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Asian Longhorn Beetle - Free Talk with Jane Winn of BEAT PITTSFIELD - The Trustees of Reservations invite the public to a free winter lecture at the Berkshire Community College Hoffman Environmental Center at 1350 West Street. The goal of their lecture series is to bring together the local community for a deepening conversation about special Berkshires landscapes and their stories and to invite participation in their protection and care. On March 26 from 6-8pm Jane Winn from the Berkshire Environmental Action Team will give a program about the Asian Longhorn Beetle. She will share information about the recent infestation in Worchester, MA and will tell us how we can protect out beautiful Berkshire hills. The movie “Lurking in the Trees” that chronicles the Worcester story will be shown. “This gorgeous beetle wipes out whole trees, and should it make it to the Berkshires, could devastate whole swaths of forest” says Winn. “Early detection is critical and if caught early the beetles can be completely destroyed, but once established eradication becomes much more difficult.” Trustees of Reservations Conservation Ranger Rene Wendell says, “What happened in Worchester should not only serve as a warning of what can happen here, but should also serve as inspiration of what can happen when the federal government, state and local communities work together.” “Now is a great time of year to examine your trees” says Winn. “Because there are no leaves on the trees the holes the Asian longhorn beetle make are more easily spotted.” Materials that show people what signs to look out for in the wood and how to identify the beetles will be available at the talk. Wendell encourages everyone to come to the talk. “You don’t have to be an avid hiker or nature expert to learn about this pest and to help protect our tress,“ he says. “It was an unassuming citizen, not a biology professor that helped saved Worcester forests and the rest of Western Massachusetts!” To pre-register for the talk, please call The Trustees of Reservations at 413.229.8600. |
From EcoUpdates from CET, an occasional email bulletin that keeps you up to date on interesting environmental workshops and events. The ReStore at the Western MA Homeshow Visit the ReStore Home Improvement Center booth and see samples of the types of products we have in the store - including cabinets, doors, windows, lighting, plumbing and Amazon recycled paint. We will have great grab-and-go items like gardening gloves, bathroom accessories and mini-flower pots. We will also be showing videos of our appearances on This Old House, New England Dream Home and a time lapse of us taking a 6000 square foot house apart - by hand - to reuse the materials. We are offering free admission to the show for people who would like to volunteer 3 hours of their time at the show. We could use help with everything from handing out fliers to setting up and breaking down the tent. Hope to see you there! |
New Job Opportunity! The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance is pleased to announce an opening for a new position to support our growing network and implementation work. Please see the job description below. Partnerships and Communications Director The Partnerships and Communications Director is a new, full-time position established at the Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance, which is a coalition of seven policy organizations concerned with promoting sustainable and equitable development in the state. The Massachusetts Smart Growth Alliance (MSGA) promotes healthy and diverse communities, protects critical environmental resources and working landscapes, and supports equitable community development and urban reinvestment. It was formed in 2003 by the following organizations: Boston Society of Architects (BSA), Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), Conservation Law Foundation (CLF), Environmental League of Massachusetts (ELM), Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston (FHC), Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC), and the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). The Partnerships Director will lead the effort to grow the Alliance into a statewide, broad-based network with a strong public voice. This individual will oversee membership and partnership development; technical assistance; programming and events; and grassroots communications including the website. A significant area of focus for the Partnerships Director will be the implementation and coordination of the Alliance's new Great Neighborhoods initiative, which will develop partnerships, policy, and technical assistance tools to help resident groups achieve their smart growth goals. The Partnerships and Communications Director will work closely with the MSGA Executive Director, as well as with the Alliance's Steering Committee and policy teams, composed of directors and staff from the seven organizations. Responsibilities will include:
Qualifications:
