[SEMCO] June 2012 CZ-Mail

Fri Jun 1 11:28:29 EDT 2012

CZ-MAIL

June 2012

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=June%202012%20CZ-Mail>.

Washburn Named Assistant Director for Community Services

CZM is pleased to announce that Brad Washburn has been selected as the new Assistant Director for Community Services. Brad will fill this critical position to oversee agency program areas related to municipal technical assistance, coastal shoreline and floodplain management, climate change adaptation, and project review. Brad previously worked at CZM, serving as the Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator from 2007-2010. For the last two years, Brad led the Town of Easton$B!G(Bs Department of Planning and Community Development as Planning Director, where he served as lead for the Town's long-range planning initiatives, land use planning activities, and development projects. Prior to 2007, he worked for the Boston Redevelopment Authority, where he assisted with the city-wide municipal harbor planning process and reviewed various waterfront planning projects. Brad holds a Masters of Regional Planning from UMass Amherst. Welcome back Brad!

The Federal Coastal Zone Management Act-Protecting Coastal Resources for 40 Years

In 1972, the U.S. Congress passed the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), which established a national policy to $B!H(Bpreserve, protect, develop, and where possible, to restore or enhance, the resources of the Nation$B!G(Bs coastal zone for this and succeeding generations.$B!I(B This unique federal legislation gives states the opportunity to develop their own coastal management programs that meet the specific needs of the state and federal funds to support such management. The CZMA also gives states the authority to review federally approved or funded projects to ensure that they meet state policies and standards through a process called Federal Consistency Review<http://www.mass.gov/czm/fcr/index.htm>. To implement the CZMA, the National Coastal Zone Management Program<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/programs/czm.html> and the National Estuarine Research Reserve System<http://www.nerrs.noaa.gov/> were created. In 1978, Massachusetts became the first state along the eastern seaboard to receive approval from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for its coastal zone management plan. Then in 1983, the Massachusetts legislature formally established CZM as part of the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs<http://www.mass.gov/eea/> (EEA) to take the lead in implementing the coastal program. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the CZMA and 34 states and territories now have approved coastal management programs and 28 estuarine research reserves have been established. This federal-state partnership has increased coastal public access, protected and restored coastal habitat, helped coastal communities address erosion and storm damage, reduced polluted runoff to coastal waters, and much, much more. See NOAA$B!G(Bs 40th Anniversary web page<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/about/czma40.html> for more on the CZMA and a calendar of events to celebrate the anniversary. As part of this year$B!G(Bs Capitol Hill Ocean Week<http://www.nmsfocean.org/CHOW-2012-agenda> held from June 5-8, CZM Director Bruce Carlisle has been invited to serve on a panel-Meeting the Challenges Facing America's Coasts: Reflecting on 40 Years of Coastal Zone Management-which will focus on the need for new approaches to manage comprehensively our ever-changing coastal zone. Others on the panel include Bob Bailey who recently retired as Oregon Coastal Management Program Manager, Thomas Kitsos, who served as Executive Director of the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, and Margaret Davidson, Acting Director of NOAA$B!G(Bs Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.

CZM Website to Join Mass.Gov Portal

The CZM website<http://www.mass.gov/czm/czm.htm> is undergoing some major renovations so it can be re-launched in the Mass.Gov<http://www.mass.gov/portal/> portal format. In addition to a dramatically different look, the new site will feature improved navigation/organization and stronger links to other state agencies and departments, particularly those within EEA. When the new site goes live, many of the current navigation pathways will be reworked and all URLs will change. Please be patient as we work through any challenges with the transfer. Also, please let us know if there are any links from your website to CZM so that we can help prevent broken links. If you have any questions, can$B!G(Bt find something, or wish to report a broken link, please contact CZM$B!G(Bs webmaster, Robin Lacey, at robin.lacey at state.ma.us<mailto:robin.lacey at state.ma.us?subject=New%20website%20comments>.

Atlantic Hurricane Season Begins

While the official Atlantic Ocean hurricane season begins on June 1, Tropical Storms Alberto and Beryl have already made appearances along the U.S. East Coast. And while the Colorado State University Tropical Meteorology Project's Forecast<http://tropical.atmos.colostate.edu/forecasts/> has predicted a less active season this year, any ill-placed storm can cause serious damage. For all the latest hurricane information, see the NOAA National Hurricane Center website<http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/>, and to prepare your property and family for these dangerous storms, see the CZM Hurricane Preparedness Kit<http://www.mass.gov/czm/hurricanes.htm>. Also, see CZM's 2002 Coastlines magazine<http://mass.gov/czm/coastlines/2002/index02.htm> for more information on Massachusetts hurricanes and their potential impacts, articles on how to build and rebuild to withstand a storm, and information on a wide range of tools available for reducing risks in hurricane-prone areas. For the best tracking information for storms heading toward Massachusetts, along with information on potential flooding and disaster recovery, see CZ-Tip - The Complete Guide to Online Hurricane Tracking for Massachusetts<http://www.mass.gov/czm/tips/hurricane_track.htm>.

