[SEMCO] May 2014 CZ-Mail

[CZ-Mail (ENV)]

CZ-MAIL

May 2014

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, 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 to 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=May%202014%20CZ-Mail>. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter<http://twitter.com/MassCZM>.



Coastal Erosion Commission Workshops

Following on its first meeting in March 2014, the Coastal Erosion Commission has established three working groups and scheduled a series of five regional workshops. The three working groups on Science and Technical, Erosion Impacts, and Legal and Regulatory are working on specific tasks that will provide assistance to and support for the Commission in completing its charge. (For details, see the Working Group Tasks<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/czm/erosion-commission/working-groups-tasks.pdf> [PDF, 130 KB].) The goals of the upcoming regional workshops are to introduce the Commission and its charge, present information related to coastal erosion and shoreline management approaches, seek public and stakeholder feedback, and communicate the Commission's process and next steps. The regional workshop dates, location, and times are:

·         South Coast Region - May 21, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Buzzards Bay Coalition, Croll Conference Room, 114 Front Street, New Bedford.

·         Boston Harbor Region - May 22, 2:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m. at the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, 2nd Floor Conference Rooms B-C-D, 100 Cambridge Street, Boston.

·         North Shore Region - May 28, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Gloucester City Hall, Kyrouz Auditorium, 9 Dale Avenue, Gloucester.

·         Cape Cod and Islands Region - June 3, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates Chamber, First District Courthouse, Route 6A, Barnstable.

·         South Shore Region - June 16, 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Marshfield Senior Center, 230 Webster Street, Marshfield.

For more information, see the Commission's website<http://www.mass.gov/eea/waste-mgnt-recycling/coasts-and-oceans/coastal-erosion-commission.html>.



2014 Coastal Community Resilience Grants Awarded

On April 4, Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Rick Sullivan announced nearly $1 million in funding through CZM's Coastal Community Resilience Grants Program<http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/czm/program-areas/stormsmart-coasts/grants/> to support local climate preparedness efforts to address the effects of coastal storms, flooding, erosion, and sea level rise now and into the future. The 10 grant award recipients are the communities of Barnstable, Boston, Brewster, Gloucester, Hingham, Hull, Oak Bluffs, Provincetown, Salem, and Weymouth. Grants funded through the first round include projects that will increase awareness of sea level rise and other climate impacts, identify community vulnerabilities and risks, develop targeted strategies, and implement on-the-ground measures to increase community resilience. For more information on this year's Coastal Community Resilience Grants, see the EEA press release<http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2014/coastal-grants.html>.



Gloucester Designated Port Area Boundary Review Decision

On April 23, CZM issued the Designation Decision for the Gloucester Inner Harbor Designated Port Area (DPA), concluding the comprehensive DPA boundary review process for the City of Gloucester initiated in March 2013 at the request of the City. The decision affirms the findings and proposed DPA boundary modifications in CZM's February 3, 2014, designation report, Boundary Review of the Gloucester Inner Harbor Designated Port Area. The boundary modification was made in accordance with criteria governing the suitability of contiguous lands and waters to accommodate water-dependent industrial use pursuant to 301 CMR 25.00<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/czm/fcr-regs/301-cmr-25.pdf> (PDF, 75 KB). The Commonwealth's DPA policy seeks to promote water-dependent industries as an important sector of the state's economy and prevent the loss of areas that have certain key characteristics that make them particularly well suited to water-dependent industrial uses. CZM is responsible for mapping, interpreting, and periodic review of DPA boundaries. For more on the Gloucester decision, see the Designation Decision<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/czm/port-harbor/decisions/gloucester-dpa-designation-decision-2014.pdf> (PDF, 1.27 MB), updated DPA map<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/czm/port-harbor/dpa/gloucester-inner-harbor-dpa-map-2014.pdf> (PDF, 4.73 MB), and DPA description<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/czm/port-harbor/dpa/gloucester-inner-harbor-dpa-description-2014.pdf> (PDF, 88 KB). For more information on DPAs, see CZM's Port and Harbor Planning Program - Designated Port Areas website<http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/czm/program-areas/port-and-harbor-planning/designated-port-areas/>.



