Skip to main content

Author: Robert Clinton

2016 Winter Speakers

2016 Winter Conference – Speakers

Upcoming Events

No Events Found

swamp-things-title

AGENDA     SPEAKER INFO 


Contact Information and Biographies

Thomas Abbott
Supervising Forester
thomas.abbott@dem.ri.gov
401-539-2356


RI DEM Division of Forest Environment
260 Arcadia Road
Hope Valley, RI 02832
www.dem.ri.gov/programs/bnatres/forest/

Tom Abbott’s duties as Supervising Forester include overseeing the Forest Health Program, Stewardship Program and the Urban and Community Forest Program.  As Rhode Island’s Forest Resource Program Committee member, he is presently involved with the review and update to Rhode Island’s Forest Action Plan. Tom’s previous duties included Stewardship Program Coordinator and Rhode Island’s Service Forester. Tom holds a Bachelor’s degree in Forestry from the University of Montana and an active member of the Society of American Foresters.


Justin Adams
Senior Licensing and Permitting Specialist
justin.adams@eversource.com
(860) 839-8373


Eversource Energy, Inc.
56 Prospect Street
Hartford, CT  06103
https://www.eversource.com/Content/ct-e

Justin has worked for Eversource since 2009 in the Environmental Affairs Department.  He has planned and permitted numerous capital projects in Connecticut and Massachusetts.  Before Eversource, he worked for MIT in the Environmental, Health and Safety Office.  He has Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin – Madison and a Masters in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Tufts University.


Andrea (Dré) Agostino
Lead Environmental Scientist
andrea.agostino@nationalgrid.com
781-907-3649


National Grid
40 Sylvan Road  E-687
Waltham, MA 02451
www.nationalgrid.com

Dré Agostino currently works for National Grid as a Lead Environmental Scientist in the New England Environmental Department.  She is responsible for environmental permitting and compliance for projects in central and western Massachusetts and southern Vermont.  Prior to joining National Grid, Dré worked as a wetlands scientist and environmental consultant for 12 years.  She is a former Conservation Commissioner for the town of Ayer.  Dré has a master’s degree in Resource Management and Administration from Antioch New England Graduate School and a B.S. from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst in Environmental Policy and Resource Economics.


Larry Bruffee
Vice President
bruffee@northerntree.com
800-232-6132


Northern Companies
1290 Park Street
Palmer, MA 01069
www.northerntree.com


Thomas Degnan
Senior Environmental Scientist \ Forester \ ES&P
tdegnan@burnsmcd.com
860-949-2408


Burns & McDonnell
108 Leigus Road, Building A, Suite 1100
Wallingford, CT 06492
http://www.burnsmcd.com/

Mr. Degnan serves Burns & McDonnell as a LEED certified, environmental and forestry project manager for the Environmental Siting & Permitting division. He has over 24 years of experience in the New England region working with utility companies, municipalities, conservation groups, and private landowners on environmental conservation and compliance during construction and forest management projects.  Mr. Degnan is responsible for working with project offices on land planning, site preparation, restoration and environmental compliance issues.


Jamie Durand
Senior Project Manager
jamie.durand@powereng.com
774-643-1829


Power Engineers
100 John L. Dietsch Square
N. Attleboro, MA 02763
www.powereng.com

Jamie Durand is a project manager and environmental scientist at POWER Engineers, Inc., with extensive experience in the energy and facilities fields. Mr. Durand is experienced with natural resource field surveys, environmental impact assessments and environmental permitting and licensing. He brings experience in routing evaluations, environmental feasibility studies and fatal flaw analyses to the industry. He is responsible for managing complex, multidisciplinary and multi-state projects, conducting constructability reviews, managing field studies, writing environmental reports, preparing permit applications at the federal, state, and local levels, and representing clients at agency meetings and hearings. Mr. Durand brings knowledge of the permitting and licensing requirements for electrical transmission lines, natural gas pipelines (FERC 7(c) filings), and facilities ancillary to these energy projects. He has completed projects sited onshore and offshore, including impact assessments on freshwater and coastal/ marine resources. His scientific expertise encompasses wetland ecology, soil science, and wildlife biology. He has experience with development projects in New England and the Northeast.


Melissa Kaplan
Project Manager/Wetland Scientist
mkaplan@bscgroup.com
617-896-4517


BSC Group
33 Waldo Street
Worcester, MA 01608
http://www.bscgroup.com/

Melissa Kaplan is a Project Manager and Professional Wetland Scientist in BSC Group’s Worcester office. She regularly leads BSC project teams in local, state, and federal permitting efforts, wetland delineations, threatened and endangered species surveys, feasibility studies, and environmental monitoring of construction activities for large-scale utility companies, municipal projects, and others.  Ms. Kaplan holds an MS in Marine Biology, a BS in Zoology, several professional certifications, and she has twelve years of professional environmental and biological consulting experience.  She routinely leads BSC project teams in providing environmental consulting services from the early coordination phase to permitting phase to the final construction monitoring phase for numerous projects throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire.


Lindsey Lefebvre
Environmental Scientist
lindsey.e.lefebvre@usace.army.mil
978-318-8295


US Army Corps of Engineers
696 Virginia Road
Concord, MA 01742
http://www.nae.usace.army.mil/Missions/Regulatory.aspx

Environmental Scientist/Project Manager with the Army Corps of Engineers-New England District (September 2014-Present)
Previously worked at the Cold Regions and Research Engineering Laboratory (ERDC-CRREL) as a Physical Scientist.  Worked on research projects that supported the Wetland Regulatory Assistance Program including large scale delineations, the National Wetland Plant List, Ordinary High Water Mark, and vegetation sampling methodologies.  (May 2006-September 2014)
BS Conservation Biology from the State University of New York State College Environmental Science and Forestry (SUNY-ESF) (2002-2006)


Christopher Martin
Director
christopher.martin@ct.gov
860-424-3630


CT DEEP Forestry Division
79 Elm Street
Hartford, CT 06106
www.ct.gov/deep/forestry

Chris Martin has been Connecticut’s State Forester and Forestry Director for the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) since 2008. DEEP Forestry administers numerous USDA Forest Service’s Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act programs addressing identified needs within Connecticut’s Forest Action Plan and is charged with sustainably managing over 170,000 acres of State Forests held by the Agency in public trust. Chris also currently serves as chair for the National Association of State Foresters Forest Science and Health Committee and is active in many national forest policy matters including Wildfire Disaster Funding Act and a multi-federal agency strategic plan to combat invasive forest pests.

