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NH Coastal Adaptation Workgroup
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Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative
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Read the Great Bay-Piscataqua Waterkeeper's Latest Blog |
Join The Conversation 
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Photographers Needed!
 Moonrise at the Memorial Bridge by Jim Lee | |
Do you have an eye for capturing nature at her finest?
Do you chase sunsets & sunrises over our Seacoast home?
Do you love to show off to your friends & family your keen photographic eye?
Submit a photo on PREP's Facebook wall & we may choose it to be featured in an upcoming issue of Downstream. |
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Think Blue Exeter!
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If you are a resident of Exeter please take
If you're not an Exeter resident please pass it along. And keep an eye out for those duckies! |
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Welcome to
Downstream
Your Estuaries Partnership News
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Greetings!
Happy first day of Spring! April brings rebirth, rejuvenation and growth and with that a whole host of opportunities to get outside and enjoy our watershed or learn more about the science of water and social responsibility at a local conference. Thanks for reading, participating and most importantly, caring. "Without people like you caring a whole awful lot,
nothing's going to get better, it's not."
- Dr. Suess' The Lorax.
If you have any recommendations on how we can improve our newsletter, or have any news you would like to share, please e-mail and I'd be happy to incorporate your ideas into our next issue. Until next month, thanks for reading!
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Sincerely,
Jill Farrell
Community Impact Program Manager The Piscataqua Region Estuaries Partnership (PREP) |
Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative awarded the U.S. Water Prize!
One of only six programs honored from around the country, the selection of the SFWC highlights the importance of inter-jurisdictional partnerships to protect and sustain drinking water supplies. The Collaborative unites to protect forests, champion smart development approaches, and reduce water pollution from existing and future land development.
PREP serves as the lead convener for the Collaborative and helped to secure early funding. The Salmon
Falls River is the largest river system contributing to the Great Bay estuary, and was recently identified by the U.S. Forest Service as being the most threatened in the nation with regard to a potential decline in water quality due to conversion of private forested lands to housing.
The Clean Water America Alliance President Ben Grumbles said "the water champions are showing America how to innovate, integrate and educate for water sustainability and economic success." The award to the Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative and five other organizations will be made on April 23, in Washington, D.C.
The Collaborative's work has been made possible through funding support from NH Department of Environmental Services, Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as part of the national Source Water Collaborative. Other key partners in the Collaborative include: the Wells Reserve, The Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve,Maine Rural Water Association, Granite State Rural Water Association,South Berwick and Berwick water districts, City of Somersworth, Maine Non-point Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO), Strafford Regional Planning Commission, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, York County SWCD, Acton Wakefield Watersheds Alliance, and five land trust organizations.
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!
To learn more about the SFWC's work and to read their newly completed action plan please visit http://www.prep.unh.edu/sfwc.htm
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Featured Partner: The City of Somersworth N.H. Adopts Low Impact Development Regulations
Congratulations to the City of Somersworth for recently adopting Low Impact Development (LID) regulations! City Planner Dave Sharples worked along with the Somersworth Planning Board and the consulting firm Tighe & Bond to develop improved policies for smarter development practices that will reduce polluted runoff from developed areas.
Sharples is an active member of Salmon Falls Watershed Collaborative - a diverse coalition of partner organizations working collectively to protect drinking water supplies for municipalities along the Salmon Falls River shared by New Hampshire and Maine. Improving municipal development policies to protect clean water is a top priority action for the Collaborative and PREP.
PREP provided technical assistance and funding to Somersworth to enable consulting assistance to the Planning Board. The project was made possible via a grant from the NH Department of Environmental Services' Drinking Water and Groundwater Bureau.
In summarizing Somersworth's leadership on this issue, Sharples provided the following insights: "Low Impact Development techniques mimic natural process by treating water as the resource we use everyday in our lives. The adoption of these standards helps advance the idea that water quality is worth protecting from an economic, social, and environmental perspective. The improved development policies will help ensure that new development projects requiring a site plan review permit from the City of Somersworth responsibly protect clean water."
The new changes were adopted unanimously by the Planning Board at their February 15th meeting. The complete Site Plan Regulations regulations can be viewed here.
Improved policy changes have been added to Section 11.17 addressing stormwater management.
