[SEMCO] December 2011 CZ-Mail

[CZ-Mail (ENV)]

CZ-MAIL

December 2011



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=December%202011%20CZ-Mail>.



Northeast Regional Ocean Council Receives Key Funding

In October, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), which is made up of the New England states in partnership with federal coastal and ocean resource agencies, learned of its success in securing resources to support key aspects of its regional ocean planning framework. With about $2.5 million in two separate grant awards from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, NROC is finalizing a two-year work plan to begin implementation on key actions including, among others:

*         A stakeholder involvement process to help develop goals and objectives for regional ocean planning and to provide a mechanism for ongoing input for the process. This will build on existing ocean planning efforts in the region, such as the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan and the Rhode Island Special Area Management Plan, by engaging key interests (related to marine transportation, commercial fishing, and energy, for example) from the outset.

*         A baseline characterization of the region's ocean resources and uses based on the best available science, incorporating the development of additional data as necessary, and developed in conjunction with the public involvement process. The region's significant scientific and practical expertise in ocean resources will be sought to support this effort.

For more additional information, see the NROC website<http://collaborate.csc.noaa.gov/nroc/default.aspx>, NROC's draft ocean planning framework<http://collaborate.csc.noaa.gov/nroc/Shared%20Documents/NROC%20Committee%20(Ad%20Hoc)%20-%20Coastal%20and%20Marine%20Spatial%20Planning/NROC%20CMSP%20Framework%20Outline_revised%20-%2010-15-10.pdf> (PDF, 112 KB), and the proceedings of the NROC workshop, Advancing Regional Coastal and Marine Spatial Planning<http://collaborate.csc.noaa.gov/nroc/Shared%20Documents/NROC%20Committee%20(Ad%20Hoc)%20-%20Coastal%20and%20Marine%20Spatial%20Planning/Marine%20Spatial%20Planning%20Workshop%20-%20November%202010/NROC%20CMSP%20Wkshp%20Nov2010FinalReport_2.pdf> (PDF, 331 KB), held in November 2010. CZM Director Bruce Carlisle serves as a council member, and for the 2011-2012 period, acts as state co-chair of NROC alongside federal co-chair Robert LaBelle of the Department of Interior's Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement.



COASTSWEEP 2011

This year marked the 24th anniversary of COASTSWEEP, the statewide annual beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and organized by the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at the University of Massachusetts Boston. Although final results from the 2011 cleanups are still pending, preliminary reports show that 2,033 volunteers cleaned more than 110 miles of coastline, river bank, marsh, seafloor, and lakeshore in Massachusetts-collecting approximately 15,580 pounds of debris from 102 locations. To highlight cleanup efforts throughout the state, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Energy Undersecretary Philip Griffiths, CZM Director Bruce Carlisle, and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Edward M. Lambert Jr. welcomed more than 200 students and teachers from the Josiah Quincy Upper School in Boston at a cleanup of DCR's Carson Beach. From a distance, the beach looked clean, but together these 6th and 7th graders, along with their teachers and EEA volunteers, collected more than 1,300 cigarette butts, 400 food wrappers and containers, 350 plastic bags, and much, much more. COASTSWEEP is part of an international effort organized by the Ocean Conservancy with participants all over the world collecting marine debris and recording the types of trash they find. This information is then used to help reduce future marine debris problems. CZM is proud to be part of this effort and would like to thank the other generous 2011 COASTSWEEP sponsors: EEA, UHI, DCR, Weston Solutions, RBC Capital Markets, and Bisnar/Chase LLP. For more information about COASTSWEEP 2011 or to get involved in future cleanups, see the COASTSWEEP website<http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu/>. Also, check out COASTSWEEP photos on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Coastsweep-2010/128441707185891> and Flickr<http://www.flickr.com/photos/masseea/sets/72157628052254850/with/6312208923/>.



CZM Receives Hazard Mitigation Grants for New Publications

In November, CZM was awarded two Federal Hazard Mitigation Grants of $5,000 each to print factsheets to help local officials and homeowners deal with coastal flooding and storm damage issues. With these funds, CZM will produce a factsheet for local officials to help them interpret flood maps and use them for planning purposes. CZM will also produce a factsheet for homeowners with information on who to contact before building or rebuilding near the coast. CZM was one of the partners included in the application submitted by the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency to the Federal Emergency Management Agency for these funds.



