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The News We Have All Been Waiting For!!!!

As most of you have heard, the mask requirement will be suspended on May 29, 2021 for MOST of us. Please be aware that there are still some restrictions until at least until June 15, 2021. Until then, masks will still be required on public and private transportation systems (including rideshares, livery, taxi, ferries, MBTA, Commuter Rail and Transportation Stations), in healthcare facilities and in other settings hosting vulnerable populations, such as congregate care settings). Unvaccinated individuals are advised to continue wearing masks where they cannot maintain social distancing. The June 15^th date MAY CHANGE, and the mask requirements MAY CHANGE as well.

We anticipate that on June 15^th the Governor will withdraw the Health Emergency declared last year. This means that, unless the Legislature makes changes, all orders under the Health Emergency will be ended. Private businesses may make their own rules about masks and social distancing. We ask that you be respectful of their decisions.

The Town Hall will be open for the public on its pre-COVID schedule as of June 15^th and all board and committee meetings will resume the in-person format. Any legislation that changes the Open Meeting requirements will be posted as soon as they are announced.

The local website https://getvaccinatedberkshires.org is still live and is the best reference for vaccination information, making an appointment or walk-in service.

As anxious as we all are to move forward, please remember that it is critical to understand that, while being fully vaccinated will help protect us from the devastating effects of this virus, it may still be a problem for those who have compromised immune systems or who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

Wash your hands frequently, exercise caution when in crowds and stay home if you are symptomatic. If you have medical issues, be sure to check in with your healthcare professional to discuss your activity plans. If you are traveling out of the country, be sure to check requirements before you go.

Just When You Thought We Were Done ….

Outdoor activities are in season, and so are ticks and mosquitoes. COVID may be heading in the right direction, but tick-and mosquito-borne illnesses are on the rise. Be sure to remember to use repellant and cover-up when hiking. Tick checks at the end of the day need to be routine, long sleeves and pants are the fashion statement for evenings!

Have a fun and safe summer!!!

To Whom it May Concern,

In response to public comments received for the Becker Pond Dam Removal Project EENF (EEA# 16226), and associated Certificate of the Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, issued on July 31, 2020, The Nature Conservancy (TNC) has submitted this Single Environmental Impact Report for the Secretary’s review.

An electronic copy of the SEIR can be downloaded from this Google Drive link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/14_knxzP4rmuwLlJR-oUfQFpLl3fQWT2e/view?usp=sharing

A hard copy of the SEIR will be available for review at the Mount Washington Public Library. A limited number of hard copies are available upon request (on a first-come, first-served basis), from:

Sarah Barnum, BSC Group, Inc.
E-mail:  SBarnum@bscgroup.com
Phone: (617) 896-4420
Mail:     BSC Group Inc., Attn; Sarah Barnum,
150 Dow Street,
Manchester, NH 03101.

All comments on the SEIR must be received within thirty (30) days of publication of the availability of the SEIR in Environmental Monitor, by June 25, 2021. Comments can be submitted via the following channels:

1) MassDEP’s Public Comments Portal (this is the most efficient way to submit comments on MEPA projects): https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/EEA/PublicComment/Landing/

2) Email: Comments can be e-mailed directly to the Environmental Analyst reviewing the project (Anne Canaday –  anne.canaday@mass.gov). Please reference the project name and EEA# 16226 in the subject line of the e-mail.

3) Mail: Electronic comments are preferred; however, written comments may be mailed, or hand delivered to the MEPA office. Office hours are 9 AM – 5 PM. The mailing address is:

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA)
Attn: MEPA Office
Anne Canaday, EEA No.16226
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900
Boston MA 02114

If you have any questions regarding the SEIR submission, or require a hard copy of the submission, please contact me at (617) 896-4420, or SBarnum@bscgroup.com.

Sarah Barnum, Ph.D., CWB
Wildlife and Endangered Species Specialist
Ecological Services Manager – NH