Salary: $50,000 or negotiable based on skills and experience. Please send resume and cover letter expressing interest and qualifications to Andre Leroux at andre@ma-smartgrowth.org. Candidates of color are encouraged to apply. Please submit materials by April 5, 2010. |
EPA Launches Web Forum on How to Best Protect America’s Waters |
EPA Administrator Jackson Outlines New Vision for Clean, Safe Drinking Water
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"Great Appliance Exchange" BOSTON - March 22, 2010 - As part of the Patrick-Murray Administration's Massachusetts Recovery Plan to secure the state's economic future, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Ian Bowles today announced important details for participating in a $6.2 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act-funded energy efficient appliance rebate program. This information is now posted on a newly-launched state energy efficiency web site: www.MassSave.com/residential. "The Mass Save Great Appliance Exchange is the latest example of the Commonwealth's use of federal Recovery dollars to lower household energy costs, cut energy waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions," said Governor Deval Patrick. "I am delighted that launching this program will be part of our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day." Details regarding the Department of Energy Resources' (DOER) Mass Save Great Appliance Exchange, including participating retailers, eligible appliance models, rebate amounts, and steps for securing rebate reservations and obtaining a rebate are now posted at www.MassSave.com/residential. Consumers who need additional assistance beyond the information on the web site can also call a new DOER hotline at 617-626-7350. The list of participating retailers will be updated through April 8. "Starting on April 22, the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, Massachusetts residents can get cash back for taking energy-wasting refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers and clothes washers out of commission and exchanging them for super efficient models," Secretary Bowles said. "Consumers can hit the ground running on April 22, by taking time now to find out which models are rebate eligible and which retailers will be participating in the program." Under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, Massachusetts was allocated $6.2 million to administer an Energy Efficient Appliance Rebate Program designed to spur significant household energy savings by taking high energy consuming home appliances out of service and replacing them with qualified ENERGY STAR models. Since appliances are among the heaviest energy users in most homes, the program is expected to yield significant annual energy savings for consumers who participate - potentially cutting energy bills by hundreds of dollars if more than one appliance is replaced. The Mass Save Great Appliance Exchange is a limited time only offer, beginning April 22. Rebate reservations must be made by phone or web site starting April 22, and appliances must be purchased between April 22 and May 5, 2010. Funding is limited, and rebates are on a first-come, first-served basis until funding is depleted. To ensure that the process is managed fairly, consumers will be required to make an advance reservation and must turn in their inefficient appliances. Returned appliances must be working when exchanged for eligible high efficiency models, and will be picked up and hauled away for recycling when the new appliances are delivered. All Massachusetts residents, including those served by municipal electric/light departments, will be eligible for these rebates. Only Massachusetts participating retail store purchases will qualify. Internet purchases are not eligible. The Mass Save Great Appliance Exchange will offer rebates of $250 for qualified dishwashers, $200 for qualified refrigerators, $175 for qualified clothes washers and $50 for qualified freezers. Rebate steps (posted at www.MassSave.com/residential) |
Street and Sidewalk improvements in Ward 1 Dear Ward 1 Constituents Christine Yon |
Lenox hires sustainability coordinator to lead “lenox unplugged” campaign The Town of Lenox, with the support of grant funding, has hired recently returned Peace Corps volunteer, Natalie Grillon, to fill a new Sustainability Coordinator position from now through September. Ms. Grillon, 25, has already begun work on several projects which she will coordinate in the coming months, including the “lenox unplugged” campaign, a community-wide effort to help residents, businesses, and community groups save money while meeting their energy challenges. “I like to consider myself as a community personal energy advisor. Just as one might have an accountant calculate your tax refund or a personal trainer coach you towards a goal at the gym, I’d like to work alongside town residents to figure out where their energy is coming from and how they can reduce their costs and consumption.” The “lenox unplugged” campaign will start at the end of March and will ask homeowners, businesses, and even schoolchildren to pledge to work