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VOLUME II, Issue 15
http://www.GreenForNewEngland.org

AUGUST 1, 2001
    1 – Tree With A View
    2 – Immediate Results
    3 – Down With The Damn
    4 – Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around
    5 – Zero Tolerance
    6 – Where Do Dragons Fly? 

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1 – Tree With A View
A deal between the Trust for Public Land and International Paper closed on Friday, July 20 that will protect the 110-acre Treetops estate in Greenwich, Connecticut from any future development.  TPL purchased 94 acres of the land from International Paper for $11.5 million, and then resold the parcel to the Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection.  Conservation easements over the entire 94 acres were granted jointly to the municipalities of Greenwich and Stamford, Greenwich Land Trust, and Stamford Land Conservation Trust.  Funding for the acquisition of the property came from the State of Connecticut, City of Stamford, Town of Greenwich, and over 1,400 private contributors.  International Paper will retain ownership of 17 acres, including the 30-room Treetops mansion and surrounding daffodil fields.  The agreement allows International Paper to continue using the land as a corporate retreat, but they cannot develop the land for any other uses.  For further information and news about TPL’s conservation efforts visit www.tpl.org, or call (617) 367-6200.

2 – Immediate Results
The Massachusetts Association of Conservation Commissions reports 31 Massachusetts communities, or 9% of the cities and towns in the state, are benefiting from adoption of the Community Preservation Act (CPA).  The CPA passed in September 2000, and gives municipalities a new funding source for protecting open spaces and historic properties, and creating affordable housing.  After adopting the CPA, a town adds up to a 3% surcharge to its property tax.  The Commonwealth matches local funds through a surcharge on the filing fees at the Registry of Deeds and the Land Court.  Communities that have adopted the CPA include Stow, Holliston, Boxford, and Carlisle.  The Act will be on the ballots in Braintree, Sudbury, Norwell, Ashland, Westport, and eight other communities in 2002.  Contact MACC at (617) 489-3935 or visit their website www.maccweb.org for more information.

3 – Down With The Damn
On July 24, the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) took part in the breaching of McGoldrick Dam on the Ashuelot River near Hinsdale, New Hampshire.  Organized by the New Hampshire River Restoration Task Force, of which CRWC is a member, participants removed boulders to free the river and open the dam to migratory fish.  Removing McGoldrick dam is part of CRWC’s ongoing efforts to improve the ecosystem of the lower Connecticut River in order to restore spawning populations of several migratory fish species including blueback herring, sea-run brown trout, and American eel.  For more information about CRWC call (413) 772-2020 or visit www.ctriver.org.

4 – Look Up, Look Down, Look All Around
On August 18, the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) will host the annual birding pilgrimage to Dead Creek.  The combination of grasslands, forest, and creeks at the Dead Creek Wildlife Management Area make it a perfect haven for numerous species of birds.  When water levels drop, migratory shorebirds fill the exposed mudflats, joining many other bird types, from sparrows to raptors.  One of the most experienced birders in the Champlain Valley, Jim Osborn, will guide the excursions.  Participants will meet in Addison, Vermont, and should bring along binoculars, field guides, and a bag lunch.  Those interested should register at VINS’ website, www.vinsweb.org or call (802) 457-2779.  The deadline is August 15, and VINS recommends you register early, as this event is very popular!

5 – Zero Tolerance
Clean Water Action of Rhode Island (a sister organization to the Federation’s member Clean Water Fund) is working to reduce the amount of mercury in the environment through its “Zero Mercury” campaign.  Mercury is a toxin known to cause nerve system damage.  60,000 children each year are born with developmental disabilities due to fetal exposure to mercury.  Mercury does not break down once released into the environment, resulting in a long-term health hazard.  The “Zero Mercury” campaign coincides with a recent story on the ABC news program 20/20, which warned of the risks of consuming certain types of fish contaminated with mercury, particularly tuna and swordfish.  CWA first brought the problem of mercury contamination to the Rhode Island government in 1990, and since then has met with great success in reducing mercury pollution in that state.  CWA hopes however, to achieve implementation of zero mercury plans throughout New England, with the virtual elimination of mercury use and release by 2010.  Call (401) 331-6972 or head to www.cleanwateraction.org for more details.

6 – Where Do Dragons Fly?
Dragonflies are a common sight during the summer months, and the Massachusetts Audubon Society’s program “Dash for Dragonflies” is a great way to get to know more about these interesting insects.  Join dragonfly expert Chris Leahy, the Society’s Gerard A. Bertrand Chair of Ornithology and Natural History, for a hike through the Society’s sanctuaries and local habitats in search of emeralds, damsels, darners, and more.  View these insects up close to discover their natural history, curious behaviors, and role in freshwater ecosystems.  The program takes place on August 11 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m., and begins at the South Shore Regional office in Marshfield, MA.  You should bring along appropriate footwear, sunscreen, insect repellant, binoculars, a water bottle, and lunch.  Call (781) 837-9400 for more information on this and other programs or visit www.massaudubon.org.

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