Upper Valley Lake Sunapee Regional Planning Commission

UVLSRPC

February 2012

In This Issue
New Canaan Website
Radon Action
NH Citizen Planner
Americans are Moving
Greenhouse Gas Maps
Commuting Costs
Transportation Health Impact
Broadband Planning Website
Planning Rural Tourism
Energy Efficiency Webinar
Don't Throw It Away!
Innovating Waste Management
Lebanon Cable Franchise Hearing
Moderator's Workshops
Proposed EDA Regulations
ABCs of Form-Based Codes
Forest Society Nominations
Energy Efficiency for Water Districts
Water and Watershed Conference
HEAL Education Awards
Local Energy Solutions Conference
2012 UNH GPS Workshops
Shoreland Protection
Demographic Mapping Tool
Grants and Opportunities
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Quick Links
New Canaan Town Website 
The Town of Canaan has a new website. Well done!
Radon Action 

Radon is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Over 21,000 Americans die from radon induced lung cancer every year, but it is preventable. EPA is asking Americans to take simple and affordable steps to test their homes for harmful levels of radon gas by purchasing a $25 test kit. Fixing your home can save your life and it often costs the same as other minor home repairs. If you are building a new home, ask your builder about radon-resistant new construction features.  

Visit the EPA for more information.

Citizen Planner Resource 

The NH Citizen Planner collaborative is a one-stop shop for opportunities for lay citizen planners (land use boards) to access information, training, and networking with colleagues. For more information visit the website. 

Where are Americans Moving?
An interesting interactive map to learn where 10 million Americans moved to and from.
Greenhouse Gas Emission Data Map
Comprehensive Greenhouse gas (GHG) data are now easily accessible to the public. The information can be used by communities to identify nearby sources of GHS's and to track emissions. Access EPA's GHG .

Sticker Shock: Your Commuting Costs!

Use this link to learn about the real costs of operating and owning your vehicle.
Transportation Health Impact Toolkit  

A Transportation Health Impact Assessment Toolkit is now available on the CDC Healthy Places Website. The toolkit provides a framework for public health departments, city planners, project managers, and other stakeholders to conduct HIAs on proposed transportation projects, plans, and policies.

Broadband Mapping  

The new New Hampshire Broadband Planning and Mapping Project (NHBMPP) website has been launched with its new design and content.  In addition to the new website, an interactive map is available.

Greetings!

 

Two key initiatives of the Commission are taking place. First, the year-long Housing Needs Assessment Study is receiving the finishing touches.  Completed under the direction of the Commission's Regional Planning Committee and in collaboration with the Upper Valley Housing Coalition, Two Rivers Ottauquechee Regional Planning Commission and others, the report offers insight into the existing housing supply, the housing cost burden for residents, and projected new housing production to maintain a sufficient  housing supply.  Summary and technical reports for this important regional planning document will be available for download soon from on the Commission website. If you would like additional information contact Mike McCrory.

 

Second, the Commission is about to embark on an important and ambition initiative to complete the Regional Plan. Through funding from the Housing and Urban Development Department, the Commission will be completing the Regional Plan over the next three years. There has not been sufficient funding to complete the region's plan in a meaningful way in over 30 years. This is a unique and exciting opportunity for you to form your vision and set the foundation for future land use, economic vitality and opportunities for the success of our region. The Commission will be reaching out to communities within the region over the next few months and will be looking for your partiicpation in this effort. Stay tuned.  

 
Christine Walker

Executive Director    

Rural Tourism Planning   

Opportunities and Challenges of Planning for Rural Tourism

Date: February 3, 2012  

Time: 1:00-2:30 

Location: On Line APA Webinar

Fee: Free (Register Early)

Tourism-related activities are an increasingly important component of rural economies providing income and diversification to rural communities. This webinar will examine current trends in rural tourism, which are being shaped by a rapidly shifting economic landscape and ongoing demographic change. Session speakers include Anne Krieg, AICP, Division Vice-Chair, Small Town and Rural Division; and Robert Billington, Founder and Director of the Blackstone Valley Tourism Council in Rhode Island. Register Here 

Energy Efficiency Webinars    

Date: February 8
Time: 12:00 - 1:00 PM
Location: On Line Webinar

Clean Air-Cool Planet is offering a webinar highlighting two valuable energy efficiency programs for NH municipalities, schools, institutions, and businesses.

 

Don't Throw it Away!  

Don't Throw it Away! Composting at School

Date: Thursday, February 9,
Time: 4:00-7:00 PM
Location: Nottingham School, 245 Stage Rd., Nottingham NH
Fee: $25/person; $20/person if registering two or more teachers from the same school. Preregistration is required.

 

Composting food waste from student snacks and school meals provides many benefits. Composted food creates useful fertilizer for school and community gardens. Students learn first hand about natural recycling, invertebrate life cycles, soil science and environmental stewardship.

 

The workshop will cover background information, hands-on activities and resource materials that will provide the tips and tools needed to start a compost program at your school.

