BEN - October 16, 2008 #310

1. LNG Plan Withdrawn After Governor Riley's Concerns

2. League of Conservation Voters Release their 2008 Scorecard

3. Anniston to Atlanta Bike Trail Opens

4. Legacy Announces 2009 Grant Recipients

5. BEN Notes:  River Network Winter Training, Wolf Bay's Trash & Treasure/Plant Sale, Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night", Bays and Bayous Symposium, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River", Moss Rock Festival, AUFA Annual Conference, St. Mary's Harvest Supper, A Gala Evening in Honor of Jack Edwards

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BEN Recommended Websites to Visit

Solar Energy Becoming a Reality - From MIT

http://web.mit.edu/newsoffice/2008/oxygen-0731.html

Climate Crisis - What You Can Do 

http://www.climatecrisis.net/takeaction/whatyoucando/index6.html

Southern Appalachian Forest Coalition

http://www.safc.org

Environmental Education in Alabama 

http://www.eeinalabama.org

 

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Black Warrior Riverkeeper - Whole Foods Today

Here is a great reason to visit Whole Foods in Birmingham today.  Whole Foods Market is donating 5% of their sales today - October 21st to the Black Warrior Riverkeepers.  Today would be a great day to check Whole Foods out.

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1. LNG Plan Withdrawn After Governor Riley's Concerns - Last week, according to the Mobile Register, a Houston-based company has withdrawn its plans to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Gulf of Mexico after  Republican Governor Bob Riley expressed concerns over the facility's potential environmental impact.

TORP Technologies had proposed to build the terminal 63 miles south of Mobile and offered up to $30 million to the state to deal with potential damage to sea life created by the "open loop" process of heating the natural gas. The project caused concern among environmental and coastal conservation groups who argued the process would damage fisheries and marine life in the area.

The governor's action was praised by both the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama and Mobile Baykeeper.   "I felt strongly the governor would do the right thing for the state and for our fisheries.  I know this was the governor's call, and I'm so proud," stated Mobile Baykeeper's Casi Callaway in the Mobile Register.

2. League of Conservation Voters Release their 2008 Scorecard - With the end of the second session of the 110th Congress occurring this month, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has released it's annual national environmental scorecard.  Here is how the Alabama delegation scored:

Senator Richard Shelby - 18%

Senator Jeff Sessions - 18%

Rep. Jo Bonner - 0%

Rep. Terry Everett - 0%

Rep. Mike Rogers - 31%

Rep. Robert Aderholt - 0%

Rep. Bud Cramer - 77%

Rep. Spencer Bachus - 15%

Rep. Artur Davis - 92%

To access the entire scorecard, including descriptions of the  environmental "votes" to determine the scores, visit http://www.lcv.org/scorecard

3. Anniston to Atlanta Bike Trail Opens - Last month, after 20 years of work, the Chief Ladiga Trail in Alabama and Silver Comet Trail in Georgia connected, making it one of America's longest paved trails.

The entire trail, which is nearly 100 miles long starts on the Georgia side in the suburbs of Atlanta.  In Alabama, the trail begins in Anniston, passing through the city of Piedmont, Alabama, which now has become the junction between the Silver Comet/Chief Ladiga Trails and also the Pinhoti Trail, which has now linked up with the Appalachian Trail.  The Alabama effort was made possible by unprecedented regional and state cooperation involving four cities, two counties, Jacksonville State University, the state of Alabama, various federal agencies, countless volunteers and donors.

For more information about this great achievement visit, 

http://www.jsu.edu/news/July-Dec2008/10032008c.html

4. Legacy Announces 2009 Grant Recipients - Legacy (the folks with the environmental car tags) has announced their 2009 grant recipients.  This year, Legacy will give away more than $85,000 in grants to schools and environmental education programs.  Below are the 2009 recipients:

FY 2009 Competitive Grants

Munford Elementary School - Water Wonder Lab

University of Montevallo - University of Montevallo Observatory

Alabama 4-H Foundation - Teaching Equipment for the Ala- 4-H Environmental Science Center

Alabama Envirothon - Alabama Envirothon

Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Baldwin County Grasses in Classes Program

University of Montevallo - Ebenezar Swamp Boardwalk Interpretive Program

Alabama Department of Conservation's - Project WET, Project WILD and Project Aquatic Wild Workshops

YMCA Camp Cosby - Camp Cosby Avian Education Project

FY 2009 Mini-grants

Sand Mountain-Lake Guntersville Watershed - A Traveling "Show and Tell" on Conservation

Danville Middle School - "Green" Water

Pike County Office ACES - 2009 County Groundwater Festival

Mobile United Natural Resources Committee - Hurricane Preparedness Guide Coloring Book