CZ-Tip - When the Weather Outside Is Frightful, Here's Where to Track the Storm

More than a foot of snow in Massachusetts in October? This year's October 29 storm<http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/2011/1031/Halloween-Nor-easter-How-unusual-was-it> was a stark reminder of the power of northeasters<http://www.weather.com/encyclopedia/winter/noreast.html> (often spelled "nor'easters")-storms named for their predominant winds, which come from the northeast. Although they can occur all year long, October through April is prime northeaster season, when cold arctic air from the north combines with warm, moist air from the south and forms strong areas of low pressure. The resulting storms can pack a real punch to the shoreline, with battering waves, storm surges, and winds that sometimes reach hurricane force. And don't forget the precipitation-rain, sleet, freezing rain, snow, or, sometimes, all of it together! For information on how to track these storms and stay safe this winter, see CZ-Tip - Tracking Northeasters and Staying Safe in the Storm<http://www.mass.gov/czm/tips/noreaster.htm>.



Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Massachusetts Bays Watershed Delineation and Assessment - The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program<http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/default.htm> (MBP) is seeking proposals from qualified contractors to delineate the watersheds of the roughly 40 estuaries and embayments that make up the Massachusetts Bays planning area. Once delineated, the contractor will assemble baseline physical, ecological, and demographic data on each watershed and assess the ecosystem condition using a select set of indicators. This data will be used to update the MBP Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan. Up to $50,000 is available to complete the work. To download the Request for Responses, visit the Comm-PASS website<https://www.ebidsourcing.com/displayPublicSearchAdvancedSolCriteriaEdit.do?doValidateToken=false&menu_id=2.3.3&org.apache.struts.taglib.html.TOKEN=8613bb8397736fa637836927ad13dd59> and search for document number "ENV 12 CZM 05." Proposals are due by December 30.



BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for the 2012 Grassroots Grants<http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/default.asp>. Up to $4,000 is available to local volunteer organizations for the promotion of safe and clean boating education. Applications are due by January 4, 2012.



Urban Waters Small Grants - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking proposals for the Urban Waters Small Grants program<http://www.epa.gov/urbanwaters/funding/> to fund research, studies, training, and demonstration projects that will advance the restoration of urban waters by improving water quality through activities that also support community revitalization and other local priorities, such as public health, social and economic opportunities, general livability, and environmental justice for residents. Applications are due by January16, 2012.



AmeriCorps Resilience Funding - The Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) is accepting applications for the 2012 AmeriCorps grant competitions<http://www.americorps.gov/for_organizations/funding/nofa.asp>. Organizations interested in using national service to solve critical problems are encouraged to apply. CNCS is focusing the 2012 AmeriCorps investments in three areas, including increasing community resilience through disaster preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. Letters of intent are due by December 15. Applications are due by January 18, 2012.



Boating Safety Grant Program - The U.S. Coast Guard is seeking proposals for the Boating Safety Grant Program<http://www.uscgboating.org/grants/nonprofit_grants.aspx> to support initiatives to help reduce recreational boating deaths, injuries, or property damage. Applications are due by January 27, 2012.



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 National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Marine Fisheries Service 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 Gulf of Maine Habitat Restoration web portal<http://restoration.gulfofmaine.org/>. Full applications must be submitted online from February 1-29, 2012.



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

*         River Restoration Grants - The American Rivers/NOAA Community-Based Restoration Program Partnership is seeking proposals to fund stream barrier removal projects that help restore riverine ecosystems, enhance public safety and community resilience, and have clear and identifiable benefits to diadromous fish populations. For details see the American Rivers website<http://www.americanrivers.org/noaagrants>. Proposals are due by December 9.



Products/Publications

CICEET Progress Reports - NOAA's Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET) has released the Fall 2011 Progress Reports<http://ciceet.unh.edu/news/releases/fall11_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.



Local Mitigation Planning Guidance - The Federal Emergency Management Agency has released the Local Mitigation Plan Review Guide<http://colorado.us1.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=b72140489b80a4574373938a1&id=d3701b8837&e=4051a4f944>, which provides guidance to federal and state officials to review Local Mitigation Plans in a fair and consistent manner and to ensure that approved plans meet regulatory requirements.



Biological Assessments to Support Water Quality Management - EPA has published A Primer on Using Biological Assessment to Support Water Quality Management. This technical document provides information on the role of biological assessments in a variety of water quality management program applications, including evaluating the condition of aquatic biota, developing biological criteria, and assessing environmental results of management actions. The primer provides information on new technical tools and approaches for developing strong biological assessment programs and examples of the application of biological assessment information by states and tribes. To download, see the EPA website<http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/standards/criteria/aqlife/biocriteria/uses_index.cfm>.



