Hi All,

Please pass the word.

Sorry for duplicate posts

Officer Patrick Johnston
Everett Police Marine Division
617-905-3747


-----Original Message-----
From: Teri Frady [mailto:tfrady@...]
Sent: Friday, May 07, 2004 5:30 PM
To: epd.marine@...
Subject: More Poco


PDF attached.

News on Poco

  http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3281345/detail.html

Officer Patrick Johnston
Everett Police Marine Division
617-905-3747

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3281345/detail.html

Officer Patrick Johnston
Everett Police Marine Division
617-905-3747

Has he come into the lower Mystic?



                       EPDMARINE
                       <EPD.Marine@comc         To:      epd.marine@...
                       ast.net>                 cc:
                                                Subject: [MysticCrossing] Poco: 
'TheBostonChannel.com -
                       05/07/2004 06:07         News - Whale Spotted In Boston
Harbor'
                       PM
                       Please respond
                       to
                       MysticCrossing






News on Poco

  http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/3281345/detail.html

Officer Patrick Johnston
Everett Police Marine Division
617-905-3747














Yahoo! Groups Links

------ Forwarded Message
From: American Rivers RC <rivercurrents@...>
Date: Fri, 14 May 2004 20:08:16 -0400 (EDT)
To: jennifermhill@...
Subject: RiverCurrents - May 14, 2004

RiverCurrents is a weekly compilation of news and information provided by American Rivers <http://amriversaction.ctsg.com/ctt.asp?u=18877&l=35602>  to the river community. It may contain information as reported by media outlets and other sources. The inclusion of a story or point of view in RiverCurrents does not necessarily indicate endorsement by American Rivers. Unless American Rivers' position is clearly indicated, stories or points of view expressed in RiverCurrents are solely those of the groups and individuals named and not those of American Rivers. If you have comments or suggestions about RiverCurrents, please contact amrivers@... <http://amriversaction.ctsg.com/ctt.asp?u=18877&l=35621>

FYI


------ Forwarded Message
> From: Douglas_Evans@...
> Date: Mon, 24 May 2004 10:38:21 -0400

> USEPA MANUALS:
>
> Under a cooperative agreement from EPA's Office of Wastewater Management
> and Office of Wetlands, Oceans, and Watersheds, the Center for Watershed
> Protection has just published three manuals of what will be a series of 11
> manuals, which CWP has dubbed "Urban Subwatershed Restoration Manual
> Series".  CWP states that the series is designed to provide a stronger
> foundation to assist local and state managers in crafting urban watershed
> restoration plans.  The manuals were written to "organize the enormous
> amount of information needed to restore small urban watersheds into a
> format that can be easily accessed by watershed groups, municipal staff,
> environmental consultants and other users."
>
> Each of these is approximately 100 pages long, and some also include a CD
> with software to enable data collection and storage.
>
> The eleven manuals are:
>
> 1.  An Integrated Framework to Restore Small Urban Watersheds
> 2.  Methods to Develop Restoration Plans for Small Urban Watersheds
> 3.  Storm Water Retrofit Practices
> 4.  Stream Repair and Restoration Practices
> 5.  Riparian Management Practices
> 6.  Discharge Prevention Practices
> 7.  Previous Area Management Practices
> 8.  Pollution Source Control Practices
> 9.  Municipal Practices and Programs
> 10.The Unified Stream Assessment: A User's Manual
> 11.  The Unified Subwatershed and Site Reconnaisance: A User's Manual
>
> The first three have been published in March 2004 and can be downloaded for
> free from www.cwp.org for the next six months.  Five additional
> manuals are scheduled for releast later this summer and early fall, and the
> remaining three some time after that.
>
> Please feel free to share this email with your colleagues in state and
> local stormwater, wetlands, nonpoint source, coastal, monitoring, and
> other programs that have a stake in restoring small urban watersheds.

------ End of Forwarded Message

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the MysticCrossing
group.

   File        : /Abbott Support Letter 6-04.doc
   Uploaded by : patrickjoh <EPD.Marine@...>
   Description : Draft letter to Kathy Abbott May 2004

You can access this file at the URL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MysticCrossing/files/Abbott%20Support%20Letter%206\
-04.doc

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

patrickjoh <EPD.Marine@...>

Hi All,

As the warm weather approaches (between the rain drops) we again need
to show our support for our Mystic Crossing. The money from Exelon
for the Crossing that came through the hard work of many of you could
be in jeopardy if we don't reaffirm our support of a simple,
immediate solution to a pedestrian access across the Amelia Earhart
Dam.

Towards that end I ask that every orginiation and individual write
again to Kathy Abbott expressing that support. I have uploaded a
draft letter for you to use to the web site and will send it as text
as well.

Please take the time to do this now.

I will update you all on some news soon.

Patrick Johnston

Please do sent it as text.  CWC will write.

Ivey
----- Original Message -----
From: "Patrick" <EPD.Marine@...>
To: <MysticCrossing@yahoogroups.com>
Sent: Wednesday, May 26, 2004 1:05 AM
Subject: [MysticCrossing] Abbott Support Letter


> Hi All,
>
> As the warm weather approaches (between the rain drops) we again need
> to show our support for our Mystic Crossing. The money from Exelon
> for the Crossing that came through the hard work of many of you could
> be in jeopardy if we don't reaffirm our support of a simple,
> immediate solution to a pedestrian access across the Amelia Earhart
> Dam.
>
> Towards that end I ask that every orginiation and individual write
> again to Kathy Abbott expressing that support. I have uploaded a
> draft letter for you to use to the web site and will send it as text
> as well.
>
> Please take the time to do this now.
>
> I will update you all on some news soon.
>
> Patrick Johnston
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Yahoo! Groups Links
>
>
>
>
>

Hello,

This email message is a notification to let you know that
a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the MysticCrossing
group.

   File        : /ltr_dam_mystic_crossing.doc
   Uploaded by : groundworksomerville <jmhill@...>
   Description : Groundwork Somerville letter supporting Technical Advisory
Committee

You can access this file at the URL

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MysticCrossing/files/ltr_dam_mystic_crossing.doc

To learn more about file sharing for your group, please visit

http://help.yahoo.com/help/us/groups/files

Regards,

groundworksomerville <jmhill@...>

FYI - the MBTA announced a major revamp of the Wellington Station
that appears to include the Wellington Greenway.




http://www.townonline.com/medford/news/local_regional/med_covmtmbtanc_
05262004.htm

smith.catherine@... wrote:

>Bryce Nesbitt and Janet Kovner get the credit for proposing, helping to
>develop, and supporting the Mystic bikepath element of the settlement.
>
It was fun.

