[SEMCO] October 2021 CZ-Mail

[CZ-Mail at mass.gov]

CZ-MAIL
October 2021

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<https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-office-of-coastal-zone-management>. To subscribe to CZ-Mail, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-czmail at listserv.state.ma.us<mailto:join-env-czmail 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 mass.gov<mailto:CZ-Mail at mass.gov?subject=October%202021%20CZ-Mail>. For daily updates from CZM, please follow us on Twitter<https://twitter.com/MassCZM>.

If the text of this email is not displaying properly, please see the online version<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/cz-mail-october-2021>.

CZM Seeks Public Comment on the Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan
On September 22, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) issued the Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan for public review, hearings, and a 60-day public comment period. The draft 2021 ocean plan is the second formal amendment of the original Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan, which was issued by EEA in December 2009 as required by the Oceans Act of 2008. The 2009 ocean plan established protections for critical marine habitat and important water-dependent uses in the Massachusetts Ocean Management Planning Area and set siting and performance standards for specific ocean-based development. EEA is required by the Oceans Act to review the ocean plan every five years. The first review and update process resulted in the development of the 2015 ocean plan. In 2019, the second review and update process for the ocean plan was initiated. This effort was led by CZM on behalf of EEA, working closely with the Ocean Advisory Commission and Ocean Science Advisory Council. A review of the 2015 ocean plan, as well as a proposed scope for ocean plan amendment, were made available for public comment in Fall 2020, and a final review document was published in December 2020. For links to the draft 2021 ocean plan, additional information on the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan, and the review and update process, see the Review and Update of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan website<http://www.mass.gov/service-details/review-and-update-of-the-massachusetts-ocean-management-plan>. Email comments on the draft 2021 ocean plan by 5:00 p.m. on November 30 to oceanplan at mass.gov<mailto:oceanplan at mass.gov> or mail written comments to:

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
ATTN: Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114

For more information, please contact CZM at czm at mass.gov<mailto:czm at mass.gov>.

CZM Kicks Off Coastal Resilience Projects During Climate Week
On September 21 at a Climate Week event in Marblehead, CZM Director Lisa Berry Engler celebrated the start of this year’s 19 Coastal Resilience Grant projects with local partners. The event focused on Marblehead’s efforts to reduce coastal flooding and sea level rise impacts to the Marblehead Municipal Light Department (MMLD) and adjacent municipal properties that support fishing and boating, and included a boat tour along this vulnerable section of Marblehead Harbor. With the support of the Board of Selectmen, Municipal Light Commission, and Harbors and Waters Board, the local project team including Salem Sound Coastwatch and consultants is working to retrofit the MMLD, improve the design of seawalls constructed over half a century ago, and explore ways to better connect the community to Hammond Park and the water. For more information on all of the projects funded by CZM’s Coastal Resilience Grant Program<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-resilience-grant-program> this year, see the EEA Press Release<https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-invests-4-million-in-coastal-resilience-projects>. Also, see this article in The Daily Item for news coverage of the event: Marblehead Faces Its Coastal Vulnerabilities<http://www.itemlive.com/2021/09/21/marblehead-faces-its-coastal-vulnerabilities/>.

Upcoming Grant Opportunity—Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants Fall RFR
CZM anticipates the release of a Request for Responses (RFR) for a fall round of Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grants soon. The CPR Grant Program<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program> provides funds to municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program-eligible-communities> to identify and improve water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. Funding can be used for water quality assessment, design, and construction of structural Best Management Practices (BMPs), and commercial boat-waste pumpout facilities. In addition, funding is available to support capacity-building activities and planning for stormwater infrastructure, such as the development of bylaws and ordinances and training for municipal staff on operation and maintenance. The following CZM support is available for these grants:

Direct Support from CZM Staff - Up until the RFR is released, CZM can discuss project ideas and eligibility for CPR Grants with potential applicants. See the contact information at the bottom of the CPR Grant page<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program> to connect with CZM staff.

Information Session - CZM will host a virtual question and answer session on the CPR Grant Program on October 7. The session will be an opportunity for potential applicants to ask questions and discuss potential project ideas. An RSVP is not required. Please see details below for options to join the webinar.

Date and Time: October 7, 10:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
Meeting ID: 896 9729 7791
Passcode: AG149h
Join online: Open this link to launch the meeting through Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89697297791?pwd=dU5aKy82ekY0UXRQNld1RThxcUdTZz09
Call in (audio only):
1 (929) 205-6099
Meeting ID: 896 9729 7791
Passcode: 585033

For additional information, please see the CPR web page<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program> and stay tuned to the CZM Jobs and Grants page<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/czm-jobs-and-grants> for the release of the RFR.