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Watershed Watch:
By: Great Works Regional Land Trust, Berwick, ME
Synopsis: "In the coming months, Great Works will establish Berwick's first public trail on Grants Meadow, the Trust's latest land purchase.. Grants Meadow III, the 28-acre site for the trail was acquired on September 15, 2011 by Great Works. Soon school children and adults can hope to enjoy and study its forests and wetlands."
Invasive Species Management and Buffer Outreach on Goss Farm, Rye, NH
By: The Rockingham County Conservation District
Synopsis: "We want to keep Rye rural, and we want to retain as much of our agricultural character as we can. Getting rid of invasive plants and getting the land ready for farming while protecting the shoreland buffer was our initial objective, and soon this farm will likely be one of the town's most special places, and it is a great place to rebuild community!"
By: David Burdick
Synopsis: Since 2009, students from New Franklin school have been helping restore a tidal portion of the Mill Pond shoreline on Mill Pond Way near the US-1 bypass. They have planted mussels and marsh grasses to restore the health and natural beauty of a corner of the community, offering them an important hands-on learning experience. Article from Seacoast Online
By: Alison Watts, UNH Stormwater Center & others
"Sealcoat doesn't remain on the pavement surface indefinitely, and different applicators recommend reapplication from every 1 to 2 years (e.g., ref 23) to every 3 to 5 years. Tires and snowplows, in particular, abrade the friable sealcoat surface into fine particles. The overall annual loss of sealcoat from parking lots in a warm climate is about 2.4% of total sealcoat applied, with wear being most rapid (about 5% per year) in driving areas. Higher wear rates have been noted in a cold-weather climate. The mobilized sealcoat particles and associated PAHs are transported to various environmental compartments."
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PREP's Clean Water Champion
Getting to Know Sally Soule, NH DES
PREP's Clean Water Champion is a monthly feature that profiles people and partners working to make a difference around our watershed. We recently caught up with Sally Soule, from the NH Dept. of Environmental Services. Sally oversees the coastal watershed projects through NH DES's Watershed Assistance Grants prog ram which are funded through Section 319 of the Federal Clean Water Act. Sally has also volunteered or the Maine Healthy Beaches Program for the last 8 years sampling the water quality on 3 beaches in Kittery Point where she lives. We found Sally by Hodgson Brook in Portsmouth with her waders & bug net searching for critters, here's an excerpt of our conversation.
PREP: How long have you been a champion for clean water?
Sally: Pretty much my whole life. I grew up on the water - sailing, canoeing, windsurfing, swimming, water skiing, fishing...water has been a constant in my life. About 16 years ago I was very lucky to be hired by the Nashua River Watershed Association where I turned my love of water into a job that allowed me to help others understand how important clean water is for everyone...not just people, but also the special plants and animals who call our lakes and rivers home. When I came to DES 10 years ago, I was able to continue to work for clean water, but from a different, yet equally meaningful perspective.
PREP: How'd you get started in protecting clean water?
Sally:
My Dad was my clean water role model. He was an amazing, kind person who taught chemistry and environmental science. He knew a lot about the natural world and he fought tirelessly his whole life for environmental causes including conservation and clean water. He was happiest when paddling a canoe on a river or lake and he would often take me along with him to teach me about the ecology of whatever waterbody we were visiting. He would also talk about how precious clean water is and how I had a responsibility to help keep it that way.
PREP: What's your favorite thing to do with or on water?
Sally:
I love to do pretty much anything that involves water, but I really enjoy going out to a river or stream to look for aquatic insects under rocks in the riffles or in the vegetation at the water's edge...I especially enjoy finding a cool case-building caddisfly or some big stoneflies (even bugs love clean water!).
PREP: What's been your proudest moment as a clean water champion?
Sally: I think it's less of a single, personal moment and more of a collection of shared moments. My job is a lot like being a coach...I help grantees and their project partners get the resources and support they need to achieve their local clean water goals and, like a coach, I am proudest when they succeed. I am also very thankful for the many coastal watershed partners and DES colleagues I work with who continue to fight for clean water through their wonderful programs and projects. Their persistence is an inspiration to me and I am proud and fortunate to be a part of all the great work going on in the coast.
PREP: What's one simple thing you would tell somebody to do to protect the places around the Seacoast they love?
Sally: Speak up. I think people are more likely to protect something when they have a personal connection to it...so if you love a place speak from your heart and tell others why it's special.
Follow along with Sally & NH DES's watershed assistance work on their blog or on Twitter.