MORIS Mapping Tip: Changing Basemaps and Display Options

Did you know that CZM$B!G(Bs online mapping tool, the Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System (MORIS), has a variety of basemaps that can be used as different backdrops when viewing the available data layers? MORIS offers satellite, road, and topographic basemaps provided by Bing, Google, and OpenStreetMap so that you can easily customize your map. Want to plan a trip to the coast? Use a road basemap with the Public Beaches data layer to help map your excursion. Or maybe you$B!G(Bd like to see how steep a hike awaits you on a recreational trail? Select a topographic basemap to use with the Protected and Recreational Open Space data layer. To change the basemap in MORIS, click the $B!H(BBasemaps$B!I(B button located on the right side of the lower toolbar to view a menu and select one of the listed options. You can also change the transparency of the basemap using the opacity slider found at the bottom of this basemap menu. Slide the arrow toward 0% to dim the basemap and toward 100% to make it darker. See the MORIS website<http://www.mass.gov/czm/mapping/index.htm> to start exploring the various basemap options.

CZ-Tip - Leave Only Paw Prints

With the dog-days of summer on their way, you may want to bring your canine companion to the coast. Before heading out, however, please keep in mind the impacts your pet can create-from paying unwanted attention to beachgoers (and other dogs), to disturbing nesting birds and resting wildlife, to causing water quality and human health problems by leaving the leavings behind. Also, be sure to select a beach that welcomes dogs (a particular challenge in Massachusetts in the summer months). Find your dog$B!G(Bs coastal paradise and brush up on the best ways to ensure many happy trail tales (and wagging tails) with CZ-Tip - Bring Your Dog to the Beach the Coast-Friendly Way<http://www.mass.gov/czm/tips/dogs.htm>.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

Buzzards Bay Watershed Municipal Minigrant Program - The Buzzards Bay National Estuary Program (BBNEP) is seeking proposals from eligible Buzzards Bay watershed communities for projects that help meet the BBNEP's goals to protect and restore water quality and living resources in Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. A total of $140,041 of federal funds is available. To view the Request for Responses, visit the Comm-PASS website<https://www.ebidsourcing.com/displayPublicSearchAdvancedSolCriteriaEdit.do;jsessionid=LyXNzFXyWTnnlJXC13PsbfdvvCGBhBG4vMJGp7yvLGX1QLClThT8!160786355?doValidateToken=false&menu_id=2.3.3&org.apache.struts.taglib.html.TOKEN=f4d4cfd38316423111603bdb39dd69bb> and search for document number "ENV12 CZM 08." For more information about the program and past awards, see the BBNEP funding web page<http://www.buzzardsbay.org/funding.htm>. Proposals are due by June 28.

Reminders - These opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:

*         National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking proposals for the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program<http://www.fws.gov/coastal/CoastalGrants/index.html> to fund the protection and restoration of coastal wetlands. Projects can include acquisition of coastal lands or waters or restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetland ecosystems. Applications are due by June 29.

*         Conservation Grants - EEA's Division of Conservation Services is seeking applications for the fiscal year 2013 Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities (PARC) Program<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/dcr-rant-programs/massachusetts-parkland-acquisitions-and.html>, Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity (LAND) Program<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/dcr-rant-programs/massachusetts-local-acquisitions-for-natural.html>, and Conservation Partnership Grants<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/dcr-rant-programs/conservation-partnership-grant.html>. PARC grants assist communities with the acquisition of parkland, as well as construction of new parks and renovation of existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions for the purchase of conservation land. Conservation Partnership Grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. Applications for PARC and LAND grants are due by July 12. Conservation Partnership applications are due by July 16.

*         NOAA Special Project and Program Funding - NOAA is seeking proposals for its annual Broad Agency Announcement to fund special projects and programs associated with the NOAA's strategic plan and mission goals. This announcement is a mechanism to encourage research, technical projects, or sponsorships (conferences, newsletters) that are not normally funded through competitive discretionary programs. For more information, see the Grants.gov website<http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do;jsessionid=kcBpPZyYcGkhPqz089DXTjSTprTLvjLZ12g17LDpvFNkmQZmlMQ1!-213555334?oppId=132454&mode=VIEW>. Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis until September 30.

Products/Publications

Massachusetts Response to Climate Change Report - MassINC has released Rising to the Challenge: Assessing the Massachusetts Response to Climate Change<http://www.massinc.org/Research/Rising-to-the-Challenge.aspx>, a report that provides an independent assessment of state action on climate change since the enactment of the Global Warming Solutions Act of 2008.

Eutrophication Fact Sheet - The Gulf of Maine Council's EcoSystem Indicator Partnership<http://www2.gulfofmaine.org/esip/> (ESIP) has released Eutrophication Issues in the Gulf of Maine<http://www.gulfofmaine.org/esip/ESIPFactSheetEutrophicationFINAL.pdf> (PDF, 5.8 MB), the fourth of seven indicator-specific fact sheets. The fact sheet summarizes data from the Gulf of Maine for four key indicators of eutrophication (i.e., nutrient over enrichment)-nitrogen and phosphorus, chlorophyll, water clarity, and dissolved oxygen-along with a snap shot of the indicator data. The data are also available through the ESIP Indicator Reporting Tool<http://www2.gulfofmaine.org/esip/reporting/gmap.php> and can be mapped with other indicator data or graphed to show trends.

