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Author: Soil and Water Conservation Society Southern New England Chapter

2023 Erosion Sediment Control

Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Past Events

Upcoming Events

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Fun in the Sun! Credits! Networking! Tues Sept 19 – Westerly RI | Thurs Sept 28 – Vernon CT (photos: EJP)Read More »

FINAL AGENDA POSTED FOR SEPT 28th

Agenda | September 28, 2023 | Vernon, CT

Credit for 6 Professional Development Hours pre-approved by by EnviroCert International.  

SNEC 2022 Winter Conference

Sediment is the world’s #1 pollutant.

Soil moved by erosion can be harmful to our drinking water resources, fish and wildlife, and it 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 and make valuable connections.

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.

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.  

  

*********************

2o23 DATES AND LOCATIONS

Tuesday September 19:  
Westerly Education Center​ (23 Friendship St​) and Cimalore Field​ (99 Wilson St​), WESTERLY, RI 02891
Wed Sept 27th – cancelled.
Thursday September 28: 
Tolland County Agricultural Center | 24 Hyde Avenue (Route 30), VERNON, CT 06066

     

click here to register

Fun in the Sun!  Earn Credits!  Make Connections!

SNEC Erosion and Sediment Control Field Days combine presentations and hands-on demonstrations. These days are training for professionals working in soils, erosion control, water quality, public works, engineering, roads, planning, resource protection, and consulting. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend – you are encouraged to bring your site plans and questions!

Boxed lunch will be provided for the Field Days.

Certificate of Attendance will be provided to document six (6) hours of educational contact.

Field Days are hosted by SWCS SNEC, in partnership with EJ Prescott.


Bring Your Site Plans and Specific Questions!

(photos from Nov 2022 at TAC, courtesy of John Dudula)

Each of these full-day training sessions will combine classroom presentations in the morning and hands-on field demonstrations in the afternoon. Small groups rotate through the field stations to receive detailed information from the manufacturers and vendors of E&SC products. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend.


PROGRAM INFORMATION

The SNEC Board is coordinating with conservation districts, state agencies and NRCS in our three member states on the programs for these events. We have some very interesting irons in the fire!  Some details are still being confirmed; check back for updates.

Tuesday September 19: WESTERLY, RI 02891

SWCS Conservation Community member Southern Rhode Island Conservation District (SRICD) is working hand-in-hand with the Town of Westerly and others on the Resilient Riverfront Renewal Main Street, Westerly project.  The Stormwater Masterplan will integrate a variety of green infrastructure (GI) features along the streets and on both Town and private properties that will reduce flooding, filter pollutants from stormwater, provide pollinator and bird habitat, improve air quality, and add beauty and walkability to the economic center of Westerly. 

SRICD and Cherenzia & Associates (engineer of the GI system at the Westerly Education Center) will offer design and history overview with a mock inspection tour of the green infrastructure BMP’s surrounding the Westerly Education Center.   

Click for Agenda – September 19 – Westerly

AGENDA | 19 September 2023 

The morning session will be held at Westerly Education Center.

8:00 a.m.  –  Registration, Check-In and Coffee 

8:30 a.m. –  Welcome & Opening Remarks | Andrew Gorman (SWCS Southern New England Chapter RI Representative / Beals & Thomas)

8:45 a.m. –  Coastal Protection Approaches:  Traditional Hard Structures and Nature Based Approaches | Jennifer O’Donnell (Fuss & O’Neill)

9:30 a.m. –  Introduction to Rhode Island Soils.  Influences on Soil Permeability and Hydrologic Soil Groups | Jeffrey Peterson (VHB)

10:15 a.m. –  Break and Networking

10:30 a.m. –  Stormwater Green Infrastructure Design at the Westerly Education Center with Mock Inspection Tour | Renee Stoops (Southern RI Conservation District) and Sergio Cherenzia (Cherenzia & Associates)

12:00 p.m. –  Boxed Lunch and Travel to Cimalore Sports Complex

12:45 p.m. –  Rotation through Field Stations  (scroll down for information)

3:45 p.m. –  Closing Remarks   



Thursday September 28: VERNON, CT 06066

Click for >> September 28th AGENDA <<

AGENDA 

8:00 a.m.  –  Check-in and Coffee

8:30 a.m.  –  Welcome and Opening Remarks

8:45 a.m.  –  Summary of Revised Stormwater Quality Manual and Soil Erosion and Sediment Control Guidelines | Kathleen Knight (CT Dept of Energy & Environmental Protection and Chris Sullivan (Southwest Conservation District)

9:45 a.m.  –  Break and Networking

10:00 a.m.  –  Construction Compliance Inspections 101 | Landon Baker and Alison Milliman (BSC Group)

11:15 a.m.  –  Break and Networking

11:30 a.m.  –  Breakout Group Discussion on BMPs | Landon Baker, Alison Milliman and Chris Sullivan)

12:00 a.m.  –  Lunch 

12:45 p.m.  –  Rotation through Field Stations (scroll down for information)

3:45 p.m.  –  Closing Remarks

 

Blue Light Special!