Catherine and her husband get the credit for making the two coordinated
EPA settlements happen, and for pushing the envelope by proposing a path
as part of the settlement.

                                -Bryce

I will be out of the office starting  07/09/2004 and will not return
until 07/19/2004.

Hi Janet,

Please count me in! I'm planning to attend the Mystic River Watershed
Association's Annual Volunteer Appreciation Picnic.

See you then,
Mary

----- Original Message -----

From: EPDMARINE

To: MysticCrossing@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Friday, August 13, 2004 12:34 PM

Subject: [MysticCrossing] Transportation Bond Bill Funding for Mystic Crossing and others

COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS

MASSACHUSETTS SENATE

STATE HOUSE, BOSTON 02133

 

JARRETT T. BARRIOS                                                                                     COMMITTEES: 

STATE SENATOR                                                                                                             Public Safety (Chair)

Middlesex, Suffolk and Essex District                                                                  Health Care (Vice Chair)

                                                                                                                                                                                                               

NEWS RELEASE

 

For Immediate Release:                                                                     Please contact:

August 6, 2004                                                                         Colin Durrant, 617-722-1650

                                                                                                           

BARRIOS SCORES BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN VICTORIES

 Expresses disappointment in loss of funding for Green Line Extension

 

(State House, Boston)  Communities close to Boston will see better access to bicycle and pedestrian paths under a series of victories achieved by Senator Jarrett T. Barrios in the Legislature’s Transportation Bond Bill.  Barrios worked with community groups to gain funding for the Bike to the Sea bike trail from Everett to Lynn, a bike crossing over the Mystic River connecting Somerville and Everett and to remove a significant roadblock to the creation of new bike trails.  

 

“Bike and pedestrian trails help connect communities and provide fun and healthy recreation for the whole family,” said Senator Barrios.  “We’ve paved the way for new projects by eliminating liability questions and funding key projects that will serve urban communities close to Boston.”

 

Among the highlights of Barrios’ efforts is funding for the proposed 9 mile scenic trail that will wind its way from the Malden River, through Everett, Malden and Saugus to Revere Beach and Lynn.  The path will be built on an abandoned MBTA railroad line.  Barrios also pushed for a provision that would limit the liability of the MBTA when it allows abandoned railroad lines to become recreational paths.  The lack of a liability provision in state law had been holding up the construction of many projects, including Bike to the Sea and the extension of the Somerville Community Path.

 

“Funding for the Bike to Sea project and the MBTA limited liability provision is a huge victory for people north of Boston that desperately need more recreational opportunities,”  said Steve Winslow, founder of Bike to the Sea.  “This multi-use path will be one of the most scenic and popular paths in the state.”

 

-- more --

Barrios also secured money for the Mystic Crossing bike and pedestrian path over the Amelia Earhart Dam on the Mystic River.  Mystic Crossing will connect Somerville to Everett by the construction of a crossing similar to that on the Charles River Dam in Charlestown.  The project is supported by both Somerville Mayor Joe Curtatone and Everett Mayor David Ragucci.

 

Despite the victories, Senator Barrios expressed disappointment that funding for the Green Line Extension was ultimately dropped from the final Transportation Bond Bill.  “As disappointed as I was that funding for the Green Line Extension was dropped, the fact remains that the Commonwealth will have to come up with a way pay for the project because it’s a legal obligation,” said Senator Barrios.

After being approved by the both the House and Senate last week, the Transportation Bond Bill is now on the Governor’s desk for his approval.

 

###

 

 

 

 

Officer Patrick Johnston

Everett Police Marine Division

617-905-3747

 

Hello to all,
in response to Patrick's suggestion of a table at the riverfront
festival - I would like to help out, but I think it would look a bit
funny if the only person sitting there was a foreigner. I think that
one small table from the Mystic Crossing / Friends of the Everett
Waterfront people next to the Mystic Watershed Association one should
be sufficient.
Ulf


> Crossing Yahoo Group for all of you to use. Everett is having it's 2nd
> Annual "Take Me to the River" Festival on Aug 28, 2004 and we had 7000
> people attend last year. If anyone would like to man a table there we
> can set up a couple of graphics and perhaps collect some signatures. Let
> me know if your interested.
>
> If you have any other suggestions for keeping this issue alive please
> reply here!

-----Original Message-----
From: ulf_s_2001 [mailto:usommer@...]
Sent: Friday, August 20, 2004 2:05 PM
To: MysticCrossing@yahoogroups.com
Subject: [MysticCrossing] Re: Mystic Crossing Update and Transportation Bond Bill Support

Hello to all,
in response to Patrick's suggestion of a table at the riverfront
festival - I would like to help out, but I think it would look a bit
funny if the only person sitting there was a foreigner. I think that
one small table from the Mystic Crossing / Friends of the Everett
Waterfront people next to the Mystic Watershed Association one should
be sufficient.
Ulf


> Crossing Yahoo Group for all of you to use. Everett is having it's 2nd
> Annual "Take Me to the River" Festival on Aug 28, 2004 and we had 7000
> people attend last year. If anyone would like to man a table there we
> can set up a couple of graphics and perhaps collect some signatures. Let
> me know if your interested.
> 
> If you have any other suggestions for keeping this issue alive please
> reply here!

A quick suggestion -- Bike to the Sea plans to be there.  There are
related goals & geographic focus.  You could probably leverage that and
share table staff.

I'd love to but am overcommitted now.

EPDMARINE wrote:

> Good for you Ulf!  Anyone else?
>
> Ulf, I'll put you in touch with Amy and Janet and we'll see if we can
> get the boards from Catherine Smith at EPA.
>
>
> Officer Patrick Johnston
> Everett Police Marine Division
> 617-905-3747
>
>     -----Original Message-----
>     *From:* ulf_s_2001 [mailto:usommer@...]
>     *Sent:* Friday, August 20, 2004 2:05 PM
>     *To:* MysticCrossing@yahoogroups.com
>     *Subject:* [MysticCrossing] Re: Mystic Crossing Update and
>     Transportation Bond Bill Support
>
>     Hello to all,
>     in response to Patrick's suggestion of a table at the riverfront
>     festival - I would like to help out, but I think it would look a bit
>     funny if the only person sitting there was a foreigner. I think that
>     one small table from the Mystic Crossing / Friends of the Everett
>     Waterfront people next to the Mystic Watershed Association one should
>     be sufficient.
>     Ulf
>
>
>     > Crossing Yahoo Group for all of you to use. Everett is having
>     it's 2nd
>     > Annual "Take Me to the River" Festival on Aug 28, 2004 and we
>     had 7000
>     > people attend last year. If anyone would like to man a table
>     there we
>     > can set up a couple of graphics and perhaps collect some
>     signatures. Let
>     > me know if your interested.
>     >
>     > If you have any other suggestions for keeping this issue alive
>     please
>     > reply here!
>
>
>
>
>     *Yahoo! Groups Sponsor*
>     ADVERTISEMENT
>     click here
>    
<http://us.ard.yahoo.com/SIG=1297qp7jv/M=298184.5285298.6392945.3001176/D=groups\
/S=1705066266:HM/EXP=1093111997/A=2319501/R=0/SIG=11tq0u909/*http://www.netflix.\
com/Default?mqso=60185353&partid=5285298>
>
>
>
>     ------------------------------------------------------------------------
>     *Yahoo! Groups Links*
>
>         * To visit your group on the web, go to:
>           http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MysticCrossing/
>
>         * To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
>           MysticCrossing-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
>          
<mailto:MysticCrossing-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com?subject=Unsubscribe>
>
>         * Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to the Yahoo! Terms of
>           Service <http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/>.
>
>

BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water

September 2004 E-Newsletter: Special Edition

To view this e-mail as a web page, click here.

Announcement: Boating Safety Grant Applications Available
Calling all nonprofit groups promoting safe recreational boating

Hardworking and dedicated. Creative and innovative. Who are we talking about? BoatU.S. Foundation Boating Safety Grant volunteers, of course. And we are now accepting applications for projects for the 2005 grant cycle. 

Does your nonprofit group have a project idea to make boating safer on your local lake, bay or waterway? And would a grant of up to $4,000 make your plan a reality in 2005? Don’t wait - visit our grants page to learn more about the grants and to download an application. The deadline for application submission is November 1, 2004.

The Foundation gives up to $4,000 for projects that educate local boaters on the importance of safe recreational boating. We accept applications on any boating safety topic however, this year, will give special consideration to projects that promote the voluntary use of life jackets for all boaters.

Only about 20% of grant applications are accepted for funding so please read the guidelines and frequently asked questions before submitting your application. If you still have questions you may contact the grant administrator at 410-897-0943.

Click here for more information about this grant opportunity.

At Right: Members of the Sarasota
US Power Squadron distribute safe boating guides to new boaters of Sarasota Bay.
 

Like what you see in this newsletter? Then forward it to a friend!  Received this as a forward?
Then subscribe now!

The BoatU.S. Foundation is a national nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that creates education and outreach campaigns, researches issues and products, and helps boaters learn to be safer and better stewards of the environment while boating. Our work is primarily supported by donations from individuals and grants. Visit us online at www.BoatUS.com/foundation.

If you would like to be removed from our E-Mail listing, please send an e-mail to Shannon Barrett.  Thank you.

 

CZ-MAIL
September 2004

Welcome to CZ-Mail, the monthly email update from the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM). This update 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. CZ-Mail, the web version, and a wealth of information on the Massachusetts coastal program can be found on the CZM website at http://www.mass.gov/czm/. If you have suggestions on how we can make CZ-Mail more useful, would like to add your name to the mailing list, or would like to have your name removed, please email your request to czm@....

CZM Initiates Smart Growth Program

To help agencies, municipalities, and developers create and implement smart growth approaches in residential and commercial site design CZM will coordinate coastal smart growth initiatives that integrate low impact development (LID) practices. Andrea Cooper, CZM s former North Shore Regional Coordinator, is now CZM's Smart Growth Coordinator. Andrea will continue to work with CZM project partners to draft innovative regulatory tools, catalogue successful real world models, and develop outreach materials for local implementation of smart growth land use designs and LID principles. LID incorporates the benefits of conserving a site s natural features, including stormwater management and water conservation techniques, to minimize environmental impacts and achieve economic benefits for developers and communities. Andrea can be reached at andrea.cooper@.... Kathryn Glenn, who has been with CZM for 3 years, is now the Acting North Shore Regional Coordinator. Kathryn can be reached at kathryn.glenn@....

COASTSWEEP Kick Off

The Urban Harbors Institute of the University of Massachusetts Boston and CZM will kick off the 17^th annual Massachusetts COASTSWEEP at Duxbury Beach at 8:30 a.m. on Saturday, September 18. Cleanups are scheduled all along the coast in September and October. To find a cleanup near you or to volunteer to be a local cleanup coordinator check out the COASTSWEEP website at www.coastsweep.umb.edu or go to http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastsweep.htm. COASTSWEEP coincides with the start of National Coastweek, which runs through September 25, and the International Coastal Cleanup, which is the world's largest one-day volunteer event benefiting the marine environment. Last year, more than 450,000 people from the United States and more than 90 other countries participated in the cleanup event, collecting more than 7.55 million pounds of marine debris. For more information about National Coastweek and events, go to http://www.coastweek.org/. To learn more about the International Coastal Cleanup 2004, go to http://www.coastalcleanup.org/index.cfm.

Ocean Management

CZM Ocean Education Guide - CZM is developing a directory of Massachusetts ocean education resources, including field trips, speakers, curricula, publications, parent/child interactive programs, after school programs, workshops, film/video, newsletter/periodicals, library/resource centers, volunteer opportunities, and other programs that will assist marine educators in the Commonwealth. To submit an ocean science program for the directory, please return the completed form located at http://www.mass.gov/czm/momi/oceaneducationform.doc, by Monday, September 20. Forms may be sent by email to sarah.joor@..., mailed to ATTN: Sarah Joor, Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management, 251 Causeway St., Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114, or faxed to (617) 626-1240.

2005 ACEC Grant Recipients

CZM is pleased to announce the 2005 Coastal Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACEC) grants recipients. This grant program provides funding to groups working on stewardship projects in designated coastal ACECs. The projects selected support resource management and stewardship of natural resources and demonstrate cooperation between municipalities and other groups. The six funded projects are:
• The town of Newbury Planning Board received $10,000 for estuarine management planning in the Parker River/Essex Bay ACEC.
• The town of Bourne Conservation Commission received $2,800 for outreach and signage for the Herring River ACEC.
• The Essex County Community Foundation received $5,500 for a smart growth planning tools workshop for the Parker River/Essex Bay ACEC.
• The Pleasant Bay Alliance received $3,450 for a pet waste management program in the Pleasant Bay ACEC.
• The Weir River Watershed Association received $750 for estuary education center signage in the Weir River ACEC.
• The Mass Audubon Wellfleet Sanctuary received $2,500 for public educational programs in the Wellfleet Harbor ACEC.
For more information on the ACEC program, go to http://www.mass.gov/dem/programs/acec/.        