Planning for Innovation in Waste Management and Recycling 

Date: February 10, 2012
Time: 1:00-2:30 PM
Location: On Line APA Webinar
Fee: Free ( Register Early)  
As communities struggle to balance their budgets, innovative waste management and recycling approaches can help shore up the bottom line while creating local business opportunities. Join Andrew Dane, Short Elliott Hendrickson Inc (SEH), and Dr. John Katers, UW-Green Bay, to learn how planners can help communities identify and implement waste re-use opportunities, rural ag/waste to energy opportunities, and recycling best practices. Hear how leaders in Brown County, WI brought a variety of stakeholders together through the "Brown County Waste Transformation Initiative." Find out how communities can save money through cooperative recycling efforts. Learn about innovative public/private models for anaerobic digestion of farm and municipal organic wastes. Register Here  
Lebanon Cable Franchise Agreement in Negotiation  

Date:  Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Time:  7:00pm

Location:  Lebanon City Hall

 

Lebanon is negotiating a new cable franchise agreement with Comcast to provide cable service (as well as phone and broadband internet) to the citizens of Lebanon. Greg Lewis talks about the process that Lebanon is following and the opportunity for Lebanon residents,  businesses, schools and organizations to weigh in on their needs for Comcast's services.  

Workshops for Town Moderators

Date: Saturday, February 25, 2012 

Time: 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM  

Location:  The Local Government Center  

 

The Moderators Workshops will provide town, village district and school district moderators with an informative review of the basic law of town and school meetings, plus tips for keeping it running smoothly. Separate workshops focused on the specific requirements for SB 2 and traditional town meeting will provide moderators with guidance relevant to the structure and rules of their form of meeting. Register early to reserve your seat for the session for traditional town meetings on Saturday, February 25.  More information is available on the LGC website.  

Comment on Economic Development Regulations

Deadline for Comments: February 6, 2012

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) published a Federal Register Notice (FRN) requesting public comment on proposed revisions to the agency's regulations.  These revisions come after EDA incorporated public and internal input received earlier this year.  After the comment period closes, EDA will then work on the final regulations to be published later next year.  Remember that these are only proposed rules, nothing is final yet! 

 

KEY RESOURCES:

UVLSRPC would appreciate a copy of any of your comments. Please email a copy to us.  

ABCs of Form-Based Codes

FBC 101e

The ABCs of Form-Based Codes on-line

8.0 AICP CM (including 1 Law), AIA CES, LA CES, CNU-A

 

A comprehensive introduction offering a complete overview of the practice of form-based coding. Participants learn the principles and components, even gaining practice in a virtual field exercise. The e-learning format allows the course to be taken conveniently from home or office, during a single day or up to six weeks.

 

Cost of FBC 101e

Standard cost is $250. 

A discounted price of just $100 for those taking it combined with an advanced course.  

 

More Information and Registration can be accessed here. 

Forest Society Seeks Nominations for 2012 Sarah Thorne Award 

Application Deadline: Friday, March 2, 2012.

The Forest Society invites nominations for the Sarah Thorne Conservation Capacity Award. This award is presented annually to a volunteer or land conservation professional who has made a major contribution to the protection of the New Hampshire landscape at the local, regional or statewide level and whose conservation activities have increased the capacity of others to accomplish land conservation. The award is sponsored by the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests to recognize Sarah Thorne for the nearly twenty years that she dedicated to land conservation in New Hampshire as a staff member at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests.  Nominations for the 2012 recipient of this award to be presented at the Saving Special Places Conference on Saturday, April 14, 2012 at John Stark Regional High School in Weare. 

 

To Submit a Nomination

You will find the link to the PDF form application by clicking on the link at the bottom of the web page. For more information or assistance with the application, email Lori Johnson or call 224-9945, extension 328.   

Energy Efficiency for Water Supply Districts  - Save the Date! 

NH Office of Energy and Planning has awarded UVLSRPC an Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant to promote energy efficiency for community water supply districts.  This program will  engage water supply operators to address the mechanics of energy efficiency practices in water systems and  review how municipalities can maintain long-term high-quality water supplies through Low Impact Development practices. 
Two important workshops will be hosted in March.

  

Date: March 14, 2012
Time:
To Be Announced 

Location: To Be Announced
Fee:
To Be Announced   
Energy Efficiency for Rural Water Supply Districts - In collaboration with US EPA, NH DES, and Granite State Rural Water Association, UVLSRPC will host a workshop on energy efficiency for water supply systems including: conducting system audits, developing energy efficiency plans, and hearing what regional water supply operators have done to improve efficiency in their systems.  Operational efficiency experts from around New England will present and facilitate this event.  

Date, Time, Location: To Be Announced
Implementing Low Impact Development Techniques in the Lake Sunapee Watershed -  UVLSRPC with representatives from Springfield, New London, Newbury, and Sunapee will host a workshop on Low Impact Development (LID) stormwater management techniques.  This will be an important workshop for municipal decision makers interested in protecting community water supplies and regional water resources. 


Please check the Commission web site for more information or contact Mike McCrory.   

