Just picked up the Seattle Times this weekend and started reading a Chicago Tribune series of stories on oil and it's future. Incredible writing and research. A must read.
Check it out here and here.
Monday, August 14, 2006
Wednesday, August 09, 2006
Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers Program Surpasses 7 Million Pounds
Alabama Power's Renew Our Rivers program has removed more than 7.17 million pounds of trash from Alabama lakes and streams since the program's inception in 2000. This spring alone, 816,000 pounds of trash were removed from waterways.
On top of the impressive collection numbers, more than 6000 volunteers have participated in this nationally recognized program.
For more info about Renew Our Rivers visit - http://www.alabamapower.com
On top of the impressive collection numbers, more than 6000 volunteers have participated in this nationally recognized program.
For more info about Renew Our Rivers visit - http://www.alabamapower.com
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
Al Gore's "An Inconvenient Truth" Still In Alabama Theaters
Folks interested in seeing Al Gore's movie "An Inconvenient Truth" can still catch it on the big screen in Alabama. Presently, the documentary is being shown in Huntsville (at the Carmike 10) and in Birmingham at the Summit 16.
To learn more about the movie go to http://www.climatecrisis.com
To learn more about the movie go to http://www.climatecrisis.com
Letters from Alabama...
Some inspiration in the morning from "Letters From Alabama on Natural History" published in 1859 by Phillip Henry Gosse.
"There is no solitude like that which is felt by him who for the first time walks the streets of a busy city in which he is a total stranger. Crowds of human beings pass by, each possessed of the thoughts, feelings, and affections of a man; yet not one stretches out a hand of friendship, not one bestows a nod of acquaintance, not one gives so much a glance of recognition.
In the gloom of the forest, in the silence of the wilderness, far from human abodes, my heart leaps for joy; there I am not lonely, though alone; there are hundreds of objects meet my gaze, with which I have long been accustomed to hold sweet communion."
"There is no solitude like that which is felt by him who for the first time walks the streets of a busy city in which he is a total stranger. Crowds of human beings pass by, each possessed of the thoughts, feelings, and affections of a man; yet not one stretches out a hand of friendship, not one bestows a nod of acquaintance, not one gives so much a glance of recognition.
In the gloom of the forest, in the silence of the wilderness, far from human abodes, my heart leaps for joy; there I am not lonely, though alone; there are hundreds of objects meet my gaze, with which I have long been accustomed to hold sweet communion."
Black Warrior River Watershed Plans Available
The Black Warrior Clean Water Partnership has just released the Black Warrior Watershed Management Plan. It is online at: http://www.warriorcwp.org (access it through the maps & data link on the left side of the page).
The document is a valuable water quality protection plan resulting from nearly a year's worth of community collaboration. Good job!
The document is a valuable water quality protection plan resulting from nearly a year's worth of community collaboration. Good job!
Monday, August 07, 2006
AWF Conservation Achievement Award Winners
Last Friday, the Alabama Wildlife Federation held it's annual Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards banquet. Here are some of the notable winners:
Conservationist of the Year - John Borom, Fairhope
Forest Conservationist of the Year - Rhett Johnson, Andalusia
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year - Richard Liles, Montgomery
Legislative Conservationist of the Year - Rep. Thomas Jackson, Thomasville
Conservation Organization of the Year - Paint Rock Restoration Partnership
For a rundown on the rest of the winners, go to - http://www.alabamawildlife.org
Conservationist of the Year - John Borom, Fairhope
Forest Conservationist of the Year - Rhett Johnson, Andalusia
Wildlife Conservationist of the Year - Richard Liles, Montgomery
Legislative Conservationist of the Year - Rep. Thomas Jackson, Thomasville
Conservation Organization of the Year - Paint Rock Restoration Partnership
For a rundown on the rest of the winners, go to - http://www.alabamawildlife.org
Scenic Alabama's Take On American Idol Billboards
Check out Scenic Alabama's take on the Bureau of Tourism's new American Idol Billboard Campaign. http://www.scenicalabama.blogspot.com
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Passes U.S. House
Rep. Spencer Bachus has championed the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge from the start. For over a year, he has spearheaded an effort to "double" it's size. Last week, the U.S. House agreed. Let's hope, the U.S. Senate can pass the expansion bill (which is supported by Senators Shelby and Sessions) by the end of the session.