Chris is a certified and licensed forester in Connecticut and Maine, and the Society of American Foresters. Prior to serving in Connecticut. Chris was a Senior Planner and Water Resource Forester for the Maine Forest Service where he coordinated statewide monitoring of timber harvests and helped develop protocols to analyze forest practice effects on water quality, biodiversity, and residual forest stand quality.


Adam Rosenblatt
Project Manager/Sr Environmental Scientist
arosenblatt@vhb.com
401-457-2072


VHB
​​1 Cedar Street, Suite 400
Providence, RI 02903
www.vhb.com

 I have a BS in Soil and Water Resources Science and a MS in Natural Resources Science both from the University of Rhode Island.  I am a Certified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control, a Professional Soil Scientist, an RI Licensed Soil Evaluator and RI Certified Invasive Species Manager.  I have 16 years of professional experience in wetland delineation, assessment, mitigation, soil interpretation and classification, environmental documentation and permit preparation for electric utility, land development, and transportation projects and construction monitoring of numerous National Grid utility projects.  I enjoy spending my free time outdoors gardening and hiking with my wife and two young girls as well as volunteering as a URI Master Gardner working on a produce donation project at the Roger Williams Park Community Garden.


Daniel Rukakoski
Principal Environmental Scientist
dprukakoski@tighebond.com
(413) 562-1600


Tighe & Bond, Inc.
53 Southampton Road
Westfield, MA 01085
www.tighebond.com

Daniel is manager of the Wetlands and Ecological Services Group; he also serves as T&B’s Environmental Technical Practice Group leader, and Power Utilities Market Champion.  Dan is a Registered Professional Soil Scientist, a Professional Wetland Scientist and a NH Certified Wetland Scientist.  He has more than 20 years of experience in wetland delineation, environmental and energy permitting, regulatory negotiations and construction observation.  He is an expert in linear permitting efforts, and has successfully completed several projects which have required expedited or emergency permitting due to failing infrastructure.  Dan regularly leads the environmental permitting efforts for municipal, commercial and public utility projects throughout the Northeast.


Eric Scherer
j.eric.scherer@gmail.com
401-378-3681


Technical Consultant and Service Provider
16 Parkwood Drive
Kingston RI 02881

Technical consultant to public and private sector on agricultural and natural resource issues, erosion and sediment control planning; and providing education of erosion and sediment control to practitioners and others.  Also currently a certified Technical Service Provider to agricultural producers on comprehensive nutrient management plans, nutrient management plans and grazing management plans for USDA program participation.  Twenty-five years with NRCS; then State Resource Conservationist and Assistant State Conservationist for Field Operations, Warwick, Rhode Island.  B.S in Agronomy and Masters in Public Administration.  Past President of SWCS Southern New England Chapter.  Registered Soil Scientist; CPESC #359; CPSWQ # 8; CESSWI #7; Certified Professional Soil Scientist, ARCPAC, American Society of Agronomy.


Alison Wright-Hunter
Service Forester
alison.wright@state.ma.us
413-545-5751


Comm. of MA Dept of Conservation & Recreation
PO Box 484/40 Cold Storage Dr.
Amherst, MA 01004
http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/

Alison Wright-Hunter, who graduated from UMass Amherst with a BS in Forest Management, has worked in the field of forestry for over 20 years in Maine, California and Massachusetts. Her work at MA DCR began as a Forest Health Specialist. For the last 14 years she has worked as a Service Forester at the MA DCR. Her work in this field draws from all aspects of forestry to help landowner better steward the woods of Massachusetts. She has also served on the Shutesbury Conservation Commission.


<< Back

Conservation NewsBriefs

Continue reading

2017 Winter Attendees

2017 Winter Conference – Attendees

Upcoming Events

No Events Found

as of 20 February 2017:

Juliana Barrett | Associate Extension Educator, UConn Sea Grant

Lori Benoit | Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Services

Jim Berg | Project Manager, AECOM

Marc Bergeron | VHB

Meredith Borenstein | Associate Wetland Scientist, New England Environmental, Inc.

Jon Budreski | Director of Business Development, AirShark

Ruth Calabrese | Compliance & Performance Manager, Eversource

Richard Canavan | Senior Environmental Scientist, Tighe & Bond

Ian Cole | Environmental Specialist, Eversource

Elizabeth Congo | GIS Analyst, Tighe & Bond

Raymond Corvino | District Conservationist / Soil Health Specialist, USDA NRCS

Steve Damiano | Sr. Consultant/Project Manager, POWER Engineers

Matt Davison | Owner/Operator, Davison Environmental

Chris Donnelly | Urban Forestry Coordinator, CT DEEP Forestry Division

John Dudula | Natural Resource Specialist, North Central [CT] Conservation District

Jamie Durand | Sr. Project Manager, POWER Engineers

Dustin Dwyer | Sales Representative, EJ Prescott, Inc

Chuck Eaton | Director of Municipal Services, CME Associates, Inc.

Antonio Federici | Senior Scientist, Kleinschmidt

Sara Fusco | Project Environmental Scientist, Tighe & Bond

Sarah French | VHB

Michael Gaughan | Environmental Coordinator,              Eversource

Devleena Ghosh-Brower | Environmental Specialist, Eversource

Mark Grocki | Senior Project Engineer, VHB

Robert Grosof | Landscape Architect, RRG

Matthew Gustafson | Forester & Wetland Scientist, All-Points Technology Corporation, P.C.