Jefferson State Community College - Shelby County Living Laboratory

Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama - Girl Scouts Go Green

The Montessori School of Huntsville - A Legacy's Monarch Waystation Habitat

Coffee County Ground Water Partnership - Ground Water Festival

For additional information about Legacy and their programs, visit http://www.legacyenved.org/

5. BEN Notes:  River Network Winter Training, Wolf Bay's Trash & Treasure/Plant Sale, Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night", Bays and Bayous Symposium, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River" , Moss Rock Festival, AUFA Annual Conference, St. Mary's Harvest Supper, A Gala Evening in Honor of Jack Edwards

River Network Winter Training -  River Network will be holding several training sessions in Nashville Tennessee on December 10-12.  

For details visit - http://www.rivernetwork.org/news.php?NewsID=67

Wolf Bay's Trash & Treasure/Plant Sale - Wolf Bay Watershed Watch will be holding their annual Trash & Treasures/Plant Sale October 23-25 at the Miflin Community Center in Faihope, Alabama.  Please visit http://www.wolfbay.org for additional info.

Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night" - The Alabama Wildlife Center will be holding an educational event featuring "things that go bump in the night."  The event will be held on October 25th 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak Mountain State Park.  For details call Janet Byars at 205-663-7930 or visit http://www.awrc.org  .

Bays and Bayous Symposium - The Mississippi-Alabama Bays and Bayous Symposium will be held on October 28-29 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.  For complete information and registration materials, visit  http://www.mobilebaynep.com/site/Forefront/Bays%20and%20Bayous%20Save%20the%20Date.pdf

Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival - The Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Alabama Environmental Council will be hosting the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival on November 6th, 5:30PM at the McWane Center in Birmingham.  Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org/wild  for details.

Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River" - Sweetwater Brewing Company has launched a campaign throughout October called "Save the Black Warrior" to help raise funds and awareness for the Black Warrior Riverkeeper.  As part of the campaign local bars and businesses in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham will be selling paper fish to their clientele for $1 to $5, as well as special edition t-shirts.  The Tuscaloosa kickoff event will be on October 16th at Jupiter Bar and Grill (visit http://www.jupiteronthestrip.com)  For complete month-long details about this creative campaign go to http://www.savetheblackwarrior.com

Moss Rock Festival -  The annual Moss Rock Festival in Hoover, Alabama will be held on Nov. 1 & 2.  Check out all the details at http://www.mossrockfestival.com

 AUFA Annual Conference - The Alabama Urban Forestry Association will be holding their Annual Conference November 5-7 in Anniston, Alabama.  For details, visit http://www.aufa.com/convention/8.11Agenda.pdf

St. Mary's Harvest Supper - Please join St. Mary's on the Highlands Episcopal Church in Birmingham, Alabama on November 9th, 6:00PM  at 701-25th Street North in Birmingham for the Harvest Supper  in Fellowship with our neighbors at Jones Valley Farm ( http://www.jvuf.org ).  The event will benefit the Episcopal Church Women Outreach.   Food will be prepared by Daniel George Restaurant.  Minimum donation is $50.  For more info about this wonderful event Robin Kidd at rkidd@realtysouth.com .

A Gala Evening in Honor of Jack Edwards - The Weeks Bay Foundation is hosting "A Gala Evening in Honor of Jack Edwards," December 4th, 6:00 PM at the Fairhope Yacht Club.  Jack Edwards is a former Republican Congressman and the outgoing board chairman of the Foundation.  Tickets are $50.  For more information, go to http://www.weeksbay.org  or call 251-990-5004.

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The Bama Environmental News is edited and published by Pat Byington.  To receive back copies of BEN go to http://www.BamaNews.com .  If you would like to be removed

from this e-mail listserve contact BEN at pkbyington@aol.com .

Scenic Alabama Reception

Scenic Alabama held a reception in Birmingham earlier this month honoring "scenic" advocates throughout the state.  To learn more about Scenic Alabama visit - http://www.scenicalabama.org

 

Left to Right - BEN Publisher & Scenic Alabama Chair Pat Byington, Lisa Harris, Scenic Alabama Director, Kevin Fry, President of Scenic America and Ed McMahon, native Alabamian and founder of Scenic America

BEN Publisher Pat Byington Addresses Alabama Joint Legislative Committee for Water Policy and Management on Water

Members of the Alabama Environmental Community - leaders from Conservation Alabama, Nature Conservancy, Alabama WaterWatch,  Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Wilderness Society.

BEN Publisher Pat Byington addressed the Alabama Joint Legislative Committee for Water Policy and Management on September 23rd in Guntersville, Alabama.

