MACC Annual Environmental Conference - February 28, 2015 College of the Holy Cross Worcester, MA
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MACC
Annual Environmental Conference
February 28, 2015
College of the Holy Cross
Worcester, MA
Conference
MassachuseƩs AssociaƟon of ConservaƟon Commissions
PlaƟnum Sponsor
ProtecƟng MassachuseƩs natural resources by supporƟng
conservaƟon commissions through educaƟon and advocacy
Annual Environmental
Conference
February 28, 2015
College of the Holy Cross, Worcester
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
2
Program Book Contents
Conference Agenda . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
President’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Executive Director’s Message . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
MACC Officer, Director and Nominating Committee Election . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
MACC Annual Business Meeting 2014 Draft Minutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Environmental Service Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14-16
MACC Honors Dr. Sally Zielinski with Nancy Anderson Award . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17
Annual Environmental Conference Workshops Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18-24
Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Unit Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . .25-26
Thank you to MACC’s Supporters and Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
MACC Annual Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28-30
Annual Environmental Conference Exhibitors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Raffle - Win a GoPro Hero4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34
About our Keynote Speaker: Matthew A. Beaton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
MACC Corporate Members . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
Essential Resources for Conservation Commissions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
Thank you to our Conference Sponsors
PLATINUM SPONSOR Eversource Energy
Silver Sponsors President’s Reception Sponsor
Cultec, Inc. Nover Armstrong Associates, Inc.
National Grid
Fundamentals Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors Amy Green Environmental Consulting
Beals & Thomas, Inc. DeRosa Environmental Consulting, Inc.
BSC Group, Inc. EcoTec, Inc.
Epsilon Associates, Inc. Lucas Environmental, LLC
McGregor & Legere, P.C. The Nature Conservancy
New England Environmental, Inc. Conference Supporters
VHB, Inc. Ecosystem Solutions, Inc.
Wilkinson Ecological Design, Inc. Fields Pond Foundation
3
4
Annual Environmental Conference 2015
Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
AGENDA
8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Opening Session
Welcome and Remarks Kathleen (Kate) Connolly, President
Annual Business Meeting
Minutes of the March 2014 Meeting Kate Connolly
Financial Report Margaret Carroll, Treasurer
Report of the Nominating Committee Gregor McGregor, Chair
Election of Officers, Directors, and Nominating Committee
Nominating Committee off-board members
Close Annual Business Meeting Kate Connolly
Environmental Service Awards Brandon Faneuf, Chair Awards
Committee, and Kate Connolly
Nancy Anderson Award Gregor McGregor and Kate Connolly
Introduce Keynote Speaker Eugene B. Benson, Executive Director
Keynote Address Matthew A. Beaton, Secretary,
Executive Office of Energy and
Environmental Affairs
Training Program • Workshops • Lunch
9:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Units 1, 2, 5 and 7
9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Workshop Series A
11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Workshop Series B
11:15 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Buffet lunch served in Kimball Hall (shuttle van available between Hogan
Campus Center and Kimball Hall)
1:30 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Fundamentals for Conservation Commissioners Units 3, 4, 6, 8, and 9
1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. Workshop Series C
3:15 p.m - 4:30 p.m. Workshop Series D
Reception
4:30 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. President’s Reception • Raffle Drawing
Closings
3:45 p.m. Exhibit Hall closes
4:30 p.m. Book Sales and Raffle ticket sales close
5:30 p.m. Conference closes
5
President’s Message
Kathleen (Kate) Connolly
At the end of another busy year, MACC can count many suc- statutorily due to those owning
cesses from our focused efforts in 2014 in the areas of advoca- property given the other designa-
cy and education. MACC saw good results in the form of court tion of “significant habitat” areas
decisions on cases of environmental importance in which we under the Massachusetts
had participated, as well as in proposed new regulations Endangered Species Act (MESA).
where we raised concerns with state agencies. We also faced Next, the SJC this past summer resolved any ambiguity sur-
some brand new issues from proposed developments such as rounding whether conservation of forests and open space is a
the Tennessee Gas Pipeline expansion and installation of solar charitable activity that benefits the public and whether non-
arrays in wetlands, to the continuing work on general issues profit organizations formed to preserve land in its natural
like climate change science and responses. We have been state are entitled to property tax exemptions for those pro-
actively involved in commenting on proposed state and fed- tected parcels. In New England Forestry Foundation (NEFF) v.
eral regulatory changes with far-reaching environmental Town of Hawley, the SJC held that NEFF's land in the Town of
impacts. Within our organization, we reviewed our Hawley qualifies for a property tax exemption under a statute
Fundamentals training units to determine the best topics in that provides that real estate owned by a “charitable organiza-
an effort to stay current keeping our members' needs in mind. tion and occupied by it or its officers for the purposes for
which it is organized” is exempt from taxation. The decision
In the legal realm, the courts issued decisions in two cases in accepted arguments made by MACC that conservation com-
which MACC filed “friend of the court” briefs. First, the missions and land trusts operate as public and private coun-
Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) issued a decision in Pepin v. DFW terparts on local land conservation and are dependent upon
last spring upholding the state's “priority habitat” regulations property exemptions to protect and conserve natural open
with respect to how they allow the Massachusetts Division of space throughout the Commonwealth. MACC was honored to
Fisheries and Wildlife (DFW) to designate priority habitat be participants in these cases and views the SJC's decisions as
without affording landowners the procedural protections great successes for environmental protection and land con-
servation.
In the regulatory arena, the Massachusetts Department of
Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has been busy overhaul-
ing its regulations, and MACC has been keeping watch over
the proposed changes closely and providing comments.
MACC has weighed in with comments at every phase of the
comment periods and in work groups with MassDEP. We con-
tinue to consult the MassDEP website for the promulgation
dates for new regulatory changes.