together to reduce their energy consumption and “unplug” from their preconceptions about their energy use and its impact. The campaign hopes to serve as a catalyst for a community dialogue on the town’s plans for its future energy needs and the potential for a green community and economy. Lenox unplugged is affiliated with the Western Mass Take Charge Campaign which plans to spread to other towns in the Berkshires and is modeled on the Take Charge North Adams campaign, launched in 2008. Pledge Cards, which can be filled out online or on paper at the Town Hall and other locations around town, will feature simple pledges one can make, like signing up for a free home energy audit, lowering the thermostat in the winter and raising it in the summer, carpooling once a week, or installing programmable thermostats. Each interested resident or business owner can simply check off the actions he or she pledges to take and then sign to signify his or her commitment. Ms. Grillon plans to use a website and numerous community activities, like workshops, a “Green Fridays” program and an unplugged artist series to encourage residents to uphold their pledges and make the experience fun and collaborative. She also plans to organize several energy forums for the public on what energy we’re currently plugged in to and what other options exist to save the community more money, source clean energy, and become more energy independent. “The basic idea of the campaign is to save everyone money, an issue everyone cares about right now, and then second, to learn more about the kinds of energy we use, the different options available to the community including alternatives which are more efficient and cleaner, and the impacts our choices have on our community, our lives, and our entire planet.” Ms. Grillon plans to bring many of the community organizing and project management techniques she learned as a volunteer in the Peace Corps to her work in this new position. She served twenty-eight months as a Natural Resources Management Agent in the country of Mali, in West Africa, and returned to the Berkshires in December. “The working conditions in Mali were a little less luxurious – they live without running water or electricity…But despite the differences, I definitely see a lot of parallels in my work: helping each community unite around a cause and work together towards sustainable development.” The new position is funded by a grant from the Clean Energy Choice Program, from the Chorus Foundation through the Center for Ecological Technology, and grants from Berkshire Bank and the New England Grassroots fund. Ms. Grillon will also assist the town to complete all steps required by the Action Plan for the 2008 Green Communities Act. As soon as the town meets all five of the Act’s criteria, Lenox will qualify for grants of up to a million dollars in funding for green and sustainable projects. Ms. Grillon will be holding “office hours” 9am-10am on Wednesday each week at Haven Cafe and Bakery on Church Street in Lenox and she encourages community members to approach her with questions, ideas and any input they may have on any green or sustainability topics. She can also be reached at lenoxunplugged@gmail.com. More Information about the campaign can be found at the campaign website, www.townoflenox.com/lenoxunplugged and on the campaign blog at www.lenoxunplugged.wordpress.com. |
from Pittsfield City Councilor John Krol's email blast: Today, as we attempt to make the most of out of our dollars, within the city's budget and within the budget of our own households, it is the right time to ensure that new homes meet certain standards that will ultimately save our homeowners significant money and also improve the value of their properties -- all while reducing the carbon footprint of the City of Pittsfield. In addition, while the new code presents very reasonable ways for builders to adapt, adopting the Stretch Code would be a major step in making Pittsfield one of the first, if not, the first Green Community in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This would allow Pittsfield to become eligible for a potential million dollars in green energy improvements for our city buildings in the first year. These are state dollars that would not have to be matched with city tax dollars and will ultimately lead to more long-term savings for our taxpayers because of increased efficiency. I urge you to learn more about the Stretch Code, as the Green Commission and City officials have discussed this in depth with our community's contractors, building inspectors, architects and realtors. |
From Pittsfield City councilor Mike Ward's email blast: |
First St. Common Park Redesign Project Survey The City of Pittsfield has created a short survey on the First St Common park redesign project. Please take a few minutes and complete this survey. Your thoughts on the future of this downtown park are important! Thank you. Click the link below for the survey.
The Common Park Redesign Public Input Meeting will be held Monday, March 22nd at 7:00pm in the City Hall Council Chambers.