Download the presentation 

WaterPresentation.doc

Colors of New Hampshire & Mount Washington's Summit

Just returned last week from New Hampshire after attending the Wilderness Society's Governing Council meeting.  

BEN - October 9, 2008 #309

(cut & paste links)

1) Watercress Darter Fish Kill in Birmingham

2) Alabama's Freshwater Biodiversity - Info from the Nature Conservancy

3) Birmingham Business Journal's Green Awards

4) Engineering News-Record Names Top Alabama Contractors

5) America's First Biofuels Corridor Opens In Mobile

6) Ruffner Mountain Construction Underway

7) BEN Notes: Help Wanted: Enviro Jobs Available, Renew Our Rivers Schedule, Alabama Heritage Wild and Rural Art Show, Weeks Bay Native Plant Sale, Baldwin County League of Women Voters "Critical Water Issues", Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night", Bays and Bayous Symposium, Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River" 

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Ecofest 10 Tonight

The Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham Southern College will be celebrating Ecofest 10 tonight, September 9th, 6pm at WorkPlay in Birmingham.  Don't miss this fantastic event and a chance to support environmental education.  Tickets are available at the door for $50.

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Thicket Magazine and Breast Cancer Awareness

Subscribe to Thicket during the months of October and November and 50% of the proceeds will go to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, North Central Alabama Affiliate. Look for the pink subscription cards inside the magazine (found in local Barnes & Noble and Books-A-Million bookstores around the state), or subscribe online. 

http://thicketmag.com/subscribe-today.php

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Check out Huntsville Times John Ehinger's Blog "Bird Droppings" 

http://blog.al.com/bird/

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1. Watercress Darter Fish Kill in Birmingham - Last month, city of Birmingham employees removed a dam in a Roebuck Springs pond that resulted in killing or stranding 11,760 endangered watercress darters.  The removal of the dam, at the edge of the pond, was done without consultation with federal agencies, according to the Birmingham News.  

Until the dam was breached, the park's 50 to 60 foot wide pond was home to the largest population of the federally protected watercress darter, which lives in only four known locations, all in Jefferson County.  The dam was removed because the pond occasionally flooded adjacent tennis courts.  

In coordination with the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service, a team of biologists have made recommendations in an effort to restore the darter's habitat.  Their recommendations can be found here - http://www.alabamarivers.org/press-room/headlines/scientific-reccommendations-for-roebuck-springs

To view "before and after" pictures of the pond and a detail story about this devastating incident, visit - http://blog.locustfork.net/tag/formal-investigation-launched-in-roebuck-fish-kill/ 

You can also read an op-ed BEN publisher Pat Byington wrote about the watercress darter in 2007.

http://www.bamanews.com/2007/07/bham-news-preserve-gods-tapestry-in.html

2. Alabama's Freshwater Biodiversity - Info from the Nature Conservancy -  How does Alabama rank nationally in freshwater biodiversity?  From the Nature Conservancy of Alabama:

Alabama Ranks 1st Nationally in Freshwater Biodiversity

1st - Freshwater Fishes - 317 species

1st - Freshwater Mussels - 178 species

1st - Freshwater Snails - 174 species

1st - Crayfish - 85 species

1st - Turtles - 27 species

Alabama Ranks 2nd in extinctions (1st in lower 48 states)

Number of species

                                         Extinct                 Extirpated               Total                             

Freshwater Mussels               27                         18                       45

Freshwater Snails                  39                          2                        41

Freshwater Fish                     2                            9                        11

Birds                                     3                            2                        5

Mammals                               0                            4                        4

____________________________________________________

Total                                   71                           35                     106

3. Birmingham Business Journal's Green Awards - The Birmingham Business Journal (BBJ) announced their Going Green Awards last week at a luncheon in downtown Birmingham.  The BBJ received 75 nominations in six categories.  The following are this year's winners:

Green Project of the Year - Hilltop Montessori School

Finalists - Red Mountain Park, Miller Gorrie Center, 4-H Environmental Center

Green Advocate of the Year - USGBC Alabama Chapter

Finalists - Cahaba River Society, HKW Associates

Green Builder of the Year - JohnsonKreis Construction

Finalists - Brasfield & Gorrie LLC, Stewart Perry

Green Business Leader of the Year - Ruffner Page, McWane Inc.

Finalists - Andy Fagan, WattStopper; Chris Lewis, L&S Enterprises; Joy Maples, Earth Creations

Green Educator of the Year - Scott Walton, Green Resource Center for Alabama

Finalists - Pete Conroy, Jacksonville State University; Homewood City Schools

Green Innovator of the Year - Trussville Springs

Finalists - Freshwater Land Trust, Seedco Financial

Check out the winners at - http://www.birminghambusinessjournal.com or order their Green Awards special edition by calling 205-322-0000.

