Metropolitan Beaches Commission Public Meeting Draws Nearly 200

Nearly 200 beach lovers joined the Metropolitan Beaches Commission and Save the Harbor/Save the Bay at UMass Boston on Saturday, February 1, for the final public meeting to hear the preliminary findings and recommendations that will be reflected in the report to be released later this spring.  It was a chance for interested individuals to give feedback and share opinions regarding the findings and recommendations concerning their beaches. 

Attendees heard opening remarks from Save the Harbor/Save the Bay President Patricia Foley, Chancellor Ed Lambert of UMass Boston,  MBC Co-Chair Tom McGee, and DCR Commissioner Jack Murray.

To commence the meeting, attendees watched a Google earth video flyover of the metropolitan beaches from Nahant to Nantasket.  The video, which provides a stunning visual of how our communities are connected by our beaches and coastline, can be viewed here.

Bruce Berman and David Spillane then presented the PowerPoint detailing the progress that’s been made since the 2007 report, the Commission’s findings from community hearings this summer and fall, and the recommendations that will appear in the report.  The PowerPoint is available here for download.

The PowerPoint presentation gave overviews of the findings and recommendations specific to the individual beaches, but to give more attention to the individual beaches, the meeting concluded with attendees breaking into groups by community.  Two-pagers detailing successes, challenges, and needs and opportunities specific to each beach community were available at the meeting, and can also be accessed online here.  Attendees wrote positive and negative comments on sticky notes and discussed, with each other and with SHSB staff, the specific needs of their beaches. 

 

The Commission will be accepting public comments until March 1.  If you missed the meeting, or would like to add more feedback, you can make your opinions known by taking our survey at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8TH82CG or sending an email to info@savetheharbor.org.

Metropolitan Beaches Commission Public Meeting Celebrates Progress While Looking Forward

On an unseasonably warm Saturday morning on February 1^st nearly 200 people gathered at UMass Boston as the final public meeting of a yearlong process by the Metropolitan Beaches Commission (MBC), in partnership with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay (SHSB), to assess the accomplishments and needed improvements for the Boston Harbor beaches stretching from Nantasket to Nahant.

As an environmental policy intern for SHSB, this was also the culmination of 2 weeks of preparation, including mailings, calls to community members, and a meeting with the Commissioners to finalize the presentation shown on Saturday. This experience has shown me the behind-the-scenes logistics that are required for a successful public meeting that concerns policy. In particular, it was invaluable to meet the Commissioners to see the political side of the process firsthand.

Opening remarks were given by SHSB President Patricia Foley, Chancellor Ed Lambert from UMass Boston, MBC Co-Chair Tom McGee, and DCR Commissioner Jack Murray. To highlight how our beach communities are connected along the coast, attendees watched a Google Earth video flyover of the metropolitan beaches. Then, the preliminary findings and recommendations gathered from 10 previous public hearings held last summer and fall were presented by David Spillane and Bruce Berman. The main message throughout the presentation was that the beaches have made substantial progress since 2007 and now the focus needs to be on continuing to improve programming and access to the beaches. A diverse list of concerns, including safety, the presence of dogs, coastal erosion, and plover nesting, shows that environmental issues cannot be addressed without also involving the needs of the public. In addition, community involvement and encouraging beach use and maintenance will increase the number of people that will have an active stake in the water quality of Boston Harbor as well as improve the economic vitality of the region.

Following the presentation, the audience broke out into tables according to their affiliated beach. At this time, attendees were allowed to leave comments, including what they liked being done so far and what they would like to see in the future. This feedback will be used when the MBC writes up its final report this spring on the current status of the Boston Harbor beaches. The comments expressed satisfaction with projects that have already been done so far to improve beach quality and recreational opportunities, and a desire to pursue further improvements. These ideas ranged from investing in more entertainment opportunities to improving connections to other waterfront locations.

This meeting was a great opportunity to interact with people that are passionate about their community beaches, and to see how representatives from government, the non-profit sector, and the general public can come together to shape future policy. I hope that this meeting, which has shown the great potential of the Boston Harbor beaches and its local communities and Friends groups, will serve as the perfect buildup to Save the Harbor/Save the Bay’s next big event: its Cupid Splash fundraiser, which raises money for free events and programs for the beaches along Boston Harbor.

The Commission will be accepting public comments until March 1st. If you were unable to attend the meeting or you want to add more feedback please take our survey here or e-mail us at info@savetheharbor.org. Meeting materials, including the aerial video tour of the beaches, the power point presentation, and community summaries can be found here.

