DECEMBER 6, 2000
In this issue:
     1 - Highly Fashionable Model
     2 - Worth the Wait
     3 - The Price Is Right
     4 - Happy Birthday
     5 - Calling All Ski Bunnies

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1 - Highly Fashionable Model
They may not have Ralph Lauren beating down their doors, but the Boston Building Materials Resource Center is certainly a model that commands attention. In fact, while there was no runway in sight, the spotlight was on BBMRC at the recent Regional Sustainable Development Forum: Making Connections, Highlighting Successes.  This day-long conference connected planning and development practitioners in the region and highlighted model projects and programs in the areas of sustainable land use, economic development, affordable housing, and transportation.  Matt St. Onge, BBMRC Executive Director, presented a case study of the organization during an afternoon workshop entitled Recycling/Reuse-Based Economic Development and Industrial Ecology.  For more information contact BBMRC at (617) 442-8917 or visit www.bbmc.com.

2 – Worth the Wait
Some said it would never happen; some said it would not happen during our lifetimes.  No, it’s not Boston’s Big Dig, but passage of the Community Preservation Act, a Massachusetts law that creates a new funding source for protecting open space and historic properties and developing affordable housing.  Several Federation members worked to achieve passage of the measure, which helps address sprawl, protect open space, and keep housing affordable for all.  The Act becomes effective in mid-December and may be implemented only by local town or city option.  Check out "The Community Preservation Act: Questions and Answers" by Sally Zielinski, Ph.D., Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners on the Federation’s website, visit MACC at www.maccweb.org, or call 617-489-3930.  Send your thanks to these Federation members for their efforts as well: Appalachian Mountain Club (www.outdoors.org), Conservation Law Foundation (www.clf.org), Environmental League of Massachusetts (www.EnvironmentalLeague.org), Massachusetts Audubon Society (www.MassAudubon.org), The Nature Conservancy of Massachusetts (www.tnc.org), and The Trust for Public Land (www.tpl.org).

3 - The Price Is Right
The Price is right at the Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s Raptor Center.  VINS is taking on Bob Barker himself these days with two-for-one admissions special to the Vermont Raptor Center now through January 31, 2001.  For one low price, visitors will see over 20 different species of prey including eagles, falcons, hawks, and owls. You can learn first-hand about their habitat and lives.  And, if you are still trying to work off that Thanksgiving dinner, there are over 78 acres of self-guided nature trails at the Center.  To take advantage of this special holiday gift from VINS, please visit www.vinsweb.org.

4 - Happy Birthday
Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative celebrated their 15th anniversary with "Village Jamboree 2000" on November 16.  The banquet highlighted the past, present, and future plans of the residents and businesses of the Dudley Street area.  Fifteen years ago, nearly one-third of Dudley's land was vacant.  Today, more than half of the 1,300 vacant lots have been turned into gardens, homes, parks, and playgrounds.  The Fannie Mae Foundation recently recognized DSNI's urban revitalization as one of ten "Just Right" neighborhoods across the country for expanding affordable home ownership while increasing capital investment.  The future looks bright, too, as DSNI has plans for two new community centers, a neighborhood greenhouse on the site of a cleaned-up brownfield, and significant mixed-use development for the Village.  For more information, contact DSNI at (617) 442-9670 or visit www.dsni.org.

5 - Calling All Ski Bunnies
Do you want to take a daytime ski trip but you are looking for something a little different from regular downhill or cross-country skiing?  Then take a day to do some telemark skiing on the White Mountains in New Hampshire.  On Saturday, December 16th, Dick Hall, director of the North American Telemark Organization will conduct an intensive, one-day instruction session on improving, or simply learning, telemark skiing skills.  This is a course for beginners to experts, but you should have some experience with telemark equipment.  For more information on this and other winter-time activities, visit the Appalachian Club's website at www.outdoors.org, or call the Pinkham Notch Visitor's Center at (603) 466-3871.

Season's e-Greetings
Celebrate the holidays this year by sending a Season's e-Greeting card to friends, family, and colleagues. Visit www.GreenForNewEngland.org and choose from several scenic cards to send. While you are there, consider a holiday gift to support the Federation. Season’s e-Greetings cards are free, fun, and good for the environment!