Drinking Water and Wastewater Systems Guidebooks - The Rural Community Assistance Partnership (RCAP) has produced three new guidebooks to assist small, rural communities in managing and operating drinking water and wastewater systems. Sustainable Infrastructure for Small System Public Services: A Planning and Resource Guide provides information, worksheets, examples, case studies, and resources about water conservation, energy efficiency, and renewable energy resources for small utilities. Formulate Great Rates: The Guide to Conducting a Rate Study for a Water System provides information on developing a fair and equitable rate structure in a small drinking water or wastewater system. Getting Your Project to Flow Smoothly: A Guide to Developing Water and Wastewater Infrastructure is a comprehensive guide on all the steps a project owner (governing body of a utility) should go through in planning, designing and constructing infrastructure. To download these documents, see the RCAP website<http://www.rcap.org/commpubs>.



Climate Change Adaptation Report - The Interagency Climate Change Adaptation Task Force has released Federal Actions for a Climate Resilient Nation, a report outlining the federal government's progress in expanding and strengthening U.S. capacity to better understand, prepare for, and respond to extreme events and other climate change impacts. The report provides an update on actions in key areas of federal adaptation, including building resilience in local communities, safeguarding critical natural resources such as freshwater, and providing accessible climate information and tools to help decision makers manage climate risks. For details, see the report press release<http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2011/10/28/taking-action-protect-our-nation-climate-change-impacts>, which links to the full report.



Climate Adaptation Tool Kit - The Georgetown Climate Center, a nonprofit organization based at Georgetown Law in Washington, DC, has released the Adaptation Tool Kit: Sea-Level Rise and Coastal Land Use<http://www.georgetownclimate.org/resources/adaptation-tool-kit-sea-level-rise-and-coastal-land-use>. This report explores 18 different land use tools that can be used to respond to the threats posed by sea level rise to coastal development and infrastructure.



Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability - The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) of the United Nations (UN) Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization; the International Maritime Organisation; the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN; and the UN Development Programme have jointly prepared a paper entitled Blueprint for Ocean and Coastal Sustainability. This paper highlights the role of oceans in sustainable development and offers recommendations ahead of the upcoming UN Conference on Sustainable Development. For details, see the IOC website<http://www.unesco.org/new/en/natural-sciences/ioc-oceans/priority-areas/rio-20-ocean/>.



Reduce Runoff DVD - EPA has released the new DVD, Reduce Runoff: Slow It Down, Spread It Out, Soak It In!, which includes four educational videos that provide an introduction to controlling stormwater runoff in urban areas and can help fulfill the outreach requirements of EPA's stormwater permits. To order a DVD, or watch the videos online, see the EPA website<http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/green/video.cfm>.



Climate Change Decision Making - The World Resources Institute, the UN Environment Programme, the UN Development Programme, and the World Bank have released the latest edition of Decision Making in a Changing Climate: Adaptation Challenges and Choices<http://www.wri.org/publication/world-resources-report-2010-2011>. This report calls for different approaches to decision making by national leaders, explores challenges, and offers recommendations for national-level government officials to make informed and effective decisions to respond to the changing climate.



International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management-Call for Papers - The International Journal of Risk Assessment and Management (IJRAM) is seeking papers for a special issue on assessing the risks of climate change for water resources and coastal environments. For details and submission requirements, see the IJRAM website<http://www.inderscience.com/browse/callpaper.php?callID=1737>. Submissions are due by March 1.



Coastal Services Magazine - The November/December 2011 issue of Coastal Services<http://csc.noaa.gov/magazine/>, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, features articles on the CZM storm team's effort to assess coastal damage from Hurricane Irene, ecosystem-based management, cell phones as science tools in North Carolina, and other news and notes.



MassDEP eNewsletter - The Fall 2011 issue of EnviroMatters<http://mass.gov/dep/public/publications/enews.htm> from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) features articles on the new Clean Energy Results Program, MassDEP's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform, and other recent MassDEP efforts, achievements, news, and updates.



Ebb & Flow - The November 2011 issue of Ebb & Flow<http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/ebbflow10/ebbflow10.htm>, the eNewsletter of the Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration (DER), features a story on the DER staff and Stream Team volunteer efforts to document the effects of Hurricane Irene on the floodplain. This issue also provides updates on river and coastal restoration projects and includes sections on grants, resources, and events.



