Massachusetts
An occasional update on conservation activities in the Bay State
January 2007
In this Connection:
by Christine S. Clarke
 In
this, my first "State Conservationist's Corner," I'd like to start by saying how
pleased I am to have a chance to serve the citizens of Massachusetts and to
work with the talented NRCS Massachusetts staff. As a native Rhode Islander,
it's great to be back in New England and I'm ready to make a fresh start as
State Conservationist in the Bay State.
Read more...
 top
 Massachusetts farmers who would like to address soil and
water conservation concerns on their land may apply for federal cost-share
assistance through February 15, 2007. A total of $4 million in financial
assistance is available statewide this year through the
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP),
administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources
Conservation Service (NRCS).
Read more...
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Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns has unveiled the U.S. Department of
Agriculture's 2007 Farm Bill proposals.
Read more...
 (USDA
news release)
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 A major water resources restoration project proposed for Cape Cod will have
long-term beneficial effects on the region and no significant detrimental
effects, according to a final environmental impact statement released by the
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.
Read more...
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Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Massachusetts, will host the 2007
Massachusetts Envirothon on Thursday, May 10th. MWCC’s main campus, located on
269 scenic acres, will provide ample space and suitable natural resources for
this year’s ecostations. And in keeping with this year’s current issue, the
college is in the fifth year of a renewable energy initiative.
Read more...
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Landowners are invited to attend a Woods Forum on Tuesday, February 27th,
7:00-9:00 pm at the USDA Service Center, 195 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035.
The Hampshire Conservation District is sponsoring the forum to help landowners
make informed decisions about their woodland.
Read more...
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will host the
7th Massachusetts Organics Recycling Summit on Tuesday, March 6, 2007, 8:00 am
to 4:00 pm at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center, Marlborough,
Massachusetts. A second day, Wednesday, March 7, will include off-site tours.
Read more...
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Do you need farm labor? Want to help others explore careers in agriculture?
If so, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (MORI) would like to
hear from you.
Read more...
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Do you want to learn about agriculture in other countries? Do you want to
help others learn about farming in Massachusetts? Would you like to mentor
refugee farmers? If so, the Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants
(MORI) needs your help and wants to hear from you.
Read more...
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February 27 - Woods Forum, 7:00-9:00 pm at the
USDA Service Center, 195 Russell Street, Hadley, MA 01035. Sponsored by the
Hampshire Conservation District. More info...
February 28 - March 1 - New England Farm Direct
Marketing Conference at the Sturbridge Host Hotel, Sturbridge, Mass.
Sponsored by Harvest New England. Visit
www.harvestnewengland.org.
March 6 - 7th Massachusetts Organics Recycling Summit,
8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center,
Marlborough, Massachusetts. More
info...
March 28 - Massachusetts Agriculture Day at the State
House. Contact Mary Jordan, 617-626-1750,
Mary.Jordan@state.ma.us or visit
www.mass.gov/agr.
May 10 - Massachusetts Envirothon at Mount
Wachusett Community College. More info...
To receive the Massachusetts Conservation Connection by e-mail, to be removed
from the list, or to submit news items, please send an e-mail message to
Diane.Petit@ma.usda.gov.
Helping People Help the Land
NRCS Massachusetts State Office: 451 West Street, Amherst, MA
01002 | 413-253-4350 | fax 413-253-4395 |
www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov
Christine S. Clarke, State Conservationist
Richard DeVergilio, Acting Assistant State Conservationist
Massachusetts Conservation Connection editor:
Diane Baedeker Petit, Public
Affairs Specialist
NRCS field offices are located at USDA Service Centers in
Barnstable, Greenfield, Hadley, Holden, Pittsfield, Westford and West Wareham.
Visit www.ma.nrcs.usda.gov for
addresses and phone numbers.
An Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
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