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Dear River Advocates,
Like many organizations and programs, Riverways staff periodically spends a day away from the office and our ongoing projects to step back and devote some time to internal discussions addressing Òbig pictureÓ topics. Our discussions typically focus on answering the question of ÒWhat do the rivers need?Ó and how can we best help citizens, groups and communities protect, restore and enjoy the rivers, streams and riverine lands that are important to them. Among the needs we identified at our retreat last month was increasing public awareness of the ecological significance, sensitivity and vulnerability of the smaller streams and brooks that may be overlooked by decision-makers, planners and regulators. The environmental quality of our larger mainstem rivers is largely dependent upon the condition of the smaller tributaries that feed them. Furthermore, the smaller streams are important habitats in and of themselves, as they tend to have cooler, more highly oxygenated water important for trout and other sensitive aquatic organisms. These smaller streams are the source of most of the woody vegetation and the microbes and macroinvertebrates that form the base of the aquatic food chain. Smaller streams flowing into the larger rivers also often serve as important places of refuge, enabling trout to escape the warmer temperatures and higher pollutant concentration conditions occurring in the mainstem, especially during the summer months. [See Fact Sheet #9: The Importance of Protecting Riparian Areas along Smaller Brooks and Streams , for a more detailed discussion of this issue - http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/rivfact9.htm .]
Unfortunately, the relatively small width and volume of headwater and other smaller streams make them particularly vulnerable to adverse impacts. We are hearing from many of you about, as well as observing first-hand ourselves, situations where smaller streams are being threatened with, or have already experienced, significant degradation. These include:
· cases where wild trout streams are threatened by so-called Òbig boxÓ retail development with expansive impervious surfaces, where insufficient measures are proposed for mitigating the adverse impact of superheated runoff from the development into the nearby stream;
· places where riverine instream habitat is threatened with desiccation from excessive water supply withdrawals from shallow streamside wells that either pull water directly from the stream, intercept groundwater that would otherwise gotten into the stream, or both;
· source water areas containing streams contributing flow to public water supplies that aren't duly recognized and safeguarded as such by local and/or state regulations, and so are vulnerable to degradation by new residential development;
· areas where headwater streams and watersheds are threatened by expanding sewer lines that may deplete supplies of clean surface and/or groundwater though infiltration into the pipe and/or pollute them the pipes overflow;
· situations where undersized and/or dropped culverts serve as barriers to fish and/or wildlife movement in and along stream corridors; and so on.
It should be noted that much if not most of these and other adverse impacts to riverine habitats is unintentional and avoidable. We believe that a significant reduction in harm could result if water resource and land use decision-makers merely knew more about the ecological significance and sensitivity of nearby streams and the various options available to mitigate adverse impacts.
As you may already know, Riverways is already partnering with many of you to address these and similar threats through Stream Teams , River Restore , River Continuity , River Instream Flow Stewards , our Technical Assistance Team , and many other means. An additional idea we came up with at last month's retreat, to help raise public awareness and concern about specific threats to the natural integrity of the Commonwealth's riverine resources, was to feature stories about them in upcoming editions of NewsNotes . We are eager to hear your stories of threats to your favorite rivers and streams and, if appropriate, we'll report on them in future editions of NewsNotes . [If, on the other hand, it seems (after consulting with you) that the problem you've identified is best handled with quiet diplomacy, we'll do what we can to assist you in that way.]
Before closing, I wanted to make sure you all know of the recent completion of a document that could play an important role in protecting and restoring the integrity of the Commonwealth's waterways and watersheds. The final version of the Massachusetts Water Policy was unveiled at an event in Foxboro on November 9 th . The announcement took place at Gillette Stadium, an appropriate venue, as the recently constructed stadium employed several innovative measures to mitigate its impact on water resources, including a separate Òpurple pipeÓ system to enable the reuse of ÒgreywaterÓ for flushing toilets, as well as ÒdaylightingÓ a 3000-foot section of the Neponset River. The new Massachusetts Water Policy is now posted on-line in .pdf format at http://www.mass.gov/envir/wptf/publications/mass_water_policy_2004.pdf , and I encourage you to read it. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve on the Water Policy Task Force and pleased that the policy includes several recommendations specifically intended to protect riverine organisms and ecosystems. We hope to highlight various aspects of the new Water Policy in a future edition of NewsNotes , and we look forward to working with you on implementing its recommendations, especially the ones that relate to riverine habitats.
As we've got an especially large Resources and Grants section to share with you this issue, we thought we'd hold off on an additional lead article until the next time. As usual, some of the items in Resources and Grants (such as grant application deadlines ) are very time-sensitive.
Happy Thanksgiving! Included in my list of things to be thankful for are the rivers, their advocates and all those who work on behalf of the rivers, streams and riparian habitats.
Hope to see you on (or alongside) the rivers soon -
Joan Kimball, Director
P.S. If these e-mail NewsNotes were forwarded to you by someone else and you would like to receive them directly, please let us know. Additionally (or alternatively), if the format of the e-mail version of these NewsNotes is in an incompatible format to your computer's e-mail program, we encourage you to read the on-line version of Riverways NewsNotes posted (soon if not already) on our web page ( www.massriverways.org ). All previous NewsNotes are also available on-line. Highlighted topics of past NewsNotes include: Collaboration for Water Resources Protection, Living Waters, Assessing Dams for Environmental Risks, River Continuity, River Instream Flow Stewards (RIFLS), Fishway Stewardship, Nonpoint Source projects, Adopt-A-Stream Technical Service Awards, and River Restore's Neponset Project.