Pollution Prevention Success Stories - The Fall 2011 issue of the Northeast Assistance and Pollution Prevention News<http://www.newmoa.org/prevention/newsletter.cfm>, the periodic newsletter from the Northeast Waste Management Officials' Association that covers pollution prevention topics and activities of government programs in the Northeast, features pollution prevention success stories that highlight innovation and leadership.



The Sandbar - The October 2011 issue of The Sandbar<http://nsglc.olemiss.edu/reporter.html>, a quarterly publication reporting on legal issues affecting the U.S. oceans and coasts by the National Sea Grant College Program, features articles on Maine's Public Trust Doctrine, the fight to halt the spread of Asian carp, and other ocean- and coastal-related legal issues.



Natural Hazards Observer - The November 2011 issue of the Natural Hazards Observer<http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/o/>, the bimonthly periodical of the Natural Hazards Center in Boulder, Colorado, features articles on smart growth, disaster mitigation, sea level rise, and other natural hazards news and information.



Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The November-December 2011 issue of MPA News<http://depts.washington.edu/mpanews/MPA123.htm> features articles on marine debris and marine protected areas (MPAs), locally managed marine areas in the western Indian Ocean, and other MPA news and notes.



Websites

New MIT Sea Grant Listserv - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sea Grant Program has launched Northeastern Massachusetts Coastal Outreach, or NEMCO, an email distribution list designed to enhance the communications of coastal outreach organizations in northeastern Massachusetts. Notices of public events and news, generally from nonprofit and educational organizations, are accepted. To subscribe, see the NEMCO web page<http://mailman.mit.edu/mailman/listinfo/nemco>.



Climate Change Clearinghouse - The Georgetown Climate Center has launched the Adaptation Clearinghouse<http://www.AdaptationClearinghouse.com>, an online database and networking tool to assist state and local policymakers, resource managers, and others who work to help communities adapt to climate change. The clearinghouse contains nearly 1,000 resources, including state and local adaptation plans and adaptation legislation, which are organized by geography, sector, and impact.



Disaster Blog - iDisaster 2.0<http://idisaster.wordpress.com/> is a social media and emergency management blog that highlights exemplary emergency management practices and provides news and information about applications of new media, with the longer-term objective of improving practice and outcomes in emergency management.



TalkingFish.org - TalkingFish.org<http://www.talkingfish.org/> is a website from the Conservation Law Foundation that aims to increase people's understanding of the scientific, financial, and social aspects at work in New England's fisheries.



Public Comment

MassDEP Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform - MassDEP is seeking public comments on the Commissioner's Draft Action Plan for Regulatory Reform at MassDEP<http://www.mass.gov/dep/about/priorities/regreform/actionplan.htm>. In April 2011, as an attempt to strategically cope with budget cuts, MassDEP launched a Regulatory Reform Initiative and has been soliciting input from a broad range of stakeholders on possible changes to how it conducts its programs. This comprehensive effort aims to identify and implement reforms to existing regulations, policies, and practices that will allow the agency to reduce staff time spent on these activities while maintaining its high standards for environmental protection. Comments are due by December 5.



Merrimack River Bridge Replacement EA/DEIR - On December 7 at 7:00 p.m., the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) will host a public meeting at the Amesbury Middle School to present the Environmental Assessment/Draft Environmental Impact Report (EA/DEIR) for the replacement of the John Greenleaf Whittier Bridge (I-95 over the Merrimack River in Newburyport and Amesbury) and highway improvements (also in Salisbury). For more information, and to download the EA/DEIR, see the MassDOT website<http://whittierbridge.mhd.state.ma.us/meetings.aspx>.



FEMA Think Tank - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has launched a new online initiative to generate creative ideas for strengthening emergency management and improving this nation's capacity to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disasters. FEMA Think Tank<http://www.fema.gov/thinktank> is a forum developed to engage FEMA partners, promote innovation, and facilitate emergency management discussions. FEMA is reaching out to state, local, and tribal governments and to all members of the public, including the private sector, disability community, and volunteer community, to seek their input on how to improve the emergency management system. To participate, visit FEMA's Collaboration Community<http://fema.ideascale.com/>.



Calendar

Climate Plan Evaluation Webinar - On December 7 from 2-3:30 p.m., EPA will present a Climate Action Plan Evaluation webinar<http://epa.gov/statelocalclimate/web-podcasts/local-webcasts-by-date.html#upcomingwebcasts>, which will focus on helping local governments measure and evaluate the progress of their climate action work. Local government staff with firsthand experience will discuss their efforts, including the methods, tools, and indicators used to measure progress; data sources and data management; benefits of climate action; communicating results; and useful EPA resources.



