BEAT: Volunteer Fieldwork

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) has been working to survey road-stream crossings and culverts throughout Berkshire County using the North Atlantic Aquatic Connectivity Collaborative (NAACC) protocol. 
 
These surveys play a crucial role in identifying which culverts and crossings require immediate attention, helping prioritize replacements based on urgency. Thus, addressing these challenges not only supports the conservation of fish and wildlife but also enhances transportation infrastructure and promotes road safety. 
 
This spring, BEAT is offering training to anyone interested in conducting volunteer fieldwork by surveying culverts and road-stream crossings. The first field day training is Tuesday, April 30. Space is limited. Anyone interested in getting trained and certified in the NAACC protocol through this BEAT-organized training should visit www.thebeatnews.org/BeatTeam/event/naacc-field-day-training/ to learn more or email team@thebeatnews.org with questions. 
 
This opportunity for NAACC training and certification is organized by Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and made possible by the Berkshire Cold, Clean, Connected (BCCC) partnership, a collaboration of organizations that develop ecological restoration projects in Berkshire rivers and streams that protect cold-water fisheries, remove barriers to aquatic connectivity, and enhance clean, healthy rivers throughout Berkshire County. 
 

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Dalton Fire District Approves Tentative Budget

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
DALTON, Mass. — The Fire District's Prudential Committee approved an anticipated budget of more than three million during its meeting last week. 
 
The district's projected budget amounts to $3,569,222.44, comprising the budgets for the commissioner, treasurer, Water Department, and Fire and Ambulance services. This is an increase of $44,542.44
 
The Board of Water Commissioners voted to recommend utilizing $375,000 from the funds raised by the ambulance to offset the amount to appropriate. 
 
The district's Board of Water Commissioners and Prudential Committee collaborated during the budgeting process to mitigate increases. 
 
The Fire Departments and Emergency Medical Services' budgets total is forecast at $1,847,512, a decrease of $26,096. 
 
The department initially requested a budget of $2,052,512. However, the board voted last week to remove Articles 22 through 24, which amounted to $205,000 in spending, until its free cash is certified.  
 
Article 22 requested $80,000 to create an apparatus replacement fund. 
 
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