JOIN the Soil & Water Conservation Society NOW
at the $115 Conservationist level and BENEFIT IMMEDIATELY
by registering at the $40 MEMBER RATE!   

Simply select the Blue Light Special ticket – we’ll handle the paperwork.

This offer is for 1st-time SWCS members only.


SWCS Southern New England Chapter is dedicated to supporting upcoming conservationists. Thanks to the support of our 2023 Sponsors, we’re pleased to offer FREE attendance to student members in good standing, and a discounted rate for other full-time students currently enrolled full-time at an accredited high school, college, or university.

2o23 Registration Rates

  • SWCS Member: $40
  • General Admission: $75
  • SWCS Student Chapter Member: FREE *
  • Student General Admission: $20
  • Blue Light Special:  $155 (includes membership and registration)

Students must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited high school, college, or university.

*Registration is required.

NOTES:

  • Pre-Registration Required – online by credit card only.
  • This is a RAIN or SHINE event.
  • No refunds. Registration may be transferred at no cost between attendees in the same ticket category and (if capacity allows) from one session to another.
  • Morning coffee and a box lunch will be provided.

Click Here to REGISTER



Field Stations

September 19th in Westerly, RI:

  • BioPod™ – Brent Helm, Oldcastle Infrastructure

Sustainable Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Management from Oldcastle Infrastructure.  BioPod™ systems utilize an advanced biofiltration design for filtration, sorption and biological uptake to remove Total Suspended Solids, dissolved metals, nutrients, gross solids, trash and debris as well as petroleum hydrocarbons from stormwater runoff.

Created specifically for erosion control, containment and shelter applications, Concrete Canvas® is a flexible, concrete filled geosynthetic which provides a thin and durable concrete layer when hydrated. Typically, 10-times faster to install than conventional concrete solutions; essentially, it’s Concrete on a Roll™.  Melanie will show the different Concrete Canvas® applications in drainage channels and culvert repair.

  • Flex MSE – Doug McCluskey, E. J. Prescott 

Flex MSE is a unique, sustainable vegetated wall system that is made up of bags that can be stacked to build the wall in different configurations depending on the height.  Doug will recruit volunteers to help stack the bags to demonstrate different installation styles and reinforcement mechanism options.

  • Permeable Pavements – Mike Everhart, E. J. Prescott 

Mike will be showing plastic permeable pavement applications for both aggregate filled and turf reinforcement as well as Belgard® permeable paver applications 

  • Profile® Mulches and Biotic Soil Media – Dylan Drudul, Profile Products  

Profile’s history of technical advancement, product innovation and real-world experience provides the foundation for best-in-class products – a full line of solutions is designed and engineered to deliver value you can depend on.  Dylan will discuss the high-end erosion control mulches and biotic soil media that Profile manufactures to tackle soil erosion. 


September 28th Field Stations

organized by product distributor Everett J. Prescott, Inc. 

The world’s most popular modular trench drain system.  ACO Drain consists of cast polymer concrete bodies with either galvanized steel, stainless steel or cast iron wearing edges.  ACO Drain is available in 2″, 4”, 8” and 12” internal widths, and are available with up to 130 ft (40m) of built-in continuous slope. Our drainage systems offer light to heavy duty solutions for traffic ranging from pedestrians to jumbo jets.  There are a variety of grates manufactured from different materials, hole patterns and load ratings. 

  • Ditch Stabilization products including Concrete Canvas® – Rocco Micelotta, EJP

Created specifically for erosion control, containment and shelter applications, Concrete Canvas® is a flexible, concrete filled geosynthetic which provides a thin and durable concrete layer when hydrated. Typically, 10-times faster to install than conventional concrete solutions; essentially, it’s Concrete on a Roll™.  Information will be provided for Concrete Canvas® applications for drainage channels and culvert repair.

  • Flex MSE – Doug McCluskey, E. J. Prescott 

Flex MSE is a unique, sustainable vegetated wall system that is made up of bags that can be stacked to build the wall in different configurations depending on the height.  Doug will recruit volunteers to help stack the bags to demonstrate different installation styles and reinforcement mechanism options.