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Resources and Grants
Grants and Awards
The Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment (Council) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the current round of its Action Plan Grants Program , which provides funds to non-governmental organizations thro ughout the Gulf of Maine watershed to further the goals of the Council while assisting worthy applicants with their own programs to the benefit of the inhabitants of the Gulf of Maine region. Non-governmental organizations (e.g., community associations, cooperatives, civic groups), municipalities, and schools are eligible to apply. The non-governmental organization and the proposed project must be located within the Gulf of Maine watershed (which includes the Merrimack, Nashua, Sudbury/Assabet/Concord, Parker, Ipswich, North Coastal, Charles, Boston Harbor and South Coastal watersheds as well as t he Mass. Bay side of the Cape Cod watershed ) . T he Council requests proposals for projects that will address technical and educational aspects of the Gulf of Maine Council on the Marine Environment 's Action Plan 2001-2006 (see http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/action_plan/ ) . Applications are due November 30, 2004 . For complete information and application forms, go to http://www.gulfofmaine.org/council/opportunities .
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE)'s Partnership Grant Program (see http://www.uvm.edu/%7Enesare/PARTinfo.html ) is for agricultural professionals who work directly with farmers - s pecifically Cooperative Extension, NRCS personnel, non-governmental organizations, and others operating in the farm communit y - w ho are interested in developing on-farm demonstration, research, or marketing projects related to sustainable agriculture (i.e., farming that is profitable, environmentally sound, and beneficial to the community ) . The purpose of the Partnership Grant is to build knowledge farmers can use, to encourage the understanding and widespread use of sustainable techniques, and to strengthen partnerships among farmers, extension, non-governmental organizations, and NRCS personnel that support useful inquiries into how agriculture can be made more profitable through good stewardship. Partnership projects can address a variety of topics, including the development of beneficial insect habitat, alternative crops or animals, practices that make use of biological cycles for improved soil, plant, and pest management, marketing, adding value, grazing, tool or technology development, agroforestry, farm management, and water quality. For more info about SARE or this grant program, c all ( 802 ) 656-0471 or e-mail nesare@uvm.edu . 2005 Partnership Grant applications are due November 30, 2004.
The Massachusetts Office of Commonwealth Development (OCD, http://www.mass.gov/ocd/index.html has created the Governor's Smart Growth Innovation Awards to enable Massachusetts municipalities to get the support they need to move ahead with the best and most creative smart growth development projects and planning efforts across the Commonwealth. Smart Growth Innovation Award entries are due on December 1 , 2004 , with winners announced in February 2005 . Innovation award winners receive OCD agency assistance to determine eligibility for funding through Commonwealth Capital (CC, http://www.mass.gov/ocd/comcap.html ) programs , t echnical assistance for preparation of CC applications , p rioritization for Fiscal Year 06 CC Funding , o pportunities for increased grant/loan amounts in FY 06 , c onsideration for expedited permitting , and more. Go on-line to http://www.mass.gov/ocd/docs/smart_growth_award_form.pdf or contact Lauren Curtis at ( 617 ) 573-1387 or Lauren.Curtis@state.ma.us for more info.
Once again, Riverways is offering Technical Assistance Awards to watershed groups and Stream Teams across the Commonwealth to build capacity, complete projects from their Action Plans and enable them to provide opportunities for river protection, restoration and recreation. Eligible projects include l ocating or monitoring stormwater outfalls , identifying stream culverts that restrict fish and/or wildlife passage , a ssessing stream and riparian habitat , promoting lan downer best management practices for stormwater runoff and/or water conservation (rain barrels, rain gardens, native plants, etc.) , riparian land protection and/or habitat restoration, and enhancing public access to and/or along waterways. To apply, send a letter of inquiry (up to two pages) by December 1, 2004 stating your project goals, including a brief summary. Please add any supporting materials you wish , including maps or photographs. Note: Riverways' Technical Assistance Awards are for staff time only . We cannot create or print materials (such as trailhead kiosks, signage, maps, brochures) but can help develop the designs and concepts and assist groups in apply ing for grants to get funding for printing and materials. Please feel free to call Rachel at ( 617 ) 626-1549 or Amy at ( 617 ) 626-1548 for more info and/or to discuss a project idea before submitting your letter of inquiry.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Division of Bird Habitat Conservation (DBHC) administers the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA)'s Small Grants Program , which funds the protecti o n, restor ation , and/or enhancement of wetlands that serve as critical waterfowl and other bird habitat. G rant requests may not exceed $50,000 , and funding priority is given to projects that have a grantee or partners that have not participated in a NAWCA -supported project before . The application deadline is Friday, December 3 rd . More info is available on-line at http://birdhabitat.fws.gov/NAWCA/USsmallgrants.html or by contacting the DBHC Small Grants Coordinator at ( 703 ) 358 - 1784, ( 703 ) 358 - 2282 (fax) , or nawca_smallgrant@fws.gov .
The Fund for the Environment (FFE) at the Boston Foundation operates the New England Natural Areas & Wildlife Grants Program . The Grants Program priorities include 1) Land Conservation, 2) Land Stewardship, 3) Education and Outreach, and 4) Preservation of Flora for Wild Birds ( the F FE is especially interested in applicable proposals for th is last category). Serious consideration is given to requests where a small grant can have a significant positive impact on the ability of a project to advance. Grants are no larger than $7,500. The detailed Request for Proposals and related materials are accessible on-line at http://www.tbf.org/fund/fund-L2.asp?id=771 . The deadline for submission is December 3, 2004 at 5:00 PM . Email and fax proposals are not accepted. Please send proposals to: Mr. Corey L. Davis, Grants Manager , Boston Foundation , 75 Arlington St . , 10th Floor , Boston, MA 02116 . For more info, please email Dulcea Morgan at dlm@tbf.org .
