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January/February 2011 The Newsletter of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions

Annual Environmental Conference

Volume XXXXI Number 1

Time to Register for

Conference Agenda . . . . . . . . . . .3 Workshops & Training Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4, 5 Workshop Descriptions . . . .6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Fundamentals for Conservation

The Largest Annual Environmental Conference in New England! Celebrating MACC’s 50th Year

Commissioners Descriptions . .10, 11 Conference Registration Form . .12 Conference Volunteering . . . .5, 19 MACC Officer, Director and Nominating Committee Election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13, 14 Top Ten Excuses for Erosion and Sediment Control Failure . . . . .17

Keynote Speaker DEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell Environmental Service Awards 26 Workshops ~ 50 Exhibits 6 Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Units Extensive Buffet Lunch ~ President’s Reception Raffle for an iPad!! Saturday, March 5, 2011 College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

New MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell to be Keynote Speaker Also Inside MACC 50th Anniversary Special New CD Version of the 2006 Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Congratulations to Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Graduates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Thank You to MACC’s 2010 Fall Conference Sponsors . . . . . . .18 MACC Presidents - Past and Present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18 In Memoriam: Bill Hocking . . . .19 Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

MACC is proud to announce to our friends that Ken Kimmell will be the Keynote Speaker during the opening session of MACC's Annual Environmental Conference on March 5, 2011. Ken is the newly appointed Commissioner for MassDEP. We are delighted that Ken is able to join us and to help us celebrate our 50th Anniversary! Ken is a past member of MACC's Board of Directors and a former Conservation Commissioner. Given his background, Ken has an unusually thorough understanding of wetland issues. As an attorney in private practice focusing on environmental and land use law and litigation, Ken later became the lead attorney within the Executive Office of Environmental and Energy A ffairs under Governor Patrick. His (New MassDEP Commissioner.....continued on page 15)

❈ ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE ISSUE ❈

MACC 50th Anniversary Special Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions Community Conservation Since 1961 Board of Directors President Patrick Garner First Vice President Kathleen E. Connolly, Esq. Past President Sally A. Zielinski, Ph.D.

Northborough Hopkinton

Sandwich

Vice President for Advocacy Kenneth F. Whittaker, Ph.D., Esq.

Wenham

Secretary Michele Grzenda Directors Jo-Anne Burdin Margaret Carroll Shepley Evans Brandon Faneuf Dave Gorden Ingeborg Hegemann Scott Jackson Brenda Kelly Francesca Maltese Michael Marcus Gregor McGregor, Esq. Tim Purinton E. Heidi Ricci Seth Wilkinson

Manchester Lincoln Templeton Upton Stockbridge W. Warwick, RI Dedham Stow Whately Bedford Amherst Amherst Concord Ipswich Shirley Orleans

Board of Advisors Bernie McHugh Edward O. Wilson Brian Rehrig George Wilslocki President’s Council Alexandra Dawson, J.D. Judith Eiseman George Hall, Esq. Executive Director Linda Orel Associate Director & Education Coordinator Michèle Girard Newsletter Editor Membership & Publications Coordinator Lindsay Martucci Technology Coordinator Database Administrator Rick Chaff ESC Program Coordinator Nancy Putnam Bookkeeper Candace Domos

MACC Office 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478 Phone 617.489.3930 • Fax 617.489.3935 www.maccweb.org 2

Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners

Carlisle

Vice President for Education Amy Ball, CWS

Treasurer Helen D. Bethell

New CD Version of the 2006

MACC is celebrating our 50th year of service and we are p roud to announce that the invaluable MACC Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners is now available for the first time on CD. This 50th commemorative digital version of the 2006 edition will allow members to reference it from their laptops at meetings, carry it home and easily search the entire book. Celebrate MACC's Golden Anniversary and purchase this must-have re f e rence for $50 (members) or $75 (nonmembers). To order the CD, contact us at 617.489.3930 or see http://www.maccweb.org / re s o u rces_publications.html or purchase it at our Annual Environmental Conference on March 5, 2011. You can still receive a hard copy of the Handbook on sale for $50.00 plus shipping and handling (MACC members get a 10% discount) by ordering from our website or calling us at 617.489.3930. We stock scores of publications and have a library of environmental resources well worth the browse. MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

Annual Environmental Conference Agenda 8:00 a.m. - 8:30 a.m 8:00 a.m.

Registration Exhibit Hall Opens - Refreshments in Exhibit Hall Publication Area Opens

8:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.

OPENING SESSION Welcome Patrick Garner, President Annual Business Meeting Financial Report Helen Bethell, Treasurer Report of the Nominating Committee Sally Zielinski, Chair Approve Minutes of Feb. 2010 Meeting Patrick Garner Election of Officers and Directors Patrick Garner Top Ten: Outrageous Excuses for Erosion and Sediment Control Failure Sally Zielinski Environmental Service Awards Seth Wilkinson, Awards Committee Chair Nancy Anderson Award Linda Orel, Executive Director MACC 50th Anniversary Celebration Gregor McGregor, Patrick Garner Keynote Address Kenneth Kimmell, Commissioner, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

9:45 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 11:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. 3:45 p.m. 4:00 p.m. 4:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m.

TRAINING PROGRAM AND WORKSHOPS Buffet Lunch in Kimball Hall Exhibit Hall closes Publication Area closes President’s Reception ~ Raffle Drawing

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January/February 2011

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MACC 2011 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE TRAINING PROGRAM Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. UNIT 1. Overview of Conservation Commissions: Relationships, Responsibilities, Funds and Fees UNIT 5. Wetland Types: Their Functions and Values UNIT 7. Open Space Planning and Protection Techniques

Limit 80 - Pre-registration Required

WORKSHOPS

CATEGORY Open Space/ Resource Conservation

Wetlands Protection

WORKSHOPS

SERIES A

SERIES B

9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

1. Beating the Asian Longhorned Beetle: How You Can Help Save New England’s Forests 2. Eel River Headwaters-Plymouth: Restoration & Stewardship Case Study for Commissions 3. Summary of the 2010 Revised MESA Regulations Advanced Credit*