If you or someone you know would like to be featured as a PREP Clean Water Champion, please e-mail us.
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The Community for Clean Water Calendar
Your Guide to What's Happening Around Our Watershed
As The Community for Clean Water, one of PREP's goals is to keep you informed on the latest outings, conferences, workshops and events happening around our watershed so that you, your neighbors & friends can get involved!
Below is our run down for April. If you have, or know of an event you'd like us to promote, please e-mail us. Blue Ocean Society Beach Cleanups:
Saturday, April 7 at 10:30 a.m. at Jenness Beach
Earth Day Cleanup: Saturday, April 14 at 11:00 AM at Peirce Island in Portsmouth
Saturday, April 21 at 9 a.m. at North Hampton State Beach Cleanup information
MARCH 23, 2012 2012 NH Water & Watershed Conference This full day conference is designed to meet the information and networking needs of scientists; educators; consultants; students; lake, river, and watershed groups; environmental organizations; volunteer monitors; municipal board and staff members; elected officials; local and regional planners; and policy makers. The conference will include information about a variety of water related topics. Location: Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH
Time: 8:00 am - 4:00 PM
Directions, Registration & More Info CLICK HERE
MARCH 26, 2012
Great Bay Trout Unlimited's 6th Annual Fly Auction & Fundraiser
Location: Roundabout Diner Function Room, Portsmouth Traffic Circle, Portsmouth, NH
Time: 5:00PM
Cash bar, Dinner Buffet, Raffle
MARCH 29, 2012
Water, Weather Climate & Community Workshop IV
Climate Change in the Piscataqua/Great Bay Region: Past, Present & Future by Dr. Cameron Wake The 4th in a series of community conversations about climate and community preparedness for severe weather events. This workshop is designed for coastal community volunteer board, committee, and municipal staff members interested in land use, infrastructure, emergency management and planning. Community organizations, business owners and residents are welcome. Location: Hugh Gregg Coastal Conservation Center at the Great Bay Discovery Center, Greenland, NH Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM RSVP via email
Register no later than Fri. 3/23
April 2, 2012
Local Food Network Spring Fling
A fun night out with friends with local fare, music, artwork, casual dining and presentations by local food leaders. Learn the Local Food Network's vision for a more localized food system. Learn you know how you can get involved in their efforts.
Time: 5:30pm - 8:30pm
The Stone Church, 5 Granite St., Newmarket, NH
Event Flyer
Visit www.localfoodnetwork.org for event info.
For more info about the Local Food Network email Jess Skinner at food@seacoastlocal.org
April 4, 2012
Forum: Economics of Nitrogen
Major topics include: Financial impacts to communities and individuals from increased regulations on sewage treatment facilities. All impacted stakeholders and communities are encouraged to attend.
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Stratham Municipal Center, 10 Bunker Hill Ave.
RSVP to Rockingham Economic Development Center
(603) 772-2655, or email admin@redc.com
April 14, 2012
Saving Special Places Conference
NH's annual land conservation conference. Keynote Speaker: Will Manzer, CEO of EMS
John Stark Regional High School, Weare, NH
Registration is open
For more info & to Register visit this website
April 14, 2012
Gundalow Gatherings - A night of dinner and stories from the region & the world Dinner and stories about maritime conservation will be hosted in several locations around the watershed.
Time: 6:00 PM, cost: $50 per person
RSVP by April 4th
Please contact Meridith at (603) 433-9505
April 14, 2012
Land Aid - A Dance Party for Conservation
Join your friends for a great event filled with plenty of dancing music, hors d'oeuvres catered by The White Apron, a cash bar, and an opportunity to bid on some special and unique silent auction items all to benefit the Strafford Rivers Conservancy & local land conservation.
Time: 6:00 PM, cost: $50 per person
At Rivermill at Dover Landing, 2 Washington St., Dover, NH
Event tickets: $30 April 21, 2012 Volunteers Needed for Work on New Wildlife Garden Help the Great bay Discovery Center create a community supported wildlife garden demonstration near Chapman's Landing on the Squamscott River, Stratham, NH.
Time: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
To volunteer or adopt a piece of the garden contact
Shannon O'Brian: shannon.obrian@wildlife.nh.org
or call (603) 778 0015
A Performance Lecture Featuring Karen Ristuben
Just, one word...
Learn about marine plastic pollution through this compelling 45-minute multi-media presentation.