Earlier this fall, the Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) announced the availability of grant funding to municipalities to protect and actively maintain key parcels of land believed critical to protecting current and future water supplies . The announcement is posted on-line at http://www.comm-pass.com/processPublicSolSummView.do?action=soltypeCd&docStatus=OPEN&docViewType=OPEN&docUserId=3456&doValidateToken=false&docId=100821&soltypeCd=UNIVERSAL (click on the blue tabs near the top of the document for more details, esp. the Ò Drinking Water Supply Protection Grant Announcement Ó under the ÒSolicitationÓ tab). Grant awards are anticipated to be up to $500,000 in size; respondents will be required to submit a pledge of matching funds equal to a minimum of 100% of funds sought from the Commonwealth through this grant. Federal funding sources such as Community Development Block Grants or Revenue Sharing which are defined by the federal government to be local money may be used as matching funds. Due diligence costs, such as appraisals, title searches, and surveys made prior to the execution of a contract with a selected Respondent will be accepted as match. However, those expenditures made prior to the execution of a contract are not eligible for reimbursement. Alternatively, if Respondents are to benefit from a donation of land adjacent to the proposed acquisition, if that land is valued at 100% (or more) of the proposed acquisition the cash match requirement will be waived . Although only municipalities are eligible to apply for these grants, partnerships with other entities (private water companies, land trusts, etc.) are encouraged. Responses are due Tuesday, December 7 th ; in order to be eligible for reimbursement, all acquisitions and related costs must be expended prior to 30 June 2005 . For more information, contact: Christine Berry, EOEA, 100 Cambridge Street, 9th Floor, Boston, MA, 02114, (617) 626-1309, Christine.Berry@state.ma.us .
[ N.B .: Mass. EOEA is also expected to announce in the near future the availability of some $200,000 for Watershed Implementati on Grants that implement one or more of the recommendations contained in the completed watershed Five Year Action Plans (see http://www.mass.gov/envir/water/publications.htm for on-line versions of completed plans; a 50/50 match will be required).]
Each year the environmental community comes together to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to protecting our nation's wetlands. The 2005 National Wetlands Awards will be given in six categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader. Nomination forms for 2005 National Wetlands Awards , sponsored by the Environmental Law Institute , are now being sought and may be made on-line at http://www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm . The deadline for submitting nominations is Dec. 15, 2004. For more info , e-mail wetlandsawards@eli.org or c all Katie Wells at ( 202 ) 939-3810.
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) recently issued a Request for Responses (RFR) for its F ederal F iscal Y ear 20 05 §604(b) non-point source pollution watershed assessment grants program (see http://www.comm-pass.com/processPublicSolSummView.do?action=soltypeCd&docStatus=OPEN&docUserId=200120&docViewType=OPEN&docId=100622&doValidateToken=false&soltypeCd=ITP ø click on the ÒintentÓ tab to view the complete RFR). The focus of the FY2005 grants will be for watershed or subwatershed - based non-point source assessment activities that support D EP's assessment efforts , including the Massachusetts Estuaries Project, TMDL development, water supply source protection planning, or data needs that are identified in the EOEA watershed action plans (see http://www.mass.gov/envir/water/default.htm ) . Respondents are nevertheless encouraged to propose other suitable water quality assessment/planning projects. P riority or target watersheds for FFY05 include the Farmington, Westfield, SuAsCo, South Coastal, Taunton, Hudson, Housatonic, Charles, Ten Mile , and North Coastal basins. E ligible grant applicants must be either Regional Public Comprehensive Planning Organizations or Interstate Organizations (i.e., regional planning agencies, council of governments, counties, conservation districts, cities and towns, and other sub - state public planning agencies and interstate agencies ) . Such organizations must be chartered with suitable powers as a unit of local government, an independent sub - state agency, or an interstate organization under an interstate agreement of which Massachusetts is a party. The deadline for responses is Fri day, December 17 th at 1:00 PM. For more info, contact Gary Gonyea at (617) 556-1152 or gary.gonyea@state.ma.us .
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) O ffice of W ater (OW) recently issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the development and implementation of biologically-based water quality assessments and criteria . State water pollution control agencies, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, institutions of higher education, interstate agencies, and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, organizations and individuals are eligible to apply. EPA will accept proposals until January 1, 2005 . More details about the RFP are posted on-line at www.epa.gov/waterscience/biocriteria/rfp.pdf .
The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national
501(c)(3) nonprofit education and research organization primarily funded by the voluntary contributions of 575,000 members of BoatU.S., the nation's largest recreational boat owners association. The Foundation is seeking nonprofit groups to help educate mariners about good environmental habits with grants of up to $4,000 for clean boating projects. Clean Water grants are designed to educate boaters on issues such as petroleum pollution prevention, pumpout education, and littering prevention. Although all clean boating education proposals will be considered, the 2005 "focus topic" is on reducing the spread of aquatic nuisance species . "Boaters who trailer their boats can inadvertently transfer non native plants, fish, and other species from one body of water to another," explains Margaret Podlich, environmental director for the BoatU.S. Foundation. "When alien species are spread to new waters, they can devastate the native ecosystem. We are looking for proposals that educate boaters about practical habits to prevent the further spread of invasive species - for example, zebra mussels in middle America, purple loosestrife in the Great Lakes or even the infamous snakehead in Maryland." To learn more about aquatic nuisance species, or download a 2005 application, please visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Cleanwater/grants . Applications must be e-mailed or postmarked by midnight February 1, 2005. Contact Joni Turken at ( 410 ) 897-0514 or JoniT@BoatUS.com for more information.