8. Using Invasive Plant Management & Bioengineering to Stabilize Sensitive Areas & Restore Ecosystems 9. BioMap2: Conserving the Biodiversity of MA in a Changing World

4. Vernal Pools: Natural History & Protection Strategies

10. Protecting Buffer Zones for Wetland Migration: A Climate Change Adaptation Strategy Advanced Credit*

5. The Role of Wildlife Habitat Evaluations: Using Them to their Full Potential

11. A Coordinated Approach for Coastal Projects: Wetlands Protection Act & Ch. 91 Waterways Act 12. Stormwater Recharge Design 101 Advanced Credit* 13. Seeking a Better Approach to Wetland Mitigation

Science/ Technology

Commission Leadership/ Administration 4

6. Regulatory Takings: The Outer Limits of Governmental Power Advanced Credit* 7. Creative Approaches to Financing Your Commission

14. Update on the Open Meeting & Conflict of Interest Laws: How Well Are You Complying? Advanced Credit*

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

TRAINING PROGRAM SESSIONS AND WORKSHOPS TRAINING PROGRAM

*Advanced Credit

Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners 1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. UNIT 3. The Wetlands Protection Act: Fundamentals, Process and Procedures UNIT 6. Writing Effective Orders of Conditions UNIT 8.

Managing Conservation Land: Inventories, Goals, and Conflicts Limit 80 - Pre-registration Required

WORKSHOPS

WORKSHOPS

SERIES C

SERIES D

1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

15. Sustainability: Principles and Applications in Your Commission’s Decision-Making

22. Preparing for Climate Change at the Local Level: Methods for Increasing Local Resilience

16. Taking Charge: Utilizing a Volunteer Land Stewardship Program to Conduct Workdays & Tackle Encroachments 17. Vegetation Management at Mitigation & Restoration Sites 18. Implications of Pending Stormwater Federal General Permits in MA: What ConComs Need to Know (Double Session) Advanced Credit* 19. Updated River & Stream Crossing Standards for MA 20. Applying the MA Coastal Wetland Regulations to Protect Storm Damage Prevention & Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas

18. Implications of Pending General Permit for Designated Discharges in Charles River Watershed: Pilot for Better Stormwater Management Advanced Credit* 23. Dam Removal: Evaluating & Reviewing Dam Removal Applications from a Commission’s Perspective

21. Common Plants of Swamps, Bogs, Marshes & Wet Meadows Advanced Credit* (Double Session) limited to 60

21. Common Plants of Swamps, Bogs, Marshes & Wet Meadows Advanced Credit* (Double Session) limited to 60

24. Overview & Importance of Shellfish Reef Ecology & Restoration in MA

25. Erosion & Sediment Control: Beyond Haybales & Silt Fence 26. Green Communities, Leading by Example

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

Workshops with the notation “Advanced Credit” have been selected to offer elective credit towards MACC’s Advanced Certificate Program. Attendees will need to sign in and out to receive credit. For more information see: www.maccweb.org/edu_ct_ advanced.html

Scholarship Funds Available MACC is offering competitive scholarships worth half-price registration through the Frederick J. Fawcett II Education Fund to MACC members who are Commissioners (less than 2 years) and/or have never attended the conference. All applications for this conference must be submitted by January 31, 2011 and will be granted on a first-come, firstserved basis. Download application form: http://www.macc web.org/support_ fawcett.html

Volunteer Help Needed MACC needs volunteer assistance both before and during the Conference. No special skills are needed and tasks are varied: stuffing envelopes, entering computer data, making signs, assisting during registration and selling publications. All you have to do is donate 8 hours of your time to receive free admission to the Conference. If you can help, please call Lindsay Martucci at 617.489.3930 or e-mail lindsay. martucci@ maccweb.org to discuss when you are available.

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Annual Environmental Conference WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS Series A 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 1.

Beating the Asian Longhorned Beetle: How You Can Help Save New England's Forests Learn everything you have wanted to know about the Asian Longhorned Beetle but were afraid to ask: what it looks like, what it does to trees, how it could get to where you live, and what you can do as a Conservation Commissioner to stop it. Attendees will receive a toolbox of skills to use from dealing with possible sightings to advising towns and cities about preparedness planning. Speakers: Jennifer Forman-Orth, Ph.D., State Plant Pest Survey Coordinator, MA Department of Agricultural Resources Colin Novick, Executive Director, Greater Worcester Land Trust Moderator: Margaret Carroll, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, Framingham State University; MACC Director

2.

Eel River Headwaters-Plymouth: Restoration and Stewardship Case Study for Commissions The recently completed Eel River Headwaters Restoration Project (Plymouth) is one of the most ambitious river and wetland restoration projects completed to date in Massachusetts. Led by Town of Plymouth staff and supported by numerous organizations over many years, the project included land protection and comprehensive restoration activities within a retired cranberry farm. This workshop will include a 'look back' to summarize the project, a discussion of broader lessons learned, and a 'look forward' at a new cranberry bog restoration opportunity in the Town of Mashpee and the challenges facing the local proponent / Conservation Commission. Speakers: Alex Hackman, Restoration Specialist, MA Division of Ecological Restoration Andrew McManus, Conservation Agent, Town of Mashpee Moderator: Helen D. Bethell, Executive Director, Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust; MACC Officer

3.

A Summary of the 2010 Revised MESA Regulations (advanced credit) The revised Massachusetts Endangered Species Act Regulations (MESA, 321 CMR 10.00), effective fall of 2010, contain some wide-ranging substantive changes. In this presentation we will describe the revisions to MESA which include a more transparent process for mapping Priority Habitat, a more holistic approach to conserving select Species of Special Concern on a state-wide basis, and expanded exemptions from MESA review. Speakers:

Eve N. Schluter, Ph.D., Endangered Species Review Biologist; Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Jonathan Regosin, Ph.D., Regulatory Review Manager, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program, MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Moderator: Brandon Faneuf, PWS, RPSS, Principal, Ecosystem Solutions, Inc.; MACC Director 4.