Karen Hanecak | Project Manager, POWER Engineers

Simon Hildt | Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Services

Raina Huebner | BSC Group

Barbara Kelly | Coordinator, North Central [CT] Conservation District

Lisa Krall | Resource Soil Scientist, USDA NRCS

Mark Massoud | Administrator for Land Use, Town of Watertown CT

Chris McGinness | Land Use Inspector, Town of Southbury

Alison Milliman | Environmental Specialist, POWER Engineers

Jason Normandin | Sales Representative, E. J. Prescott, Inc.

Christine Odiaga | Project Management Associate, Friends of Herring River

James Olsen | Licensed Environmental Professional, Tighe & Bond

Timothy O’Sullivan | Project Manager, AECOM

Siona Patisteas | VHB

Joseph Pellegrino | Graduate Student, UMass Amherst

Jeff Peterson | VHB

Colleen Puzas | Environmental Specialist, SWCA Environmental Consultants

Moosa Rafey | Asst Administrator for Land Use, Town of Watertown CT

Timothy Randhir | Professor, University of Massachusetts

Krista Reinhart | Project Manager, Stantec Consulting Services

Judy Rondeau | Natural Resource Specialist, Eastern CT Conservation District

Adam Rosenblatt | VHB

Daniel Rukakoski | Principal Environmental Scientist/Associate, Tighe & Bond

Joanna Shapiro | Executive Director, North Central Conservation District

Brittany Simon | Environmental Specialist, POWER Engineers

Michael Soares | Conservation Technician, Eastern CT Conservation District

Marleigh Sullivan | Ecological Scientist, BSC Group

Katelyn Szura | graduate student, URI Moseman-Valtierra Laboratory

Lynn Towill | Sr. Environmental Specialist, Eversource

Kris van Naerssen | Environmental Scientist, AECOM

Paul Vitaliano | Project Manager, VHB

Josh Weiss | Environmental Planner, Fitzgerald & Halliday

Kevin White | Town Engineer, Town of East Haven CT

Lynn Willey | Licensed Environmental Professional, Tighe & Bond

Elizabeth Wilson | Senior Scientist, Brown and Caldwell

Joanna Wozniak-Brown | Planning Assistant, Northwest Hills Council of Governments

Anthony Zemba | Environmental Specialist, Fitzgerald & Halliday

… and 1 state, 2 municipal, 4 private sector and 8 federal employees who chose not to be identified.


HOMEPROGRAM | EXHIBITORS & SPONSORS

—>> AGENDA (PDF) <<—

—>> BROCHURE  rev 17 Feb (PDF) <<—


<< Back

No Events Found

Conservation NewsBriefs

Continue reading

2016 Winter Attendees

2016 Winter Conference – Attendees

Upcoming Events

No Events Found

120 SWAMP THINGS REGISTERED –
WE’RE SOLD OUT!!


If you did not pick up your Certificate of Attendance, please contact Christine at info@swcssnec.org.  If you need proof of attendance for CT or/and MA forester credits, specify which state(s).


Tom Abbott Supervising Forester – RI DEM Division of Forest Environment

Justin Adams Senior Licensing and Permitting Specialist – Eversource Energy

Andrea Agostino Lead Environmental Scientist – National Grid

Thomas Akin State Resource Conservationist – USDA NRCS

Arthur Allen Vice President – EcoTec, Inc.

Alexander Amendola Forestry Intern – South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority

Peter Andrighetti Superintendent – Supreme Industries Inc.

Nicholas Anzuoini DCR Forest Manager – Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation

David Askew – Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.

Rexford Baker   

Grant Beasley – Beasley Forest Products, Inc.

Rod Bemis Manager/Environmental Matting – Riggs Distler & Company, Inc.

Margaret Blagbrough Co-Op – Eversource

Robert Boone – Woodland Owner/Tree Farmer

Meredith Borenstein Associate Scientist – New England Environmental, Inc.

Andrew Bosse Forester – AJB Forestry Service

Nathan Boucher VP – Supreme Industries Inc.

Robert Burke owner – Vermont Forestry Associates, Inc.

Mary Brittain – Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.

Larry Bruffee Vice President – Northern Companies

Richard Canavan Senior Environmental Scientist – CME Associates, Inc.

Robin Casioppo Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.

Gail Ceresia – Berkshire Wetland Services

Scott Christensen Environmental Coordinator – Michels Corporation

Melissa Coady Project Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Glenn Colburn Conservation Agent – Town of Sturbridge, MA

Andrew Cole Environmental Scientist – VHB

Curtis Coolidge – Carter Hill Farm

Katherine Coolidge – Carter Hill Farm

Thomas Couture Senior Vice President – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Amanda Crouch-Smith Project Environmental Scientist 2 – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Lee Curtis Manager of Ecological Sciences – BSC Group

Matthew Davison Senior Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Thomas Degnan Forester – Burns & McDonnell

Marshall Dennis President/Wetland Scientist – Wetlands & Wildlife, Inc.

Jeffrey Devine – Self-employed

John Dudula Natural Resource Specialist – North Central [CT] Conservation District

Jamie Durand Senior Project Manager – Power Engineers

Charles Eaton Municipal Services Director – CME Associates, Inc.

Alexandra Echandi Wetland Scientist – BSC Group

Jeremy Fennell Senior Scientist – Epsilon Associates, Inc.

Eric Ford Environmental Consultant/Project Manager – Lucas Environmental

Sara Fusco – VHB

Luisa Galindo student – University of Massachusetts Amherst

Leo Garneau – Northeastern Consulting Forestry Services

Devleena Ghosh-Brower Project Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Matt Giannetta Stormwater Program Manager – NYC DEP

Bruce Griffin Senior Scientist – New England Environmental, Inc.

