The State of Massachusetts has proposed to open a dredge disposal site in the waters off of West Falmouth for dredged material from the Cape Cod Canal, New Bedford Harbor, and other harbors around the Bay. The Bay has been closed to dredge dumping since 1989. “The Coalition objects to the proposed plan because it will have a negative impact on the Bay’s health,” said Ben Bryant, Coalition Marine Policy Specialist. “Furthermore, if allowed, dumping in the Bay will become the path of least resistance over other beneficial options like beach renourishment. Our belief is that with proper coordination of reuse opportunities combined with efforts to minimize road run off and erosion in the Bay we can avoid the negative environmental impacts that opening this disposal site will cause..." Read more here.

This issue of the The Bay Buzz includes the launch of a new periodic feature, Best of the Bay, wherein Coalition staff and board share their favorite picks for fun things to do on and near Buzzards Bay.

The holidays are just around the corner. What better way to spend time together with family and friends than with a stroll through Buzzards Bay’s quiet woodlands or on one of its spectacular beaches? This issue, Nicole Traubel, Coalition Development Associate shares three of her favorite watershed walks... Read more here.

This year’s Annual Fund for the Bay has been driven by the vision The Coalition for Buzzards Bay holds for the Bay:

A Buzzards Bay shoreline defined by safe swimming beaches, open shellfish beds, and stretches of scenic open space for all to enjoy; Healthy waters that support abundant fish, shellfish, and wildlife populations; A Bay safe from the threats of oil spills, industrial and sewer discharges, and ocean dumping; A watershed where rivers, streams, inland forests, and wetlands that buffer the Bay are protected... Read more and donate here.

The weather outside might be frightful, but we're already thinking about next year's Celebrate Buzzards Bay, set to take place on July 15, 2006. The first Celebrate Planning Committee meeting will be held on January 10 at 5:30 PM at the Coalition office, 620 Belleville Avenue, New Bedford.

Celebrate Buzzards Bay is the Coalition's most important fundraising event of the year as well as an opportunity for us all to celebrate the importance of a clean and healthy Buzzards Bay. The day starts with a 1.2-mile open water Swim Buzzards Bay and ends with an evening Celebration of food and music on the shores of the Bay.

And while there is much fun to be had that day, it takes over 100 volunteers to make this day a success. Volunteers can help both before and during the event in a variety of ways, from joining the Planning Committee, to swimming the Bay, to donating an item to the auction. If you (or someone you know) are interested in helping to plan this great event, we invite you to join us on January 10th.

For more information about last year's Swim and Celebrate, visit our website. And to let us know you’ll be coming on the 10th, please contact the Coalition’s Development Director, John Vasconcellos, at 508-999-6363, ext. 202, vasconcellos@savebuzzardsbay.org.

Illustration by Dan Vasconcellos

Here’s an idea: do something good for the Bay AND take care of a hard-to-buy-for friend or relative. Purchase a gift membership in The Coalition for Buzzards Bay, a Save Buzzards Bay baseball cap or beach towel (hope springs eternal!), or perhaps Buzzards Bay: A Journey of Discovery by Dan Lee—the definitive book on Buzzards Bay.

But time is short – so please order these (or other CBB gifts) online or place an order by calling Development Associate Nicole Traubel, at 508-999-6363 x209. But if you are hoping to have your Coalition gift under the tree, we’ll need to hear from you by 4:30 PM on December 21st (additional shipping charges may apply).

The Coalition for Buzzards Bay is a member of the international Waterkeeper Alliance.

email: e-newsletter@savebuzzardsbay.org

phone: 508-999-6363

web: http://www.savebuzzardsbay.org