The Robert & Patricia Switzer Foundation 's Leadership Grant Program was started in 1990 to both help advance the professional careers of Switzer Fellowship a lumni and to give non-profit organizations, educational institutions and government agencies greater access to individuals with superior technical and scientific expertise. Grants are awarded to organizations actively addressing issues of environmental quality to implement programs designed collaboratively with Switzer Fellows . Concept letters for the Spring 2005 grant round are due February 1, 2005 , w ith f ull proposals due March 1, 2005 . Non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations with public charity status, government agencies and educational institutions which aim to employ a Switzer Fellow in a substantive role are eligible to apply for Leadership grants. The project or position must involve applied work that will yield positive environmental results. For more information, go on-line to
http://www.switzernetwork.org - be sure to visit the Leadership Exchange section of the Switzer website for information on Fellows looking to work with organizations - Postings for projects are invited. For more info on the Leadership Grant program, or to post a listing on the Leadership Exchange, contact Erin Lloyd, Program Assistant, at (207) 338-5654 or erin@switzernetwork.org .
You know the person : t he one who is always willing - often without acknowledgement - to go the extra mile for the health of your river. The one whose leadership has been instrumental in your recent successes. The one who emotes such passion about rivers that it's downright contagious. River Network is pleased to accept nominations for its 2005 River Heroes A wards . More information, including nomination forms, can be found at: http://www.rivernetwork.org/rally/post.cfm?doc_id=479 . Award recipients will be honored during a celebratory banquet at River Network's River Rally 2005 , which will be held from May 20-24 in Keystone, CO (see http://www.rivernetwork.org/rally/index.cfm ) . Honorees will receive a scholarship to attend the River Rally, a plaque of commendation, acknowledgement on River Network's web page and in River Network publications, a 1-year River Network Partnership, and more. Deadline for nominations is February 11, 2005. For more information, contact Katherine Luscher at (800) 423-6747 x384 or kluscher@rivernetwork.org .
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR)'s Urban and Community Forestry Program is offering a second round of Promoting Forest Stewardship for Watershed Health grants to support planning and education projects that promote forest stewardship for watershed health. Matching grants of up to $5,000 will be awarded to successful municipalities, planning agencies, watershed associations and other non-profits. Up to $30,000 is available through this program. The deadline for proposals is February 18, 2005 . You can download the RFP at: www.mass.gov/dcr/stewardship/forestry/urban/urbanGrants.htm or contact Paul Jahnige at (413) 577-2966 or paul.jahnige@state.ma.us for more information.
Community and environmental organizations located in areas served by the Ba y State Gas Company (see http://www.baystategas.com/about/svcarea.htm ) are encouraged to apply for grants of between $500 and $5,000 (with special grants occasionally awarded up to $10,000) from the Environmental Challenge Fund (ECF) . NiSource Inc., the parent company of Bay State, established the ECF in 1995 as a not-for-profit corporation to support local natural resource and wildlife improvement projects and related educational and recreational efforts. Grant guidelines and applications are available on the NiSource web site at www.nisource.com/enviro/ecf.asp . Grant applications will be accepted until Feb. 28, 2005 and announced on Earth Day 2005 . For more information, contact Charles Moran at (413) 781-9200, ext. 2147 .
The Cedar Tree Foundation ( http://www.cedartreefound.org/index.html ) is a small family fund created several years ago by the late pediatrician and entrepreneur, Dr. David H. Smith. Dr. Smith believed strongly in the power of individuals and organizations to make significant changes in our world, and that view is reflected in the foundation's grantmaking , which focuses on s ustainable a griculture , e nvironmental e ducation and e nvironmental h ealth . The foundation gives parti cular consideration to proposals demonstrating strong elements of environmental justice and conservation. Although the Foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals , it welcome s letters of inquiry , which should be no longer than three pages, plus a summary budget. The letter should indicate the problem you are addressing, the tactics and strategies you will use, and the capacities and resources you have available to you. F oundation staff read and evaluate every letter of inquiry receive d . The appropriate staff person will follow-up with you if additional information is needed or if a full proposal to the foundation will be invited . Requests for proposals do not necessarily indicate that a grant will be awarded. P lease send letters of inquiry by mailÑnot fax or e-mailÑto : Cedar Tree Foundation , Ten Milk Street, Suite 401 , Boston MA 02108 .
Calendar
The New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission ( http://www.neiwpcc.org ) is sponsoring a training course entitled Clean Water Act 101: A Comprehensive Guide to Water Quality Policy and Protection , taking place on December 14-15 (Tue.-Wed.) at the Sheraton Harborside Hotel in Portsmouth, NH. The course will offer a detailed look at the key sections of the Act, explain how it does (and does not) function as a unified program, describe its relation to state and local water quality p olicies, and highlight cutting - edge issues that confront water quality protection. The course is designed for non - lawyers , and representatives of w atershed groups, non-profit organizations, state government officials, federal employees, and engineers and consultants at private firms engaged in water quality projects are encouraged to attend. Registration f ees range from $75 for n on-profit organizations, state and local government ; $100 for Federal employees ; and $125 for private industry/consultants. Fee includes: program, materials, breakfast and lunch for both days . For more information and to register ( deadline is 11/23 ), go on-line to http://www.neiwpcc.org/PDF_Docs/wq101_form.pdf or contact Susy King at (978) 323-7929 or sking@neiwpcc.org .
The Universities Council on Water Resources (UCOWR, http://ucowr.siu.edu ) , an organization devoted to research, education, and service related to the wise use, protection, and conservation of our nation's water resources and publisher of The Journal of Contemporary Water Research & Education , has issued a Call for Presentations for its upcoming conference entitled River and Lake Restoration: Changing Landscapes , to be held July 12-14, 2005 in Portland, Maine. Session topics include: b iological effects of stream engineering , dam removal , economic impacts of restoration projects , endangered species , invasive s pecies , restoration of sea-run fisheries , riparian assessment/restoration and river flow augmentation . The deadline for abstract submission is December 1, 2004 . To submit an abstract, go on-line to http://water.montana.edu/ucowr/ .