CZM Receives ASBPA’s Member of the Year Award
The American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA) has awarded CZM the 2021 Member of the Year Award. This annual award acknowledges member efforts during the previous year to support ASBPA’s mission to preserve, protect, and enhance the U.S. coast by merging science and public policy. CZM participates on the Science and Technical Committee of ASBPA and was recognized for compiling historical information on beach nourishment projects in Massachusetts to update the ASBPA beach nourishment database. CZM would like to thank the Town of Chatham and Woods Hole Group for helping with the ASBPA data request. The new National Beach Nourishment Database<https://asbpa.org/national-beach-nourishment-database/> is now online and features data on nearly 400 projects that placed almost 1.5 billion cubic yards on the coastline of the continental United States.

CZM Releases Newly Revised Permit Guide
CZM has updated Environmental Permitting in Coastal Massachusetts<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/environmental-permitting-in-massachusetts>, otherwise known as the Permit Guide. The guide provides a brief snapshot of the major Massachusetts environmental permits to help applicants, environmental consultants, and government officials navigate the permit process. Given that it was originally published in 2003, the material, links, and contact information needed an update and overhaul. CZM worked with both an internal review team, as well as approximately 30 reviewers from multiple state and federal agencies, to ensure the information was accurate and up to date. The newly revised, reorganized, and reformatted guide is currently being released as a downloadable PDF and will be made available in an online format in the coming months.

MassBays Launches AquaQAPP
In September, the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Partnership (MassBays) launched AquaQAPP<https://www.mass.gov/how-to/use-aquaqapp-to-plan-your-monitoring-project>, a web-based application to assist monitoring program managers in developing project-specific Quality Assurance Project Plans (QAPPs) for fresh, marine, and estuarine water quality and benthic monitoring that align with U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) requirements. The AquaQAPP website also provides supporting materials to the application, which are generally useful for planning and implementing monitoring programs, including a User Guide with details on developing data quality objectives and selecting an analytical laboratory, Field Standard Operating Procedures recommended by MassDEP and EPA for collecting samples, and forms and templates suitable for any field monitoring.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Awards $21 Million in Grants
On August 31, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $21 million in grants to cities and towns through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Program<https://resilientma.org/mvp/>. This program provides communities with funding and technical support to identify climate hazards, develop strategies to improve resilience, and implement priority actions to adapt to climate change—and includes 14 grants awarded to 26 coastal communities for a total of more than $2.9 million invested in coastal resilience efforts. Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced the grants at an event in Easthampton with EEA Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. CZM continues to support EEA’s administration of the MVP program and provide technical assistance to community planning and implementation projects. For more information, including descriptions of grants awarded to coastal communities, see the EEA Press Release<https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-awards-21-million-in-climate-change-funding-to-cities-and-towns>.

COASTSWEEP 2021 - Still Plenty of Time to Organize or Join a Cleanup
COASTSWEEP—the annual statewide beach cleanup sponsored by CZM—officially kicked off on Saturday, September 18, as part of the International Coastal Cleanup organized by Ocean Conservancy. (See the EEA Press Release<https://www.mass.gov/news/baker-polito-administration-announces-2021-coastsweep-beach-cleanup> for details.) COASTSWEEP cleanups will continue well into November, so there’s still plenty of time to join a cleanup or to sign up to be a local cleanup coordinator for your favorite beach, marsh, dive site, and riverbank. As part of the International Coastal Cleanup, which draws hundreds of thousands of volunteers to coastal cleanups in more than 150 countries worldwide, volunteers remove trash and other marine debris and record data about what they find. This information is entered into Ocean Conservancy’s international marine debris database, where it helps researchers and policymakers better understand the sources of global marine debris and develop solutions for prevention. See the COASTSWEEP website<https://www.mass.gov/coastsweep> for details on how to organize a cleanup or to volunteer at an existing one—the cleanup list is updated every week. To receive reminders of when new cleanup lists are posted, please send a blank email (completely blank, with no signature line) to join-env-coastsweep-volunteers at listserv.state.ma.us<mailto:join-env-coastsweep-volunteers at listserv.state.ma.us>. And for some press coverage on this year’s cleanup, see: Coastsweep Cleanups Bring Volunteers to Cape Cod Beaches<https://www.capecod.com/newscenter/coastsweep-beach-cleanups-bring-volunteers-to-cape-beaches/> from CapeCod.com.

CZM Offices Remain Closed
All CZM offices are currently closed for in-person services. Please see Status of Executive Branch Office Locations<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/covid-19-status-of-executive-branch-office-locations> for updates on this closure. During this time, CZM staff are working remotely and are available to assist with coastal management issues. See Contact CZM<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/contact-czm> for details.

