine-ed.org/docs/nmeanews.pdf> (PDF, 500 KB), the quarterly newsletter of the National Marine Educators Association (NMEA), includes news from regional chapters and committees, information about professional development opportunities, and communications from NMEA leadership.

Websites
MEMA on Facebook and Twitter - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) has begun using Facebook and Twitter to better inform and protect the public before, during, and after emergencies in the Commonwealth. During a natural or technological emergency, MEMA will provide important messages to the public on these sites. Between disasters, MEMA's messages will continue to focus on individual preparedness and responsibility. The addition of Facebook and Twitter will complement traditional communications and enable MEMA to reach new and greater audiences in a timely manner. See MEMA on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Framingham-MA/Massachusetts-Emergency-Management-Agency/190278737330> and Twitter<http://twitter.com/MassEMA>.

Sustainability Planning Toolkit - ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability USA has developed a Sustainability Planning Toolkit, based on a model pioneered by city of New York's PlanNYC<http://www.nyc.gov/html/planyc2030/html/home/home.shtml>. Local governments can now access comprehensive guidance to develop sustainability plans that improve quality of life in their communities. The toolkit contains plan strategies, step-by-step guidelines to achieve each of the Five Milestones for Sustainability, best-practice examples, checklists, templates, and guidelines for organizing a team to develop the plan. The full toolkit is accessible only to ICLEI members, but valuable free resources are available from the ICLEI USA website<http://www.icleiusa.org/sustainabilitytoolkit>.

EBM Roadmap - COMPASS, Waterview Consulting, and the Ecosystem-Based Management Tools Network have launched the EBM Roadmap<http://www.ebmtools.org/roadmap.html>, which provides a concise introduction to the concept and practice of ecosystem-based management (EBM), a launching point for implementing EBM, and a touchstone for all EBM participants and stakeholders. The EBM Roadmap was developed as a useful resource for government and non-government organizations with a role in ecosystem approaches to management at local to international scales.

EPA Office of Water on Facebook - EPA's Office of Water has launched the new Facebook page, Water Is Worth It<http://www.facebook.com/EPAWaterIsWorthIt?ref=mf>, to provide a public forum to share information, encourage discussion, and raise awareness about the value of our water and water-related resources. EPA will regularly post information and discussion topics, which Facebook users can have delivered to their virtual door by becoming a "fan" of the page. EPA encourages fans to participate in the discussion and learn about the nation's water and water infrastructure.

TMDLs at Work - EPA has developed TMDLs at Work<http://www.epa.gov/owow/tmdl/tmdlsatwork/>, a website that provides a collection of stories to inform and educate stakeholders about the benefits of developing pollution reduction budgets, or total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), to protect and restore the nation's water quality. The site includes fact sheets that present TMDLs prepared by a variety of states and illustrate how to get involved in identifying and cleaning up polluted waters that do not meet state water quality standards.

Marine Mammals of the Arctic - On February 10-12, Immersion Learning will present live Marine Mammals of the Arctic webcasts<http://www.immersionlearning.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=479&Itemid=231> where viewers will interact directly with scientists and trainers who work with marine mammals to better understand their behaviors and physiology, as well as the impact of humans and climate change on these animals. Immersion Learning is a hands-on science education program that provides schools and informal learning organizations with the opportunity to host interactive science experiences for students in grades 4 through 8.

Ocean Climate Website - The new Ocean Climate website<http://www.oceanclimate.org/content/home> provides a virtual place to exchange information and educational services about the ocean. The site features pages on specific issues, such as carbon diozide emissions, polar melt, extreme weather, and more. Users can also express their views through an Ocean Climate Forum.

Public Comment
Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force Interim Framework - In December, the Council on Environmental Quality's Interagency Ocean Policy Task Force issued the Interim Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning Framework<http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/interim-framework> for public review. The framework is intended to offer a comprehensive approach to managing ocean and coastal resources and sets out a process for developing regional ocean management plans nationwide. Submit comments<http://www.whitehouse.gov/administration/eop/ceq/initiatives/oceans/interim-framework/submit> by February 12.

Cape Wind Historic Preservation Aspects - The U.S. Minerals Management Service (MMS) is accepting public comments on the historic preservation aspects of the proposed Cape Wind project, which would place 130 turbines over 25 square miles in Nantucket Sound and could supply up to 75 percent of the electricity for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket Island. This public comment period is in response to the decision by the National Park Service to consider Nantucket Sound for listing in the National Registry of Historic Places. For details, see the MMS press release<http://www.mms.gov/ooc/press/2010/press0122.htm>. Comments are due by February 12.