Sen. Richard Shelby Secures Funds For Numerous Environmental Programs
Here is some good news.
Through Senator Shelby's leadership on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, he has secured funding for several important environmental projects in Alabama. These projects include the following:
Alliance Education Program for the Gulf of Mexico (an effort led by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab) - $3 million
Escatawpa River Longleaf Hills Ecological Area and Red Hills Big Flat Creek - $6 million
Dauphin Island Coastal Protection Project - $2.5 million
Mobile Bay Fisheries Initiative - $2.5 million
Weeks Bay Reserve (expanded labs and classrooms) - $2 million
Alabama Environmental Education Center (4H Center) - $500,000
Center for Aquatic Resource Management - $6 million
Red Mountain Park Development Project - $1 million
To learn more about these projects access the Senator's press releases here
Through Senator Shelby's leadership on the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, he has secured funding for several important environmental projects in Alabama. These projects include the following:
Alliance Education Program for the Gulf of Mexico (an effort led by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab) - $3 million
Escatawpa River Longleaf Hills Ecological Area and Red Hills Big Flat Creek - $6 million
Dauphin Island Coastal Protection Project - $2.5 million
Mobile Bay Fisheries Initiative - $2.5 million
Weeks Bay Reserve (expanded labs and classrooms) - $2 million
Alabama Environmental Education Center (4H Center) - $500,000
Center for Aquatic Resource Management - $6 million
Red Mountain Park Development Project - $1 million
To learn more about these projects access the Senator's press releases here
Friday, August 04, 2006
Alabama's Brownfield's Program - The Numbers
Since it's passage in 2001, the "Alabama Land Recycling and Economic Redevelopment Act" (Alabama's Brownfields Program) has received more than 240 applications with 176 sites successfully completing the program. Presently, 59 additional projects are underway.
Learn more about the program - here.
Learn more about the program - here.
Sens. Shelby and Sessions Comment About Off Shore Oil Drilling Revenue Sharing Legislation
Earlier this week, the Senate passed Off Shore Oil and Gas Drilling legislation that will have a significant impact on Alabama's environment and state coffers. Here is what our two senators had to say about the legislation.
http://shelby.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=260422
http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=260399
http://shelby.senate.gov/news/record.cfm?id=260422
http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=260399
Walking the walk... Southern Alliance for Clean Energy
Following up all their "talk" with action. The Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (SACE) is making huge strides creating a "carbon neutral" business operation. Check it out.
http://www.cleanenergy.org/programs/hottopic.cfm?ID=68
http://www.cleanenergy.org/programs/hottopic.cfm?ID=68
Hummingbirds On WBHM
Just heard a great radio story about Bob and Martha Sargent's efforts to educate people about hummingbirds. Truly a great story.
Check it out at the WBHM's Tapestry Website (it is below another wonderful story about Spider Martin) http://www.wbhm.com/Tapestry/index.html
Check it out at the WBHM's Tapestry Website (it is below another wonderful story about Spider Martin) http://www.wbhm.com/Tapestry/index.html
Coca-Cola Supports Alabama-Georgia Trail
The dream of bicyclists, runners and walkers making their way from Atlanta to Anniston, Alabama, on a single uninterrupted trail moved closer to reality with the announcement of a $100,000 grant from Coca-Cola North America.The primary purpose of the grant will be to close the 8 mile gap in the Silver Comet-Chief Ladiga trail. Monies will also be used to build a picturesque gateway park at the state line. The gateway is expected to be complete by early 2007.
The Silver Comet to Chief Ladiga gift is just part of a larger $500,000 grant made by Coca-Cola North America to the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization that works with local communities across the United States to transform unused railroad corridors into trails and greenways. For more information about this project and Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Chief Ladiga Trail go to http://www.railstrails.org/ and http://epic.jsu.edu/clt/index.html
The Silver Comet to Chief Ladiga gift is just part of a larger $500,000 grant made by Coca-Cola North America to the Rails to Trails Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization that works with local communities across the United States to transform unused railroad corridors into trails and greenways. For more information about this project and Rails to Trails Conservancy and the Chief Ladiga Trail go to http://www.railstrails.org/ and http://epic.jsu.edu/clt/index.html
Bachus Secures $350,000 For Red Mountain Park
Rep. Spencer Bachus of Vestavia Hills recently secured a $350,000 grant for Red Mountain Park to be used for land acquisition. The appropriation was part of the Transportation, Treasury and Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary and other Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 2007. The bill passed the House by a 406-22 vote.According to Rep. Bachus' office - the congressman notes that as the Birmingham area continues to grow, the availability and expansion of green space will be essential in attracting businesses and providing a high quality of life.