Nicholas Guidi Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond

Dana Hachigian Forester – Springfield Water and Sewer Commission

Li Han student – University of Massachusetts

Forrest Hartel – YAK Mat, Inc.

Simon Hildt Project Manager – Stantec

Melissa Kaplan Project Manager/Wetland Scientist – BSC Group

Barbara Kelly Coordinator, North Central [CT] Conservation District

Matt Kelly – VHB

Corey Kooken Senior Environmental Biologist – TRC

Craig Koumbis Senior Shoring Specialist – Mabey Inc.

Paul Knapik Wetland Scientist – BSC Group

Pat Leclerc Project Manager – Supreme Industries Inc.

Lindsey Lefebvre Environmental Scientist/Project Manager – US Army Corps of Engineers

Karen Leigh Coordinator – City of Westfield [MA] Conservation Commission

Thomas Liddy – Lucas Environmental

Lori Marchegiani Administration/Environmental Matting – Riggs Distler & Company, Inc.

Christopher Martin Director, Forestry Division – CT DEEP

Susan McArthur – McArthur Environmental Consulting, LLC

Jim McAndrews National Accounts Manager – Mabey Inc.

Christin McDonough Wildlife Biologist – New England Environmental, Inc.

John McGinn Senior Environmental Scientist – VHB

Aaron Mead Environmental Compliance Manager – Northern Companies

Rocco Micelotta Outside Marketing Representative – E. J. Prescott, Inc.

Alison Milliman Environmental Specialist – Power Engineers

Jason Normandin Sales – E. J. Prescott, Inc.

Marta Nover Principal – Nover-Armstrong Associates, Inc.

Kevin O’Brien Trench Safety Specialist – United Rentals

Kevin O’Brion Environmental Scientist III – TRC

Christine Odiaga Executive Director – SWCS Southern New England Chapter

Siona Patisteas – VHB

Jeffrey Peterson Senior Soil & Wetland Scientist – VHB

David Perilli Zoning/Planning Chairman – Village of Elmsford, NY

Joseph Polulech President – JEP Engineering Co.

Theresa Portante Wetland Scientist – BSC Group

Richard Poulton Chairman, Inland Wetlands Commission – Town of East Haven, CT

Nick Powers Director of Corporate Communications – Northern Companies

Colleen Puzas Associate Wetland Scientist – New England Environmental, Inc.

Timothy Randhir Professor – University of Massachusetts

Kenny Ray Senior Sales Representative – YAK Mat, Inc.

Steven Rejniak Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Steven Riberdy Senior Ecologist – GZA, Inc.

Dean Rice General Foreman – Riggs Distler & Company, Inc.

Adam Rosenblatt Project Manager/Senior Environmental Scientist – VHB

Daniel Rukakoski Principal Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Eric Scherer – Scherer Consulting Services LLC

Leo Shaw National Accounts Manager – Mabey Inc.

Jeff Surette Regional Product Development – United Rentals Trench Safety

Charles Thompson President – Mass Forest Alliance

Matthew Waldrip Environmental Engineer – Eversource

Tim Ward Environmental Coordinator – Michels Corporation

Jeremie Wentworth Project Manager – Supreme Industries Inc.

Chad West Sales Representative – Yak Mat

Kevin White Town Engineer – Town of East Haven, CT

Katy Wilkins Environmental Scientist – Tighe & Bond, Inc.

Josh Wilson – Fuss & O’Neill, Inc.

Alison Wright-Hunter Service Forester – Mass Dept of Conservation and Recreation

Nicholas Zito Forester – South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority

and

1 non-profit, 2 municipal, 6 federal and 9 private sector employees
who chose to remain anonymous

<< Back

No Events Found

Conservation NewsBriefs

Continue reading

2021 E&SC Field Days

2021 E&SC Field Days

No Events Found

2021 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

The Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society hosted our 2021 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days as a hybrid event on Wednesday October 6th & Thursday October 7th.

Event Flyer

Event Program

This event combined virtual presentations and hands-on, outdoors demonstrations. These days are training for professionals working in soils, erosion control, water quality, public works, engineering, roads, planning, resource protection and consulting. For registered attendees who attended both sessions, 6.5 hours of continuing education credits were available. There was an option to attend 100% virtually (see the event schedule below for details).

These field days are a unique collaborative effort between the private and public sectors to share information and promote a better understanding of the latest tools available to all who are entrusted with protecting our precious soil and water resources. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend – you are encouraged to bring your site plans and questions!

These Field Days are hosted in partnership with EJ Prescott. Thank you to Team E.J. Prescott and especially Doug McCluskey for organizing the field demonstrations and taking the lead on making these events possible!

Event Schedule:

Wednesday October 6th: Virtual presentations (10am-1pm) Virtual speaker presentations on case studies and research involving erosion and sediment control via Zoom. There was time for Q&A and discussion following each presentation. The session was recorded is available for viewing following the event. Attendees not present at the live talks will be able to receive credit by passing a quiz after viewing the recording by 11/20/21 (links sent directly to attendee emails).

Thursday October 7th: In-person demonstrations (virtual option available) (10am-2pm) In-person demonstrations of the latest tools available regarding erosion and sediment control. This portion of the event was hosted outdoors at the Tolland Agricultural Center in Vernon, CT. Masks were required and a boxed lunch provided. For those attendees who chose not to attend in person, demonstration recordings are available following the event. Professional development credits will be given to those who pass a quiz after viewing the recordings (links sent directly to attendee emails).