Please share and forward this to others who may be interested. |
Working Forest Initiative
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JOB ANNOUNCEMENT: DIRECTOR OF HABITAT RESTORATION CONNECTICUT FUND FOR THE ENVIRONMENT Do you have a passion for working with a talented team to restore rivers and coastal habitat around Long Island Sound? Would you like an opportunity to make a real environmental difference? If so, you may be the ideal candidate for Director of Habitat Restoration at Connecticut Fund for the Environment. Mission Organization
The organization's historical accomplishments and future goals are driven by: Save the Sound now has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic, knowledgeable habitat restoration professional. The organization desires to hire a professional who will bring leadership and energy to its habitat restoration program, in order to expand and improve this core program. The Opportunity: Director of Habitat Restoration Reporting directly to the Program Director, the Director of Habitat Restoration will work with and be supported by a team of self-directed and motivated staff, and directly supervise Save the Sound's consulting scientist. Important responsibilities will include assuring that solid habitat restoration projects are selected and completed on time and within budget. This responsibility will be supported by the Director of Finance, who will provide assistance in budgeting and financial reporting, In addition, the selected individual will be the CFE and Save the Sound spokesperson for habitat restoration, representing the organization at community events and before the media. Support for this effort will be provided by CFE's Director of Communications as well as Save the Sound's Community Outreach Associate. Primary functions include, but are not limited to:
1) Coordinate all aspects of habitat restoration projects to assure that feasibility, design and construction phases of projects are completed on time and within budget;
1) Make presentations to interested community groups, organizations, and potential donors about Save the Sound's habitat restoration program and restoration activities in the Long Island Sound region; Qualifications
Salary and Benefits To Apply |
Merrimack River Watershed Council - Executive Director REPORTS TO: President of Board of Directors SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: The Executive Director is charged with overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Merrimack River Watershed Council including cultivating key partnerships and donor relationships, acting as the champion and voice of the Merrimack River, ensuring that all products and projects are produced and carried out in an effective, professional and timely manner, overseeing staff and volunteers, and developing and managing the budget. The Executive Director is responsible for developing and implementing short and long-term strategic plans to help grow and strengthen the organization’s ability to have a positive impact. Though not an exhaustive list, specific duties are outlined below:
IDEAL ATTRIBUTES
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS Compensation: Salary package is competitive and will be determined by the Board of Directors based on experience and qualifications. TO APPLY: Please submit a detailed and compelling letter showing your passion and fit for the mission of the Merrimack River Watershed Council and why you should be the next Executive Director along with a resume to: jbernard@merrimack.org with "Executive Director" in the subject line. Or by mail to: Merrimack River Watershed Council No phone calls please. Please submit by April 15, 2010; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. |
Joan Safford Wright to show at the Milne Library This show of landscape paintings is the third time Joan has exhibited her work at the David and Joyce Milne Public Library. The exhibit will be up for the entire month of April. Besides shows at the library in 2006 and 2008, she had a show last summer at Gallery 429 in Pittsfield, and has participated in several group shows in Williamstown since moving to Williamstown in 2000. Her work focuses on the landscapes she finds around in the Berkshires. “There is almost no place one can look here without seeing something lovely and compelling to paint. I am fascinated by color and with the ways the landscape changes through the seasons. More recently I have started painting imaginary landscapes. Maps and the challenge of representing a particular topography on a flat surface inspire some of these new works”. There will be an artist reception on Saturday, April 3rd form 1:00-3:00, refreshments will be served at the Milne Public Library, Williamstown. For more information contact the Milne Public Library at 413-458-5369, or www.milnelibrary.org. |
ELM Legislative Update For the bills ELM and other colleagues have been working on or tracking their status: Public Lands Protection Act-reported favorably and now in House Ways and Means A group of environmental advocates also recently met with legislative allies to discuss strategies to push several of these bills over the finish line before the end of the session. Stay tuned. If you would like to know the status of a particular bill, please email Nancy Goodman at ngoodman@environmentalleague.org and we can get that information to you. |