Vernal Pools: Natural History and Protection Strategies Spring is approaching - frogs are thawing, salamanders are stirring, and the ice on Massachusetts' vernal pools will be disappearing in no time. Splash through the natural history of vernal pools and the wonderful wildlife that rely on them with Leo, and get down in the weeds with Matt to look closely at protection strategies, including landscape scale conservation issues and using the Wetlands Protection Act and local by-laws to their best effect. Speakers:

Matt Burne, Conservation Director, Walden Woods Project Leo Kenny, President, Vernal Pool Association Moderator: Shep Evans, Broker & Advisor, FRIDAY & Co. Real Estate; MACC Director 5.

The Role of Wildlife Habitat Evaluations: Using Them to Their Full Potential Wildlife habitat is one of the “eight interests” protected by the Wetlands Protection Act. The regulations specify that wildlife habitat evaluations are required for certain projects in order to determine whether the proposed work meets performance standards. Find out about how wildlife habitat evaluations should be conducted, when they are required and how they should be used in project review and permitting. Speaker: Scott Jackson, Program Director, UMass Extension's Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation Program; MACC Director Moderator: Walter Bickford, Conservation Commissioner, Berlin

6.

Regulatory Takings: the Outer Limits of Governmental Power (advanced credit) Every five years MACC presents its workshop on the "Regulatory Takings Doctrine." This is the body of law imposing limits on land use control by government, on which the US Supreme Court and MA Supreme Judicial Court have ruled many times in precedent-setting cases. Several of these rulings involved wetlands protection; some included MACC as "friend of the court." This is an area of court-made law (not statutory), but Commission rules, practices and specific actions make real differences in who wins or loses in court. This workshop will show how the leading court cases can be understood using your common sense. Regulatory Takings law can be applied as a coherent set of principles and procedures. Commissions have fewer limits than they fear and more powers than they imagine. Speaker: Gregor I. McGregor, Esq., Senior Partner, McGregor & Associates, P.C.; MACC Director Moderator: Brenda Kelly, Vice President, Strategic Communications at Atmospheric & Environmental Research; Bedford Energy Task Force; MACC Director

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MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

7. Creative Approaches to Financing Your Commission This workshop will focus on basic and creative ways to fund Conservation Commission operations and related activities. Topics include: how to use fees from wetland fund accounts, revolving accounts, and using “contributions" from developers who commit violations. Commissioners will also learn how the mass procurement act, MGL Chapter 30B applies to them, such as in hiring consultants to review wetland permit applications. The legal background and citations for each law governing these techniques will be discussed. Speakers: Moderator:

Kevin Paicos, Town Manager, Foxborough George A. Hall, Jr., Esq., Partner, Anderson & Kreiger, LLP Kathleen Connolly, Esq., Counsel, Murtha Cullina LLP; MACC Officer

Series B 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. 8. Using Invasive Plant Management and Bioengineering to Stabilize Sensitive Areas and Restore Ecosystems Understanding the ecological relationships and effects of both native and invasive plants is critical to stabilizing sensitive coastal and inland landforms. This presentation will explain how a diverse selection of native plants used in conjunction with properly installed, biodegradable bioengineering products can help protect wetland interests. It will also seek to dispel the notion that all vegetation is beneficial with regards to stability and explain how invasive plants out-compete native herbaceous cover and actually degrade the stability of sensitive landforms. Speakers: Moderator:

Seth Wilkinson, MALD, President, Wilkinson Ecological Design, Inc.; MACC Director Theresa Sprague, MALD, Senior Restoration Designer, Wilkinson Ecological Design, Inc. David Gorden, CPSS, CWS, Wetlands Program Manager, EBI Consulting; MACC Director

9. BioMap2: Conserving the Biodiversity of Massachusetts in a Changing World BioMap2 is an enhanced land conservation blueprint designed to protect the state's full breadth of biodiversity in the context of a changing climate. This collaborative project between the MA Department of Fish & Game, primarily its Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program (NHESP), and The Nature Conservancy has built on the success of NHESP's initial BioMap and Living Waters plans to produce an updated and more comprehensive BioMap. The presentation will orient Conservation Commissions to this conservation planning tool, outline the process of identifying and mapping Core Habitats and Critical Natural Landscapes, and describe the BioMap2 species and habitat components. Speakers:

Moderator:

Henry Woolsey, Program Manager, Natural Heritage & Endangered Species Program, MA Department of Fish and Wildlife Andy Finton, Director of Conservation Science, The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts James DeNormandie, BioMap Project Coordinator; Conservation Planner, MassAudubon Ecological Extension Service Shep Evans, Broker and Advisor, FRIDAY & Company Real Estate; MACC Director

10. Protecting Buffer Zones for Wetland Migration: a Climate Change Adaptation Strategy (advanced credit) This presentation will provide illustrations already completed by the author of how coastal and freshwater wetlands are likely to migrate and how these future wetlands might be protected by developing a new wetland migration buffer zone into existing regulatory approaches under the jurisdiction of Conservation Commissions. Speaker: Moderator:

Scott W. Horsley, Principal, Horsley Witten Group, Inc. E. Heidi Ricci, Senior Policy Analyst, Mass Audubon; MACC Director

11. A Coordinated Approach for Coastal Projects: Wetlands Protection Act and Chapter 91 Waterways Act This intermediate session is for those familiar with the Chapter 91 Waterways and Wetlands Protection regulations. Two water-dependent projects, a residential dock and beach nourishment, will be examined to ensure that they meet both the wetland standards and waterways requirements for public access and navigation. Procedural tips to coordinate and streamline the review for applicants and Conservation Commissions will also be covered. Speakers: Moderator:

Andrea Langhauser, Senior Planner, MassDEP Waterways Program Alice Smith, Wetlands Circuit Rider Coordinator, MassDEP Ingeborg Hegemann, PWS, Vice President & Principal, BSC Group, Inc., Conservation Commissioner, Stow; MACC Director

12. Stormwater Recharge Design 101 (advanced credit) Most Conservation Commissions are comprised of individuals from various professions who may not have the technical background or training to interpret the technical design calculations associated with stormwater recharge Best Management Practices (BMPs) that are included in a Notice of Intent Stormwater Report submitted under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act. This workshop/training program will provide a basic overview of hydrology as it relates to stormwater recharge and the required computations and evaluations that are necessary to document compliance with Standard 3 of the Massachusetts Stormwater Management Standards. Speakers: Moderator:

Joshua Alston, P.E., LEED AP BD + C Project Manager, Nitsch Engineering Sandra Brock, P.E., CFM, LEED AP BD + C, Chief Engineer, Nitsch Engineering Michele Grzenda, Conservation Agent, Weston; MACC Officer

MACC Newsletter

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13.