  • Permeable Pavements – Mike Everhart, E. J. Prescott 

Mike will be showing plastic permeable pavement applications for both aggregate filled and turf reinforcement as well as Belgard® permeable paver applications 

  • GeoWeb® Applications – Zach Lacasse, EJP

The GeoWeb® system uses proven confinement technology developed by Presto Geosystems over 35 years ago to offer economical, effective geosynthetic design options to solve soil stabilization problems wherever land and water meet.  The GeoWeb® system ‘transforms’ infill through confinement—providing strength and stabilization to cohesionless soils for a host of applications—from roadways to steep embankments.


QUESTIONS about Field Stations?  Contact Doug McCluskey at 
doug.mccluskey@ejprescott.com
     

EJP SOLUTIONS

‘Team EJP’ is also participating in field days
hosted by conservation districts in 
NEW HAMPSHIRE

    

  • Wed Sept 20:  Sanborn Mills Farm, Loudon
    Hosted by:  Hillsborough and Merrimack County Conservation Districts | Contact:  Merrimack CCD, 603-223-6020 or info@merrimackccd.org
  • Thu Sept 21:  North Country Resource Center, Lancaster
    Hosted  by:  Coös and Grafton County Conservation Districts | Contact: Coös CCD, (603)788-4651, Ext 5 or da.cccd@gmail.com

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Past Conferences

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2023 SNEC Annual Meeting

Past Events

Upcoming Events

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Fun in the Sun! Credits! Networking! Tues Sept 19 – Westerly RI | Thurs Sept 28 – Vernon CT (photos: EJP)Read More »
2022 Annual SNEC Summer Meeting

REGISTER HERE

Join the Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society for our 2023 Annual Meeting.

Our featured speaker, SWCS Communications Coordinator Emma Harper, will describe membership benefits and upcoming SWCS programming.  Upcoming SNEC events will also be discussed. We’ll also recap our year and take care of business matters such as announcing the results of our 2023 Board of Directors Election.

This meeting is open to all interested in learning more about the Chapter and the Society. We will also be asking for suggestions and feedback on our upcoming events and projects.

The event is free.
Advanced registration is required.

Share the event flyer with those who may be interested.

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Administrator & Event Coordinator

Join our team:

Hiring an Administrator & Event Coordinator!

Download PDF

SWCS Southern New England Chapter (SNEC) seeks a self-motivated contractor to handle administrative matters, coordinate educational events and outreach activities, and provide support to a volunteer Board of Directors on a part-time, remote basis (currently 400 hours/year with opportunity for expansion).

Experience managing website content and coordinating events is mandatory. Conservation experience is a plus, but not required

Flexible Hours – Work from Home

SEND YOUR RESUME TO INFO@SWCSSNEC.ORG

The Southern New England Chapter (SNEC) of the Soil and Water Conservation Society (SWCS) is a 501(c)(3) organization whose objective is to promote, educate and advance all phases of the science of conservation of soil, water and all related resources.

SNEC Administrator & Event Coordinator

JOB DESCRIPTION:

SNEC is a small non-profit organization that relies heavily on its volunteer Board of Directors. We serve our members and the regional conservation community primarily by providing opportunities for professional development and networking; the bulk of effort under this contract will stem from SNEC events and associated activities. Other typical duties include handling correspondence, managing website and social media content, and supporting outreach campaigns. The selected contractor will assist the Board monthly with items such as event-planning virtual meetings, action item follow-up, and elections. The estimated level of effort for the scope of work described below is 400 hours/year.   

The workload for this position fluctuates throughout the year but is relatively predictable; the months leading up to our winter conference are the busiest and summer is slowest. SNEC has no office space or supplies. The contractor provides their own workspace and personal computer. The work for this contract can be accomplished completely remotely, with optional travel to events. Travel to and in-person attendance at our events is NOT required.

SNEC’s main educational event is a full-day winter conference that includes presentations, discussion, and exhibits. The SNEC annual chapter meeting is held in the summer and includes a field component; the location rotates between the states we serve. SNEC also hosts a minimum of two (2) fall field days focused on erosion and sediment control and stormwater management; the program typically includes indoor presentations in the morning (organized by SNEC) and field displays/demonstrations in the afternoon (organized by a distributor).

Event-related tasks include but are not limited to –

  • Securing venue space
  • Coordinating meals for attendees
  • Managing event registration and attendance using Eventbrite
  • Creating event webpages and updates and promoting the event via social media and Mailchimp email blasts
  • Developing event programs, agendas, and preparing folder inserts and graphics as needed
  • Managing event needs, and day-of coordination (can be done remotely through delegation to the SNEC BOD)
  • Completing post-event tasks like follow-up emails, and certificates of attendance

Administrative tasks include but are not limited to –

  • Coordinating Board and event-planning committee meetings, taking basic notes and tracking action items
  • Handling email correspondence, managing the mailing list, and maintaining contact with national staff
  • Submitting reports and maintaining records
  • Assisting Board with outreach to sponsors, and tracking delivery of sponsor benefits
  • Managing website and social media content of the chapter including swcssnec.org, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook
  • Compiling content and distributing quarterly newsletters
  • Managing and executing SNEC outreach program that includes student outreach and member retention initiatives

There is great potential to grow this role and add items or services beyond the above listed. Potential additional services include developing and administering additional training workshops, conferences, and seminars; development and production of brochures and other publications; and special project development.