Address for Thursday, October 7th in-person outdoor demonstrations:
Tolland Agricultural Center
24 Hyde Ave, Vernon, CT 06066

Speakers:

Doug McCluskey: Low impact development and green infrastructure

Doug McCluskey is currently employed by Everett J Prescott as the Western Erosion Control & Geoproduct Specialist. Doug has over 12 years’ experience in the promotion & education of various product lines related to Geosynthetics, Erosion Control, Sediment Control, & Ground Stabilization. In this role Doug is in contact with local, state, and federal regulatory agencies and he also works closely with engineers, landscape architects, municipalities, and contractors in both the public and private sector to promote the awareness of erosion control, sediment control, and geo-products applications and practices. Doug has been involved in developing specifications for products used on construction projects, and provides on-site supervision and instruction during installations

Andrew Yablonski: Profile’s 5 Fundamentals – The foundation to sustainable vegetation

Andrew Yablonski joined Profile Products in 2019 along with 25 years of experience in the green industry including work in distribution, landscape contracting and lawn care. He received his bachelor’s degree in agronomy and environmental science from Delaware Valley University.

Masoud Hashemi: The impact of agricultural practices on soil erosion and discussion on how cover cropping and plant residue management can minimize erosion.

Dr. Masoud Hashemi is an extension professor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. He has decades of experience on soil health and sustainable farming practices in New England. His main research projects are currently focused in various aspects of cover cropping, no-till systems, and pasture management.

Demonstrators & Products:

Continuing Education Credits:

Approved by Envirocert International for 6.5 hours of professional development hours. These hours are applicable to professional certification renewals such as the Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC) certification.

Our 2021 Sponsors:


  • EJP-Logo-jpeg-small-e1504370256194

  • ri-dem-logo-e1504370210254

  • logo-riscc

  • NE-IECA-Logo-1

  • RINLA-logo-e1504370026792

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Field Days

Continue reading

2021 Summer Meeting

2021 Summer Meeting –
Urban Soils & Environmental Justice Panel Discussion

No Events Found

2021 Annual Summer Meeting

Join the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society for a virtual panel discussion concerning the current status of our often-overlooked urban soils. 

Event Flyer

 We will look for opportunities to enhance the functions and values of these soils with emphasis on benefits to the human environment in the context of environmental justice. We plan to address urban soil reconnaissance, regeneration, and how our relationship to the soil informs our use of this resource. Our overall goal is to spark a discussion about the environmental justice movement and explore strategies to enlist all levels of stakeholders in urban soil restoration and utilization.

Following our panelist presentations, we will have time for a guided Q&A session before moving into the SWCS Southern New England Chapter Annual Meeting. In this meeting (open to all attendees) we will announce the results of our 2021-22 Board of Directors Election, reflect on the past year, and discuss our goals for the future of the Chapter.

Tickets:
$10 Students | $20 SWCS Members | $25 General Admission

Agenda

10am – Introductions & Topic Overview
10:15am – Panelist Presentations
  11am – Guided Q&A
  11:30am – SNEC Annual Meeting

EnviroCert Credits

The Southern New England Chapter’s 2021 Annual Summer Meeting Urban Soils & Environmental Justice panel discussion and Q&A session is approved by EnviroCert International, Inc. for professional development hours (PDH). 

Every fifty (50) minutes of contact or participation time will earn one (1) PDH. PDHs can be documented via a copy of your attendance record. Our panel will provide 90 minutes of discussion.

Event Details

The panel will be moderated by Denise Savageau, whose impressive roles in the conservation community include President of the Connecticut Association of Conservation Districts, Chair of the Connecticut Council on Soil and Water Conservation, and board member of the National Association of Conservation Districts and Chair of Northeast Region among several other positions.

Our panelists:
Sara Shostak  Professor in the Department of Sociology at Brandeis University
Thomas L. Morgart  State Conservationist, Connecticut NRCS
Cassius Spears  Member of the Narragansett Indian Tribe & President of the Rhode Island Association of Conservation Districts

SNEC 2021 Annual Meeting

Thank you for joining us to discuss the past year at SNEC! We recapped our 2020-2021 events, internship program, and our 2021 goals in effect. We then looked forward to our next year’s event calendar, our newly elected Board of Directors, and set goals for our upcoming year.


Contact us at info@swcssnec.org for more information! 

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Summer Meetings

Continue reading

2020 Summer Meeting

2020 Summer Meeting –
COVID-19: Early Effects on Agriculture and Dairy Production

No Events Found

Friday June 26th @ 2pm

Members get exclusive first access to complimentary tickets starting Monday, June 8th at 9:00am. General Admission access begins on Wednesday June 10th at 9:00am.

– Registration is closed –

About the Meeting

We’re planning an engaging discussion about the impact COVID-19 will have on our food supply and local farmers. Our speakers will present on –

Thomas Smiarowski: Impact of COVID-19 on Agricultural Operations
Amanda Freund : COVID Implications for a diversified dairy farm

We hope to wrap up the presentations with breakout room discussions and come back for Q&A with our speakers. This will be followed by a SNEC membership meeting, in which we will announce the FY 2020-21 Board of Directors election results.

Members should look for their electronic ballots to be distributed mid-May. We’ll also send out paper ballots if this method is preferable, just choose a medium and cast your votes!

The meeting will take place over Zoom on Friday, June 26th 2020 at 2pm. We look forward to seeing you then!

Agenda

Meet our speakers:

Amanda Freund is a 3rd generation farmer in Connecticut. She is joined by 5 family members on the farm, together they manage 3 unique businesses: a dairy farm, a farm market and a manufacturing facility transforming their cows’ manure into biodegradable pots called CowPots. She is very active with her dairy cooperative, Agri-Mark (Cabot Cooperative) and has traveled around the country speaking at conferences about diversification, sustainable farming, women in agriculture and the joys (and challenges) of farming with family.

Thomas Smiarowski grew up on a dairy and vegetable farm located on the Connecticut River in Montague, MA. The primary crops grown on the farm were potatoes, cucumbers, sweet corn and asparagus. Following graduation from UMass, he worked for the USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA) and it’s predecessor the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service (ASCS) for 34 years occupying a variety of positions in two different locations in Massachusetts. The USDA-FSA is responsible for the administration of Federal programs that provide direct financial assistance to agricultural producers. He retired from the USDA-FSA in 2012 and for the past seven years has served as a part-time Extension Educator with the University of Massachusetts (UMass) Crop Insurance/Risk Management Education Program, which is funded through a grant by the USDA-Risk Management Agency (RMA), the Federal agency responsible for the Federal Crop Insurance. He has also worked on a similar program at the University of Rhode Island for the past four years. Currently he assists his brother, who owns and operates the family farm, with asparagus, potatoes, pumpkins and winter squash being the crops currently grown on the farm.

