Montgomery Advertiser Editorial (Below) Supports Clean Water
Will ADEM follow...?
*****************************
Stricter rules well justified
March 27, 2007
Alabama has one of the nation's highest cancer death rates. There are multiple reasons for that, but the sobering statistic plainly argues for efforts against known risk factors -- and thus for more stringent environmental regulations.
Alabama should adopt the recommendations of the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which are used in most other states and which provide a significantly greater degree of protection than the standards of the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. In the Southeast, only Alabama and Tennessee employ less protective pollution standards than EPA recommends.
The Alabama Environmental Management Commission, which oversees ADEM, was presented last week with three petitions calling for the adoption of the stricter standards. The petitions deserve the commission's serious attention.
The Press-Register reported that the petitions presented by environmental organizations urge ADEM to revise the cancer risk level used in the calculation of allowable pollution discharges and to cut the permitted levels of water pollutants. There are strong cases to be made for all the petitions.
Perhaps the most powerful argument is for changing the cancer risk calculations. Alabama's water quality rules are based on a 1 in 100,000 cancer risk from exposure to carcinogenic materials. In most states, the calculations are based on a 1 in 1 million risk -- 10 times more protective than Alabama's regulations.
One petition calls on ADEM to adopt a "relative source contribution" policy on some cancer-causing pollutants found throughout the environment, not only in water. This would take into account exposure in the air and in food. Current regulations address only exposure in water, meaning that Alabamians could have an overall exposure to these pollutants that exceeds levels EPA deems safe. Yet again, most states use this factor in establishing water quality formulas.
Another petition supports adopting EPA's "reference dose" rules on phenol, used in manufacturing nylon and plastics, and acrolein, used in making many chemicals and pesticides. This refers to the amount of a pollutant EPA deems safe to consume per day. ADEM's current regulations allow significantly more discharge of these materials than EPA recommends.
The fact that most states already have higher water quality standards should tell Alabamians something. Claims that stricter standards hurt economic development are nonsense. They certainly didn't prevent Georgia's landing the Kia plant or Mississippi's getting the Toyota plant, to name but two recent examples.
With the nation's sixth highest cancer death rate, Alabama clearly does not lack for justification in adopting stricter water quality standards.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Times Daily Editorial - Safe Water - Published 3/25
Times Daily Calls for Clean Water. Below is their editorial.
Will ADEM follow....?
*******************
It probably comes as no surprise to those who follow state government that Alabama has some of the most lax water quality laws in the nation, allowing industries to discharge chemicals into state waterways at much higher levels than other states allow.
A group of environmental advocacy groups last week submitted three petitions to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, encouraging the regulatory agency to adopt the strictest regulations recommended by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Other southeastern states -- with the exception of Tennessee -- already adhere to the stricter guidelines.
It's time for ADEM to join other state regulatory agencies and insist that the state's water be as clean as possible.
The petitions, filed by the Alabama Rivers Alliance and other groups, focus on chemicals that cause cancer. About 60 chemicals are identified in the petitions.
The goal, according to the environmental groups, is to sharply reduce the risk of cancer in Alabama residents.
"The goal of is to improve the regulations at ADEM and get them to comply with their own policies," Adam Synder, director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, told the Mobile Register last week. "We want them to meet the recommended standards that EPA has produced."
That's not a radical or unreasonable request. Alabama is rich in inland waterways, which makes it attractive to manufacturers. ADEM and its controlling board, the Alabama Environmental Management Council, should act quickly to adopt these guidelines.
Alabama allows residents to eat fish with comparatively elevated levels of PCBs, and uses a cancer risk ratio of 1 in 100,000 in its water quality rules. Other states, using the EPA regulations, allow a 1 in a million risk ratio.
Tennessee Valley residents have experienced their share of water quality hazards in the past. Mercury has been an especially troubling pollutant in Tennessee River fish. The heavy metal was discharged by manufacturers along the Tennessee River in years past.
There is no reason ADEM and its board should hesitate adopting EPA guidelines. Earlier recommendations to the board for stricter environmental guidelines and enforcement have received little attention, which probably has something to do with the state's poor funding for the agency.
Alabamians deserve a better regulated environment than the one they are now living in. Adopting the EPA water discharge regulations would do much to correct that problem.
Will ADEM follow....?
*******************
It probably comes as no surprise to those who follow state government that Alabama has some of the most lax water quality laws in the nation, allowing industries to discharge chemicals into state waterways at much higher levels than other states allow.
A group of environmental advocacy groups last week submitted three petitions to the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, encouraging the regulatory agency to adopt the strictest regulations recommended by the federal Environmental Protection Agency. Other southeastern states -- with the exception of Tennessee -- already adhere to the stricter guidelines.
It's time for ADEM to join other state regulatory agencies and insist that the state's water be as clean as possible.
The petitions, filed by the Alabama Rivers Alliance and other groups, focus on chemicals that cause cancer. About 60 chemicals are identified in the petitions.
The goal, according to the environmental groups, is to sharply reduce the risk of cancer in Alabama residents.
"The goal of is to improve the regulations at ADEM and get them to comply with their own policies," Adam Synder, director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance, told the Mobile Register last week. "We want them to meet the recommended standards that EPA has produced."
That's not a radical or unreasonable request. Alabama is rich in inland waterways, which makes it attractive to manufacturers. ADEM and its controlling board, the Alabama Environmental Management Council, should act quickly to adopt these guidelines.
Alabama allows residents to eat fish with comparatively elevated levels of PCBs, and uses a cancer risk ratio of 1 in 100,000 in its water quality rules. Other states, using the EPA regulations, allow a 1 in a million risk ratio.
Tennessee Valley residents have experienced their share of water quality hazards in the past. Mercury has been an especially troubling pollutant in Tennessee River fish. The heavy metal was discharged by manufacturers along the Tennessee River in years past.
There is no reason ADEM and its board should hesitate adopting EPA guidelines. Earlier recommendations to the board for stricter environmental guidelines and enforcement have received little attention, which probably has something to do with the state's poor funding for the agency.
Alabamians deserve a better regulated environment than the one they are now living in. Adopting the EPA water discharge regulations would do much to correct that problem.
BEN - March 23, 2007 #281
1) Alabama Undisputed Crawfish King
2) Alabama's EPA Performance Track Members
3) Fort Morgan On Endangered List
4) Tennessee Valley Sets 117 Year Drought Record
5) BEN Notes: Position Open At 4H Center, Spring Burst Hike Series, Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction, AEC Green Tie Affair, Earth Fest Run for the Crest, Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Tallapoosa State of the Watershed, Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve
*************************************
1. Alabama Undisputed Crawfish King - Here is a story that can be used to tout Alabama's abundant biodiversity.
Last month, according to the Mobile Register, nationally recognized crawfish scientists identified the state of Alabama as the "most biologically diverse" in the number of crawfish species in the country. Here are some of the findings:
* Alabama has 83 species of crawfish, six (6) more than Tennessee, the next most diverse state.
* Some creeks in Alabama have more than twice as many species of crawfish as are known in all of Europe.
* 2/3 of the world's species of crawfish are found in the U.S. and 95% of those are in the Southeast.
* Alabama has 46 more species of crawfish than mudbug farming Louisiana.
Interest in crawfish diversity, especially in Alabama, has grown since 2004 when Press Register reporters captured a thought to be extinct crawfish species called the "rusty gravedigger". Steve Rider, aquatic resources coordinator with the Department of Conservation has also been instrumental for securing funding to do a crawfish survey in the state. According to Rider, there may be an additional 10-12 species of crawfish that have never been identified.
2. Alabama's EPA Performance Track Members - Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track Program had reached the 470 member mark. This innovative partnership program recognizes facilities that set three year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond their legal requirements, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, engage in local outreach about their performance and publicly report results.
The following Alabama companies and one governmental agency are members:
3M Decatur - Decatur, Alabama
3M Guin - Guin, Alabama
Aaron Oil Company - Saraland, Alabama
BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Opelika, Alabama
BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
International Paper Courtland Mill - Courtland, Alabama
JJefferson County Commission General Services Department
Louisiana - Pacific, Hanceville OSB - Hanceville, Alabama
Michelin North America, Inc - US4 Dothan AL - Midland City, Alabama
Tate & Lyle Sucralose. Inc. - McIntosh, Alabama
Washington Group International - ANCDF - Anniston, Alabama
Since it's inception in 2000 Performance Track members nationally have collectively reduced their water use by 3.5 billion gallons, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 88,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and conserved more than 14,000 acres of land. For more info about EPA's Performance Track Program visit, http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack
3. Fort Morgan On Endangered List - Last week, the Civil War Preservation Trust ranked Fort Morgan as one of the nation's top 10 most endangered battle sites for the second straight year.
The group cited neglect, storm damage, staff shortages, insufficient maintenance and concerns that the 173 year old installation has fallen into significant disrepair as it's reasons for the rankings. The owner of the facility, the Alabama Historical Commission is also facing potential budget cuts, but may see some relief with $3.3 million in one-time money for repairs and construction resulting from a potential state bond. Despite that one time shot in the arm, the master plan adopted two years ago by the Commission recommended some $21 million in work on Fort Morgan over the next decade.
For more information about top ten ranking go to http://www.civilwar.org
4. Tennessee Valley Sets 117 Year Drought Record - According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the time span between December, January and February in the Tennessee Valley has been the driest in the 117 years of record keeping. Beyond the Tennessee Valley region, National Weather Service hydrologist Brian stated in the Birmingham News that northeast Alabama and the southern Cumberland Plateau counties in Tennessee are even drier and are in a severe drought.
Moving South, in the Birmingham region, January and February were the driest since 1986 and is 7 inches below normal rainfall, according to Scott Unger, a meteorologist for the Weather Service. The dry weather has resulted in a number of wildfires. Since the beginning of wildfire season on March 1, there have been 780 fires that have burned over 18,500 acres according to the Forestry Commission.
5. BEN Notes: Position Open At 4H Center, Spring Burst Hike Series, Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction, AEC Green Tie Affair, Earth Fest Run for the Crest, Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Tallapoosa State of the Watershed, Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve
Positions Open At 4H Center - There are a number of seasonal and full-time positions open at the Alabama 4-H Center. Visit for details - http://www.aces.edu/4hcenter/JobOpportunities.php
Spring Burst Hike Series - The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama recently launched their annual "Spring Burst" Hike Series. Check out their scheduled hikes at
http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/calendar_of_events.htm
Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction - The Alabama Rivers Alliance has been holding an innovative online auction this month to support their efforts. One of their auction items includes an Toyota Prius. Check it out at http://www.cmarket.com/catalog/landingPage.do?vhost=alabamarivers
AEC Green Tie Affair - The Alabama Environmental Council will be holding its 11th Annual Green Tie Affair Dinner and Party on April 13th, 6:00 at the B&A Warehouse in Birmingham. For details about this exciting event go to - http://www.aeconline.ws .
Earth Fest "Run for the Crest" - Alabama Earth Fest will be holding "Run for the Crest" and Music Festival on April 14th at Oak Mountain State Park. For information on how to register for the event go to: http://www.AlabamaEarthFest.org
Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Come celebrate Discovery Day - Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Annual Open House - and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 200th year of programs on April 14th, 9:00 AM at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, North Campus. For information about the day's activities visit, http://www.disl.org .
Tallapoosa State of the Watershed - The Tallapoosa Watershed Project will be holding their 3rd Annual State of Our Watershed Conference on April 20th at the Oscar C. Dunn Rotary Environmental Education Center, Camp ASCCA, Jackson Gap, Alabama. For complete conference information and registration go to http://www.twp.auburn.edu
Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve - Celebrate Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve on the Flint River in Huntsville, Alabama, 10:00 AM to 3: 00 PM on April 21st. This family friendly event will include eco-hikes, lectures and exhibitors. For more information, including maps and directions, call Soos Weber at 256-427-5116 or visit http://www.huntsvillepreserves.com
****************************
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 .
2) Alabama's EPA Performance Track Members
3) Fort Morgan On Endangered List
4) Tennessee Valley Sets 117 Year Drought Record
5) BEN Notes: Position Open At 4H Center, Spring Burst Hike Series, Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction, AEC Green Tie Affair, Earth Fest Run for the Crest, Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Tallapoosa State of the Watershed, Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve
*************************************
1. Alabama Undisputed Crawfish King - Here is a story that can be used to tout Alabama's abundant biodiversity.
Last month, according to the Mobile Register, nationally recognized crawfish scientists identified the state of Alabama as the "most biologically diverse" in the number of crawfish species in the country. Here are some of the findings:
* Alabama has 83 species of crawfish, six (6) more than Tennessee, the next most diverse state.
* Some creeks in Alabama have more than twice as many species of crawfish as are known in all of Europe.
* 2/3 of the world's species of crawfish are found in the U.S. and 95% of those are in the Southeast.
* Alabama has 46 more species of crawfish than mudbug farming Louisiana.
Interest in crawfish diversity, especially in Alabama, has grown since 2004 when Press Register reporters captured a thought to be extinct crawfish species called the "rusty gravedigger". Steve Rider, aquatic resources coordinator with the Department of Conservation has also been instrumental for securing funding to do a crawfish survey in the state. According to Rider, there may be an additional 10-12 species of crawfish that have never been identified.
2. Alabama's EPA Performance Track Members - Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) National Environmental Performance Track Program had reached the 470 member mark. This innovative partnership program recognizes facilities that set three year goals for continuous improvements in environmental performance beyond their legal requirements, have internal systems in place to manage their environmental impacts, engage in local outreach about their performance and publicly report results.
The following Alabama companies and one governmental agency are members:
3M Decatur - Decatur, Alabama
3M Guin - Guin, Alabama
Aaron Oil Company - Saraland, Alabama
BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Opelika, Alabama
BF Goodrich Tire Manufacturing - Tuscaloosa, Alabama
International Paper Courtland Mill - Courtland, Alabama
JJefferson County Commission General Services Department
Louisiana - Pacific, Hanceville OSB - Hanceville, Alabama
Michelin North America, Inc - US4 Dothan AL - Midland City, Alabama
Tate & Lyle Sucralose. Inc. - McIntosh, Alabama
Washington Group International - ANCDF - Anniston, Alabama
Since it's inception in 2000 Performance Track members nationally have collectively reduced their water use by 3.5 billion gallons, reduced their greenhouse gas emissions by 88,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and conserved more than 14,000 acres of land. For more info about EPA's Performance Track Program visit, http://www.epa.gov/performancetrack
3. Fort Morgan On Endangered List - Last week, the Civil War Preservation Trust ranked Fort Morgan as one of the nation's top 10 most endangered battle sites for the second straight year.
The group cited neglect, storm damage, staff shortages, insufficient maintenance and concerns that the 173 year old installation has fallen into significant disrepair as it's reasons for the rankings. The owner of the facility, the Alabama Historical Commission is also facing potential budget cuts, but may see some relief with $3.3 million in one-time money for repairs and construction resulting from a potential state bond. Despite that one time shot in the arm, the master plan adopted two years ago by the Commission recommended some $21 million in work on Fort Morgan over the next decade.
For more information about top ten ranking go to http://www.civilwar.org
4. Tennessee Valley Sets 117 Year Drought Record - According to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the time span between December, January and February in the Tennessee Valley has been the driest in the 117 years of record keeping. Beyond the Tennessee Valley region, National Weather Service hydrologist Brian stated in the Birmingham News that northeast Alabama and the southern Cumberland Plateau counties in Tennessee are even drier and are in a severe drought.
Moving South, in the Birmingham region, January and February were the driest since 1986 and is 7 inches below normal rainfall, according to Scott Unger, a meteorologist for the Weather Service. The dry weather has resulted in a number of wildfires. Since the beginning of wildfire season on March 1, there have been 780 fires that have burned over 18,500 acres according to the Forestry Commission.
5. BEN Notes: Position Open At 4H Center, Spring Burst Hike Series, Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction, AEC Green Tie Affair, Earth Fest Run for the Crest, Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab, Tallapoosa State of the Watershed, Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve
Positions Open At 4H Center - There are a number of seasonal and full-time positions open at the Alabama 4-H Center. Visit for details - http://www.aces.edu/4hcenter/JobOpportunities.php
Spring Burst Hike Series - The Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama recently launched their annual "Spring Burst" Hike Series. Check out their scheduled hikes at
http://www.landtrust-hsv.org/calendar_of_events.htm
Alabama Rivers Alliance Ongoing Online Auction - The Alabama Rivers Alliance has been holding an innovative online auction this month to support their efforts. One of their auction items includes an Toyota Prius. Check it out at http://www.cmarket.com/catalog/landingPage.do?vhost=alabamarivers
AEC Green Tie Affair - The Alabama Environmental Council will be holding its 11th Annual Green Tie Affair Dinner and Party on April 13th, 6:00 at the B&A Warehouse in Birmingham. For details about this exciting event go to - http://www.aeconline.ws .