Governor Romney Signs Oil Spill Prevention Legislation

On August 4, Governor Romney signed legislation that includes several protective measures to safeguard sensitive coastal areas from the harmful effects of oil and other hazardous cargo spills. The bill was filed in response to the April 27, 2003 oil spill off the coast of Westport in Buzzards Bay, which affected nearly 100 miles of shoreline. The new law establishes protocol for ensuring safe passage, requires transporters with large vessels to carry $1 billion in financial assurance, provides spill capture and prevention training and response equipment to local communities, authorizes law enforcement inspection of vessels involved in past spills, imposes a $5,000 penalty for noncompliance, and adjusts the Massachusetts statute governing release prevention and response to enable the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to take action to prevent spills. For the press release, go to http://www.mass.gov/portal/govPR.jsp?gov_pr=gov_pr_040804_oil-spill-legislation.xml. To review the law, go to http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/seslaw04/sl040251.htm.

Bridge Creek Receives Coastal America Partnership Award

The Bridge Creek Salt Marsh restoration team, composed of 27 partner groups and more than 50 individual partners, has been recognized by Coastal America with a 2004 Coastal America Partnership Award. The Bridge Creek project involves ongoing restoration of 40 acres of valuable coastal salt marsh, including removing significant tidal restrictions along Bridge Creek in Barnstable, Massachusetts. CZM's wetland restoration program (WRP) provided project management; overall partnership coordination between federal, state, private, non-profit groups, and the town of Barnstable; and technical and financial support (including construction grants). CZM's WRP will continue management and coordination of the project s phase II implementation. For more information about the project, go to http://www.mass.gov/czm/wrp/projects_pages/focus_project.htm. For more information about Coastal America and the Partnership Awards, go to http://www.coastalamerica.gov/text/awards.html.

Toomey & Hubbard Receive Visionary Award

Environmental Affairs Secretary Ellen Roy Herzfelder presented Mary Francis Toomey, founder of the Weymouth Back River Watershed Association, and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers New England District Chief of Evaluation Branch William Hubbard with the Gulf of Maine 2003 Visionary Award on July 9. Since 1992, Hubbard has lead Coastal America initiatives as chair of the Northeast Regional Implementation Team, chair of the Coastal America Foundation for the Massachusetts Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership, and Northeast Federal Agency Regional contact for the National Corporate Wetlands Restoration Partnership. Toomey, who is known for her devotion to her local environment, has lobbied for the health of the Weymouth Back River and coastal watershed since 1966, including leading efforts to have the river designated a state ACEC. For more about Mary Francis Toomey, go to the Boston Globe article, A Reward for Activism, at http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/12/a_reward_for_environmental_activism/. The accolade, awarded by the Gulf of Maine Council (GOMC) on the Marine Environment, is bestowed upon individuals and organizations that show exceptional dedication to preserving and maintaining the quality of the Gulf of Maine. To nominate an individual or group for a 2004 Visionary Award, go to http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities/ and select Award nomination form in the annual recognition awards section. Nomination forms are due October 8. For more information about GOMC, go to http://www.gulfofmaine.org/.

Technical Assistance

MACC Online Conservation Connection Forum - The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC) hosts an online Conservation Connections forum page, located at http://maccweb.org/phpBB/index.php, which provides an opportunity for discussing questions, ideas, and opinions pertaining to Massachusetts and New England environmental concerns. The forum now features MACC board member and staff participation on a regular basis. While the primary focus will continue to be commission-to-commission communication, MACC will offer opinions and, when possible, answer questions. Designed as a tool for conservation commissioners and staff to seek advice and share knowledge with each other, the scope of the forum includes discussions about open space, wetlands and water resources, native plants and animals, commission operations, and more. To learn more about the forum and to access a postings archive, go to http://maccweb.org/forum.html.

Funding Opportunities

  CNPS 2005 Grant Program - This month CZM will release its Request for Responses (RFR) for the 2005 Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution (CNPS) Grant Program, which provides funding to public and nonprofit organizations for projects that improve coastal water quality. For more information on project eligibility, go to http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastalnpsgrants.htm. The RFR will be posted on Comm-PASS, the Commonwealth's procurement access and solicitation system, located online at http://www.comm-pass.com and at http://www.mass.gov/czm/jobsandgrants.htm. Habitat Restoration Funding RFP Announced - The GOMC and the NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service (NOAA Fisheries) have announced the 2004-2005 request for proposals (RFP) for Habitat Restoration Partnership funding. The partnership, in its fourth year, funds community-based restoration projects that address degraded or altered marine, estuarine, coastal, and freshwater anadromous fish habitats in Maine, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Non-governmental organizations, tribal and state governments, and schools are eligible to apply for funding for proposed projects within the U.S. portion of the Gulf of Maine watershed. Projects must include activities contributing to the return of a habitat to its condition prior to disturbance. Approximately $300,000 is available, and awards will range from between $5,000 to $25,000 for design and planning and from $10,000 to $50,000 for project implementation, including monitoring. Larger awards will be considered, and all proposals should target a minimum 1:1 non-federal match. For the RFP, which includes detailed information about the selection process and project criteria, go to http://www.gulfofmaine.org/habitatrestoration/documents/RFP2004-2005final_000.doc. Proposals must be postmarked by November 12. For more information about the funding program, go to http://www.gulfofmaine.org/habitatrestoration/. National Whale Conservation Funding Available - The National Whale Conservation Fund (NWCF) has opened its 2005 grant round and has established a special funding project for government agencies. NWCF supports projects addressing whale conservation needs, habitat protection, species recovery and conservation, applied field/laboratory research needs, social science research, and education and outreach activities. Priority is given to projects that relate to great whales and/or address anthropogenic threats, such as fishing gear entanglement, ship/whale collisions, noise, habitat degradation, and contaminants. Grant round applicants are encouraged to show a 1:1 match for the proposal request. Pre-proposal packets must be submitted electronically by March 1, 2005. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a full proposal. For pre-proposal and other information, go to http://www.nfwf.org/programs/whale_general.htm. Special funding through NWCF s Atlantic Coast States Cooperative Planning for Right Whale Recovery Program is available to coastal government agencies to assist with implementing or supporting existing conservation and whale recovery programs. Online pre-proposal applications are due March 1, 2005. For more information, go to http://www.nfwf.org/programs/whale_right.htm. NFWF Large Whale Gear Challenge - Also through the NWCF, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is accepting proposals for whale-friendly gear development projects. The team-based competition is designed to promote development of innovative fishing gear or gear modifications that can be used to decrease large whale entanglements. Five teams will receive $10,000 to design, build, and test gear prototypes and a $50,000 award will go to the team that designs and tests gear or gear modifications that are commercially viable. Eligible teams must be composed of three members and work with an advisor from a college or university or a qualified member of a fishing industry, association, or other related organization. A team may also enter the competition as a class or school group. Application information is available at http://www.nfwf.org/programs/large_whale_gear.htm. A letter of intent must be submitted by December 1 with full proposals due March 15, 2005. For information about existing fishing gear and regulations, go to the NOAA Fisheries Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction Plan website at http://www.nero.noaa.gov/whaletrp/. The competition is a collaborative effort of NFWF (http://www.nfwf.org/), NOAA Fisheries (http://www.NOAA Fisheries.noaa.gov/), the Northeast Consortium (www.northeastconsortium.org), and the Gulf of Maine Lobster Foundation (http://www.gomlf.org/). Reminders - The following funding opportunities listed in the last CZ-Mail are still available:
• NOAA 2005 Omnibus Grants - NOAA and NOAA Fisheries grant funding opportunities for fiscal year 2005 can be accessed at http://www.grants.gov/FindGrantOpportunities. Search grants by date, activity, or federal agency (such as Department of Commerce).
• Self-Help and Land and Water Conservation Grants - The Massachusetts Department of Conservation Services has opened its 2005 grant round for the Self-Help, Urban Self-Help, and Federal Land and Water Conservation funding programs. Applications are due October 1. For the grant announcement, letter from the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, and application package, go to http://www.mass.gov/envir/dcs.
• Nancy Foster Scholarship Program - Applications are being taken for the Dr. Nancy Foster Scholarship Program. The program supports independent graduate-level studies in oceanography, marine biology, and maritime archaeology, and in particular, by women and minority group members. For more scholarship information, go to http://www.fosterscholars.noaa.gov/ or http://www.fedgrants.gov/Applicants/DOC/NOAA/GMC/11429Foster06302004/Grant.html. Applications must be received between February 11, 2005 and April 15, 2005.