Grants/Funding/Proposal Opportunities
Coastal Pollutant Remediation (CPR) Grants—Upcoming Fall RFR - CZM anticipates the release of an RFR for a fall round of FY 2022 CPR Grants<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/coastal-pollutant-remediation-cpr-grant-program> soon. The CPR grant program provides funds to municipalities within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed to identify and improve water quality impaired by nonpoint source (NPS) pollution. CZM will host an information session on the CPR grant program on Thursday, October 7, at 10 a.m. See Upcoming Grant Opportunity—Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grants Fall RFR at the beginning of this CZ-Mail for additional details.

Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program Planning Grants - EEA is seeking proposals for MVP Planning Grants<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/mvp-planning-grant>, which provide support for Massachusetts cities and towns to complete vulnerability assessments and develop action-oriented climate resiliency plans. The program helps communities define extreme weather and natural and climate-related hazards; understand how their community may be impacted by climate change; identify existing and future vulnerabilities and strengths; and develop, prioritize, and implement key actions. State-trained MVP providers offer technical assistance to communities in completing the assessment and resiliency plans. Communities that complete the MVP planning grant program become certified as an MVP community and are eligible for MVP Action Grant funding. To view the RFR and download required forms, see the COMMBUYS website<https://www.commbuys.com/bso/external/bidDetail.sdo;jsessionid=853F517B73B4AA62E2489BEB9FE2A6CE?bidId=BD-22-1042-ENV-ENV01-66474&parentUrl=activeBids>. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through 4:00 p.m. on January 7, 2022.

Environmental Literacy Grants - The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office of Education is seeking pre-applications for Environmental Literacy Grants<https://www.noaa.gov/office-education/elp/grants/apply> that fund initiatives to develop environmental literacy “for communities to take actions that build resilience to extreme weather and climate change in ways that contribute to community health, social cohesion, and socio-economic equity.” Pre-applications for new projects in the central and eastern United State are due by November 1. Full applications, by invite only, will be due on March 17, 2022.

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

FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grants - The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is seeking applications for three 2021 Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Flood Mitigation Assistance programs: the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) Program, the Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Program, and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). These grants provide funding for the development of hazard mitigation plans and the implementation of hazard mitigation projects to reduce or eliminate the loss of life and property due to natural hazards. For complete grant details, see the MEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant Programs Overview web page<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/hazard-mitigation-assistance-grant-programs-overview> and the web page for the BRIC and FMA programs<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/building-resilient-infrastructure-and-communities-bric-flood-mitigation-assistance-fma-grant-programs>. Interested applicants are strongly encouraged to view recordings of the grant webinar briefings<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/fy-2021-bric-fma-technical-assistance-and-webinarsbriefings>, which provide detailed program requirements, including instructions for submitting the required Statement of Interest, which is due by October 16 for BRIC and FMA grants. For more information, including application information, see the MEMA website<https://www.mass.gov/hazard-mitigation-assistance-grant-programs> or email questions to mitigation at mass.gov<mailto:mitigation at mass.gov>.

Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grants - NOAA Fisheries is seeking applications for the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant Program<https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/grant/john-h-prescott-marine-mammal-rescue-assistance-grant-program> for grants or cooperative agreements to support marine mammal stranding networks for recovery and treatment; data collection; and facility upgrades, operation costs, and staffing that address these needs. For more information, see the federal funding opportunity<https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=334699>. Applications are due by October 13.

BoatUS Grassroots Grants - The BoatUS Foundation is seeking applications for its Grassroots Grants<https://www.boatus.org/grants/> program to promote boater education. Up to $10,000 is available to local volunteer organizations, student groups, yacht clubs, and chapters of national organizations for creative and innovative projects that promote safe and clean boating. Applications are accepted year-round.

Science Communication and Outreach Grants - The American Geophysical Union is seeking applications from scientists for grants up to $1,000 to develop outreach and engagement activities to effectively communicate and share science to journalists, policymakers, and the public. For details, see the grant application page<https://forms.agu.org/sharing-science-grants/?fbclid=IwAR31RcW2-grDL0qLz-74qvEoJ-oyZZh9MUUG1iWAVWlTt0vzM9U4tQwCXl0>. Applications are due by October 11 for activities that will begin before December 31, 2021.

Online Tools and Resources
On My Coast Podcast - NOAA Sea Grant has launched the new podcast, On My Coast<https://seagrant.noaa.gov/podcasts>, which feature stories from the coast of America that have motivated Sea Grant’s work for the last 50 years. The first episode, Resilient Island Communities<https://seagrant.noaa.gov/onmycoast/ArtMID/3388/ArticleID/2873/Episode-1-Resilient-Island-Communities>, is now available.