For Daily Updates, Follow CZM on Twitter

As reported in the last CZ-Mail, CZM launched its new Twitter feed on April 1. Following CZM on Twitter ensures that you do not miss any late-breaking job and grant postings, comment opportunities, calendar items, and other time-sensitive updates that hit between CZ-Mail editions. Some top tweets from CZM in April included:

·         Coastal Erosion Commission Update - The agenda and presentations from the March 27 meeting are posted here http://ow.ly/vLoKz<http://t.co/EJpXXpcd1a>

·         Spring is the time to add natural protection to your coastal property by planting beachgrass: http://ow.ly/voGz3<http://t.co/aG3W5X3xw2> pic.twitter.com/2k3GdZg7GE<http://t.co/2k3GdZg7GE>

·         Paid internship available with CZM for summer and fall - COASTSWEEP coastal cleanup social media coordinator: http://ow.ly/vqE67<http://t.co/pIkkvPkvzr>

To check out all of CZM's tweets to date, see http://twitter.com/MassCZM. Signing up to follow CZM is easy-create a free Twitter account and just click "follow" on the CZM Twitter page.



CZ-Tip: Build a Better Boardwalk over Your Dune or Bank this Spring

Now that the winter storm season has passed, it's a good time to assess the damage and make repairs to your coastal property. A common casualty of coastal storms is beach access structures. Boardwalks, walkways, and stairways are often damaged or completely destroyed, and pathways are eroded or washed out. But don't despair-the need to rebuild presents an excellent opportunity to improve the design of your accessway to minimize impacts to coastal dunes and banks. For details on building walkways, stairways, and boardwalks in ways that minimize their impacts, see CZ-Tip - Basics of Building Beach Access Structures that Protect Dunes and Banks<http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/czm/program-areas/communications/cz-tips/cz-tip-boardwalks.html>.



Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) are inviting communities, state agencies, and tribal governments and territories to submit applications for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. These competitive grants assist applicants with hazard mitigation planning and the implementation of hazard mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property due to natural hazards. In May and June, DCR and MEMA will hold several briefings and a conference call for potential applicants to explain applicant eligibility requirements, the types of projects that are eligible, and the non-federal cost-share. They will also offer technical assistance meetings to provide applicants an opportunity to discuss their specific project proposal and ask questions of the State Hazard Mitigation Team. CZM strongly encourages all potential applicants to attend one of these sessions. For complete grant details, see the MEMA website<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/agencies/mema/hazard-mitigation/grants>. Full applications are due by July 9.



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

·         §319 Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is seeking proposals for the §319 Nonpoint Source Pollution Competitive Grants Program to fund comprehensive projects that address nonpoint sources of pollution affecting water quality. For details, see the Request for Responses on the COMMBUYS website<https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo?docId=BD-14-1045-BRP00-BRP02-00000000027&external=true&parentUrl=bid>. For more information about past §319 projects, see the MassDEP website<http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/water/grants/watersheds-water-quality.html#2>. Proposals are due by May 30.

·         Parks and Conservation Grants - EEA's Division of Conservation Services (DCS) is seeking applications for the fiscal year 2015 Conservation Assistance for Small Communities<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/conservation-appraisals.html>, Parkland Acquisition and Renovations for Communities<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/massachusetts-parkland-acquisitions-and.html> (PARC), Local Acquisitions for Natural Diversity<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/massachusetts-local-acquisitions-for-natural.html> (LAND), Conservation Partnership<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/conservation-partnership-grant.html>, and Landscape Partnership<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/grants-and-loans/dcs/grant-programs/landscape-partnership-program.html> grants. Conservation Assistance grants provide reimbursement funding to small municipalities to prepare Open Space and Recreation Plans and/or appraisals (requirements for other DCS grant programs). PARC grants help communities to acquire parkland, develop new parks, and renovate existing parks. LAND grants provide funds to municipal conservation commissions for the purchase of conservation land and conservation restrictions. Conservation Partnership grants provide funds to nonprofit organizations for land acquisitions. Landscape Partnership grants provide funds to municipalities, nonprofits, and EEA agencies for large land acquisitions (greater than 500 acres). Conservation Assistance applications are due by May 30, PARC and LAND grants applications are due by June 18, Conservation Partnership applications are due by June 20, and Landscape Partnership are due by July 31.