Cape Cod Natural History Conference-Call for Presenters - On March 12, 2012, the MassAudubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary will hold the 17th annual Cape Cod Natural History Conference<http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/news.php?id=1796&event=no> at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. This full-day conference will feature presenters from environmental organizations across Cape Cod speaking on a diversity of natural history topics. Presentations on professional or personal research, studies, or observations focusing on the ecology, behavior, status, or distribution of local plants, animals, natural communities, and/or environmental restoration projects on Cape Cod are being accepted. Submissions are due by December 15.



Ocean Energy Planning Webinar - On January 4, NOAA's Coastal Services Center will present a Supporting Ocean Energy Planning with the Multipurpose Marine Cadastre<http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/seminars/2012/01-jan.html#OneNOAAScienceSeminars_04Jan2012_Bode_Stein> webinar. The Multipurpose Marine Cadastre (MMC) is a multiagency effort to build a GIS-based marine information system for U.S. waters that provides authoritative geospatial data and supporting information to inform decision making on a range of ocean issues. This webinar will demonstrate how spatial data are being organized and integrated in the MMC, and how the MMC can be used to support ocean energy planning.



Ocean Acidification Research Webinar - On January 17, NOAA will present the Ocean Acidification Research at NOAA: What, Where and Why webinar<http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/seminars/2012/01-jan.html#OneNOAAScienceSeminars_17Jan2012_Jewett>. The talk will be led by Dr. Elizabeth Jewett, Director of NOAA's Ocean Acidification Program.



Marine Science Lectures - In 2012, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center (MSC) is holding a series of monthly marine science lectures through April. On January 17 at 7 p.m., Dr. David Wiley, Research Coordinator at Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, will speak about the conservation research in the sanctuary. See the MSC events calendar<http://www.northeastern.edu/marinescience/events.html> for details on this and other upcoming lectures.



International Disaster Conference - From January 17-19, 2012, the International Disaster Conference and Expo<http://colorado.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b72140489b80a4574373938a1&id=f5c8a622b7&e=4051a4f944> will be held in New Orleans, Louisiana. This conference presents public and private sector best practices in emergency management, homeland security, and disaster preparation, response, recovery, and mitigation. Session topics include business continuity planning, national security, global emergency preparedness, and private sector emergency management resources. Independent training courses in business continuity and emergency management will also be offered.



National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment - From January 18-20, 2012, the National Council for Science and the Environment will hold the 12th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment: Environment and Security<http://www.environmentandsecurity.org/> in Washington, DC. This 2012 conference will provide a forum to explore the connections between environment and security issues, the common underlying scientific threads, and the policy and governance needed to address security risks posed by a rapidly changing environment.



New England Wastewater Conference - From January 22-25, the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) will hold the 2012 Annual Conference and Exhibition<http://www.newea.org/Events/AnnualConference/tabid/178/Default.aspx> in Boston. The NEWEA conference is the largest water quality conference held in New England and features a large exhibit area with more than 180 vendors. Technical sessions will focus on industrial waste, collections systems, plant operations, wetlands, government affairs, hazardous waste, and watershed management.



International LIDAR Mapping Forum - From January 23-25, 2012, the 2012 International LIDAR Mapping Forum<http://www.lidarmap.org/conference> will be held in Denver, Colorado. This three-day technical conference will report on the latest technology advances and recent projects and will highlight actual experiences and lessons learned. Topic include airborne use of LIDAR for urban and rural mapping, transport and rail asset management, bathymetric mapping along the coastal zone, and a whole track devoted to technologies and operations for mobile mapping.



Natural Resource Damages Conference - From January 26-27, 2012, Law Seminars International will hold a Natural Resource Damages Conference<http://www.lawseminars.com/detail.php?SeminarCode=12NRDDC> in Washington, DC. This conference will discuss the latest developments in natural resource damages law, limits of damage claims, legal principles trustees rely on, natural resource injury assessment process, the most effective claims and defenses, and best strategies and tactics to handle large, complex litigation.



International Marina & Boatyard Conference - From February 1-3, 2012, the International Marina & Boatyard Conference<https://www.marinaassociation.org/imbc/> will be held in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This three-day conference will feature educational seminars, products demonstrations, and more than 125 exhibitors.



Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration-Call for Proposals - From October 20-24, 2012, Restore America's Estuaries (RAE) will hold the 6th National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration<http://estuaries.org/conference/>, Restoring Ecosystems, Strengthening Communities, in Tampa, Florida. RAE is seeking proposals for dedicated sessions, presentations, and posters for all coastal and estuarine habitat restoration related topics, but particularly proposals dealing with the intersection of local and regional economies with healthy coastal ecosystems. See the Call for Proposals<http://program.estuaries.org/>, which are due by February 1, 2012.



Smart Growth Conference - From February 2-4, 2012, the 11th annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference<http://www.newpartners.org/index.html>, Building Safe, Healthy, and Livable Communities, will be held in San Diego, California. The three-day conference program includes more than 100 sessions and nearly 400 speakers.



Blue Lobster Bowl - On February 4, 2012, MIT Sea Grant will hold the 15th annual Blue Lobster Bowl<http://seagrant.mit.edu/blb.php>-one of 25 contests conducted around the nation each year as part of the National Ocean Sciences Bowl. Up to 24 teams of high school students from across the state will participate in this full-day competition where teams are quizzed on their knowledge of ocean science subjects, including chemistry, biology, engineering, history, ecology, climate change, and weather.



National Conference on Beach Preservation - On February 8-10, 2012, the 25th annual National Conference on Beach Preservation Technology<http://www.fsbpa.com/techconference.htm> will be held in Stuart, Florida. The conference will present the latest beach preservation technology with a goal to provide a technological transfer to coastal decision makers.



Coastal Decision Making Forum - From February 15-16, 2012, NOAA's Coastal Services Center will hold the first Social Coast Forum<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/socialcoastforum> in Charleston, South Carolina. Called Social Science for Coastal Decision-Making, this forum will bring together coastal managers and social scientists to discuss ways to integrate social science into coastal decision making.



Marine Protected Area Conference - From February 19-23, 2012, the 2012 Global Marine Protected Area Enforcement Conference<http://www.wildaid.org/mpaconference> will be held in San Francisco, California. This four-day event will bring together global marine protected area (MPA) practitioners, non-governmental organizations, government authorities, equipment providers, and donors to discuss the successes and challenges of MPA management around the world.



Ocean Sciences Meeting - From February 20-24, the 2012 Ocean Sciences Meeting<http://www.sgmeet.com/osm2012> will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and will cover a wide range of topics in aquatic science.



Erosion Control Conference - From February 26-29, 2012, the International Erosion Control Association's Annual Conference<http://www.ieca.org/conference/annual/ec.asp> will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. This conference is designed as an educational event for the erosion, sediment control, and stormwater industry. There will be full- and half-day training courses with topic-focused technical sessions and a large vendor exposition.



Fish Passage Conference-Call for Abstracts - From June 5-7, 2012, the National Conference on Engineering & Ecohydrology for Fish Passage<http://www.fishpassageconference.com> will be held at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Fish Passage 2012 is a national forum for researchers and practitioners to exchange findings and experiences on fish passage issues. This is a three-day conference with concurrent sessions in engineering, biology, management, and social issues. Submit abstracts by March 1, 2012 on the conference website<http://fishpassage.ecs.umass.edu/Conference2012/?q=content/abstract-submission>.



Wednesday Walks - On Wednesdays in December, 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=main>.



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

*         Erosion Control Conference - From December 1-3, the International Erosion Control Association's Northeast Chapter will hold its Annual Conference and Trade Exposition in Natick, The Changing Climate in Sediment and Water Management. The first day of the conference will include an entire breakout session dedicated to coastal erosion, planning, and land use management and protection. CZM staff will give presentations at this session on CZM's Coastal Landscaping Project and Identification and Mapping of Floodplains. For more information, see the Northeast Chapter website<http://www.ieca-nechapter.org/nec2011natick.html>.

*         StormCon-Call for Papers - The 11th StormCon, the world's largest conference on stormwater pollution prevention, will be held from August 19-23, 2012, in Denver, Colorado. Abstracts for the following conference tracks are welcome: best management practice case studies; green infrastructure; stormwater program management; water-quality monitoring; and advanced research topics. See the Call for Papers<http://www.stormcon.com/call_papers_2012.html>, which are due by December 6.

*         Digital Coast Webinars - On December 7 from 2-3 p.m., as part of its Digital Coast Webinar Series<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/webinar/>, NOAA's Coastal Services Center will present Marshes on the Move: Understanding and Using Model Results that Show Future Sea Level Rise Impacts on Coastal Wetlands.

*         Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference-Call for Abstracts - On May 15-16, 2012, the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission will hold the 23rd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference in Portsmouth, New Hampshire. For more information, see the Call for Abstracts<http://www.neiwpcc.org/npsconference/nps-abstracts.asp>, which are due by December 16.