Earth Fest "Run for the Crest" - Alabama Earth Fest will be holding "Run for the Crest" and Music Festival on April 14th at Oak Mountain State Park. For information on how to register for the event go to: http://www.AlabamaEarthFest.org
Discovery Day at Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Come celebrate Discovery Day - Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Annual Open House - and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's 200th year of programs on April 14th, 9:00 AM at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, North Campus. For information about the day's activities visit, http://www.disl.org .
Tallapoosa State of the Watershed - The Tallapoosa Watershed Project will be holding their 3rd Annual State of Our Watershed Conference on April 20th at the Oscar C. Dunn Rotary Environmental Education Center, Camp ASCCA, Jackson Gap, Alabama. For complete conference information and registration go to http://www.twp.auburn.edu
Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve - Celebrate Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve on the Flint River in Huntsville, Alabama, 10:00 AM to 3: 00 PM on April 21st. This family friendly event will include eco-hikes, lectures and exhibitors. For more information, including maps and directions, call Soos Weber at 256-427-5116 or visit http://www.huntsvillepreserves.com
****************************
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 .
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Malcolm Pierson
Many people in the environmental community were shocked to learn this weekend that Malcolm Pierson had passed away.
One of Alabama's finest biologist, Malcolm was also a wonderful nature photgrapher. In fact, one of his photos of a beautiful green frog hangs in my daughter's bedroom.
We will all miss Malcolm.
One of Alabama's finest biologist, Malcolm was also a wonderful nature photgrapher. In fact, one of his photos of a beautiful green frog hangs in my daughter's bedroom.
We will all miss Malcolm.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
BEN - March 12, 2007 #280
1) Bill to Ban Gill Net Fishing Introduced
2) Groups to Petition ADEM on Cancer Risk
3) Canal Cut Through Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Proposed
4) BEN Notes: Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position, World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website, AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards, Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs, Audubon Mountain Workshop, Commute Smart in Birmingham
*************************
Jerome Ringo, Chair of the National Wildlife Federation's Board of Directors will be speaking at Birmingham Southern College on Thursday, March 15, 4:00 at the Norton Theater on Campus. His topic will be "A Changing Environment, A Sense of Urgency." The lecture is free to the public.
**********************
1. Bill to Ban Gill Net Fishing Introduced - According to the Mobile Register, state legislators Rep. Jamie Ison of Mobile and Sen. Pat Lindsey of Butler plan to introduce a bill that will ban commercial gill nets, a controversial form of fishing that is largely unrestricted in Alabama, but has been curtailed and or banned in other states.
As described by the Register, commercial gill nets in Alabama can be almost a half mile long, The clear monofilament nets hang like curtains in the water, trapping and killing most large fish that swim in them. On any given night, 54 miles of nets can be stretched out along Alabama's 55 mile long coastline by Alabama's 120 licensed gill netters. Since the mid 1990s commercial gill net harvests have dramatically increased, while the practice has been effectively ended in neighboring Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
The ban is supported by scientists with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, who believe gill net fishery is to blame for a "localized depletion" of mullet, Spanish mackerel, pompano and other species of fish from Mobile Bay and the nearshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Conservation Association Alabama Chapter has launched a website and statewide campaign supporting the ban. You can visit their website at http://www.bangillnets.com .
2. Groups to Petition ADEM on Cancer Risk - Last month, at the Alabama Environmental Management Commission meeting in Montgomery, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and a coalition of groups, announced their plans to petition the Commission to start rulemaking on three proposals to strengthen and improve Alabama's cancer risk and public health standards.
On the first petition, the groups are asking the Commission to upgrade and strengthen Alabama's cancer risk standard to that of every Southeastern state except for one. On the second and third proposals, the groups are asking the Commission to follow the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended standards and criteria for regulating pollutants.
The following are the rule changes being discussed and proposed by the Alabama Rivers Alliance:
# Revision of the cancer risk level in formulas used to calculate water quality criteria for 58 carcinogens. This revision would result in a 90% reduction in authorized pollution levels for these carcinogens. The majority of states in the country and all but one other state in the Southeast have already adopted the cancer risk level being proposed.
# Inclusion of a "Relative Source Contribution" factor in the formulas used to calculate water quality criteria and designation of "Relative Source Contribution" values for 14 non-carcinogens. Typically, this revision would result in an 80% reduction in authorized pollution levels for these non-carcinogens. The EPA recommends the use of the "Relative Source Contributions" factor and values being proposed.
# Revision of the Reference Dose values for Acrolein and Phenol. These revisions would result in a 97% reduction in the authorized levels of Acrolein and a 50% reduction in the authorized level of Phenol. EPA reevaluated and revised the reference dose values for these pollutants several years ago.
For more information about these rulemaking proposals, contact the Alabama Rivers Alliance at 205-322-6395.
3. Canal Cut Through Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Proposed - According to the Decatur Daily, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge has received a permit request to cut a waterway through a narrow portion of the refuge to serve barges hauling petroleum gas products from a proposed fuel port. Permission for the request is unlikely according to refuge manager Dwight Cooley because the canal is incompatible with the refuge's purpose as a wildlife sanctuary.
The request was made by the Huntsville-Madison County Mariana and Port Authority. The proposal calls for a 300 foot wide canal stretching 800 feet across the refuge to private property. It would be directly south of Huntsville International Airport. The fuel port facility would have two pipelines, one directly serving the airport and another pumping fuel to a gas tank farm near Interstate 65 and Interstate 565.
4. BEN Notes - Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position, World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website, AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards, Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs, Audubon Mountain Workshop, Commute Smart in Birmingham
Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position - Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is seeking a Director of Environmental Education - Program Specialist. The director will be in charge of maintaining and developing the Dunn Environmental Education Center's programs. For additional information about this program and position call Camp ASCCA at 256-825-9226 or visit their website at http://www.campascca.org .
World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available - The World Wildlife Fund is requesting proposals for it's Southeast Rivers and Streams Grant program. To learn about the program, contact Judy Takats via email at Judy.Takats@wwfus.org or 615-279-1814.
Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website - The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program has just re-launched a new and improved website. Check it out at http://www.mobilebaynep.com
AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards - The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) is seeking nominations for the 2007 AWF's Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards. Categories range from Conservation Organization of the Year to Educator of the Year. For additional details and information about the nomination process, contact AWF at 800-822-9453.
Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs - Throughout the year, the Alabama Wildlife Federation will most likely schedule a "Wild game Cook-Off" in community near you. This year these events are sponsored by Chevrolet. Make sure to bookmark the following link - to learn about the latest event coming to your hometown - http://www.alabamawildlife.org/heritage/wildgame_cookoffs.asp
Audubon Mountain Workshop - The Birmingham Audubon Society will be holding their annual Audubon Mountain Workshop from May 10-13 in Mentone. Check out details on how to register at http://www.birminghamaudubon.org .
Commute Smart in Birmingham - This is timely. Want to combat rising gas prices by doing something that protects the environment and saves you money? CommuteSmart Birmingham maintains a regional database that matches up individuals that take similar routes to work. Currently, there are nearly 2000 commuters in the database that are seeking carpool partners. For more information, contact CommuteSmart at 1-87-RIDEMATCH or visit http://www.commutesmart.org
2) Groups to Petition ADEM on Cancer Risk
3) Canal Cut Through Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Proposed
4) BEN Notes: Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position, World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website, AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards, Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs, Audubon Mountain Workshop, Commute Smart in Birmingham
*************************
Jerome Ringo, Chair of the National Wildlife Federation's Board of Directors will be speaking at Birmingham Southern College on Thursday, March 15, 4:00 at the Norton Theater on Campus. His topic will be "A Changing Environment, A Sense of Urgency." The lecture is free to the public.
**********************
1. Bill to Ban Gill Net Fishing Introduced - According to the Mobile Register, state legislators Rep. Jamie Ison of Mobile and Sen. Pat Lindsey of Butler plan to introduce a bill that will ban commercial gill nets, a controversial form of fishing that is largely unrestricted in Alabama, but has been curtailed and or banned in other states.
As described by the Register, commercial gill nets in Alabama can be almost a half mile long, The clear monofilament nets hang like curtains in the water, trapping and killing most large fish that swim in them. On any given night, 54 miles of nets can be stretched out along Alabama's 55 mile long coastline by Alabama's 120 licensed gill netters. Since the mid 1990s commercial gill net harvests have dramatically increased, while the practice has been effectively ended in neighboring Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida.
The ban is supported by scientists with the Dauphin Island Sea Lab, who believe gill net fishery is to blame for a "localized depletion" of mullet, Spanish mackerel, pompano and other species of fish from Mobile Bay and the nearshore areas in the Gulf of Mexico. The Coastal Conservation Association Alabama Chapter has launched a website and statewide campaign supporting the ban. You can visit their website at http://www.bangillnets.com .
2. Groups to Petition ADEM on Cancer Risk - Last month, at the Alabama Environmental Management Commission meeting in Montgomery, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and a coalition of groups, announced their plans to petition the Commission to start rulemaking on three proposals to strengthen and improve Alabama's cancer risk and public health standards.
On the first petition, the groups are asking the Commission to upgrade and strengthen Alabama's cancer risk standard to that of every Southeastern state except for one. On the second and third proposals, the groups are asking the Commission to follow the Environmental Protection Agency's recommended standards and criteria for regulating pollutants.
The following are the rule changes being discussed and proposed by the Alabama Rivers Alliance:
# Revision of the cancer risk level in formulas used to calculate water quality criteria for 58 carcinogens. This revision would result in a 90% reduction in authorized pollution levels for these carcinogens. The majority of states in the country and all but one other state in the Southeast have already adopted the cancer risk level being proposed.
# Inclusion of a "Relative Source Contribution" factor in the formulas used to calculate water quality criteria and designation of "Relative Source Contribution" values for 14 non-carcinogens. Typically, this revision would result in an 80% reduction in authorized pollution levels for these non-carcinogens. The EPA recommends the use of the "Relative Source Contributions" factor and values being proposed.
# Revision of the Reference Dose values for Acrolein and Phenol. These revisions would result in a 97% reduction in the authorized levels of Acrolein and a 50% reduction in the authorized level of Phenol. EPA reevaluated and revised the reference dose values for these pollutants several years ago.
For more information about these rulemaking proposals, contact the Alabama Rivers Alliance at 205-322-6395.
3. Canal Cut Through Wheeler Wildlife Refuge Proposed - According to the Decatur Daily, the Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge has received a permit request to cut a waterway through a narrow portion of the refuge to serve barges hauling petroleum gas products from a proposed fuel port. Permission for the request is unlikely according to refuge manager Dwight Cooley because the canal is incompatible with the refuge's purpose as a wildlife sanctuary.
The request was made by the Huntsville-Madison County Mariana and Port Authority. The proposal calls for a 300 foot wide canal stretching 800 feet across the refuge to private property. It would be directly south of Huntsville International Airport. The fuel port facility would have two pipelines, one directly serving the airport and another pumping fuel to a gas tank farm near Interstate 65 and Interstate 565.
4. BEN Notes - Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position, World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available, Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website, AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards, Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs, Audubon Mountain Workshop, Commute Smart in Birmingham
Camp ASCCA Dir. of Environmental Education Position - Easter Seals Camp ASCCA is seeking a Director of Environmental Education - Program Specialist. The director will be in charge of maintaining and developing the Dunn Environmental Education Center's programs. For additional information about this program and position call Camp ASCCA at 256-825-9226 or visit their website at http://www.campascca.org .
World Wildlife Fund Southeast Rivers and Streams Grants Available - The World Wildlife Fund is requesting proposals for it's Southeast Rivers and Streams Grant program. To learn about the program, contact Judy Takats via email at Judy.Takats@wwfus.org or 615-279-1814.
Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's New Updated Website - The Mobile Bay National Estuary Program has just re-launched a new and improved website. Check it out at http://www.mobilebaynep.com
AWF's Governor Conservation Achievement Awards - The Alabama Wildlife Federation (AWF) is seeking nominations for the 2007 AWF's Governor's Conservation Achievement Awards. Categories range from Conservation Organization of the Year to Educator of the Year. For additional details and information about the nomination process, contact AWF at 800-822-9453.
Chevrolet Sponsors AWF Wild Game Cook-Offs - Throughout the year, the Alabama Wildlife Federation will most likely schedule a "Wild game Cook-Off" in community near you. This year these events are sponsored by Chevrolet. Make sure to bookmark the following link - to learn about the latest event coming to your hometown - http://www.alabamawildlife.org/heritage/wildgame_cookoffs.asp
Audubon Mountain Workshop - The Birmingham Audubon Society will be holding their annual Audubon Mountain Workshop from May 10-13 in Mentone. Check out details on how to register at http://www.birminghamaudubon.org .
Commute Smart in Birmingham - This is timely. Want to combat rising gas prices by doing something that protects the environment and saves you money? CommuteSmart Birmingham maintains a regional database that matches up individuals that take similar routes to work. Currently, there are nearly 2000 commuters in the database that are seeking carpool partners. For more information, contact CommuteSmart at 1-87-RIDEMATCH or visit http://www.commutesmart.org
BEN - February 22, 2007 #279
1) Alabama Coastal Cleanup 2006 Numbers
2) Alabama Land Trust Protects Nearly 8500 Acres in 2006
3) JSU Field Schools: Over 100 Programs for 2007
4) Southern Research Institute "Clean-Up Facts" Website
5) BEN Notes: UA Seeking Museum Naturalist, WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins, Mulberry Race and Festival, The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy, Brookside Greenway Festival, Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration
************************
1. Alabama Coastal Cleanup 2006 Numbers - This year's 19th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup numbers are in, and once again there are some pretty impressive numbers, good and bad.
"The Good" - Within a four hour morning on September 16, 2006, within 24 cleanup zones along the Gulf Coast in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, as well in Covington and Conecuh Counties, 3000 volunteers removed debris from 200 miles of coastline. Since the program began in 1987, 44,946 volunteers have participated in Alabama, cleaning 2,773 miles of coastline.
"The Bad" - In 2006, volunteers removed a stunning 80,000 pounds of debris. Since the program began a total of 923,710 pounds of debris has been removed from Alabama's coastline.
A very effective program, to learn more about the Alabama Coastal Cleanup, and how to participate for 2007, visit http://www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com
2. Alabama Land Trust Protects Nearly 8500 Acres in 2006 - According to the Alabama Land Trust's (ALT) latest newsletter, the group protected more than nearly 8500 acres throughout Alabama in 2006.
Working with nineteen different landowners, ALT secured conservation easements ranging from 20 acres to 2000 acres. Land was protected in nearly every region in the state, including the Florence area, the Tallapoosa River Area, the Black Belt Region and the Northeast corner of Alabama.In total, ALT has protected 30,953 acres in Alabama, including 9,769 acres of Black Belt Prairie Ecosystem lands.
To learn more about the Alabama Land Trust and their many programs, visit their website at http://www.allandtrust.org
3. JSU Field Schools: Over 100 Programs for 2007 - The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Field Schools just released their 2007 Calendar of Events and Programs. This year, there are over 100 programs scheduled.
Since 1989, the JSU Field Schools, through their various partners have reached out to more than 200,000 people. Along with their programs, construction of the $6 million Little River Center will be begin in 2007. The new center, which will include innovative Green Building standards, will be home to the National Park Service, a conference center and multiple environmental education displays and programs. To access the 2007 program calendar and learn more about the JSU Field Schools, visit http://fieldschool.jsu.edu
4. Southern Research Institute "Clean-Up Facts" Website - Here is a good story about a proactive voluntary cleanup effort.
In 1941, the Southern Research Institute (SRI) was founded in Birmingham as a not for profit scientific research center. In 1952, the Institute purchased approximately 200 acres in North Shelby County near Chelsea. Approximately 0.8 of an acre of this property was used to dispose of lab waste from the 1950s to 1979. At the time, in the 50s, there were no regulations or guidelines for disposal of lab wastes. Of course that changed in the late 70s and the early 80s.
