BEN - Bama Environmental News

Thursday, August 11, 2011

BEN - August 11, 2011 #362

Rush Darter

Special in this Edition: Save Alabama Water Watch, WIAT Birmingham - Deadly Deception (video), Weeks Bay 12th Annual Photography Contest Winners, ADEM Scrap Tire Cleanup Program Removes 1 Million Tires in Baldwin County, Five Fish to Receive Endangered Status, Moon Dance at Three Caves - Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama

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Save Alabama Water Watch

http://www.alabamawaterwatch.org/save_aww.html

WIAT Birmingham - Deadly Deception (video)

http://www.cbs42.com/content/cbs42/story/Deadly-Deception/gLYJ-c2sDkuzt3Oj6ba26g.cspx

Environmental Education Association of Alabama Call for 2012 Conference Proposals

http://www.eeaa.us/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=136:proposals-sought-for-2012-conference&catid=92:important-info

Weeks Bay 12th Annual Photography Contest Winners

http://www.weeksbay.org/12_photo/winners_12th.html

Friends of Hurricane Creek - Recovering from the April 27th Tornado (video)

http://www.hurricane-creek.org/

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Op-eds, Links, Audio and Videos

Cleaning up Dog River (Jeff Dute Column)

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2011/08/we_are_solution_to_dog_river_l.html

Latest Ecoviews by Whit Gibbon

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110807/NEWS/110809856/1218/opinion01?Title=ECOVIEWS-Cowbirds-thrive-by-leaving-their-nest-mates-alone

My Green Birmingham Website

http://www.mygreenbirmingham.com

News Across Alabama

EPA Studies North Birmingham Air

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/08/epa_studies_air_in_north_birmi.html

ADEM Scrap Tire Cleanup Program Removes 1 Million Tires in Baldwin County

http://www.adem.state.al.us/newsEvents/pressreleases/2011/RobertsdaleCleanup.pdf

Restore the Gulf Coast Act of 2011

http://joinacf.org/blog/view/hallelujah-we-have-a-bill

TVA & Southern Alliance for Clean Energy Disagree Over Nuclear Power

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/08/tva_southern_alliance_for_clea.html

Five Fish to Receive Endangered Status

http://blog.locustfork.net/2011/08/endangered-status-goes-through-for-five-southeastern-fish-species/

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110810/news/110819990

Protecting Dauphin Island

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/08/forever_protection_for_dauphin.html

Events & Job Openings

Alabama Wildlife Federation Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/events/

5 Rivers- Alabama's Delta Resource Center Events

http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/events/

Renew Our Rivers 2011 Calendar

http://www.alabamapower.com/lakes/schedule.asp

Friends of Shades Creek Calender

http://www.shadescreek.org/

Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama's Rock the Trails Series

http://landtrustnal.org/wzyp-mountain-high-outfitters-and-sierra-mist-rock-the-trails-series/

Green Building Focus Events - July 14 (Huntsville), August 12 (Montgomery), Sept. 15-16 (Birmingham)

http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com/

Sustain Our State - August 16th, Linn Park in Birmingham

http://www.lwval.org/

2011 Lead Based Paint Symposium - August 24, 3:00-6:00 Birmingham Botanical Gardens

No fee - Lonnie Pressley, Jefferson County Public Health, lonnie.pressley@jcdh.org

Freshwater Land Trust's Land Aid - August 25th, Bottletree Cafe in Birmingham

http://birmingham365.org/event/detail/441394233/Land_Aid

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Sept. 8th in Birmingham

http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/wild-and-scenic-film-festival

Landmark Park Low Country Boil Fundraiser - September 15th

http://landmarkpark.com/events.html#current

Moon Dance at Three Caves - Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama - September 17th

http://landtrustnal.org/moon-over-three-caves-dance/

Cocktails for the Coast - September 25th

http://joinacf.org/index.php?/what-we-do/cocktails-for-the-coast

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Wild Game Cook-off Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/hunting/?pageID=58

Cahaba River Society's "Fry Down" Sept. 25th in Trussville

http://www.frydown.com/

John Borom Alabama Coastal Birdfest - October 6-8

http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com

Southern Environmental Center Ecofest - October 6th at Workplay in Birmingham, Alabama

