STATE PROGRAM SUMMARIES

Two thirds of the United States currently lack regulatory programs that comprehensively address wetlands and isolated wetlands in particular. Of the states that do have regulatory programs, statutes and regulations addressing wetlands and other isolated waters vary substantially.  To further understanding of the various approaches available for developing statutory and regulatory language, we have provided links to statutes and regulations in the states with existing programs at http://aswm.org/swp/statemainpage9.htm

ASWM REPORTS

The SWANCC Decision: State Regulation of Wetlands to Fill the Gap (3/4/04) (PDF) Model State Wetland Statute to Close the Gap Created by SWANCC (2/22/01) (PDF) Common Questions: State Wetland Regulatory Programs by Jon Kusler and Jeanne Christie, Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc. (06/26/06)

PUBLICATIONS

MT: New Stream Mitigation Procedure for Montana The US Army Corps of Engineers Omaha District is pleased to announce the recent release of the new Montana Stream Mitigation Procedure (MTSMP).   The new MTSMP replaces the previous Draft 2005 version.  The MTSMP does not supersede the new Mitigation Rule found in 33 CFR Part 332; rather, it compliments that rule by providing a swift, clear, and predictable accounting procedure to calculate debits and credits associated with compensatory stream mitigation in Montana.  No compensatory mitigation may be necessary for certain types and/or sizes of projects.  A discussion of projects not requiring mitigation is provided in Appendix D of the MTSMP. Questions and comments should be submitted to Todd Tillinger, US Army Corps of Engineers, Montana Program Manager, 10 West 15th Street, Suite 2200, Helena, Montana 59626. The MTSMP and related information will be available on the Montana Regulatory Program Website at:  http://www.nwo.usace.army.mil/html/od-rmt/mtsmp.html

The States' Definitions of 'Waters of the State' ECOS Green Report – February 2009 States’ definitions are nearly always broader than those of the CWA. State definitions often include phrases like “all surface waters,” or they may exclude certain waters (i.e., “waters within the territorial limits of the states but not in private lakes or ponds”). Most states include “groundwater” as well. To read the full report, go to: http://www.aswm.org/swp/ecos_feb_2009_definitions_of_waters_of_the_state.pdf