Presently, Southern Research has taken significant and proactive strides to voluntarily cleanup the site, and recently secured approval from ADEM to enact a cleanup plan. SRI has even created a website to educate and update the community about the cleanup. That link can be found here http://www.cleanupfacts.org
5. BEN Notes: UA Seeking Museum Naturalist, WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins, Mulberry Race and Festival, The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy, Brookside Greenway Festival, Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration
UA Seeking Museum Naturalist - The University of Alabama Museums is seeking a Museum Naturalist. For more information and how to apply go to http://www.jobs.ua.edu
WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins - The World Wildlife Fund has released a report on aquatic species and habitat information for 29 watersheds within the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins. You can read the report at: http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildplaces/sers/projects.cfm
Mulberry Race and Festival - Check out one of Alabama's best whitewater races and events, the Mulberry Race and Festival, March 3 & 4. For more information visit the Friends of Locust Fork website at http://www.flfr.org . To volunteer, contact Sam Howell at 205-684-4751 or showell@brescoinc.com
The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy - Don't miss "The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy" on Tuesday, March 6th, 7:00pm at the Saenger Theater in Mobile. There will also be a special pre-reception between 5:30-6:45pm. Order your tickets today through the Alabama Coastal Foundation at 251-990-6002. For additional details visit http://www.brooksidealabama.com or contact Francesca Gross at 205-264-8464.
Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration - The Alabama Rivers Alliance will be holding their 10th Anniversary Celebration/Watershed Leadership Conference on March 16-18 at Camp McDowell. National Wildlife Federation's Chair Jerome Ringo will be among the impressive list of speakers and guests. For more information about this event go to http://www.alabamarivers.org or call 205-322-6395. Scholarships are still available.
2) Alabama Land Trust Protects Nearly 8500 Acres in 2006
3) JSU Field Schools: Over 100 Programs for 2007
4) Southern Research Institute "Clean-Up Facts" Website
5) BEN Notes: UA Seeking Museum Naturalist, WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins, Mulberry Race and Festival, The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy, Brookside Greenway Festival, Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration
************************
1. Alabama Coastal Cleanup 2006 Numbers - This year's 19th Annual Alabama Coastal Cleanup numbers are in, and once again there are some pretty impressive numbers, good and bad.
"The Good" - Within a four hour morning on September 16, 2006, within 24 cleanup zones along the Gulf Coast in Baldwin and Mobile Counties, as well in Covington and Conecuh Counties, 3000 volunteers removed debris from 200 miles of coastline. Since the program began in 1987, 44,946 volunteers have participated in Alabama, cleaning 2,773 miles of coastline.
"The Bad" - In 2006, volunteers removed a stunning 80,000 pounds of debris. Since the program began a total of 923,710 pounds of debris has been removed from Alabama's coastline.
A very effective program, to learn more about the Alabama Coastal Cleanup, and how to participate for 2007, visit http://www.AlabamaCoastalCleanup.com
2. Alabama Land Trust Protects Nearly 8500 Acres in 2006 - According to the Alabama Land Trust's (ALT) latest newsletter, the group protected more than nearly 8500 acres throughout Alabama in 2006.
Working with nineteen different landowners, ALT secured conservation easements ranging from 20 acres to 2000 acres. Land was protected in nearly every region in the state, including the Florence area, the Tallapoosa River Area, the Black Belt Region and the Northeast corner of Alabama.In total, ALT has protected 30,953 acres in Alabama, including 9,769 acres of Black Belt Prairie Ecosystem lands.
To learn more about the Alabama Land Trust and their many programs, visit their website at http://www.allandtrust.org
3. JSU Field Schools: Over 100 Programs for 2007 - The Jacksonville State University (JSU) Field Schools just released their 2007 Calendar of Events and Programs. This year, there are over 100 programs scheduled.
Since 1989, the JSU Field Schools, through their various partners have reached out to more than 200,000 people. Along with their programs, construction of the $6 million Little River Center will be begin in 2007. The new center, which will include innovative Green Building standards, will be home to the National Park Service, a conference center and multiple environmental education displays and programs. To access the 2007 program calendar and learn more about the JSU Field Schools, visit http://fieldschool.jsu.edu
4. Southern Research Institute "Clean-Up Facts" Website - Here is a good story about a proactive voluntary cleanup effort.
In 1941, the Southern Research Institute (SRI) was founded in Birmingham as a not for profit scientific research center. In 1952, the Institute purchased approximately 200 acres in North Shelby County near Chelsea. Approximately 0.8 of an acre of this property was used to dispose of lab waste from the 1950s to 1979. At the time, in the 50s, there were no regulations or guidelines for disposal of lab wastes. Of course that changed in the late 70s and the early 80s.
Presently, Southern Research has taken significant and proactive strides to voluntarily cleanup the site, and recently secured approval from ADEM to enact a cleanup plan. SRI has even created a website to educate and update the community about the cleanup. That link can be found here http://www.cleanupfacts.org
5. BEN Notes: UA Seeking Museum Naturalist, WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins, Mulberry Race and Festival, The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy, Brookside Greenway Festival, Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration
UA Seeking Museum Naturalist - The University of Alabama Museums is seeking a Museum Naturalist. For more information and how to apply go to http://www.jobs.ua.edu
WWF Report on the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins - The World Wildlife Fund has released a report on aquatic species and habitat information for 29 watersheds within the Tennessee, Cumberland and Mobile Basins. You can read the report at: http://www.worldwildlife.org/wildplaces/sers/projects.cfm
Mulberry Race and Festival - Check out one of Alabama's best whitewater races and events, the Mulberry Race and Festival, March 3 & 4. For more information visit the Friends of Locust Fork website at http://www.flfr.org . To volunteer, contact Sam Howell at 205-684-4751 or showell@brescoinc.com
The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy - Don't miss "The Undersea Adventures of Mike deGruy" on Tuesday, March 6th, 7:00pm at the Saenger Theater in Mobile. There will also be a special pre-reception between 5:30-6:45pm. Order your tickets today through the Alabama Coastal Foundation at 251-990-6002. For additional details visit http://www.brooksidealabama.com or contact Francesca Gross at 205-264-8464.
Alabama Rivers Alliance 10th Anniversary Celebration - The Alabama Rivers Alliance will be holding their 10th Anniversary Celebration/Watershed Leadership Conference on March 16-18 at Camp McDowell. National Wildlife Federation's Chair Jerome Ringo will be among the impressive list of speakers and guests. For more information about this event go to http://www.alabamarivers.org or call 205-322-6395. Scholarships are still available.
Mary Burks
Dear BEN Readers:
On Friday, February 16th, Mary Burks, the mother of Alabama's environmental movement and founder of the Alabama Conservancy, passed away at 86 years of age.
My relationship with Mary and Bob Burks started nearly 18 years ago in September 1989, when I became Executive Director of the Alabama Conservancy. Despite it's small office space, Kaypro computer and very modest conference room, the Alabama Conservancy was the epicenter of Alabama's environmental movement in those days. The "environmental forum" a coalition of all the environmental groups met there, mainly because it was the only place to meet. Leaders of all the groups dropped by. It was the movement's clubhouse. And then there was Mary and Bob Burks.
They volunteered weekly, always focused on the task they were there for. Bob always smiled, talked a little, even debated a little, and then focused like a laser beam on the Conservancy's financial work. Then there was Mary. She always wanted to know how things were going. She tutored me about the Conservancy, it's history and it's future, it's people, the stories, the issues, the land and the organization's mission to care for Alabama's environment, protect it and preserve it. As head of membership at the time, Mary organized mailing parties, stuffing envelopes, placing address labels on the envelopes, and sealing them.
Here was the founder of the organization stuffing envelopes!
These were golden opportunities. As we sat in that conference room, Mary would talk about the Sipsey Wilderness, Blanche Dean or how the Conservancy started recycling in Birmingham. It was such a gift. And it was always neat to see Bob walk in after completing the financial/treasurer's work, to join in sealing the letters and then chiming in with his own stories. Their stories enriched and touched the lives of the volunteers, most of whom were students - the next generation.
A little over a year ago in Anniston, we were able to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Eastern Wilderness Act, the law that created the Sipsey Wilderness. It was a grand reunion organized by Pete Conroy and his group at Jacksonville State University. Mary and Bob were there, along with two former congressmen and John Randolph, a former Conservancy Executive Director and author of "The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness." I remember former Congressman Ronnie Flippo from Florence saying that one of his greatest accomplishments in Congress was the expansion of the Sipsey Wilderness.
The idea for Eastern Wilderness was founded in Alabama. In Randolph's book, the chapter titled "It's Impossible" details how a group of Alabamians embarked on a campaign to create the Sipsey Wilderness - an Eastern Wilderness - something the Forest Service said could never be done. Mary Burks organized a Wilderness Feasibility Study Committee, a group that contained true giants in their fields of study. People like Tom Imhof, author of Alabama Birds, Blanche Dean and Louise "Weesie" Smith, (botany), Charles Kelly (game wildlife), Mike Howell (ichthyology), Dan Holliman (nongame wildlife), Mike Hopiak and James Peavey (herpetology), Denny Bearce (Geology), Dale Carruthers (history), James and Fran Alexander (speleology) and James Manasco (trails). Along with the study group, a public campaign was launched through Birmingham Audubon's Walter Coxe. A film-The Bankhead Forest - An Alabama Adventure, was produced by photographers Perry Covington and Dennis Holt, and edited by Elberta Reid.
The wilderness campaign eventually secured the support of the entire Alabama congressional delegation. Commenting in Randolph's book years later, Mary stated about the grassroots wilderness movement, "We didn't have any idea what we were doing. We learned believe me. We learned the hard way."
After the six year Wilderness campaign (1969-1975), not only was the Sipsey Wilderness created but an entire Eastern Wilderness Area System was established. In Alabama, 32 years later, we now have 41,000 + acres of wilderness and hundreds of thousands of acres designated as wilderness in the East.
Mary's ongoing struggle to protect the designated wilderness was not the sum of her effort. She strived everyday to add or enhance the beauty of Alabama from wildflowers to our Natural Wonders.In her latter years, her knees prevented her to see and touch the beauty she loved so dearly, but it never diminished the strength of her conviction to protect and preserve it.
One final quote from Randolph's book best describes Mary. "If one believes in fate, then surely Mary Burks was fated to become the mother of Alabama wilderness preservation. Passionate, tough, and resilient, a lover of all things wild and natural..."
Somewhere out there Mary is looking down on all of us. There is so much more to be done. A new champion needs to step forward. Who will that be?
I know Mary is saying "Get Busy!"
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
On Friday, February 16th, Mary Burks, the mother of Alabama's environmental movement and founder of the Alabama Conservancy, passed away at 86 years of age.
My relationship with Mary and Bob Burks started nearly 18 years ago in September 1989, when I became Executive Director of the Alabama Conservancy. Despite it's small office space, Kaypro computer and very modest conference room, the Alabama Conservancy was the epicenter of Alabama's environmental movement in those days. The "environmental forum" a coalition of all the environmental groups met there, mainly because it was the only place to meet. Leaders of all the groups dropped by. It was the movement's clubhouse. And then there was Mary and Bob Burks.
They volunteered weekly, always focused on the task they were there for. Bob always smiled, talked a little, even debated a little, and then focused like a laser beam on the Conservancy's financial work. Then there was Mary. She always wanted to know how things were going. She tutored me about the Conservancy, it's history and it's future, it's people, the stories, the issues, the land and the organization's mission to care for Alabama's environment, protect it and preserve it. As head of membership at the time, Mary organized mailing parties, stuffing envelopes, placing address labels on the envelopes, and sealing them.
Here was the founder of the organization stuffing envelopes!
These were golden opportunities. As we sat in that conference room, Mary would talk about the Sipsey Wilderness, Blanche Dean or how the Conservancy started recycling in Birmingham. It was such a gift. And it was always neat to see Bob walk in after completing the financial/treasurer's work, to join in sealing the letters and then chiming in with his own stories. Their stories enriched and touched the lives of the volunteers, most of whom were students - the next generation.
A little over a year ago in Anniston, we were able to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Eastern Wilderness Act, the law that created the Sipsey Wilderness. It was a grand reunion organized by Pete Conroy and his group at Jacksonville State University. Mary and Bob were there, along with two former congressmen and John Randolph, a former Conservancy Executive Director and author of "The Battle for Alabama's Wilderness." I remember former Congressman Ronnie Flippo from Florence saying that one of his greatest accomplishments in Congress was the expansion of the Sipsey Wilderness.
The idea for Eastern Wilderness was founded in Alabama. In Randolph's book, the chapter titled "It's Impossible" details how a group of Alabamians embarked on a campaign to create the Sipsey Wilderness - an Eastern Wilderness - something the Forest Service said could never be done. Mary Burks organized a Wilderness Feasibility Study Committee, a group that contained true giants in their fields of study. People like Tom Imhof, author of Alabama Birds, Blanche Dean and Louise "Weesie" Smith, (botany), Charles Kelly (game wildlife), Mike Howell (ichthyology), Dan Holliman (nongame wildlife), Mike Hopiak and James Peavey (herpetology), Denny Bearce (Geology), Dale Carruthers (history), James and Fran Alexander (speleology) and James Manasco (trails). Along with the study group, a public campaign was launched through Birmingham Audubon's Walter Coxe. A film-The Bankhead Forest - An Alabama Adventure, was produced by photographers Perry Covington and Dennis Holt, and edited by Elberta Reid.
The wilderness campaign eventually secured the support of the entire Alabama congressional delegation. Commenting in Randolph's book years later, Mary stated about the grassroots wilderness movement, "We didn't have any idea what we were doing. We learned believe me. We learned the hard way."
After the six year Wilderness campaign (1969-1975), not only was the Sipsey Wilderness created but an entire Eastern Wilderness Area System was established. In Alabama, 32 years later, we now have 41,000 + acres of wilderness and hundreds of thousands of acres designated as wilderness in the East.
Mary's ongoing struggle to protect the designated wilderness was not the sum of her effort. She strived everyday to add or enhance the beauty of Alabama from wildflowers to our Natural Wonders.In her latter years, her knees prevented her to see and touch the beauty she loved so dearly, but it never diminished the strength of her conviction to protect and preserve it.
One final quote from Randolph's book best describes Mary. "If one believes in fate, then surely Mary Burks was fated to become the mother of Alabama wilderness preservation. Passionate, tough, and resilient, a lover of all things wild and natural..."
Somewhere out there Mary is looking down on all of us. There is so much more to be done. A new champion needs to step forward. Who will that be?
I know Mary is saying "Get Busy!"
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
Friday, February 09, 2007
BEN Special Passages - E.O. Wilson's "The Creation"
Dear BEN Readers,
Today's BEN Special Passages comes from E.O. Wilson's new book, The Creation - An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. One of Alabama's greatest and most renown scientist, Wilson writes the book in the form of a letter to a Southern Baptist pastor urging science and religion to join forces and save creation.
I strongly recommend The Creation to BEN Readers. It is a great thought provoking book, that also reveals in detail how three University of Alabama teachers helped "grow" his passion for science and biology.
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
********************
Special Notice: If you would like to meet E.O. Wilson in person, he will be addressing the Alabama Environmental Education Consortium Conference, this spring. The conference is scheduled for April 20 & 21 at Samford University. Contact Virginia Brown at 205-726-4246 for additional details.
The following link includes a recent Washington Post story about the book.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/19/AR2006091901664.html
***********************
Excerpts from E.O. Wilson's The Creation - An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
"There seems no better way to explain why so many smart people remain passive while the precious remnants of the natural world disappear. They are evidently unaware that ecological services provided scott-free by wild environments, by Eden, are approximately equal in dollar value to the gross world product. They choose to remain innocent of the historical principle that civilizations collapse when their environments are ruined. Most troubling of all, our leaders, including those of the great religions, have done little to protect the living world in the midst of its sharp decline. They have ignored the command of the Abrahamic God on the fourth day of the world's birth to "let the waters teem with countless living creatures, and let birds fly over the land across the vault of heaven." - The Creation, pg. 10
"Critics of environmentalism (whatever that overused term means - aren't we all environmentalists?) usually wave aside the small and unfamiliar, which they tend to classify into two categories, bugs and weeds. It is easy for them to overlook the fact that these creatures make up most of the organisms and the species on Earth. They forget, if they ever knew, how the voracious caterpillars of an obscure moth from the American tropics saved Australia's pastureland from the overgrowth of cactus; how a Madagascar "weed," the rosy periwinkle, provided the alkaloids that cure most cases of Hodgkin's disease and acute childhood leukemia; how another substance from an obscure Norwegian fungus made possible the organ transplant industry; how a chemical from the saliva of leeches yielded a solvent that prevents blood clots during and after surgery; and so on through the pharmacopoeia that has stretched from the herbal medicines of Stone Age shamans to the magic-bullet cures of present-day biomedical science." The Creation, pg. 31
"Freshwater ecosystems are pressed even more than forests and grasslands. Humans take up a quarter of the accessible water released to the atmosphere by evaporation and plant transpiration, and more than half the runoff from rivers and other natural channels. We are swiftly drawing down aquifers around the world, from America's Great Plains to China's Yellow River Basin and Saudi Arabia's irrigated desert. By 2025, some 40 percent of the world's population could be living in countries with chronic water scarcity. Of all Earth's water, marine included, fresh water makes up only 2.5 percent, and the greatest part of that is locked up in the planet's ice caps." - The Creation, pg. 77
Life on this planet can stand no more plundering. Quite apart from obedience to the universal moral imperative of saving the Creation, based upon religion and science alike, conserving biodiversity is the best economic deal humanity has ever had placed before it since the invention of agriculture. The time to act, my respected friend, is now. The science is sound, and improving. Those living today will either win the race against extinction or lose it, the latter for all time. They will earn either everlasting honor or everlasting contempt. - The Creation, pg. 99
"The basic ingredient for a love of learning is the same as romantic love, or love of country, or of God: passion for a particular subject. Knowledge accompanied by pleasurable emotion stays with us. It jumps to the surface and , when summoned, triggers other memory linkages to create metaphor, the cutting edge of creative thought. Rote learning, in contrast, fades quickly into a jumble of words, facts and anecdotes. The Holy Grail of liberal education is the formula by which passion can be systematically expanded for both science and humanities, hence for the best in culture." - The Creation, pg.127
Today's BEN Special Passages comes from E.O. Wilson's new book, The Creation - An Appeal to Save Life on Earth. One of Alabama's greatest and most renown scientist, Wilson writes the book in the form of a letter to a Southern Baptist pastor urging science and religion to join forces and save creation.