MACC has also weighed in to the United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) on its proposal, released jointly with
the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“Corps”), to issue
a clarification of the definitions of “waters of the United
States” and “navigable waters” which some viewed as poten-
tially expanding federal jurisdiction over these wetlands and
waterways. MACC also provided comments to the Corps on its
proposal to replace the six New England states' General
Permits (GPs) with a consolidated regional New England
General Permit (NE GP), with the Corps' stated goal being a
more efficient and streamlined permit review within the New
England states while continuing to maintain a high level of
environmental protection. MACC provided comments that
focused on Massachusetts and the potential effects the pro-
posed NE GP might have on the Corps' ability to regulate and
protect waters of the U.S., including wetlands. At MACC's
request, the Corps also hosted a webinar for conservation
commissioners and environmental organizations and other
6
non-profits to learn and have an opportunity to ask questions Foundation, will be dedicated to Storm Water, Climate
about the proposed NE GP. Change and Sea Level Rise. Check out the workshop descrip-
tions in this program for specific sessions on climate change.
MACC wrote bill S.944 An Act Relative to the Effective
Enforcement of Municipal Ordinances and ByLaws in an effort I hope you all enjoy the Annual Environmental Conference,
to streamline enforcement by enabling municipalities to seek learn a bit, and have fun reconnecting with old friends and
penalties in the same court in which they file requests for colleagues! …and if you come away from the day with any
injunctions to stop wetlands and other violations rather than ideas about how MACC can better serve you, please give me
having to pursue separate court filings. Unfortunately, the bill or Executive Director Eugene Benson a call or send us an
didn't make it through the Legislature successfully, but MACC email.
will try again.
MACC's online edition of its Handbook, Protecting Wetlands
and Open Space: MACC's Environmental Handbook for
Massachusetts Conservation Commissioners, launched this
past year and has been widely used as commissioners, agents Kate Connolly is MACC President and a Principal with Louison,
and consultants begin to rely on its interactive tools. For more Costello, Condon and Pfaff LLP, where she practices land use and
information on how to order and use the resource, go to environmental law and general municipal law. She can be
http://www.maccweb.org/ehandbook.html. reached at 617-307-5051.
Upon first learning of the proposed construction of the
Tennessee Gas Pipeline, MACC was one of many organiza-
tions that signed a June 24, 2014, letter calling on the six New
England governors to prioritize their energy resources to pro-
tect the environment in the wake of Kinder Morgan's (KM)
proposed project that sought to cross over 250 miles of
Massachusetts land, including wetlands and open space.
Based on this letter and calls from MACC and other groups,
the Massachusetts Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
invited MACC, land trusts, and other groups to a meeting with
KM to discuss the proposed pipeline. MACC participated in
this meeting and scheduled meetings with conservation
commissions along the proposed route to discuss the regula-
tory processes for pipeline approval and how they can partic-
ipate in those processes. Additionally commissions learned
the role they can play under the applicable wetlands laws,
and as stewards of open space, in the event that the Federal
Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) grants approval of the
pipeline. In December, KM filed amended documents with
FERC showing the new route partially in Massachusetts and
heading north into New Hampshire. Workshop D27 is about
the pipeline, where it stands, and how you can help your
commission prepare for it if it comes through your city or
town.
MACC is undertaking its next five-year strategic plan, which
included an intensive, four hour brainstorming session in
December. We are thoughtfully considering our mission and
goals and to that end would love to hear from all of you, our
members, on how we could improve our mission, goals and
services.
Finally, an increasingly interesting and important topic in
which MACC has been active, and for which this year's AEC
includes several workshops, is climate change. As we
announced in our Summer Quarterly, MACC established the
David Standley Fund in honor of a long-time Ipswich resident
who has devoted his life to the protection of wetlands and
the natural environment. The Fund, which was made possible
by a generous donation from The Echo Charitable
7
Executive Director’s Message
Eugene B. Benson
Welcome to MACC's Annual Environmental Conference ed the latest science, technolo-
2015. We are delighted you are here and hope you will gies, laws, regulations, policies,
have a wonderful and informative day. MACC's Board and thinking, and the hot issues of
staff, along with many volunteers, have put together a the day. This year is no exception, as you will see from the
great variety and number of workshops and training ses- workshops at this year's conference that include climate
sions, geared to provide you with information and skills change adaptation, wetlands protection, dams and cul-
you can take home and use to help protect wetlands and verts, conservation office administration, green infrastruc-
open space. The day will also provide ample opportunities ture, and so much more. Also exciting is that we have
for networking, visiting the conference exhibitors to see expanded the Fundamentals for Conservation
what they have to offer, and feeling energized about the Commissioners training program and at this conference will
work you do for the environment. Please be sure to check introduce a new unit on protecting wildlife habitat, one of
out the publications table, where we have essentials for the interests protected under the state Wetlands
conservation commissions as well as new offerings sure to Protection Act. More new units are in planning.
please anyone interested in the natural world. And please
take a chance on a raffle to win a terrific GoPro Hero4 There are many people to thank for making the conference
camera. a success. MACC's Annual Environmental Conference
Committee 2015 is comprised of Committee Co-chairs
Opening session is a great opportunity to honor the peo- Amy Ball and Matt Schweisberg; MACC Associate Director
ple receiving MACC's Environmental Service Awards. We & Education Coordinator Michele Girard; MACC Officers
have presented the awards every year since 1981 and Kate Connolly, E. Heidi Ricci, and Margaret Carroll; MACC
every year there are many people and groups nominated Board members Gregor McGregor and Seth Wilkinson; and
who are especially deserving of recognition for their work former MACC Board member Sally Zielinski. MACC Office
protecting Massachusetts' natural resources. While we Manager/ Newsletter Editor/ Membership Coordinator
sometimes honor individuals and groups working Lindsay Martucci, MACC Intern Joey Wigglesworth, and
statewide, most awardees are known and appreciated in MACC Finance and Operations Director Candace Domos
their local communities for their dedication and successes once again were dedicated, inventive, hard-working, and
locally, but are unknown to the larger conservation com- true stewards of the conference. Also essential to the suc-
munity across the state. The awards raise the visibility of cess of the conference are the presenters and moderators
that work and those individuals for all to see and honor. of the workshops and training units and the many other
Thanks to our Awards Committee, chaired by Brandon volunteers who give their time and expertise. And you,
Faneuf, and including Kate Connolly, Gregor McGregor, E. who participate in the conference for the information we
Heidi Ricci, Seth Wilkinson, and Sally Zielinski, for their wise provide, the knowledge and skills you gain, and the
choices for awardees. informed caring community we create. Thank you for all
you do for the environment.