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.)

*         Responding to Tropical Storm Irene part of the job for coastal managers in Massachusetts (Coastal Services, Nov/Dec, 2011) -
http://csc.noaa.gov/magazine/2011/06/article3.html

*         Divers find more Pendleton wreckage (Cape Cod Times, 11/5/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111105/NEWS/111050334/-1/NEWSLETTER100



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.)

*         State upholds denial of permits for Gerry Island (Salem News, 11/29/11) -
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1760882986/State-upholds-denial-of-permits-for-Gerry-Island

*         Stumps tell tales of ancient coastline (Cape Cod Times, 11/28/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111128/NEWS/111280307/-1/NEWS01

*         Active 2011 hurricane season breaks 'Hurricane Amnesia' (NOAA News, 11/28/11) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111128_endofhurricaneseason_2011.html

*         Enviro protection falls to state budget axes (CBSNews.com, 11/27/11) -
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-201_162-57331724/enviro-protection-falls-to-state-budget-axes/?tag=cbsnewsLeadStoriesAreaMain

*         Searching for the right cure for Cape's algae-choked waters (Boston.com, 11/26/11) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2011/11/26/pollution_in_cape_cod_waters_sparks_debate/?p1=News_links

*         Seashore chief weighs fate of cottages (Cape Cod Times, 11/24/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111124/NEWS/111240316/-1/NEWSLETTER100

*         Fishermen, farming, mining groups decry ocean zoning (Gloucester Times, 11/24/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1938324318/Fishermen-farming-mining-groups-decry-ocean-zoning

*         Chatham cottage owners dealt a blow (Cape Cod Times, 11/23/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111123/NEWS/111230325/-1/NEWS01

*         Climate study finds mysterious rise in erratic weather (Yahoo News, 11/23/11) -
http://news.yahoo.com/climate-study-finds-mysterious-rise-erratic-weather-125005163.html

*         Seashore camps in historical debate (Cape Cod Times, 11/21/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111121/NEWS/111210309/-1/NEWS01

*         Proposed new FEMA floodplain maps confusing to many (Wicked Local, 11/18/11) -
http://www.wickedlocal.com/marion/features/x1944400022/Proposed-new-FEMA-floodplain-maps-confusing-to-many#ixzz1eMuDKc4O

*         Wastewater project addresses drugs that linger long after they are flushed (Vineyard Gazette, 11/18/11) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?32942

*         Trash to artistic treasure (Gloucester Times, 11/18/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x1938317348/Trash-to-artistic-treasure

*         U.N. panel finds climate change behind some extreme weather events (New York Times, 11/18/11) -
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/19/science/earth/un-panel-finds-climate-change-behind-some-extreme-weather-events.html?ref=science

*         Climate change warning: Brace for hotter heat waves, stronger storms (Christian Science Monitor, 11/18/11) -
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/2011/1118/Climate-change-warning-brace-for-hotter-heat-waves-stronger-storms

*         Scientists OK wastewater study methods (Cape Cod Times, 11/17/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111117/NEWS/111170322/-1/NEWS01

*         Ocean Alliance advances study on pollution, whales (Gloucester Times, 11/16/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x229367909/Ocean-Alliance-advances-study-on-pollution-whales

*         Summit sets out to find city's niche (Gloucester Times, 11/16/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x67364722/Summit-sets-out-to-find-citys-niche

*         One of a chosen few: Newburyport on track to be named 'Coast Guard city' (Daily News of Newburyport, 11/15/11) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x185149373/One-of-a-chosen-few

*         Lynn lands $500G grant to fix marina (Itemlive.com, 11/15/11) -
http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2011/11/15/news/news01.txt

*         Seashore board advises to leave camps standing (Cape Cod Times, 11/15/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111115/NEWS/111150306/-1/NEWS01

*         Cape turns to state for wastewater funding (Cape Cod Times, 11/14/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111114/NEWS/111140309/-1/NEWS01

*         Winter in Massachusetts undergoing redefinition due to warming climate (MassLive.com, 11/13/11) -
http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/11/winter_in_massachusetts_underg.html

*         For sharks, it all adds up in Cape waters (Cape Cod Times, 11/12/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111112/NEWS/111120330/-1/NEWS01

*         Federal protection sought for beach cottages (Cape Cod Times, 11/10/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111110/NEWS/111100328/-1/NEWS01

*         Marion, Mattapoisett residents' anxieties rise over redrawing of flood plain maps (SouthCoastToday.com, 11/8/11) -
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111108/NEWS/111080322