Seeking a Better Approach to Wetland Mitigation The 2008 federal Mitigation Rule considers the most preferred forms of mitigation to be use of mitigation banks and in-lieu fee programs for several reasons. The US Army Corps of Engineers and US Environmental Protection Agency want mitigation to be ecologically meaningful and sustainable in the long term. MACC and MassDEP share these concerns about the poor track record for mitigation but also have questions about whether mitigation banking or an in-lieu fee program would result in better outcomes than on-site mitigation in Massachusetts. All three organizations are actively seeking an approach to wetland mitigation that will be ecologically meaningful and that avoids the local loss of wetland functions. Speakers:

Ruth M. Ladd, Chief Policy Analyst & Technical Support, Regulatory Division, New England District Corps of Engineers Scott Jackson, Program Director, UMass Extension's Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation Program; MACC Director Lealdon Langley, Director, Wetlands and Waterways Program, MassDEP Moderator: Tim Purinton, Acting Director, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Department of Fish & Game; MACC Director 14.

Update on the Open Meeting and Conflict of Interest Laws: How Well Are You Complying? (advanced credit) Last year's program on this topic gave attendees advance notice of the new requirements, some of which were in effect by the time of MACC's Annual Conference and others which became effective July 1, 2010. Now that the law is in effect, new issues have arisen. More importantly, new guidance from the Attorney General's Office Division of Open Government and State Ethics Commission have shed light on several of the old and new issues. This program will review the requirements under the Open Meeting Law and State Ethics Law and highlight the latest issues and the guidance available. Speakers:

James B. Lampke, Esq., Principal, Law Offices of Lampke & Lampke Kathleen Connolly, Esq., Counsel, Murtha Cullina LLP; MACC Officer Moderator: Kenneth Whittaker, Ph.D., Esq., Partner, Environmental Law, Boston Office, Yoss LLP; MACC Officer

Series C 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. 15.

Sustainability: Principles and Applications for your Commission's Decision-Making Sustainability is a simple concept that describes complex natural systems. Our focus on resources is beginning to shift, from individual species to systems. Understanding some of the principles of sustainability can contribute to better decision making for our natural resources. This presentation will discuss the concept of sustainability as an over-arching vision and goal and will also provide practical tools and techniques that Conservation Commissioners can use to apply these concepts to project decisions that work towards this vision. Strategies such as carrying capacity, cumulative (as opposed to incremental) impact analysis, smart growth, low impact development and net zero impacts will be discussed and explored. Speakers:

Gordon Peabody, Director, Safe Harbor Environmental Management Scott Horsley, Principal, Horsley Witten Group, Inc. Moderator: Brenda Kelly, Vice President, Strategic Communications at Atmospheric & Environmental Research (AER), Bedford Energy Task Force; MACC Director 16.

Taking Charge: Utilizing a Volunteer Land Stewardship Program to Conduct Workdays and Tackle Encroachments This workshop will offer participants an overview of how to create a volunteer stewardship program for town-held properties. Topics include: creating an inventory of town-held conservation properties; assembling baseline information on each property; soliciting volunteers, planning and prioritizing projects and conducting workdays. Participants will receive a stewardship start-up packet of sample documents to help you start your own stewardship program. Speakers:

Michele Grzenda, Conservation Agent, Weston; MACC Officer Jennifer Steel, Acting Conservation Agent, Andover Moderator: Patrick Garner, Wetland Scientist, Principal, Patrick C. Garner Company; MACC President 17.

Vegetation Management at Mitigation and Restoration Sites Whether the applicant is a home owner, a major construction contractor, a landscape designer or an environmental engineer, they will need your guidance in eradicating invasives and replacing them with the right native plants for the site. Learn about the ecology and impacts of a number of invasive plant species and the different protocols for eradicating each invasive plant. Learn also how to choose the trees and shrubs that will thrive in whatever are the given site conditions. Speakers:

Ted Elliman, Vegetation Management Coordinator, Invasive Plant Atlas of New England (IPANE) Volunteer Coordinator, New England Wild Flower Society Nicola Cataldo, Mass. Certified Horticulturist; Cavicchio Greenhouses; Conservation Commissioner, Framingham Moderator: Ingeborg Hegemann, P.W.S., Vice President, BSC Group, Inc.; Conservation Commissioner, Stow; MACC Director 18.

Implications of Pending Stormwater Federal General Permits in Massachusetts: What ConComs Need to Know (advanced credit) (Double Session - continued in Series D) The US Environmental Protection Agency will soon issue a new Phase II Stormwater Permit for Massachusetts and a Residual Designation Authority (RDA) Permit for the Upper Charles River watershed that will likely include more prescriptive requirements designed to improve the effectiveness of the municipal stormwater management programs and require property owners of existing development to provide better stormwater treatment. This session will describe the details of the permit changes and what this means in terms of overall municipal requirements. Speakers:

Moderator:

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Richard A. Claytor, Jr., P.E., Principal, Horsley Witten Group Mark Voorhees, Residual Designation Authority (RDA) Permitting - Upper Charles River Basin, Region 1 of US Environmental Protection Agency Ross Povenmire, Director of Conservation, Planning Board Administrator & Community Preservation Committee Agent, Boxford

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

19. Updated River and Stream Crossing Standards for Massachusetts As long linear ecosystems, rivers and streams are particularly vulnerable to fragmentation. There is growing concern about the role of road crossings - especially culverts - in altering habitats and disrupting river and stream continuity. The River and Stream Continuity Partnership recently released revised River and Stream Crossing Standards for Massachusetts. Compliance with these standards is required for new permanent crossings and is recommended for bridge and culvert replacement projects. These standards also are the basis for a rapid field assessment protocol that can be used to evaluate road-stream crossings and score them based on their passability for fish and other aquatic organisms. Speakers:

Scott Jackson, Program Director, UMass Extension's Natural Resources & Environmental Conservation Program; MACC Director Alison Bowden, Freshwater Program Director, The Nature Conservancy, Massachusetts Moderator: Tim Purinton, Acting Director, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Department of Fish & Game; MACC Director 20. Applying the MA Coastal Wetland Regulations to Protect Storm Damage Prevention & Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas The Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) are developing a guidance document titled “ APPLYING THE MASSACHUSETTS COASTAL WETLANDS REGULATIONS: A Practical Guide for Conservation Commissions to Protect the Storm Damage and Flood Control Functions of Coastal Resource Areas”. This document will provide technical, regulatory and policy guidance for reviewing projects within coastal resource areas, including delineation of primary dunes and coastal floodplains, analysis of important adjudicatory decisions, and policy direction. Staff from CZM and MassDEP will cover certain key elements of the manual, including technical methods and policy guidance. Speakers:

Lealdon Langley, Director, Wetlands and Waterways Program, MassDEP Jim Sprague, Environmental Analyst & Director, Aquatic Habitat Restoration Program, MassDEP Rebecca Haney, Coastal Geologist, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management Betsy Rickards, Technical Assistance Writer, MA Office of Coastal Zone Management Moderator: E. Heidi Ricci, Senior Policy Analyst, Mass Audubon; MACC Director 21. Common Plants of Swamps, Bogs, Marshes and Wet Meadows (Double session - continued in Series D) (advanced credit) Field characters used in plant identification and the key features and important plants of swamps, wet meadows, marshes and bogs will be described using slides. This will be followed by a hands-on identification session including live and pressed plant material. (limited to 60) Speakers:

Sally Zielinski, Ph.D., Botanical Consultant / Environmental Journalist; MACC Officer Amy Ball, Project Manager, Senior Wetland Scientist, Horsley Witten Group; MACC Officer Margaret Carroll, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Department of Biology, Framingham State University; MACC Director Moderator: Jo-Anne Burdin, Templeton Conservation Commission; MACC Director

Series D 3:15 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 18.

Implications of Pending General Permits for Designated Discharges in the Charles River Watershed: A Pilot for Better Stormwater Management (advanced credit) (Double Session - continued from Series C) The US Environmental Protection Agency will soon issue a new Phase II Stormwater Permit for Massachusetts and a Residual Designation Authority (RDA) Permit for the Upper Charles River watershed that will likely include more prescriptive requirements designed to improve the effectiveness of the municipal stormwater management programs and require property owners of existing development to provide better stormwater treatment. This session will describe how these new permit provisions will impact Conservation Commission review of stormwater management elements for projects submitted under the jurisdiction of the Wetlands Protection Act. Speakers:

Mark Voorhees, Residual Designation Authority (RDA) Permitting - Upper Charles River Basin, Region 1 of US Environmental Protection Agency Richard A. Claytor, Jr., P.E., Principal, Horsley Witten Group Moderator: Ross Povenmire, Director of Conservation, Planning Board Administrator & Community Preservation Committee Agent, Boxford 22. Preparing for Climate Change at the Local Level: Methods for Increasing Local Resilience Join ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability (established as the International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, the official name is now ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability) in a dynamic session exploring how communities can begin to prepare for climate change through ICLEI's leading-edge climate adaptation program, Climate Resilient Communities™. Participants in this session will learn about a holistic adaptation planning framework and hear about communities that have initiated adaptation efforts. Speakers:

Melissa Stults, Climate Adaptation Program Manager, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Jamie O'Connel, Regional Officer for New England, ICLEI-Local Governments for Sustainability Moderator: Gillian Davies, Senior Wetland & Soil Scientist, BSC Group, Inc.

MACC Newsletter

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23. Dam Removal: Evaluating and Reviewing Dam Removal Applications from a Commission's Perspective Dam removal projects bring together elements of engineering, geomorphology, and river ecology. When done correctly, the short term disturbance from removing the dam is outweighed by improved water quality, riparian wetlands, and habitat for native fish and wildlife. Conservation Commissions play a key role in ensuring that dam removal projects attain the highest possible environmental benefit. Drawing from completed projects, this training focuses on the five components of dam removal projects that must be thoroughly considered to ensure success: 1) existing infrastructure; 2) sensitive species; 3) sediment management; 4) channel restoration; and 5) site restoration. Attendees will leave with information they need to evaluate proposed dam removals and monitor implementation Speakers: Beth Lambert, River Restoration Program Coordinator, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish and Game Moderator: Patrick Garner, Wetland Scientist, Principal, Patrick C. Garner Company; MACC President 24.

Overview and Importance of Shellfish Reef Ecology and Restoration in Massachusetts This panel will provide: (1) an overview of the ecology and importance of shellfish and shellfish restoration, (2) an overview of the role of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries Shellfish Division, and (3) a case study on the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Nature Conservancy/MassAudubon oyster reef restoration project in Wellfleet Bay. Speakers:

Moderator: 25.

Erosion and Sediment Control: Beyond Haybales and Silt Fence What's the difference between erosion prevention and sediment control? Protecting wetlands and waterways during construction usually involves far more than silt fence and staked haybales. This workshop will give you an overview of available methods for preventing erosion and controlling sedimentation ranging from preconstruction planning, slope stabilization Best Management Practices (BMPs), innovative methods of sediment and runoff control, and tips to improve compliance on an active site. Proper installation and maintenance of available BMPs will be discussed. An introduction to innovative Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management structures and their applications will also be provided. Speakers: Moderator:

26.