Metropolitian Beaches Commission Public Meeting Captivates A Sense Of Passion

While growing up in New Jersey, going to the beach with my family and friends was a regular affair during the summers. I remember packing up the umbrella, towels and sunscreen and driving 30 minutes to our favorite beach. I recently moved to Boston and it was to my surprise that beaches were not clean and people friendly. When I started interning at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay ten days before our public meeting I knew I was in for an awakening.

In preparation for the public meeting, the other interns and I made phone calls to the community residents to invite them to the event which was being held by the Metropolitan Beaches Commission. During the phone calls, some individuals instantly responded with positive and enthusiastic reactions. Though a tedious task, I knew it was worth it, as getting people of the community involved is an integral part in improving any environmental issue.

Upon entering the room on the day of the event, I immediately felt a sense of passion amongst the crowd. The room was soon to be filled with more than one hundred people, all there for a common purpose. During the presentation we heard about the current conditions of the beaches, how they changed over time, and future goals to main them. After the spokespeople finished speaking, they gave the community members a chance to share their opinions regarding the conditions of their beaches. At that moment, I realized there were not many individuals each trying to help a cause, but rather one large community working towards a common goal that would potentially benefit future generations.

I want to conclude by stating that I was surprised and impressed seeing the passion and enthusiasm from the community members, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay staff and the Metropolitan Beach Commissioners. I am personally very excited to see what happens next.  

Metropolitan Beaches Commission Regional Meeting

In the summer and fall of 2013, the Metropolitan Beaches Commission, in partnership with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, held 10 public hearings at the Massachusetts State House and in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull.

Nearly 700 people participated in the hearings and hundreds more took part in an online survey. We invite you to take the survey - just click here.

 

Later this year the Commission will issue its final report, but before we do we want to circle back with you to make sure we got it right.

On Saturday, February 1, 2014 the Metropolitan Beaches Commission will hold a public meeting at the UMass Boston Campus Center from 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon.

At that time we will share our preliminary findings and recommendations with all of you who share our hopes, dreams and concerns about the future of these beaches. 

We believe that our region’s public beaches are extraordinary assets with the power to strengthen waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities from Nahant to Nantasket. We hope you will join us on February 1st as we continue to look for ways to move these beaches from good towards great.

Please RSVP to info@savetheharbor.org

All the best,

Senator Tom McGee & Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein
Co-Chairs, Metropolitan Beaches Commission

From St. Louis to Boston Harbor

My name is Christian Herbosa. I am originally from St. Louis Missouri, but I moved up to Boston to attend Tufts University. At Tufts I earned an undergraduate degree in International Relations and in Economics. This academic year I have enrolled in several GIS related courses at the Harvard Extension School. This January I joined Save the Harbor / Save the Bay as the new Environmental Policy Intern.

I was drawn to STH/STB through my love of the ocean, and interest in environmental policy and advocacy. After moving to the East Coast I picked up the surfing and scuba diving. Through these recreational ocean activities, I really began to see what a great resource a nice beach with clean water can truly be.

That’s why I’m excited to work with Save the Harbor / Save the Bay. So that I can help protect and share one of the country’s most valuable natural resources: the Boston Harbor. I recently attended the Metropolitan Beaches Commission public meeting, where I was able to witness first hand how the public involvement of the waterfront neighborhoods and beachfront communities can influence policy.

 

Speaking with beachfront community members at the MBC public meeting, I gained an understanding of how much the waterfront neighborhoods value the harbor beaches. I am proud to take part in Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's mission to restore and protect the Boston Harbor. I am especially excited take the plunge at Cupid Splash on March 29th at the BCYF Curley Community Center as part of a STH/STB youth programming fundraiser! You can register and donate for Cupid Splash here: http://www.cupidsplash.com/cupidsplash/register.asp

Share the Harbor with Save the Harbor/Save the Bay!

As you know, each year Save the Harbor/Save the Bay hosts 4 signature events that raise awareness about our mission and also raise funds to support our work.

·      The Harpoon Helps Cupid Splash (March) is a cold-water plunge and pledge fundraiser on the beach in South Boston. It is sponsored by Harpoon and JetBlue Airways, and is entering its fourth year.  In 2013 more than 200 participants raised more than $30,000 from 200 participants and 500 donors to support our beaches small grants program.  

·      The Fan Pier Invitational Youth Fishing Tournament (July) gives 50 underserved youth and teens the chance to enjoy a day of fishing and fun on Boston Harbor on donated fishing boats with volunteer captains and crews.  It is sponsored by the Fallon Company and Circle Furniture, and generated about $5,000 in sponsorships in 2013.