On-line Resources
The Mass. Executive Office of Environmental Affairs (EOEA) recently launched a section of its website devoted to Low Impact Development (LID) techniques . LID is an ecologically friendly approach to site development and stormwater management that mitigates development impacts to land, water, and air. It includes a suite of landscaping and design techniques that attempt to maintain the natural, pre-developed ability of a site to manage rainfall. LID techniques capture water on site, filter it through vegetation, and let it soak into the ground where it can recharge the local water table rather than being lost as surface runoff. An important LID principle includes the idea that stormwater is not merely a waste product to be disposed of, but rather that rainwater is a resource. EOEA's new LID web page ( http://www.mass.gov/envir/lid ) features case studies and reviews important LID principles, including open space preservation, compact development, impervious surface reduction, and more.
The mission of the Massachusetts Highway Department's Environmental Section ( http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/mhd/environ ) is " t o support the construction and maintenance activities that provide the Commonwealth with safe roads and bridges and to protect and where possible enhance the environment." Among the list of sample permitting forms and publications available at the MHD website ( http://www.mhd.state.ma.us/mhd/environ/publications.htm ) is the recently-developed Stormwater Handbook for Highways and Bridges , which provides designs for BMPs and other mechanisms for highway projects to comply with DEP's Stormwater Policy .
Massachusetts has lost approximately one-third of its pre-colonial era wetlands to historic human impacts. Many of the Commonwealth's remaining wetlands are degraded and offer diminished services to humans and wildlife. Formerly a statewide program but now limited to coastal projects and housed within the Mass. Office of Coastal Zone Management (MCZM) office, the current mission of the Massachusetts Wetlands Restoration Program (WRP, http://www.mass.gov/czm/wrp/index.htm ) is to help people voluntarily restore the state's degraded and former coastal wetlands and the invaluable services they provide. WRP helps to identify the location of sites needing restoration and then works with a broad array of partners to design, implement and monitor restoration efforts. WRP's impressive and attractive website is replete with photos and maps of past, current and proposed wetland restoration projects and is well worth a visit, even if the coast isn't your bailiwick. You may also want to view and sign up for the WRP's equally-impressive periodic electronic update of its activities at http://www.mass.gov/czm/wrp/education/currentupdate.htm .
Earlier this fall, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a new version (3.1) of its Better Assessment Science Integrating point and Nonpoint Sources (BASINS) software system . BASINS supports the objectives of facilitating examination of environmental information, supporting analysis of environmental systems, and providing a framework for examining management alternatives. BASINS allows the user to assess water quality at selected stream sites or throughout an entire watershed. F or more information and to download the model , go on-line to : http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/basins/ . On a related subject: The EPA is implementing a multi-year project to scan copies of major National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permits and make them easily available to the public on its website. You can now find over 2000 NPDES individual and general permits at http://www.epa.gov/npdes/permitsearch .
In addition, the EPA has recently published a new Water Quality Trading Assessment Handbook to add to the Ò toolkits Ó of water quality managers and watershed stakeholders to help make cost-effective pollutant reductions that achieve water quality standards. Using a hypothetical river basin, the Handbook illustrates an analytical framework that can be used in any watershed to evaluate the conditions and water quality problem(s) and determine if water quality trading might effectively address local conditions. Free p aper copies of the Handbook a re available from the National Service Center for Environmental Publications at (800) 490-9198 or via e - mail at ncepimal@one.net (please refer to the EPA document number EPA 841-B-04-001). The document is also available on-line at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/trading/handbook . For more info, contact Lynda Hall at (202)566-1210 or Katharine Dowell at (202)564-1515.
The EPA's Office of Water and Office of Research and Development , in partnership with the U.S. Agency for International Development (U.S. AID) , have approved and are now distributing a 2004 Guidelines for Water Reuse Manual (EPA625-R-04/018) , which recommend water reuse guidelines, along with supporting information, to help water and wastewater utilities and regulatory agencies, particularly in the U.S. The document updates the 1992 Guidelines and provides expanded coverage of water reuse issues and practices in other countries. Copies of the updated manual can be ordered on-line at http://www.epa.gov/ttbnrmrl , or a .pdf file can be downloaded at http://www.epa.gov/ORD/NRMRL/pubs/625r04108/625r04108.pdf . For further info contact Robert Bastian at ( 202 ) 564 0653 (also see related info at http://www.watereuse.org/ ).
The much anticipated final version of the Center for Watershed Protection 's Illicit Discharge Detection and Elimination Guidance Manual is available. This manual fills a critical need for communities in search of solid, proven strategies for detecting and correcting illicit discharges. Produced under a cooperative agreement from the EPA , this Manual is available for free download for a limited time at http://www.cwp.org/idde_verify.htm
Non-government On-line Resources
Acton Stream Team Web Page
T he Acton Stream Teams , formed by the Organization for the Assabet River ( http://www.assabetriver.org ), in partnership with Mass. Riverways' Adopt-A-Stream P rogram ( http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/river/rivaas_toc.htm ) seek through public education to reduce sources of pollution and excessive nutrients to Acton's waterways and to raise awareness of the wildlife habitat and recreational opportunities provided by Acton's streams. This stream team's excellent web page provides photos and detailed maps linked to shoreline survey reports as well as information on the Team's many other activities including cleanups, storm drain stenciling, and the recently completed Acton Stream Awareness Project, which partnered with the Town to erect stream signage at over two dozen local road crossings throughout the community.
American Trails
http://americantrails.org/resources/statetrails/MAstate.html
American Trails is the only national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of all trail interests, including hiking, bicycling, mountain biking, horseback riding, water trails, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, trail motorcycling, ATVs, snowmobiling and four-wheeling. American Trails members want to create and protect America's network of interconnected trails. We support local, regional, and long-distance trails and greenways, whether they be in backcountry, rural or urban areas. The organization's goal is to support America's trails by finding common ground and promoting cooperation among all trail interests. It is involved in everything from training trails advocates to providing increased trail opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The web link above lists various trail and greenway resources in Massachusetts. For more info, call (530) 547-2060 or write to trailhead@americantrails.org (see also http://www.trailbuilders.org/about.html ).