I strongly recommend The Creation to BEN Readers. It is a great thought provoking book, that also reveals in detail how three University of Alabama teachers helped "grow" his passion for science and biology.
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
********************
Special Notice: If you would like to meet E.O. Wilson in person, he will be addressing the Alabama Environmental Education Consortium Conference, this spring. The conference is scheduled for April 20 & 21 at Samford University. Contact Virginia Brown at 205-726-4246 for additional details.
The following link includes a recent Washington Post story about the book.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/19/AR2006091901664.html
***********************
Excerpts from E.O. Wilson's The Creation - An Appeal to Save Life on Earth
"There seems no better way to explain why so many smart people remain passive while the precious remnants of the natural world disappear. They are evidently unaware that ecological services provided scott-free by wild environments, by Eden, are approximately equal in dollar value to the gross world product. They choose to remain innocent of the historical principle that civilizations collapse when their environments are ruined. Most troubling of all, our leaders, including those of the great religions, have done little to protect the living world in the midst of its sharp decline. They have ignored the command of the Abrahamic God on the fourth day of the world's birth to "let the waters teem with countless living creatures, and let birds fly over the land across the vault of heaven." - The Creation, pg. 10
"Critics of environmentalism (whatever that overused term means - aren't we all environmentalists?) usually wave aside the small and unfamiliar, which they tend to classify into two categories, bugs and weeds. It is easy for them to overlook the fact that these creatures make up most of the organisms and the species on Earth. They forget, if they ever knew, how the voracious caterpillars of an obscure moth from the American tropics saved Australia's pastureland from the overgrowth of cactus; how a Madagascar "weed," the rosy periwinkle, provided the alkaloids that cure most cases of Hodgkin's disease and acute childhood leukemia; how another substance from an obscure Norwegian fungus made possible the organ transplant industry; how a chemical from the saliva of leeches yielded a solvent that prevents blood clots during and after surgery; and so on through the pharmacopoeia that has stretched from the herbal medicines of Stone Age shamans to the magic-bullet cures of present-day biomedical science." The Creation, pg. 31
"Freshwater ecosystems are pressed even more than forests and grasslands. Humans take up a quarter of the accessible water released to the atmosphere by evaporation and plant transpiration, and more than half the runoff from rivers and other natural channels. We are swiftly drawing down aquifers around the world, from America's Great Plains to China's Yellow River Basin and Saudi Arabia's irrigated desert. By 2025, some 40 percent of the world's population could be living in countries with chronic water scarcity. Of all Earth's water, marine included, fresh water makes up only 2.5 percent, and the greatest part of that is locked up in the planet's ice caps." - The Creation, pg. 77
Life on this planet can stand no more plundering. Quite apart from obedience to the universal moral imperative of saving the Creation, based upon religion and science alike, conserving biodiversity is the best economic deal humanity has ever had placed before it since the invention of agriculture. The time to act, my respected friend, is now. The science is sound, and improving. Those living today will either win the race against extinction or lose it, the latter for all time. They will earn either everlasting honor or everlasting contempt. - The Creation, pg. 99
"The basic ingredient for a love of learning is the same as romantic love, or love of country, or of God: passion for a particular subject. Knowledge accompanied by pleasurable emotion stays with us. It jumps to the surface and , when summoned, triggers other memory linkages to create metaphor, the cutting edge of creative thought. Rote learning, in contrast, fades quickly into a jumble of words, facts and anecdotes. The Holy Grail of liberal education is the formula by which passion can be systematically expanded for both science and humanities, hence for the best in culture." - The Creation, pg.127
BEN - January 26, 2007
1) Rivers Alliance and SELC Announce Water Agenda
2) Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan Released
3) Governor Riley Makes Push For Alternative Fuels in Alabama
4) Alabama's Gulf Guardian Winners
5) BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers, Sierra Club Film Festival, Salamander Festival, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day, Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference, 5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference
****************************
1. Rivers Alliance and SELC Announce Water Agenda - This week, on the banks of the Alabama River, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Southern Environmental Law Center announced the release of the "Alabama Water Agenda - Guiding The Way To Healthy Waters" plan.
The plan called for the following actions:
* Increased agency coordination and enhancement
* Enhanced enforcement of state environmental laws and regulations
* Increased funding through the Alabama Legislature and fully use potential federal funding
* Develop a comprehensive statewide instream flow policy* Address stormwater runoff issues
* Strengthen state and local support for principles and methods of sustainable, "smart growth" development
To access and read the entire Alabama Water Agenda, visit http://www.AlabamaWaterAgenda.com
2. Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan Released - Earlier this week, the Red Mountain Steering Committee submitted to the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission a draft master plan called "Red Mountain Park - A Vision for Birmingham's Great New Park."
Covering over 1100 acres (larger than Central Park in New York), the draft master plan lays out "Ten Guiding Principles to Shape the Park". Along with the completion of the draft plan, the Freshwater Land Trust transferred responsibility for the new park to the newly appointed and convened Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission. Made possible by the largest donation in U.S. Steel history, the park is continuing to raise funds to purchase and maintain the park.For more information about this exciting project go to http://www.redmountainpark.org/ or http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org/
3. Governor Riley Makes Push For Alternative Fuels in Alabama - On January 25th, Governor Bob Riley announced the start of construction for the State Motor Pool's addition of a new 12,000 gallon E-85 Ethanol facility.
The new facility is part of a statewide plan to add pumps for E-85 ethanol fuel at six Alabama gas stations and B20 Biodiesel fuel at five stations along I-65.The state's actions follows the success of the city of Hoover's E-85 program, which has become the largest fleet of municipal law enforcement vehicles using E-85 in the United States. Since beginning the use of E-85, Hoover's municipal vehicles have driven over 3.7 million miles using 300,000 gallons of E-85 Ethanol.
Presently, the State Motor Pool currently has 132 vehicles with Flex Fuel engines capable of using either gasoline or E-85 Ethanol. All future state replacement vehicles will have E-85 Flex Fuel engines. To learn more about the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and their program to reduce our dependency on oil and improve air quality, visit http://www.AlabamaCleanFuels.org
4. Alabama's Gulf Guardian Winners - An Alabama Business, an Individual and an Environmental Studies Center were awarded 2006 Gulf Guardian Awards.
Here were the winners:
First Place in the Business Category - Hand Arendall Conservation Awareness Program - Awarded for their coastal environmental education and leadership efforts - Complete Profile at http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/gulfguard/2006_individ_1st.html
Third Place in the Youth Education Category - SEA ICE Environmental Studies Center - A creative environmental program involving teachers and students at 14 Mobile public high schools. Complete Profile at: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/gulfguard/2006_youth_3rd.html
5. BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers, Sierra Club Film Festival, Salamander Festival, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day, Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference, 5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference
Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers - The Birmingham Audubon Society has scholarships available for teachers to attend 2 workshops - the Audubon Mountain Workshop held in Mentone, Alabama and the Maine Audubon Society's Workshop for Educators. To apply, visit http://www.birminghamaudubon.org or call Ann Sweeney at 205-879-7127.
Sierra Club Film Festival - The North Alabama Sierra Club is holding a Film Festival, in Huntsville at Flying Monkey Arts (in the old Lowe Mill at Seminole Dr. & 8th) , Saturday, January 27, 4pm, 7pm & 9pm. Check out the film lineup at http://www.flyingmonkeyarts.org or http://www.alabama.sierraclub.org
Shades Creek Salamander Festival - Don't miss the annual Salamander Festival this Saturday, January 27th, 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Shades Valley Community Church in Homewood.Wheeler
National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day - The Friends of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Association is hosting six Clean Up and Learn Days throughout 2007. Their first event is scheduled for February 3rd, 8:00 am at the Beaverdam Peninsula. For additional details, contact Teresa Adams at 256-350-6639 or email Teresa_Adams@fws.gov. Also visit http://www.fws.gov/wheeler/
Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference - If you care about environmental justice and advocating for the poor, check out this impressive upcoming Alabama Arise conference "Let Justice Roll." The conference is scheduled to be held on February 15th, 8:15 am - 3:00 pm at Birmingham Southern College. For registration info, visit http://www.arisecitizens.org or call 334-832-9060.
5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will be holding their 5th Annual Conference March 30 to April 1 at Bald Rock Lodge at Cheaha State Park. For conference registration info, visit - http://hikealabama.org/conference07/conference.htm
2) Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan Released
3) Governor Riley Makes Push For Alternative Fuels in Alabama
4) Alabama's Gulf Guardian Winners
5) BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers, Sierra Club Film Festival, Salamander Festival, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day, Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference, 5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference
****************************
1. Rivers Alliance and SELC Announce Water Agenda - This week, on the banks of the Alabama River, the Alabama Rivers Alliance and the Southern Environmental Law Center announced the release of the "Alabama Water Agenda - Guiding The Way To Healthy Waters" plan.
The plan called for the following actions:
* Increased agency coordination and enhancement
* Enhanced enforcement of state environmental laws and regulations
* Increased funding through the Alabama Legislature and fully use potential federal funding
* Develop a comprehensive statewide instream flow policy* Address stormwater runoff issues
* Strengthen state and local support for principles and methods of sustainable, "smart growth" development
To access and read the entire Alabama Water Agenda, visit http://www.AlabamaWaterAgenda.com
2. Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan Released - Earlier this week, the Red Mountain Steering Committee submitted to the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission a draft master plan called "Red Mountain Park - A Vision for Birmingham's Great New Park."
Covering over 1100 acres (larger than Central Park in New York), the draft master plan lays out "Ten Guiding Principles to Shape the Park". Along with the completion of the draft plan, the Freshwater Land Trust transferred responsibility for the new park to the newly appointed and convened Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission. Made possible by the largest donation in U.S. Steel history, the park is continuing to raise funds to purchase and maintain the park.For more information about this exciting project go to http://www.redmountainpark.org/ or http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org/
3. Governor Riley Makes Push For Alternative Fuels in Alabama - On January 25th, Governor Bob Riley announced the start of construction for the State Motor Pool's addition of a new 12,000 gallon E-85 Ethanol facility.
The new facility is part of a statewide plan to add pumps for E-85 ethanol fuel at six Alabama gas stations and B20 Biodiesel fuel at five stations along I-65.The state's actions follows the success of the city of Hoover's E-85 program, which has become the largest fleet of municipal law enforcement vehicles using E-85 in the United States. Since beginning the use of E-85, Hoover's municipal vehicles have driven over 3.7 million miles using 300,000 gallons of E-85 Ethanol.
Presently, the State Motor Pool currently has 132 vehicles with Flex Fuel engines capable of using either gasoline or E-85 Ethanol. All future state replacement vehicles will have E-85 Flex Fuel engines. To learn more about the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition and their program to reduce our dependency on oil and improve air quality, visit http://www.AlabamaCleanFuels.org
4. Alabama's Gulf Guardian Winners - An Alabama Business, an Individual and an Environmental Studies Center were awarded 2006 Gulf Guardian Awards.
Here were the winners:
First Place in the Business Category - Hand Arendall Conservation Awareness Program - Awarded for their coastal environmental education and leadership efforts - Complete Profile at http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/gulfguard/2006_individ_1st.html
Third Place in the Youth Education Category - SEA ICE Environmental Studies Center - A creative environmental program involving teachers and students at 14 Mobile public high schools. Complete Profile at: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/gulfguard/2006_youth_3rd.html
5. BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers, Sierra Club Film Festival, Salamander Festival, Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day, Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference, 5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference
Birmingham Audubon Environmental Scholarships for Teachers - The Birmingham Audubon Society has scholarships available for teachers to attend 2 workshops - the Audubon Mountain Workshop held in Mentone, Alabama and the Maine Audubon Society's Workshop for Educators. To apply, visit http://www.birminghamaudubon.org or call Ann Sweeney at 205-879-7127.
Sierra Club Film Festival - The North Alabama Sierra Club is holding a Film Festival, in Huntsville at Flying Monkey Arts (in the old Lowe Mill at Seminole Dr. & 8th) , Saturday, January 27, 4pm, 7pm & 9pm. Check out the film lineup at http://www.flyingmonkeyarts.org or http://www.alabama.sierraclub.org
Shades Creek Salamander Festival - Don't miss the annual Salamander Festival this Saturday, January 27th, 3:00 to 6:30 pm at the Shades Valley Community Church in Homewood.Wheeler
National Wildlife Refuge Clean Up and Learn Day - The Friends of Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge Association is hosting six Clean Up and Learn Days throughout 2007. Their first event is scheduled for February 3rd, 8:00 am at the Beaverdam Peninsula. For additional details, contact Teresa Adams at 256-350-6639 or email Teresa_Adams@fws.gov. Also visit http://www.fws.gov/wheeler/
Let Justice Roll - An Alabama Arise Conference - If you care about environmental justice and advocating for the poor, check out this impressive upcoming Alabama Arise conference "Let Justice Roll." The conference is scheduled to be held on February 15th, 8:15 am - 3:00 pm at Birmingham Southern College. For registration info, visit http://www.arisecitizens.org or call 334-832-9060.
5th Annual Hiking Trail Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will be holding their 5th Annual Conference March 30 to April 1 at Bald Rock Lodge at Cheaha State Park. For conference registration info, visit - http://hikealabama.org/conference07/conference.htm
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
BEN - January 12, 2007 #276
1) Birmingham Metro Area Particle Air Pollution Problems
2) Number of Alabama's Bald Eagles Increasing
3) Legacy Gives Out More Than $100,000 in Grants
4) BEN Notes: Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director, Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director, The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey, Red Mountain Park Public Open House, ADEM Non-Point Source Conference, Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting, EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting, Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference, Volunteers Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival
***********************************************
BEN Charitieshttp://www.BamaNews.com/donation.html
**********************************************
Numbers from the U.S. Forest Service's "Cooperating Across Boundaries - Partnerships to Conserve Open Space in Rural America" - pg. 36.
- Birdwatching increase in participation from 1982 to 2001: 236%
- Amount spent by birdwatchers to further their interest in 2001: $32 Billion
- Miles of road in the U.S.: 4 million
- Number of vertebrates run over by cars each day: 1 million
- Number of invasive plant species in the U.S. : 2000
- Cost to the public of invasive species per year: $120 Billion
- Percent of endangered species at further risk from invasive species: 46
- Number of off-highway vehicle users in 1972: 5 million
- Number of off-highway vehicle users in 2000: 36 million
- Largest single source of water in the United States: National Forests
************************************
1. Birmingham Metro Area Particle Air Pollution Problems - According to last month's Birmingham News Jefferson and Shelby counties were poised to violate the new federal air pollution standard for particle pollution.
Under the new standard, no monitor may capture more than 35 micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air in one day. The air in North Birmingham on the first day of testing weighed more than 45 micrograms, according to the Health Department. Officials will continue to measure the air in the two counties for three years before the EPA judges whether the area has failed the standard. The worst 2 percent of the readings are disregarded.
Jefferson County officials have predicted that the area will fail unless cleanup measures are implemented. Recently, the Health Department has contracted with a California environmental consulting firm to build a model to determine how it can meet the new rule by reducing emissions from North Birmingham and the surrounding areas. The new tougher particle air pollution standard is aimed at addressing a pollution problem that EPA estimates is the cause of 15,000 premature deaths a year.