Of very special note is that we will present, for only the
third time, the Nancy Anderson Award, MACC's most pres- As I write this in late-January, we are focused on making
tigious award. Sally Zielinski will receive the award for her this the best annual environmental conference we can,
many decades of extraordinary service to the natural envi- building on MACC's years of experience and all the
ronment and MACC. If you have been at these conferences advance preparation that has gone into this conference.
or interacted with MACC, you will have undoubtedly met We look forward to seeing you at the conference and hav-
Sally or been a beneficiary of Sally's enormous influence on ing the opportunity to meet and speak with many of you
our work and her keen understanding of wetlands, open during the day. Your participation helps make our day. Your
space, biological diversity, and community conservation. evaluation of the conference gives us the feedback we
need for next year's conference. Enjoy!
I have been reviewing past Annual Environmental
Conference materials in preparation for this year's confer-
ence. MACC's first annual meeting, the birth of this confer-
ence, was held in 1972. The name, Annual Environmental
Conference, was adopted for this conference in 2002, thir-
ty years after the first conference. What comes through
clearly year after year is how each year's conference reflect-
89
Annual Business Meeting February 28, 2015
MACC OFFICER, DIRECTOR, AND NOMINATING COMMITTEE ELECTION
The 2014 Nominating Committee recommends the slates below to the membership:
OFFICERS Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2016
Kathleen(Kate) Connolly President Scott Jackson Vice President for Advocacy
E. Heidi Ricci First Vice President Margaret Carroll Treasurer
Amy Ball Vice President for Education Janice Stone Secretary
DIRECTORS Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2018
Jennifer Carlino Gregor McGregor Marc Bergeron* Rebekah Lacey* Cynthia O’Connell*
DIRECTORS Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2017
John Goldrosen*
NOMINATING COMMITTEE Non-Board Members serving until Annual Business Meeting 2016
Michele Grzenda Ingeborg Hegemann Nathaniel Stevens Seth Wilkinson
Respectfully submitted, 2014 Nominating Committee:
Gregor McGregor, Chair E. Heidi Ricci Michael Howard Ingeborg Hegemann Nathaniel Stevens
Kenneth Whittaker Bob Wilber
NEW NOMINEES TO THE BOARD *
Marc Bergeron is an Associate and Senior Project Manager at VHB, Inc., an environmental consulting and engineering firm
based out of Watertown, MA. He has more than 20 years of professional experience in providing environmental consulting serv-
ices; specializing in wetland delineation, assessment, mitigation, construction monitoring, ecological inventories, wildlife habitat
assessment, vernal pool ecology, and regulatory analysis and permitting. He is certified as a Professional Wetland Scientist by
the Society of Wetland Scientists and as a Certified Wetland Scientist by the State of New Hampshire. Marc is a graduate of
Springfield College (Environmental Sciences) located in Springfield, Massachusetts. He was a member of the Town of Blackstone
Conservation Commission from 2005-2008 and served as Chair for a one year period during that tenure. He has successfully
completed and/or contributed to numerous local, state, and federal environmental permit applications for private and public
development, transportation, linear utility, and energy generation projects throughout the Northeastern U.S. In addition, he has
experience working as a technical reviewer and on-call consultant for numerous conservation commissions throughout
Massachusetts, completing peer review of Notices of Intent and other Wetlands Protection Act applications.
John J. Goldrosen is an attorney with Kopelman and Paige, P.C., which represents over one hundred Massachusetts cities and
towns as general municipal counsel. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School and Harvard College, and also holds a Master of
Regional Planning degree from the University of North Carolina. His practice focuses on land use, zoning, real estate, and envi-
ronmental issues. He assists municipalities and their conservation commissions, zoning boards, and planning boards in inter-
preting and applying wetlands bylaws, the Wetlands Protection Act, zoning bylaws, subdivision regulations, the Waterways Act
(Chapter 91), and Chapter 40B regulations. His work includes providing opinions to town boards, advising boards during public
hearings, reviewing proposed decisions and bylaws, and representing municipalities in proceedings before the Land Court,
Superior Court, administrative agencies, and the appellate courts. He is currently chairman of the Town of Whitman Zoning
Board of Appeals, and previously served as chairman of the Town Finance Committee. Prior to obtaining his law degree, John
worked as an environmental planner, owned and operated a retail business, and wrote a biography of rock'n'roll performer
Buddy Holly that served as the basis for the movie “The Buddy Holly Story.”
Rebekah Lacey is an attorney with Anderson & Kreiger LLP in Cambridge. Rebekah graduated from Harvard Law School in
2008. Before law school, Rebekah worked for almost a decade as an environmental scientist in both the public and private sec-
tors, after receiving an M.S. in Water Resources from the University of Vermont. For a number of years, she performed human
health and ecological risk assessments for hazardous waste sites, particularly aquatic sites with contaminated sediments. She
subsequently moved to the policy arena as an environmental analyst at the New England Interstate Water Pollution Control
Commission, where she worked with federal and state water quality staff throughout New England and New York on wetlands,
stormwater and NPDES issues. As an attorney, Rebekah represents public and private sector clients on a wide range of local,
10state and federal environmental and land use law issues, with a specialty in water resources. She frequently advises conservation
commissions regarding permitting and enforcement matters; she also represents them in permit appeals. Rebekah is currently
Co-Chair of the Wetlands, Waterways and Water Quality Committee of the Boston Bar Association Environmental Law Section.
Cynthia O'Connell is currently the Conservation Agent for the towns of Canton and Dedham. Trained as a landscape architect,
Cynthia worked for private, multi-disciplinary consulting firms for over twenty-five years, becoming the wetland specialist for her
firms due her horticultural knowledge and regulatory experience. She has a bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from Dickinson
College and a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. She is also a member of the
Association of Massachusetts Wetland Scientists, the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Massachusetts Society of
Municipal Conservation Professionals and serves on the Steering Committee of the Neponset Stormwater Partnership. She has
been a non-board member of the MACC Education Committee since 2012. She lives in Sharon with her family.
OTHER MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS (not up for election this year)
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2017 Richard Drury Brandon Faneuf Michael Howard Jennifer Steel
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2016 Amy Green Matthew Schweisberg Margaret Stolfa
MACC officers serve one-year terms, and 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.
11Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions
Annual Business Meeting - March 1, 2014
DRAFT MINUTES
The meeting was called to order at 8:35 A.M.