MPAs Nominated to National System - The National Marine Protected Areas Center is seeking comments on the nominations of existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for inclusion in the national system. This system and the nomination process are described in the Framework for the National System of Marine Protected Areas of the United States<http://mpa.gov/national_system/final_framework_sup.html> published in 2008. For details, see the Federal Register Notice<http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/E9-31406.htm>. Comments are due by February 22.

Oceans and Health Report - The NOAA Science Advisory Board's Oceans and Health Working Group (OHWG) is seeking public comment on the draft report entitled One Ocean, One Health: NOAA in the Lead<http://www.sab.noaa.gov/Reports/ohwg/docs/SAB_OHWG_Report_PublicCommentVersion_01_12_10.pdf> (PDF, 849 KB). OHWG was charged with identifying opportunities to enhance NOAA's ongoing health-related efforts and their impacts on ecosystem and public health and well being. This report presents those experts' findings and recommendations. Submit comments by February 25 to noaa.sab.comments at noaa.gov<mailto:noaa.sab.comments at noaa.gov>.

Stormwater Management Program - EPA is seeking public input on a proposed national rulemaking<http://cfpub.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking.cfm> to establish a comprehensive program to reduce stormwater discharges from new development and redevelopment and make other regulatory improvements to strengthen the EPA stormwater program. EPA seeks input on: the performance, effectiveness, and cost of stormwater control measures; ecological data, including ecological benefits from stormwater controls; technical information on design, implementation and operation and maintenance of stormwater control measures; suggestions for how the existing program may be modified to better meet the goals of the Clean Water Act; and any other information that may help EPA develop improvements to the existing program, including better control of pollutants in stormwater from the built environment created by development and redevelopment. EPA will also hold a webcast on February 3 to present details of this proposed rulemaking. See the EPA website<http://www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/rulemaking> to register. Submit comments, identified by Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OW-2009-0817 to OW-Docket at epa.gov<mailto:OW-Docket at epa.gov>. Comments are due by February 26.

North Coastal MS4 Permit - EPA is seeking comments on the Draft North Coastal Small Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System General Permit<http://www.epa.gov/region01/npdes/stormwater/draft_manc_sms4gp.html>. Stormwater pollution is a leading cause of surface water quality impairments in Massachusetts, due to elevated levels of nutrients, disease-causing bacteria, and other pollutants. The draft permit, which covers 84 northeastern Massachusetts communities, is designed specifically to reduce elevated levels of pollutants in the Charles, Neponset, and Shawsheen Rivers. The proposed permit includes best management practices for illegal sewage connections, street sweeping, public education, and stormwater infiltration. The Clean Water Act authorizes EPA and states, through the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Storm Water Program, to regulate discharges from municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), construction activities, industrial activities, and those designated by EPA due to water quality impacts. This permit will replace the previous permit issued in 2003. Submit comments to Thelma Murphy at murphy.thelma at epa.gov<mailto:murphy.thelma at epa.gov> by March 31.

CZM Staff & People
Gulf of Maine Intern - In January, Ashley Mercer, a junior from the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, began a two-month internship with CZM. While at CZM, she will compile a digital photo essay and guide of the accomplishments of the Gulf of Maine Council over the last 20 years, which will be on display at the Council's World Oceans Day event in June 2010. Welcome aboard Ashley!

Calendar
Water Communication Seminar - On February 10, the Watershed Action Alliance of Southeastern Massachusetts will hold a seminar led by Eric Eckl, a nationally acclaimed environmental communications consultant and blogger. Mr. Eckl will speak about the words to use to make water issues understandable and compelling to everyday citizens, helping to translate shoptalk into environmental writing that is clear and comprehensible. The seminar will be held at the New England Wildlife Center<http://www.newildlife.com/> in Weymouth from 1-4 p.m. Seating is limited, so please RSVP to Steve Pearlman at pearlman at neponset.org<mailto:pearlman at neponset.org>.