Shorefront No-Build Areas - NOAA$B!G(Bs Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management (OCRM) has released, Protecting the Public Interest through the National Coastal Zone Management Program: How Coastal States and Territories Use No$B!>(BBuild Areas<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/resources/docs/nobuildareas.pdf> (PDF, 1 MB), a report that summarizes where coastal states and territories employ shorefront no-build areas (setbacks, rolling easements, or zoning) along ocean and Great Lake shorefronts to protect the public interest. The information was compiled by OCRM with input from state and territorial partners to help better understand and communicate how coastal management programs manage shorefront development.

Sea Level Change Scenarios at the Local Level - NOAA$B!G(Bs Coastal Services Center has released Incorporating Sea Level Change Scenarios at the Local Level<http://csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/publications/slcscenarios>, a report that outlines eight steps a community can take to develop site-appropriate scenarios.

Risk Identification and Assessment Guidance and Toolkit - The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has released a new hazard identification and risk assessment guide and accompanying toolkit. Comprehensive Preparedness Guide 201: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Guide<http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=5823> provides a comprehensive approach for identifying and assessing risks and associated impacts so communities can make informed decisions about how to manage them and develop needed capabilities. The Preparedness Guide 201 Supplement 1: Threat and Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Guide Toolkit<http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?id=5825> provides resources and information, data sources, and templates to support the guidance.

FEMA Recovery Toolbox - FEMA has released the Long-Term Community Recovery Toolbox<http://www.fema.gov/library/viewRecord.do?fromSearch=fromsearch&id=5888>, a resource created to help communities coordinate projects and activities and tackle issues associated with disaster recovery. Developed for community members, local leaders, and state and federal agencies, the tools assist with communication, decision making, identification and development of projects, and creation of funding strategies critical to community long-term recovery.

Sea Level Rise Report and Website - A new report from Climate Central, Surging Seas<http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/research/reports/surging-seas/>, examines how sea level rise is compounding the risk from storm surge along the U.S. coast. The Surging Seas website<http://sealevel.climatecentral.org/> includes an interactive map, state-level summaries, downloadable data, web widgets, and links to the original peer-reviewed studies.

Living Planet - The World Wildlife Fund has released the Living Planet Report 2012<http://www.worldwildlife.org/science/2012%20Living%20Planet%20Report/index.html>, which highlights the cumulative pressure humans are putting on the earth and the resulting decline in the health of forests, rivers, and oceans. The report finds that biodiversity continues to be lost and populations of species continue to decline.

Coastal Services Magazine - The May/June 2012 issue of Coastal Services<http://csc.noaa.gov/magazine/2012/03/index.html>, a NOAA Coastal Services Center magazine, features articles about the 40th anniversary of the Coastal Zone Management Act, sea level rise policies in San Francisco, the Northeast Ocean Data Portal, and other news and notes.

Natural Hazards Observer - The May 2012 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 disasters in wealthy nations, climate change models, green building, and other natural hazards news and information.

Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports - The National Marine Fisheries Service has announced the availability of the final 2011 Marine Mammal Stock Assessment Reports<http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/sars/>. These reports contain information on the distribution and abundance of the stock, population growth rates and trends, estimates of annual human-caused mortality and serious injury from all sources, descriptions of the fisheries with which the stock interacts, and the status of the stock.

Marine Protected Area Newsletter - The May-June 2012 issue of MPA News<http://depts.washington.edu/mpanews/MPA126.htm> features articles on paying for marine protected areas (MPAs), MPAs in fishing management, and other MPA news and notes.

Newswave - The spring 2012 issue of NEWSWAVE<http://www.doi.gov/pmb/ocean/news/Newswave/index.cfm>, the quarterly newsletter on ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes activities from the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), features articles on exploring the Mariana Trench, DOI$B!G(Bs role in the National Ocean Policy, and other ocean and coastal news.

Websites

2011 Marine Invasive Species Data Now Available in Online - Data layers representing the distribution of priority marine invaders are now available to view through MORIS<http://www.mass.gov/czm/mapping/index.htm>. In 2011, three priority marine invasive species were added to the monitoring list-including the newest invader, the European shrimp Palaemon elegans-bringing the total number of monitored species to 23. The European shrimp was first discovered in Salem Sound in 2010, and last year the citizen scientists of CZM$B!G(Bs Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative<http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/monitor/mimic.htm> (MIMIC) recorded its spread to southern Maine. To view the new data layers, see the MORIS website<http://www.mass.gov/czm/mapping/index.htm>. Once you launch MORIS, open the $B!H(BBiology$B!I(B folder, then the "Marine Invasive Species" folder, and then the "2011 Monitoring" folder. Data collected from 2009-2010 are also available. For more information about marine invasive species or to participate in monitoring efforts, see the Aquatic Invasive Species Program website<http://www.mass.gov/czm/invasives/index.htm>.

Distribution of Global Species - U.S. scientists have launched a new online resource that maps the distribution of species worldwide and will ultimately allow users to update or add species data. The Map of Life<http://www.mappinglife.org/> project, which draws on millions of known locations for various species, expert range maps, World Wildlife Fund data, and the databases of individual scientists, allows users to view distribution records for any terrestrial vertebrate species or fish worldwide, and generate a listing of all species within a 50- to 1,000-kilometer range. An updated version of the site, expected later this year, will include data on plants, trees, and selected invertebrate groups. Ultimately, users will be able to flag and edit data, update their own datasets, and provide feedback on the data.