*         Off-shore slow speed zone aims to add protection for whales (Gloucester Times, 11/8/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x57160132/Off-shore-speed-zone-aims-at-added-whale-protection

*         I-4, C-2 gets nibbles, no plans (Gloucester Times, 11/8/11) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x471036169/I-4-C-2-gets-nibbles-no-plans

*         Powerful opposition pushes Mr. Cook to look elsewhere for Popponesset shellfishing grant (Capenews.net, 11/4/11) -
http://www.capenews.net/communities/mashpee/news/1421

*         NOAA declares string of seal deaths in New England an unusual mortality event (NOAA News, 11/4/11) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20111104_ume.html

*         Chemicals found in Cape Cod wells (Cape Cod Times, 11/3/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111103/NEWS/111030346/-1/NEWS01

*         High court ruling casts doubt on Cape Wind (Vineyard Gazette, 11/2/11) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?32663

*         Federal agency sued for whale protection (Cape Cod Times, 11/2/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/NEWS/111020319/-1/NEWS01

*         Mattapoisett selectmen balk at aquaculture restriction (SouthCoastToday.com, 11/2/11) -
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/NEWS/111020332/-1/NEWS

*         Has pond scum met its match in Eastham? (Cape Cod Times, 11/2/11) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20111102/NEWS/111020317/-1/NEWS01

*         Catching a wave, and measuring it (New York Times, 11/1/11) -
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/02/business/wave-glider-a-floating-robot-seeks-to-network-the-oceans.html?_r=1&ref=science



Other Items of Interest

Homeowner Storm and Flood Risks Survey - Rhode Island Sea Grant is seeking 400 Rhode Island, Connecticut, and Massachusetts homeowners to participate in a survey on taking action to reduce risk from increased stormy weather. This survey includes more than 100 questions on demographic information, history of impact from climate events, and awareness of and attitudes toward increased storms. Go to the Homeowner Survey 3<http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22DNTMPCNK7/> to participate.



2012 National Wetlands Awards - Nominations are being sought for the 2012 National Wetlands Awards<http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org/>. Administered by the Environmental Law Institute and supported by a partnership of six federal agencies, this award program honors individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary commitment to the conservation and restoration of our nation's wetlands in six categories: education and outreach; science research; conservation and restoration; landowner stewardship; state, tribal, and local program development; and wetland community leader. Nominations are due by December 15.



Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators - The White House Council on Environmental Quality and EPA are seeking applications for the Presidential Innovation Award for Environmental Educators<http://www.epa.gov/education/teacheraward>, which recognizes outstanding K-12 teachers who employ innovative approaches to environmental education and use the environment as a context for learning for their students. Two teachers from each EPA region will be selected to receive an award of $2,000, to be used to further their professional development in environmental education. In addition, the local education agency employing each teacher will receive an award of $2,000 to further the recipient's environmental educational activities and programs. Applications are due by December 30.



Document Your Environment Contest - The National Archives in collaboration with EPA is seeking submissions for Document Your Environment<http://documerica.challenge.gov/>, a student multimedia contest. Students ages 13 and up, including college and graduate students, are invited to create graphic art, short videos, or poems. The grand prize for this contest will be $500. Entries are due by January 6, 2012.



Research Experience for Undergraduates - Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences is seeking applications from undergraduate students for the 2012 Research Experience for Undergraduates<http://www.bigelow.org/education/reu/> summer research program, Gulf of Maine and the World Ocean. Several students will be selected to receive hands-on research experience in marine microbial food webs, ocean biogeochemistry, optical oceanography, remote sensing, sensory biology, climate change, and fisheries oceanography. The application package will be available this month and applications will be accepted between February 1, 2012, and March 15, 2012.



SeaPlan - The Massachusetts Ocean Partnership (MOP) is now SeaPlan. In October, MOP decided to change its name to SeaPlan to enhance its ability to advance coastal and marine spatial planning around the nation and the globe. SeaPlan will continue to forward science-based, stakeholder-informed approaches that lead to better ocean planning decisions. Check out the SeaPlan website<http://www.seaplan.org/> for details.







Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Deval L. Patrick, Governor

Timothy P. Murray, Lieutenant Governor

Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Richard K. Sullivan Jr., Secretary

Office of Coastal Zone Management - Bruce K. Carlisle, Director

Editor - Robin Lacey<mailto:robin.lacey at state.ma.us?subject=December%202011%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. NA10NOS4190183.

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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