Welcome: Kate Connolly, President, welcomed the attendees, and Executive Director Eugene Benson to his first official
Annual Business Meeting and Environmental Conference. Kate noted that while the economy is still sluggish, two positive
announcements came from the Governor in 2014: $50 million dedicated to climate change initiatives and the overall envi-
ronmental budget is up $12 million from last year. The Annual Business meeting then commenced.
Minutes: A motion was made and seconded to accept the Minutes of the 2013 Annual Business Meeting. The vote to accept
the Minutes as drafted was unanimous.
Financial Report: Treasurer Margaret Carroll referred the membership to the Financial Report in the AEC 2014 Program Book.
She briefly summarized the report, which showed that income exceeded expenses in FY 2013 by a small amount, in part due
to reduced staffing. Income comes almost equally from Membership Dues, Educational Programs and Grants and
Contributions.
Bylaw Amendments: President Connolly introduced the proposed Bylaw Amendments. The significant changes included: to
create a new type of membership for Environmental Non-Profits; to better define the duties of the Executive Director; and to
change the composition of the Board of Directors to at least a majority being present or former conservation commission
members; and the composition of the Nominating Committee.
A motion to accept the Financial Report was made and seconded; the vote was unanimous.
A motion to accept the Bylaw Amendments was made and seconded; the vote was unanimous.
Elections: Gregor McGregor, chair of the Nominating Committee, presented the slate of nominees to the membership and
referred members the AEC 2014 Program Book. Officers serve for one year, Directors 1, 2, or 3 years on a staggered basis.
President Connolly reminded the audience that conservation commissions are the voting members and each dues-paying
commission is eligible to cast one vote.
A motion was made and seconded to elect the entire slate; the motion passed unanimously. The following were elected:
OFFICERS
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2015: Kathleen Connolly Esq.-President; E. Heidi Ricci- First Vice President; Amy Ball-
Vice-President for Education; Scott Jackson- Vice President for Advocacy; Margaret Carroll- Treasurer; Janice Stone- Secretary.
DIRECTORS (* New nominee):
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2015 - Jennifer Carlino*
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2016 - Amy Green*
Serving until Annual Business Meeting 2017 - Richard Drury*, Brandon Faneuf, Michael Howard*, and Jennifer Steel*
2014 NOMINATING COMMITTEE: Non-Board Members: Ingeborg Hegemann, Nathaniel Stevens, Bob Wilber, and Kenneth
Whittaker.
Environmental Service Awards: Brandon Faneuf introduced the Environmental Service Award recipients: Mark Briggs,
Conservation Commissioner of the Year; Philip Nadeau, Lifetime Achievement in Natural Resource Protection; Pike
Messenger, Outstanding Conservation Leadership and Education; Sarah Haggarty, Outstanding Public Service; and Andrea
Ristine, Outstanding Municipal Service.
Keynote Address: Executive Director Eugene Benson introduced Keynote Speaker Kenneth L. Kimmell, MassDEP
Commissioner. Mr. Kimmell reflected on the things that have been accomplished, as he comes to the end of his term, and
spoke about things still to be done. The Climate Change policies that have been put in place are an important example of
what has been accomplished. The Sustainable Water Management Initiative (SWMI) is something he intends to complete
this year with regulations. He encouraged the audience to support SWMI, by going to the hearings, writing letters to the
editors, and speaking with state senators and representatives about it.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:20 A.M.
Respectfully submitted, Janice Stone, Secretary.
1213
2 0 1 5 E nv i r o n m e n t a l S e r v i c e Aw a r d s
Conservation Commissioner of the Year
William Frenette
Bill Frenette has been a member of the Dighton Conservation Commission since 1972 when conservation commissions
were first given the duty of administering the Wetlands Protection Act. With an unbroken tenure of 43 years, Bill has also
been the Chairman since 1975, which is almost unheard of in the world of conservation commissions. Bill's service to
his Town and the region as a whole goes well beyond his commission work. He has led efforts to purchase over 50 acres
of salt marsh and uplands in Broad Cove on the Taunton River, piece by piece over many years. It is now the site of the
Broad Cove Recreation Area, complete with a bike path. He was the lead advocate in getting the Community
Preservation Act accepted in Dighton, which has led to even more open space preservation. He remains on the
Community Resources Council for the Town. In the 90's, Bill worked with the Taunton River Watershed Alliance to sur-
vey the Segregansett, Three Mile, and Muddy Cove Brooks in the successful effort to get the Taunton River designated
Wild & Scenic. He successfully petitioned Mass Fish & Wildlife to install a fish ladder at the Harodite Finishing Plant on
the Three Mile River, and is working to get two more constructed in town. He has led successful efforts to establish
osprey nests on town properties and utility rights-of-way, and has been active on the Natural Resources Management
Board at the Bristol Agricultural School. His main duties include assisting with the curriculum and agenda each year, and
advocating for technology advancements, which have included the introduction of GIS and AutoCAD software and
technology at the high school level. After notifying him of the award, and asked about his accomplishments, Bill's hum-
ble nature prevented him from saying he is anything more than a farmer, that he “doesn't keep tabs” and tends to for-
get things he's accomplished for the town over the years, but that he continues to do what he does because he loves
his town and loves what he's doing. He has no plans to retire.
Conservation Administrator of the Year
Frank McKinnon
Frank McKinnon has been a member of the Saugus Conservation Commission and MACC since 1980 and Chairman
since 2003, with 31 years of service and 1,030 Notices of Intent. Frank wears many hats: he is the Conservation Officer
and also a Commissioner. He worked closely with the Massachusetts Division of Ecological Restoration for over 16 years
on the Ballard Street Salt Marsh Restoration Project. His colleagues from DER said that his dedication and perseverance
with that Project were second only to his passion for protecting Saugus' resources. He has contributed not only knowl-
edge critical to project planning, but also provided the humor, wit, and a level-head when required for project meet-
ings to be constructive. His institutional knowledge of the area's resources, attention to detail, and meticulous record-
keeping have greatly facilitated restoration planning at the Ballard Street Salt Marsh Restoration Project. Frank worked
on many projects to protect and restore the local environment with the Saugus River Watershed Council for over a
decade, in addition to his service to the conservation commission. His commission told us that Frank puts in 40 hours
and is always available after hours and weekends when needed. In his 31 years he has seen many changes in person-
nel from Town Manager, Selectman and positions on the commission. He can be counted on to train new staff and con-
duct orientation for new commissioners, keep the office well-organized, and enthusiastically share his keen knowledge
of wetlands protection science and laws with anyone and everyone. His outstanding efforts have helped to protect and
restore vegetated buffer zones, prevent stormwater pollution, and limit encroachment and development into valuable
rivers, streams, freshwater wetlands and marshes. Frank has won numerous awards for environmental protection and
conservation efforts over the years.