Products/Publications

Massachusetts Ocean Plan Marine Cable Case Study - SeaPlan has conducted a case study on the first project approved under the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan<http://www.mass.gov/eea/waste-mgnt-recycling/coasts-and-oceans/mass-ocean-plan/>. Comcast Cable and NSTAR Energy proposed installing a 4.5-mile cable to provide both electricity and high speed internet to Martha's Vineyard with a goal to avoid sensitive marine habitats identified by the ocean plan. Once completed, the cable will be 80% buried and will wind around areas important to sea life, such as eelgrass beds and rock piles. The case study indicates that the project is an example of how ocean planning can lead to better economic and environmental results. For details, see "Massachusetts Ocean Plan Improves Review and Permitting for Hybrid Submarine Cable Project<http://digital.eco-tsc.com/publication/?i=205327&ver=html5&p=46#{%22page%22:46,%22issue_id%22:205327}>" in the May 2014 edition of ECO: Environment Coastal and Offshore magazine.



IPCC Climate Change Report - The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has issued Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability<http://www.ipcc-wg2.gov/AR5>, a report that details the impacts of climate change to date, the future risks from a changing climate, and the opportunities for effective action to reduce risks. A total of 309 coordinating lead authors and review editors, drawn from 70 countries, were selected to produce the report, which states that the effects of climate change are already occurring on all continents and across the oceans, and that in many cases, the world is ill-prepared for risks from a changing climate.



2013 Global Climate Report - NOAA's National Climatic Data Center has released the State of the Climate 2013<http://www.ncdc.noaa.gov/news/ncdc-releases-2013-global-climate-report>, the 24th in the series of annual State of the Climate reports. The report provides an update of global climate indicators, notable weather events, and other data collected by environmental monitoring stations and instruments. The 2013 report finds that the average global temperature for 2013 tied as the fourth warmest year since record keeping began in 1880.



Primary Frontal Dunes Fact Sheet - FEMA has released a new Primary Frontal Dunes Fact Sheet<https://www.fema.gov/media-library/assets/documents/92336>, which highlights general information about primary frontal dunes (PFDs) as well as how FEMA assesses and accounts for PFDs during coastal flood hazard mapping studies. This fact sheet also defines common terms related to coastal flood hazard mapping studies and provides links to relevant pages on FEMA.gov<http://www.fema.gov>.



Green Infrastructure Fact Sheet - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has released Improving Community Resiliency with Green Infrastructure<http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/upload/gi_resiliency.pdf> (PDF, 1 MB), a fact sheet that highlights green infrastructure projects from around the country. Green infrastructure uses vegetation, soils, and natural processes to manage water and create healthier urban environments.



Federal Climate Adaptation Programs Guide - The Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies has released the Resource Guide to Federal Climate Adaptation Programs for State Fish & Wildlife Agencies<http://www.aswm.org/pdf_lib/resource_guide_to_federal_climate_adaptation_programs.pdf> (PDF, 2 MB), a guide for staff at state fish and wildlife agencies that provides information on federal agencies' climate adaptation programs and the tools and resources available through these programs.



Regional Climate Outlook - The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment Climate Network has launched the Gulf of Maine Region Quarterly Climate Impacts and Outlook<http://www.gulfofmaine.org/2/climate-network-climate-outlook/> (GOM Outlook), a new quarterly product collaboratively developed by U.S. and Canadian meteorologists. GOM Outlook provides a two-page snapshot of recent weather events and anomalies, discusses regional weather impacts on the region's ecosystems and economy, and offers a forecast for the coming three months.



NPS News-Notes - The April 2014 issue of Nonpoint Source News-Notes<http://water.epa.gov/polwaste/nps/outreach/NewsNotes_index.cfm>, an EPA newsletter, explores new and innovative programs, tools, and resources that are available to help manage polluted runoff. This issues features articles on climate change and urban development, green infrastructure, and other nonpoint news.



Newswave - The Winter 2014 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, features articles on Hurricane Sandy grants, loss of coastal wetlands, and other ocean and coastal news.



Web-Based Resources

National Ocean Economics Data - The NOAA Coastal Services Center's Digital Coast has launched Economics: National Ocean Watch<http://www.csc.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/data/enow> (ENOW), an online database that provides time-series data on the ocean and Great Lakes economy, which includes six economic sectors dependent on the oceans and Great Lakes. ENOW provides tools that describe ocean-dependent economic activities in concrete terms of jobs, wages, and gross domestic product. Data is available for counties, states, regions, and the nation.



Sustainable Working Waterfronts Toolkit - The National Working Waterfront Network has launched the Sustainable Working Waterfronts Toolkit<http://www.wateraccessus.com/toolkit.html>, which provides information about the historical and current use of waterfront space, the economic value of working waterfronts, and legal, policy, and financing tools that can be used to preserve, enhance, and protect these valuable areas. The Toolkit also features case studies of successful working waterfront initiatives from communities around the country.