Terms for the Administrator/Event Coordinator contract will be $25/hour for up to 400 hours/year, renewable each year based on satisfactory performance. As noted above, the scope and budget for this can be expanded by mutual agreement. The SNEC will be responsible for the cost of approved expenses and supplies required for performance of the contractual services, including but not limited to overnight travel (GSA rates), meeting and office supplies, venue fees, postage, and web-related expenses. The Contractor retains the right to perform services for other clients.

How to Submit Your Application:

  • Applications must include at least one link to a website that demonstrates your content management capability and at least one event page link or program from an event you coordinated.
  • Contact information for a minimum of two references appropriate to this job description is required.
  • Submit your 1-page resume and the above requested information to info@swcs.org.

For questions contact us at info@swcssnec.org. To learn more about the Chapter, visit https://swcssnec.org.

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2023 Winter Conference Attendees

2023 Winter Conference – Attendees

Also in attendance were a student, a state employee and a federal employee who prefer not to be named.

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2023 Winter Conference Presentations

2023 Winter Conference – Presentations

The SNEC Board of Directors would like to thank all of our fabulous speakers for their energy and expertise!


Speaker Biographies and Contact Information (PDF)


Conference and Presentation Descriptions and PDFs


“MICROPLASTICS IN THE ENVIRONMENT”
BAOSHAN XING

Professor and Director of Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst


“Through the River and Over the Woods: Global PFAS Exposure and Implications for Ecosystem Health”
Lisa McIntosh

Senior Technical Manager, Woodard & Curran


“Improving Water Quality One Field at a Time: NRCS Practices for Producers”
Nancy Ferlow

Connecticut Natural Resources Conservation Service


“MassDEP’s Environmental Justice Initiatives to Improve Water Quality”
Dr. Padmini Das

Chief, Nonpoint Source Management Program, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection


“Implementing the Single Standards Act to Increase State Protection of Buffers for Freshwater Wetlands in Rhode Island”
Chuck Horbert

Deputy Administrator, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management


“Quality of Massachusetts Waters: Regulation, Improvement and Challenges”
David Wong

Environmental Analyst, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection


“Wetlands and the MA Contingency Plan”
Mia McDonald

Circuit Rider, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

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SNEC 2023 Winter Conference

Winter Conferences

Past Events

SNEC 2022 Winter Conference

SWCS SNEC 2023 Winter Conference “Water Quality in Southern New England: The Latest Research, Practice, and Policy”

Thursday MARCH 30, 2023
University of Massachusetts Amherst Campus Center
Amherst and Hadley Rooms (10th floor)
8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Join us for our first in-person winter conference since 2019! Our program will delve into current issues in water quality and explore solutions for reversing damage to our precious natural resources. Speakers will discuss the latest water quality research, practice, policy affecting Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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Program Information

CLICK HERE for Speaker Information

Final Agenda 3.21.23

View the Agenda as a PDF.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Registration

Online Registration Only | No Checks

General Admission $125

SNEC Member $75

Full Time Student $50

SWCS Student Chapter Member $25

Exhibitor $400

–> BLUE LIGHT SPECIAL $190 <–

Join the Soil & Water Conservation Society now at the $115 Conservationist level and benefit immediately by registering at the $75 SNEC Member rate! Select the Blue Light Special option and we’ll handle the SWCS membership paperwork.

Note: this offer is available only to first-time SWCS members.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • Rain or Shine | No Refunds | Transfer Allowed
  • Lunch and coffee will be provided.
  • Your registration includes presentations and access to exhibits.
  • Parking is available at the Parking Garage at the conference rate of $6.50.
  • UMass Amherst is a Smoke Free campus.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Additional information will be provided via e-mail prior to the event. This will include the agenda, links for handouts if any are provided by speakers, and parking information.

If any COVID-19 precautions will be required by UMass, that information will also be provided. There are no restrictions in place at this time (19 Jan 2023). Current Guidance for Campus Events is posted at
https://www.umass.edu/coronavirus/news/current-guidance-fall-2021-events.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Exhibitor Information

SWCS Southern New England Chapter’s mission is promote, educate and advance the science of soil, water and related resources conservation. We seek subject matter experts that can help deliver solutions.