4.  Engineering News-Record Names Top Alabama Contractors -  The construction trade magazine, Engineering News-Record, known for its industry lists, named five (5) Alabama Contractors to its list of the nation's Top 100 Green Contractors for 2008.

Published in its September 22nd issue, the listing was based on the volume of green projects worked on by contractors that have been  registered or certified based on sustainability.  An example of certification would be the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED) certifications.  Here is how the five Alabama companies ranked nationally:

#23 - Harbert International LLC of Birmingham

#26 - Caddell Construction Co. Inc. of Montgomery

#58 - BE&K Inc. of Birmingham

#89 - Hoar Construction LLC of Birmingham

5. America's First Biofuels Corridor Opens In Mobile - Earlier this week, the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and the ADECA-Energy Division, in partnership with Indiana, Kentucky and Tennessee state governments and businesses, opened up the nation's first Biofuels Corridor on I-65 beginning in Mobile and ending in Gary, Indiana.

There will now be thirty-two (32) E85 ethanol and eight (8) B20 biodisesel pumps throughout the 886 mile I-65 corridor. Fifteen (15) of the E85/B20 pumps  are located in Alabama.  E85 (85% Ethanol and 15% Gasoline) can be used in any vehicle designated to use "Flex Fuels."  A guide to determine if your vehicle is Flex-Fuel ready may be found at http://www.e85refueling.com .  B20 (20% Biodiesel, 80% petroleum based diesel) may be used in any diesel engine.

Alabama has been moving forward on several fronts in the past 2-3 years promoting alternative energy/fuels.  Some of those of those projects have included:

* City of Hoover is operating 85% of its vehicles on alternative fuels;

* "Grease to Biodiesel" programs implemented in Hoover, Montgomery, Daphne, and Gadsden;

* City of Auburn's 250 diesel vehicle fleet now uses biodiesel;

* Gulf Coast Energy opens and produces ethanol at their first cellulosic ethanol demonstration plant in Livingston, Alabama.

To learn more about the I-65 Biofuels Corridor and projects throughout Alabama, visit http://www.AlabamaCleanFuels.org

6. Ruffner Mountain Construction Underway - Exciting news from Ruffner Mountain. Stewart Perry has been awarded the contract by Ruffner Mountain Nature Center for construction of its new LEED certified Tree Top Visitor Center and Education Pavilion.  These “green” structures will replace the existing Visitor Center (a former residence) and small pavilion. The existing pavilion is being moved and rebuilt near Ruffner’s new wetland located off Ruffner Road.  

Construction began September 3 and is expected to be completed by early summer 2009.  The Visitor Center will contain new live wildlife exhibits (turtles, snakes, frogs & non-releasable birds of prey), a birdviewing window, a large multipurpose meeting/activity room, staff offices, restrooms, gift shop and a viewing deck.  The new Education Pavilion will have a large space for programs, restroom facilities, a vending area with adjacent picnic deck and storage space.  Already completed is a 3 acre wetland with an ADA accessible boardwalk/trail winding through it located on the Irondale side of the mountain.  A new access road to the wetland has been surveyed but no construction date has been announced. Ruffner’s Board of Directors is completing its capital campaign for this $5.5 million Phase I of a 2005 Master Plan for expansion.  The nature trails and existing Visitor Center will remain open to the public during construction. 

  

7. BEN Notes: Help Wanted: Enviro Jobs Available, Renew Our Rivers Schedule, Alabama Heritage Wild and Rural Art Show, Weeks Bay Native Plant Sale, Baldwin County League of Women Voters "Critical Water Issues", Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night", Bays and Bayous Symposium,  Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival, Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River" 

Help Wanted: Enviro Jobs Available - There are several jobs available within the environmental community this fall.  Here are links to the latest listings:

Mobile Bay National Estuary Program Director Position Open - 

http://www.mobilebaynep.com/site/Forefront/Director_Ad-09-08.pdf

Conservation Alabama hiring an Outreach Director  -http://www.conservationalabama.org/index.asp?Type=B_PR&SEC={B8BDE2CD-75C7-49F3-B613-2ABEBFB938E1}&DE={3FB4D8FE-4A5C-4372-8456-950FD47298F5}

Alabama Rivers Alliance seeking Program Director -

http://www.alabamarivers.org/careers/job-opening-program-director-for-the-alabama-rivers-alliance

Coastal Wonders seeking Assistant Program Director - 

http://www.coastalwonders.org/images/stories/Microsoft_Word_-_Assistant_Program_Director_Job_Announcement_-_2008.pdf