Project Review

FERC and MEPA seek comments on Fall River Weaver's Cove LNG Project - Weaver s Cove Energy, LLC and Mill River Pipeline, LLC seek approval to construct a liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal and gas pipeline that would transport up to 800 million cubic feet per day of imported natural gas to the U.S. market. The proposed terminal would include a ship unloading facility, a gas storage tank with a volume of 4.4 billion standard cubic feet, vaporization equipment, truck loading stations, and distribution pipelines. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) issued its draft environmental impact statement (DEIS), as required by the National Environmental Policy Act, in late July and will accept written comments until September 20. FERC will hold a public hearing at the Venus de Milo Restaurant in Swansea, Massachusetts, on September 8 at 7:00 p.m. The DEIS also serves at the draft environmental impact report (DEIR) required under the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act (MEPA). MEPA s comment deadline is September 24. For the DEIS/DEIR, contact FERC s Public Reference Room at (202) 502-8371. To review the docket, go to http://elibrary.ferc.gov/idmws/docket_search.asp and type CP04-36 in Docket Number. For information on how to efile comments with FERC, go to http://www.ferc.gov/docs-filing/efiling.asp. For information on submitting comments to MEPA, go to http://www.mass.gov/envir/mepa/secondlevelpages/submittingcomments.htm. Massachusetts Programmatic General Permit to be Reissued - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers proposes to reissue its Massachusetts Programmatic General Permit (PGP) in order to streamline permitting processes regulated under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act and Section 10 of the Rivers and Harbors Act. The PGP, which must be renewed every 5 years, allows certain small projects to proceed without Corps review once all necessary local and state permits have been received. It also defines large project categories that undergo Corps and participating federal and state agency screening (including CZM review) that result in either approval under the PGP, or require individual Corps and state and local agency approval. The Corps has proposed minor changes to the current PGP, such as defining additional projects that fall into the screening category, and new conditions on certain projects. The Corps is accepting public comment until September 9. For the public notice with details how to comment and a list of proposed changes to the PGP, go to http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/, select Regulatory/Permitting, and choose MA PGP Reissuance (August 2004). For the current PGP, go to http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/, select Regulatory/Permitting, and then choose Massachusetts under the State Programmatic General Permits section. For the proposed PGP, go to http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/, select Regulatory/Permitting, and then choose Proposed MA PGP under the Topics and Issues section.          

Public Comment

Final Ballast Water Rule Issued - To better protect U.S. waters against the unintentional introduction of nonindigenous species, the U.S. Coast Guard will mandate water management practices for all vessels equipped with ballast water tanks bound for U.S. ports. Under the new rule, vessels must completely exchange their ballast water no less than 200 nautical miles from any shore before discharging it into U.S. waters, retain ballast water onboard the vessel, or use a Coast Guard-approved alternative method. The rule is effective September 27. For more information, or to review the Federal Register notice, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html, and type 44952 in Quick Search. To review the public comment docket, go to http://dms.dot.gov/search/searchFormSimple.cfm and enter 14273 in Docket Number.                 Ballast Water Treatment System Approval Program - The Coast Guard seeks to consult with all interested and affected parties in establishing a program to approve onboard ballast water treatment systems. The new program will be established to ensure approved treatment systems meet federal ballast water discharge standards. Comments must be received by December 3. For the Federal Register notice with details on how to comment, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html, and type 47454 in Quick Search. Reminders - The following public comment periods listed in the last CZ-Mail are still open:
·      Cape Cod National Seashore ORV Permit Distribution Meeting - The Cape Cod National Seashore Advisory Commission s Off-Road Vehicle (ORV) Subcommittee will host its final public meeting to discuss improving the ORV season permit distribution system on September 8. For details, go to http://www.nps.gov/caco/news/ORVmeetings.pdf. For more information about the ORV permit program, go to http://www.nps.gov/caco/activities/oversand/index.html. ·      Gulf of Maine Atlantic Salmon Draft Recovery Plan Available - NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are soliciting public comment on the Draft Recovery Plan for the Gulf of Maine Distinct Population Segment of Atlantic Salmon until September 16. A copy of the draft is available online at http://www.NOAA Fisheries.noaa.gov/pr/ under Recent News. For the Federal Register notice, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html, and enter 34184 in Quick Search. ·      Taunton River s Brightman Street Bridge Schedule Deviation - The U.S. Coast Guard has changed drawbridge operation, for a 90-day test period until September 28, at the Brightman Street Bridge in Somerset, Massachusetts. The bridge will not open for pleasure craft traffic between 7 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. For the Federal Register notice with details on how to comment, go to http://www.gpoaccess.gov/fr/index.html, and enter 35244 in Quick Search. Comments will be accepted until October 15.