To get a sense of the prospective audience, see lists of attendees at past SNEC Winter Conferences:

We have use of the entire 10th floor of the Campus Center. To see a floor plan, go to https://www.umasshospitality.com/locations-capacities and click on 10th Floor Campus Center. Presentations will be in the Amherst Room. Exhibits, coffee and the lunch buffet will be in the Hadley Room and foyer.  

Exhibitor Registration $400

includes one 6-foot table with paper drape and registration for one (1) person.

Additional Exhibit Staff $75
Register online via credit card.

–> For more information, contact events@swcssnec.org.

Speaker Information (pdf)

Speaker Bios

“Microplastics in the Environment”
Baoshan Xing

Professor and Director of Stockbridge School of Agriculture, University of Massachusetts Amherst

Baoshan Xing is Professor (Environmental & Soil Chemistry) and Director of Stockbridge School of Agriculture at University of Massachusetts Amherst. His current research includes agricultural application of engineered nanomaterials, environmental processes of microplastics, use of biochar for soil improvement and remediation, and food safety. He is a “Most Cited Scientist” every year since 2014 when this analytics started, indicating the impact and significance of his research. His h-index is currently at 135 and the total citation on his research is over 75,000 (Google Scholar). Dr. Xing is currently an Editor of Environmental Pollution, Biochar, and Carbon Research. He received numerous national and international awards/honors. His research program is recognized nationally and internationally.


“Through the River and Over the Woods: Global PFAS Exposure and Implications for Ecosystem Health”
Lisa McIntosh

Senior Technical Manager, Woodard & Curran

Lisa McIntosh is a senior technical manager and principal at Woodard & Curran, with an academic background in environmental toxicology and over 25 years of experience in environmental consulting. Ms. McIntosh is certified as a general toxicologist by the American Board of Toxicology. During her career, Lisa has focused primarily on environmental risk assessment to support cleanup of contaminated sites, with special interest in risk communication and emerging contaminants. Her interests and background in ecology have also allowed her to dabble in the fields of wetlands and ecological restoration. She is actively involved in the scientific and regulatory community, including the Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Society for Women Environmental Professionals and the Interstate Technology and Regulatory Council PFAS workgroup. In her free time, she spends as much time as she can either at home in the garden or out in the woods hiking and camping.


“Improving Water Quality One Field at a Time: NRCS Practices for Producers”
Nancy Ferlow

Connecticut Natural Resources Conservation Service

Nancy Ferlow is the State Resource Conservations for USDA-NRCS in Connecticut.  She has been with the agency for 30 years.  Nancy’s current responsibilities include Agency compliance with the Endangered Species Act, Highly Erodible and Wetlands compliance, conservation planning tools, quality assurance and staff training.  Her education is in Biology, Geology and Forestry.


“MassDEP’s Environmental Justice Initiatives to Improve Water Quality”
Dr. Padmini Das

Chief, Nonpoint Source Management Program, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

Dr. Padmini Das oversees MassDEP’s Nonpoint Source Management Program as the NPS Section Chief in the Watershed Planning Program. Her responsibilities include the development and implementation of the NPS Management Program Plan through Clean Water Act Section 604(b) Water Quality Management Planning Grants, and Section 319 NPS Competitive Grant Program. Dr. Das was previously the Chair of the Department of Biology at Nazareth College of Rochester, where she was also an Associate Professor, Director of the Environmental Science and Sustainability Program, and Director of the Environmental Quality and Remediation Research Group. She has research expertise in soil and water quality assessment and the design and implementation of sustainable best management practices to remediate a wide array of soil and water contaminants, notably lead, arsenic, plastic degradants, nutrients, TNT, RDX, PCBs, and emerging contaminants. Through these community-driven environmental projects, she has worked for the benefit of disadvantaged communities, engaging community youth as an integral part of these projects. Dr. Das has a Ph.D. in Environmental Management from Montclair State University, two Master of Science degrees in Environmental Science from the University of Texas at San Antonio and the University of Pune (India), and a Bachelor of Science degree in Microbiology from the University of Pune.


“Implementing the Single Standards Act to Increase State Protection of Buffers for Freshwater Wetlands in Rhode Island”
Chuck Horbert

Deputy Administrator, Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Office of Water Resources

After graduating in 1989 from the University of Rhode Island with a degree in Wildlife Biology and Management, Chuck was hired as a biologist by RIDEM in their Division of Freshwater Wetlands. Three years later, he became a Supervisor for that Program, where he spent most of his career to date until his promotion to Deputy Administrator in the Office of Water Resources in 2019, where he primarily oversees stormwater permitting and the Water Quality Certification Program but still gets his hands on the Freshwater Wetlands Program from time to time. When he isn’t at work, he is often found in a canoe somewhere on the waters of New England or the Adirondacks.