THANK YOU FOR THE CONTINUOUS SUPPORT OF OUR SPONSORS WHICH ALLOWS US TO HOLD THIS MEETING FREE OF CHARGE

Why are we going virtual?

While we’ll miss seeing our members in person at our Annual Summer meeting this year, a virtual meeting will allow for broader participation and will ensure the health and safety of our attendees.

With the ability for folks to tune in from their home or office, there is expanded opportunity for people to participate. Another benefit – this meeting will have no cost registration!

Election Details

SNEC SWCS is allowing online voting for the FY20-21 Board of Directors Election per our change of bylaws, enacted in 2019. Online voting will allow for quick and simple participation! We will also send out paper ballots to all members, for those who prefer this method. Members should receive a personalized link to their online ballot via email.* If a member sends in both a paper ballot and votes electronically, the first ballot received will be counted.

Biographies for BOD candidates are included in the ballot packet linked below. All members are eligible to vote for all candidates. Position Descriptions are available here.

You may write in a candidate; self-nominations are welcome. Candidates must be SNEC members in good standing and committed to participating. Please notify Renee Bouldin, Executive Director, at info@swcssnec.org of write-in candidates, so that the ballot posted can be updated and members notified.

Fiscal Year 2020-21 Board of Directors Election Ballot

*Are you a member and didn’t receive a digital ballot? Please take a moment to send your name and correct mailing address to info@swcssnec.org. This will ensure that you continue to receive up to date information. 

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Summer Meetings

Continue reading

2019 E&SC FieldDays

2019 E&SC Field Days

No Events Found

4 Oct – Presentation and Field Station updates posted!   

TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS working in soils, erosion control, water quality, public works, engineering, roads, planning, resource protection and consulting!

Wednesday OCTOBER 9th | Oakdale, CT 

or

Thursday OCTOBER 10th |  Vernon, CT

flyer (both days)

Scroll down to see other Fall 2019 field day dates in MA and RI



Sediment  is  the  world’s  #1  pollutant.     

Soil moved by erosion can be harmful to our drinking water resources, fish and wildlife, and can impact our quality of life.     Erosion Control has changed dramatically over the years and new technologies are constantly in development.     Use this workshop to help you stay current on useful practices.

These field days are a unique collaborative effort between the private and public sectors to share information and promote a better understanding of the latest tools available to all who are entrusted with protecting our precious soil and water resources.

The full-day training session will combine classroom presentations and outdoor, hands on demonstrations in small group settings.  Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend.  Scroll down for program information.

Register today!!

  • $45 SWCS Members
  • $55 Non-Members  
  • Free* for Students!

Pre-registration online by credit card only is required.

Morning coffee & pastries and a box lunch are included.  

*Students must be currently enrolled full-time; pre-registration is required


SWCS now has CONSERVATION COMMUNITY office memberships!!

For information about the Conservation Community membership available to Soil and Water Conservation Districts, university extension offices, local governments, and not-for-profits that serve a geographic area smaller than a stateClick HERE

For information about the Conservation Community membership available to qualifying not-for-profit organizations that serve a state or larger geographic regionClick HERE



   Fun in the Sun!   ***   Earn Credits!   ***   Make Connections!   

Fall Field Day Workshop:  Erosion & Sediment Control (E&SC)

“A little bit of dirt never hurt anybody,” but a little bit from one jobsite multiplied by the hundreds of jobsites in a watershed can add up quickly.    Soil erosion has the potential to affect how much treatment wastewater must receive.    We all need to know our options for both controlling sediment and for designing and installing more effective long-term erosion control solutions.

Bring Your Site Plans and Specific Questions

This full day training will combine classroom presentations and hands-on field demonstrations; small groups rotate through the demo stations and receive detailed information from the manufacturers and vendors of E&SC products.

Similar one-day workshops are being offered on different dates across the region, hosted by local conservation districts and other non-profit organizations like SWCS Southern New England Chapter.  Field day programs and demonstrations are organized by EJ Prescott, a distributor of E&SC products, in conjunction with the host organizations and others.  Scroll down for information about other dates and locations.



EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL FIELD DAY #1

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. 

Montville Community Center 
836 Old Colchester Rd | OAKDALE, CT 06370


EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL FIELD DAY #2

Thursday, October 10, 2019 | 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Tolland County Agricultural Center
24 Hyde Ave (Rte 30) | VERNON, CT 06066

These full day training sessions will combine classroom presentations and hands-on field demonstrations; small groups rotate through the demo stations and receive detailed information from the manufacturers and vendors of E&SC products.  Use this workshop to help you stay current on evolving E&SC practices.

Pre-Registration Required, by credit card only.

  • $45 SWCS Members
  • $55 Non-Members
  • Free* for Students!

Coffee & pastries and Lunch included
*Students must be currently enrolled full-time; pre-registration is required

  • This is a RAIN or SHINE event.
  • No refunds.
  • Registration may be transferred.


