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Environmental Federation of New England
E-mail Newsletter
The latest news and events from New England's
top environmental organizations.

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1– Don't Forget the Lights
With all the publicity surrounding the energy crisis in California, many of us were left wondering, "What if that happens in New England?" One way to address that question is MASSPIRG's "Campaign for An Energy Efficient Massachusetts," which the organization recently tapped as a top priority issue. The group is advocating that the Commonwealth improve its energy efficiency by 20 percent over the next 10 years using steady annual improvements. MASSPIRG supports legislation that would make energy efficiency the state's top energy policy, requiring state buildings to become models of efficiency, requiring the state's largest industrial users to document their energy consumption and to develop efficiency plans, and developing incentives for small businesses and homeowners to become more energy efficient. For more information on how you can support increased energy efficiency, contact MASSPIRG at (617) 292-4800 or visit www.pirg.org/masspirg.

2 – Let's Hear It For the Hog
The Hogback Mountains may not have a pretty name, but they will remain beautiful. The Vermont Land Trust recently received a conservation easement on 559 acres of this distinctive landmark. Over one and one half miles of the Hogback ridge and forested land on the eastern portion of the spine will be protected from future development rights thanks to landowners Peg Kamens and Jim Mendell. The property consists of over 200 acres of deer yard, several wetlands and vernal pools, and is home to a diverse range of wildlife. In fact, several wide-ranging animals, including black bears, traverse the ridge to connect to other forested lands in the state. About 475 acres of the protected land lies in Monkton with the balance in Starksboro. For more information on what VLT is doing in your area, contact them at (802) 223-5234 or visit www.vlt.org. 

3 – Celebrate Your Time
There are many defining ages in our lives. At 18, we set off to see the world. At 50, we can finally receive those AARP benefits. But, how do you ring in the day when you turn 125? Assuming cryogenics can get us to 125, we may want to take a tip from the Appalachian Mountain Club. Earlier this month, the AMC threw a celebration worthy of 125 years of conservation and recreation work. Exhibits, demonstrations, video presentations, and an auction marked the fun-filled event. Keynote speaker and acclaimed historical artifact collector Kenneth W. Rendell discussed the public's fascination with high adventure and how individuals seek out personal adventure in their lives. As AMC enters into its next 125 years, objectives for the decade include increasing the number of miles of trails it maintains by 600, involving the more than 100,000 member in the work of the organization, and reaching out to 50,000 school kids each year. For more information contact AMC at (617) 523-0655 or visit www.outdoors.org.

4 – Leftovers
At most supermarkets, you will find people picking over fruit to find that perfect apple or pear that is free of blemishes and bruises. Have you ever wondered what happens to those pieces that fail to make the aesthetic cut? If so, then stop by the Massachusetts Organic Recycling Summit on March 14 to learn about "Growing the Organics Recycling Business." The organizers, including Center for Ecological Technology and MassRecycle, hope to increase Massachusetts' capacity for composting and manufacturing animal feed from food wastes. A growing number of businesses have turned to organic waste recycling in order to lower costs and build public and regulatory goodwill. The summit will feature a discussion on what is - and is not - working in the marketplace. For more information, contact CET at (413) 445-4556 or visit www.cetonline.org.

5 - Six Degrees of Separation
With conservation commissions in each of the 351 cities and towns in MA, there is a good chance you or someone you know should attend the Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissioners Annual Meeting/Workshops and Training sessions on Saturday, March 3 in Worcester, MA. The day is packed with useful workshops including four tracks to choose from: Open Space/Resource Conservation, Wetlands Protection Act, Science/Technology, and Law/Policy. There are also programs addressing planning and protection techniques, holding effective meetings, and managing conservation land. In addition to the 80+ moderators and speakers, you can find over 40 exhibits by environmental businesses, non-profit environmental organizations, and government offices. And if all that is not enough, MACC will also have its huge stock of publications for sale, too! To register for this once-a-year opportunity, contact MACC at (617) 489-3930.

What Are You Doing for Earth Day?
Do you, your community, or your organization have plans for Earth Day? If so, let us know! We are busy compiling information for our Earth Day Online celebration (www.EarthDayOnline.org) and we would like to post your events on our calendar. And, while you are at it, if you have any tips, photos, or fun outdoor activities, let us know about them, too! Just e-mail us with all the pertinent information at info@EarthDayOnline.org.