Local Mitigation Planning - The U.S. Department of Homeland Security Science and Technology Coastal Hazard Center of Excellence and the University of North Carolina have launched Beyond the Basics: Best Practices in Local Mitigation Planning<http://mitigationguide.org/>, a new website designed to help guide users through the process of developing or updating a local hazard mitigation plan that will meet the requirements for approval by FEMA. The website offers practical approaches and examples for how communities can engage in effective planning to reduce long-term risk from natural disasters.



Ocean Management and Conservation Apps - OpenChannels, an online forum for ocean planning and management, in coordination with the Ecosystem Based Management Tools Network, have published Apps for Ocean Management and Conservation<http://openchannels.org/software-tools/apps-ocean-management-and-conservation>, which provides a recommended list of mobile device applications (apps) that may be useful to coastal and marine conservationist and resource managers.



Northeast Ocean Data Portal Updates - The Northeast Ocean Data Portal<http://www.northeastoceandata.org/> has added new data on commercial vessel activity, bird habitat and nesting sites, and marine mammal and shellfish habitats.



Coastal Resilience Webinar - On April 1, the Northeast Regional Ocean Council (NROC) held a series of webinars on Building Coastal Resilience in New England. Webinar presentations included the results of NROC's Coastal Community Resilience Grant program. Presentations are available on the NROC website<http://northeastoceancouncil.org/library/> under the "Coastal Hazards Resilience Committee."



Climate Data Initiative - The new Climate Data Initiative is a broad effort to leverage the federal government's extensive, freely available, climate-relevant data resources to stimulate innovation and private-sector entrepreneurship in support of national climate-change preparedness. In this pilot phase, data and resources related to coastal flooding, sea level rise, and their impacts are available through Data.gov<http://www.data.gov/climate/>. Additional data and tools relevant to other important climate-related impacts, including risks to human health, the food supply, and energy infrastructure, will be added. For further information on the new initiative, see the White House press release<http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2014/03/19/fact-sheet-president-s-climate-data-initiative-empowering-america-s-comm>.



Public Comment

Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor<http://www.env.state.ma.us/mepa/emonitor.aspx>, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) office. Available opportunities for public comment from other agencies and organizations are provided below.



Reminders - These public comment opportunities, listed in the last CZ-Mail, are still open:

·         Hazard Mitigation Grant Program - FEMA is seeking comments on the administration of the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program<http://www.fema.gov/hazard-mitigation-grant-program>. FEMA is proposing a new method of program delivery that may provide states and tribes with increased oversight in the implementation of the grant program. For details on this opportunity, including commenting instructions, see the Federal Register posting<http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-03-12/html/2014-05437.htm>. Comments are due by May 12.

·         Proposed Flood Hazard Determinations: Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop - FEMA is seeking comments on the proposed Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) and Flood Insurance Study (FIS) for communities in Suffolk County (Boston, Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop). The FIRMs and FISs are the basis for the floodplain management measures that a community must adopt to participate in the National Flood Insurance Program. The preliminary FIRMs and the FIS for the proposed Base Flood Elevations are available on the FEMA website<http://www.fema.gov/preliminaryfloodhazarddata> and at each community's city/town hall. Submit comments, identified by Docket No. FEMA-B-1356, by June 4 to Luis Rodriguez at Luis.Rodriguez3 at fema.dhs.gov<mailto:Luis.Rodriguez3 at fema.dhs.gov>.



Calendar

Rain Garden Celebration - On May 3, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold a Rain Garden Celebration<http://www.ccmnh.org/Events/Rain-Garden-celebration> with Landscape Architect Amanda Sloan. The Museum has been planning a rain garden for the past year and is ready to reveal it. Rain gardens provide an important function by collecting and purifying rainfall and stormwater runoff. Ms. Sloan, the rain garden designer, will discuss the design, construction, and environmental impacts of the Museum's new rain garden.



Penguins and Polar Bears - On May 4, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will host the Elisabeth and Henry Morss Jr. Colloquium, From Penguins to Polar Bears: Impacts of Climate Change<http://www.whoi.edu/main/penguinspolarbears> at Redfield Auditorium in Woods Hole.