New Resource and Data from NOAA Digital Coast - NOAA’s Digital Coast<https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/> has posted these new resources:

Neighborhoods at Risk<https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/neighborhoods-risk.html> - This web-based tool helps planners prioritize capital improvements, inform land use and policy decisions, perform vulnerability assessments, and support hazard mitigation plans, all to help protect communities from climate change impacts.

Environmental Justice Screening and Mapping Tool<https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/tools/ejscreen.html> - This web-based tool provides environmental and demographic data to help identify communities at risk for adverse impacts from environmental hazards.

New and updated data sets<https://mcusercontent.com/464fe79c76462192284bfd65a/files/25938fb4-ec0e-1488-5890-64b0e21bc18b/DCC_Sept21_Data.pdf> (PDF, 156 KB)

Products/Publications
Protocol to Collect Data on Microplastics on Shorelines - EPA has released EPA’s Microplastic Beach Protocol<https://www.epa.gov/trash-free-waters/epas-microplastic-beach-protocol>, a document developed to help collect, quantify, and characterize microplastic pollution along shorelines. Originally developed by the 5Gyres Institute, the EPA protocol has been updated and revised to also include data collection through EPA’s Marine Debris Tracker App<https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/partnerships/marine-debris-tracker>.

Newsletters
Ebb & Flow - The Summer 2021 issue of Ebb & Flow<https://www.mass.gov/info-details/ebb-flow-summer-2021>, the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) eNewsletter, reports on the large impacts of small dams on water quality, $2.75 million recently awarded for culvert replacement projects, and other restoration project updates and resource links.

MVP Program Newsletter - The Summer 2021 newsletter<https://mailchi.mp/ffa33ca24e43/mvp-10191497?e=9ab10ccc36> from EEA’s Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program covers the recently announced awards for MVP Action and Planning Grants, a project spotlight on the city of Winthrop’s 2019 Action Grant on climate resilient land use, as well as MVP program resources, upcoming events, and opportunities.

NOAA HabitatNews - The September 2021 issue of HabitatNews<https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USNOAAFISHERIES/bulletins/2f09cc5>, a newsletter of the NOAA Fisheries Office of Habitat Conservation, includes articles on an interactive story map highlighting efforts to reopen rivers in the northeast United States, land conservation on the east coast of Florida to benefit sea turtle nesting habitat, and other marine fisheries habitat news.

Right Whale News - The August 2021 issue of Right Whale News<https://www.narwc.org/uploads/1/1/6/6/116623219/rwn_aug21.pdf> (PDF, 631 KB), a quarterly e-newsletter distributed by the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium, includes an update adding an 18th calf for the 2021 calving season, a report on Cape Cod Bay sitings, and other right whale news, events, and commentary.

USGS Sound Waves - This July-August 2021 issue of Sound Waves<https://www.usgs.gov/newsletter/sound-waves-newsletter-july-august-2021>, a U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) newsletter, includes articles on the resiliency of barrier islands in New Jersey after Hurricane Sandy in 2012, geologic seafloor sampling in the Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary, exploring the deep waters of the north Atlantic Ocean, and other coastal and marine research news.

Jobs/Internship Postings
Environmental Planner - The Merrimack River Planning Commission (MVPC), a nonprofit planning organization representing 15 communities in northeast Massachusetts, is seeking an Environmental Planner to provide direct support with the implementation of environmental programs in the region, including clean energy, stormwater management, and climate resiliency/hazard mitigation programs. Applications are due by October 15. See the position posting<https://mvpc.org/wp-content/uploads/MVPC-Staff-Environmental-Planner-Job-Description.pdf> (PDF, 242 KB) for details.

Buzzards Bay Coalition Positions - The Buzzards Bay Coalition is seeking applicants for six available full and part-time positions, including Communication Manager, Staff Accountant, Executive Assistant, Water Resource Specialist, Research Assistant, and Youth Programs Assistant. For details, including application instructions, see the Coalition’s Job Opportunities page<https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/about-us/our-team/job-opportunities/>.

Public Comment
Please note: All official CZM requests for public comment are published in the Public Notices section of the Environmental Monitor<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/the-environmental-monitor>, the bi-weekly publication from the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA) Office.

Review of the Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan - On September 22, issued the Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan for public review, hearings, and a 60-day public comment period. For details, see the entry at the top of CZ-Mail, as well as the Review and Update of the Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan website<http://www.mass.gov/service-details/review-and-update-of-the-massachusetts-ocean-management-plan>. Email comments on the draft 2021 ocean plan by 5:00 p.m. on November 30 to oceanplan at mass.gov<mailto:oceanplan at mass.gov> or mail written comments to:

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management
ATTN: Draft 2021 Massachusetts Ocean Management Plan
251 Causeway Street, Suite 800
Boston, MA 02114

For more information, please contact CZM at czm at mass.gov<mailto:czm at mass.gov>.

