Tag: News

Massachusetts EEA Announces Leadership Team iBerkshires | March 25, 2023 https://www.iberkshires.com/story/71258/Massachusetts-EEA-Announces-Leadership-Team.html BOSTON — Secretary Rebecca L. Tepper announced her leadership team at the Executive Office of Energy & Environmental Affairs (EEA). The following individuals have joined the Office of the Secretary and will help shape the Commonwealth's clean energy economy, environmental protections, and public lands. "We've assembled a team of visionary thinkers and dedicated public servants to lead the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs at this pivotal time," said Secretary Tepper. "Working with our departments, we are committed to guiding an equitable transition to clean energy, protecting our precious natural resources, and building healthy, resilient communities. I've charged our team to view their work through an environmental justice lens so that no community is left behind as the clean energy economy grows and the climate heats up." To read the full story, click here ...

MassDOT Reveals Route Of MCRT Extension From Wayland Into Sudbury Neal McNamara | Patch | March 6, 2023 https://patch.com/massachusetts/sudbury/massdot-reveals-route-mcrt-extension-wayland-sudbury SUDBURY, MA — MassDOT has revealed initial plans for a Mass Central Rail Trail (MCRT) extension from Wayland into Sudbury. MassDOT held a public hearing Thursday to review fledgling plans to turn a former rail corridor into the newest piece of the MCRT, whose eastern leg ends at Route 20 in Wayland. The project will a gateway to a longer extension of the trail through Sudbury — called the "Wayside" section. MassDOT and the state Department of Conservation and Recreation will build a 1.9-mile extension of the non-motorized trail from the Wayland line to an Eversource power station just short of Landham Road. Construction on the $3.3 million trail extension could begin by spring 2027, according to MassDOT. The project is still in the design phase, and the state is accepting public comments on the plan. The 1.9-mile section would be built over wetlands and will include the rehabilitation...

DCR Opens Applications for Lifeguards, with Up to $1,250 in Bonuses and Higher Wages Press Release | Dept. of Conservation & Recreation | March 3, 2023 https://www.mass.gov/news/dcr-opens-applications-for-lifeguards-with-up-to-1250-in-bonuses-and-higher-wages BOSTON — The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) today announced it is now accepting applications for summer lifeguards, swim instructors, and other roles across the Commonwealth. This year, DCR is offering bonuses of up to $1,250 for qualified lifeguard applicants that commit to working at an agency beach or pool for the 2023 season. DCR is also increasing the hourly rate for lifeguards and pool staff for the 2023 season to between $22 and $27 depending on position and associated certifications.   "Every year, lifeguards and swim instructors help the Commonwealth operate dozens of pools and waterfronts for families to swim and cool off in the summer,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These are great jobs for residents looking to work outside, earn good pay, and be a part of a great team. I encourage anyone interested to apply and take...

Revere Mayor Arrigo Named DCR Commissioner Mayor Stepping Down In Final Year Of Four-Year Term State House News Service | Michael P. Norton | April 10, 2023 APRIL 10, 2023.....The mayor of Revere is joining the Healey administration as DCR commissioner, where he will oversee the state's network of public parks and beaches. Brian Arrigo was introduced as commissioner of the Department of Conservation and Recreation early Monday morning. He plans to resign as mayor on April 21, ending a run that began in 2016, and to start work for the state on April 24. In making the announcement, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs credited Arrigo for his work developing Revere's first master plan in more than 40 years, the creation of a 311-constituent service office, and the construction of a new Department of Public Works facility and a new Point of Pines Fire Station, as well as efforts to encourage public and private investments along Revere Beach, Shirley Avenue, and Suffolk...

Gov. Abbott calls for expansion of Texas State Parks system Luke Metzger | Environment Texas | February 13, 2023 https://environmentamerica.org/texas/articles/gov-abbott-calls-for-expansion-of-texas-state-parks-system/ Great news for the Million Acre Parks Project! Last week, Governor Abbott called for expanding the state parks system, saying “Yes, we want Texas to grow. Yes, we want Texas to prosper. But we can do that while at the very same time conserving the beautiful parks that we have and adding to them to make Texas even more appealing to future generations.” As I told the Houston Chronicle, I “hope the Legislature heeds the governor’s call and makes a historic investment in expanding the state parks system.” This is the session to do it. It’s the centennial of the state parks system and our current parks already can’t keep up with demand. With a $33 billion budget surplus, the state has the resources to acquire more land for state parks, protect wildlife habitat, and create more opportunities for our kids to run free in the woods and...