“Quality of Massachusetts Waters: Regulation, Improvement and Challenges”
David Wong

Environmental Analyst, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection

David Wong is an Environmental Analyst overseeing the 401 Water Quality Certification Program/WM 04 Chemical Application Program within Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. He holds a PhD in Marine Ecology, a MS and BSc in Fisheries/Aquaculture. David’s interests and experience include Water Quality Monitoring, Biological Invasions, Risk Assessment, Eutrophication Management, Ecological Restoration, and the Clean Water Act.


“Wetlands and the MA Contingency Plan”
Mia McDonald

Circuit Rider, Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection, Central Regional Office

Mia McDonald is the Wetlands Circuit Rider for the Central Regional Office. Mia comes to MassDEP from her position as the Agent for the Towns of Northborough and Paxton. She also served on the Worcester Conservation Commission for approximately nine years. Mia graduated from WPI with a degree in environmental science which focused on environmental engineering and planning. She spent over a decade of her career in the private sector working on design, permitting and construction of drinking water and wastewater infrastructure.


-> Sponsorship Opportunities Available <-

Learn more

2023 SNEC Sponsors
  • Date and time

    Thu, March 30, 2023

    8:00 AM – 4:30 PM EDT
  • Location

    Campus Center

    10th floor
    1 Campus Center Way
    Amherst, MA 01003

42.39179515,-72.52701959187556

2023 SWCS Southern New England Chapter Winter Conference

Campus Center

10th floor
1 Campus Center Way
Amherst, MA 01003

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Tim Bio

Dr. Timothy O. Randhir is a Professor of Watershed Management and Water Quality with the Department of Environmental Conservation at the University of Massachusetts. He received his Ph.D. from Purdue University in 1995 and did postdoctoral work there before joining UMass as a faculty in 1997. Timothy specializes in watershed management, climate change, water resources, ecological economics, dynamic systems modeling and optimization, GIS and spatial analysis, land use policy, common-pool resource management, nonpoint source pollution, and natural resources policy.

He serves as Editor of three international journals and is a consultant to AAAS, NASEM, NSF, EPA, and USDA. Timothy is the author of a book on Watershed Management and has published more than 88 referred articles in leading journals, including Water Resources Research, Ecological Modeling, Climatic Change, Journal of Hydrology, Forest Ecology and Management, Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, and Journal of American Water Resources Association.

A LETTER FROM OUR PRESIDENT: TIMOTHY RANDHIR

From headwaters to the coasts, we are dependent on soil and water to support our quality of life. With a growing population and increased impacts on these resources, we see the need for professional and strategic approaches to address these impacts. Soil loss, stormwater variability, wetland loss, nutrient
loss, farm yield management, urbanization, risk management, and climate change continue to be significant challenges facing the Southern New England (SNE) region. The SNE Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation has been working to address these issues by bringing professionals, scientists,
managers, and citizens together as a regional chapter that serves Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

With increased challenges posed by the pandemic in the past two years, our chapter has continued to serve members and the region through a hybrid method to deliver innovative topics and activities that greatly benefit communities. Our summer and winter meetings are well attended and have addressed emerging issues of professional interest. Our field events have engaged attendees in emerging soil and water technologies. In addition, our chapter supports future conservation leaders and youth through the sponsorship of programs like Envirothon and UMass Eco Graduate Symposium. All these are possible through our sponsors, and our chapter is grateful for the generosity and vision of sponsors towards enhancing soil and water conservation in the region. Our chapter is spearheaded by the excellent leadership of the board of directors, who spent countless hours making this chapter a success. I would also like to thank Renee Bouldin, who served many years as an executive director to enhance our chapter’s mission and joined the SWCS team at Ankeny. In addition, our new executive director Abigail Elder brings new ideas to our chapter, and we are fortunate to have such a great team of directors.

My best wishes on the new year, and our chapter is looking forward to serving the region in sustaining soil and water resources through innovative means and partnerships.
Sincerely,
Timothy Randhir, SWCS SNEC President

SWCS SNEC – JANUARY 2022 NEWSLETTER

SOIL CARBON STORAGE: COMBATING
CLIMATE CHANGE FROM THE GROUND UP
REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

Join soil scientists and environmental professionals from across New England on Friday, March 25th at SNEC’s annual Winter Conference. We are very pleased to announce Dr. Rattan Lal as our keynote speaker. Dr. Lal is a globally renowned soil scientist whose research ranges from regenerative agriculture, soil carbon sequestration, soil restoration, natural resource management, and global food security. Lal received the Glinka World Soil Prize in 2018, the World Food Prize in 2020, the Good Will Ambassador of IICA in 2020, and the Padma Shri Award in 2021.