Review of the Chelsea Creek DPA Boundary/La revisión del límite Área Portuaria Designada de Chelsea Creek - On March 22, 2021, CZM received a request to review the boundary of Chelsea Creek Designated Port Area (DPA) boundary and determined that a broader review of the Chelsea Creek DPA boundary is warranted. CZM is seeking public comments on the review of the DPA boundary as detailed in the Notice of Intent<https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2021/09/22/chelsea-creek-noi-dpa-review-sept-2021.pdf> (PDF, 147 KB) included in the September 22, 2021, edition of the Environmental Monitor. Submit comments on the review by 5:00 p.m. on October 22 to Erikk Hokenson at erikk.hokenson at mass.gov<mailto:erikk.hokenson at mass.gov> or by mail to: Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, Attention: Erikk Hokenson, Boston Harbor Regional Coordinator, 251 Causeway Street, Suite 800, Boston MA 02114. On October 13, CZM will hold the following public information meeting virtually via Zoom to receive comment and input on the DPA review.

Date and Time: October 13, 6:00 p.m.
Join online: Open this link to launch the meeting through Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88375444370?pwd=YTlyb1pMYmRDMFNzWERsMUlJVHpWQT09
Meeting ID: 883 7544 4370
Password: 37LyeA
Call in (audio only):
1 (929) 205-6099
Meeting ID: 883 7544 4370
Password: 498221

[Una traducción al español de este aviso está disponible en la segunda página del Aviso de Intención<https://www.mass.gov/files/documents/2021/09/22/chelsea-creek-noi-dpa-review-sept-2021.pdf> (PDF, 147 KB).]

MEPA Regulatory Review Public Hearings - MEPA will hold three public hearings<https://www.mass.gov/doc/301-cmr-1100-public-hearing-notice-9-10-21/download> (PDF, 218 KB) on proposed amendments to the MEPA Regulations (301 CMR 11.00<https://www.mass.gov/regulations/301-CMR-1100-mepa-regulations>), which will implement new requirements under Sections 55-60 of Chapter 8 of the Acts of 2021: An Act Creating a Next-Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy. The amendments also include updates to MEPA filing and circulation requirements. Public hearings will be conducted via Zoom meeting at the dates and times below:

October 12 at 10 a.m. - Register at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUvcumtqT0oHdQV7EMDBwUtxkwHY3GGbkMw

October 13 at 1 p.m. - Register at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwvceqgrzorE9wZ79M_MYJ-6bFk0vNJVHi4

October 13 at 6:30 p.m. - Register at this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcuyvpz4sHNes9u_GSD43I4K1hwFuj1Vn

Email comments on the MEPA regulations by 5:00 p.m. on October 20 to MEPA-regs at mass.gov<mailto:MEPA-regs at mass.gov> or mail written comments to: MEPA Office, Attention: Tori Kim, 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900, Boston, MA 02114.

For the latest information on this regulatory review effort, including the revised interim protocols, see the MEPA website<https://www.mass.gov/service-details/information-about-upcoming-regulatory-updates>. To subscribe and receive updates regarding the MEPA regulatory review effort, send a blank email (please be sure that the email is completely blank, with no signature line) to subscribe-mepa_reg_review at listserv.state.ma.us<mailto:subscribe-mepa_reg_review at listserv.state.ma.us>.

Calendar - Individual Events and Announcements
Please note: Please check links frequently for updates due to COVID-19.

Martha’s Vineyard Coastal Conference—Canceled - Originally scheduled for October 4-5, this conference from CZM, The Trustees, Barnstable County, Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), Martha’s Vineyard Commission, and Woods Hole Sea Grant has been canceled due to COVID concerns. The conference is expected to be rescheduled later in 2022.

Communities, Climate Change, and Health Equity—A New Vision<https://www.nationalacademies.org/event/10-12-2021/communities-climate-change-and-health-equity-a-new-vision> - October 12 and 14, virtual workshop sponsored by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine on the disproportionate health inequities in certain areas that are made worse by climate change.

Blueprint for Coastal Adaptation<https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rLD78dhQRU21h2r00Ejnxw> - October 13, webinar from Open Communications for the Ocean (OCTO) on coastal flood risk reduction.

Coastal Flooding: Using Community Science for Decision Making<https://cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_RxM8mUhFQEKk6ntGT4VGBg> - October 14, webinar hosted by Northeast Sea Grant programs on how citizen science tools and observations are being used to manage coastal flooding. The webinar will include case studies from Rhode Island and New York City and a discussion from CZM on using MyCoast<https://mycoast.org/ma> reports of coastal storm impacts for emergency management and coastal resilience efforts.