14Outstanding Achievement in Conservation
Ingeborg E. Hegemann
Ingeborg E. Hegemann has been a member of the Stow Conservation Commission since 1993, serving as a member
including multiple terms as chair and lending her experience to more than 500 Notices of Intent and countless RDAs,
enforcement cases, and land and community outreach projects. Prior to being appointed to the Stow Commission, she
served for more than 10 years as member and chair of the Cambridge Conservation Commission, for a grand total of
more than 31 years of service on local conservation commissions and far too many commission meetings to count!
Ingeborg's quiet leadership and professionalism have earned the Stow Conservation Commission a great deal of com-
munity respect. Ingeborg has also played an invaluable role as mentor to new members of the conservation commis-
sion, imparting her knowledge and approach to science, policy and neighbor relations. In addition, she also served a 5-
year term with the Stow Planning Board. Ingeborg served on the Board of Directors of the Stow Conservation Trust and
the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions. She is currently on the OARS Board of Directors (the
watershed association for the Assabet, Sudbury, and Concord River Watersheds), and of E Inc, a Boston based non-prof-
it that provides children, teens, and adults with a scientific understanding of Earth's natural resources and the skills to
protect the planet and live sustainably. She also enjoys writing, and has written several educational natural resource
articles for publication in local media, and has contributed to the MACC Handbook, among other publications. Ingeborg
is a frequent presenter at MACC Annual Meetings and is one of the teachers of the Wetlands Functions and Values Unit
for the MACC Training Program - which is being given today! Professionally she is a principal of BSC Group, Inc. (BSC),
where she is responsible for BSC Group's Ecological Sciences Group. Ingeborg is also an Adjunct Professor teaching
graduate level Wetlands Ecology at the University of Massachusetts (Lowell). She is a Professional Wetland Scientist, cer-
tified by the Society of Wetland Scientists Professional Certification Program (SWSPCP) where she was the President for
the 2012-2013 period, and is currently on the Certification Review Panel. In the past she also served on Massachusetts
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Advisory Committees, and served on a Federal Peer Review Team for the
Northcentral and Northeast Regional Supplement to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wetland Delineation Manual.
Outstanding Local and Regional Service
Kitty Doherty
For more than 33 years Kitty Doherty has led natural resource conservation efforts in the three Bridgewater towns and
the Taunton River Watershed. Known as a catalyst in creating public awareness and for her skill as a coalition builder,
she doesn't simply advocate for conservation, she lives and portrays it in the heart of everything she does. A resident of
Bridgewater, Kitty's involvement in natural resource protection began in 1982 when she was appointed to the conser-
vation commission. She served for 13 years, during which she chaired its Open Space Committee and served on the
Master Planning Committee. Kitty is a co-founder and former executive director of the Taunton River Watershed
Alliance. She is a member of the Taunton Wild & Scenic River Stewardship Council after serving on the committee work-
ing to achieve this important designation. She is a founding Director and has served as President of the Natural
Resources Trust of Bridgewater where she initiated the establishment of a municipal Conservation Parkland System. She
founded the Town River Fishery Committee and facilitated legislation that permanently preserved 425 acres of prime
agricultural land at the Old State Farm under Article 97. Kitty recently spearheaded creation of the Nunckatessett
Greenway, a network of land and water trails connecting the Town River and the Bay Circuit Trail to public conservation
areas and urban centers in Bridgewater and West Bridgewater. The Greenway extends for 14 miles along the Town River
from the Hockomock Swamp (part of the largest freshwater wetland system in Massachusetts) to the Taunton River. As
co-coordinator of the project, Kitty brought together Bridgewater State University, planning agencies, wildlife, recre-
ation and conservation groups and other stakeholders. Kitty has received numerous awards including the Unsung
Heroine Award of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (2007) and the Citizen of the Year Award from
the Rotary Club of the Bridgewaters (2008). She has served as Secretary to the West Bridgewater Conservation
Commission since 2003, where she is also Coordinator of the Department of Conservation Preservation and Recreation.
She has obtained numerous grants to create multi-town trail networks, clean up rivers, protect amphibians, and edu-
cate the public. She has made the conservation office a real 'department' -open, efficient, educational, and welcoming.
Kitty is the ideal conservation commission role model, always acting in the best interest of the land and its inhabitants.
We need more like her!
15Outstanding Agency Leadership
Commissioner Mary B. Griffin, MA Dept. of Fish & Game
Under Commissioner Mary Griffin's leadership during the last eight years, the Department of Fish and Game protected
over 45,000 acres of land, which equates to approximately 22% of the total land preserved by this agency and its pred-
ecessor since its creation in 1866! Mary fought tirelessly to defend and improve the Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Program so that we could continue to protect the State's most imperiled plants and wildlife. Mary played an
instrumental role in rebuilding the Department's Headquarters in Westborough as the state's first net zero energy office
building. With her departure as Commissioner of the Department of Fish and Game, we thank her for her devotion, hard
work, and extraordinary accomplishments and know she will continue to serve the Commonwealth in the next chapter
of her career, leading the Massachusetts Land Trust Coalition.
Outstanding Public Service
Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Dept. of Fish & Game
The Department of Fish and Game's Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) works with community-based partners
throughout Massachusetts, including conservation commissions, to restore aquatic ecosystems. DER and partners have
restored an estimated 1,500 acres of wetlands and over 250 miles of streams. DER and partners recently completed the
largest Atlantic white cedar swamp restoration in New England and are currently working on the largest coastal wetland
restoration project in the Northeast. DER's projects have been recognized by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and
former President George W. Bush. DER is a nationwide leader in stream flow restoration and barrier removal. DER staff
have assisted in the removal of 34 dams in Massachusetts, with dozens more in design and permitting. Since 2009, DER
has helped local communities secure competitive funding awards totaling more than $45 million to complete ecologi-
cal restoration projects of local and statewide importance. DER staff pride themselves on providing timely technical
assistance to volunteers and assisting conservation commissions to protect and restore natural resources.