Courses for Teachers - The Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) is holding several professional development courses for teachers that integrate science content, math applications, recent research results, and sample classroom lessons. The remaining winter/spring 2010 courses are: Rocks, Sand, and Soil in Motion on February 13-14; Salt Water Studies: Coastal Science Activities for the Classroom on February 27-28; and Wings Over Water on April 20-21. Graduate credit is available from Framingham State College. To register, go to the WBNERR website<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/> and select the course from the calendar. For more information, contact Pat Harcourt at pat.harcourt at state.ma.us<mailto:pat.harcourt at state.ma.us>.

Book Discussion with E.O. Wilson - On February 24 at 2:00 p.m., CCMNH will welcome E.O. Wilson for a discussion of his book<http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?module=PostCalendar&func=view&Date=20100224&tplview=&viewtype=details&eid=763&print=>, The Creation: An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. In this 2006 book, Harvard entomologist, Wilson, writes about the crisis for life on earth, noting that the depth and complexity of living nature still exceeds human imagination.

Ecological Landscaping Conference - On February 25, the Ecological Landscaping Association will present the 16th annual Conference & Eco-Marketplace<http://www.ecolandscaping.org/conference.html> in Springfield. The 2010 conference features 17 seminars and workshops presented by practitioners, writers, and educators in the fields of landscaping, gardening, eco-design solutions, and more. Sessions explore the theory and practice of ecological, sustainable, and organic landscaping including smart water use, healthy soil development, and sustainable landscape design. In addition, practical application sessions include designing edible landscapes, controlling invasives, pest management, and urban tree care.

MACC Conference - On February 27, the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) will hold the 2010 MACC Annual Environmental Conference<http://www.maccweb.org/edu_aec_workshops.html> in Worcester. Join more than 1000 Conservation Commissioners, local officials, state and federal officials, consultants, and attorneys for the largest regular environmental conference in New England.

Marshes and Sea Level Rise Lecture - On February 27, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold the lecture entitled The Future of Coastal Marshes and Sea Level Rise<http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?module=PostCalendar&func=view&Date=20100227&tplview=&viewtype=details&eid=762&print=> by John Teal, Scientist Emeritus at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. Teal, coauthor of the 1969 book Life and Death of the Salt Marsh, will describe the importance of salt marshes in the delicate balance of our coastal ecosystems.

Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration Conference-Call for Proposals - On November 13-17, the fifth National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration<https://www.estuaries.org/conference/>, will be held in Galveston, Texas. Proposals for dedicated sessions, presentations, and proposals<http://program.estuaries.org/> are due by March 2.

MEES Conference - On March 3, the Massachusetts Environmental Education Society (MEES) will hold its 2010 conference, Bringing Environmental Education Home<http://massmees.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=4&id=182&Itemid=604>, at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. Conference workshops will share ideas for helping students to appreciate, understand, improve, and protect the special places they call home and to share technology that can be used to promote positive environmental attitudes and behaviors.

Benthic Ecology Meeting - On March 10-13, the 39th annual Benthic Ecology Meeting<http://www.benthicecologymeeting2010.org/index.htm> (BEM) will be held in Wilmington, North Carolina. The 2010 BEM will feature sessions on the ecology of salt marshes, coral reefs, benthic-pelagic processes, marine population genetics, and more. This meeting has historically provided a venue for graduate and undergraduate students to present their work and interact with established researchers in all areas of marine biology and ecology.

Land Conservation Conference - On March 27, The Trustees of Reservations, the Putnam Conservation Institute, and the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition will hold the 20th Massachusetts Land Conservation Conference<http://www.conservationcommon.org/Main/Events/EventDetails.aspx?eid=8f424e73-bf2c-48c7-83d2-2e83c7354971> 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.

Adaptive Management Symposium - On March 30-31, the National Sea Grant Law Center in conjunction with the Sea Grant Law and Policy Journal will host the third annual Adaptive Management Symposium, Addressing Uncertainty of Environmental Problems: The Challenges of Adaptive Management<http://nsglc.olemiss.edu/SGLPJ/symposium.htm>. The symposium will feature a case study on the Columbia River Basin and National Marine Sanctuaries experience with adaptive management and the challenges of adaptively managing conservation easement lands.

Cape Cod Natural History Conference - On April 3, Mass Audubon will hold the 15th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference<http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/listing.php?program_code=172-WF10SP1> 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. For more information, contact Melissa Lowe at mlowe at massaudubon.org<mailto:mlowe at massaudubon.org>.