Products/Publications

Barnstable County Wastewater Management Report - The Cape Cod Commission has released its report Enhancing Wastewater Management on Cape Cod: Planning, Administrative, and Legal Tools. The report, available at www.capecodcommission.org/water/WastewaterToolsReport, discusses challenges to effective wastewater management, recommendations, and case studies. NRDC Annual Beach Water Quality Report - The Natural Resources Defense Council s (NRDC) report on 2003 annual beach testing, Testing the Waters 2004: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches, documents 18,000 days of closings and advisories at ocean and Great Lakes beaches last year, an increase of 51 percent from 2002. NRDC attributes the high number of closings and advisory days to both better monitoring and to municipal difficulties identifying and controlling beachwater pollution. For a copy of the report, go to http://www.nrdc.org/water/oceans/ttw/titinx.asp. International Earth Observation System Massachusetts Fact Sheet - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and NOAA have developed fact sheets outlining the potential benefits of the Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS) for each U.S. state. GEOSS is expected to help predict natural disasters, saving lives and preventing extreme weather and climate impacts. In Massachusetts, GEOSS will aid with local groundwater monitoring, storm and precipitation tracking, local recreational water evaluations, and more. For the Massachusetts fact sheet, go to http://www.epa.gov/geoss/fact_sheets/massachusetts.html. For more information about GEOSS, go to http://www.epa.gov/geoss. Mercury and Fish Consumption - EPA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration have developed a new brochure, What You Need to Know About Mercury in Fish and Shellfish, presenting recommendations made earlier this year in a joint national mercury advisory. For a PDF copy of this and other EPA fish advisory brochures, FAQs, and more information, go to EPA s fish consumption advisory program located at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/fish/.

Job Postings

CZM Director - The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs has posted the Director of CZM position. The Director of CZM, who will also serve as Assistant Secretary for Coastal and Marine Resources to the Secretary of Environmental Affairs, is responsible for developing the Commonwealth's overall coastal and ocean planning strategy, including the state's participation in regional, national, and international efforts to improve coastal resource management. For more information about the position, qualifications, and application instructions, go to http://ceo.hrd.state.ma.us/ceo.nsf/7e766c4d4be0f11985256a2b005f4415/a239667a09c669cd85256ef2007042f7?OpenDocument&Highlight=2,EOEA. NAMA Project Director for New England Groundfish Fleet Visioning Project - The Northwest Atlantic Marine Alliance (NAMA), a non-profit organization bringing commercial and recreational fishing, marine science and education, and conservation and community organizations from Rhode Island to Canada together to collaborate on restoring and enhancing the Atlantic marine system, is seeking a project director to oversee and develop partnerships for the New England Groundfish Fleet Visioning Project. The project s goal is to bring government, industry, and others together to develop a shared vision for the future of the fleet. The project director will manage the project s steering committee and ensure that stakeholder vision translates to policy development. To learn more about the position and how to apply, go to http://www.namanet.org/documents/Project_director.doc. The position will be posted until September 8. For more information on NAMA, go to http://www.namanet.org/. Trustees of Reservations Planner - The Trustees of Reservations is looking for a planner, for a two-year period, to manage several concurrent development open space and historic house projects. The planner will be based out of the Doyle Conservation Center in Leominster, Massachusetts and will perform site inventory and research and develop comprehensive management plans and an implementation schedule. For detailed information about the position, including how to apply, go to http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/4197_planner.cfm.

Websites

International Environmental Practices Website - EPA s international practices website, located at http://www.epa.gov/innovation/international, offers environmental policies and best practices from countries around the world including Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Australia. An online global library provides links to journals, databases, guidelines, programs, and case studies. Also, the site features examples of U.S. state and local partnerships with other nations that have resulted in creative environmental solutions. Invasive Plant Species Assessments - NatureServe and the Nature Conservancy have developed a method to assess the impact of invasive plants on native ecosystems. A report, An Invasive Species Assessment Protocol: Evaluating Non-Native Plants for Their Impact on Biodiversity, dataset, and assessments of more than 300 other non-native plants is available at http://www.natureserve.org/getData/plantData.jsp.
       

Calendar

Annual Conference on Responsible Fishing - The 4^th Annual Conference on Responsible Fishing, Preserving our Oceans, Our Resources, and Our Communities, sponsored by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries, Sea Grant, and FishExpo, will be held September 29-30 during FishExpo at the Rhode Island Convention Center in Providence, Rhode Island. The conference will focus on fisheries issues confronting East Coast commercial fishermen. For the announcement, go to http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/marinefisheriesnotices/rfc_announcement_081304.pdf. For a registration form, which must be submitted by September 22, go to http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/marinefisheriesnotices/rfc_registration_081304.pdf. For more information about FishExpo, go to http://www.fishexpoatlantic.com/. Marine Law Symposium on the Ocean Commissions - The Marine Affairs Institute at Roger Williams University School of Law and the University of Rhode Island is sponsoring a marine law symposium, Following the Commissions: Analysis and Implementation of the Ocean Commission & Pew Commission Reports, at the Newport Marriott in Newport, Rhode Island, from September 9-11. The symposium will focus on comparing the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy and the Pew Commission reports and their recommendations. For more information and registration, go to http://law.rwu.edu/About+the+School/News+and+Events/Marine+Law+Symposium.htm.

               

Ocean Security Technology Workshop - The Marine & Oceanographic Technology Network is hosting its 4^th Ocean Technology Workshop from October 19-21 at the Hyatt Regency Goat Island in Newport, Rhode Island. As of July 1, all U.S. commercial ports and international trading port affiliates must be in compliance with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Maritime Transportation Security Act, which requires ports to have identified all potential targets for attack and to establish plans to protect those assets. The port and harbor security workshop focuses on technologies and services that are already in place and available for port security. For more information, go to http://www.motn.org/workshop.htm. Stormwater Compliance Seminar - A one-day seminar, Stormwater Permitting: Is Your Municipality or Business in Compliance (And Will it Stay in Compliance?), will be held on October 19 at the Omni Parker House Hotel at 60 School Street in Boston, Massachusetts. The seminar will address municipal and industrial compliance and sustainability issues, management trends, and laws. For more information about continuing education credits and fees, go to http://www.lorman.com/seminars/seminar_details.php?sku=350801 and search seminar identification number 350801. Coastal Zone 05 Call for Abstracts - Coastal Zone 05, the 14^th biennial installment of this premier conference for coastal resource managers, will be held July 17-21, 2005 at the New Orleans Marriott in New Orleans, Louisiana. Called Balancing on the Edge, the conference will focus on balancing the issues of land and sea. Abstracts are currently being accepted through October 4 and must be 250 words or less, submitted online, and peer-reviewed. Acceptance notices will be mailed in December. For more information, including themes and workshops, go to www.csc.noaa.gov/cz.

