LATEST NEWS
Upcoming AMWS Networking Events:
--THIS EVENT TO BE RESCHEDULED IN AUGUST-- Thurs., June 26, 2008, 6 - 9 p.m. at Rubin & Rudman, 50 Rowes Wharf, Boston
Tues., July 22, 2008, 7:30-9:30 a.m., Corps of Engineers, 696 Virginia Road, Concord
Pre-registration required. Contact: administrator@amws.org
The AMWS Networking Committee held its 3rd social networking event from 6-8 p.m. on 5/21/08. Anchor Environmental (Andover) hosted the event at the Chateau restaurant.
The AMWS Networking Committee organizes opportunities for wetland scientists, educators, ecologists and environnmental professionals to network socially with colleagues, learn about career advancement and develop a diverse professional skill set. We highlight topics that affect our dynamic profession and share expertise that can help shape State and Federal wetland policies and regulations.
DEP DROUGHT ADVISORY LIFTED 3/19/08
Please see this link: http://www.mass.gov/dcr/waterSupply/rainfall/drought.htm
It's official. DEP's Stormwater Management Regulatory Revisions became effective 1/02/08. To learn more:
Summary of WPA & WQC Revisions: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/strmreg.pdf
Revised Wetlands Protection Regulations: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/regulati.htm#wl
Revised Water Quality Certification Regulations: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/regulati.htm#wqual
Stormwater Handbook including Report Checklist: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#storm
Note: Volumes 1 & 2 may be purchased from the State House Bookstore. Vol. 3 is not yet available in hard copy.
AMWS PHOTO CONTEST
Carry a camera with you into the field so you're ready to take the next prize-winning photo for the AMWS Photo Contest! All AMWS members are invited to submit photos in one to three categories: (1) Wetland Plants; (2) Wildlife; and (3) General Wetland Habitat/Fieldwork (includes field-related workshop activities).
Winning photographs become part of AMWS promotional materials. To enter, submit one 5"x7" or 8"x10" photo per category before 5 p.m. on 10/31/08 to: AMWS, 109 Whitney St., Northborough, MA 01532. Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Meeting.
OF CONTINUING INTEREST
MESA
REGULATIONS
Regulations
governing the Mass. Endangered Species Act are effective 7/01/05. Basically, proposed project
plans must be filed with NHESP for work within Priority Habitats
of Rare Species, as mapped by NHESP.
See Our Library for more information.
BUFFER ZONE REGULATIONS
DEP
has released new Buffer Zone regulations, effective 3/01/05. These are available
on the DEP website. These allow
an applicant who has filed an ANRAD post-3/01/05 to conduct
work more than 50 feet from a BVW without having to file a Notice
of Intent. As with most DEP regulations, there are caveats and
conditions.
PGP
STREAM CROSSING REGULATIONS
DEP,
in conjunction with the USCOE, released new stream crossing
performance standards, effective 1/21/05. The new standards
prohibit, in many cases, the use of conventional culverts for
stream crossings. The new criteria requires either pipe arch
devices or bridges. There are exemptions to these new standards.
The Category I standards are available from the USCOE or from
DEP.
See
Our Library for more information.
PURPLE
LOOSESTRIFE BEETLE CONTROL: AMWS PARTICIPATION
Since 2003, AMWS has neither funded nor actively participated
in any purple loosestrife prevention program. For current information, contact the Mass. Coastal Zone Management's Wetlands Restoration Program, 251 Causeway St., Suite 800, Boston, MA 02114-2136 or Tele: 617/626-1200, FAX 617/626-1240.
NEWSLETTER
Just
one of the many benefits of membership,
the AMWS Newsletter provides insightful, thought-provoking information
relevant to wetland specialists in Massachusetts and beyond.
This
16-page newsletter is published quarterly (4 issues/year) and
includes in-depth articles, reviews of websites and books, calendar
announcements and more. Wetland professionals are encouraged
to submit articles or commentary on relevant topics.
Learn
more and preview an issue here.