16MACC Honors Dr. Sally Zielinski
with Nancy Anderson Award
MACC is pleased to confer on Dr. Sally Zielinski its most prestigious honor, the Nancy Anderson Award, for her sustained
leadership, dedication, expertise, inspiration, and many roles in which she has helped MACC over the years. Writing this
tribute is easy. Her well-deserved personal contributions and professional accomplishments are legion. If unchecked,
we would be tempted to describe Sally Zielinski as the Energizer Bunny of MACC.
Sally marks her start with MACC in 1987, when she joined our Board of Directors. Spanning the years 1987 to 2014, Sally
has been our Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, President, and even Executive Director.
As MACC Executive Director from 1991-2003, Sally managed operations and nurtured MACC's staff of professionals who
make up the backbone of MACC. She led development of the MACC Certificate Training Program for conservation com-
missioners and staff, oversaw the growth of the MACC Newsletter, and wrote dozens of authoritative articles. She made
sure MACC was in good financial health.
Sally always has applied herself to what MACC needed most, typically without being asked, and frequently for the long
haul. For nearly two decades, for example, Sally co-authored MACC's Environmental Handbook for Massachusetts
Conservation Commissioners with Alexandra D. Dawson. We have come to count on Sally to draft and advocate for
strong, science-based environmental legislation and regulations as well as effective federal, state and local environmen-
tal policies.
During her tenure on and off MACC positions, Sally helped to grow what is now the largest annual environmental con-
ference in New England, and what surely must be the largest gathering of municipal conservation officials in the world!
She continues to serve on MACC committees, teach and moderate Annual Environmental Conference workshops, write
articles, and undertake special projects which always turn out successfully.
Sally over the years has been a trusted advocate for the MACC mission and message on numerous state advisory com-
mittees, from vegetation management to No Net Loss to invasive plants to adjudicatory procedures to the
Massachusetts Environmental Trust.
For 25 years, as many of you know, Sally has been a leading expert on preserving the rare plant Britton's Violet, which
she has studied and documented, mostly in river floodplains from Massachusetts to the Carolinas. There are about two
dozen sites in the Commonwealth with Britton’s Violet. Sally has researched and written on all of these and is known
especially for having identified the northernmost and largest locations of this species.
In 1987 and 1988, Sally was aide and advisor to Senator Carol C. Amick, Senate Chair of the Natural Resources and
Agriculture Committee, who was one of the finest friends the environment has ever had in the Legislature. From 1984
to 1992, Sally was member (and chair 1988 to 1991) of the Carlisle Conservation Commission. She taught wetlands ecol-
ogy at UMass Lowell from 1992 to 2003 as well as biology, plant ecology, plant taxonomy and mycology at Boston
University from 1980 to 1983. Her publications range from rare species population studies to habitat assessments to
restoration and population monitoring. She was recognized as Conservationist of the Year in Carlisle (1992) and as a
SuAsCo River Steward (2009).
Always understated by Sally and unknown to many of us is her other life as a professional artist. From 1970 to the pres-
ent, her talent has been for oil paintings of natural and rural landscapes, seascapes and flora from New England,
California and Europe, which Sally has exhibited broadly in Massachusetts and sold to collections across the United
States.
We thank Dr. Sally Zielinski for sharing with MACC, among her many other personal avocations and professional obliga-
tions, her unflagging love for the environment, commitment to conservation, expertise in science, skill at teaching, and
moral example. She is a most worthy recipient of MACC's award made to the very best person we know who is made in
the mold of our beloved Nancy Anderson.
About the Nancy Anderson Award
The Nancy Anderson Award is MACC's most prestigious award. It is given to honor an environmental leader best exemplifying
the former MACC President, Nancy Anderson, and is presented in her memory. The Anderson Award is given only at times the
Board of Directors identifies a person with success in sustained environmental leadership, staying power, creative thinking,
fairness to all, love of our planet, and a moral certainty in the goodness of all things great and small. We are pleased to be able
to provide this Award for only the third time in MACC's history to Dr. Sally Zielinski.
17Annual Environmental Conference 2015
Workshop Descriptions
Series A 9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
1. Beyond the Sustainable Water Management Initiative: Practical Implementation
SWMI is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Sustainable Water Management Initiative. It was created in 2010 by
the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and included input from a wide range of stakeholders and
support from the Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), the Department of Fish and Game, and the
Department of Conservation and Recreation. Its purpose was to reevaluate the way the Commonwealth manages
water so that there is enough for the many and sometimes competing long-term water needs of our communities and
aquatic ecosystems. In November 2014, MassDEP promulgated new Water Management Act (WMA) regulations that
incorporate key components of SWMI. This workshop will provide an overview of the new WMA regulations and discuss
available tools and resources to assist permitted entities.
Speakers: Rebecca Weidman, Director, Division of Watershed Management, MassDEP
Duane LeVangie, Chief, Water Management Program, MassDEP
Moderator: Margaret Stolfa, Esq., Partner, LeClairRyan; MACC Director
2. Protecting the CommonwealthÕs Coast: Balancing Shoreline Protection, Recreation, and Rare Species
The Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife works with
municipalities, landowners, and other stakeholders to address beach management issues in the context of implementing
the rare species provisions of the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act and Wetlands Protection Act. The workshop will
also touch on an ongoing initiative to develop a Statewide Piping Plover Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP).
Speakers: Jonathan Regosin, Chief of Conservation Science, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program,
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Amy Hoenig, Endangered Species Review Biologist, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program,
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Moderator: Jim OÕConnell, Coastal Geologist, Coastal Advisory Services
3. MassDEP/UMass Wetland Mitigation Success Report: Next Steps
From 2011 to 2013, MassDEP and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst conducted a comprehensive study of
wetland mitigation/replacement success under the WPA regulations to follow up on a 1998 UMass research bulletin,
ÒEffectiveness of Compensatory Wetland Mitigation in Massachusetts.Ó The new replacement study reviewed and
evaluated over 180 wetland replication projects in 44 randomly selected communities across the state. The preliminary
research findings were presented at last yearÕs AEC. A report of these findings is expected to be issued in Spring 2015.