Dr. Lal will be joined by several presenters representing all angles of soil conservation who will dive into topics like blue carbon, carbon credits, regenerative agriculture, soil productivity, and climate change regulations and mitigation. Participants of this year’s conference are eligible to receive continuing education credits and will also have the opportunity to network with other attendees. Click the link below to register today!

SNEC IS LOOKING FOR SPONSORS

Support from our sponsors helps us to continue hosting trainings and educational events for our network of conservation professionals. We are able to provide internships and mentoring opportunities for college students who are finding their path in the conservation field. Our sponsors also make it possible for us to participate in and support environmental education programs such as Envirothons and student symposiums.

A SWCS SNEC sponsor has priority access to the following:

  • Job listings in our newsletters & social media platforms
  • Use of SWCS SNEC social media to market educational opportunities/events (subject to
    approval)
  • Ability to request specific trainings to help your staff in the future
  • Brand exposure to current students, recent graduates, and folks at all stages of their career path

Do you know of an organization whose goals align with SNEC’s and would be interested in supporting environmental and conservation initiatives around southern New England? Please spread the word and feel free to contact info@swcssnec.org for more info! Thank you.

CONSERVATION COMMUNITY MEMBERSHIPS

There are two different levels of Conservation Community Memberships. The $230 level is aimed at Soil and Water Conservation Districts, university extension offices, local governments, and not-for-profits that serve a geographic area smaller than a state are eligible. The $500 level is aimed at qualifying not-for-profit organizations that serve a state or larger geographic region are eligible. This type of membership is great for organizations that would like to provide their employees with certain SWCS benefits and resources but don’t necessarily need each employee to obtain individual membership.

Benefits include special access to the Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, access to the private member directory, delivery of monthly membership newsletters and conservation news briefs, as well as discounted tickets to the SWCS Annual Conference, 20% off the SWCS online store, discounts on SWCS job board posts and more. Sarah Longenecker, a County Conservationist with the St. Joseph Soil and Water Conservation District says, “Our office-wide membership allows all the staff in our soil and water conservation district access to beneficial resources on national policy and scientific research as well as giving us access to local networking and professional development opportunities.”

For more information on becoming a conservation community member, please contact
memberservices@swcs.org. Individuals who would like to join as a member can do so online at
https://www.swcs.org/get-involved/join/.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS

The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) promotes coordination of NRCS conservation activities with partners that offer value-added contributions to expand their collective ability to address on-farm, watershed, and regional natural resource concerns. Through RCPP, NRCS seeks to coinvest with partners to implement projects that demonstrate innovative solutions to conservation challenges and provide measurable improvements and outcomes tied to the resource concerns they seek to address.

JOB POSTING

UPCOMING EVENTS

2022 E&SC Field Days

Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Past Events

Upcoming Events

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Fun in the Sun! Credits! Networking! Tues Sept 19 – Westerly RI | Thurs Sept 28 – Vernon CT (photos: EJP)Read More »
SNEC 2022 Winter Conference

The Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society will host three days of our 2022 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days:

Tuesday October 18, 2022 in Grafton, MA

(8am – 4pm)

Brigham Hill Community Farm| 128 Brigham Hill Rd, North Grafton, Massachusetts 01536


Wednesday, November 16 in Oakdale, CT (8am – 4pm)

Montville Community Center | 836 Old Colchester Rd, Oakdale, CT 06370
Phone: (860) 848-67804

Thursday, November 17 in Vernon, CT (8am – 4pm)
Tolland County Agricultural Center | 24 Hyde Avenue (Route 30), Vernon, CT 06066
Phone: (860) 875-5714

Register Now!

SNEC Erosion and Sediment Control Field Days combine presentations and hands-on 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 attend full day, 6 hours of continuing education credits are available.

These events 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!

Boxed lunch will be provided for the Field Days. Certificate of Attendance will be provided to document six (6) hours of educational contact.

Field Days are hosted by SWCS SNEC, in partnership with EJ Prescott.

EJP SOLUTIONS

2022 Registration Rates

  • SWCS Member: $40
  • General Admission: $75
  • SWCS Student Chapter Member: FREE *
  • Student General Admission: $20

Students must be currently enrolled full-time at an accredited high school, college, or university.

*Registration is required.

Registration and Tickets

Program Information:

The same full-day training is offered at two locations. The program combines classroom presentations and hands-on field demonstrations, with small groups rotating through a series of stations. Our goal is to provide information that is immediately useful to all who attend. Demonstrations of the latest tools available regarding erosion and sediment control. 