Water Resources Research Conference - On April 8, the Massachusetts Water Resources Research Center will hold the seventh annual Water Resources Research Conference<http://www.umass.edu/tei/conferences/WRRC_Water_Conference-2010/Water2010Home.html> at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The conference will address the needs for water monitoring, assessment, and management of water resources in New England in the face of variability due to changes in climate, land use, population, and other environmental stressors.

Low Impact Development Conference - On April 11-14, the 2010 International Low Impact Development Conference<http://content.asce.org/conferences/lid10/index.html> will be held in San Francisco, California. The 2010 conference will highlight new and continuing work including research, developments, and community adoption of Low Impact Development (LID) throughout the United States and internationally.

Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference - On April 14-15, the third annual Global Marine Renewable Energy Conference<http://www.globalmarinerenewable.com/> will be held in Seattle, Washington. This conference will explore how to create a more sustainable energy future with a diverse power generation portfolio that includes marine renewable energy technologies. Expert panelists from around the world will discuss their strategic visions, near-term objectives, and challenges faced with deploying these innovative technologies. Participants will be invited to engage in an active dialogue with the panelists to explore how to achieve specific power production goals and strategic pathways.

National Monitoring Conference - On April 25-29, the National Water Quality Monitoring Council will host the seventh National Monitoring Conference<http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2010/index.html>, Monitoring from the Summit to the Sea, in Denver, Colorado. The 2010 conference will focus on the many facets of water quality and quantity monitoring for improved understanding, protection, and restoration of natural resources and communities. Staff from the U.S. Geological Survey, EPA, NOAA, U.S. Forest Service, U.S. Park Service, and others will showcase new findings on the quality of estuaries, lakes, streams, and groundwater; and highlight recent innovations and cutting-edge tools in water-quality monitoring, assessment, and reporting.

Reminders - The following calendar items posted in the last CZ-Mail are still to come:
·         Winter Walks and Talks in Harwich - This winter, the Harwich Conservation Trust will host several guided walks in Harwich and a series of winter presentations-all open to the public. For details, see the Trust's website<http://www.harwichconservationtrust.org/>.
·         Ocean Sciences Meeting - On February 22-26, the 2010 Ocean Sciences Meeting<http://www.agu.org/meetings/os10> will be held in Portland, Oregon, and will focus on the development of predictive tools that are based on models and field observations.