Time: 6:30 PM
At Portsmouth Public Library's Levenson Room; Parrott Avenue, Portsmouth, NH
Sponsored by the Blue Ocean Society Watch a preview
April 26, 2012 Green Yardscaping Techniques Time: 6:00 PM - 8:00PM
At Marshwood High School, route 236,
South Berwick, ME 03980
Marshwood Adult Education of South Berwick, Maine is offering a course that will introduce six easy steps for making your yard more "green" to protect local drinking water, wildlife, and spruce up your community.
May 2, 2012
Drinking Water Source Protection Workshop
Grappone Conference Center in Concord, NH
Time: 8:30am - 4:00 pm.
This annual workshop is the largest of its kind in New England, and the only statewide event that focuses exclusively on protecting local sources of drinking water. This year marks a milestone (25 years) since DES was created to protect environmental resources in New Hampshire and this event's morning plenary will take a look back at the progress made to date and remaining work necessary to protect our drinking water resources. We'll also take some time in the plenary to discuss federal assistance from USDA land and water conservation programs and public health issues associated with arsenic, a toxic metal found at elevated levels in nearly 1 out of 5 private (domestic) wells in NH. The event will feature policymakers, scientists, water supply managers and local officials who in 12 afternoon sessions (in 4 concurrent tracks) will present their work and views on a range of topics. These topics include (among others) identifying emerging contaminants, shoreland protection changes, private well testing, local adoption of low-impact development (LID), implementing Best Management Practices (BMPS) to protect groundwater and review of a statewide study of sodium/chloride in groundwater. The workshop is presented in partnership with the American Ground Water Trust.
Click here to see the agenda and register
May 14, 2012
NH Businesses for Social Responsibility Conference: Walking the Talk: The Profitability of Values
Sheraton Hotel, Portsmouth, NH
Three tracks of sessions are available allowing attendees from large and small companies alike to find the perfect opportunity to learn about striving to operate in a socially and environmentally responsible way while keeping profitable and successful.
Click here for more info & to register
May 15-16, 2012
23rd Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference
Sheraton Hotel, Portsmouth, NH
Since 1990, New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission (NEIWPCC), in partnership with its member states, has been coordinating the Annual Nonpoint Source (NPS) Pollution Conference, the premier forum in our region for sharing information and improving communication on NPS pollution issues and projects. The conference brings together all those in our region involved in NPS pollution management, including participants from state, federal, and municipal governments, the private sector, academia, and watershed organizations.
Click here to see the agenda & to register
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GRANT ANNOUNCEMENT 2012 Piscataqua Region Land Protection Transaction Grants Program | |
PREP is now accepting applications for 2012 Piscataqua Region Land Protection Transaction Grants.
PREP is offering matching grants of up to $4,000 per project to assist with transaction costs for permanent land protection projects (conservation easements, full fee acquisitions, donations) within the Piscataqua Region coastal watershed area (coastal New Hampshire and part of Southern Maine).
Grants can be awarded to either qualified nonprofit tax-exempt 501(c)(3) conservation organizations or units of government. Currently, a total of $20,000 is available for the 2012 grant round, with a limit of one application per eligible organization. Proposals are due by 5 PM June 1, 2012.
Intersted parties should complete a Request for Proposals document with the required application form (Microsoft Word format). The application can be downloaded at http://www.prep.unh.edu/grants.htm.
Once completed, please e-mail to Derek Sowers at Derek.sowers@unh.edu.
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Water Wise Trivia Question
April Question:
Name the half-mile long Hampton waterway constructed in 1823 in exchange for a hogshead of rum?
The first person to e-mail the correct answer to Jill Farrell
will receive a stylish PREP T-Shirt.
Answer will be in next month's newsletter.
Last month's answer: Which critter in our estuary has blood that is drawn and used for human medical purposes?
The horseshoe crab plays a vital, if little-known, role in the life of anyone who has received an injectable medication. An extract of the horseshoe crab's blood is used by the pharmaceutical and medical device industries to ensure that their products, e.g., intravenous drugs, vaccines, and medical devices, are free of bacterial contamination. No other test works as easily or reliably for this purpose. Read More: http://www.horseshoecrab.org/med/med.html |
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PREP is a US EPA National Estuary Program supported in part by an EPA matching grant and housed within the UNH School of Marine Science.
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