·      The Swim and Paddle for Boston Harbor  (August) is a competitive, chip timed one mile open water swim and paddleboard competition. In 2013 we had 75 participants and raised more than $5,000 to support our youth and beach programs. 

·      The 4^th Annual Beach Bash and Splash (August) is our end of the season celebration of clean water for youth and teens from across the city at M Street beach in South Boston, which is now one of the cleanest urban beaches in America. In 2013 the event brought more than 788 young people to the beach for a fun filled day including an old fashioned cookout and a simultaneous splash into the clean waters of Boston Harbor, and generated more than $10,000 in sponsorships.

In 2013, these events generated dozens of articles in the regional press and the local community newspapers, and extensive television and radio coverage as well.

In 2014, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is looking to recruit a handful of new corporate partners for these great events. Sponsorships typically range from $2,500 to $25,000, and benefits include the opportunity to associate your company, product or brand with a popular environmental organization with more than 5,000 supporters. Benefits also include:

• Recognition and acknowledgement in our newsletter, blog and program materials
• Mentions in all press releases, media advisories and on social media sites
• Invitations to our beach programs kick off event, and the events that you sponsor
• Logo on program and event materials including signage, banners and web site
• The opportunity to present your product or brand at the event
• The opportunity to have your company logo appear in our event advertising, which will include full page ads in community newspapers

There are also a limited number of exclusive high visibility opportunities available – including naming rights and anchor sponsorships - as well as opportunities for employee engagement and participation which we would be delighted to discuss with you at your convenience.

If you would like to learn more about how your company can be a part of what is shaping up to be a tremendous season on Boston Harbor, please give me us call at 617-451-2860 or send us an email to info@savetheharbor.org.

Watch a short video about our 2013 events on Boston Harbor

As the year draws to a close ...

The "Giving Tuesday" Seal of Approval.

It is not too late to make a contribution to support Save the Harbor/Save the Bay in 2013.

You can make a contribution online right now - just click on the link or visit our website at www.savetheharbor.org. Or, if you prefer, you can read a short letter (see below) and learn more about all we accomplished in 2013 and what we intend to do in 2014 - and then make a contribution to support our work!

Here's wishing you and yours a great Giving Tuesday!

Your Friends at Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

                                     
                                                                                                       December 1, 2013

 Dear Friend,

As the year draws to a close, you will not be surprised to learn that 2013 was a busy and productive year for Save the Harbor/Save the Bay. 

Click on an image to see a collection of press clips or collages from 2013.

In 2013, we convened 10 public hearings in 9 communities with more than 700 participants for the Metropolitan Beaches Commission to help the Massachusetts Legislature move our beaches from good to great.

• Our Beaches Science Advisory Committee issued the region’s only comprehensive report card on water quality and flagging accuracy, focusing attention on beaches in Lynn, East Boston, Dorchester and Quincy that are still closed after small summer storms.
• Our free Youth Environmental Education Programs employed a summer staff of 32 that included 6 senior harbor educators, 7 college students, and 19 urban teens, connecting 15,903 youth and teens to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands.
• Our Better Beaches Program awarded small grants to 14 groups in 9 beachfront communities and waterfront neighborhoods to support more than 30 free events including concerts, beach festivals and sand sculpting competitions from Nahant to Nantasket.

We also hosted the 3rd Annual Youth Beach Bash and Splash, which brought more than 750 kids to the beach to celebrate clean water, and the Swim and Paddle for Boston Harbor, a one-mile, chip-timed competitive swim and paddle board race on one of the cleanest urban beaches in America.

Despite our success, there is still more work to do and we need your help to do it.

Your contribution of $50, $100, $500 or more will help us sustain our advocacy, accelerate our policy agenda and meet the increased demand for our free programs.

Make a donation online today by clicking here.
With your support in 2014 Save the Harbor/Save the Bay will:

• Convene a regional meeting of the more than 700 stakeholders who took part in this summer’s Metropolitan Beaches Commission hearings to review our findings and recommendations, and release the final report focused on economic development opportunities, management reforms, capital investments, and increased investment in staff, equipment, planning, and free programs.
• Focus attention on water quality and beach flagging accuracy, which prevent the pubic from enjoying the benefits of the $5 billion Boston Harbor cleanup on public beaches in Dorchester, East Boston, Quincy and Lynn. Our Beaches Science Advisory Committee will release our 3rd Annual Beaches Report Card and work with local, state and federal officials, opinion leaders and the public to address these issues.
• Strengthen Boston’s waterfront neighborhoods and the region’s beachfront communities by growing our cold-water pledge fundraiser to support 40 Better Beaches Program events and programs on public beaches from Nahant to Nantasket.
• Increase meaningful public access to Boston Harbor and the Boston Harbor Islands by expanding our free youth environmental education programs that have served nearly 90,000 youth and teens since we began them in 2002.

