|
|
|
|
|
|
 Volunteer Profile:
Phillip Whittaker
Each November, the Coalition-in our small act of giving thanks-presents a profile of one of the many wonderful volunteers who throughout the year helps us in our work to save Buzzards Bay.
This work ranges from stuffing envelopes for membership mailings, to regularly monitoring water quality, to staffing our front desk, to escorting swimmers by kayak in our annual Swim Buzzards Bay or serving lunch to cyclists in our Watershed Ride. Each volunteer has a story and each November we try to bring one of those to you.
This year we wanted to tell you about Phil Whittaker. Phil, a 35 year-old resident of Rochester, spouse of Jessica, (the Coalition's Marion Land Protection Coordinator), and father to Emma, began volunteering as a Boat Inspector for the Swim, had taken on overseeing the set-up of the Finish Line, and most recently helped to plan and then ride 73+ miles in the first annual Watershed Ride (not to mention earning the top fundraiser spot - which explains the yellow jersey in the photo).
But rather than write about Phil, we'll let him tell you his story as he did in his "Your View" piece as it appeared in the October 1, 2007 New Bedford Standard-Times... Read more here
|
|
 Your Town and the State of the Bay
Last month we reported to you that the Coalition would be following up our 2007 State of the Bay Report with visits to each town in the watershed.
Click here to get the most current information on what was discussed with your town and what the next steps are to reverse the very troubling decline in Bay health.
|
New Coalition Oil Spill Bill Advances at State House
 As of November 28, Buzzards Bay will lose half of all of the escort tugs that insure safe navigation of both single and double hull oil barges.
This comes as a result of an August rule issued by the U.S. Coast Guard explicitly limiting the use of escort tugs and federal pilots to single hull barges only, allowing large double hull barges to move oil through the bay without escorts or pilots. "The Coalition has cautioned the Coast Guard that double hulls are not without navigation risk and require regulation today as opposed to reacting after the next spill occurs," explained Korrin N. Petersen, Esq. Coalition Advocacy Director.
In order to fill the gaping holes left by the Coast Guard, the Coalition drafted legislation requiring the state to dispatch "rescue tugs" to every oil barge without an escort tug. Passed by the State Senate on November 5 by a vote of 37-0, these rescue tugs will shadow barges safely though Buzzards Bay and will respond in the event a barge loses control or navigates into unsafe waters. This bill is now before the State House of Representatives.
The 2004 MA Oil Spill Prevention Act was challenged by the federal government and the oil industry in 2005. In 2006, a federal court ruled that federal law preempted the Massachusetts law, and removed many of the most vital protections. The Coalition, represented by the Boston law firm Foley Hoag, LLP, appealed the decision to the US Circuit Court of Appeals and succeeded in having the Court overturn the ruling and sent the case back to the lower court to hear more evidence. That case is still pending.
Click here to read more about the Coalition's Oil Spill Prevention Campaign.
|
Coalition Board Member Protects Dartmouth Land
 The Coalition recently completed work on its first co-held Conservation Restriction (CR) with Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust (DNRT) on property owned by Tally and John Garfield fronting Peters Creek in Dartmouth. With Tally, a Coalition Board member and John, a DNRT Board member, the co-holding opportunity was a natural and links the two organizations which was important to the Garfields. In addition, this project enabled them to retain the rural and open feel of the property along with the scenic views from, and to, the water. The CR covers 18 acres of the Garfield property and will preserve the existing fields, woods, and saltmarsh while encouraging the traditional agricultural use and sustainable forestry. By reducing the development potential for the property from possibly as many as nine houses (based on current two-acre zoning) to just one (in addition to the small cottage in the CR), the future impact to the water quality of Peters Creek, and therefore Slocum's River, has been greatly reduced and will continue to provide wildlife habitat. The Coalition is very pleased to be involved in this project as it helps further protect the Buzzards Bay watershed while adding to the conserved acreage in the immediate area as the Garfield property abuts DNRT's 8-acre Hawes Reserve. Photo: Dartmouth Natural Resources Trust
|
Give the Gift of Saving Buzzards Bay
 Looking for unique and Bay-friendly gifts this holiday season? Here are a few gift ideas from our online store that will suit everyone on your list:
For the Cyclist: Our limited edition and way-cool Watershed Ride Cycling Jerseys are printed in rich, long lasting colors. With the Watershed Ride logo on front and back and Save Buzzards Bay on side panels you'll be ready for cycling season all while supporting a clean and healthy watershed and Bay.
 For the Teenager (or the young-at-heart):
Our organic t-shirts are printed with water-based inks and comply with the North American Organic Fiber Standards. A unique "Clothing Facts" label printed tastefully on the upper back of T-shirt promotes the fact that this product was produced in a socially responsible and sustainable way. Available short-sleeved in mens and womens sizes. Now also available in youth and toddler sizes! Long-sleeved available in unisex sizes.
For the Farmers Market Shopper: Perfect for grocery shopping or travel, our Cotton Canvas Tote Bags provide an attractive alternative to plastic and paper bags and have more uses than we could possibly list.
For the Reader: Buzzards Bay: A Journey of Discovery by Dan Lee. Lee explores the Bay's natural and cultural history, weaving them together with his personal history, encounters and reflections. The result is an engaging study of everything from the region's Wampanoag Indian past, to its future as one of the last great places on the eastern seaboard.
For the Sailor: Fly the Coalition logo with a burgee-a size to fit any boat:
12" x 18" or 16" x 24"-and make sure everyone else on the water knows you care for our Bay.
For Everybody Else: Give the gift of Saving Buzzards Bay with a Coalition Gift Membership. This gift entitles the recipient to membership benefits including our print and e-newsletters, invitations to Coalition events, discounts on merchandise, and knowledge that they are protecting Buzzards Bay for future generations. And it makes you a very Bay-smart gift-giver.
Start your shopping today! The proceeds will help to Save Buzzards Bay.
|
Start the Year Off Right and Get a Job with the Coalition
The Coalition is seeking to hire a highly-motivated, environmentally-passionate, articulate Communications Associate to help us get our message out on the many ways we work every day to save Buzzards Bay. If you have the right skill, the right experience, but especially the right commitment check out the job description and contact John Vasconcellos.
|
CBB in the News
Much of the Coalition's work puts us at the
forefront of the region's top environmental issues.
Here are a few recent stories that mention our efforts. |
|
|
|
|