RARGOM Annual Science Meeting—Second Call for Abstracts<https://www.rargom.org/> - November 17-19, virtual meeting sponsored by the Regional Association for Research on the Gulf of Maine (RARGOM). The focus for the 2021 meeting is “The Future of the Gulf of Maine.” Abstracts are due by October 18.

MACC Fall Conference<https://www.maccweb.org/page/EDVirtualFallConf_2021> - October 19-21, and October 23, sponsored by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) and held online. This conference will include a workshop from CZM and MassDEP on the guidance document: Applying the Massachusetts Coastal Wetland Regulations: A Practical Manual for Conservation Commissions to Protect the Storm Damage Prevention and Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas.

Crane Estate Educator Open House<https://thetrustees.org/event/68998/> - October 23, open house at The Trustees Crane Estate in Ipswich for educators to learn about the natural and cultural resources of the 2,100-acre property, including available field trip opportunities and the proposed Coastal Education Center.

Resilient Boston Harbor: Research for a Sustainable Future<https://stonelivinglab.org/event/annual-conference-2021/> - October 26, virtual research conference on climate resilience in Boston Harbor sponsored by the Stone Living Lab and the Boston Harbor Ecosystem Network.

MS4 Phosphorus and Nitrogen Source Identification Reports<https://usepa.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_GXbyKSFIRFi0hbUVrB9tZA> - October 28, webinar sponsored by EPA that will a present a methodology for creating pollution-loading maps and proposed approaches to reduce nutrient loading from the Neponset River Watershed Association and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission.

MassBays Science Forum: Investigating and Responding to Hypoxia in Cape Cod Bay - October 29, webinar from MassBays that will convene a panel of scientists and policymakers to discuss the factors causing periodic low dissolved oxygen in Cape Cod Bay in recent years and data needs to identify potential causes and solutions, including both monitoring and management actions. See this MarineFisheries Advisory<https://www.mass.gov/doc/081121-hypoxic-conditions-in-lower-cape-cod-bay-1/download> (PDF, 2 MB) for details on the issue. Please complete this Google form<https://forms.gle/SvX1VrdN4MX2EcC28> to receive a webinar link.

Climate Resilience Symposium<http://www.nativeplanttrust.org/events/climate-resilience-symposium/> - October 29, virtual symposium from the Native Plant Trust on climate change and the native plants of New England.

Nantucket Biodiversity Initiative Research Conference<https://www.nantucketbiodiversity.org/research-conference> - November 4-6, biennial research conference on biodiversity-related research projects conducted on Nantucket, Martha’s Vineyard, Cape Cod, Long Island, or other similar habitats. The 2021 conference will be held in Nantucket and online.

Ocean Literacy Summit<https://www.neosec.org/olsummit/> - November 10-11, virtual summit on November 10 with in-person field trips on November 11 sponsored by the New England Ocean Science Education Collaborative. The 2021 summit will focus on Ocean Literacy Principle #4, the ocean made Earth habitable.

2021 Virtual Youth Ocean Conservation Summit<http://www.yocs.org/2021-summit.html> - December 4-5, in partnership with Mote Marine Laboratory and held virtually.

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

Introduction to Environmental Justice—Theory, Practice, and Real-World Consequences<https://ebcne.org/event/ebc-environmental-justice-webinar-introduction-to-environmental-justice-theory-practice-and-real-world-consequences/> - October 5, Environmental Business Council of New England Environmental Justice Webinar.

Increasing the Resilience and Resistance of Climate-Vulnerable Species and Ecosystems<https://www.umass.edu/necsc/webinars/increasing-resilience-and-resistance-climate-vulnerable-species-and-ecosystems> - October 13, webinar sponsored Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center (NE CASC).

Federal Agency Roundtable and Partnerships<https://www.fema.gov/event/federal-agency-roundtable-and-partnerships> - October 13, webinar on the importance of partnerships for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s grant programs.

2021 Living Shorelines Tech Transfer Workshop<https://rae.ticketbud.com/2021-living-shorelines-tech-transfer-workshop-1ed563ac3227?preview=true&vox=true> - October 19-20, workshop hosted by Restore America’s Estuaries, American Littoral Society, New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, and the Chesapeake Bay and New Jersey field offices of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service on nature-based shoreline stabilization techniques. This workshop will be held in Cape May, New Jersey.

massFM Conference<https://www.massfm.org/upcomingevents> - October 21, virtual annual conference of the Massachusetts Association for Floodplain Management (massFM) with technical trainings and focusing on “Evaluating Rising Risks for Resilient Communities.”