Take Pride Statewide Annual Conference - October 11-12

http://www.auntielitter.org/takepridestatewide.html

Monday, August 01, 2011

BEN - August 1, 2011 #361

Russell Cave National Monument

Special in this Edition: Dr. Larry Davenport's Nature Journal - Order the book today, Deadly Deception Series by WIAT Birmingham - (videos), Alabama Ranks 12th Nationally in Air Emissions, SELC & Alabama Rivers Alliance Update Alabama Clean Water Agenda, Samford Grad Sets Appalachian Trail Record, Free Car Emissions Testings in Birmingham

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Dr. Larry Davenport's Nature Journal - Order the book today

http://www.uapress.ua.edu/product/Nature-Journal,4863.aspx

NOAA's - The New Normal

http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2011/20110629_newnormals.html

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Op-eds, Links, Audio and Videos

Deadly Deception Series by WIAT Birmingham - (videos)

http://www.cbs42.com/content/special/pollution/deadly/default.aspx

Polluted Schools (WBHM audio)

http://www.wbhm.org/News/2011/PollutedSchools

State Needs Water Resource Plan (Auburn/Opelika News Editorial)

http://www2.oanow.com/news/2011/jul/25/editorial-state-needs-strong-water-resource-plan-ar-2186078/

Alabama Power and Solar Power (slideshow)

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/07/alabama_power_testing_solar_po.html

Jefferson County's Top Air Emitters (slideshow)

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/blog/2011/07/which-jeffco-plants-have-the-most-air.html?s=image_gallery

Anniston Star Clean Water Editorial

http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/14860855/article-Protecting-our-water--Alabama-must-ensure-that-it-doesn’t-waste-this-natural-resource?instance=home_opinion

Michael Mullen's Clean Water Op-ed - Montgomery Advertiser

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110724/OPINION0101/107230340/Alabama-Voices-Dirty-waters-harmful-everyone?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7COpinion%7Cs

News Across Alabama

SELC & Alabama Rivers Alliance Update Alabama Clean Water Agenda

http://www.southernenvironment.org/newsroom/press_releases/2011-07-13_conservation_groups_call_to_action_al_waters/

Gopher Tortoise Federal Protections Reduced

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/07/no_federal_protection_for_goph.html

Alabama Ranks 12th Nationally in Air Emissions

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2011/07/21/alabama-ranks-no-12-on-toxic-20-list.html

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/07/watchdog_report_alabama_ranked.html

Samford Grad Sets Appalachian Trail Record

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/07/samford_grad_sets_record_for_f.html

Trashing Dog River (Mobile Register)

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/07/trashing_dog_river.html

Black Warrior Riverkeeper Reacts to Shepherd Bend Appeal

http://blackwarriorriver.org/releases/2011_PressRelease_ShepherdBendMineRuling_July_22.pdf

Events & Job Openings

Alabama Environmental Council Seeking Recycling operator

http://aeconline.org/operator

Free Car Emissions Testings in Birmingham

http://alabamacleanair.org/calendar/

Air Quality Awareness Week Starting August 1st - Ending August 6th at Railroad Park

http://alabamacleanair.org/community/events/

5 Rivers- Alabama's Delta Resource Center Events

http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/events/

Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama's Rock the Trails Series

http://landtrustnal.org/wzyp-mountain-high-outfitters-and-sierra-mist-rock-the-trails-series/

Green Building Focus Events - July 14 (Huntsville), August 12 (Montgomery), Sept. 15-16 (Birmingham)

http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com/

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Sept. 8th in Birmingham

http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/wild-and-scenic-film-festival

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Wild Game Cook-off Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/hunting/?pageID=58

Cahaba River Society's "Fry Down" Sept. 25th in Trussville

http://www.frydown.com/

Take Pride Statewide Annual Conference - October 11-12 (Early registration deadline special July 31st)

http://www.auntielitter.org/takepridestatewide.html

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

BEN - July 12, 2011 #360

Special in this Edition: Alabama Wildlife Federation Announce Governor Conservation Achievement Awards, Mobile Baykeeper's New Public Service Announcement, Hulsey Little River Trust Saves 13 Acres in Little River Watershed, Trees for Alabama: Forestry Commission and Arbor Day Foundation Join Forces to Replant Trees, Toxics Substances Found at New Bham School

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Alabama Wildlife Federation Announce Governor Conservation Achievement Awards

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/news/?newsID=68

Mobile Baykeeper's New Public Service Announcement

http://vimeo.com/9989187

Freshwater Land Trust's Our One Mile Community Walk

http://communitywalk.com/OurOneMile

Eco-Three

http://eco-three.com/

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Op-eds, Links, Audio and Videos

