Developers see trees than can be cut down to make way for acres of solar panels, providing carbon-free electricity. Environmentalists see a natural landscape that sequesters huge amounts of carbon.
The carbon storage power of forests will be key to actually realizing net-zero emissions in Massachusetts over the next three decades, but trees can also be important tools to address some of the impacts of a changing climate.
In just two short days, 60 students walked the pathways around The University of New Mexico passing out 300 stickers and 200 cards with positive messages of affirmation to complete strangers – not part of a class assignment – just a friendly gesture to.
WORCESTER – A research team at Clark University has helped reveal what local environmentalists say is a troubling side effect of the proliferation of solar energy in the region in recent years.
Groups like the Massachusetts Audubon Society had suspected attractive financial incentives to install solar fields coupled with the abundance of rural land had contributed to widespread deforestation in Massachusetts and surrounding states. But it wasn’t until Clark geography professor John Rogan and his student researchers mapped out that impact that the full extent of the problem emerged.
According to Rogan, through a combination of using satellite imagery, machine-learning algorithms, and other free resources, his team found that in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, nearly 4,000 acres of private forest land have been cleared to make way for solar arrays.
Apr 9, 2021
The letter notes that Red Brook is home to one of the only remaining sea-run Brook Trout populations in the state, and that the district is vital to the town’s water source.
The organization says that more intensive development could impact water quality, stream flows, and habitats.
The complete text of the letter follows:
Dear Chairman Teitelbaum, and Members of the Board of Selectmen:
Several organizations and individuals have communicated to Mass Audubon regarding concerns about the proposed zoning amendment that will be considered at the Special Town Meeting on Saturday, April 10, 2021. We have reviewed this information, and feel that it merits close attention. The Red Brook and its watershed, flowing into Buttermilk Bay, contain important surface and groundwater resources and natural habitats, and there have been extensive investments by public agencies and private organizations in protecting and restoring these lands and waters. Red Broo