Aquarium Lecture Series - Through June 3, the New England Aquarium will host the Aquarium Lecture Series<http://www.neaq.org/education_and_activities/programs_and_classes/aquarium_lecture_series/index.php>, which will feature free lectures and films by scientists, environmental writers, photographers, and others. The next lecture is on May 6 with Shark Research Confessions: Introductions and Adventures in the Field featuring eight New England region shark experts.



Green Infrastructure Webcasts - EPA's Green Infrastructure Program Webcast Series<http://water.epa.gov/infrastructure/greeninfrastructure/gi_training.cfm> features bimonthly webcasts geared toward public officials and practitioners just beginning to implement green infrastructure, as well as those looking to enhance established programs. The next webcast, More Bang for the Buck: Integrating Green Infrastructure into Existing Public Works Projects, is on May 6.



Ocean Data Lecture - On May 7, the Northeastern University Marine Science Center will host Ocean Data: A Life Cycle<http://calendar.northeastern.edu/event/ocean_data_a_life_cycle?utm_campaign=widget&utm_medium=widget&utm_source=widget#.U0_0vVe9ZGU>, a talk by CZM Coastal and Marine Scientist Dr. Todd Callaghan and GIS/Data Manager Dan Sampson. Dr. Callaghan will discuss CZM's Seafloor Mapping Program and Dan Sampson will describe the ocean data "life cycle" in which data are collected, interpreted, and presented in a format that can be used for resolving conflicts around resource use.



Build-a-Drifter Educator Workshop - On May 10, the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution will hold a Build-a-Drifter Educator Professional Development Workshop<http://www.neracoos.org/drifters_May2014>. Participants will learn to build and deploy an ocean drifter-a tool that teaches oceanography and how surface ocean currents circulate to students in real-time. The use of ocean observing data and tools in the classroom will also be included in the workshop.



Cape Ann Coastal Climate Change Workshop - On May 14, Maritime Gloucester and partners will hold Our Changing Shoreline? A Cape Ann Community Workshop<http://maritimegloucester.org/visit/event.php?s=2014-05-14-our-changing-shoreline-a-cape-ann-community-workshop>, an evening workshop designed to provide information and foster discussion about past, present, and potential future changes to Cape Ann area beaches and coastline. CZM's Kathryn Glenn and Julia Knisel will discuss beach dynamics, available tools and resources to assess and understand potential impacts of climate change on the local shoreline, and guidance on practical measures to enhance coastal resiliency. The workshop will held from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Rose Baker Senior Center at 6 Manuel F. Lewis Street in Gloucester. This session is the first in a series of community-wide conversations designed to develop Cape Ann's collective capacity to create effective strategies and make informed decisions on the potential impacts of climate change.



Birdwatching for Beginners - In May and June, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will hold Birdwatching for Beginners<http://www.ccmnh.org/Events/Birdwatching-for-Beginners> with Gretchen Moran Towers, who will present basic skills designed to enable bird identification through sight and sound. Each session is followed by an outdoor venture to view birds in their natural habitat. The next session is on May 15.



Sea Semester Spring Lecture Series - Through May, as part of its Spring Lecture Series, Sea Semester will hold monthly lectures<http://www.sea.edu/sea_news/sea_events> in Woods Hole. On May 18, Captain Elliot Rappaport will present Leadership Training in the Marine Environment.



Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle - On May 18, the Mystic River Watershed Association will hold the 2014 Mystic River Herring Run and Paddle<http://mysticriver.org/herring-run-paddle/>. The day's events include a 5K run/walk race, three paddling races (3, 9, and 12 miles), educational booths, children's activities, and more.



Massachusetts Statewide Emergency Management Conference - From May 28-29, the 2014 Massachusetts Statewide Emergency Management Conference<http://www.mass.gov/eopss/docs/mema/training/conferences/2014-emergency-management-conference/save-the-date-flyer-mema-conference-may-28-29-2014.pdf> (PDF, 200 KB) will be held in Worcester. This two-day conference provides an opportunity for emergency management professionals and partners to train and network with local, state, and federal practitioners. The conference will feature interactive presentations, plenary, panel, and break-out sessions on model practices, tools and technologies, and lessons learned for planning, preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation.



BUAR Public Meeting - On May 29 at 1:30 p.m., the Board of Underwater Archaeological Resources<http://www.mass.gov/czm/buar> (BUAR) will hold its bi-monthly public meeting in the CZM Large Conference Room. The preliminary agenda includes discussion/approval of minutes for the March 27 meeting, renewal of five permits, approval of one special use permit, and discussion of permittee, outreach, and research activities. For more information, contact BUAR Director, Victor Mastone, at victor.mastone at state.ma.us<mailto:victor.mastone at state.ma.us>.