NARWC Annual Meeting<https://www.narwc.org/upcoming-meeting.html> - October 26-27, virtual meeting of the North Atlantic Right Whale Consortium (NARWC).

NE CASC Regional Science Symposium<https://www.umass.edu/necsc/news/save-dates-ne-casc-regional-science-symposium> - October 26-27, virtual symposium on climate adaptation resources and tools.

Sustainable Watersheds and Agriculture Symposium<https://www.cwp.org/2021-agriculture-and-sustainable-watersheds/> - October 26-27, conference for watershed and resource conservation professionals sponsored by the Center for Watershed Protection held in Fulton, Maryland, and online.

Conservation Marketing and Engagement Conference<https://www.consmark.org/conference-updates/> - October 27-30, virtual conference presented by ConsMark with the theme “Changing Behavior in a Changing Climate” that will feature presentations on climate and changing oceans, marine pollution and plastics, marine and coastal pollution, and other environmental topics.

Net Zero 2021<https://netzerocapecod.org/?blm_aid=59182> - October 29, virtual clean energy conference from the Cape Cod Climate Change Collaborative.

CERF 2021 Conference<https://conference.cerf.science/> - November 1-4 and 8-11, virtual conference sponsored by the Coastal Estuarine Research Federation (CERF).

IECA Northeast Regional Conference<https://www.ieca.org/IECA/Education/Chapter_Events/Northeast_Conference/IECA/IECA_Events/2021_Events/2021_Northeast_Regional_Conference.aspx?hkey=2112d898-0590-4bad-9489-28958974c7da> - November 2-4, conference in Plymouth on erosion and sediment control and environmental compliance, sponsored by the International Erosion Control Association (IECA).

ClimateTech Summit<https://greentownlabs.com/climatetech-summit/> - November 4, annual climate technology entrepreneurship conference hosted by Greentown Labs. The 2021 Summit will be held in both Somerville and Houston, Texas, and online.

AWRA 2021 Annual Water Resources Conference<https://www.awra.org/Members/Events_and_Education/Events/2021_Annual_Conference/2021_Annual_Water_Resources_Conference.aspx> - November 8-10, conference sponsored by the American Water Resources Association (AWRA). Please note the conference will now be held virtually.

Calendar - Multiple/Ongoing Events
Please note: Please check links frequently for updates due to COVID-19.

2021 Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Webinar Series<https://www.fema.gov/grants/mitigation/2021-building-resilient-infrastructure-and-communities-and-flood-mitigation-assistance-programs> - Webinar series from EPA on these grant programs.

Aquarium Lecture Series<https://www.neaq.org/learn/lectures/upcoming-lectures/> - Periodic webinars presented by the New England Aquarium.

Autumn Walks in Harwich<https://harwichconservationtrust.org/walks-events/> - Periodic walks from the Harwich Conservation Trust.

Barnstable Land Trust Events<https://www.blt.org/events> - Programs for children and adults across Barnstable.

Boston Harbor Now Events<https://www.eventbrite.com/o/boston-harbor-now-10776815314> - Events throughout the Boston Harbor area.

Buzzards Bay Events<https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/events/> - Regional events compiled by the Buzzards Bay Coalition.

Cape Cod Field Schools<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/wellfleet-bay/programs-classes-activities/cape-cod-field-schools> - Multi-day field courses offered by Mass Audubon’s Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary.

Cape Cod Museum of Natural History Programs<http://www.ccmnh.org/Events> - A calendar of events at the museum.

Center for Coastal Studies Events<http://coastalstudies.org/events/list/> - Events across the Cape Cod region.

Climate Adaptation Science Fall Webinar Series<https://necsc.umass.edu/news/save-dates-fall-2021-webinar-series> - Monthly webinars on climate change, adaptation, and resilience from the Northeast Climate Adaptation Science Center at UMass Amherst.

Conservation Commission Education - Workshops, webinars, and trainings scheduled across Massachusetts and posted by the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC). See the MACC Complete Education Catalog<https://www.maccweb.org/page/EDMACCCatalog> and Community Calendar<https://www.maccweb.org/events/event_list.asp>.

Ecological Landscaping Events<https://www.ecolandscaping.org/ela-events/> - Webinars, walks, and classes from the Ecological Landscape Alliance.

Ipswich River Watershed Events<https://www.ipswichriver.org/events/> - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Ipswich River Watershed Association.

Keep Massachusetts Beautiful Events<https://keepmassbeautiful.org/news-events/events-calendar.html> - Talks and volunteer opportunities across the Commonwealth on litter prevention and cleanup, waste reduction and recycling, beautification and community greening, and environmental education.