AGENDA

(typical/will vary by event – – check back for details)8:00-8:30 a.m.     Registration and Vendor Exhibits

8:30-10:00 a.m.     Classroom Overview

10:00-10:30 a.m.     Break and Vendor Exhibits

10:30-12 noon      Classroom Presentations, Continued

12:00-1:00 p.m.     Lunch (provided)

1:00-4:00 p.m.      Field Stations and Wrap-Up



CLASSROOM PRESENTATIONS  

Soils, Soil Survey and Soil Erosion – Donald Parizek USDA-NRCS Soil Scientist

CT Irrigation Trends – Arthur Ramthun, USDA-NRCS State Conservation Engineer

• Non-Point Source Erosion Estimates, Management and Alternative Seeding – Jim Hyde, USDA-NRCS State Agronomist

Understanding Soils & Tools for Vegetation Establishment – Mike Everhart, E.J. Prescott

Winter Stabilization Strategies – Jack Eaton, Certified Erosion Control/Filtrexx

   



FIELD STATIONS

Stormwater Pre-treatment, Biofiltration, Separation & Filtration – Shane Murphy, BioClean

Stormwater Storage – Shawn Lipscomb, ABT Inc

Gabions & Reno Mattresses – Richie Prejs, Maccaferri

Culvert Slip Lining – Reggie Cooley, PPF

Flexi-Pave Porous Paving – Henri Hillman, Tri State FlexiPave

Geosynthetics – Stevie Jones, Propex

Geosystems – Cory Schneider, Presto Products



SPONSORS AND PRESENTERS

•  SWCS Southern New England Chapter
•  USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
•  North Central Conservation District
•  Everett J. Prescott, Inc.
•  Bio Clean            •  N.E. Systems
•  ABT Inc.              •  Inner-Flow Pipe
•  Propex                 •  Tri-State Flexi Pave



CONTINUING EDUCATION APPROVALS

  • EnviroCert International:
    6 professional development hours
  • CT DEEP Pesticide Management Program – category 3A:
    1 credit hour
  • Engineering & Landscape Architect:
    3 professional development hours
  • Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association:
    1 RICH credit

Contact your professional association for more information regarding additional CEU’s.

KUDOS and THANKS to Team E.J. Prescott for organizing the field demonstrations, securing pre-approved credits and taking the lead on making these events possible!



Oakdale 9 Oct flyer  |  flyer (both days)   |  Vernon 10 Oct flyer


Questions about REGISTRATION?

Questions about the PROGRAM?



FALL 2019 Field Days – Other DATES and LOCATIONS

  • Tuesday, September 10 – Grafton County Complex | North Haverhill, NH

https://www.ejprescott.com/2019SeptemberSoilFieldDayGRAFTON.pdf

Contact Grafton CCD (603) 353-4652 x.103 or pamela.gilbert@nh.nacdnet.net

  • Wednesday, September 11 – Gilford Community Church | Gilford, NH

https://www.ejprescott.com/2019SeptemberSoilFieldDayGRAFTON.pdf

Contact Belknap CCD (603) 527-5880 or lisa.morin@nh.nacdnet.net

  • Tuesday, October 1 – The Paul Center | Chelmsford MA

https://www.ejprescott.com/events

https://worcesterconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/MA-Field-Days-Final-2019.pdf

Contact Middlesex Conservation District at 978-692-9395

  • Wednesday, October 2 – Brigham Hill Community Farm | North Grafton, MA

https://www.ejprescott.com/events

https://worcesterconservation.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/MA-Field-Days-Final-2019.pdf

Contact Worcester County Conservation District at 508-829-4477, ext. 5

  • Thursday, October 3 – URI East Farm, Kingston RI

https://rinla.org/erosion-control-field-day/

Conctact RI Nursery & Landscape Association (401) 874-5220 or executivedirector@rinla.org

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Field Days

Continue reading

2019 Summer Meeting

2019 Summer Meeting –
Living Shoreline & Restoration Workshop & Field Tour

No Events Found

See Audubon Connecticut’s Living Shoreline Project!

SWCS SNEC Summer Meeting

Living Shoreline & Restoration Workshop & Field Tour

Friday, August 9, 2019

AUDUBON CT at Stratford Point

Address:  1207 Prospect Drive | Stratford, CT 06615

Stratford Point, Stratford, CT

9:00 AM – 3:00 PM

Free Lunch Included

SWCS SNEC Membership Meeting

2019 Schedule Summer Meeting

SWCS Members & Government Staff $35

Non-SWCS Members $50

The Soil & Water Conservation Society’s (SWCS) Southern New England Chapter (SNEC) is hosting an annual Summer Meeting for SWCS members and the public at the Stratford Point in Stratford, CT on Friday, August 9 in Connecticut.  Presentations will be followed by lunch, a SWCS membership meeting, and a Guided Field Tour to several sites including the Living Shore Line Project!

Current Speakers:

Dr. Jennifer Mattei, Professor of Biology at Sacred Heart University, CT will present “Stratford Point Living Shoreline: Restoring Multiple Coastal Habitats to Maintain Resiliency and Function”.

Ron Rozsa, Coastal Ecologist, will cover the “Habitat Management Plan for Long Beach in Stratford, CT”.

Susmitha Attota, AICP, Stratford Town Planner, and Daniel C. Stapleton, P.E., Senior Vice-President/Senior Principal of GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. (GZA) will co-present “Coastal Resiliency Planning in Stratford”.

Richard Potvin, Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Manager, will discuss the proposed GMMU Salt Marsh Restoration project.

Guided Field Tours to 2 sites after lunch:

Living Shoreline and Restoration tour of Stratford Point, guided by Genevieve Nuttall, Audubon’s Bird Conservation Program Associate and Will Perret, Stratford Point’s Land Steward.  Click here for information about the restoration work onsite.

Proposed Salt Marsh Restoration at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge Great Meadows Marsh Unit (GMMU), guided by Rick Potvin, Stewart B. McKinney NWR Manager.

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Summer Meetings

Continue reading

2018 Winter Conference – Healthy Forests, Healthy Habitats

2018 Winter Conference –
Healthy Forests, Healthy Habitats

No Events Found

HEALTHY FORESTS, HEALTHY HABITATS Friday March 16, 2018, 8am – 5pm
Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge, MA

Continuing Education Units! 

The State of Connecticut has approved 2.5 CEUs for CT Certified Forest Practitioners!

Both the national Society of American Foresters (SAF) and state of Massachusetts have approved Continuing Education Units for attendance of this conference!

Lunch

Healthy Forests Healthy Habitats Program.