Boze Hancock, Ph.D., The Nature Conservancy (TNC) Coordinator, National Partnership between TNC & NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) Mike Hickey, Shellfish Program Chief, MA Division of Marine Fisheries Mark Faherty, Science Coordinator, MassAudubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary Lorraine DeSouza, Graphic Design/Support Specialist, Middlesex Community College

Nancy J. Putnam, Erosion and Sedimentation Control Program Coordinator, MACC Lisa Carrozza, Senior Project Manager, TetraTech Rizzo.; Conservation Commissioner, Norton David Gorden, CPSS, CWS, Wetlands Program Manager, EBI Consulting; MACC Director

Green Communities: Leading by Example Come learn what it means to go green! This workshop will offer Conservation Commissioners and others an overview of MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER's) Green Communities Program and provide examples of what you can do to encourage your city or town to reduce its energy costs by promoting energy conservation policies and implementing energy efficiency measures. It will also touch on how energy efficiency projects can be used to further community interest in other sustainability efforts. Examples of municipal projects such as Worcester's Outreach and Stretch Code grant programs will be highlighted. Speakers: Moderator:

Jim Barry, Regional Coordinator, Green Communities Division, MA Department of Energy Resources John Odell, Manager, Energy Efficiency & Conservation Program, City of Worcester Kenneth Whittaker, Ph.D., Esq., Partner, Environmental Law, Boston Office, Yoss LLP; MACC Officer

Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners DESCRIPTIONS 9:45 am. - 12:15 p.m. Unit 1.

Overview of Conservation Commissions: Responsibilities, Funds and Fees (limited to 80) This unit focuses on: duties and authority; federal and state agencies; town boards; confict of interest law; open meeting law; and town budget, filing and consultant fees. Instructor: Moderator:

Unit 5.

Wetland Types: Their Functions and Values (limited to 80) This unit focuses on: common vegetated wetlands in Massachusetts; scientific versus regulatory wetlands definition; functions, characteristics and watershed context; performance standards and buffer zones. Instructor: Moderator:

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Charles J. Katuska, PWS, Conservation Agent, Town of Hollison TBD

Michael Howard, PWS, CWS, Principal, Manager of Ecological Services Group, Epsilon Associates, Inc. Lorraine DeSouza, Graphic Design/Support Specialist, Middlesex Community College continued on next page

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners ~continued~ 9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Unit 7. `

Open Space Planning and Protection Techniques (limited to 80) This unit covers: estabishing goals and objectives; inventory of local natural resources; selecting parcels; working with landowners; conservation restrictions; funding and grants. Instructor: Moderator:

Robert Wilber, Director of Land Protection, MassAudubon; Chair, Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition TBD

1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Unit 3.

The Wetlands Protection Act: Fundamentals Process and Procedures (limited to 80) This unit explains: interests of the Act; jurisdiction; permit submittal requirements; forms; identifying areas; and “limited” projects. Instructor: Moderator:

Unit 6.

Writing Effective Orders of Conditions (limited to 80) This unit covers: protecting interests of the Act, boilerplate and special conditions, denials and appeals, amendments and extensions and Certificates of Compliance. Instructor: Moderator:

Unit 8.

Mark Stinson, Circuit Rider, MassDEP - Western Regional Office TBD

Christine Odiaga, Circuit Rider, MassDEP - Southeastern Regional Office Helen D. Bethell, Executive Director, Manchester-Essex Conservation Trust; MACC Officer

Managing Conservation Lands: Inventories, Goals and Conflicts (limited to 80) This unit focuses on: resource evaluation, management plans, and management case studies (e.g. invasives, trails, grasslands, agriculture and beavers). Instructor: Moderator:

MACC Newsletter

Frances Clark, Principal, Carex Associates TBD

January/February 2011

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MACC 2011 ANNUAL ENVIRONMENTAL CONFERENCE EXHIBITS • TRAINING PROGRAM SESSIONS • WORKSHOPS • iPad RAFFLE Saturday, March 5 • College of the Holy Cross, Worcester

Agenda 8:00 - 8:30 8:30 - 9:30 9:45 - 12:15 9:45 - 12:30

Registration, Exhibit Hall Opens Opening Session; Annual Business Meeting; Awards Fundamentals Units 1, 5 and 7 Workshop Series A and B

11:15 1:30 1:45 4:30

-

2:30 4:00 4:30 5:15

Lunch served in Kimball Hall Fundamentals Units 3, 6 and 8 Workshop Series C and D President’s Reception (all invited)

Registration Fees Member* $95

Other Government & Non-profit** $105

Non-member*** $120

Student $55 (ID required at conference)

Fee is per person and includes morning refreshments and lunch. *Member fee applies to: Conservation Commissioners and staff when Commission’s dues are paid or accompany this registration and other MACC members. **Other municipal officials and government agency or non-profit organization employees when fee is paid by agency or organization check. ***Non-members may receive member rate by joining MACC. WALK-IN REGISTRATION IS AN ADDITIONAL $10. Scholarships available, call the office - 617.489.3930 or visit http://www.maccweb.org/support_fawcett.html

Notes • Advanced registration is highly recommended. Payment or a purchase order should accompany the registration. • Register early to guarantee workshop choice. Pre-registration and number limits will be enforced. • Refunds (minus a $15.00 processing fee) will be issued only if a written cancellation is received by February 25, 2011. • See adverse weather policy at www.maccweb.org/edu_aec.html.

MACC 2011 Annual Environmental Conference Registration Form Name _______________________________________ E-mail ______________________________ Commission/Organization ____________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________ City __________________ State _______ Zip ______ Phone (W) ______________________ (H) _____________________ Method of Payment: Check enclosed  Bill my credit card: VISA  Card number:_____________________________

Total Enclosed ________

MasterCard 

Amex 

Discover 

Exp. date ___________ Security Code _________

Workshop Choices You may register for 1 or 2 Fundamentals Units, or up to 4 workshops, or a combination of 1 Unit and 2 workshops. Call 617.489.3930 with questions. Because limited enrollment classes fill quickly, a 2nd choice is required. An extensive lunch buffet is available from 11:15 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in a separate building.

Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Please ✔ unit in each time slot you want to take. For 2nd choice, write #2 in the space. 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.

 Unit 1 (c0440) OR  Unit 5 (c0442) OR  Unit 7 (c0446) 1:30 p.m.- 4:00 p.m.

 Unit 3 (c0441) OR  Unit 6 (c0443) OR  Unit 8 (c0447) Pre-registration is required, limited to the first 80 who register for each unit.

Workshop Series WRITE WORKSHOP NUMBER for each session. You may choose to keep B or C open for lunch. 1st 2nd choice choice Workshop # _______ Workshop # _______

________ A (9:45-11:00 a.m.) ________ B (11:15-12:30 p.m.)

Workshop # _______ Workshop # _______

________ C (1:45-3:00 p.m.) ________ D (3:15-4:30 p.m.)

Some workshops have limited enrollment.