Our Opinion: State must step up help for communities caught between crumbling dams and costly fixes Editorial Board | The Berkshire Eagle | February 18, 2023 https://www.berkshireeagle.com/opinion/editorials/our-opinion-state-must-step-up-help-for-communities-caught-between-crumbling-dams-and-costly-fixes/article_4501d526-aede-11ed-9632-df16b919b46b.html Berkshires, we have a problem — a big dam problem. Recent Eagle reporting dove into the conditions of several critical dams across the county. Dams are considered “high hazard” by the state if a breach would likely cause fatalities and damage to surrounding property and infrastructure. According to the state Office of Dam Safety, Berkshire County has about three-dozen such dams — and three are in troubling shape considering the risks they pose. The Bel Air Dam on Wahconah Street in Pittsfield is rated as “unsafe” — the worst regulatory condition denoting major structural, operational and maintenance deficiencies in normal conditions. The Mount Williams Reservoir and Notch Reservoir dams, both located in North Adams, hold the second-worst rating of “poor” also indicating structural issues under typical conditions. Berkshire residents are all too familiar with crumbling infrastructure posing risks to residents,...

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces the Opening of Camping Reservations at DCR Campgrounds Press Release | Department of Conservation & Recreation | February 14, 2023 https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-announces-the-opening-of-camping-reservations-at-dcr-campgrounds BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that camping reservations at the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) campgrounds across the Commonwealth will be available beginning on Wednesday, February 15, 2023, at 9:00AM. Visitors can make camping reservations at one of DCR’s campgrounds up to four months in advance of their arrival date through ReserveAmerica. Reservations are available at DCR’s 27 campgrounds beginning in April and running through October.  “Over the past several years, we have seen the importance of seeking outdoor recreational activities and connecting with nature and the world around us,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is proud of the many diverse camping opportunities offered throughout the state, and we look forward to seeing new and returning visitors to DCR’s many campsites during the 2023 camping season.”  “Last season, DCR accommodated more than 50,000 camping reservations at 26 campgrounds...

You can now check out an all-terrain wheelchair at the Bushnell-Sage Library in Sheffield Heather Bellow | The Berkshire Eagle | February 3, 2023 https://www.berkshireeagle.com/news/southern_berkshires/sheffield-grit-wheelchair-all-terrain-disability-trails-bushnell-sage-library-borrow/article_9ebdd178-a24a-11ed-bc93-3faed557c14c.html SHEFFIELD — For those who can’t go into the woods without help, Sheffield has a solution. With a state grant, the town bought a “GRIT Freedom Chair” that can be borrowed from the Bushnell-Sage Library’s “Library of Things” by those from any city or town with a CW Mars system library card. The chair is an all-terrain combination manual wheelchair and mountain bike designed by MIT engineers who founded the Medford-based company, GRIT. It’s lever-driven and has handles for pushing from behind. It’s easy to use and transport, according to the company’s website. It has separate sand and snow tires. The library links to the website and a video of a introduction of the chair and demonstration of its use one of two sessions the library held. The chair is the latest addition to the Bushnell-Sage’s “things” library. Other items include four different ukuleles, a guitar,...

Letter: Port Parks Alliance has been formed Letter to the Editor | The Daily News | February 3, 2023 https://www.newburyportnews.com/news/local_news/letter-port-parks-alliance-has-been-formed/article_81420ec4-a25f-11ed-98b0-434fc920d265.html To the editor: We would like to introduce the Port Parks Alliance formed by a group of Newburyport residents who wish to make positive and tangible contributions to help ensure the success of our parks far into the future. The PPA is a newly formed non-profit, 501©(3) organization whose mission is to collaborate with the city of Newburyport and its stakeholders to support the care, preservation, and enhancement of Newburyport parks. More specifically, we plan to bolster the missions of the Newburyport Parks Department and Parks Commission, as set out in the commission’s 10-year strategic plan adopted on Jan. 23, through independent fundraising for capital improvements; organizing of volunteers; and education and advocacy. Note that PPA operations will include policies to ensure the full transparency and proper procedures for donations, encompassing acceptance and use of funds, and reporting to city staff. By way of background, as founding...

Esplanade Association Hosts Free Frost Fit Winter Series 2023 Staff | Beacon Hill Times | January 26, 2023 https://beaconhilltimes.com/2023/01/26/esplanade-association-hosts-free-frost-fit-winter-series-2023/ The Esplanade is known to be a favorite spot for many Bostonians looking for a free, safe space to exercise. The Esplanade Association (esplanadeassociation.org) is excited to announce it will be hosting their fifth season Frost Fit Winter Series 2023 Presented by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. This outdoor winter fitness series on the Esplanade will feature a program-packed lineup of workout classes and winter activities for people of all ages, abilities, and fitness levels to enjoy. The Winter Fitness Series will launch on January 28th at Fiedler Field with a 3-hour event featuring two workout classes, hot chocolate and swag all free to participants! Spend an hour or two learning about this year’s upcoming Frost Fit season and check out registration for classes. From January 30 to March 4, the November Project, 261 Fearless Club New England, and Lynx Fitness Club will each hold...