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.)
·         Wind rules: Making up is hard to do (Martha's Vineyard Gazette, 1/22/10) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?24224
·         State's final ocean management plan exempts Gosnold from MVC review (Martha's Vineyard Gazette, 1/8/10) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?24080
·         Offshore wind power loses steam (Daily News of Newburyport, 1/8/10) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_007232813.html
·         Final Ocean Act plan set (Martha's Vineyard Times, 1/7/10) -
http://www.mvtimes.com/marthas-vineyard/news/2010/01/07/ocean-act.php
·         Plan opens the door for turbines off Marblehead (Salem News, 1/6/10) -
http://www.salemnews.com/punews/local_story_005223100.html
·         State releases plan for wind turbines (Boston Globe, 1/5/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/05/state_releases_planning_blueprint_for_wind_turbines/
·         State sets zoning for ocean projects (Cape Cod Times, 1/5/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100105/NEWS/1050323
·         Vineyard wins power to 'veto' wind projects (Boston Herald, 1/5/10) -
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1223188
·         State unveils landmark ocean-management plan (Gloucester Daily Times, 1/5/10) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_004224408.html
·         Jay Cashman's Buzzards Bay wind project boxed out by new state rules (Patriot Ledger, 1/5/10) -
http://www.patriotledger.com/business/x1530314910/Jay-Cashman-s-Buzzards-Bay-wind-project-boxed-out-by-new-state-rules
·         Patrick Administration releases final blueprint for managing development in state waters (EEA Press Release, 1/4/10) -
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=100104_pr_ocean_plan&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.)
·         Patrick-Murray Administration announces 245-acre land acquisition in Wareham, Plymouth (EEA Press Release, 1/28/10) -
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=100128_pr_wareham_land&csid=Eoeea
·         Plan to rebuild PI home postponed (Daily News of Newburyport, 1/28/10) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_027230612.html
·         Communities fear new US rules on storm runoff will be costly (Boston Globe, 1/27/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/27/epas_plan_for_new_stormwater_runoff_regulations_will_be_costly/
·         North Beach inlet erosion threatens property owners (Cape Cod Times, 1/27/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100127/NEWS/1270327/-1/NEWS01
·         Coastal center plans educational outreach (Cape Cod Times, 1/27/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100127/NEWS/1270321/-1/NEWS01
·         Millions more flowing to Cape water projects (Cape Cod Times, 1/26/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100126/NEWS/1260319/-1/NEWS01
·         Hearings scheduled on wind turbine district (Cape Cod Times, 1/26/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100126/NEWS/1260316/-1/NEWS01
·         Aquarium annex: A Fore River Shipyard building will soon host a new marine endeavor (Boston Globe, 1/24/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/01/24/new_england_aquarium_moving_rehabilitation_center_to_quincys_fore_river_shipyard/
·         Poll gauges willingness to pay for wind power (Cape Cod Times, 1/23/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100123/NEWS/1230325
·         Lynn ferry plan loses federal funding (Boston Globe, 1/21/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/01/21/lynn_ferry_backers_say_us_denial_of_stimulus_funds_wont_sink_plan/
·         Potential funding found to reinforce Plum Island beach (Daily News of Newburyport, 1/21/10) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_020225744.html
·         Patrick-Murray Administration awards $76,000 for river and salt marsh restoration (EEA Press Release, 1/19/10) -
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=100119_pr_salt_marsh_restore&csid=Eoeea
·         Bid to rebuild Plum Island home faces opposition (Boston Globe, 1/16/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/16/plum_island_woman_wants_to_rebuild_on_beach/?s_campaign=8315
·         State curbs insurance rate hike for Cape (Boston Globe, 1/15/10) -
http://www.boston.com/business/articles/2010/01/15/state_curbs_insurance_rate_hike_for_cape/
·         Shoreline restoration plan stalls (Boston Globe, 1/14/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2010/01/14/corps_of_engineers_denies_appeal_for_dredging_permit_to_restore_winthrop_shore/
·         Decision on Cape Wind project expected soon (Boston Globe, 1/14/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2010/01/14/decision_on_cape_wind_project_expected_soon/
·         Feds to rule on Cape Wind by March 1 (Boston Herald, 1/14/10) -
http://www.bostonherald.com/business/general/view.bg?articleid=1225482
·         Salazar vows decision on Cape Wind (Cape Cod Times, 1/14/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100114/NEWS/1140312
·         State eases rain limits for clamming (Gloucester Daily Times, 1/14/10) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_013222702.html
·         Patrick-Murray Administration announces expanded shellfishing opportunities for North Shore clammers (EEA Press Release, 1/13/10) -
http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeapressrelease&L=1&L0=Home&sid=Eoeea&b=pressrelease&f=100112_pr_expanded_shellfishing_nshore&csid=Eoeea
·         Wind farm planners propose compromises (Boston Globe, 1/13/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/13/wind_farm_planners_propose_compromises/
·         Mother Nature taking toll on Cape Cod's beaches (Boston Globe, 1/12/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/12/mother_nature_taking_toll_on_cape_cods_beaches/
·         Sound wind farm dispute nears climax (Cape Cod Times, 1/12/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100112/NEWS/1120305/-1/NEWS01
·         $30 million to ripple through Cape waterways (Cape Cod Times, 1/12/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100112/NEWS/1120311/-1/NEWS01
·         Cuts take an environmental toll (Boston Globe, 1/11/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/11/cuts_take_an_environmental_toll/
·         Revised plan in place for erosion (Daily News of Newburyport, 1/9/10) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_008223132.html
·         Rockmore charged in waste dump (Salem News, 1/9/10) -
http://www.salemnews.com/archivesearch/local_story_009165522.html
·         FAIR Plan rates hold (Cape Cod Times, 1/8/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100108/BIZ/1080326
·         Ruling by park service favors tribes; Secretary Salazar calls a summit (Martha's Vineyard Gazette, 1/8/10) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?24079
·         Cod spawning pattern impedes plan for recovery (Cape Cod Times, 1/7/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100107/NEWS/1070328/-1/NEWS01
·         Saltwater fishing license in effect this year (Cape Cod Times, 1/7/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100107/NEWS/1070327/-1/NEWS01
·         More than Cape Wind affected by historic label (Boston Globe, 1/6/10) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2010/01/06/historic_label_for_nantucket_sound_could_affect_more_than_cape_wind/
·         Storm speeds Truro erosion (Cape Cod Times, 1/6/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100106/NEWS/1060317/-1/NEWS01
·         Audubon tallies Cape turtle strandings (Cape Cod Times, 1/6/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100106/NEWS/1060349/-1/NEWS01
·         Army Corps to reject bid on Plum Island beach project (Daily News of Newburyport, 1/5/10) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/punews/local_story_004233930.html
·         Wind farm faces new roadblock (Cape Cod Times, 1/5/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100105/NEWS/1050324
·         NOAA's National Hurricane Center to provide greater lead time in watches and warnings (NOAA News, 1/5/10) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2010/20100105_nhc.html
·         A decision in sight on Cape Wind dispute (Boston Globe, 1/5/10) -
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/green/articles/2010/01/05/decision_in_sight_for_wind_farm_dispute/
·         A salt-marsh 'visionary' (Gloucester Daily Times, 1/4/10) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_003224031.html
·         Cape's billion dollar wastewater problem (Cape Cod Times, 1/3/10) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100103/NEWS/1030328/-1/NEWS01
·         Fishing registry mandate dawns with new year (Gloucester Daily Times, 1/1/10) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/punews/local_story_365212225.html
·         National Saltwater Angler Registry opens on New Year's Day (NOAA News, 12/29/09) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20091229_registry.html
·         Nation's Ocean Observing System completes year-long data standardization (NOAA News, 12/28/09) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2009/20091228_ioos.html