Fish Advisory Tool - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has launched redesigned, interactive, online search and mapping tools that allow users to perform advanced searches of fish advisory and fish tissue data in the National Listing of Fish Advisories database. These updated tools provide general and more technical fish consumption advisory information and the most recently reported data are from 2010. See the Fish Consumption Advisories page<http://water.epa.gov/scitech/swguidance/fishshellfish/fishadvisories/> on the EPA website.

Ocean Floor Viewer - NOAA has launched an online ocean viewer<http://oceanservice.noaa.gov/news/weeklynews/may12/oceanviewer.html>, which features seafloor maps and other data on the world$B!G(Bs coasts, continental shelves, and deep ocean. Users can explore undersea features and obtain detailed depictions of the seafloor and coasts, including deep canyons, ripples, landslides, and likely fish habitat. The new viewer compiles seafloor data from the near shore to deep water, including the latest high-resolution bathymetric data collected to support nautical charting.

Job Postings

Massachusetts Bays Program Executive Director - The Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MBP) is seeking applications for an Executive Director<https://jobs.hrd.state.ma.us/recruit/public/31100001/job/job_view.do?postingId=J31068&code=search.public&federalStimulus=no&words=estuary> to oversee and manage all aspects of the program$B!G(Bs operations, including overall fiscal management, short- and long-range planning, and development of annual work plans. The Executive Director is the lead for developing and implementing initiatives and policies that support the implementation MBP$B!G(Bs Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan, which includes initiatives related to water quality, stormwater mitigation, habitat protection and restoration, invasive species management, and climate change adaptation. The MBP, which is hosted by CZM, is a partnership of citizens, communities, and government that strives to protect and enhance the coastal health and heritage of Massachusetts and Cape Cod Bays. The application deadline is June 30 and a complete job description, along with application instructions, is available on the Commonwealth Employment Opportunities website<https://jobs.hrd.state.ma.us/recruit/public/31100001/job/job_view.do?postingId=J31068&code=search.public&federalStimulus=no&words=estuary>.

Environmental Internship Clearinghouse Portal - The National Council for Science and the Environment's Campus to Careers program has launched an environmental internship clearinghouse<http://environmentalinterns.ncseonline.org/>, which enables university students to search for internships in the environmental field and provides a forum for internship providers to tap into a solid community of quality applicants.

Calendar

Capitol Hill Ocean Week - From June 5-8, the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation will hold Capitol Hill Ocean Week<http://www.nmsfocean.org/CHOW-2012-splash>, One Nation, Shaped by the Sea, in Washington, DC. This annual event provides a forum to discuss important ocean and coastal issues on Capitol Hill, offering an opportunity for education and the exchange of ideas.

Marine Invasive Species Workshop - On June 6 from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Salem Sound Coastwatch<http://www.salemsound.org/> (SSCW) will hold a workshop on marine invasive species at the Community Function Hall at Winter Island Park in Salem. CZM$B!G(Bs Aquatic Invasive Species Program Coordinator, Adrienne Pappal, will share the monitoring results from the Marine Invader Monitoring and Information Collaborative. Her talk will be followed by a trip to the Winter Island tidepool that SSCW has been monitoring for the past 10 years. Be sure to bring shoes that can get wet and are suitable for walking on rocks. For more information, email info at salemsound.org<mailto:info at salemsound.org?subject=Marine%20Invasive%20Species%20Workshop>.

Historical Hurricane Tracker Webinar - On June 6, the NOAA Coastal Services Center will present Hurricanes: Where Have They Hit? Using the Historical Hurricane Tracker<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/webinar>, a webinar that will present the Historical Hurricane Tracker, a web-based tool for displaying the global record of hurricane tracks over the last 150+ years. The tool also allows users to search for hurricane tracks that impacted specific areas, sort and filter the search results, and examine the characteristics of a particular storm.

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Meeting - From June 6-8, the 18th Annual Meeting and Short Course<http://www.nacsetac.org/Annual_meeting.htm> of the North Atlantic Chapter of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry will be held in West Greenwich, Rhode Island.

Environmental Disaster Conference-Call for Proposals - From January 15-17, 2013, the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) will hold the 13th National Conference on Science, Policy, and the Environment<http://www.environmentaldisasters.net/>, Environmental Disasters: Science, Preparedness, and Resilience, in Washington, DC. This conference will address the increasing occurrence of environmental disasters and the science, technology, and decision-making tools needed to more effectively prepare, respond, and make communities more resilient. For more information on proposal submission, see the Call for Session Proposals<http://www.environmentaldisasters.net/topics/view/79187/>, which are due by June 8.

Adopt a Beach Training - On June 9, Salem Sound Coastwatch<http://www.salemsound.org/> will hold an Adopt a Beach Training at the Beverly Cooperative Bank, Community Room, 87 Lafayette Street in Salem. Training is open to new and previously trained beachkeepers. On a year-round basis, beachkeepers identify conditions that may affect the environmental quality of their beaches and protect marine habitats by cleaning up trash and marine debris. For more information, email info at salemsound.org<mailto:info at salemsound.org?subject=Adopt%20a%20Beach%20Training>.