Citizens' Agenda for Rivers
The Citizens' Agenda for Rivers is a plan for healthy rivers and healthy communities created by and for the river movement. This website provides an on-line version of the Agenda (in Eastern and Western U.S. versions) and river issues fact sheets as well as an opportunity for you and/or your group to endorse the Agenda and help demonstrate the strong grassroots support for river protection and restoration to governmental decision-makers, particularly at the federal level.
Community Source Water Protection Initiative
http://www.protectsourcewater.org
Clean Water Fund ( http://www.cleanwaterfund.org/ ) , the Campaign for Safe and Affordable Drinking Water ( http://www.safe-drinking-water.org/ ) and the Clean Water Network ( http://www.cwn.org/cwn/ ) have partnered to promote citizen involvement in drinking water source protection. The federal Safe Drinking Water Act required states to complete Source Water Assessments for all public water supplies by 2003. Under the Source Water Assessment Program (SWAP) , each state worked with each water supplier to compile an inventory of all actual and potential sources of pollution, rank the vulnerability of the drinking water source to the pollution and recommend protection efforts for the source water area. The challenge for communities concerned about clean and safe water is to move beyond the assessments to real protection of drinking water sources. The Community Source Water Protection Initiative helps citizen s partner with water suppliers to implement the recommendations in each supplier's SWAP report (see http://www.mass.gov/dep/brp/dws/swap.htm for info about SWAP in Massachusetts). CSWPI's web page provides access to on-line and downloadable .pdf versions of Source Water Stewardship - A Guide to Protecting and Restoring your Drinking Water , an introductory PowerPoint presentation to raise public awareness about source protection, and information about Assistance Fund mini-grants of up to $2000 to qualifying organizations for sour ce water protection activities. For more information, contact Mike Davis at mdavis@cleanwater.org or (617) 338-8131 .
eStream
http://www.rivernetwork.org/estream/estream_nov04.htm
Ò eStream Ó is the name of River Network 's monthly electronic newsletter. Each issue typically features an exemplary river or watershed association, offers suggestions for river-focused events or fundraising initiatives, includes recent news stories on river-related issues, and provides a ÒRiverSmartÓ tip to encourage citizens to adopt more river-friendly practices. This month's RiverSmart tip encourages people to e at o rganic f ood , as c onventional food production introduces toxic herbicides and pesticides into waterways. Subscribing to eStream is free and is available to anyone with an e-mail address (see http://www.rivernetwork.org ). FYI, past issues of eStream are accessible at http://www.rivernetwork.org/supportus/index.cfm?doc_id=769 ø the Oct. 2004 issue included a nice writeup on workplace giving campaigns .
Green Roundtable (GRT)
http://www.greenroundtable.org
Founded in 1999 by Boston-area design professionals, The Green Roundtable, Inc. (GRT) is an independent non-profit organization whose mission is to promote and support healthy, efficient and sustaining development and building projects through strategic outreach, education, policy advocacy and technical assistance. GRT's strategy is to educate people commissioning and operating buildings to define their own green criteria and expectations while simultaneously training and supporting design professionals to provide the services that meet these changing needs. Concurrently, we work with policy and regulatory bodies to encourage the integration of sustainable design principles into regulatory requirements, so that eventually green building will become "business as usual." GRT was instrumental in persuading the newly-constructed Woburn High School to install a r ooftop r ainwater harvesting system that will meet all the school's toilet flushing and irrigation needs. Resources at GRT's web page include an Introduction to Building Green primer and a virtual version of its ÒGreening the Bay StateÓ exhibition (see http://www.architects.org/committees/index.cfm?doc_id=123 ), on display at 52 Broad St., Boston until November 30 th .
Groundwater Foundation
A nonprofit, membership-supported organization, Groundwater Foundation w as founded in 1985 on the principle that education is a powerful motivator for change and that factually - informed people who understand the value and vulnerability of groundwater will act responsibly and responsively on its behalf. The Foundation believes that p ollution prevention is the most effective, cost efficient way to protect groundwater. The Foundation s preads the word about the value of groundwater through publications, conferences, festivals, consultation with other organizations, and its growing Groundwater Guardian network ( http://www.groundwater.org/gg/gg.html ) . The Foundation's website includes links to customized workshops and publications for source protection as well as the Foundation's highly-informative Recharge Report electronic newsletter. Among the useful tidbits of information in the Nov. 2004 Recharge Report is a blurb about a new Pacific Institute report that examines the threat to businesses of increasing water scarcity, contamination and costs. The report, which looks at California businesses, says the largest and cheapest source of new water is the water currently being wasted. Ò Freshwater Resources: Managing the Risks Facing the Private Sector Ó is at http://www.pacinst.org/reports/business_risks_of_water/ .
Mass. Association of Conservation Commissions (MACC)
The 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 itself will now 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 . You should also know that the MACC has now posted electronic versions of a total of (as of 10/6/04) 78 local wetland bylaws and ordinances , 47 sets of related regulations, and 5 wetlands policies , sorted alphabetically by municipality, at: http://maccweb.org/bylaws/bylaws_frameset2.html .
Mass. Bays Estuary Association
http://www.massachusettsbays.org/
Founded earlier this year as t he nonprofit partner of the Massachusetts Bays National Estuary Program (MBP , http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/ , t he MBEA gives the Bays a voice through education, outreach and advocacy programs. MBEA raises public awareness about the values of and threats to the Bays. MBEA works to build strong recognition of, and admiration for, the magnificent natural resource of the Massachusetts Bays, tidal rivers and estuaries (see http://www.mass.gov/envir/massbays/estuaries.htm ). MBE A is comprised of regional conservation leaders, educators, scientists and advocates working in partnership toward a vision of Bays stewards throughout our communities (youth, government, business) working together toward a vision of clean, healthy Bays...toward clear water, clean beaches and safe shellfish. MBEA encourages individuals to join to protect their coastal backyard. MBEA need s your help to reach kids with educational materials, organize public events, work with local business , and help it to increase public awareness and stewardship of the Bays, so that all of us can enjoy our favorite beaches, fishing spots and vistas and give this legacy to generations to come. Call (781) 378-1610 for more info (see related information at http://estuaries.org ).