Nature Conservancy Purchases Land Near the "Walls"
Last month, the Nature Conservancy of Alabama announced it had completed the purchase of an environmentally sensitive tract of land in the Paint Rock Valley that will add 1,648 acres to the Alabama's Walls of Jericho Preserve in Jackson County.
According to the Huntsville Times, the Conservancy stated that part of the river that will be protected is biologically significant containing many federally endangered aquatic species including mussels and darters. Biologists say the Paint Rock is one of the few remaining high-quality, free-flowing rivers in the Tennessee River basin and is home to 17 types of imperiled mussels. In the last several years the Conservancy spearheaded the effort to buy the Walls of Jericho and lands within Jackson County, Alabama and Franklin County, Tennessee, amounting to over 23,000 acres.
For more information about this outstanding effort by the Nature Conservancy of Alabama, contact them at 205-251-1155.
According to the Huntsville Times, the Conservancy stated that part of the river that will be protected is biologically significant containing many federally endangered aquatic species including mussels and darters. Biologists say the Paint Rock is one of the few remaining high-quality, free-flowing rivers in the Tennessee River basin and is home to 17 types of imperiled mussels. In the last several years the Conservancy spearheaded the effort to buy the Walls of Jericho and lands within Jackson County, Alabama and Franklin County, Tennessee, amounting to over 23,000 acres.
For more information about this outstanding effort by the Nature Conservancy of Alabama, contact them at 205-251-1155.
BEN News
BEN Notes: ADEM P2 Award Applications, Red Mountain Park Public Meeting, 19th Annual Coastal Cleanup, Alabama Coastal Birdfest, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, , Intro to Stream Restoration, Alabama Cooperative Extension Websites, Land Trust of Huntsville Names New Director
ADEM P2 Award Applications - The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is accepting applications for its 2006 Pollution Prevention (P2) Awards. Applications can be obtained at http://www.adem.state.al.us
Red Mountain Park Public Meeting - Be a part of history, attend the Red Mountain Park Public Meeting, Tuesday, August 8th, 5:30 at the McWane Center. This meeting will outline the efforts to create a new and exciting park in the Birmingham region. For more info go to: http://www.redmountainpark.org
19th Annual Coastal Cleanup - Find out how to participate in the 19th Annual Coastal Cleanup - September 16-19 - by visiting their website at http://www.alcoastalcleanup.com
Alabama Coastal Birdfest - Registration is now open for the Alabama Coastal Birdfest. Check it out at http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com
Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Mark your calendars - the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program in partnership with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant and the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies will be holding a symposium on November 27-29 in Mobile. For additional info go to http://www.mobilebaynep.com
Intro to Stream Restoration - A workshop on Stream Restoration will be held on August 21-22 in Gadsden, Alabama. Space is limited. To learn more go to: http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/streams/gadsden.htm
Alabama Cooperative Extension Websites - Below are some ACES websites about rain gardens and several water quality programs:
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/mg.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/yes.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/lidres.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/intro,htm
Land Trust of Huntsville Names New Director - Last month, The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama named Huntsville native Cynthia Parker its new executive director. Parker brings years of non-profit and community experience to the Land Trust. The Land Trust has preserved almost 4000 urban acres, maintains nearly 20 miles of trails for public use and is one of Alabama's most prominent and effective land trust. Welcome aboard!For more info about the Land Trust go to http://www.landtrust-hsv.org
ADEM P2 Award Applications - The Alabama Department of Environmental Management is accepting applications for its 2006 Pollution Prevention (P2) Awards. Applications can be obtained at http://www.adem.state.al.us
Red Mountain Park Public Meeting - Be a part of history, attend the Red Mountain Park Public Meeting, Tuesday, August 8th, 5:30 at the McWane Center. This meeting will outline the efforts to create a new and exciting park in the Birmingham region. For more info go to: http://www.redmountainpark.org
19th Annual Coastal Cleanup - Find out how to participate in the 19th Annual Coastal Cleanup - September 16-19 - by visiting their website at http://www.alcoastalcleanup.com
Alabama Coastal Birdfest - Registration is now open for the Alabama Coastal Birdfest. Check it out at http://www.alabamacoastalbirdfest.com
Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Mark your calendars - the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program in partnership with the Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant and the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies will be holding a symposium on November 27-29 in Mobile. For additional info go to http://www.mobilebaynep.com
Intro to Stream Restoration - A workshop on Stream Restoration will be held on August 21-22 in Gadsden, Alabama. Space is limited. To learn more go to: http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/streams/gadsden.htm
Alabama Cooperative Extension Websites - Below are some ACES websites about rain gardens and several water quality programs:
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/mg.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/yes.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/lidres.htm
http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/nemo/intro,htm
Land Trust of Huntsville Names New Director - Last month, The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama named Huntsville native Cynthia Parker its new executive director. Parker brings years of non-profit and community experience to the Land Trust. The Land Trust has preserved almost 4000 urban acres, maintains nearly 20 miles of trails for public use and is one of Alabama's most prominent and effective land trust. Welcome aboard!For more info about the Land Trust go to http://www.landtrust-hsv.org
Thursday, July 27, 2006
State Receives Endangered Species Grants
In June, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced that it is distributing $1.4 million in grants to private landowners and organizations throughout the Southeast to benefit endangered species.