Eelgrass Restoration - The Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries is seeking volunteers to help with an eelgrass restoration project later on June 11 and 12. Eelgrass is an important habitat providing food and shelter for an abundance of marine life from macroinvertebrates to commercially valuable fish and shellfish. Volunteers are needed to weave the plants onto burlap discs that will be planted by divers. The work will involve sitting, standing, or leaning over water-filled totes. Everyone will be in contact with seawater, and some volunteers will be asked to wade up to their knees to hand-off plants to the boat crews. Volunteer training will be held on June 11 from 6-7 p.m. in the Sohier Room at the Beverly Library, 32 Essex Street, Beverly. Eelgrass planting will take place the next day, June 12, from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Winter Island in Salem. For more information and to RSVP, email info at salemsound.org<mailto:info at salemsound.org?subject=Eelgrass%20Restoration>.

Dolphin Strandings Lecture - On June 14, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will present Watching the Tides: The Dolphin Mass Strandings of Winter 2012<http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=497> by Brian Sharp, Stranding Coordinator for the International Fund for Animal Welfare. This past winter, more than 200 common dolphins stranded along the bay shores of Cape Cod, from Barnstable to Wellfleet. These numbers were historic and the intensity of the rescue taxed the expert abilities and skills of responders.

MEPA & NEPA Strategies Seminar - On June 22, Law Seminars International will hold the Fourth Annual Intensive Seminar on Recent Developments Under MEPA & NEPA<http://www.lawseminars.com/detail.php?SeminarCode=12SEPAMA>, which will focus on strategies for permitting under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) and the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). This seminar will cover the most relevant compliance issues facing Massachusetts developers, practitioners, and environmental professionals. The program will also provide an in-depth discussion of MEPA's evolving policy priorities, updates on MassDEP regulatory reform, and MEPA/NEPA case law.

Climate Change and National Security Workshop - From June 25-26, the Association of Climate Change Officers will hold the workshop Defense, National Security and Climate Change: Building Resilience and Identifying Opportunities Related to Water, Energy, and Extreme Events<http://www.accoonline.org/ccls/defense-june2012.html> in Washington, DC. This three-day session will bring together leaders in industry, government, academia, and the non-governmental organization community to share experiences and expertise on a wide range of issues related to climate change and the challenges to the U.S. defense and national security communities.

Smart Growth Conference-Call for Proposals - From February 7-9, 2013, the 12th annual New Partners for Smart Growth Conference<http://www.newpartners.org/> will be held in Kansas City, Missouri. To submit a session proposal, see the Call for Proposals<http://www.newpartners.org/program/cfsp/>, which are due by June 30.

Sand and Sea Festival - From June 30-July 1, the 2012 Sand & Sea Festival will be held at Salisbury Beach. Join the festival for great events, music, food, fireworks, and fun. For details, stay tuned to the festival website<http://www.beachfests.org/sand-and-sea-festival.html>.

The Social Coast Webinar - On July 11, the NOAA Coastal Services Center will host The Social Coast-Social Science, Simply Explained and Applied, a webinar that will present the Social Coast website and provide a guided tour of this new resource and real-world success stories on using demographic and economic data in coastal management. To register, see the Digital Coast Webinar Series website<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/webinar>.

Climate Change Conference - On July 12-13, the 4th International Conference on Climate Change<http://on-climate.com/conference-2012/>, Impacts and Responses, will be held in Seattle, Washington. This conference will examine scientific and political perspectives on climate change. Topics include climate change and disaster management, impacts of climate change on water resources, climate change education for children, climate change vulnerability related to racial and income disparities, and national mitigation strategies.

Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop - From July 14-17, the Natural Hazards Center will host the annual Natural Hazards Research and Applications Workshop<http://www.colorado.edu/hazards/workshop/> in Bloomfield, Colorado. The three-day workshop is divided into plenary sessions, concurrent sessions, poster sessions, and extracurricular activities.

First Stewards Symposium - From July 17-20, the First Stewards Symposium<http://firststewards.org/>: Coastal Peoples Address Climate Change will be held in Washington, DC. Join coastal indigenous elders, leaders, cultural practitioners, scientists and witnesses, as well as non-tribal participants, for the first national symposium addressing the impacts of climate change on coastal indigenous peoples. This inaugural event will be hosted by several tribes in collaboration with the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, NOAA, and other partners. The symposium dialogue will identify ways indigenous cultures may be able to increase their resilience and adaptability to predicted climate change impacts.

Mudflat Training - From late June through August, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold a series of Mudflat Mania<http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?name=Sections&req=viewarticle&artid=31> walks. Bring a pail, notebook, and water shoes for a beachside exploration where visitors learn about the fascinating world of animals that live in and on the tidal flats.

Rivers Month Calendar - June is Rivers Month. This online calendar<http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/der/newsletters/rivrwetmonth_calendar2012.htm>, prepared by the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration, lists related events in, on, and along the rivers and wetlands of Massachusetts. These events extend through July 4.