Mass Audubon Program Catalog<https://www.massaudubon.org/program-catalog/search> - Programs for children and adults hosted at the following Mass Audubon coastal locations:

Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/ipswich-river/programs-classes-activities>

Joppa Flats Education Center<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/joppa-flats/programs-classes-activities>

Long Pasture Wildlife Sanctuary<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/long-pasture/programs-classes-activities>

North River Wildlife Sanctuary<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/north-river/programs-classes-activities>

Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary<https://www.massaudubon.org/get-outdoors/wildlife-sanctuaries/wellfleet-bay/programs-classes-activities>

MBL Falmouth Forum Lecture Series<http://www.mbl.edu/falmouth-forum/> - Free public lectures presented in person and virtually from the Marine Biological Lab (MBL) in Woods Hole.

Mystic River Watershed Events<https://mysticriver.org/calendar> - Events throughout the watershed compiled by the Mystic River Watershed Association.

National 303(d)/TMDL Webinar Series<https://neiwpcc.org/our-programs/pollution-control/tmdl/303d-tmdl-webinars/> - Webinars from NEIWPCC on the §303(d) and Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) requirements of the Clean Water Act.

National Marine Sanctuaries Webinars<https://sanctuaries.noaa.gov/education/teachers/webinar-series.html> - Periodic webinars hosted by the sanctuary system.

NOAA Coastal Training and Learning Resources<https://coast.noaa.gov/digitalcoast/training/calendar.html> - A range of training opportunities from NOAA’s Digital Coast.

NOAA Planet Stewards Educator Events<https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/planet-stewards/welcome.html> - Webinars, workshops, and book club sessions from the NOAA Planet Stewards Education Project.

NOAA Science Seminars<https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/star/OneNOAASeminars.php> - Webinars and seminars on science and climate issues from several NOAA partners.

North and South Rivers Watershed Association Events<https://www.nsrwa.org/events/> - Events listings on the South Shore.

Salem Sound Coastwatch Community Calendar<http://www.salemsound.org/calendar.html#October> - Events posted in the Salem Sound region.

Salvaging Solutions to Abandoned and Derelict Vessels Webinar Series<https://marinedebris.noaa.gov/outreach/salvaging-solutions-abandoned-and-derelict-vessels-webinar-series> - Monthly webinars through October from the NOAA Marine Debris Program.

Underwater Acoustics Webinars<https://dosits.org/decision-makers/webinar-series/2021-webinar-series/> - Webinars on underwater sound hosted by the University of Rhode Island’s Graduate School of Oceanography.

Other Items of Interest
Coastal Management and Digital Coast Fellowships - NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management is seeking applicants for two, two-year fellowship programs—the Coastal Management and Digital Coast Fellowships<https://coast.noaa.gov/fellowship/process.html>. Both fellowships provide education and training opportunities in coastal resource management and policy for post graduate students. Each year, up to nine Coastal Management fellows are placed in state coastal programs to work on projects proposed by the program and selected by NOAA. Also, up to three Digital Coast fellows are also placed in partner organizations every two years to work on partner projects selected by NOAA. Candidate applications are considered by both programs. Any U.S. citizen with an interest in coastal issues and has received or will receive a graduate degree in environmental studies, natural resource management, marine science, or other related fields between August 1, 2020, and July 31, 2022, is eligible. Applications are due by January 21, 2022.

Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Contest - Bow Seat Ocean Awareness Programs is now accepting submissions for the 2022 Ocean Awareness Contest<https://bowseat.org/programs/ocean-awareness-contest/contest-overview/>. The 2022 theme is The Funny Thing About Climate Change and students ages 11-18 are invited to learn about climate change impacts on the oceans and how to communicate the need for action. Students can work as individuals, a group, class, or club. Participants can earn cash awards and scholarships up to $1,500. Also, students in Massachusetts can win $250 cash scholarships. Submissions are due by June 13, 2022.

Cool Science Artwork Competition - Cool Science, a collaborative organization with a goal to teach climate science through art, is seeking entries from K-12 students for the 10th Annual Cool Science Art Competition<https://www.coolscience.net/>. Each entry should address one of three challenge questions<https://www.coolscience.net/artwork-guidelines-rules> on climate change and severe weather. Winners from elementary, middle, and high school will receive a $50 gift card and will have their artwork displayed on public transit in Massachusetts, Kansas, and Missouri. Entries are due by December 10.



Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Charles D. Baker, Governor
Karyn E. Polito, Lieutenant Governor
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs - Kathleen A. Theoharides, Secretary
Office of Coastal Zone Management - Lisa Berry Engler, Director
Editor - Robin Lacey<mailto:robin.lacey at mass.gov?subject=October%202021%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. NA20NOS4190039.
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.


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