Cape Cod Sea Level Rise and Groundwater Workshop - On May 29, the Association to Preserve Cape Cod and partners will host Effects of Sea Level Rise on Cape Cod's Groundwater System<http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event;jsessionid=30EA55C005AD908698973BFF70AA16CA.worker_registrant?llr=fpi94jcab&oeidk=a07e990vidk9a58d8b5>, a free public workshop on efforts by U.S. Geological Survey hydrologists to model the effects of sea level rise on the mid-Cape's aquifer. The workshop will be held from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Barnstable County Complex in Barnstable.



Floodplain Management Conference-Call for Abstracts - From September 2-5, the Flood Management Association will hold the Floodplain Management Annual Conference<http://www.floodplain.org/pages/annual-conference>: Keeping Our Heads Above Water in Santa Clara, California. This annual conference provides a forum for floodplain management experts and policy makers to address local, state, and federal regulatory and policy issues pertaining to flood risk management and planning. See the Call for Abstracts<https://membersfloodplain.site-ym.com/?2014Abstract>, which are due by May 30.



Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium - On May 31, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will host the 18th Annual Cape Cod Maritime History Symposium<http://www.ccmnh.org/Events/Maritime-symposium>, with topics to include maritime maps of Cape Cod, the Cape Cod Canal, pirate treasures along the Cape coast, and Cape Cod and the War of 1812.



Hazus Conference-Call for Abstracts - From August 4-6, the seventh annual Hazus Conference<http://www.hazusconference.com/>, Translating Risk Assessment into Resilience and Policy, will be held in Indianapolis, Indiana. Hazus is a nationally applicable, standardized methodology that contains models for estimating potential losses from earthquakes, floods, and hurricanes. Participants are encouraged to submit presentation abstracts on innovative Hazus-related applications such as, but not limited to, the use of Hazus in flood, earthquake, or hurricane studies, international applications of Hazus, academic uses, or enhancements of Hazus hazard and exposure inputs. See the Call for Abstracts<http://www.hazusconference.com/get-involved/abstracts.html>, which are due by June 1.



Floodplain Management Conference - From June 1-6, the Association of State Floodplain Managers will hold its 38th annual National Conference<http://www.asfpmconference.org>, Making Room for Floods and Fish, in Seattle, Washington. Presentations will focus on the many issues and problems associated with managing flood risk including coastal flood risk reduction, inundation mapping, modeling, community resilience, protecting floodplains and fragile natural resources, and more.



Cape Coastal Conference - From June 5-6, the Waquoit Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve (WBNERR) will host the 2nd Annual Cape Coastal Conference<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/education-training/coastal-training-programs/2014-cape-coastal-conference-2/>, State of the Cape: Implementing Strategies to Improve Water Quality & Coastal Resilience, in Barnstable.



World Oceans Day - World Oceans Day is June 8 and activities celebrating oceans and coasts are held across the world throughout June. The 2014 theme is Together We Have the Power to Protect the Ocean. See the World Oceans Day website<http://worldoceansday.org/> to view or submit events.



Fish Passage Conference - From June 9-11, the International Conference on Engineering and Ecohydrology for Fish Passage<http://www.fishpassageconference.com/> will be held in Madison, Wisconsin. Fish Passage 2014 is a national forum on fish passage issues for researchers and practitioners with sessions in engineering, biology, management, and social issues.



Coastal Zone Canada Conference - From June 15-19, the Coastal Zone Canada 2014 Conference<http://www.czca-azcc.org/czc-zcc2014/home.htm> will be held in Halifax, Nova Scotia. This conference is the leading interdisciplinary forum held for professionals from across Canada and around the world to meet and discuss all aspects of coastal and ocean management.



Climate Change Symposium - From June 16-18, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Sea Grant Program, in coordination with CZM and Urban Harbors Institute, will convene Sustaining Coastal Cities under Future Uncertainties, a 3-day Climate Change Symposium<http://seagrant.mit.edu/conferences/CCS2014/> on the sustainability of coastal cities with increasing storms, flooding, precipitation, and surges. This interdisciplinary conference will address concerns over changes in sea levels, storm surges, extreme precipitation events, and flooding and discuss options for adapting to these risks.