This presentation will summarize the key points of the new Wetland Mitigation Success Report and discuss the policy and
potential regulatory issues resulting from the report recommendations.
Speakers: Lisa Rhodes, MassDEP Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Program Manager
Scott Jackson, Extension Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst; MACC Officer
Moderator: Amy Ball, CWS, Project Manager - Senior Ecologist, Horsley Witten Group, Inc.; MACC Officer
4. Protecting Massachusetts Vernal Pools
Vernal pools are an important component of healthy ecosystems across the state, and they receive a host of legal pro-
tection under federal, state, and local wetland regulations. Their ecological functional values are at the root of why we
protect them; and their variety, temporary nature, and fluctuations are at the root of much confusion over how we pro-
tect them. We will explore and explain their function and best practices for their protection. This workshop will be
geared to an audience already familiar with vernal pool certification metholodogy.
Speakers: Matthew R. Burne, Walden Woods Project
Leo P. Kenney, Vernal Pool Association
Moderator: Brandon Faneuf, PWS, Principal, Ecosystem Solutions, Inc.; MACC Director
185. How to Run an Efficient Conservation Office: Getting More From Your Limited Time
Learn about administrative systems, forms, and techniques to simplify the myriad responsibilities that can eat up your
time. Discussion will focus on establishing efficient timelines, filing systems, agendas, minutes, and regulatory
correspondences. New technologies for information management and sharing will be presented. Come away with a com-
pendium of great templates and forms to simplify your professional life in the conservation office.
Speaker: Jennifer Steel, Senior Environmental Planner, Newton; MACC Director
Moderator: Janice S. Stone, Conservation Agent, Town of South Hadley; MACC Officer
6. Importance of Using Native Plants in Ecological Restoration and Conservation Permitting
This workshop will discuss ÒrestorationÓ and ÒmitigationÓ planting in the context of ecological restoration as defined by
the Society for Ecological Restoration. It will cover plant biology and ecology concepts such as species, genotype,
adaptation, and plasticity. Hybrids and plants of unknown genotype are not always appropriate to use in restoration or
mitigation projects. Topics will also include available plant materials from a variety of sources, including: contract grow-
ing, the perils and pitfalls of using plant materials from non-regional sources, as well as helpful tips for planting plans.
The speakers will also discuss climate change and Òassisted migrationÓ concepts to address future challenges.
Speakers: Chris Polatin, President, Polatin Ecological Services, LLC; Massachusetts Director, Society for Ecological
Restoration, New England Chapter
Seth Wilkinson, MALD, President, Wilkinson Ecological Design, Inc.; Vice President, Grow Native
Massachusetts; MACC Director
Moderator: Cynthia OÕConnell, Conservation Agent, Towns of Dedham and Canton
7. Enforcing Wetlands Violations: Best Practices, Applicable Legal Procedures, and Standards
This workshop will address all facets of the wetlands enforcement process, including the various statutory options
available for enforcing authorities (both orders and penalties), required procedures (e.g., gaining access to private
property, documenting violations, etc.), and the legal standards that apply in the event of a legal challenge. The workshop
will also cover the practical issues that enforcing agents often confront such as responding to public records requests
and working with recalcitrant violators.
Speakers: Peter L. Mello, Esq., Principal, Petrini & Associates, P.C.
Mary Jude Pigsley, Esq., Chief Regional Counsel, MassDEP Central Regional Office
Moderator: Kathleen Connolly, Esq., Principal, Louison, Costello, Condon & Pfaff LLP; MACC President
Series B 11:15 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
8. Climate Change Adaptation: What it Means for Municipalities
This workshop will focus on climate change adaptation measures that can be adopted at the local level to prepare for
increased impacts from more frequent and more severe storms, flooding, and high temperature days. The emphasis will
be on what communities are doing now, and ought to be doing, and will include a discussion of state and regional
programs, technical resources, and funding that can aid municipalities in their resiliency efforts. The presenters will pro-
vide examples, from Massachusetts and elsewhere, of how municipalities may use their wetlands bylaws, storm water
ordinances, zoning bylaws, infrastructure standards, design review policies, and other land use controls and codes to
achieve these goals with existing developments and new projects, both from the private and public sectors.
Speakers: Aladdine D. Joroff, Esq., Staff Attorney & Clinical Instructor, Harvard Law School/Emmett
Environmental Law & Policy Clinic
Erica Mattison, MPA, JD, Legislative Director, Environmental League of Massachusetts
Moderator: E. Heidi Ricci, Senior Policy Analyst, Mass Audubon; MACC Officer
199. No More Dirty Water: Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Treatment and Control
Green infrastructure - rain gardens and vegetated median strips, tree boxes and rain-catching curb cuts - can be used at
a wide range of landscape scales in place of, or in addition to, more traditional stormwater control elements to support
the principles of low-impact development. Join MassBays for this workshop and learn about a new handbook developed
specifically to guide municipalities through the implementation of green infrastructure. Gain ideas for incorporating
these types of stormwater treatment and control systems into your townÕs next project. WeÕll talk about why green
infrastructure is a preferred approach for multiple reasons - economically, environmentally, and responsive to climate
change - and share tools for promoting the practices locally.
Speakers: Sara Grady, Ph.D., South Shore Regional Coordinator for Massachusetts Bay National Estuary Program;
Watershed Ecologist at the North/South Rivers Watershed Association
Maureen Thomas, Conservation Agent, Town of Kingston
Moderator: Charles J. Katuska, Conservation Agent, Town of Holliston; Principal, CJK Conservation Consulting
10. Thirty-One Dam Removals and Counting: River Restoration Update, Monitoring Results, and Two Case Studies
Dam removal can have immense benefits for the river ecology and the community built around it. Over the last 10 years,
the Division of Ecological Restoration (DER) and partners have worked together to remove over 30 dams across the state.
We will highlight interesting aspects of the projects, dispel myths, and review preliminary monitoring results at selected
sites. Part of this presentation will use the case study of two recently removed dams on Town Brook in Plymouth.