Renew Our Rivers Schedule - Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers Program has enlisted  in 2008 more than 5000 volunteers picking up 750,000 pounds of trash. Here are the remaining cleanups in 2008 with contact info included:

October 10 - Locust Fork (Birmingport boat ramp and Plant Miller holding pond - Brandon Patrick, 205-288-4562;

October  20-22 - Smith Lake at the Smith Dam boat launch - Jim Beason 205-387-2654;

October 25 - Lake Mitchell (Coosa River) at Higgins Ferry Park, 8:00 am - Larry Waldron 205 987-7217 or Doug Martin, 205 755-0863;

Alabama Heritage Wild and Rural Art Show - Join with conservationists, hunters, anglers, farmers, artists and all lovers of nature for a creative celebration of the wild diversity of Alabama - October 11th, 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM at the Blackwood Gallery in Springville, Alabama.  The event - Alabama Heritage Wild and Rural Art Show is sponsored by the Alabama Sierra Club's Sustainable Agriculture and Hunter/Angler Campaigns.

Weeks Bay Native Plant Sale - The 15th Annual Native Plant Sale at Weeks Bay is scheduled to be held at Safe Harbor (across from the Weeks Bay Reserve across Hwy 98) on October 10-12 from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Baldwin County League of Women Voters "Critical Water Issues" - On October 23rd, 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM the League of Women Voters of Baldwin County will be holding a forum on "Critical Water Issues" at the Adult Activity Center, 260 Clubhouse Dr. in Gulf Shores, Alabama.  Featured speaker - Dr. George Crozier.

Alabama Wildlife Center "Creatures of the Night" - The Alabama Wildlife Center will be holding an educational event featuring "things that go bump in the night."  The event will be held on October 25th 1:00 to 5:00 PM at the Alabama Wildlife Center in Oak Mountain State Park.  For details call Janet Byars at 205-663-7930 or visit http://www.awrc.org  .

Bays and Bayous Symposium - The Mississippi-Alabama Bays and Bayous Symposium will be held on October 28-29 at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center in Biloxi, Mississippi.  For complete information and registration materials, visit  http://www.mobilebaynep.com/site/Forefront/Bays%20and%20Bayous%20Save%20the%20Date.pdf

Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival - The Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Alabama Environmental Council will be hosting the Wild and Scenic Environmental Film Festival on November 6th, 5:30PM at the McWane Center in Birmingham.  Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org/wild  for details.

Sweetwater Brewing Company "Save the Black Warrior River" - Sweetwater Brewing Company has launched a campaign throughout October called "Save the Black Warrior" to help raise funds and awareness for the Black Warrior Riverkeeper.  As part of the campaign local bars and businesses in Tuscaloosa and Birmingham will be selling paper fish to their clientele for $1 to $5, as well as special edition t-shirts.  The Tuscaloosa kickoff event will be on October 16th at Jupiter Bar and Grill (visit http://www.jupiteronthestrip.com)  For complete month-long details about this creative campaign go to http://www.savetheblackwarrior.com

The Passerini Tree

                                                                                        (Click to enlarge picture)

If you ever get a chance to visit the University of Alabama campus in Tuscaloosa, check out the Passerini Tree in front of New College's  Carmichael Hall.

Dr. Ed Passerini is now living in Florida, but his legacy lives on through New College, and countless environmental groups, leaders and students in Alabama he touched and enriched for more than 35 years. 

BEN - September 19, 2008 #308

The '"Alabama" piece embedded on the side of the Chicago Tribune Building

(Cut & Paste links)

1. Alabama Ranks 3rd Nationally for Imperiled Fish - From the Birmingham News, Alabama has been ranked third nationally for imperiled fish species according to the first continent-wide study of fishes in 19 years. The report, which was published in the most recent edition of  Fisheries Magazine, was prepared by the American Fisheries Society's Endangered Species Committee.  

Here are some of the reports findings:

* In Alabama, the Tennessee River basin is first  on the continent in the number of imperiled species of fish with 58.  The Mobile River basin is second with 57.

* The southeastern United States leads in imperiled fish, with species declining faster than in the rest of North America.

* Approximately 39% of described fish species of the continent are imperiled with 230 categorized as vulnerable, 190 threatened, and 280 endangered.

* Nationally, endangered fish have increased from 103 to 280 species since the first study in 1989.  And the number of subspecies in trouble have tripled in 19 years.

* Of the species of fish that were considered imperiled in 1989, 89% are in the same or worse in conservation status; only 6% have improved in status.

The main cause for the number of imperiled fish species in Alabama and the Southeast was the construction of dams decades ago, which altered and damaged aquatic habitat.  Declining water quality attributed to silt and increased land disturbances in the rapidly growing South are also a primary cause for the high number of imperiled fish.