Wednesday Walks - On Wednesdays through June, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold a series of walks with naturalist Connie Boyce. For details, see the museum calendar<http://www.ccmnh.org/index.php?module=PostCalendar&func=view&tplview=default&viewtype=month&Date=20120601&pc_username=&pc_category=&pc_topic=>.

Spring Walks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of spring walks. All walks are free and open to the public. See the Trust's website<http://www.harwichconservationtrust.org/walks_2012.htm>.

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

*         Fish Passage Conference - From June 5-7, 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.

*         Environmental Business Council Awards - On June 6, the Environmental Business Council of New England (EBC) will hold the 22nd annual Meeting and Awards Celebration<http://www.ebcne.org/index.php?id=77&no_cache=1&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5bcaldatets%5d=1335844800&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5blistcat%5d=5&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5bsinuid%5d=803&cHash=ed5b628de692ed4b78eb99a075d3088c> in Boston. Each year, EBC recognizes companies, organizations, and individuals for outstanding environmental/energy accomplishments in the promotion of a sustainable, clean environment through this awards celebration.

*         World Oceans Day - World Oceans Day is June 8 and activities celebrating oceans and coasts are held across the world throughout the month of June. The 2012 theme is Youth: The Next Wave for Change. See the World Oceans Day website<http://worldoceansday.org/> to view or submit events.

*         Summer Cinema by the Sea - This summer, the Northeastern University's Marine Science Center<http://www.northeastern.edu/marinescience/index.html> in Nahant will hold a free film series of marine-related documentaries. The remaining schedule is: June 19, A Sense of Wonder, and July 24, Ocean Frontiers. Both screenings are open to the public and will be held in the Murphy Bunker at the Marine Science Center, 430 Nahant Road, Nahant. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the program will begin at 7:00 p.m.

*         AWRA Summer Conferences - In June, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) will hold two conferences in Denver, Colorado, for scientists, practitioners, policy makers, managers, teachers, students, community advocates, and other water resources professionals. From June 25-27, Contaminants of Emerging Concern in Water Resources II: Research, Engineering, and Community Action<http://www.awra.org/meetings/Summer2012/contaminants.html> will be held, followed by Riparian Ecosystems IV: Advancing Science, Economics, and Policy<http://www.awra.org/meetings/Summer2012/riparian.html> from June 27-29.

*         Boating Safety Course - Through June, the Massachusetts Environmental Police offer Boat Massachusetts<http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/courselist.htm>, a free, state and nationally approved boating safety course for boaters age 12 and older, which concentrates on the equipment and operating guidelines needed to enjoy boating in a safe and responsible way. All graduates ages 12-15 will receive a safety certificate that allows operation of a motorboat without adult supervision, as required by state law. All graduates ages 16-17 will also be allowed to operate a personal watercraft (jet ski, wave runner, etc.).

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.)

*         Hull agrees to Nantasket Beach settlement (Patriot Ledger, 5/23/12) -
http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x1040013004/Hull-agrees-to-Nantasket-Beach-settlement

*         Huge survey aims to get read on Northeast boating (Boston.com, 5/19/12) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/05/19/huge_survey_aims_to_get_read_on_northeast_boating/

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.)

*         Beachgoers concerned as officials tout improvement (Itemlive.com, 5/31/12) -
http://www.itemlive.com/articles/2012/05/31/news/news02.txt

*         NOAA offers teachers new virtual estuaries science curriculum for middle school students (NOAA News, 5/30/12) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120531_estuaries101.html

*         Group: Nantasket cleanest DCR beach in Boston area (Boston.com, 5/29/12) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/05/30/group_nantasket_cleanest_dcr_beach_in_boston_area/

*         Treaty on the seas is in rough Senate waters (Washington Post, 5/28/12) -
http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/fine-print-treaty-on-the-seas-is-in-rough-senate-waters/2012/05/28/gJQAzCyFxU_story.html

*         Officials may limit traffic on Sandy Neck Beach (Cape Cod Times, 5/27/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120527/NEWS/205270336/-1/NEWSLETTER100

*         Gonsalves: The real scoop on beach sand bacteria (Cape Cod Times, 5/27/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120527/NEWS/205270335/-1/NEWSLETTER100

*         Hull vow: No more beach scraping (Patriot Ledger, 5/24/12) -
http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x639953929/Hull-vow-No-more-beach-scraping

*         Cape Wind fight still blows hot (Cape Cod Times, 5/24/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120524/NEWS/205240335/-1/NEWS01

*         Fall River wants stricter discharge permit rules for Weaver's Cove (Herald News, 5/24/12) -
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1898615256/Fall-River-wants-stricter-discharge-permit-rules-for-Weavers-Cove#ixzz1vnWRBrH5

*         Suez LNG pulling out of city (Gloucester Times, 5/24/12) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1647284279/Suez-LNG-pulling-out-of-city

*         Salem ferry delayed (Salem News, 5/24/12) -
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x234167886/Salem-ferry-delayed

*         NOAA predicts a near-normal 2012 Atlantic hurricane season (NOAA News, 5/24/12) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120524_atlantic_hurricane_season.html

*         FEMA urges preparedness for hurricanes and severe weather (FEMA Press Release, 5/24/12) -
http://www.ready.gov/press-release/release-120524

*         Herring Cove repairs on track for beach season (Cape Cod Times, 5/23/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120523/NEWS/205230327/-1/NEWS01