Speakers: Beth Lambert, Aquatic Restoration Program Manager, Division of Ecological Restoration,
MA Department of Fish and Game
Nick Wildman, Restoration Specialist, Division of Ecological Restoration, MA Department of Fish and Game
Moderator: Brandon Faneuf, PWS, Principal, Ecosystem Solutions, Inc.; MACC Director
11. Culvert Replacement Projects and Ecosystem Connectivity
Many road-stream crossings present barriers to some degree to the passage of fish and other aquatic organisms. New
crossings are now required to meet the Massachusetts River and Stream Crossing Standards. Replacement of substandard
crossings offers opportunities to restore river and stream continuity. However, culvert replacement projects are compli-
cated to design and can be difficult to permit. This workshop will review the River and Stream Crossing Standards, rele-
vant federal and state regulations, and their application to culvert replacement projects. It will also highlight important
considerations for the design, construction and monitoring of these projects.
Speakers: Scott Jackson, Extension Associate Professor, University of Massachusetts Amherst; MACC Officer
David Nyman, Senior Engineer, Comprehensive Environmental, Inc.
Moderator: Cynthia OÕConnell, Conservation Agent, Towns of Dedham and Canton
12. 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 ÒcontributionsÓ from
developers who commit violations. Commissioners will also learn how the MA Procurement Act, MGL Chapter 30B
applies to them, such as in hiring consultants to review wetland permit applications. The legal background in citations
for each law governing these techniques will be discussed.
Speakers: Kevin Paicos, Interim Town Manager, Town of Southbridge
Kathleen Connolly, Esq., Principal, Louison, Costello, Condon & Pfaff LLP; MACC President
Moderator: Michael F. Clark, P.E., Polaris Consultants LLC
13. Reviewing Ecological Restoration Proposals under the Revised Wetland Regulations
Ecological Restoration proposals require a different level of review and permitting under the revised wetland regulations
promulgated and effective on October 24, 2014. This workshop is for you if you missed the earlier MassDEP workshops on
the topic or if you want to hear it again. This workshop will provide the regulatory framework for reviewing Ecological
Restoration projects under the Wetlands Protection Act Regulations. It will help commissions understand how they should
review these types of projects and the permitting options that are available.
Speakers: Alice Smith, Environmental Analyst, MassDEP Wetlands and Waterways Program
Nancy Lin, Outreach and Training Manager, MassDEP Wetlands and Waterways Program
Moderator: Matthew Schweisberg, PWS, Principal, Wetland Strategies and Solutions, LLC; MACC Director
2014. Commissions Behaving Badly: Lessons in Legal Liability
You're worried and confused about possible civil rights violations, jurisdiction limits, legal violations, conflicts of interest,
illegal public meetings, unfair board procedure, trespass on private property, and maybe even risky business by certain
members of your commission. This workshop will confirm your worst fears as well as eliminate your unjustified worries by
looking at actual cases which commissions have lost in court. Learn some painful lessons from mistakes made by others.
When is your enforcement of laws too aggressive? When is your application of regulations too strict? When do your per-
mit conditions go over the line? How much discretion does the law give you to make decisions? What if you rely on moth-
erhood and apple pie instead of science? What if you injure or damage someone by being careless? What if you deprive
someone of due process of law? What if a denial constitutes an unconstitutional taking without compensation? How
should your commission comport itself to avoid or minimize such liabilities?
Speakers: Gregor I. McGregor, Esq., McGregor & Legere, PC; MACC Director
Moderator: Richard Drury, Conservation Commissioner, Town of Chatham; MACC Director
Series C 1:45 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
15. Protecting Endangered Species through Habitat Mapping and Regulatory Review
NHESP staff will present an overview of the Massachusetts Natural Heritage Atlas, the regulatory filing requirements, and
the review procedures associated with the Wetlands Protection Act and the Massachusetts Endangered Species Act. A
case study will be used to highlight the role of conservation commissions in protecting state-listed species.
Speakers: Sarah A. Haggerty, Chief of Information and Program Development, Natural Heritage and Endangered
Species Program, MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Eve N. Schlter, Chief of Regulatory Review, Natural Heritage and Endangered Species Program,
MA Division of Fisheries and Wildlife
Moderator: Amy Ball, CWS, Project Manager - Senior Ecologist, Horsley Witten Group, Inc.; MACC Officer
16. Planning for Resilience: Community Conservation Tools for Climate Adaptation
Land use choices have significant impact on the vulnerability of natural and human communities to the impacts of climate
change. Mass Audubon's Losing Ground: Planning for Resilience (2014) provides updated GIS data on land use patterns
and trends from 2005-12, along with a new datalayer on Resilient Lands. These new mapping tools can be used with other
information to assess vulnerabilities and opportunities for enhancing resilience through land protection and restoration.
We will also present case study information on coastal communities' adaptation plans, including successful methods for
engaging the public. Hull and other south shore communities have studied the projected impacts of coastal storm events.
Scituate has hired a coastal specialist to coordinate response to storm events, as well as grant and resource protection
opportunities.
Speakers: Valerie Massard, AICP, CFM, Project Coordinator, Mass AudubonÕs Shaping the Future of Your
Community Program
Anne Herbst, Conservation Administrator, Town of Hull
Nancy Durfee, Coastal Resource Officer, Town of Scituate
Moderator: E. Heidi Ricci, Senior Policy Analyst, Mass Audubon; MACC Officer
17. Solar Arrays: Permitting Issues for Commissions to Consider
More and more proposals for solar arrays within wetland resource areas are being presented to conservation commis-
sions and MassDEP. This workshop will provide an overview, examples, case studies and a discussion of the DEP Wetlands
Regulatory and Policy position about this emerging topic. The presentation will include: 1) a discussion of placement of
arrays, construction and maintenance of roadways within wetland resource areas, and their buffer zones; 2) MassDEP's
position on tree cutting within BVW to reduce shading of solar panels and stormwater management requirements; and
3) existing government incentives for the construction of panels, panel efficiency, technical siting requirements, and
engineering issues.
Speakers: Lealdon Langley, Director, MassDEP Wetlands Program
Thomas Maguire, Regional Coordinator, MassDEP Wetlands Program
Michael Howard, PWS, CWS, Principal & Manager of Ecological Sciences group, Epsilon Associates, Inc.;
MACC Director
Moderator: Kathleen Connolly, Esq., Principal, Louison, Costello, Condon & Pfaff LLP; MACC President
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