Massachusetts Global Action 's ÒHands Off Our WaterÓ Campaign
http://www.massglobalaction.org/handsoffwater.htm
Mass. Global Action seeks to work with individuals and organizations around the state to reverse the privatization of public resources and to save the environment for future generations. MGA acts as a membership organization and as the hub of a network of like-minded organizations. MGA is concerned about the privatization of public water supplies (e.g., it is seeking to support local screenings of the movie Thirst , http://www.thirstthemovie.org , a n acclaimed documentary about water privatization) and is currently researching the state of municipally owned water systems in Massachusetts to identify potential targets of multi-national corporations. MGA is cr eating Water Watch Councils to serve as the local eyes and ears for the Water Allies Network http://www.waterallies.org/ , and is ass isting local groups confronting the role of corporations in attempts to privatize municipal water systems. MGA is currently trying to map the state and get a documented sense of where the threats of privatization of water systems exist as part of its "Our Community, Our Water" project. If you are interested in helping MGA make this happen, please contact Jonathan or Laura at ( 617 ) 338-9966 or via e-mail at organizing@massglobalaction.org .
Paddling.net
http://www.paddling.net/places/MA
The Paddling.net website is billed as Ò your #1 source for information on canoeing and kayaking. From Buyers' Guides for canoes, kayaks and accessories to articles, classifieds, photos, outfitters, dealers and so much more! Ó The ÒPlaces to PaddleÓ section of the web page contains trip and destination report information sorted by state/province, as well as the opportunity to post your own report. The link above takes you to the current information posted for Massachusetts waterways. (See http://www.americanwhitewater.org/oldawa/awa/river_project/Massachusetts/index.html and http://www.npmb.com for other paddling descriptions for Mass. waterways, and http://www.nationalrivers.org/ for more general info about paddler access to waterways.)
Planned Giving Design Center (PGDC)
The PGDC is a national network that provide s over 23,000 members with timely, objective content on the subjects of charitable taxation and planned giving and a collection of services aimed at facilitating charitable gifts. PGDC 's mission is to provide legal, tax, and financial advisors with authoritative information on the topics of charitable taxation and charitable gift planning so they may better assist their clients in accomplishing their personal and philanthropic financial and estate planning objectives. As well, prospective charitable donors may find PGDC content helpful in establishing their own giving plans. Anyone can become a member of the PGDC simply by using the online registration form. Because the cost of producing the PGDC is underwritten by hosting organizations and corporate sponsors, membership and access to all PGDC website content and community features is free .
Science News
http://www.sciencenews.org/articles/20040904/bob8.asp
Science News is an award-winning weekly newsmagazine covering the most important research in all fields of science. Its 16 pages are packed with short, accurate articles that appeal to both general readers and scientists. Published since 1922, the magazine now reaches about 160,000 subscribers and more than 1 million readers. Some Science News articles are accessible on-line; the link above takes you to an article by Sid Perkins entitled Ò Paved Paradise? Impervious surfaces affect a region's hydrology, ecosystemsÑeven its climate .Ó
Trout Unlimited, Greater Boston Chapter
Trout Unlimited (TU) 's mission is to conserve, protect and restore North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds. Much of TU's advocacy and elbow grease on behalf of trout and trout streams takes place by volunteers at the chapter level. TU's Greater Boston Chapter (one of ten TU chapters in Mass.) recently upgraded its web page with lots of interesting content for those who like to fish, or just like fish and/or the preservation of their habitats. On-line resources include amusing fishing stories and photos, updates on legislative and other issues affecting coldwater fisheries, and on-line versions of the Chapter's Currents newsletter. The web page also offers visitors (TU as well as non-TU members) the opportunity to share their own fish stories, photos, book reviews and other items of interest to anglers and river/stream enthusiasts.
Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF)
The research arm of the Water Environment Federation ( http://www.wef.org ), WERF is dedicated to advancing science and technology addressing water quality issues as they impact water resources, the atmosphere, the lands, and quality of life. WERF' provides funding for a wide range of water-quality-related research, including decentralized wastewater treatment systems, greywater reuse, endocrine disrupters, TMDLs and much more. WERF will soon be publishing a final report on " Stormwater Thermal Enrichment in Urban Watersheds " (Kieser et al., 2004 ø WERF Project # 00-WSM-7UR ) that addresses temperature issues (thermal loading) with urban stormwater in southwest lower Michigan. The research q uantifies stormwater thermal enrichment in a typical urban setting , d emonstrates the effect of stormwater BMPs on the thermal regime of runoff and the receiving stream , i dentifies contributing and mitigating sources of stormwater thermal enrichment and d iscusses management and design options necessary to mitigate urban stormwater thermal enrichment . Contact Margaret Stewart ( mstewart@werf.org ) for more information.
Publications
Protecting Surface Water Quality with Conservation Easements ø A process guide for land trusts, landowners and public agencies , by Brenda Lind, is the title of a new book published by the Land Trust Alliance (LTA). Prepared with the advice of experienced easement practitioners across the country, this guide includes examples from successful easement programs and samples of specific easement language that can be used to address a range of water resource protection goals and situations. The 77-page book may be purchased from LTA's web page ( http://www.lta.org/publications ) for $16 for LTA members, $20 for others.