*         Navy eyes N.E. waters for live training (Gloucester Times, 5/23/12) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x234166857/Navy-eyes-N-E-waters-for-live-training

*         Apocalypse soon: Has civilization passed the environmental point of no return? (Scientific American, 5/23/12) -
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=apocalypse-soon-has-civilization-passed-the-environmental-point-of-no-return

*         Rep. Straus appointed to ocean advisory panel (SouthCoastToday.com, 5/22/12) -
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120522/NEWS21/205220324/-1/NEWS

*         Mystic River gets 'D' in water quality test (Boston.com, 5/21/12) -
http://www.boston.com/yourtown/news/somerville/2012/05/mystic_river_water_quality_get.html?p1=Well_Local_YourTownlinks

*         Mowing down seagrass meadows will cut loose carbon (NewScientist, 5/20/12) -
http://www.newscientist.com/article/dn21825-mowing-down-seagrass-meadows-will-cut-loose-carbon.html

*         Sengekontacket opened for shellfishing-With conditions (Vineyard Gazette, 5/18/12) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?35229

*         Best beaches guide for New England (Boston.com, 5/18/12) -
http://www.boston.com/travel/explorene/articles/2012/05/20/best_beaches_in_new_england/

*         Wetlands violator faces stiff state, town penalties (Vineyard Gazette, 5/18/12) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?35218

*         Schooner that sank off Mass. among federal icons (Boston.com, 5/18/12) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/05/18/schooner_that_sank_off_mass_among_federal_icons/?p1=Well_Local_Links

*         Weaver's Cove seeks draft permit to discharge stormwater into Taunton River (Herald News, 5/18/12) -
http://www.heraldnews.com/news/x1832932268/Weavers-Cove-seek-draft-permit-to-discharge-stormwater-into-Taunton-River#ixzz1vW1MEk2L

*         State confirms Wellfleet oyster illnesses (Cape Cod Times, 5/17/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120517/NEWS/205170335/-1/NEWS01

*         State officials urge residents to follow safe boating practices (EEA Press Release, 5/17/12) -
http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2012/120517-pr-safe-boating-urged.html

*         The vital chain: Connecting the ecosystems of land and sea (Yale Environment 360, 5/17/12) -
http://e360.yale.edu/feature/the_vital_chain_connecting_the_ecosystems_of_land_and_sea/2529/

*         Sterilizing that blasted ballast (New York Times Green Blog, 5/17/12) -
http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/05/17/sterilizing-that-blasted-ballast/

*         City backs off call on DPA (Gloucester Times, 5/16/12) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/topstories/x41013476/City-backs-off-call-on-DPA

*         Cape shellfishermen pledge safety (Cape Cod Times, 5/16/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120516/NEWS/205160322/-1/NEWS01

*         iPhone app can help track fish kills (SouthCoastToday.com, 5/16/12) -
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120516/NEWS/205160331

*         Transfer of ferry service to Massport raises questions for some (Patriot Ledger, 5/15/12) -
http://www.patriotledger.com/topstories/x775168904/Transfer-of-ferry-service-to-Massport-raises-questions-for-some

*         Extreme-weather text alerts set to begin (USA Today, 5/14/12) -
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/news/story/2012-05-13/extreme-weather-alerts-texts-cellphones/54943804/1

*         The Boston waterfront has arrived (Boston.com, 5/13/12) -
http://articles.boston.com/2012-05-13/lifestyle/31691086_1_south-boston-waterfront-business-association

*         Deal reached for nitrogen pollution reports on five Buzzards Bay waterways (SouthCoastToday.com, 5/12/12) -
http://www.southcoasttoday.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120512/NEWS/205120332

*         Chilling mandate for shellfish industry (Cape Cod Times, 5/12/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120512/NEWS/205120336/-1/NEWS01

*         Essex vote seen threatening flood insurance (Gloucester Times, 5/11/12) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1856223109/Essex-vote-seen-threatening-flood-insurance

*         'Sustainable' seafood labels come under fire (Scientific American, 5/11/12) -
http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=sustainable-seafood-labels-come-under-fire

*         State warns of Cape shellfish bacteria (Cape Cod Times, 5/10/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120510/NEWS/205100330/-1/NEWSLETTER100

*         Calico lobster on display at New England Aquarium (Boston.com, 5/10/12) -
http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2012/05/10/calico_lobster_on_display_at_new_england_aquarium/?p1=Well_Local_Links

*         Sand choking mouth of river (Daily News of Newburyport, 5/8/12) -
http://www.newburyportnews.com/local/x1856219299/Sand-choking-mouth-of-river

*         City seeks $4.5M to fix seawall (Gloucester Times, 5/7/12) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1640788124/City-seeks-4-5M-to-fix-seawall

*         Eels face poaching threat (Cape Cod Times, 5/7/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120507/NEWS/205070313/-1/NEWS01

*         Patrick-Murray administration recognizes 26 programs for excellence in energy and environmental education (EEA Press Release, 5/7/12) -
http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2012/120507-pr-excellence-education.html

*         Cape water deals go down the drain (Cape Cod Times, 5/5/12) -
http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120505/NEWS/205050330/-1/NEWSLETTER100