Email confirmations with directions will be provided when an email address is given. Return with check payable to: MACC, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont, MA 02478 12

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

MACC OFFICER, DIRECTOR AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTION Annual Business Meeting

March 5, 2011

________________________________________________________________________________________________

The 2010 Nominating Committee recommends the slates below to the membership. OFFICERS

Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2012

Patrick Garner President Kathleen Connolly, Esq. First Vice President Michele Grzenda Vice President for Education

Kenneth Whittaker, Ph.D., Esq. Sally Zielinski, Ph.D. Margaret Carroll, Ph.D.

Vice President for Advocacy Treasurer Secretary

DIRECTORS * New nominee Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2012 Janice Stone* Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2013 Jennifer Steel* Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2014 Amy Ball Walter Bickford* Brandon Faneuf Scott Jackson Brenda Kelly 2011 NOMINATING COMMITTEE Non-Board Members Judith Eiseman George Hall, Esq. Arleen O'Donnell Kenneth Pruitt Respectfully submitted, 2010 Nominating Committee: Sally Zielinski, Chair Judith Eiseman Michelle Grzenda George Hall, Esq. Ingeborg Hegemann Stan Humphries Kenneth Pruitt

NEW NOMINEES TO THE BOARD * Walter Bickford has over thirty years of experience in elected and appointed public service positions, where he has focused on developing state and local conservation-oriented fish, wildlife, land, water and energy laws and programs. He served as Commissioner of Fisheries, Wildlife and Environmental Law Enforcement under Governor Michael Dukakis. Prior to that Walter was in the Massachusetts House of Representatives where he was often the only legislator with a 100% pro-environment voting record from the Massachusetts League of Environmental Voters. He has been a member of the Berlin Conservation Commission for the past 15 years, eight of these as Chair and has served as the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Watershed Coalition. Walter was also Director of Environment, Health and Safety for Malden Mills, New England's largest textile mill before, during, and after a historic, catastrophic fire and massive plant rebuild. He has experience with logging and tree work and enjoys hunting and fishing excursions. Jennifer Steel has been a Conservation Agent for ten of the past 15 years. After graduating from Wesleyan University, she began her professional career as a teacher. She then obtained her Master's Degree from Duke University in Environmental Policy and began working on large-scale regional coastal research and management programs with the US Environmental Protection Agency and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. After four years, she became disillusioned with the efficacy of the federal conservation bureaucracy, and took a position as Interim Conservation Agent for the Town of Wayland. There - in local government where natural resource regulation, education, and implementation converge - Jennifer found her calling. For five years she worked for MassAudubon's Advocacy Department, then returned to local conservation work, serving the towns of Maynard and (more recently) Framingham. Jennifer resides in Wayland. (continued on next page)

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January/February 2011

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MACC OFFICER, DIRECTOR AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTION Continued NEW NOMINEES TO THE BOARD * Janice Stone has served as Administrator and staff for the South Hadley and Hadley Conservation Commissions since 2004. She is a certified Professional Wetland Scientist. Janice has 30 years experience in natural resource planning and in mapping wetlands and natural plant communities. In these various capacities she has worked with MassGIS, the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service National Wetlands Inventory Program, UMASS Amherst, and the Franklin Regional Council of Governments. Her M.S. thesis in Wildlife Biology was on vernal pools and she continues to be drawn to them each spring to enjoy their burst of life. Janice is a resident of Shutesbury where she served on the Conservation Commission for five years, with three of these as Chair. She currently chairs the town's Open Space Committee. Her hobbies include wildflower identification, gardening and photography. ____________________________________________________________________________ OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (not up for election this year) Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2012

Gregor McGregor Esq. Heidi Ricci Seth Wilkinson

Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2013

Jo-Anne Burdin Shepley Evans Ingeborg Hegemann Tim Purinton ____________________________________________________________________________

MACC officers serve one-year terms, though may serve up to three consecutive years in a position; directors have staggered three-year terms. Non-Board members of the Nominating Committee are elected by the membership; Board members of the committee are chosen by the Board.

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MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

(Continued from page 1, New MassDEP Commissioner.....)

accomplishments include spearheading state environmental permit processes to ensure “regulation at the speed of business,” and overseeing state permitting of the nation's first off-shore wind farm – Cape Wind. He also drafted and led a broad-based coalition in support of proposed wind energy siting reform legislation, and worked on a variety of other statutory and regulatory reforms including reorganization of the environmental secretariat and initiatives to promote renewable energy. Ken graduated from Wesleyan University and UCLA School of Law. MACC congratulates Ken for his appointment as MassDEP Commissioner and looks forward to our ongoing partnership.

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

CONGRATULATIONS Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Graduates!!!

Dana MacDonald

Pelham

Mary Moriarty

Holyoke

Mary Thomas

Wendell

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Annual Environmental Conference Raffle! Imagine your very own iPad! MACC will raffle an iPad at our Annual Environmental Conference on March 5, 2011 at Holy Cross College in Worcester, MA. The lucky winner will also receive on a CD a searchable version of the 2006 Edition of the Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners. The 16GB iPad has a multi-touch screen and advanced capabilities, including a high-resolution LED-backlit display, Internet and email access (through Wi-Fi) and the chance to view digital photos, home videos, HD movies, social games and Google maps on your own personal big screen. You can also listen to iPad music you download yourself from records or iTunes, and those who are on the go can download books, magazines, news articles and podcasts and utilize dozens of other fun and useful applications. Tickets can be purchased in advance on our secure website: www.maccweb.org or at the conference. The winner does not need to be present at the drawing and will be notified after the conference.

Tickets 1 for $5 • 5 for $20 (proceeds go towards MACC educational programs)

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MACC MACCNewsletter Newsletter

January/February January/February2011 2011

Outrageous Excuses for Erosion and Sediment Control Failure Give Us Your Ideas for the Top Ten List at the 2011 MACC Annual Environmental Conference!