Speaker Biographies

$65 SWCS Members & SAF Members
$65 Government Staff
$90 Non-Members
$40 Students
Group Discounts (25% OFF)

Don’t miss the chance to network with these Registered Attendees.

Guest Speakers include;

Lois Bruinooge, Executive Director, The Last Green Valley & Coordinator, Southern New England Heritage Forest Project
“Partners Bring $6.1 Million to the Region for Forest Conservation!”  

The Last Green Valley Presentation, CLICK HERE

Michael Downey, Service Forester, MA DCR
“Introduction to Agroforestry: The Science, Practice and Possibilities for Massachusetts” Agroforestry Presentation

Jennifer Fish, Service Forestry Program Director, MA DCR
“Foresters for the Birds Program”  MA Audubon & DCR Foresters for the Birds Program

Fern Graves, Principal Forester & Stewardship Coordinator, RI DEM
“Healthy Forests” Healthy Forests Presentation

Douglas Hutcheson, Service Forester, MA DCR
“Forestry Best Management Practices”   MA Forestry-BMP-Manual

Dr. Steve Johnson, Senior Ecologist, SWCA Environmental Consultants
“Rare and Endangered Species and Forest Cutting”

Christopher Martin, Forester, CT DEEP
“Forestry and Water Quality” CT Forestry & Water Quality BMP Presentation

John Scanlon, Habitat Program Supervisor, MA FWE
“MassWildlife Landscape Goals for Wildlife Habitats” MassWildlife Landscape Goals for Wildlife Habitats

Thomas E. Worthley, Associate Extension Professor, University of Connecticut
“Perspectives on Woodland Management in a Parcelizing World”

In keeping with the Forestry and Wildlife theme, we will be joined for the day by members of the Yankee Division of the Society of American Foresters (YDSAF), the professional forestry organization in Southern New England, for their Annual Meeting.

In conjunction with the conference, EnviroCert International, Inc. (ECI) will be leading review courses and a next day exam for several professional certifications including but not limited to the Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control™ (CPESC®) and Certified Erosion, Sediment & Stormwater Inspector™ (CESSWI™) programs. Registration for these review courses and exams are available at http://booking.envirocertintl.org/ and is a separate registration.

 Sponsors & Exhibitors 

* BluRoc, LLC * National Grid * Eversource Energy *GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. *
* Stantec Consulting Services, Inc., * VHB * Fuss & O’Neill * BSC Group *
*Milone & MacBroom * Tighe & Bond *
* Bay State Forestry Service * Hull Forest Products *
* E. J. Prescott, Inc. * Filtrexx Northeast Systems *
* MA Department Conservation & Recreation (DCR) *
* The Last Green Valley * NRCS * MA Fisheries & Wildlife (FWE) *
* MA Forest Alliance * Mass Audubon * MA Woodlands Institute *

Attendees >>


Conservation NewsBriefs


Continue reading

2018 E&SC Field Day Workshops

2018 E&SC Field Day Workshops

No Events Found

This one (1) day workshop is being offered in two different locations this year!

TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS WORKING IN soils, erosion control, water quality, public works, engineering, roads, planning, and consulting!

Sediment is the world’s #I pollutant. Soil moved by erosion can be harmful to our drinking water resources, our fish and wildlife, and can impact our quality of life. We all need to know our options for both controlling sediment and for designing and installing more effective long term erosion control solutions. This field day is a unique combined effort between the private and public sectors to share information and promote a better understanding of the latest tools available to all who are entrusted with protecting our precious soil and water resources. The day will start with classroom sessions and then move outdoors for small group sessions in a hands-on demonstration setting. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend.

$40 Members & Government Staff (Public Sector)

$50 Non-Members & Private Sector

Free Coffee & Pastries for the morning sessions and LUNCH all included!


EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL FALL FIELD DAY #1:

Wednesday, October 17, 2018

Tolland County Agricultural Center (TAC) Vernon Rockville, Connecticut

Free to UConn Students!

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:

EnviroCert International: Professional Development Hours (PDH): 6.0 hours

Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association: 1 RICH credit


EROSION & SEDIMENT CONTROL FALL FIELD DAY #2 

Thursday, October 18, 2018

University of Rhode Island (URI) East Farm, Kingston, Rhode Island

(Above is a 2017 Image/Map of the URI E&SC Workshop)

Free to URI Students

CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS:

EnviroCert International: Professional Development Hours (PDH): 6.0 hours

Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association: 1 RICH credit

Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management: 4 CEU’s for Class I, II, III, & IV OWTS Licenses


AGENDA FOR EACH WORKSHOP

Rhode Island Agenda Field Presentations

8:00 – 8:30 Registration & Vendor Exhibits (Coffee & Pastries)

8:30 – 10:00 Classroom Presentations

Polymer Enhanced Best Management Practices for the Construction v2d (1)

EPA Stormwater BMP Polymer Flocculation 

10:00 – 10:30 Break & Vendor Exhibits

10:30 – 11:00 Classroom Presentations Continued

Rhode Island Professional Field app download

11:00 – 12:00 Field Station Rotation

12:00 – 1:00 Boxed Lunch (provided)

1:00 – 3:30 Field Stations Continued

3:30 – 4:00 Wrap-up

FIELD STATIONS OVERVIEW
Gabions and Reno Mattresses • Hydraulic Applied Solutions • Jobsite Sediment Control • Porous Pavement Systems • Vegetated Solutions • Ground Stabilization
CLASSROOM OVERVIEW
State of the Industry • Emerging Technology • Jobsite Compliance
SPONSORS AND PRESENTERS
Rhode Island Nursery & Landscape Association • Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management • Rhode Island State Conservation Committee • Soil & Water Conservation Society Southern New England Chapter • International Erosion Control Association Northeast Chapter • Everett J. Prescott, Inc. • Tensar • Filtrexx N.E. Systems • Maccaferri • Profile Products • Applied Polymer System

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Field Days

Continue reading