Check out the entire Birmingham News story written by environment reporter Katherine Bouma at:

http://www.al.com/news/birminghamnews/index.ssf?/base/news/1221552935282610.xml&coll=2

2. Coastal Partnership to Provide $1.5 Million for Habitat Restoration - In August, the Alabama Department of Conservation State Lands Division and Dauphin Island Sea Lab announced a historic research and conservation partnership to construct shoreline restoration projects at two sites: the northeast shoreline of Point aux Pins and the undeveloped shoreline on the southwest side of the Boggy Point boat ramp site in Orange Beach.  Both projects will utilize oyster shell breakwaters to protect eroding shorelines and promote the re-establishment of marsh plants and seagrasses.

Additionally, a seagrass restoration project in Little Lagoon, adjacent to the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge will be significantly expanded.  

These projects have been made possible by a post-Hurricane Katrina fisheries restoration grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.  For more information about Dauphin Island Sea Lab's efforts, visit http://www.disl.org  .

3. Men's Health Magazine Greenest Drivers Grades - Montgomery D+  Bham.  F  -  Who has the "Greenest Drivers" in the U.S.?  According to a Men's Health Magazine study the title goes to Seattle, Washington.  Unfortunately, Alabama did not fare to well in the study with Montgomery receiving a D+ and a 79th ranking out of 100 U.S. Metro cities.  Birmingham actually ranked lower, scoring a "F"  and ranking 96th out 100.

As the magazine put it - "To identify which cities are driving us to extinction, we tabulated data on gasoline consumption, miles racked up annually, air quality (ozone and particle pollutants), vehicle efficiency (that is their size, age, and frequency of tune-ups) and mass transit quality and usage." The magazine compiled studies from the American Lung Association, National Transit Database, Energy Information Administration and the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M to come up with its ranking.

You can access the study at the following link:  http://www.menshealth.com/metrogrades/08_july_cars/cars.html

4. Alabama Ranks 7th Worst Nationally For Littering According to a Recent Study - According to a study produced by Texas State University researcher Steve Spacek, Alabama ranks 7th worst nationally in addressing litter.  Using eight objective factors and four subjective factors, Alabama rated low because it does not have a litter tax, a beverage container law and for the percentage of litter/debris related fatal wrecks caused by highway debris such as blown tires, treads and vehicle parts.  Here is a links to the study titled the American State Litter Scorecard.

http://www.dot.state.mn.us/adopt/files/AmericanStateLitterScorecard.pdf

This past year, the Alabama Legislature has convened a new anti-litter commission, which is scheduled to report to the Legislature  by November 1, 2010.

5. BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon's Mini-Grant Program, Mark Berte: Alabama's 1901 Constitution, "Moon Over Three Caves" in Huntsville, Alabama Coastal Cleanup, ARA's River Revival, Cahaba by Moonlight, Gateway to Greenspace, The Southern Environmental Center's EcoFest, JSU Canyon Center Sneak Peak Tour, John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest

Birmingham Audubon's Mini-Grant Program - The Birmingham Audubon Society is offering $300 mini-grants to support conservation and environmental education in Jefferson and Shelby counties.  Learn how to apply for the grants by visiting their website at http://www.birminghamaudubon.org  The deadline for applications is September 27th.

Mark Berte: Alabama's 1901 Constitution - Check out tonight (Sept 18th) Alabama Constitution Reform leader Mark Berte, at the Birmingham Audubon Society's monthly meeting. The topic of the 7:00 presentation at the Birmingham Zoo is "Alabama's Constitution: It's a Thick Book and a Big Impact on the Environment"

"Moon Over Three Caves" in Huntsville - Join the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama, this Saturday, September 20, 7:30-11:00 pm. at the Historic Three Caves in Huntsville for the Moon Over Three Caves Dance  The environmental event of the year in Huntsville!  Reserve your tickets today by calling 256-534-LAND  (5263).

Alabama Coastal Cleanup - The Alabama Coastal Cleanup will be held this year on September 20 - 8 a.m. to Noon.  Contact Amy King at 251-928-9792 or amy.king@dcnr.alabama.gov for details.

ARA's/Locust Fork's River Revival - Friends of Locust Fork and the Alabama Rivers Alliance's  will be hosting their 3rd annual River Revival Outdoor Music Festival, Sunday, September 21, 1:00 to 6:00pm at King's Bend on the Locust Fork River in Cleveland, Alabama. Visit http://www.alabamarivers.org  for additional details.