Photo Courtesy of Brandon Faneuf

What are the most unbelievable explanations you have heard for hay bales or silt fencing not working as planned? Did the neighbor's cows get loose and eat the hay? Did the contractor put fencing in the wrong place? MACC is looking for the most interesting examples of applicants or contractors overlooking or misinterpreting erosion control requirements. The winning Top Ten entries will be presented at the Opening Session of the 2011 Annual Environmental Conference on March 5th and printed in the March/April Newsletter. Past Top Ten Lists include: “Most Pathetic Excuses for Violating an Order of Conditions,” “Worst (or Strangest) Things That Happened On A Site Visit,” "Best Excuses You've Heard for Filling Wetlands", "Reasons Commissioners Have Been Thrown Off Their Boards", and "Reasons to Be a Conservation Commissioner.” See these on the MACC web site at www.maccweb.org/aec_top_ten Send us up to three suggestions. Items must be eight words or less, although you may add a brief note of explanation. They do not need to be complete sentences. The Top Ten List is intended to be humorous in the David Letterman vein. Our expert judges will select the best ideas. The deadline for submissions has been extended to February 10, 2011. E-mail (preferred) your suggestions in the format below to lindsay.martucci@ maccweb.org, fax to 617.489.3935, or send to MACC, 10 Juniper Road, Belmont MA 02478. Outrageous Excuses for Erosion and Sediment Control Failure

SUGGESTIONS:

A. _________________________________________________________________________________________ B. _________________________________________________________________________________________ C. _________________________________________________________________________________________ Submitted by:

Name: __________________________________ E-mail: _____________________________

Commission or Organization ________________________________________ Phone: __________________ Address: _____________________________________ City/Town: ______________________ Zip ________

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January/February 2011

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Thank You to MACC’s 2010 Fall Conference Sponsors!!

LEAD SPONSORS

CONTRIBUTORS McGregor & Associates, P.C. Nitsch Engineering Horsley Witten Group

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MACC Presidents Past and Present Patrick Garner, 2010-present Sally A. Zielinski, 2008-2009 Frederick J. Fawcett, II, March-April, 2008 Michael G. Sites, 2007-2008 E. Heidi Ricci, 2006-2007 Helen D. Bethell, 2005-2006 Patrick Garner, 2004-2005 Ingeborg Hegemann, 2003-2004 George Hall, 2000-2003 Gregor I. McGregor, 1997-2000 Judith S. Eiseman, 1995-1997 Robert M. Gray, 1991-1995 Tania Assaykeen, 1988-1991 Alexandra Dawson, 1985-1988 Gregor I. McGregor, 1982-1985 Nancy Wilson Anderson, 1979-1982 George S. Wislocki, 1977-1979 Norton H. Nickerson, 1974-1977 Robert J. Ellis, 1973-1974 Davis Stuart DeBard, 1961-1973

MACC Newsletter

January/February 2011

Annual Environmental Conference Volunteers Needed

FREE ATTENDANCE See page 5 for details or call Lindsay at 617.489.3930 [email protected]

In Memoriam Bill Hocking, long time member and Chairman of the Foxboro Conservation Commission, has passed away. Bill was a tireless advocate for wetlands protection and land conservation in Foxboro. Through the joint efforts of Bill, Dave Risch and the commitment of the Kraft family, a significant portion of the Neponset River was daylighted. The original plan called for simply replacing the existing culverted sections and maintaining the open section of river through what was the former race track infield. By Bill’s efforts and the collaborative effort, a 3,000+ foot section of the Neponset River was relocated and daylighted. The restoration effort resulted in the creation of the Bordering Vegetated Wetland, Bank, Bordering Land Subject to Flooding and Densely Developed Riverfront Area. It’s safe to say this project was a crowning jewel in the long illustrious career of Bill Hocking. He will be sorely missed. Chris Ross, MassDEP- SERO

Environmental Consulting Services For Conservation Commissions Third Party Permit Reviews Wetland Delineation Reviews Construction Compliance Monitoring Erosion Control Plans Stormwater Management System Evaluations Wetland Restoration & Mitigation Plans Rare Species Habitat Studies Vernal Pool Assessments Wetland Plant Nursery and Planting Services

Wetlands Preservation, Inc. Environmental Consulting Services 475 Ipswich Road, Boxford, MA 01921 (978) 352-7903 47 Newton Road, Plaistow, NH 03865 (603) 382-3435 FAX : (603) 382-3492 E-MAIL: [email protected] Website: www.wetlandwpi.com

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January/February 2011

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Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions 10 Juniper Road Belmont, MA 02478 617.489.3930 www.maccweb.org

Non-profit Organization U.S. POSTAGE PAID Belmont, MA 02478 Permit No. 56583

CALENDAR January 20, 2011 (13 weeks). Wetlands Assessment and Field Techniques. UMass, Amherst. UMass Dept. of Environmental Conservation in cooperation with UMa s s Extension. For details, contact Scott Jackson at 413.545.4743 or [email protected] January 29, 2011. Naked Shrubs. MA Audubon Habitat, Belmont. Co-sponsored by New England Wild Flower Society. Pre-registration required. Contact registrar at 508877-7630 ext. 3303 January 29, 2011. Conservation Biology: Saving Biodiversity in Today’s Climate. Garden in the Woods, Framingham. Sponsored by New England Wild Flower Society. Pre-registration required. Contact registrar at 508877-7630 ext. 3303

MACC is a Member of Earth Share of New England and the Massachusetts Environmental Collaborative.

March 5, 2011. Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Units 1, 3, 5, 6, 7 & 8. Holy Cross College, Worcester. See page 10, 11 for details and page 12 for registration. March 5, 2011. Annual Environmental Conference Holy Cross College, Worcester. See pages 4-10 for details and page 12 for registration.

MACC is a private non-profit service corporation. Our voting members are the Conservation Commissions of Massachusetts. Nonvoting memberships are available to others interested in community resource protection and include receipt of this newsletter. MACC welcomes letters, articles, drawings and photographs from readers, but reserves the right to edit or reject submissions. Non-staff articles do not necessarily represent the opinions of MACC. Reproduction in whole or in part is permitted with proper credit. For advertising rates and membership information call MACC at 617.489.3930.