Alabama Rivers Alliance Director Cindy Lowery - Water Management

http://blog.al.com/press-register-commentary/2011/07/alabama_needs_comprehensive_wa.html

Eco-Views - Whit Gibbons

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110710/NEWS/110709718/1218/opinion01?Title=ECOVIEWS-Global-climate-change-is-an-unfortunate-reality

Times-Journal Nuclear Power Editorial

http://times-journal.com/opinion/article_87a95414-abfb-11e0-9415-001cc4c002e0.html

Bham News Eddie Lard Water Resource Column

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/07/your_view_tri-state_dispute_sh.html

Bham News Editorial - New School Soil Contamination Case

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/07/our_view_soil_contamination_at.html

Gaillard Island Birds Bounce Back (Photo Gallery)

http://photos.al.com/4464/gallery/gaillard_island_birds_bounce_back/index.html

Tom Cosby Op-ed Maine to Alabama Appalachian Trail

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/07/viewpoints_birmingham_trailhea.html

Alabama and the Oil Spill: The Domino Effect (audio)

http://wbhm.org/News/2011/OilDomino.html

News Across Alabama

Hulsey Little River Trust Saves 13 Acres in Little River Watershed

http://www.hlrt.org

Mobile-Tensaw Delta's Giant Cypress Trees

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/07/giant_cypress_delta_lost_forest.html

Trees for Alabama: Forestry Commission and Arbor Day Foundation Join Forces to Replant Trees

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/07/alabama_tornadoes_groups_encou.html

http://www.arborday.org/takeaction/alabama/index.cfm?Breadcrumb=homepageright

Fultondale Passes "Gold Standard" Anti Smoking Ordinance

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/07/fultondale_passes_gold_standar.html

Toxics Substances Found at New Bham School

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/07/toxic_substances_found_in_soil.html

Partners for Environmental Progress Wins EPA's Gulf Guardian Award

http://www.pepmobile.org/

Events & Job Openings

Fresh Air Family Seeking Central Alabama Event Coordinator

Send resume to: verna@freshairfamily.org

5 Rivers- Alabama's Delta Resource Center Events

http://www.dcnr.state.al.us/outdoor-adventures/5rivers/events/

Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama's Rock the Trails Series

http://landtrustnal.org/wzyp-mountain-high-outfitters-and-sierra-mist-rock-the-trails-series/

Sweetwater "Save the Gulf" Finale July 21st, 7:00 at Callaghans Irish Social Club

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=241696702524483

Green Building Focus Events - July 14 (Huntsville), August 12 (Montgomery), Sept. 15-16 (Birmingham)

http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com/

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Sept. 8th in Birmingham

http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/wild-and-scenic-film-festival

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Wild Game Cook-off Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/hunting/?pageID=58

Cahaba River Society's "Fry Down" Sept. 25th in Trussville

http://www.frydown.com/

Take Pride Statewide Annual Conference - October 11-12 (Early registration deadline special July 31st)

http://www.auntielitter.org/takepridestatewide.html

Thursday, June 30, 2011

BEN - July 1, 2011 #359

Russell Cave National Monument in Bridgeport, Alabama

Special in this Edition: Mobile Register Op-ed by Casi Callaway "One goal: Restore environment and economy," Alabama Rivers Alliance & SELC Response to Water War Court Decision, Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Receives LEED Gold, Dothan City Schools to Make Buildings Greener, Fresh Air Family Seeking Central Alabama Event Coordinator, Green Building Focus Events

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Fresh Air Family

http://www.freshairfamily.org

Partners for Environmental Progress Wins Gulf of Mexico Program Gulf Guardian Award

http://www.pepmobile.com/2011%20Events/PEP%20Wins%20Gulf%20Guardian%20Award%20press%20release%206-22-11.pdf

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Op-eds, Links, Audio and Videos

Mobile Register Op-ed by Casi Callaway "One goal: Restore environment and economy"

http://mobilebaykeeper.org/news/one-goal-restore-environment-and-economy

Hunter Nichols Paddling From Birmingham to the Coast

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/06/the_long_paddle_hunter_nichols.html

WBHM "Gulf Watch" Series (audio)

http://wbhm.org/News/2011/GulfWatch.html

E.O Wilson - Lord of the Ants

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/06/the_ant_freaks_descend.html

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/04/lord_of_the_ants_eo_wilson_com.html (video)