 

Reminders: The following calendar items, posted in the last CZ-Mail, are still to come:
·      2nd National Conference on Coastal and Estuarine Habitat Restoration - Restore America's Estuaries is holding the Weaving Restoration into the Tapestry of Coastal Life conference at the Washington State Convention & Trade Center and the Grand Hyatt Seattle in Seattle, Washington, from September 12-15. For conference information and registration, go to http://www.estuaries.org/2ndnationalconference.php. ·      Watershed Conservation Conference at UMASS - The University of Massachusetts Amherst is hosting the Watershed Conservation 2004 Water Resources, Ecosystems, and People conference September 17. For information and registration, go to http://madras.fnr.umass.edu/conference04/. ·      Promoting Clean Jobs & Neighborhood Change Conference - The Massachusetts Executive Office of Environmental Affairs Office of Technical Assistance and Environmental Justice teams are holding the Promoting Clean Jobs & Neighborhood Change: Building Economic and Environmental Justice conference on September 18 at Holy Cross College in Worcester, Massachusetts. For more information, go to http://www.mass.gov/ota/events.htm. ·      Boston Harbor Educators Conference - Boston Harbor: Stewardship of an Ever-Changing Resource will be held on Saturday, October 2 at the University of Massachusetts Boston. For more information contact Peg Collins by email at Ccndpcllns@.... ·      Gulf of Maine Summit - The summit, Committing to Change, will be held October 26-29 at the Fairmont Algonquin Hotel in St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Register online at http://www.gulfofmainesummit.org/register.html. For more information and an agenda, go to http://www.gulfofmainesummit.org/. ·      Massachusetts Coastal Training Program - The program maintains a calendar of workshops and other training events for coastal decision makers and others interested in managing the coastal zone. For more information, see http://www.coastaltraining.org/events/index.htm.

CZM News Spotlights

Here are links to recent newspaper articles featuring CZM staff, initiatives, or projects: (Articles may only be available for a limited time.)
• Open space gets built into plans (Boston Globe, 8/19/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/19/open_space_gets_built_into_plans/
• Invasive purple weed may meet its match (ABC News, 8/13/04) - http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/ap20040813_279.html
• A reward for environmental activism (Boston Globe, 8/12/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/12/a_reward_for_environmental_activism/

In the News

Here are links to recent newspaper articles on coastal issues: (Articles may only be available for a limited time.) ·      Hydropower project tested on Merrimack (Boston Globe, 8/29/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/29/hydropower_project_tested_on_merrimack/
• Those costly clams (Cape Cod Times, 8/27/04) - http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/thosecostly27.htm
• Opponents see oil spill risk, demand delay (Cape Cod Times, 8/26/04) - http://www.capecodonline.com/cctimes/opponentssee26.htm
• Casual fishermen reel in more prized fish than commercial fleets (Boston Globe, 8/26/04) -http://www.boston.com/news/science/articles/2004/08/26/casual_fishermen_reel_in_more_prized_fish_than_commercial_fleets/
• Lobstermen s pot boils over (Boston Herald, 8/24/04) - http://news.bostonherald.com/localRegional/view.bg?articleid=41167
• Lobster lament (CBS News, 8/23/04) - http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2004/08/23/tech/main637867.shtml
• Modeling ocean behavior (Science Daily, 8/23/04) - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040823091735.htm
• Island in the city (Boston Globe, 8/22/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2004/08/22/island_in_the_city/
• Report: project will mar scenery (Cape Cod Times, 8/20/04) - http://www.capecodonline.com/special/windfarm/reportwind20.htm
• Sewer spat yields lasting bitterness (Boston Globe, 8/19/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/19/sewer_spat_yields_lasting_bitterness/
• Officials seek source of oil spill on river (Boston Globe, 8/19/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/19/officials_seek_source_of_oil_spill_on_river/
• Weak El Nino seen affecting U.S. this fall, winter (ABC News, 8/19/04) - http://abcnews.go.com/wire/SciTech/reuters20040819_278.html
• Mercury report gives Bay State C-minus (Boston Globe, 8/18/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/18/mercury_report_gives_bay_state_c_minus/
• Charley a harbinger of busy hurricane season? (National Geographic News, 8/18/04) - http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2004/08/0818_040818_hurricanes.html
• Opposition rises to plan for Fall River LNG terminal (Boston Globe, 8/15/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/15/opposition_rises_to_plan_for_fall_river_lng_terminal/
• Selectmen drop Greenbush appeal on water quality (Boston Globe, 8/15/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/15/selectmen_drop_greenbush_appeal_on_water_quality/
• Nahant mulls options at past military site (Boston Globe, 8/15/04) -
  http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/15/nahant_mulls_options_at_past_military_site/
• Future brightens for former brass factory site (Boston Globe, 8/15/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/15/future_brightens_for_former_brass_factory_site/
• On a path behind UMass, they feel the call of the sea (Boston Globe, 8/15/04) -http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/15/summertime_and_the_fishing_is_easy/
·      Data Quality' law is nemesis of regulation (Washington Post, 8/15/04) - http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A3733-2004Aug15.html
• Alliance against wind farm delays taxes again (Cape Cod Times, 8/14/04) - http://www.capecodonline.com/special/windfarm/allianceagainst14.htm
• Romney signs bill on wetlands development (Boston Globe, 8/12/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/12/romney_signs_bill_on_wetlands_development_1092287846/
• On mission to protect, enjoy where river meets the sea (Boston Globe, 8/12/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/12/on_mission_to_protect_enjoy_where_river_meets_the_sea/
• Environmental groups fault Bush policy on wetlands (Boston Globe, 8/12/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/nation/washington/articles/2004/08/12/environmental_groups_fault_bush_policy_on_wetlands/
• Europe, N. America heat waves to intensify (Discovery Channel, 8/12/04) - http://dsc.discovery.com/news/afp/20040809/heatwave.html
• Annual study finds rise in beach closures (ABC News, 8/06/04) - http://abcnews.go.com/wire/Politics/ap20040806_72.html
• Hurricane estimate lowered for Atlantic, Caribbean (ABC News, 8/06/04) - http://abcnews.go.com/wire/US/reuters20040806_9.html
• Gulf of Maine marine ecosystem may have entered new phase (Science Daily, 8/04/04) - http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2004/08/040804082342.htm
• Offshore sewage targeted in N.H. (Boston Globe, 8/05/04) - http://www.boston.com/news/local/articles/2004/08/05/offshore_sewage_targeted_in_nh/
• Corps denies Romney's bid to delay release of wind farm impact report (Cape Cod Times, 7/31/04) - http://www.capecodonline.com/special/windfarm/corpsdenies31.htm
• NOAA funded researchers forecast toxic red tide in New England (NOAA News, 7/30/04) - http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2004/s2271.htm