2. Number of Alabama's Bald Eagles Increasing - This, week the Department of Conservation announced a record year for Alabama's Bald Eagle Restoration Project. State wildlife biologists counted 77 bald eagle nests in Alabama in 2006 - a 21 percent increase over 2005 (61 nests) and the highest since the program began in 1984.
A true Alabama environmental comeback story, in the middle part of the 1900s, Alabama lost its nesting population of bald eagles due to habitat loss and the impact of DDT. Prior to restoration efforts, the last known successful bald eagle nests in Alabama was in the 1950s. In 1984, Alabama's Non-game Wildlife Program initiated a project to restore nesting bald eagles to the state. After a 7 year period, in 1991, two successful eagle nests appeared in Henry and Wilcox counties.
To learn more about Alabama's Bald Eagles, participate in the Guntersville State Park Eagle Weekends, scheduled each weekend in January. For info on tours call 256-571-5444 or email guntersvillestpk@dcnr.alabama.gov
3. Legacy Gives Out More Than $100,000 in Grants - Legacy Partners in Environmental Education (the group with the "Protect the Environment" car tags) recently announced the distribution of more than $109,000 to 27 environmental education organizations throughout Alabama. Some of the grantees include: Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, Alabama Water Watch, Wolf Bay Watershed Watch, Mobile United and the Jacksonville State University Field Schools.Legacy's Competitive and Mini-grant Program is just one of several Legacy initiatives. The group also gives out grants for Earth Day events, Chemical Collection Day events and college undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
To learn more about these and other programs, visit Legacy's website at http://www.legacyenved.org
4. BEN Notes: Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director, Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director, The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey, Red Mountain Park Public Open House, ADEM Non-Point Source Conference, Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting, EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting, Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference, Volunteers Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival
Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director - The Alabama Rivers Alliance is seeking a visionary executive director to lead the organization in the areas of effective water policy and outreach, staff supervision, budgeting and fundraising. To learn more about this position and how to apply, visit the Alabama Rivers Alliance website at http://www.alabamarivers.org
Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director - Mobile Baykeeper is seeking a program director to carry out many of the organization's natural resource and environmental initiatives. To learn more about the position go to http://www.mobilebaykeeper.org .
The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey - There will be to events this weekend honoring the joyful life of the late Cahaba River Society Education Director, Shane Hulsey. All proceeds from both events will benefit Shane's family and the Land Trust being formed in his honor. The event details:A Silent Auction - Saturday, January 13th, 6-8pm at Rojo, 2921 Highland Ave. in Birmingham Music Festival - Sunday, January 14th, 2pm at Bottletree, 3719 3rd Ave. South in BirminghamFor additional details visit http://www.friendsofshane.blogspot.com
Red Mountain Park Public Open House - Final highlights and designs of the Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan will be available Tuesday, January 23rd, 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Birmingham Museum of Art. For more information contact Kristie McCullough at 254-0129 or 616-4563.
ADEM Non-Point Source Conference - ADEM's 18th Annual Nonpoint Source Conference "Aiming for Success in Reducing NPS Pollution" will be held on January 24th, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The conference is free with lunch provided. Spaces are limited, so register early. Contact Molly Tatum at 334-279-3051 or visit
http://www.adem.state.al.us/Education%20Div/Conference/Announcement2007.pdf
Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting - The Cahaba River Society will be holding their 2007 Annual Meeting on January 25th, 5:30 pm at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 8th Avenue, Birmingham. For additional details visit - http://www.cahabariversociety.org
EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting - The Environmental Education Association of Alabama will be holding their 19th Annual Conference at Cheaha State Park on February 1-3. On February 1st there will also be a Round Table Meeting for EE Practitioners and Administrators at the Cheaha Restaurant. For details about the EEAA Conference visit http://www.aces.edu/eeaa/main.html to participate in the Round Table call Maggie Johnston at 205-387-1806 or email maggie@campmcdowell.org by January 16th.
Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference - Legacy will be holding its 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference on February 14-16 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. The hotel deadline is January 14th, while the conference registration deadline is January 19th. For agenda and registration information visit http://www.legacyenved.org
Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival - The Alabama Coastal Foundation is seeking volunteers for the Baldwin County Water Festival. Contact Angela at 251-990-6002 for details.
2) Number of Alabama's Bald Eagles Increasing
3) Legacy Gives Out More Than $100,000 in Grants
4) BEN Notes: Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director, Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director, The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey, Red Mountain Park Public Open House, ADEM Non-Point Source Conference, Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting, EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting, Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference, Volunteers Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival
***********************************************
BEN Charitieshttp://www.BamaNews.com/donation.html
**********************************************
Numbers from the U.S. Forest Service's "Cooperating Across Boundaries - Partnerships to Conserve Open Space in Rural America" - pg. 36.
- Birdwatching increase in participation from 1982 to 2001: 236%
- Amount spent by birdwatchers to further their interest in 2001: $32 Billion
- Miles of road in the U.S.: 4 million
- Number of vertebrates run over by cars each day: 1 million
- Number of invasive plant species in the U.S. : 2000
- Cost to the public of invasive species per year: $120 Billion
- Percent of endangered species at further risk from invasive species: 46
- Number of off-highway vehicle users in 1972: 5 million
- Number of off-highway vehicle users in 2000: 36 million
- Largest single source of water in the United States: National Forests
************************************
1. Birmingham Metro Area Particle Air Pollution Problems - According to last month's Birmingham News Jefferson and Shelby counties were poised to violate the new federal air pollution standard for particle pollution.
Under the new standard, no monitor may capture more than 35 micrograms of particles per cubic meter of air in one day. The air in North Birmingham on the first day of testing weighed more than 45 micrograms, according to the Health Department. Officials will continue to measure the air in the two counties for three years before the EPA judges whether the area has failed the standard. The worst 2 percent of the readings are disregarded.
Jefferson County officials have predicted that the area will fail unless cleanup measures are implemented. Recently, the Health Department has contracted with a California environmental consulting firm to build a model to determine how it can meet the new rule by reducing emissions from North Birmingham and the surrounding areas. The new tougher particle air pollution standard is aimed at addressing a pollution problem that EPA estimates is the cause of 15,000 premature deaths a year.
2. Number of Alabama's Bald Eagles Increasing - This, week the Department of Conservation announced a record year for Alabama's Bald Eagle Restoration Project. State wildlife biologists counted 77 bald eagle nests in Alabama in 2006 - a 21 percent increase over 2005 (61 nests) and the highest since the program began in 1984.
A true Alabama environmental comeback story, in the middle part of the 1900s, Alabama lost its nesting population of bald eagles due to habitat loss and the impact of DDT. Prior to restoration efforts, the last known successful bald eagle nests in Alabama was in the 1950s. In 1984, Alabama's Non-game Wildlife Program initiated a project to restore nesting bald eagles to the state. After a 7 year period, in 1991, two successful eagle nests appeared in Henry and Wilcox counties.
To learn more about Alabama's Bald Eagles, participate in the Guntersville State Park Eagle Weekends, scheduled each weekend in January. For info on tours call 256-571-5444 or email guntersvillestpk@dcnr.alabama.gov
3. Legacy Gives Out More Than $100,000 in Grants - Legacy Partners in Environmental Education (the group with the "Protect the Environment" car tags) recently announced the distribution of more than $109,000 to 27 environmental education organizations throughout Alabama. Some of the grantees include: Cornerstone Schools of Alabama, Alabama Water Watch, Wolf Bay Watershed Watch, Mobile United and the Jacksonville State University Field Schools.Legacy's Competitive and Mini-grant Program is just one of several Legacy initiatives. The group also gives out grants for Earth Day events, Chemical Collection Day events and college undergraduate and graduate scholarships.
To learn more about these and other programs, visit Legacy's website at http://www.legacyenved.org
4. BEN Notes: Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director, Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director, The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey, Red Mountain Park Public Open House, ADEM Non-Point Source Conference, Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting, EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting, Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference, Volunteers Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival
Alabama Rivers Alliance Seeking Executive Director - The Alabama Rivers Alliance is seeking a visionary executive director to lead the organization in the areas of effective water policy and outreach, staff supervision, budgeting and fundraising. To learn more about this position and how to apply, visit the Alabama Rivers Alliance website at http://www.alabamarivers.org
Mobile Baykeeper Seeking Program Director - Mobile Baykeeper is seeking a program director to carry out many of the organization's natural resource and environmental initiatives. To learn more about the position go to http://www.mobilebaykeeper.org .
The Raindrop Festival Honoring Shane Hulsey - There will be to events this weekend honoring the joyful life of the late Cahaba River Society Education Director, Shane Hulsey. All proceeds from both events will benefit Shane's family and the Land Trust being formed in his honor. The event details:A Silent Auction - Saturday, January 13th, 6-8pm at Rojo, 2921 Highland Ave. in Birmingham Music Festival - Sunday, January 14th, 2pm at Bottletree, 3719 3rd Ave. South in BirminghamFor additional details visit http://www.friendsofshane.blogspot.com
Red Mountain Park Public Open House - Final highlights and designs of the Red Mountain Park Draft Master Plan will be available Tuesday, January 23rd, 5:30 to 7:00 pm at the Birmingham Museum of Art. For more information contact Kristie McCullough at 254-0129 or 616-4563.
ADEM Non-Point Source Conference - ADEM's 18th Annual Nonpoint Source Conference "Aiming for Success in Reducing NPS Pollution" will be held on January 24th, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Conference Center in Montgomery, Alabama. The conference is free with lunch provided. Spaces are limited, so register early. Contact Molly Tatum at 334-279-3051 or visit
http://www.adem.state.al.us/Education%20Div/Conference/Announcement2007.pdf
Cahaba River Society's Annual Meeting - The Cahaba River Society will be holding their 2007 Annual Meeting on January 25th, 5:30 pm at the Alabama School of Fine Arts, 1800 8th Avenue, Birmingham. For additional details visit - http://www.cahabariversociety.org
EEAA Annual Meeting & Round Table Meeting - The Environmental Education Association of Alabama will be holding their 19th Annual Conference at Cheaha State Park on February 1-3. On February 1st there will also be a Round Table Meeting for EE Practitioners and Administrators at the Cheaha Restaurant. For details about the EEAA Conference visit http://www.aces.edu/eeaa/main.html to participate in the Round Table call Maggie Johnston at 205-387-1806 or email maggie@campmcdowell.org by January 16th.
Legacy's 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference - Legacy will be holding its 2007 Environmental Partnership Conference on February 14-16 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. The hotel deadline is January 14th, while the conference registration deadline is January 19th. For agenda and registration information visit http://www.legacyenved.org
Needed for the Baldwin County Water Festival - The Alabama Coastal Foundation is seeking volunteers for the Baldwin County Water Festival. Contact Angela at 251-990-6002 for details.
Monday, December 18, 2006
BEN - December 13, 2006 #275
1) Congress Passes Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Revenue Sharing Bill
2) TVA New Land Policy Protects Public Land
3) Alabama Scientist Calls For Immediate Global Protection of Seagrasses
4) Sen. Jeff Sessions Named to Senate Environment and Resources Committee
5) BEN Notes: Cahaba River Society Education Director Job Opening, Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas, Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up, 25x25 Bioenergy Goals, Funny Environmental Website/Message
****************************************
BEN Charities
Don't forget to make a contribution to one of BEN's charities before the end of the year. Visit the BEN "Make a Donation Website," to view profiles at:
http://www.BamaNews.com/donation.html
************************************************
1. Congress Passes Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Revenue Sharing Bill - On December 9th, right before the 109th Congress adjourned, the "Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act" passed by the U.S. Senate in August was included in a massive tax and trade package that is now on its way to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it.
The bill will open energy production in about 8 million acres of the Gulf of Mexico that lie to the south and east of the Alabama coast. The drilling would occur in Gulf waters at least 125 miles off the Alabama shoreline. For the first time, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas will share 37.5 percent of the federal revenues generated by the lease sale and production royalties of oil and natural gas outside state waters. The states presently receive less than 2 percent.
Under the legislation, the new revenue, which could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in future years, is required to be spent on coastal restoration and conservation.The legislation was championed by Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby, along with Mobile Rep. Jo Bonner and the entire Alabama delegation. For additional information about the legislation go to: http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=266843
2. TVA New Land Policy Protects Public Land - Last month, the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Board approved a new land policy that protects and preserves undeveloped public lands managed by TVA along reservoirs throughout the Tennessee Valley.
The final policy was recommended by the Board's Community Relations Committee after receiving more than 5000 comments from the public. Overwhelmingly, the majority of the comments supported the draft policy which proposed no residential or retail development on TVA managed land. To view the elements of the plan and obtain a copy of the final plan document, go to:http://www.tva.gov/news/releases/octdec06/landpolicy2.htm
3. Alabama Scientist Calls For Immediate Global Protection of Seagrasses - According to the Mobile Register, a scientist from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is "making waves internationally" with the recent publication of an article in Bioscience, the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.
Ken Heck, senior marine scientist at the Sea Lab worked with a team of 12 other scientists to present the findings in the publication. The paper calls for an immediate global conservation effort to protect the world's diminishing meadows of undersea grasses and the ecosystems they support. Their loss may be greater than the decline of coral reefs according to the scientists.
Locally, seagrass beds in Alabama and Mobile Bay have declined dramatically over the last 50 years. Heck speculates that Mobile Bay has lost 50 percent of the grass beds that were present in 1950. A 1998 Gulf Coast Research Laboratory study concluded that Mississippi had lost half of its seagrass beds since 1968. Along with their biological significance, seagrasses are also important to commercial fishing interests and the ecosystem. "You can literally see 100 times more animals in grass beds than you'll see in a sandy or mud bottom area. They really are the nursery habitat." Heck stated in the Register article.
4. Sen. Jeff Sessions Named to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Sen. Jeff Sessions has been tapped to serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
This important environmental committee develops national energy policy and has jurisdiction over public lands, forests and the National Park Service. For more information on this important appointment visit: http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=266930
5. BEN Notes: Cahaba River Society Education Director Job Opening, Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas, Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up, 25x25 Bioenergy Goals, Funny Environmental Website/Message
Cahaba River Society (CRS) Education Director Job Opening - CRS is seeking an education director to plan, coordinate and implement its education programs, including the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Program. To learn more about this innovative educational program and the position available, visit http://www.cahabariversociety.org/EDjob1.htm
Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has available several new holiday gift ideas including a State Park Gift Card, subscriptions to Outdoor Alabama magazine (or call 877-339-0508) and outdoor gifts located on the Department's new Nature Shop website - http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-alabama/shop.cfm.
Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up - On Thursday, December 14th, Sojourns, a free trade store located in Birmingham downtown at 1910 3rd Ave. North (205-323-5680) will be dedicating 10% of all purchases that day to the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Sojourns is open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. For more info contact the Alliance at 205-322-6395 or visit http://www.adventureartpeace.com25x25
Bioenergy Goals - Two new economic studies released in November confirm that it is feasible for America's farms, forests and ranches to provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States by the year 2025. To download the full reports go to http://www.25x25.org/ .
Funny Environmental Website/Message - My good friend John Noel of Tennessee sent me this blunt, funny website that drives home the importance of protecting the environment. Check it out - http://www.globalcommunity.org/flash/wombat.shtml
2) TVA New Land Policy Protects Public Land
3) Alabama Scientist Calls For Immediate Global Protection of Seagrasses
4) Sen. Jeff Sessions Named to Senate Environment and Resources Committee
5) BEN Notes: Cahaba River Society Education Director Job Opening, Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas, Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up, 25x25 Bioenergy Goals, Funny Environmental Website/Message
****************************************
BEN Charities
Don't forget to make a contribution to one of BEN's charities before the end of the year. Visit the BEN "Make a Donation Website," to view profiles at:
http://www.BamaNews.com/donation.html
************************************************
1. Congress Passes Gulf of Mexico Oil and Gas Revenue Sharing Bill - On December 9th, right before the 109th Congress adjourned, the "Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act" passed by the U.S. Senate in August was included in a massive tax and trade package that is now on its way to the White House, where President Bush is expected to sign it.
The bill will open energy production in about 8 million acres of the Gulf of Mexico that lie to the south and east of the Alabama coast. The drilling would occur in Gulf waters at least 125 miles off the Alabama shoreline. For the first time, Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas will share 37.5 percent of the federal revenues generated by the lease sale and production royalties of oil and natural gas outside state waters. The states presently receive less than 2 percent.