Other Items of Interest
Environmental Education Awards - EEA is now accepting applications for the 2010 Secretary Awards for Excellence in Energy and Environmental Education<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+Assistance&L2=Education+%26+Training&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_grants_env_ed&csid=Eoeea>. All K-12 Massachusetts schools are eligible for cash awards for outstanding environmental and energy education projects. Winners will be notified in April and invited to attend a formal award ceremony at the State House. To apply, see the EEA website<http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=eoeeaterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Grants+%26+Technical+Assistance&L2=Education+%26+Training&sid=Eoeea&b=terminalcontent&f=eea_grants_eee_awards&csid=Eoeea>. Applications are due by March 30.

Salem Sound Launches Adopt-a-Beach Program - Salem Sound Coastwatch (SSCW) has developed an Adopt-a-Beach program. To kick off this new program, SSCW will be recruiting teams of community volunteers to serve as beachkeepers. These teams will be trained to identify and monitor sources of contamination, identify invasive species, observe conditions such as erosion and sedimentation, and clean up trash and debris at their adopted beach on a year-round basis. For details see the SSC website<http://www.salemsound.org/adoptbeach.htm>.

SPPC Rules Amended - EPA has amended the Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure (SPCC) rule, effective January 14. Many coastal facilities (marinas, boatyards, yacht clubs, and others) are required to have SPCC plans for oil storage areas. The final rule makes changes to the secondary containment requirements, amends the security requirements, and amends the tank integrity testing requirements, among other changes. SPCC plans that incorporate these changes need to be finalized by November 10. For details, see EPA's Oil Spills website<http://www.epa.gov/oilspill/index.htm> and the SPCC Rule web page<http://www.epa.gov/emergencies/content/spcc/index.htm>.

Saltwater Recreational Fishing Permit - New federal law requires most saltwater recreational fishermen to be documented beginning this year. For 2010, Massachusetts fishermen are required to register with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS). In 2011, the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries (MarineFisheries) will implement a permitting program that will replace the federal registry in Massachusetts. For details about these new requirements, see the MarineFisheries website<http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreationalfishing/rec_license.htm>.

FEMA National Advisory Council - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking applications from individuals who are interested in serving on the National Advisory Council<http://www.fema.gov/about/nac/> (NAC) to advise the FEMA administrator on all aspects of emergency management. Submit applications by March 5 to FEMA-NAC at dhs.gov<mailto:FEMA-NAC at dhs.gov>.

Rachel Carson Contest - EPA is calling for submissions to the fourth annual Rachel Carson Intergenerational Sense of Wonder Contest<http://www.epa.gov/aging/resources/thesenseofwonder/index.htm>. 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. Submissions are due by June 16.

Marine Policy Fellowships - The NOAA Sea Grant College Program is accepting applications for the 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 are interested in ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources and 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 area of Washington, DC, for a one year paid fellowship. Applications are due by February 19.



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%202010%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<http://www.mass.gov/czm>
A publication of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management pursuant
to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA09NOS4190119.
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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