Download Program Brochure

SPEAKERS

Tuesday, October 18th

Maggie Payne –  Conservation Planner, Worcester County Conservation District, Soils and Soil Surveys

Sadie Constantine – Conservation Planner, Worcester County Conservation District, Conservation Planning Service

Brooke Washington –  Climate Forestry Consultant, New England Forestry Foundation,Effects of Sedimentation and Forestry BMPs

Mia McDonaldCircuit Rider, MassDEP Wetlands Program, Low Impact Development Techniques

Doug McCluskey – Western Erosion Control & Stormwater Specialist, EJ Prescott, Low Impact Development and Green Infrastructure

Wednesday, November 16th  

Montville Community Center | 836 Old Colchester Rd, Oakdale, CT 06370. Phone: (860) 848-67804

Chris Stone – Professional Engineer, Connecticut DEEP, Solar Field Erosion Impacts

Jean Pillo– Watershed Conservation Project Manager, Why We Need Stormwater Protection Plans

Eric Dunnack – Forester, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Connecticut Forest Practices Act and BMPs

Doug McCluskey – Western Erosion Control & Geoproduct Specialist, EJ Prescott


SPEAKERS

Thursday, November 17th

Tolland County Agricultural Center | 24 Hyde Avenue (Route 30), Vernon, CT 06066. Phone: (860) 875-5714

Chris Stone – Professional Engineer, Connecticut DEEP, Solar Field Erosion Impacts

Jean Pillo – Watershed Conservation Project Manager, Eastern  Connecticut Conservation District Why We Need Stormwater Protection Plans, CPESC 

Nick Zito – Forest Practices Act Forester, Connecticut DEEP, Connecticut Forest Practices Act and BMPs 

Doug McCluskey, Western Erosion Control & Geoproduct Specialist, Everett J Prescott. 


Demonstrators & Products:

ACO: Stormbrixx GeoCellular Modular Stormwater Detention – Peter Shaw
Profile Products:  Proganics Biotic Soil Media -Ashley Chong
Oldcastle Infrastructure: Manufactured Green Infrastructure Products – Brent Helm
Filtrexx: Grow Sock Applications – Jack Eaton
North American Green: Wattle Fence & Falcon Anchors – Rob Lawson

Concrete Canvas: Geosynthetic Cementitious Composite Mat Applications – Melanie Fuhrman

EJ Prescott: Permeable Interlocking Concrete Pavers – Mike Everhart

Continuing Education Credits:

Approved by Envirocert International for 6 hours of professional development hours. These hours are applicable to professional certification renewals such as the Certified Professional in Erosion & Sediment Control (CPESC) certification.

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Conferences

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2022 Annual Summer Meeting

2022 Annual Summer Meeting

Past Events

Upcoming Events

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

2023 Erosion & Sediment Control Field Days

Fun in the Sun! Credits! Networking! Tues Sept 19 – Westerly RI | Thurs Sept 28 – Vernon CT (photos: EJP)Read More »
2022 Annual SNEC Summer Meeting

The Southern New England Chapter of the Soil and Water Conservation Society is hosting a field excursion on Wednesday, July 20 in Kingston, Rhode Island in collaboration with the URI Cooperative Extension. The event will begin with our SNEC Annual Meeting (open to all attendees, members and non-members) which is when we will announce the results of our 2022-23 Board of Directors Election, reflect on the past year, and discuss our goals for the future of the Chapter. Following this, we will hear from members of the University of Rhode Island Cooperative Extension, Alissa Cox and Elizabeth Herron. Elizabeth Herron is the Program Coordinator for URI’s Watershed Watch Program, Rhode Island’s largest volunteer water quality monitoring. She is actively involved in assessing water quality and watershed conditions throughout the state, including lakes, ponds, streams, salt ponds, and marine beaches. 

Alissa Cox is the director of the New England Onsite Wastewater Training Program (NEOSTP). She earned her PhD in URI’s Laboratory of Soil Ecology and Microbiology (LSEM) and is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Natural Resources Science department at URI. Alissa Cox will speak on the performance of different advanced treatment technologies and their effects on local water quality. After the presentations, attendees will participate in a guided tour of the Wastewater Treatment Center and Peckham Farm. After lunch, we’ll tour the onsite wastewater training center at Peckham Farm, where we’ll look at examples and explore the functions of different types of septic system technologies in our model systems. Afterward, we’ll go on a driving tour adapted from a tour developed by our partners at the Town of Charlestown to illustrate how advanced wastewater treatment matters, and what’s at stake.

Conservation NewsBriefs


Past Conferences

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