*         Commuter trip is in ferry bid (Salem News, 5/5/12) -
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x1585742337/Commuter-trip-is-in-ferry-bid

*         As severe erosion takes its toll, summer closure planned for Wasque Point (Vineyard Gazette, 5/4/12) -
http://www.mvgazette.com/article.php?35028

*         City gets one bid to run ferry (Salem News, 5/4/12) -
http://www.salemnews.com/local/x157480797/City-gets-one-bid-to-run-ferry

*         NOAA near-term weather forecasts get powerful boost from new computer model (NOAA News, 5/1/12) -
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2012/20120501_rapmodel.html

Other Items of Interest

COASTSWEEP 25th Anniversary - COASTSWEEP, the state-wide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM and the Urban Harbors Institute (UHI) at UMass Boston, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in September and October. Volunteers throughout Massachusetts turn out in large numbers each year for this event, which is part of an international campaign organized by The Ocean Conservancy in Washington, DC. Participants all over the world collect trash and other marine debris and record what they find, and this information is used to help reduce future marine debris problems. For the 25th anniversary, the goal is to clean up every coastal beach in Massachusetts! COASTSWEEP cleanups are a great learning opportunity for students of all ages, incorporating data collection, science, environmental education, and a beach day. Now is the perfect time for teachers to schedule their fall cleanups. All the cleanup supplies (bags, gloves, data cards, pencils, etc.) are provided free of charge, and cleanups can be scheduled at your convenience throughout September and October. And while now is the perfect time for teachers to sign up, anyone interested in organizing a cleanup is welcome (and more CZ-Mail reminders will follow for people who can't quite think about fall cleanups before Labor Day). To get involved, see the COASTSWEEP website<http://www.coastsweep.umb.edu/> or check out COASTSWEEP on Facebook<http://www.facebook.com/COASTSWEEP> or Twitter<https://twitter.com/#!/COASTSWEEP>.

Northeast Recreational Boater Survey - SeaPlan has partnered with CZM, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC), boating industry, UMass, and other state coastal management programs to conduct a 2012 Northeast Recreational Boater Survey as part of its efforts to advance ocean planning throughout the region. The survey will document saltwater recreational boating routes and define boaters$B!G(B contribution to state and regional economies. In May, 68,000 randomly selected boat owners from New England and New York were invited to participate in the survey. Each month, researchers will ask participants to enter boat trip information onto a mapping website. Data gathered will include details about fishing, wildlife viewing, other activities, and money spent from each trip. Results will directly support coastal and ocean management by bringing more comprehensive and spatially accurate information into planning and decision making. Sponsors, such as the Massachusetts Marine Trade Association and boat manufacturer Grady White, have provided incentive prizes for participants, including a grand prize of $5,000. Boaters that did not receive an invitation in the mail are encouraged to participate in a separate volunteer survey. The full survey and volunteer version are available on the SeaPlan website<http://www.neboatersurvey.org/>.

Water Quality and Invasive Species Teacher Training Program - The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant Program is offering a teacher training and environmental monitoring program<http://seagrant.mit.edu/wq.php> for high school teachers and informal educators who are willing to commit to taking student groups into the field at least once each year. Participants must attend a half-day training to learn how to perform basic water quality tests and identify invasive shore crabs. Participants will learn to assess temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, nitrates, salinity, turbidity, and total coliform bacteria. After successfully completing the training, teachers will be eligible to borrow test kits from one of the Kit Lending Library Sites.

MITS Summer Institute - The Marine Institute for Teaching Science (MITS) is accepting applications from school teachers to attend its Summer Institute<http://www.mits.org/development/summer-institute.aspx>, a professional development opportunity for teachers in upper-elementary through high school that is held from July 9-20. Summer Institutes are two-week (one week for High School) professional development workshops that model, teach, and encourage teachers to use inquiry-based, hands-on methods of teaching science, technology, engineering, and math. The registration deadline is June 6.

Cape Cod Field Schools - Through November, Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary is offering a variety of 2-, 3-, and 4-day field courses for adults that focus on the unique coastal environment and wildlife of Cape Cod. Cape Cod Field Schools<http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Wellfleet/fieldschools.php> emphasize active, outdoor, "in-the-field" experiences and are taught by professional naturalists and scientists.

Wild Arts and Ecology - This summer, Mass Audubon$B!G(Bs Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable will present Wild Arts and Ecology<http://www.massaudubon.org/Nature_Connection/Sanctuaries/Long_Pasture/news.php?id=1881&event=no>, a morning program where children explore the sanctuary$B!G(Bs110 acres with tidal flats, butterfly meadows, ponds and woodlands, and Barnstable Harbor. Participants will enjoy guided kayak trips, marine cruises, lectures, and bird, butterfly, horseshoe crab, tidal flat, and sheep walks. For more information, contact Jodie at (508) 362-7475.

Summer Science School - In July and August, the Waquoit Bay Reserve Foundation sponsors a Science School for students entering grades 2-9 and TIDAL Quest, a week-long, field-based research program for high school students. Each session is one week and children are permitted to attend one session. For details, see the program brochure<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/HotLinks/2012%20Science%20School.pdf> (PDF, 36 KB).

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=June%202012%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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