Alabama Rivers Alliance & SELC Response to Water War Court Decision

http://www.alabamarivers.org/press-room/headlines/alabama-rivers-alliance-and-southern-environmental-law-center-water-wars-ruling-exposes-lack-of-water-resource-planning-in-alabama

Five Star Restoration Grants Announced

http://mobilebaykeeper.org/news/projects-southeast-receive-five-star-restoration-grants-two-alabama

News Across Alabama

Little River Canyon National Preserve Expands 650 Acres Thanks to The Nature Conservancy

http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/alabama/newsroom/nature-conservancy-transfers-650-acres-to-the-national-park-service-1.xml

Court Strengthens Georgia's Position in Water War

http://www.ajc.com/news/water-ruling-strengthens-georgias-992527.html

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110628/wire/110629699

Ruffner Mountain Nature Center Receives LEED Gold

http://www.bizjournals.com/birmingham/news/2011/06/30/ruffners-nature-center-gets-leed-gold.html

ADEM Recycling Grants Near $5 million

http://www.adem.state.al.us/newsEvents/pressreleases/2011/Recyclinggrants.pdf

Dothan City Schools to Make Buildings Greener

http://www2.dothaneagle.com/news/2011/jun/23/schools-getting-green-remodel-ar-2019980/

Auburn Studies Alabama Beaches After Oil Spill

http://blog.al.com/live/2011/06/auburn_study_finds_molecular_l.html

Southeast Renewables to Recycle and Reuse 80% of Tornado Debris

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/06/storm_debris_recycling_program.html

Events & Job Openings

Fresh Air Family Seeking Central Alabama Event Coordinator

Send resume to: verna@freshairfamily.org

Green Building Focus Events - July 14 (Huntsville), August 12 (Montgomery), Sept. 15-16 (Birmingham)

http://www.greenbuildingfocus.com/

Wild & Scenic Film Festival - Sept. 8th in Birmingham

http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/wild-and-scenic-film-festival

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Wild Game Cook-off Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/hunting/?pageID=58

Cahaba River Society's "Fry Down" Sept. 25th in Trussville

http://www.frydown.com/

Take Pride Statewide Annual Conference - October 11-12 (Early registration deadline special July 31st)

http://www.auntielitter.org/takepridestatewide.html

Southeast Renewables to Recycle & Reduce 80% of Tornado Debris

Photos by Rob Brewer

Visited the new Southeast Renewables facility at the New Georgia Landfill in Birmingham. Good to see the debris being reused and recycled instead of buried in the landfill.

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/06/storm_debris_recycling_program.html

Sunday, June 19, 2011

BEN - June 19, 2011 #358

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center Groundbreaking

Special in this Edition: BEN Publisher Pat Byington's Birmingham News Op-ed on Climate Change, Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center Breaks Ground, Lake Guntersville State Park Tornado Damage (video), Half of the Newly Dedicated National Recreation Trails Established in Alabama, Governor Bentley Declares Drought Emergency

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BEN Publisher Pat Byington's Birmingham News Op-ed on Climate Change

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/06/viewpoints_climate_change_foll.html

Beth Stewart Named River Network/Tom's of Maine 2011 National River Hero

http://www.rivernetwork.org/news/river-network-and-toms-maine-announce-2011-national-river-heroes

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center Breaks Ground

http://bamanews2.blogspot.com/2011/06/talladega-mountains-natural-resource.html

Southern Forest Futures Project Webinars

http://forestrywebinars.net/webinars/interactions-and-challenges-identified-by-the-southern-forest-futures-project

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Op-eds, Links and Videos

Message from Hurricane Creekkeepers' John Wathan - A Personal Account About the Tornadoes (video)

http://www.alabamarivers.org/

Lake Guntersville State Park Tornado Damage (video)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPqcGle9IL8&feature=related

Growth in Organic Farming in Alabama (WBHM Audio)

http://wbhm.org/News/2011/organics.html

Alabama Environmental Council's Michael Churchman Op-ed on Mercury Pollution

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/06/my_view_epa_should_regulate_me.html

Praise for Passage of Forever Wild Constitutional Amendment Legislation - Vote to be held Nov. 2012

Montgomery Advertiser Forever Wild Editorial

http://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/article/20110606/OPINION01/106050308/Advertiser-editorial-Back-voters-hands

Dothan Eagle Forever Wild Editorial

http://www2.dothaneagle.com/news/2011/jun/03/editorial-vote-preservation-ar-1923596/

Gadsden Times Forever Wild Editorial

http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20110603/NEWS/110609911/1050/OPINION?Title=OUR-VIEW-Forever-Wild-rests-with-voters