Cahaba by Moonlight - Don't miss Cahaba by Moonlight  on  September 25th  at the Historic Carraway - Davie House and Conference Center.  A wonderful event, proceeds benefit the efforts of the Cahaba River Society.  For more information, visit http://www.cahabariversociety.org or call 322-5326.

Gateway to Greenspace - The Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham will be holding the 2008 Building Communities Conference - Gateway to Greenspace: Connecting Citizens, Governments, & Businesses  on October 2nd, 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at the McWane Science Center in Birmingham.  For details call Tom Maxwell at 205-264-8445 /tmaxwell@rpcgb.org  or visit http://www.rpcgb.org

The Southern Environmental Center's EcoFest - The Southern Environmental Center at Birmingham Southern College will be holding their 10th Annual Ecofest event benefiting the Center on October 9th at Workplay in Birmingham.  For additional details and ticket information call 205-226-4934.

JSU Canyon Center Sneak Peak Tour - The JSU Canyon Center will be holding a Sneak Peak tour on the afternoon of Sunday, October 19th.  Call the JSU Environmental Policy and Information Center for details at 256-782-5681 and check out the center at http://epic.jsu.edu/lrc/center.html

John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest - Mark your calendars for the 5th Annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest to be held on October 16-18.  Check it out at  http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

10,512 Shoes - National Geographic World Record

Traveling to Washington, DC last month I came upon this site directly across from The Wilderness Society's office in front of the National Geographic Museum.

Here is the story about the world record.  

http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/Stories/MoreStories/Guinness-shoes  (cut & paste link)

BEN - July 28, 2008 #307

The pier at Five Rivers in Spanish Fort, Alabama

(links - cut & paste)

Take Pride Statewide Conference - August 12-13 at Samford University

Football great Bart Starr and First Lady Patsy Riley are teaming up with Auntie Litter, holding the first ever Take Pride Statewide Conference for litter prevention at Samford University in Birmingham on August 12-13. It has also been announced that Senator Jeff Sessions will also be addressing the event. Please  register today at http://www.TakePrideStatewide.org  or call 205-879-3009.

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Project CATE

Now Available Skeeter's Wild Adventures, the second in the series of conservation curriculum by The Project CATE Foundation.  Skeeter's Wild Adventures includes conservation information about mammals, fishes, birds, reptiles and amphibians in the Southeast.  Produced and programmed by Educational Concepts, Skeeter's is an interactive CD Rom suitable for all ages and all grades.  The Project CATE Foundation and Educational Concepts spent eight years in production following the release of Ribbet's Big Splash in 2000.  You can order either CD online, free of charge to teachers, at http://www.projectcate.com or contact the Project CATE Foundation, Inc., c/o Neil Johnston, P.O. Box 123, Mobile, Alabama, 36601, or email njohnston@handarendall.com

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1. Alabama Health Department Issues Fish Consumption Advisories - According to an Alabama Department of Public Health press release last week, the agency added new fish consumption advisories for  12 bodies of water in Alabama.  The Health Department annually updates fish consumption advisories based on data collected the preceding fall by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management.

Beginning with the 2007 advisories, the Department of Health adopted a contaminant level for mercury in fish that would protect those who might consider eating more than one fish meal per week.  This new standard which was produced by the US Environmental Protection Agency is 4 times more protective than the previous standard.  

The areas where the new advisories have been issued are: Choccolocco Creek - Calhoun County, Choccolocco Creek - Talladega County, Choctawhatchee River - Geneva County, Frank Jackson Lake - Covington County, Lake Jackson - Covington County, Lewis Smith Reservoir - Cullman County, Lewis Smith Reservoir - Winston County, North River - Tuscaloosa County, Pea River - Geneva County, Sepulga River - Escambia County, Lake Tuscaloosa County

Please visit http://www.adph.org  (here is the pdf file - http://www.adph.org/news/Default.asp?id=514 ) to receive detailed information about new and previous advisories (there are 32 additional bodies of water listed) that are still in place, the specific locations of the advisories and the recommended consumption level.

2. Tuscaloosa County to Preserve 250 Acres of Hurricane Creek - In cooperation with the Tuscaloosa County Park and Recreation Authority (PARA), the Tuscaloosa County Commission voted this week to purchase 250 acres along Hurricane Creek, including an environmentally sensitive section known as the M Bend (near Alabama Hwy 216 Bridge over Hurricane Creek). The land will be used as a public park. 

The property is being bought from the Trust for Public Land, a national, nonprofit land conservation group based in Tennessee.  The organization recently purchased  the land from a Tuscaloosa family.  According to the Tuscaloosa News, the goal behind the land purchase is to preserve and protect the land and the creek.  The land has been a popular site for canoeing and swimming and is know for its rare wildlife and rock formations. 