In Alabama, the Nature Conservancy has secured $190,000 to work with landowners in the upper Paint Rock River watershed to enhance approximately 1000 feet of riparian habitat to benefit imperiled fish and mussel species. Along with the Paint Rock, groups in Mississippi and Alabama have also joined forces to secure a $160,000 grant restore and enhance over 750 acres of native prairie habitat.
For more information about these projects and Fish and Wildlife's programs, contact Tom MacKenzie at 404-679-7291.
In Alabama, the Nature Conservancy has secured $190,000 to work with landowners in the upper Paint Rock River watershed to enhance approximately 1000 feet of riparian habitat to benefit imperiled fish and mussel species. Along with the Paint Rock, groups in Mississippi and Alabama have also joined forces to secure a $160,000 grant restore and enhance over 750 acres of native prairie habitat.
For more information about these projects and Fish and Wildlife's programs, contact Tom MacKenzie at 404-679-7291.
Groups Settle Lawsuit Protecting Drinking Water In Mobile
According to "Bay Waves" the newsletter for the Mobile Baykeeper, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and Mobile Baykeeper recently settled a lawsuit against the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Federal Highway Administration ensuring both drinking water protection and the building of the new Highway 98. The new highway will be built near the Big Creek Lake the primary drinking water supply for 250,000 Mobile and Baldwin County residents.
As a result of the settlement, DOT will conduct additional studies addressing the project's secondary and cumulative impacts and the impact growth will have on the region's drinking water. The studies and the settlement included regulations designed to protect the areas drinking water. For more information on this important settlement contact Mobile Baykeeper at 251-433-4BAY.
As a result of the settlement, DOT will conduct additional studies addressing the project's secondary and cumulative impacts and the impact growth will have on the region's drinking water. The studies and the settlement included regulations designed to protect the areas drinking water. For more information on this important settlement contact Mobile Baykeeper at 251-433-4BAY.
Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge Expansion Proposed
Rep. Spencer Bachus of Vestavia Hills has proposed doubling the Cahaba River National Wildlife Refuge from 3,414 acres to approximately 7,400 acres.
The Cahaba River is home to 69 rare and imperiled aquatic species, and 131 fish species, which is more than any river its size in North America. Despite opposition from the U. S Fish and Wildlife Service against the expansion, Bachus has picked up bipartisan support from Republican chairman of the subcommittee of fisheries, conservation, wildlife and oceans, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland and his Democratic counterpart Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey. The refuge is expected to increase an additional 400 aces by the end of this year, resulting from a recent $544,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant.
The Cahaba River is home to 69 rare and imperiled aquatic species, and 131 fish species, which is more than any river its size in North America. Despite opposition from the U. S Fish and Wildlife Service against the expansion, Bachus has picked up bipartisan support from Republican chairman of the subcommittee of fisheries, conservation, wildlife and oceans, Rep. Wayne Gilchrest of Maryland and his Democratic counterpart Rep. Frank Pallone of New Jersey. The refuge is expected to increase an additional 400 aces by the end of this year, resulting from a recent $544,000 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant.
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