Under the legislation, the new revenue, which could generate hundreds of millions of dollars in future years, is required to be spent on coastal restoration and conservation.The legislation was championed by Senators Jeff Sessions and Richard Shelby, along with Mobile Rep. Jo Bonner and the entire Alabama delegation. For additional information about the legislation go to: http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=266843
2. TVA New Land Policy Protects Public Land - Last month, the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) Board approved a new land policy that protects and preserves undeveloped public lands managed by TVA along reservoirs throughout the Tennessee Valley.
The final policy was recommended by the Board's Community Relations Committee after receiving more than 5000 comments from the public. Overwhelmingly, the majority of the comments supported the draft policy which proposed no residential or retail development on TVA managed land. To view the elements of the plan and obtain a copy of the final plan document, go to:http://www.tva.gov/news/releases/octdec06/landpolicy2.htm
3. Alabama Scientist Calls For Immediate Global Protection of Seagrasses - According to the Mobile Register, a scientist from the Dauphin Island Sea Lab is "making waves internationally" with the recent publication of an article in Bioscience, the journal of the American Institute of Biological Sciences.
Ken Heck, senior marine scientist at the Sea Lab worked with a team of 12 other scientists to present the findings in the publication. The paper calls for an immediate global conservation effort to protect the world's diminishing meadows of undersea grasses and the ecosystems they support. Their loss may be greater than the decline of coral reefs according to the scientists.
Locally, seagrass beds in Alabama and Mobile Bay have declined dramatically over the last 50 years. Heck speculates that Mobile Bay has lost 50 percent of the grass beds that were present in 1950. A 1998 Gulf Coast Research Laboratory study concluded that Mississippi had lost half of its seagrass beds since 1968. Along with their biological significance, seagrasses are also important to commercial fishing interests and the ecosystem. "You can literally see 100 times more animals in grass beds than you'll see in a sandy or mud bottom area. They really are the nursery habitat." Heck stated in the Register article.
4. Sen. Jeff Sessions Named to Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee - Sen. Jeff Sessions has been tapped to serve on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee.
This important environmental committee develops national energy policy and has jurisdiction over public lands, forests and the National Park Service. For more information on this important appointment visit: http://sessions.senate.gov/pressapp/record.cfm?id=266930
5. BEN Notes: Cahaba River Society Education Director Job Opening, Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas, Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up, 25x25 Bioenergy Goals, Funny Environmental Website/Message
Cahaba River Society (CRS) Education Director Job Opening - CRS is seeking an education director to plan, coordinate and implement its education programs, including the Shane Hulsey CLEAN Program. To learn more about this innovative educational program and the position available, visit http://www.cahabariversociety.org/EDjob1.htm
Dept. of Conservation Holiday Gift Ideas - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has available several new holiday gift ideas including a State Park Gift Card, subscriptions to Outdoor Alabama magazine (or call 877-339-0508) and outdoor gifts located on the Department's new Nature Shop website - http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-alabama/shop.cfm.
Alabama Rivers Alliance & Sojourns Team Up - On Thursday, December 14th, Sojourns, a free trade store located in Birmingham downtown at 1910 3rd Ave. North (205-323-5680) will be dedicating 10% of all purchases that day to the Alabama Rivers Alliance. Sojourns is open from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm. For more info contact the Alliance at 205-322-6395 or visit http://www.adventureartpeace.com25x25
Bioenergy Goals - Two new economic studies released in November confirm that it is feasible for America's farms, forests and ranches to provide 25% of the total energy consumed in the United States by the year 2025. To download the full reports go to http://www.25x25.org/ .
Funny Environmental Website/Message - My good friend John Noel of Tennessee sent me this blunt, funny website that drives home the importance of protecting the environment. Check it out - http://www.globalcommunity.org/flash/wombat.shtml
Monday, December 11, 2006
BEN - December 4, 2006 #274
1) "Sitting in Our Cars" A New Study About Traffic In Bham
2) Southern Company/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Announcements
3) Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Sites
4) BEN Notes: Little River Canyon Public Meetings, River Guardians Needed, Educational/Sustainability Websites, Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library
***********************************************
1. "Sitting in Our Cars" A New Study About Traffic In Bham - According to a study by the Texas Transportation Institute, commuters in the Birmingham area can expect to spend 27 hours stuck in traffic a year.
The 2005 Urban Mobility Report ranked Birmingham 43rd out of 85 urban areas for the annual number of hours delay a typical motorist will experience. The 27 hours of sitting in traffic is almost a quadruple increase from the 6 hours motorist in Birmingham were delayed in 1982. To learn more about this study view the report at http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/
2. Southern Company/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant Announcements - Southern Company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently awarded two major grants to Alabama groups within their Power of Flight and Longleaf Legacy programs. Here are descriptions for two of the Alabama grantees:
* Quail Unlimited, Inc. - to support the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative by restoring the habitat of the Bankhead and Talladega National Forests in Alabama.
* Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences - to pilot methods to reintroduce fire among longleaf pine in mountainous areas with excessive undergrowth. This project aims to restore longleaf pine in Alabama with the goal of creating methods that can be used throughout longleaf's range.
Since 2002, Southern Company and NFWF have contributed more than $4.7 million through 61 grants to the Power of Flight and Longleaf Legacy programs. In addition, grant recipients have contributed nearly $6.7 million in matching funds, resulting in an on-the-ground conservation impact of more than $11.4 million.
3. Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Sites - Some interesting figures from two Sunday Birmingham News articles on abandoned mine reclamation in Alabama written by News reporter Kent Faulk. They include:
* For nearly 30 years, Alabama's Abandoned Mine Land Program has reclaimed more than 35 square miles. It is estimated 112 square miles of Alabama landscape remain scarred by mining operations abandoned before 1977.
* According to the Birmingham News, environmentalists and regulators agree - at the current pace of funding it could take 200 years and an estimated $402 million to reclaim the land remaining on the Alabama Abandoned Mine Land Program's list of abandoned mines.
For more information about abandoned mines in Alabama go to the Surface Mining Commission website at http://www.surface-mining.state.al.us/ To learn more about the Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation program, visit http://www.osmre.gov/fundstat.htm
The Birmingham News articles can be found at http://al.com .
BEN Notes: Little River Canyon Public Meetings, River Guardians Needed, Educational/Sustainability Websites, Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library
Little River Canyon Public Meetings - The National Park Service is seeking ideas for improving Little River Canyon National Preserve. Three open houses will be held this week to allow the public to make recommendations. Open house meetings are scheduled for:
December 5th - 5 to 8pm at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, 256-927-8455
December 6th - 2 to 4pm at the DeKalb County Tourist Association, 256-845-3947
December 7th - 5 to 8pm at the DeKalb County Tourist Association, 256-845-3947
For more info about park planning, call John Bundy at 256-845-9605 or visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov
River Guardians Needed - The Flint River Conservation Association is planning a workshop next year to train people to find signs of nonpoint source pollution and report violations. The workshop is scheduled for February 24th in Huntsville. For more detailed information call Soos Weber at 256-427-5116 or visit http://www.huntsvillepreserves.com
Educational/Sustainability Websites - Check out these websites that provide new educational tools and info on sustainability.
http://www.nrel.gov/learning - Learning about Renewable Energy - Website provides basic info about solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen and geothermal power.
http://oceanslive.org/ - OceansLive.org aims to bring the ocean world to communities worldwide and make oceans accessible and local through a multimedia system approach.
http://www.populationeducation.org/index.jsp - Population Connection's education program is a national population education program with a strong emphasis on teacher training for educators of grades pre-K through 12.
http://theevergladesstory.org/ - Water's Journey Everglades, this website offers a wealth of information about the history and contemporary situation in and around the Everglades.
http://www.sustainlane.us/home.jsp - SustainLane is a website designed for state and local government officials to exchange best practices in sustainability and network among peers.
Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library - Here is a really neat site. The Macaulay Library (formerly the Library of Natural Sounds) is the world's largest archive of animal sounds. They have more than 160,000 recordings of 67 percent of the world's birds, and rapidly increasing holdings of insects, fish, frogs and mammals. Visit - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/MacaulayLibrary/About/
2) Southern Company/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Grant Announcements
3) Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Sites
4) BEN Notes: Little River Canyon Public Meetings, River Guardians Needed, Educational/Sustainability Websites, Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library
***********************************************
1. "Sitting in Our Cars" A New Study About Traffic In Bham - According to a study by the Texas Transportation Institute, commuters in the Birmingham area can expect to spend 27 hours stuck in traffic a year.
The 2005 Urban Mobility Report ranked Birmingham 43rd out of 85 urban areas for the annual number of hours delay a typical motorist will experience. The 27 hours of sitting in traffic is almost a quadruple increase from the 6 hours motorist in Birmingham were delayed in 1982. To learn more about this study view the report at http://mobility.tamu.edu/ums/
2. Southern Company/National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) Grant Announcements - Southern Company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation recently awarded two major grants to Alabama groups within their Power of Flight and Longleaf Legacy programs. Here are descriptions for two of the Alabama grantees:
* Quail Unlimited, Inc. - to support the Northern Bobwhite Conservation Initiative by restoring the habitat of the Bankhead and Talladega National Forests in Alabama.
* Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences - to pilot methods to reintroduce fire among longleaf pine in mountainous areas with excessive undergrowth. This project aims to restore longleaf pine in Alabama with the goal of creating methods that can be used throughout longleaf's range.
Since 2002, Southern Company and NFWF have contributed more than $4.7 million through 61 grants to the Power of Flight and Longleaf Legacy programs. In addition, grant recipients have contributed nearly $6.7 million in matching funds, resulting in an on-the-ground conservation impact of more than $11.4 million.
3. Reclamation of Abandoned Mine Sites - Some interesting figures from two Sunday Birmingham News articles on abandoned mine reclamation in Alabama written by News reporter Kent Faulk. They include:
* For nearly 30 years, Alabama's Abandoned Mine Land Program has reclaimed more than 35 square miles. It is estimated 112 square miles of Alabama landscape remain scarred by mining operations abandoned before 1977.
* According to the Birmingham News, environmentalists and regulators agree - at the current pace of funding it could take 200 years and an estimated $402 million to reclaim the land remaining on the Alabama Abandoned Mine Land Program's list of abandoned mines.
For more information about abandoned mines in Alabama go to the Surface Mining Commission website at http://www.surface-mining.state.al.us/ To learn more about the Federal Abandoned Mine Reclamation program, visit http://www.osmre.gov/fundstat.htm
The Birmingham News articles can be found at http://al.com .
BEN Notes: Little River Canyon Public Meetings, River Guardians Needed, Educational/Sustainability Websites, Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library
Little River Canyon Public Meetings - The National Park Service is seeking ideas for improving Little River Canyon National Preserve. Three open houses will be held this week to allow the public to make recommendations. Open house meetings are scheduled for:
December 5th - 5 to 8pm at the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce, 256-927-8455
December 6th - 2 to 4pm at the DeKalb County Tourist Association, 256-845-3947
December 7th - 5 to 8pm at the DeKalb County Tourist Association, 256-845-3947
For more info about park planning, call John Bundy at 256-845-9605 or visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov
River Guardians Needed - The Flint River Conservation Association is planning a workshop next year to train people to find signs of nonpoint source pollution and report violations. The workshop is scheduled for February 24th in Huntsville. For more detailed information call Soos Weber at 256-427-5116 or visit http://www.huntsvillepreserves.com
Educational/Sustainability Websites - Check out these websites that provide new educational tools and info on sustainability.
http://www.nrel.gov/learning - Learning about Renewable Energy - Website provides basic info about solar, wind, biomass, hydrogen and geothermal power.
http://oceanslive.org/ - OceansLive.org aims to bring the ocean world to communities worldwide and make oceans accessible and local through a multimedia system approach.
http://www.populationeducation.org/index.jsp - Population Connection's education program is a national population education program with a strong emphasis on teacher training for educators of grades pre-K through 12.
http://theevergladesstory.org/ - Water's Journey Everglades, this website offers a wealth of information about the history and contemporary situation in and around the Everglades.
http://www.sustainlane.us/home.jsp - SustainLane is a website designed for state and local government officials to exchange best practices in sustainability and network among peers.
Animal Sounds from the MacCaulay Library - Here is a really neat site. The Macaulay Library (formerly the Library of Natural Sounds) is the world's largest archive of animal sounds. They have more than 160,000 recordings of 67 percent of the world's birds, and rapidly increasing holdings of insects, fish, frogs and mammals. Visit - http://www.birds.cornell.edu/MacaulayLibrary/About/
Monday, December 04, 2006
BEN - November 28, 2006 #273
1) Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres
2) Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion
3) State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester
4) Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions
5) BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
*****************************************************
Dear BEN Reader:Maxie Bryant, a longtime leader in the Audubon Society and the environmental community died this weekend.
When I served on the Forever Wild board of trustees, every meeting opened with comments from the public. It never failed. At every meeting, Maxie Bryant, smiling from ear to ear would stand and greet us "you know why I'm here!" she would always say. Then with boastful enthusiasm she would passionately tell the trustees how important the Sipsey River Swamp is to Alabama.
I can't remember a Forever Wild meeting without Maxie. Encouraging us. Prodding us. Even after the board, bought over 2000 acres on the Sipsey River, she still attended the meetings graciously thanking us at every turn. She loved Forever Wild. She loved preserving our rivers, swamps and land. She loved nature and her family. I can still see her smiling. Maxie - Well Done.
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
*********************************************
Visitation for Maxie Bryant will be Wednesday, November 29, 5-7pm at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 30 (her birthday) at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel - 2pm. At Maxie's request, in lieu of flowers, she asked memorial contributions be made to Forever Wild Land Trust, 64 North Union Street, Suite 464, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, P. O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.
****************************************************
Last night, I received an email from Kirsten Bryant, Maxie's granddaughter in-law, relaying the following special story Maxie told the Forever Wild Board last March in Montgomery."75 years ago our vacation was to throw two bushels of corn into the back of a wagon and to go overnight to the Sipsey Swamp. We put out the set hooks and trout lines. It was so exciting. We made a check of them on the hour to take off the fish and put new bait on them. Everyone fought to get to go but they felt like that was not proper for a girl to go. Girls were left out when it came to putting out the trout lines and changing the bait. That was not something the girls did. I pushed the button. I always wanted to go and I would put a pitiful face up to Dad. And, I convinced him that I could hold the lantern. I never dropped it."
*************************************************
1. Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres - According to the Birmingham News, the Freshwater Land Trust has agreed to take responsibility for 4,500 acres from Jefferson County.
Since 1996, the county has been under a federal decree when a federal judge found that it repeatedly had violated the Clean Water Act . Under the decree, the county bought 4,500 acres protecting headwaters of creeks and pathways along the Cahaba and Black Warrior river basins instead of paying fines to the federal government. Up to $30 million was spent on the 10 year program.Jefferson County will convey to the land trust, after the approval of EPA, the rights to the 4,500 acres in December. An additional $4.2 million will also be placed in a maintenance fund.
For more information about the Freshwater Land Trust visit http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org
2. Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion - Last week, the Clebourne County Commission accepted a $460,000 bid to finish a 4.2 mile section of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This action, along with several projects in progress will enable the Chief Ladiga Trail to connect with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail by mid 2007.
To learn more about this project that links Alabama and Georgia visit http://epic.jsu.edu
3. State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester - According to the Decatur Daily, the state of Alabama is poised to appoint the first female state forester in the Deep South after the Alabama Forestry Commission accepted a search committee's recommendation.Linda Casey of South Carolina was selected from a field of 26 applicants and must now be approved by Governor Bob Riley.
Casey presently oversees the procurement of 26.8 million tons of fiber, manages 138 employees and a budget of nearly a $1 billion for International Paper in Georgetown, South Carolina. Alabama's state forester oversees the day to day work of 337 employees across the state and an annual budget of $35 million. Commission chairman Don Heath said Riley will be asked to appoint Casey contingent upon her becoming a licensed forester in Alabama. She could begin work in January.
4. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions - Last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said the federal government's current rule on mercury emissions may not be strong enough to protect Tennessee and urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to continue his investigation into the extent coal fired power plants in Tennessee and neighboring states are contributing to the problem of mercury deposits in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
Sen. Alexander has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Clean Air Planning Act, that goes 'farther and faster" than Bush administration proposals to clean up coal burning plants by removing sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury from the air. The bill would cut mercury emissions by 90 percent in 2015 according to an Alexander press release.View Sen. Alexander's clean air positions by visiting his website at: http://alexander.senate.gov/
5. BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
Dogwood Alliance Internship Program - Students interested in working an internship for a regional grassroots forestry protection group may contact the Dogwood Alliance's Eva Hernandez at eva@dogwoodalliance.org or visit http://pressroomda.greenmediatoolshed.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1431
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program - The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is offering "Green Power Choice" to it's customers. Check it out by visiting their website at http://www.wiregrass.coop/greenpower.html or call 800-239-4602.
Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn - Dr. Eban Goodstein, an economics professor at Lewis and Clark College and an organizer of a major initiative that is engaging over a thousand educational institutions around the country on climate change will speak on Tuesday, November 28th, Noon at 208 Foy Union at Auburn University. His topic - "Seen Inconvenient Truth: Now What? Focus the Nation on Solutions to Global Warming." For additional info call Lindy Biggs or Matt Williams at 334-844-7777.
The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide - The Gulf Restoration Network has a downloadable "wetlands guide" for people interested in protecting wetlands. Go to http://www.healthygulf.org/wetlands/Wetlands%20Manual.htm
Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature" - The Nature Conservancy has a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season. The conservation group is selling "gift of nature" certificates that show recipients have contributed to nature projects throughout Alabama. For example: a gift of "pearls" goes toward oyster reef restoration, a gift of "flowers" supports preservation of central Alabama's Cahaba River and its lilies. Donations for the certificates start at $50. For more information call Linda Mayson at 251-433-1150.
Perry Lakes Website - Check out a great website providing information about all the many activities occurring at Perry Lake. Visit http://www.perrylakes.org/
2) Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion
3) State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester
4) Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions
5) BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
*****************************************************
Dear BEN Reader:Maxie Bryant, a longtime leader in the Audubon Society and the environmental community died this weekend.
When I served on the Forever Wild board of trustees, every meeting opened with comments from the public. It never failed. At every meeting, Maxie Bryant, smiling from ear to ear would stand and greet us "you know why I'm here!" she would always say. Then with boastful enthusiasm she would passionately tell the trustees how important the Sipsey River Swamp is to Alabama.
I can't remember a Forever Wild meeting without Maxie. Encouraging us. Prodding us. Even after the board, bought over 2000 acres on the Sipsey River, she still attended the meetings graciously thanking us at every turn. She loved Forever Wild. She loved preserving our rivers, swamps and land. She loved nature and her family. I can still see her smiling. Maxie - Well Done.
Best Wishes,
Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
*********************************************
Visitation for Maxie Bryant will be Wednesday, November 29, 5-7pm at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 30 (her birthday) at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel - 2pm. At Maxie's request, in lieu of flowers, she asked memorial contributions be made to Forever Wild Land Trust, 64 North Union Street, Suite 464, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, P. O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.
****************************************************
Last night, I received an email from Kirsten Bryant, Maxie's granddaughter in-law, relaying the following special story Maxie told the Forever Wild Board last March in Montgomery."75 years ago our vacation was to throw two bushels of corn into the back of a wagon and to go overnight to the Sipsey Swamp. We put out the set hooks and trout lines. It was so exciting. We made a check of them on the hour to take off the fish and put new bait on them. Everyone fought to get to go but they felt like that was not proper for a girl to go. Girls were left out when it came to putting out the trout lines and changing the bait. That was not something the girls did. I pushed the button. I always wanted to go and I would put a pitiful face up to Dad. And, I convinced him that I could hold the lantern. I never dropped it."
*************************************************
1. Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres - According to the Birmingham News, the Freshwater Land Trust has agreed to take responsibility for 4,500 acres from Jefferson County.
Since 1996, the county has been under a federal decree when a federal judge found that it repeatedly had violated the Clean Water Act . Under the decree, the county bought 4,500 acres protecting headwaters of creeks and pathways along the Cahaba and Black Warrior river basins instead of paying fines to the federal government. Up to $30 million was spent on the 10 year program.Jefferson County will convey to the land trust, after the approval of EPA, the rights to the 4,500 acres in December. An additional $4.2 million will also be placed in a maintenance fund.
For more information about the Freshwater Land Trust visit http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org
2. Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion - Last week, the Clebourne County Commission accepted a $460,000 bid to finish a 4.2 mile section of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This action, along with several projects in progress will enable the Chief Ladiga Trail to connect with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail by mid 2007.
To learn more about this project that links Alabama and Georgia visit http://epic.jsu.edu
3. State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester - According to the Decatur Daily, the state of Alabama is poised to appoint the first female state forester in the Deep South after the Alabama Forestry Commission accepted a search committee's recommendation.Linda Casey of South Carolina was selected from a field of 26 applicants and must now be approved by Governor Bob Riley.
Casey presently oversees the procurement of 26.8 million tons of fiber, manages 138 employees and a budget of nearly a $1 billion for International Paper in Georgetown, South Carolina. Alabama's state forester oversees the day to day work of 337 employees across the state and an annual budget of $35 million. Commission chairman Don Heath said Riley will be asked to appoint Casey contingent upon her becoming a licensed forester in Alabama. She could begin work in January.
4. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions - Last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said the federal government's current rule on mercury emissions may not be strong enough to protect Tennessee and urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to continue his investigation into the extent coal fired power plants in Tennessee and neighboring states are contributing to the problem of mercury deposits in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.
Sen. Alexander has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Clean Air Planning Act, that goes 'farther and faster" than Bush administration proposals to clean up coal burning plants by removing sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury from the air. The bill would cut mercury emissions by 90 percent in 2015 according to an Alexander press release.View Sen. Alexander's clean air positions by visiting his website at: http://alexander.senate.gov/
5. BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
Dogwood Alliance Internship Program - Students interested in working an internship for a regional grassroots forestry protection group may contact the Dogwood Alliance's Eva Hernandez at eva@dogwoodalliance.org or visit http://pressroomda.greenmediatoolshed.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1431
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program - The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is offering "Green Power Choice" to it's customers. Check it out by visiting their website at http://www.wiregrass.coop/greenpower.html or call 800-239-4602.
Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn - Dr. Eban Goodstein, an economics professor at Lewis and Clark College and an organizer of a major initiative that is engaging over a thousand educational institutions around the country on climate change will speak on Tuesday, November 28th, Noon at 208 Foy Union at Auburn University. His topic - "Seen Inconvenient Truth: Now What? Focus the Nation on Solutions to Global Warming." For additional info call Lindy Biggs or Matt Williams at 334-844-7777.
The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide - The Gulf Restoration Network has a downloadable "wetlands guide" for people interested in protecting wetlands. Go to http://www.healthygulf.org/wetlands/Wetlands%20Manual.htm
Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature" - The Nature Conservancy has a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season. The conservation group is selling "gift of nature" certificates that show recipients have contributed to nature projects throughout Alabama. For example: a gift of "pearls" goes toward oyster reef restoration, a gift of "flowers" supports preservation of central Alabama's Cahaba River and its lilies. Donations for the certificates start at $50. For more information call Linda Mayson at 251-433-1150.
Perry Lakes Website - Check out a great website providing information about all the many activities occurring at Perry Lake. Visit http://www.perrylakes.org/
Tuesday, November 28, 2006
BEN - November 28, 2006 #273
1) Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres
2) Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion
3) State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester
4) Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions
5) BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
**********************************************
Dear BEN Reader:
Maxie Bryant, a longtime leader in the Audubon Society and the environmental community died this weekend.
When I served on the Forever Wild board of trustees, every meeting opened with comments from the public.
It never failed.
At every meeting, Maxie Bryant, smiling from ear to ear would stand and greet us "you know why I'm here!" she would always say.
Then with boastful enthusiasm she would passionately tell the trustees how important the Sipsey River Swamp is to Alabama.
I can't remember a Forever Wild meeting without Maxie. Encouraging us. Prodding us. Even after the board, bought over 2000 acres on the Sipsey River, she still attended the meetings graciously thanking us at every turn. She loved Forever Wild. She loved preserving our rivers, swamps and land. She loved nature and her family.
I can still see her smiling. Maxie - Well Done.
Best Wishes,Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
********************************
Visitation for Maxie Bryant will be Wednesday, November 29, 5-7pm at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 30 (her birthday) at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel - 2pm. At Maxie's request, in lieu of flowers, she asked memorial contributions be made to Forever Wild Land Trust, 64 North Union Street, Suite 464, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, P. O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.
****************************************************
Last night, I received an email from Kirsten Bryant, Maxie's granddaughter in-law, relaying the following special story Maxie told the Forever Wild Board last March in Montgomery.
"75 years ago our vacation was to throw two bushels of corn into the back of a wagon and to go overnight to the Sipsey Swamp. We put out the set hooks and trout lines. It was so exciting. We made a check of them on the hour to take off the fish and put new bait on them. Everyone fought to get to go but they felt like that was not proper for a girl to go. Girls were left out when it came to putting out the trout lines and changing the bait. That was not something the girls did. I pushed the button. I always wanted to go and I would put a pitiful face up to Dad. And, I convinced him that I could hold the lantern. I never dropped it."
*************************************************
1. Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres - According to the Birmingham News, the Freshwater Land Trust has agreed to take responsibility for 4,500 acres from Jefferson County.
Since 1996, the county has been under a federal decree when a federal judge found that it repeatedly had violated the Clean Water Act . Under the decree, the county bought 4,500 acres protecting headwaters of creeks and pathways along the Cahaba and Black Warrior river basins instead of paying fines to the federal government. Up to $30 million was spent on the 10 year program.Jefferson County will convey to the land trust, after the approval of EPA, the rights to the 4,500 acres in December. An additional $4.2 million will also be placed in a maintenance fund.
For more information about the Freshwater Land Trust visit http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org
2. Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion - Last week, the Clebourne County Commission accepted a $460,000 bid to finish a 4.2 mile section of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This action, along with several projects in progress will enable the Chief Ladiga Trail to connect with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail by mid 2007.
To learn more about this project that links Alabama and Georgia visit http://epic.jsu.edu
3. State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester - According to the Decatur Daily, the state of Alabama is poised to appoint the first female state forester in the Deep South after the Alabama Forestry Commission accepted a search committee's recommendation.
Linda Casey of South Carolina was selected from a field of 26 applicants and must now be approved by Governor Bob Riley. Casey presently oversees the procurement of 26.8 million tons of fiber, manages 138 employees and a budget of nearly a $1 billion for International Paper in Georgetown, South Carolina. Alabama's state forester oversees the day to day work of 337 employees across the state and an annual budget of $35 million.
Commission chairman Don Heath said Riley will be asked to appoint Casey contingent upon her becoming a licensed forester in Alabama. She could begin work in January.
4. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions - Last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said the federal government's current rule on mercury emissions may not be strong enough to protect Tennessee and urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to continue his investigation into the extent coal fired power plants in Tennessee and neighboring states are contributing to the problem of mercury deposits in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.Sen.
Alexander has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Clean Air Planning Act, that goes 'farther and faster" than Bush administration proposals to clean up coal burning plants by removing sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury from the air. The bill would cut mercury emissions by 90 percent in 2015 according to an Alexander press release.
View Sen. Alexander's clean air positions by visiting his website at: http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Articles.Detail&Article_id=129
5. BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
Dogwood Alliance Internship Program - Students interested in working an internship for a regional grassroots forestry protection group may contact the Dogwood Alliance's Eva Hernandez at eva@dogwoodalliance.org or visit http://pressroomda.greenmediatoolshed.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1431
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program - The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is offering "Green Power Choice" to it's customers. Check it out by visiting their website at http://www.wiregrass.coop/greenpower.html or call 800-239-4602.
Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn - Dr. Eban Goodstein, an economics professor at Lewis and Clark College and an organizer of a major initiative that is engaging over a thousand educational institutions around the country on climate change will speak on Tuesday, November 28th, Noon at 208 Foy Union at Auburn University. His topic - "Seen Inconvenient Truth: Now What? Focus the Nation on Solutions to Global Warming." For additional info call Lindy Biggs or Matt Williams at 334-844-7777.
The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide - The Gulf Restoration Network has a downloadable "wetlands guide" for people interested in protecting wetlands. Go to http://www.healthygulf.org/wetlands/Wetlands%20Manual.htm
Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature" - The Nature Conservancy has a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season. The conservation group is selling "gift of nature" certificates that show recipients have contributed to nature projects throughout Alabama. For example: a gift of "pearls" goes toward oyster reef restoration, a gift of "flowers" supports preservation of central Alabama's Cahaba River and its lilies. Donations for the certificates start at $50. For more information call Linda Mayson at 251-433-1150.
Perry Lakes Website - Check out a great website providing information about all the many activities occurring at Perry Lake. Visit http://www.perrylakes.org
2) Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion
3) State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester
4) Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions
5) BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
**********************************************
Dear BEN Reader:
Maxie Bryant, a longtime leader in the Audubon Society and the environmental community died this weekend.
When I served on the Forever Wild board of trustees, every meeting opened with comments from the public.
It never failed.
At every meeting, Maxie Bryant, smiling from ear to ear would stand and greet us "you know why I'm here!" she would always say.
Then with boastful enthusiasm she would passionately tell the trustees how important the Sipsey River Swamp is to Alabama.
I can't remember a Forever Wild meeting without Maxie. Encouraging us. Prodding us. Even after the board, bought over 2000 acres on the Sipsey River, she still attended the meetings graciously thanking us at every turn. She loved Forever Wild. She loved preserving our rivers, swamps and land. She loved nature and her family.
I can still see her smiling. Maxie - Well Done.
Best Wishes,Pat Byington
BEN Publisher
********************************
Visitation for Maxie Bryant will be Wednesday, November 29, 5-7pm at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 30 (her birthday) at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel - 2pm. At Maxie's request, in lieu of flowers, she asked memorial contributions be made to Forever Wild Land Trust, 64 North Union Street, Suite 464, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, P. O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.
****************************************************
Last night, I received an email from Kirsten Bryant, Maxie's granddaughter in-law, relaying the following special story Maxie told the Forever Wild Board last March in Montgomery.
"75 years ago our vacation was to throw two bushels of corn into the back of a wagon and to go overnight to the Sipsey Swamp. We put out the set hooks and trout lines. It was so exciting. We made a check of them on the hour to take off the fish and put new bait on them. Everyone fought to get to go but they felt like that was not proper for a girl to go. Girls were left out when it came to putting out the trout lines and changing the bait. That was not something the girls did. I pushed the button. I always wanted to go and I would put a pitiful face up to Dad. And, I convinced him that I could hold the lantern. I never dropped it."
*************************************************
1. Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres - According to the Birmingham News, the Freshwater Land Trust has agreed to take responsibility for 4,500 acres from Jefferson County.
Since 1996, the county has been under a federal decree when a federal judge found that it repeatedly had violated the Clean Water Act . Under the decree, the county bought 4,500 acres protecting headwaters of creeks and pathways along the Cahaba and Black Warrior river basins instead of paying fines to the federal government. Up to $30 million was spent on the 10 year program.Jefferson County will convey to the land trust, after the approval of EPA, the rights to the 4,500 acres in December. An additional $4.2 million will also be placed in a maintenance fund.
For more information about the Freshwater Land Trust visit http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org
2. Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion - Last week, the Clebourne County Commission accepted a $460,000 bid to finish a 4.2 mile section of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This action, along with several projects in progress will enable the Chief Ladiga Trail to connect with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail by mid 2007.
To learn more about this project that links Alabama and Georgia visit http://epic.jsu.edu
3. State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester - According to the Decatur Daily, the state of Alabama is poised to appoint the first female state forester in the Deep South after the Alabama Forestry Commission accepted a search committee's recommendation.
Linda Casey of South Carolina was selected from a field of 26 applicants and must now be approved by Governor Bob Riley. Casey presently oversees the procurement of 26.8 million tons of fiber, manages 138 employees and a budget of nearly a $1 billion for International Paper in Georgetown, South Carolina. Alabama's state forester oversees the day to day work of 337 employees across the state and an annual budget of $35 million.
Commission chairman Don Heath said Riley will be asked to appoint Casey contingent upon her becoming a licensed forester in Alabama. She could begin work in January.
4. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions - Last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said the federal government's current rule on mercury emissions may not be strong enough to protect Tennessee and urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to continue his investigation into the extent coal fired power plants in Tennessee and neighboring states are contributing to the problem of mercury deposits in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.Sen.
Alexander has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Clean Air Planning Act, that goes 'farther and faster" than Bush administration proposals to clean up coal burning plants by removing sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury from the air. The bill would cut mercury emissions by 90 percent in 2015 according to an Alexander press release.
View Sen. Alexander's clean air positions by visiting his website at: http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Articles.Detail&Article_id=129
5. BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website
Dogwood Alliance Internship Program - Students interested in working an internship for a regional grassroots forestry protection group may contact the Dogwood Alliance's Eva Hernandez at eva@dogwoodalliance.org or visit http://pressroomda.greenmediatoolshed.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1431
Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program - The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is offering "Green Power Choice" to it's customers. Check it out by visiting their website at http://www.wiregrass.coop/greenpower.html or call 800-239-4602.
Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn - Dr. Eban Goodstein, an economics professor at Lewis and Clark College and an organizer of a major initiative that is engaging over a thousand educational institutions around the country on climate change will speak on Tuesday, November 28th, Noon at 208 Foy Union at Auburn University. His topic - "Seen Inconvenient Truth: Now What? Focus the Nation on Solutions to Global Warming." For additional info call Lindy Biggs or Matt Williams at 334-844-7777.
The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide - The Gulf Restoration Network has a downloadable "wetlands guide" for people interested in protecting wetlands. Go to http://www.healthygulf.org/wetlands/Wetlands%20Manual.htm
Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature" - The Nature Conservancy has a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season. The conservation group is selling "gift of nature" certificates that show recipients have contributed to nature projects throughout Alabama. For example: a gift of "pearls" goes toward oyster reef restoration, a gift of "flowers" supports preservation of central Alabama's Cahaba River and its lilies. Donations for the certificates start at $50. For more information call Linda Mayson at 251-433-1150.
Perry Lakes Website - Check out a great website providing information about all the many activities occurring at Perry Lake. Visit http://www.perrylakes.org
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
BEN - November 14, 2006 #272
1) Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Success Stories
2) 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating
3) Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing
4) Legacy Receives National Honor
5) BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail
************************************
Here is a great story/excerpt from a Mike Bolton column that was published in the Birmingham News on November 5th.
"Maybe for different reasons, but we all want a clean environment. A healthy environment benefits us all, no matter how we play outdoors.
The details from one interview on that trip will forever stay embedded in my mind. I talked to a biologist from the Alabama Geological Survey about the declining mussel population in the Cahaba and the fact that several mussels species found there just 25 years before were now extinct.
Although I'm sure one of my questions wasn't as terse as my thought train, the basic premise of my ignorant inquiry was: 'So what?"
The patient biologist gave me an answer that I will never forget. Aside from not wanting to go to your grave knowing that you might have been partially responsible for the demise of a species of animals on this earth, there are other things to consider, he explained. Whether we like the outdoors because we fish, hunt, hike, camp or watch birds, it is a house of cards that is precariously perched, he said. You can pull out a card here and there and nothing happens, but eventually you will pull out the wrong card and it will all come tumbling down.
The sad part is that it can never be put back the way it was.
The mussel in the Cahaba that nobody eats and that the bass don't eat may seem lowly, but it is an important component of the bass that I like to catch there. The bottom dweller sits at the lowest end of the food chain, but it is a filter feeder that filters harmful pollutants from the river.
It serves as the canary in the coal mine so to speak, the biologist explained. Miners once took canaries into coal mines. When the canary died, that meant a harmful level of toxic gas was present. The canary for the Cahaba is dying, the biologist said.
Will the tiny minnows that the bass and bream eat die next? Will the bass follow? Will it all eventually tumble down, never to be put back as it was?
To read the entire column go to this al.com website.
*************************************************
1. Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Success Stories - Recently, we received at the Bama Environmental News a copy of the 2005 Annual Report for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils.
It is an impressive report.
Through the nine local councils that cover the state of Alabama, there are numerous proactive environmental projects that are being carried out. Some of these projects and accomplishments include:
* Water Festivals in Baldwin, Lee, Montgomery, Bullock, Barbour, Talladega, Limestone and Colbert counties.
* Creation of nature trails and outdoor classrooms in schools and communities such as the Dodge City Outdoor Classroom, Priceville Elementary Wetland Walkway, the Monroeville Future Forest Learning Center, Stapleton Elementary School "Our Big Back Yard," Bear Exploration Center (Montgomery County), Eufaula Rails to Trails, Russell County's Lakewood School Nature Trail and Outdoor Discovery Center and the Phil Campbell Outdoor Classroom.
* Alabama Clean Water Partnership (CWP) Basin Groups such as the Black Warrior River CWP, Cahaba River Basin, Coosa Basin, Tennessee Basin and several other groups.
* Your Town Alabama - http://www.yourtownalabama.org/ - a conference that attracts community leaders throughout Alabama to develop and inspire new and innovative community projects and development goals.
This is just a sampling of Association's many environmental projects. A true "advocate for the public and community good" - Alabama's RC&D Councils are a great way to protect and enhance the environment within your own community. To learn more about your local Regional Council visit the following websites:
http://www.amrvrcd.net
http://www.cawaco.org
http://www.gulfcoastrcd.org
http://www.wrcd.org
2. 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating - Last month, Alabama 4-H broke ground in Shelby County on the site where a new 17,500 square foot Environmental Science Education Center will be built. The new center will be the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) commissioned environmental education building in the Southeast and will be an example of sustainable awareness nationally.
The LEED Green Building rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and high performance green buildings. LEED certification promotes sustainability, human and environmental health, sustainable site development, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. To attain "gold" LEED certification, buildings are required to achieve 39 points, the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center will qualify for 45 points. The building has been designed by Davis Architects of Birmingham and will be constructed by B.L. Harbert International. It is scheduled to open in November 2007.
Check out the design of the building and additional details at http://www.aces.edu/fourh/ For additional information about LEED certification go to the U.S. Green Building Council website at http://www.usgbc.org
3. Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing - According to the Associated Press, several environmental groups are calling for Bluefin Tuna fishing to be shut down in the Gulf of Mexico, to keep one of the world's largest and most valuable fish from dying out.
Earthjustice and the Blue Ocean Institute sued the federal government last week, after the federal government's rejection of a petition by Earthjustice to close 125,000 square miles of the Gulf when bluefin are spawning. Bluefin, which can reach 10 feet long and up to 1500 pounds, travel thousands of miles every year to reach the spring spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Direct fishing for bluefin was banned in U.S. waters in 1999.The lawsuit coincided with a study in the current issue of Nature that warns of a worldwide collapse of fish populations by 2048, if trends are not reversed.
To read more about the lawsuit visit, http://www.earthjustice.org
4. Legacy Receives National Honor - On October 10th in San Diego, California, the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Resources presented Legacy, Inc., Partners in Environmental Education, with the 2006 American Bar Association Award for Excellence in Environmental and Resources Stewardship.
Legacy is primarily funded through the sale of Alabama's "Protect Our Environment" license tags, as well as from corporate, individual and in-kind donations and grants. Founded in 1992, Legacy has bestowed more than $2 million in grants, scholarships and sponsorships related to environmental education and events. Other achievements from 2000-2005 include:
* 1064 teachers trained at Legacy teacher workshops.
* 173 environmental grants awarded for a total of $785,807
* 109 environmental scholarships awarded for a total of $143,950
* 23 chemical collection day sponsorships awarded for a total of $93,650
* 110 Earth Month sponsorships awarded for a total of $27,250
* 250,000 environmental education materials (posters, guides, pamphlets and booklets) distributed.
For additional info about Legacy and their programs visit, http://www.legacyenved.org
5. BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail
Environmental Educator Position Open - Camp McDowell is seeking an environmental education instructor. The position pays $225 per week plus room and board, and will run from February to May. Requirements include a college degree, certifications in CPR and First Aid and a desire to help children learn and grow in an outdoor environment. To apply - mail or email resume and references to Maggie Wade Johnston, 105 DeLong Road, Nauvoo, Alabama, 33578 or maggie@campmcdowell.com . For additional info, call 205-387-1806 or visit http://www.campmcdowell.com
Organic Vegetable Conference Slated - The 4th Annual Organic Vegetable Production Conference is scheduled to be held on November 15, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Alabama Power Company Conference Center in Clanton. The conference fee is $15.00. For additional details go to http://fp.auburn.edu/auorganicveg/conference2006/ or call Dee Fowler at 334-844-2561.
Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Please make plans to attend the Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium on November 28-30 in Mobile. This event is one of the most important symposiums about the Gulf and Alabama's Mobile Bay held in the region. The last event of this kind that was held focusing on Alabama's coast was in 1995. For more details go to http://ambbs.mobilebaynep.com/ or contact Tiffany England at 251-431-6409 or Shonda Borden 251-438-5690.
Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference - The Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2nd Annual Watersheds Conference is scheduled to be held on December 6th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Alabama Power Water Course Conference Center in Clanton, Alabama. Please RSVP by November 17th for lunch to Allison Jenkins at ajenkins@elmore.rr.com or call 205-266-6285.
River of Words - Inspirational! Check out Alabama's Environmental Art & Poetry Program for Alabama's Youth - River of Words at http://riverofwords.auburn.edu/Winners.htm
AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway - Don't miss out on this special program. The Alabama Forestry Commission is partnering with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Department of Conservation and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to donate and deliver free seedlings to schools that are enrolled in the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program. The deadline to participate in this program is Friday, November 17th. Apply for this program today, by visiting the Alabama Wildlife Federation's website at http://www.alabamawildlife.org/conservation_education/seedlinggiveaway.asp
Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail - Alabama State Lands has "launched" the Bartram Canoe Trails. Check out this new dynamic program at:http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm
2) 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating
3) Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing
4) Legacy Receives National Honor
5) BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail
************************************
Here is a great story/excerpt from a Mike Bolton column that was published in the Birmingham News on November 5th.
"Maybe for different reasons, but we all want a clean environment. A healthy environment benefits us all, no matter how we play outdoors.
The details from one interview on that trip will forever stay embedded in my mind. I talked to a biologist from the Alabama Geological Survey about the declining mussel population in the Cahaba and the fact that several mussels species found there just 25 years before were now extinct.
Although I'm sure one of my questions wasn't as terse as my thought train, the basic premise of my ignorant inquiry was: 'So what?"
The patient biologist gave me an answer that I will never forget. Aside from not wanting to go to your grave knowing that you might have been partially responsible for the demise of a species of animals on this earth, there are other things to consider, he explained. Whether we like the outdoors because we fish, hunt, hike, camp or watch birds, it is a house of cards that is precariously perched, he said. You can pull out a card here and there and nothing happens, but eventually you will pull out the wrong card and it will all come tumbling down.
The sad part is that it can never be put back the way it was.
The mussel in the Cahaba that nobody eats and that the bass don't eat may seem lowly, but it is an important component of the bass that I like to catch there. The bottom dweller sits at the lowest end of the food chain, but it is a filter feeder that filters harmful pollutants from the river.
It serves as the canary in the coal mine so to speak, the biologist explained. Miners once took canaries into coal mines. When the canary died, that meant a harmful level of toxic gas was present. The canary for the Cahaba is dying, the biologist said.
Will the tiny minnows that the bass and bream eat die next? Will the bass follow? Will it all eventually tumble down, never to be put back as it was?
To read the entire column go to this al.com website.
*************************************************
1. Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Success Stories - Recently, we received at the Bama Environmental News a copy of the 2005 Annual Report for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils.
It is an impressive report.
Through the nine local councils that cover the state of Alabama, there are numerous proactive environmental projects that are being carried out. Some of these projects and accomplishments include:
* Water Festivals in Baldwin, Lee, Montgomery, Bullock, Barbour, Talladega, Limestone and Colbert counties.
* Creation of nature trails and outdoor classrooms in schools and communities such as the Dodge City Outdoor Classroom, Priceville Elementary Wetland Walkway, the Monroeville Future Forest Learning Center, Stapleton Elementary School "Our Big Back Yard," Bear Exploration Center (Montgomery County), Eufaula Rails to Trails, Russell County's Lakewood School Nature Trail and Outdoor Discovery Center and the Phil Campbell Outdoor Classroom.
* Alabama Clean Water Partnership (CWP) Basin Groups such as the Black Warrior River CWP, Cahaba River Basin, Coosa Basin, Tennessee Basin and several other groups.
* Your Town Alabama - http://www.yourtownalabama.org/ - a conference that attracts community leaders throughout Alabama to develop and inspire new and innovative community projects and development goals.
This is just a sampling of Association's many environmental projects. A true "advocate for the public and community good" - Alabama's RC&D Councils are a great way to protect and enhance the environment within your own community. To learn more about your local Regional Council visit the following websites:
http://www.amrvrcd.net
http://www.cawaco.org
http://www.gulfcoastrcd.org
http://www.wrcd.org
2. 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating - Last month, Alabama 4-H broke ground in Shelby County on the site where a new 17,500 square foot Environmental Science Education Center will be built. The new center will be the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) commissioned environmental education building in the Southeast and will be an example of sustainable awareness nationally.
The LEED Green Building rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and high performance green buildings. LEED certification promotes sustainability, human and environmental health, sustainable site development, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. To attain "gold" LEED certification, buildings are required to achieve 39 points, the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center will qualify for 45 points. The building has been designed by Davis Architects of Birmingham and will be constructed by B.L. Harbert International. It is scheduled to open in November 2007.
Check out the design of the building and additional details at http://www.aces.edu/fourh/ For additional information about LEED certification go to the U.S. Green Building Council website at http://www.usgbc.org
3. Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing - According to the Associated Press, several environmental groups are calling for Bluefin Tuna fishing to be shut down in the Gulf of Mexico, to keep one of the world's largest and most valuable fish from dying out.
Earthjustice and the Blue Ocean Institute sued the federal government last week, after the federal government's rejection of a petition by Earthjustice to close 125,000 square miles of the Gulf when bluefin are spawning. Bluefin, which can reach 10 feet long and up to 1500 pounds, travel thousands of miles every year to reach the spring spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Direct fishing for bluefin was banned in U.S. waters in 1999.The lawsuit coincided with a study in the current issue of Nature that warns of a worldwide collapse of fish populations by 2048, if trends are not reversed.
To read more about the lawsuit visit, http://www.earthjustice.org
4. Legacy Receives National Honor - On October 10th in San Diego, California, the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Resources presented Legacy, Inc., Partners in Environmental Education, with the 2006 American Bar Association Award for Excellence in Environmental and Resources Stewardship.
Legacy is primarily funded through the sale of Alabama's "Protect Our Environment" license tags, as well as from corporate, individual and in-kind donations and grants. Founded in 1992, Legacy has bestowed more than $2 million in grants, scholarships and sponsorships related to environmental education and events. Other achievements from 2000-2005 include:
* 1064 teachers trained at Legacy teacher workshops.
* 173 environmental grants awarded for a total of $785,807
* 109 environmental scholarships awarded for a total of $143,950
* 23 chemical collection day sponsorships awarded for a total of $93,650
* 110 Earth Month sponsorships awarded for a total of $27,250
* 250,000 environmental education materials (posters, guides, pamphlets and booklets) distributed.
For additional info about Legacy and their programs visit, http://www.legacyenved.org
5. BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail
Environmental Educator Position Open - Camp McDowell is seeking an environmental education instructor. The position pays $225 per week plus room and board, and will run from February to May. Requirements include a college degree, certifications in CPR and First Aid and a desire to help children learn and grow in an outdoor environment. To apply - mail or email resume and references to Maggie Wade Johnston, 105 DeLong Road, Nauvoo, Alabama, 33578 or maggie@campmcdowell.com . For additional info, call 205-387-1806 or visit http://www.campmcdowell.com
Organic Vegetable Conference Slated - The 4th Annual Organic Vegetable Production Conference is scheduled to be held on November 15, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Alabama Power Company Conference Center in Clanton. The conference fee is $15.00. For additional details go to http://fp.auburn.edu/auorganicveg/conference2006/ or call Dee Fowler at 334-844-2561.
Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Please make plans to attend the Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium on November 28-30 in Mobile. This event is one of the most important symposiums about the Gulf and Alabama's Mobile Bay held in the region. The last event of this kind that was held focusing on Alabama's coast was in 1995. For more details go to http://ambbs.mobilebaynep.com/ or contact Tiffany England at 251-431-6409 or Shonda Borden 251-438-5690.
Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference - The Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2nd Annual Watersheds Conference is scheduled to be held on December 6th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Alabama Power Water Course Conference Center in Clanton, Alabama. Please RSVP by November 17th for lunch to Allison Jenkins at ajenkins@elmore.rr.com or call 205-266-6285.
River of Words - Inspirational! Check out Alabama's Environmental Art & Poetry Program for Alabama's Youth - River of Words at http://riverofwords.auburn.edu/Winners.htm
AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway - Don't miss out on this special program. The Alabama Forestry Commission is partnering with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Department of Conservation and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to donate and deliver free seedlings to schools that are enrolled in the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program. The deadline to participate in this program is Friday, November 17th. Apply for this program today, by visiting the Alabama Wildlife Federation's website at http://www.alabamawildlife.org/conservation_education/seedlinggiveaway.asp
Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail - Alabama State Lands has "launched" the Bartram Canoe Trails. Check out this new dynamic program at:http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)