Overhaul of Ryan playground, wading pool moves ahead Gintautas Dumcius | Dorchester Reporter | January 25, 2023 https://www.dotnews.com/2023/overhaul-ryan-playground-wading-pool-moves-ahead Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) officials met last Thursday with state Rep. Brandy Fluker Oakley and local residents as the agency restarts an overhaul of River Street’s Ryan playground and wading pool. Officials had received blowback from community members in October over an initial plan to convert the wading pool into a spray deck. The agency, which was ready to start construction within days but hadn’t asked for community input, pulled back on the plan and called off the contractors after hearing from angry residents. The plan was initially pitched as part of a statewide effort to convert pools to spray decks, which don’t require as many staffers and maintenance as pools do. But the later meeting went smoother: On Thursday, agency officials laid out preliminary plans to keep and enlarge the wading pool. The agency is still looking at improvements to the overall area. Existing issues...

Birding In Alabama's Black Belt Jennifer Kornegay | Bitter Southerner | January 17, 2023 https://bittersoutherner.com/feature/2023/birding-in-alabamas-black-belt By 9 a.m. on a Saturday in late July, despite a pale gray blanket of clouds blocking the worst of the sun, the temperature in Newbern, Alabama, deep in the state’s Black Belt region, is scorching. Still, people keep arriving at The Joe Farm, spying the sign from the county road and slowing to park on the shoulder. With a huge smile claiming most of his face, Christopher Joe yells and waves, greeting people with hearty handshakes or hugs and moving through the groups like a party host. There are old people. Young people. Folks from a few miles down the road and farther away in the state. People from Michigan, Mississippi, Arkansas, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Vermont. All dressed in sensible shoes and wide-brimmed hats, with binoculars or cameras (or both) hanging around their necks, they turn their faces up and intensely search the skies when...

Midstate Trail In Massachusetts Is Full Of Awe-Inspiring Rock Formations Marla S. | Only In Your State | January 24, 2023 https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/rock-formaton-trails-ma/ There’s far from a shortage of hiking trails in Massachusetts. So, if you love spending time outdoors, head to Midstate Trail for a scenic in-and-out adventure that features jaw-dropping rock formations, wildflowers, a forest, local wildlife, and breathtaking scenery. In addition to enjoying the stunning views throughout this intermediate-level hike that’s under four miles, you can bring your leashed dog with you too. To get started on your hiking adventure, head to Leominster State Forest near Westminster, Massachusetts. If you're coming from Boston, take MA-2 for about an hour to reach the trailhead. To read the full story, click here ...

Easy 2.2-Mile Cascades Trail Will Lead You To A Massachusetts Waterfall Katie Feldkamp | Only In Your State | January 23, 2023 https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/cascades-trail-waterfall-ma/ Nestled in the Northwest corner of the Berkshires in the small, vibrant town of North Adams, Massachusetts is a trail that begins in town and leads you to a stunning 40-foot waterfall. The 2.2-mile hike along the Cascades Trail in Massachusetts is easy enough for all skill levels, making it an ideal way to spend a few hours any day of the year. To reach the trailhead, visitors are encouraged to park at the local YMCA and walk along Notch Brook until signs lead you to the entrance of the trail. The trail begins in a neighborhood and parking is otherwise limited on the residential streets. To read the full story, click here ...

Meander Through A Shady Forest Along The 2.1-Mile Wolf Meadow Trail In Massachusetts Meghan Byers | Only In Your State | January 23, 2023 https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/massachusetts/wolf-meadow-trail-ma/ There are so many scenic Massachusetts trails to explore, winding through woods and along lake shores, across beaches, and up mountains. Wolf Meadow Trail, also called Wolf Meadow Road, is a particularly peaceful wooded trail located in F. Gilbert Hills State Forest. It offers a serene walk through a shady forest at just over two miles long – and this beautiful out-and-back trail in Massachusetts also happens to be easy enough for a beginner to enjoy. Located in Norfolk County, F. Gilbert Hills State Forest is comprised of just over 1,000 acres and welcomes hikers, mountain bikers, and horseback riders. There are 23 miles of trails to explore, and Wolf Meadow Trail is a popular choice. To read the whole story, click here ...