Other Items of Interest

After the Storm - This 30-minute television special, co-produced by EPA and The Weather Channel, will air on Saturday, September 18 at 8:00 p.m. and 11:00 p.m. For more information about the program and access to related watershed protection materials, go to http://www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/.

Commonwealth of Massachusetts - Mitt Romney, Governor

Kerry Healey, Lieutenant Governor

Executive Office of Environmental Affairs - Ellen Roy Herzfelder, Secretary

Office of Coastal Zone Management - Susan Snow-Cotter, Acting Director

Editor - Andrea S. Bistany

Internet Coordinator - Joe Pelczarski

Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

251 Causeway Street, Suite 800

Boston, MA 02114-2136

(617) 626-1200

CZM Information Line - (617) 626-1212

CZM Website - www.mass.gov/czm/

A publication of the Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) pursuant

to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Award No. NA03NOS4190087.

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.

Meeting Details:                                                                       
Tuesday September 14^th at 6:30 p.m.                                          Bob Greco, DFG
Department of Conservation and Recreation s                            (617) 626.1556
John Augustus Hall in West Boylston.          
(Directions next page)

MarineFisheries Advisory

September 7, 2004
 

PUBLIC MEETING REGARDING REVIEW OF

MASSACHUSETTS OFFICE OF ENVIRONMENTAL LAW ENFORCEMENT

 

On Tuesday September 14^th, the Environmental Law Enforcement Review Panel and the Management Assistance Team of the International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies will hold a public meeting regarding the Office of Law Enforcement (Massachusetts Environmental Police). The public is invited to testify at this meeting and may also submit written testimony.

 

The Environmental Law Enforcement Review Panel was established in the spring of 2004 by the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA). The panel has met several times and is working with the Management Assistance Team (MAT) to conduct a comprehensive review of the history of environmental law enforcement, take a present day look at the agency, make an assessment of the needs of constituents and agencies, and make recommendations for improvements for environmental law enforcement in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" />Massachusetts.

 

The Management Assistance Team has conducted more than 40 individual interviews of constituents, environmental police officers, and other employees throughout EOEA, has held several focus group meetings, and is conducting a survey of constituents. In an effort to involve anyone interested in this topic, the panel and the MAT are asking the public to attend the meeting and to express their views regarding the Office of Law Enforcement. After gathering information at the public meeting, the Management Assistance Team intends to finalize its report and submit recommendations to the Environmental Law Enforcement Review Panel in October. The panel will then review the MAT report and submit final recommendations to the Secretary of the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs.

 

To accommodate as many people as possible, people speaking at the public meeting will be limited to five minutes of testimony, and are free to talk about any aspects of the Office of Law Enforcement. In order for the process to be helpful for the consultant s review process, the MAT has asked that presenters at the public hearing consider the following questions when expressing their views about the Office of Law Enforcement:

 

• Do you feel that the Commonwealth is getting good service from the Office of Law Enforcement?
• How do you think we can improve the services the agency provides?
• Do you anticipate the need for environmental law enforcement services to increase or decrease in the coming years, and in what areas?
• What do you see as the two biggest constraints to improving the Office of Law Enforcement (excluding funding and staffing)?
• Do you think that another law enforcement entity could provide environmental law enforcement services in Massachusetts more effectively than the Office of Law Enforcement?
• How would you rate the Office of Law Enforcement s level of responsiveness to reported tips?
• In general, do you feel that you have an adequate opportunity to express what you feel is needed for services from the Office of Law Enforcement?

 The Environmental Law Enforcement Review Panel and the Management Assistance Team of the International Association of Fish & Wildlife Agencies greatly appreciate your contributions to this process. 

 

Following are directions to the site of the public meeting:

 

John Augustus Hall

Department of Conservation and Recreation

Division of Water Supply Protection

180 Beaman Street

West Boylston, MA  01583

(508) 792-7423 (508) 835-4816

 

FROM THE EAST, VIA MASS PIKE:

• From East via Mass Pike take Route 495 North (Exit 11)
• Follow Route 495 North approximately 7 miles to Route 290 West
• Follow Route 290 West approximately 7 miles to Route 140 North
• Follow Route 140 North approximately 6 miles, you will be riding along the shore of the Washusett Reservoir, then through the center of West Boylston and across a causeway over the reservoir to your left
• The DCR office is set back from Route 140 (Beaman St.) to the right and is the next building on the right after the old stone church. You will see signs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection.
• Drive around the right side of the building.  Parking is in the rear.  Enter at the loading dock door.

 

FROM WEST VIA MASS PIKE:

• Follow Mass. Pike East to Route 290 East
• Follow Route 290 East to Route 190 North
• Follow Route 190 North to Exit 4 (Route 12 North)
• Follow Route 12 North to the junction of Route 140 and take Route 140 North
• Follow Route 140 North across the causeway over Wachusett Reservoir (you will see an old stone church on the reservoir shore to your left).  The DCR office is set back from Route 140 (Beaman St.) to the right, the next building on the right after the old stone church. You will see signs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection.
• Drive around the right side of the building.  Parking is in the rear.  Enter at the loading dock door.

 

FROM ROUTE 2:

• Follow Route 2 to Leominster (either from the east or west) and take Route 190 South.
• Follow Route 190 South to Route 140 South approximately 9 miles.
• Follow Route 140 South for approximately 1 mile (you will cross over the Stillwater River).  The Facility will be set back from Route 140 on the left. You will see signs for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Conservation and Recreation, Division of Water Supply Protection.
• Drive around the right side of the building and park in the rear of the building.  Enter at the loading dock door.