"This is probably the biggest thing that has ever happened environmentally in this county," stated John Wathen, director of Friends of Hurricane Creek in the News.

3. Cooper Family Preserves Land Near Little River Canyon National Preserve - Earlier this month the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama announced that they have received a donation of 23 acres of land  near Little River Canyon National Preserve, by the family of the late Jerome  "Buddy" Cooper.

The land, which is on the east bend of the Little River West Fork between Mentone and above Desoto Falls State Park in DeKalb County, was owned by Buddy Cooper, a prominent Alabama lawyer who served Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black, represented labor unions in the turbulent 1950's-60's, and was an environmental pioneer leading the Ruffner Mountain Nature Center and campaigning for the Sipsey Wilderness.  There is a wonderful story about Cooper's life and love of the land on the Land Trust's website at http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/CooperMentone.htm

4. NOAA Plans To Invest $1 Million Restoring Alabama's Shorelines - Last month, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced plans to invest $1 million over three years to help restore Alabama's Mobile Bay, partnering with local organizations and citizens to reverse the loss of wetlands caused by coastal development.

As part of the innovative restoration practice, "Living Shorelines," projects are already planned for Luscher Park on Dog River in Mobile County and an Alabama Oyster Reef and Fisheries Habitat Enhancement Program. Some of the local partners in this effort include the University of South Alabama, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and various local community organizations.

Through NOAA's Restoration Center, more than $7 million has been invested in the state of Alabama since 1999.  Altogether these projects have restored numerous salt marshes and seagrass, created oyster reefs, and educated coastal communities about the value of habitat and restoration.  Overall the program has engaged more than 1,100 volunteers and resulted in the restoration of approximately 90 acres of coastal habitat.

5. Birmingham's Citywide Cleanup Nets 200 Million Pounds Of Rubbish -  Here are some stunning numbers out of Birmingham on the amount of rubbish the city has hauled away from it's 23 in 23 citywide cleanup program.  According to a Birmingham News report, the city this year in the first 6 months, has disposed of 100,142 (200 million pounds) of rubbish, cut and cleared 2311 lots, cleaned 607 ditches and towed away 835 cars.

"We've cleaned things in the last six months that in some cases haven't been cleaned in 20 or 30 years," said Don Lupo of the Mayor's Office of Citizens Assistance. 

The 23 in 23 program was of the first projects instituted by Birmingham Mayor Larry Langford when he entered into office late last year.

6.  Alabama's Scenic River Trail Designated National Recreational Trail - The new 631 mile Alabama Scenic River Trail - a boating trail that stretches from the Coosa River in Northeast Alabama to Fort Morgan, has been designated a National Recreational Trail by the Department of Interior.  The river trail, which is billed as the nation's longest in one state is one of over a 1000 trails that have received the designation.

To learn how to trek the length of the Alabama Scenic River Trail, visit their website at http://www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com

7. BEN Notes: Alabama Rivers Alliance Save & Share, Alabama Coastal Cleanup, Moon Over Three Caves Dance in Huntsville, Friends of Locust Fork's River Revival Outdoor Festival, John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest, My Energy Potential Website

Alabama Rivers Alliance Save & Share - Join the Alabama Rivers Alliance (ARA) and participating organizations in their Summer Save & Share Campaign.  All you have to do to participate is to implement some of the water-saving tips that can be found on the ARA website at http://www.alabamarivers.org, watch your water bills to see how much water and money you save, then donate the savings to the ARA or one of the participating groups.  As a special incentive, Good People Brewing Company, a new brewery that has opened  in downtown Birmingham, has agreed to match any Save and Share donations.

Alabama Coastal Cleanup - The Alabama Coastal Cleanup will be held this year on September 20 - 8 a.m. to Noon.  Contact Amy King at 251-928-9792 or amy.king@dcnr.alabama.gov for details.

Moon Over Three Caves Dance in Huntsville - Save the Date!  The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama will be holding their annual Moon Over Three Caves Dance - September 20, 7:30-11:00 pm at Historic Three Caves.  Please make reservations by calling 256-534-5263 or visit http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/moon_dance.htm  for details.

Friends of Locust Fork's River Revival Outdoor Festival - Save the Date! The Friends Locust Fork will be hosting their 3rd annual River Revival Outdoor Music Festival, Sunday, September 21, 1:00 to 6:00pm at King's Bend on the Locust Fork River in Cleveland, Alabama.

John L. Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest - Marl your calendars for the 5th Annual Alabama Coastal Birdfest to be held on October 16-18.  Check it out at  http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

My Energy Potential Website - BEN reader Tabetha Reyes has developed a fantastic website about green buildings and saving energy.  Check it out at  http://www.myenergypotential.com