Birmingham News Forever Wild Editorial

http://blog.al.com/birmingham-news-commentary/2011/06/our_view_legislature_puts_fore.html

News Across Alabama

More than Half of the Newly Dedicated National Recreation Trails Established in Alabama

http://www.doi.gov/news/pressreleases/AMERICAS-GREAT-OUTDOORS-Deputy-Secretary-Hayes-Senator-Durbin-Announce-Designation-of-41-New-National-Recreation-Trails.cfm

Birmingham Tornado Debris to be Reused and Recycled

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/06/storm_debris_recycling_program.html

Governor Bentley Declares Drought Emergency - 1808 wildfires have burned 41,000 since January

http://www.forestry.state.al.us/pr.aspx?ID=5237&sm=c_1

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Propose Expansion of Grand Bay National Wildlife Refuge

http://www.forestry.state.al.us/PDFs/GrandBay/Proposed_Expansion_of_Grand_Bay_National_Wildlife_Refuge.pdf

New National Water Research Headquarters to be Built on University of Alabama Campus

http://www.tuscaloosanews.com/article/20110617/news/110619743

Forever Wild Preparing for November 2012

http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2011/06/alabamas_forever_wild_board_ad.html

Energy Huntsville Initiative Aims to make City a National Leader

http://blog.al.com/breaking/2011/06/energy_huntsville_initiative_a.html

Events & Job Openings

SweetWater Beer Launches Annual Save the Black Warrior River Campaign

http://savetheblackwarrior.com/

7th Annual Tallapoosa River Basin State of the Watershed Conference - June 22, 8:30-5:00 in Alexander City

https://fp.auburn.edu/icaae/EventWebReg/SOWC/2011/SOWChome.aspx

Land Trust of Huntsville & north Alabama's "Tuesday on the Trails"

http://landtrustnal.org/tuesdays-on-the-trail-series-in-june-and-july/

Kid's Gulf Day of Discovery and Kruise - June 29th

http://mobilebaykeeper.org/events/kids-gulf-discovery-day-kids-kruise

Alabama Wildlife Federation's Wild Game Cook-off Calendar

http://www.alabamawildlife.org/hunting/?pageID=58

Cahaba River Society's "Fry Down" Sept. 25th in Trussville

http://www.frydown.com/

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center Groundbreaking

State Representative Richard Lindsey

Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center Groundbreaking

On June 17th, after a 15 year effort, Jacksonville State University "broke" ground on the construction of the Talladega Mountains Natural Resource Center. The new 15,000 sq. ft. center located outside Heflin, Alabama, near Interstate 20, will be an environmental education magnate and an eco-tourism gateway for the region. Along with the JSU Talladega Mountains Field School, the center will also house the Cleburne County Operations Center for Emergency Management and 911 offices.

Saturday, June 18, 2011

Bama Environmental News (BEN) Turning 13 - Archived Editions

I started BEN 13 years ago in October of 1998. At that time, I sent out 25-30 emails. Today, some 350+ editions later, we have 3000+ readers on our email list and about 1000 visitors a month to the website. Check out the evolution of BEN. Below is an archive of BEN from October 1998 to 2006 (the first 250 editions before we went to the blog format). Pretty neat link, especially if you care about Alabama's environment and it's history.

http://www.bamanews.com/archives-BEN2.html

Wednesday, June 01, 2011

BEN - June 1, 2011 #357

Special in this Edition: Auntie Litter Cancels Earth Day Parade - then Supports Tornado Relief, $3.2 Billion Spent on Environmental Cleanup Projects in Anniston Region, Tornado Debris in Birmingham to be Recycled, Freedom Riders Park Moving Forward, Weeks Bay Bald Eagle Bash - June 4th

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One Last Final Push For Forever Wild - Take Action Today!!

http://conservationalabama.e-actionmax.com/takeaction.asp?aaid=933

Keeping Alabama Forever Wild Series on al.com

Check out the entire "Keeping Alabama Forever Wild" series

http://blog.al.com/keeping-alabama-forever-wild/index.html

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Op-eds, Links and Videos

Anniston Star Editorial - Cleanups in Region

http://www.annistonstar.com/view/full_story/13496351/article-‘We-survived--We’re-tough-’-Spending--3-2-billion-on-Anniston?instance=opinion_right

Northern Beltline - the St. Clair Effect (Audio)

http://wbhm.org/News/2011/betlline-st.clair.html