NH Water and Watershed Conference 2012 
Date: March 23, 2012 At
Location: Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH

 

The New Hampshire Water and Watershed 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.

 

 
  
HEAL Excellence in Education Award 2012  
Application Deadline: Friday, March 30, 2012

Healthy Eating Acting Living (HEAL/NH) will make the second annual award to a school in New Hampshire for creating an environment that supports healthy eating and physical activity opportunities for students and staff.


Fourth Annual Local Energy Solutions Conference  
Date: March 31, 2012 
Location: Merrimack Valley High School, Pennacook, NH
Time: 8:30 AM to 4:15 PM *Registration begins 7:30 AM

The NH Local Energy Working Group announced Mike Breen, Iraq War Veteran and Vice President of the Truman National Security Project will be the lunch keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Local Energy Solutions Conference on March 31st at Merrimack Valley High School in Penacook, NH. Don't miss hearing this insightful, experienced veteran's perspective on how addressing energy issues builds stronger communities and nations. Lunch will be included.
Discounts for active military, veterans and students. 
 

UNH Global Positioning System Workshop
UNH GPS Workshops  
 To see a listing of upcoming workshops visit the UNH GPS website.  

Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Changes
Comprehensive Shoreland Protection Act Changes

 

During the 2011 legislative session, the CSPA was renamed to the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act (SWQPA)and included changes to vegetation requirements within the natural woodland and waterfront buffers, the impervious surface limitations and included a new shoreland permit by notification process. Answers to Frequently Asked Questions about the new SWQPA are found here.     

 

Demographic Mapping Tools Online

PolicyMap is a fully web-based online data and mapping application that offers access to over 10,000 indicators related to demographics, housing, crime, mortgages, health, jobs and more. Data is available at all common geographies (address, block group, census tract, zip code, county, city, state, MSA) as well as unique geographies such as school districts and political boundaries. Data comes from both public and proprietary sources. All data is in interactive   maps, tables, charts, reports through the use of a unique analytic tool. It also provides the funding matrix for HUD and several other grant programs.  

     

Many of the public files are available for download at no charge.  Some of the data and functionality in the application is proprietary and requires a subscription for access. 

 

 Visit the PolicyMap application online.   

 

Grants and Opportunities

Healthy Eating/Acting Living (HEAL/NH) Partnership for Healthy Communities 

New Hampshire municipalities (cities and towns) that are committed to developing local solutions for improving accesss to affordable, healthy foods and opportunities for active living can apply for grant assistance.

 

Letter of Intent Due:  Friday, February 10, 2012  

Applications Due:  Wednesday, March 14, 2012

 

Visit HEAL/NH to download the application materials. 

 

 

Municipal Energy Reduction Fund 
CDFA's Municipal Energy Reduction Fund is available to help municipalities improve the energy efficiency of their municipal buildings, street lighting, water and sewer treatment facilities, and where appropriate, electrical distribution systems. The goal is to reduce energy usage and costs.

 

CDFA is currently accepting applications from New Hampshire Municipalities through our online grants management system for funding through the Municipal Energy Reduction Fund. Prior to accessing the online system, you will need a User ID and Password. If you have not registered already to receive a User ID and Password, please register here.

 

 

National Endowment for the Arts Our Town Grants Available

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has announced the guidelines for the 2012 Our Town grants. Our Town supports creative placemaking projects that enhance the livability of communities by investing in creative and innovative projects.  Projects may include planning, design, and arts engagement activities that reflect a systemic approach to civic development and a persuasive vision for enhanced community vibrancy.  Pending availability of funding, grants will range from $25,000 to $150,000.NEA staff will conduct Our Town webinar Tuesday, February 7, 2012 to answer questions and walk applicants through this year's guidelines. Schedule and registration details will be posted on the Our Town guidelines webpage

    

Application Deadline:  March 1, 2012   

 

See Arts.gov for more information on creative placemaking and to view the 51 Our Town grants awarded in 2011.

 

   

Community Catalyst Fund  

Overview:  Do you work with an organization that aims to improve energy efficiency and environmental sustainability on a local level? If so, the Community Catalyst Fund might be for you!

Some eligibility restrictions apply. 

 

For more information, visit the website or email Amanda. 
 

 

 

2013 Local Source Water Protection Grants

 Applications Now Available

Due November 1, 2012

 

Project funding is available from the Department of Environmental Services to develop and implement programs to protect existing sources of public drinking water. The grants are available to water suppliers, municipalities, regional planning agencies, non-profit organizations, educational institutions, conservation districts, and state agencies. Applicants can receive up to $20,000 for projects to protect drinking water sources including watershed planning, delineation of protection areas, assessment of threats to water supply sources, implementation and source security.

 

The application packet is being made available with greater advance notice than in previous years to provide applicants ample time to obtain letters of commitment from stakeholders, which will be needed for some projects to score well in the competition for limited funds.  The importance of letters of commitment is reflected in the new application materials.  Applicants should review the application materials at their earliest opportunity.

 

Applications are available on the web  

Please contact Johnna McKenna  or Pierce Rigrod if you have any questions or would like to discuss your proposal.