In recent years, the practice of ecologically based planning and development has emerged as a way to safeguard human communities from natural hazards and to protect natural systems from the impacts of human settlement. Yet, despite a growing recognition of the value of planning and building with greater ecological sensitivity, many land use professionals lack the tools needed to do so easily. In Practical Ecology for Planners, Developers, and Citizens , authors Dan Perlman and Jeffrey Milder address this need by introducing and explaining key ecological concepts for planners, landscape architects, developers and others involved in planning and building human habitats.
Throughout the book, the authors make ecological concepts accessible to readers with little or no scientific background by presenting information in simple, pragmatic terms and by using numerous graphics and illustrations to help explain important principles. The book is not so much an exhortation to conserve nature as a practical explanation of how to do so in the context of land use planning and land development. It explains how, by paying attention to the ecology of the places they work, land use professionals can create a richer, healthier world for humans and for all living creatures . Practical Ecology (376pp., $35 softcover, $65 hardcover) can be ordered on-line from the publisher at ( http://www.islandpress.org ) or by calling (800) 828-1302.
A visual and written tribute, Voices of the Land , edited by Jamie Crelly Purinton, brings together a diverse community who speaks out for greater stewardship of our landscape. The authors, whether ecologist, farmer, chef, mushroom gatherer, architect, or writer, share of their own unique relationships to the land. Together with evocative photographs that detail the intricacies of nature, Voices of the Land encourages new home builders and/or homeowners to be responsive to the existing character and ecology of the land as it becomes a home. All book royalties go to land conservation and preservation efforts. See http://www.chelseagreen.com/2004/items/voicesoftheland or call (802) 295-6300 for more info.
The legacy of the debate about the importance of forests on water supply, and eventually water quality, is a century of research and the lessons from that research. A Century of Forest and Wildland Watershed Lessons (a new 292-page book compiled by George G. Ice and John D. Stednick, captures these lessons by providing a review of key forest and wildland issues research from the grandmasters who were involved in these research efforts. T opics covered in the compilation include Forest and Wildland Watershed Functions , Dif ferences in Forest Snow Hydrology and Rangeland Hydrology Research . A Century of Forest and Wildland Watershed Lessons is available from the publisher, the Society of American Foresters , at http://www.safnet.org .
If you had to guess how many waterfalls there are in Massachusetts, what would it be? One dozen? Two dozen? How about 55 ? New England Cartographics of North Amherst, MA recently published a book entitled Waterfalls of Massachusetts: An Explorer's Guide to 55 Natural Scenic Wonders , with text and photos by Joseph Bushee Jr. (Actually, on his web page, http://www.massfalls.com , Bushee documents an astounding 85 waterfalls in the Commonwealth, and invites the public to tell him about others he doesn't already know about.) Waterfalls of Massachusetts sorts the state's most scenic and/or accessible waterfalls by region and provides driving directions and a detailed trail map (with contour lines) and description along with a photo of each waterfall. Although (not surprisingly) most of the state's larger waterfalls are located in the more rugged topography of northern and/or western Mass., this book would make a fine resource to keep in one's glove compartment and consult when heading out on a road trip to those areas. Waterfalls of Massachusetts (165 pp., $15.95) can be ordered on-line at http://www.necartographics.com/ or by calling (413) 549-4124. (see also related info at http://www.aria-database.com/cgibin/falls.pl?entire )
For those of you that are more coastally-inclined, you should know that t he new Massachusetts Coast Guide to Boston & the North Shore, Volume 1, Second Edition , is now available. Published by the Mass. Office of Coastal Zone Management (MCZM), the Coast Guide highlights more than 400 coastal recreation and public access sites in 80+ pages. The full-color, spiral-bound guide contains 22 maps covering the Massachusetts coastline from Salisbury to Hingham , with brief site descriptions and facility and parking information. The Coast Guide is being distributed by the Urban Harbors Institute of University of Massachusetts Boston (UHI) at cost ($6.00 including shipping). For ordering information, go to http://www.mass.gov/czm/coastguide/index.htm .
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Last but not least:
The Massachusetts Environmental Trust ( http://massenvironmentaltrust.org ) provides funding to many river and other water resources protection and restoration projects throughout the Commonwealth. A major source of MET's funding comes from the sale of environmental license plates. Besides the ÒwhaleÓ plate (shown here with ÒBobÓ, MET's new marketing icon), sale of the ÒFWÓ (Òfish and wildlifeÓ) and ÒBVÓ (ÒBlackstone ValleyÓ) plates also help fund MET's grant-making programs. (By the way, these three are the only Mass. specialty license plates that exclusively fund environmental programs). Getting an environmental plate is easy and can be done on-line at http://www.mass.gov/rmv or at your local Registry of Motor Vehicles office.
? Does your car have an environmental license plate?
Riverways Staff: Special Funding:
Rachel Calabro , Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator Carrie Banks , Stream Team Organizer, Western MA
Russ Cohen, Rivers Advocate Erin Collupy, RIFLS Technical Assistant
Cindy Delpapa, Steam Ecologist/ Urban Rivers Coordinator Brian Graber , River Restore Staff Scientist
Eileen Goldberg, Programs Administrator Chris Leuchtenburg , River Restore Data Researcher
Margaret Kearns , Watershed Ecologist/RIFLS Gabrielle Stebbins , RIFLS Technical Assistant
Joan Kimball, Director
Karen Pelto, River Restore
Amy Singler , Stream Team Organizer
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Commonwealth of Massachusetts; Mitt Romney, Governor
Kerry Healey, Lieutenant Governor
Executive Office of Environmental Affairs; Ellen Roy Herzfelder, Secretary
Department of Fish and Game; David Peters, Commissioner
Mass. Riverways Program ø Riverways News Notes #13 ø November 19, 2004
251 Causeway St. Suite 400
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 626-1540
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