As I am sure you know, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is the region’s leading voice for clean water and public investment in Boston Harbor, the waterfront, the region’s public beaches and the Boston Harbor Islands.

When we were founded in 1986 the thought that Boston’s polluted beaches, abandoned waterfront, and neglected islands would ever be seen as assets instead of liabilities was a radical one.  The very idea that our region’s young people and their families would ever be able to use Boston Harbor, our region's public beaches and the Boston Harbor Islands as a learning laboratory and a healthy place to play was a distant dream.

Today we are proud to say that Bostonians and the region’s residents are beginning to see Boston Harbor, the beaches and the islands as civic, educational and recreational resources that belong to them and their communities.

I want to share a visceral moment with you. This summer I was on the beach in South Boston with about 750 kids at our annual Youth Beach Bash & Splash. As I watched kids of all colors, shapes and sizes swim, splash, and explore together on a beach that Save the Harbor/Save the Bay had transformed into one of the cleanest urban beaches in America, I was struck by the extraordinary legacy that we were leaving to the next generation.

To me that beach was a blank canvas that we had transformed into something beautiful. Imagine what the world would be like if everyone had the same opportunity and access to something as beautiful as our harbor and wonderful as that beach.

Creating new generations of opportunities is what Save the Harbor/Save the Bay is all about. I am proud to be a part of it and committed to carrying it forward for the next generation. I am certain that you are, too.

I know you share our dreams for Boston Harbor. As the year draws to a close I hope I can count on your financial support.  You can make a donation online today by clicking here.
All the best,

Patricia A. Foley, President
Save the Harbor/Save the Bay

P.S. Happy Cyber Tuesday, and thanks for your support.

The "Giving Tuesday" Seal of Approval.

My Semester with Save the Harbor

You know that saying “Time flies when you are having fun?” Well it describes my time at Save the Harbor perfectly. Save the Harbor is filled with enthusiastic and motivated workers that create an inviting environment to work in.

I remember how nervous I was on my first day, I didn’t know what to expect from my first internship. I know now that I was very lucky to have my first experience here, and I will take a lot away with me from my time here. I have gained new skills, met some great people and learned a lot about an important and influential organization. 

                                                             Fantastic Fall 2013 interns

As a communications intern, I worked primarily on social media. One of my assignments was to post photos from Save the Harbor’s summer programs and events on Facebook. This was a chance to not only to share the photos that had been collected over the summer, but also remind people of all the fun Save the Harbor had. My favorite part of this assignment was looking through thousands of photos from the summer and learning about the stories behind them. I’ve learned so much about the youth programs and events that I wish that I was there to witness them myself.

I’ve gained experiences at Save the Harbor that I know I wouldn’t be able to gain anywhere else, and I am very thankful to Bruce, Patty and the rest of the STH staff for making this possible!

It’s hard to believe that my last day has come, but I know I am leaving with more experience and great memories! 

See you around the harbor! 

Annmarie

A semester at Save the Harbor- from Fred Looper

Goodbye for now...

 

My name is Fred Looper, and I was one of Save the Harbor/Save the Bay's two Fall 2013 Communications interns. I spent about 12 hours per week in the office, with a few weekend days throughout the semester. My responsibilities included: attending and reporting on events, writing press releases, cataloging and formatting Save the Harbor press, as well as helping with any other design/writing tasks around the office.

I remember applying to the Communications intern position here at STHSTB like it was yesterday- I was excited to break into the beginnings of the environmental career I had been working towards. I heard back from them the very next day, and began working almost immediately after I started my fall semester at Salem State… I felt ready to finally test myself in a real setting, and take away a few lessons to finish off my undergraduate experience.

And tested I was! My experience here was definitely a learning one. I’d like to say that I’ve discovered some very important lessons, both professional and personal, and that Save the Harbor is a place where you can tailor your position here to your own interests. As an undergraduate communications major living in Salem, these needs were unique- though I was certainly pressed to take a thorough experience away from my term here.

I even had the first (and second) boat ride of my life!

Save the Harbor is a happy place. I was recognized for my efforts, and held to just the right responsibilities that I needed to make the most of the three days per week I spent here. Thanks to Bruce, Patty, and the rest of the staff, I’ve gained a great deal of experiences that I don’t think many other internship environments could provide.

It’s hard to leave with so much more I could learn, but I’m excited about what I can do with the knowledge I’ve developed over the past three months. Have a happy holidays, and come next summer I'll see you on the harbor!