Low Impact Development Conference-Call for Abstracts - From January 17-21, 2015 the 2015 International Low Impact Development (LID) Conference<http://www.asce.org/ewri/Conferences/2015-International-Low-Impact-Development-%28LID%29-Conference/> will be held in Houston, Texas. This conference will highlight new and ongoing work including research, development, and community adoption of LID throughout the United States and across the globe. Abstracts are welcome that address the design, performance, and policy aspects of LID and Green Infrastructure use in Texas, and in low relief coastal areas. Submit abstracts by June 23 through the conference website<http://submissions.miracd.com/ASCE/lid2015/login.asp>.



Wetlands Restoration Workshop - From June 24-25, Mass Audubon's Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary in Barnstable will host a Hands-On Wetland Restoration Workshop for Professionals<http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/long-pasture/news-events/hands-on-wetland-creation-workshop-for-professionals>. This workshop is designed for individuals interested in learning how to use practical, low-cost techniques for restoring naturally appearing and functioning wetlands. Lead by wetland restoration expert Tom Biebighauser, participants will see how wetland projects can be planned for land trust properties and other private conserved lands and public land to benefit plants, animals, and people.



Water Education Conference - From June 24-27, the Project WET Foundation will hold the 2014 Water Education Conference<https://mtds.emeetingsonline.com/emeetings/websitev2.asp?mmnno=292&pagename=SITE8103>, Sustaining the Blue Planet, in Big Sky, Montana. The goal of the conference is to increase the knowledge and capacity of participants to effectively provide water education to children, parents, educators, and communities.



AWRA Summer Conference - From June 30-July 2, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) will hold the 2014 Summer Specialty Conference<http://www.awra.org/meetings/Reno2014/index.html>: Integrated Water Resources Management - From Theory to Application in Reno, Nevada. This conference will provide researchers, practitioners, and academicians a forum to discuss the latest refinements in Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) concepts, and to assess the efficacy of using IWRM principles in water resources planning and management activities.



Wetlands and Rivers Month Calendar - May is Wetlands Month and June is Rivers Month. This online calendar<http://www.mass.gov/eea/docs/dfg/der/riversandwetlandscalendar2014.pdf> (PDF, 1.4 MB) 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 6.



Teachers on the Estuary - This summer, the WBNERR will again offer the research and field-based teacher training program, Teachers on the Estuary. This program is designed to improve teachers' and students' understanding of the environment using local research examples. This year's program will focus on salt marshes and climate change. The program will run from July 14-17, plus a follow-up session in November. For more information, see the WBNERR website<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/education-training/education-programs/teacher-training/>.



Boating Safety Course - Through June, the Massachusetts Environmental Police will offer Boat Massachusetts<http://www.mass.gov/eea/grants-and-tech-assistance/enforcement/environmental-police/boat-and-recreation-vehicle-safety-bureau/boating-safety-course-schedule.html>, 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.).



Walks, Lectures, and Events on Outer Cape Cod - Mass Audubon's Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary offers a variety of educational programs for children and adults, including naturalist-led bird walks and nature adventures for preschoolers. For more information, search their calendar of programs, classes, and activities<http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/wellfleet-bay/programs-classes-activities>.



Ipswich River Wildlife Programs and Activities - Mass Audubon's Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary provides numerous nature walks, talks, and adventures. See the program catalog<http://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/ipswich-river/programs-classes-activities> for event and schedule information.



Walks in Harwich - The Harwich Conservation Trust has posted its schedule of walks through June. All walks are free and open to the public. See the Trust's website<http://harwichconservationtrust.org/walks-events/walk-schedule/> for details.



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/Events/Wednesday-Walks-Connie-Boyce>.



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

·         GIS and Water Resources Conference - From May 12-14, the American Water Resources Association will hold the Spring Specialty Conference GIS and Water Resources VIII - Data to Decisions<http://www.awra.org/meetings/SnowBird2014/index.html> in Salt Lake City, Utah. Researchers, practitioners, and academicians will come together to learn and share the latest and best practices on using GIS to make informed water resource decisions.

·         Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Conference - From May 19-21, Antioch University New England and EPA Region 1 will host Local Solutions: Northeast Climate Change Preparedness Conference<http://www.antiochne.edu/innovation/climate-change-preparedness/> at Antioch in Keene, New Hampshire. This regional conference for local planners, decision makers, and educators will focus on how to create healthy resilient communities that are better prepared to handle severe weather and climate impacts.

·         Environmental Business Council Awards - On May 21, the Environmental Business Council (EBC) will hold the 24th annual Meeting and Awards Celebration<http://www.ebcne.org/index.php?id=77&no_cache=1&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5bcaldatets%5d=1370059200&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5bdaylistts%5d=1371009600&tx_ciceventscalendar_pi1%5bsinuid%5d=932&cHash=0cbdce658a2a761e97732445bdcbf7ab> 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.



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.)

·         State affirms new boundaries for city's DPA (Gloucester Times, 4/24/14) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x2117347927/State-affirms-new-boundaries-for-citys-DPA

·         Provincetown wins $100k grant to boost coastal 'resilience' (WickedLocal.com, 4/12/14) -
http://truro.wickedlocal.com/article/20140412/NEWS/140419684/?tag=1

·         State divides $1m among 10 coastal towns (Boston Globe, 4/10/14) -
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2014/04/09/coastal-communities-share-million-help-solve-problems-from-storms-and-rising-seas/qx3fFl5ZEx3OJ6TXLZIyKI/story.html

·         Gloucester, Salem get funds to help fight flooding (Boston Globe, 4/9/14) -
http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2014/04/09/state-grants-help-gloucester-salem-fortify-against-climate-change-effects/i1LJISrRe3lK1f7Ng3Q0zM/story.html

·         City lands $50K grant to study coastal threats (Gloucester Times, 4/9/14) -
http://www.gloucestertimes.com/local/x1445032809/City-lands-50K-grant-to-study-coastal-threats

·         New England's 'sand wars' intensifying (ecoRInews, 4/7/14) -
http://www.ecori.org/massachusetts-climate/2014/4/7/new-englands-sand-wars-intensifying.html

·         Patrick Administration awards 10 grants to combat climate change impacts in coastal communities (EEA Press Release, 4/4/14) -
http://www.mass.gov/eea/pr-2014/coastal-grants.html

·         Scituate, Marshfield seek $4.8 million for South River dredging (Patriot Ledger, 4/2/14) -
http://www.patriotledger.com/article/20140402/NEWS/140409302



Other Items of Interest

Ocean Awareness Student Contest - The From the Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Student Contest<http://www.fromthebowseat.org/contest.php> promotes ocean stewardship among high school students and provides cash prizes for winning essays, art, and advocacy. This year's theme, Ocean Plastic Pollution, focuses on current threats to the marine life of the Gulf of Maine. Entries are due by June 15.



Mass Audubon Photo Contest - Mass Audubon is holding its 2014 Picture This: Your Great Outdoors photo contest<http://www.massaudubon.org/news-events/photo-contest/>, open to all participants. They welcome striking digital images that highlight the beauty and diversity of Massachusetts wildlife, habitats, and people in nature. Judges will select up to 12 winners (two in each of six categories). Entries are due by September 30.



KidSummer - This summer, the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History will offer KidSummer<http://ccmnh.org/KidSummer-Day-Program>, which provides a range of programs for 3-15 year olds that encourages learning and appreciation of the environment through age-appropriate, STEM-based curriculum and indoor/outdoor activities led by educators/naturalists. Registration is available for weekly sessions (June 30-August 15) through the museum's FamilyID website<https://www.familyid.com/cape-cod-museum-of-natural-history>.



Cape Cod Field Schools - Through December, 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/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/wellfleet-bay/programs-classes-activities/cape-cod-field-schools> emphasize active, outdoor, "in-the-field" experiences and are taught by professional naturalists and scientists.



Summer Science School - In July and August, the Waquoit Bay Reserve Foundation sponsors a Summer Science School<http://www.waquoitbayreserve.org/education-training/education-programs/summer-science-school/> for students entering grades 2-12. Each session is one week and children are permitted to attend one session.



Coastal Ocean Science Academy - The Northeastern University Marine Science Center in Nahant is accepting applications for the 2014 Coastal Ocean Science Academy<http://www.northeastern.edu/marinescience/visiting-the-msc/pre-k-12-programs/coastal-ocean-science-academy/>, a two-week summer experience held from August 11-22 that is open to students entering grades 9-12. Participants experience firsthand diverse New England coastal habitats and marine resources, engaging in hands-on research and inquiry activities. For 2014, the program will also offer a one-week middle school session from July 21-25.







Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Deval L. Patrick, 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=May%202014%20CZ-Mail>

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. NA13NOS4190040.

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.

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://mailman.whoi.edu/pipermail/semco/attachments/20140502/cc0923dc/attachment.htm