KY: New Kentucky Resource on Land Use & Water Now Available: Handbook Aids Communities with Growth and Water Resources The University of Louisville's Center for Land Use and Environmental Responsibility has recently released a handbook, Kentucky Wet Growth Tools for Sustainable Development: A Handbook on Land Use and Water for Kentucky Communities.  The handbook, which is produced electronically in PDF form for widespread dissemination, can be downloaded from http://louisville.edu/landuse/healthy-watersheds-land-use-initiative.html NWF Report: Protecting and Restoring the Kidneys of the Great Lakes: An Assessment of Wetlands Programs in Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin By Jane Reyer, Coral Wolf, et. al. National Wildlife Federation – July 2009 Executive Summary: http://online.nwf.org/site/DocServer/Wetlands_Report_Executive_Summary. pdf?docID=10662 Full report: http://online.nwf.org/site/DocServer/Wetlands_Report_July_2009.pdf?docID=10661 NWF webpage with summary and links: http://online.nwf.org/site/PageServer? pagename=glnrc_restoration_wetlands_report Next two stories are related. National Wildlife Federation’s Report on Great Lakes’ States’ Wetland Protection Great Lakes Wetlands at Risk Due to Gaps in State, Federal Policy July 7, 2009 http://online.nwf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=glnrc_restoration_wetlands_report How Will Rapanos Affect Us?” By Brian Considine – Michigan Bar Journal – November 2006 Michigan is one of two states (the other being New Jersey) that has assumed administration of Section 404 of the Clean Water Act (CWA).1 In comparison to other states that have separate state and federal wetland permitting programs, Michigan’s assumption of the 404 program streamlines the permitting process for property owners in Michigan. However, as a result of the Supreme Court’s recent decision in Rapanos,2 federal and state regulators are scrambling to figure out its impact on their respective wetland programs. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) have jointly issued interim guidance directing their agents and districts on what steps to take in light of Rapanos, and a final guidance document is in progress. This article describes Michigan’s 404 Program and discusses possible effects of the Rapanos decision on the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s (MDEQ’s) administration of the 404 program. http://www.michbar.org/journal/pdf/pdf4article1076.pdf Delaware Estuary Report The Partnership for the Delaware Estuary has released its “State of the Estuary Report” (PDF file) in collaboration with EPA, the Delaware River Basin Commission, other agencies, universities, and its 21-member Science and Technical Advisory Committee.  The 36-page report assesses the environmental status and trends of select natural resources in the Delaware Estuary’s watershed, pinpoints what resources need attention, how to improve monitoring capabilities, and how to prepare for new challenges like climate change. To learn more about the report, go to www.DelawareEstuary.org To view the report, go to: http://www.delawareestuary.org/pdf/EstuaryNews/2008/SummerNews08.pdf Great Lakes Regional Collaboration Habitat/Wetlands Initiative: A Progress Report and Call to Action A publication of the Great Lakes Regional Collaboration is now available online. This report describes recent progress since early 2006 to protect and restore wetlands and other habitat across the Great Lakes basin. The report addresses habitat in general, but focuses on wetlands as a particular habitat that has unique stresses and values, and which has been a focal point for collaboration activity. It describes progress in collaboration as well as progress in on-the-ground protection and restoration. The report further describes new tools that have been developed to support our collaborative restoration efforts by providing easy access to information about potential restoration projects and funding sources.  (June 2008) This report can be found at: http://glrc.us/documents/CallToAction06-19-2008.pdf Virginia Water Quality Report Richmond-Times Dispatch – June 16, 2008 State officials have released a six-year study of water quality in Virginia. The state Department of Environmental Quality plans a news conference on June 16th to release the report. It contains an assessment of water quality from January 2001 to December 2006, along with a statewide list of impaired waters. The news conference is scheduled for 11 a.m. at the department's Piedmont Regional Office in Glen Allen. For more information and a link to this draft assessment, visit: http://www.deq.state.va.us/wqa/305b2008.html Twine Line, Publication of the Ohio Sea Grant The Ohio Sea Grant just published its winter 2008 issue of Twine Line. In this issue they address the following topics: Ohio Sea Grant Technology Uses Algae, Sound Waves to Remove Mercury from Lake Erie Sediment; GLROC: New Sea Grant Consortium to Coordinate Regional Research and Outreach; Sea Grant Extension Broadens Outreach Via On Line Discussion Board New Lake Erie Shipwrecks Web Site Promotes Education and Conservation, among other topics. For a direct link to this publication, go to: http://www.ohioseagrant.osu.edu/documents/twineline/v30i1.pdf State Wetland Protection: Status, Trends & Model Approaches The Environmental Law Institute has released a final report of a 50-state study that described and analyzed seven "core" components of state wetland programs: state laws, regulations, and programs; monitoring and assessment; restoration programs and activities; water quality standards; public-private partnerships; coordination among state and federal agencies; and education and outreach activities. This report focuses on status and trends, model programs, and summary data for all 50 states. http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11279 Environmental Law Institute’s Multi-Year Study on the "Core" Components of State Wetland Programs State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase I State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase II State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase III State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase IV ELI Study of State Wetland Programs http://www.eli.org/Program_Areas/state_wetlands.cfm Putting A Price On Riparian Corridors As Water Treatment Facilities By Ann L. Riley, Ph.D., Watershed and River Restoration Advisor, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Oakland, CA, Jan. 2008 -- The monetary value of natural riparian environments that provide water quality treatment functions by processing nutrients, storing sediment, moderating temperatures, and other services can be estimated by calculating the costs associated with the construction of brick and mortar water treatment plants built to achieve similar functions. For a direct link to this discussion paper, go to: http://www.aswm.org/putting_price_riparian_corridors_riley_21108.pdf Smart Watershed Benchmarking Tool The Center for Watershed Protectin has released a new tool on CD available in PDF and workbook (CD) versions. Using lessons learned from around the country, this self-assessment tool helps local program managers make better decisions on watershed restoration priorities to maximize the performance of staff and financial resources. For more information, visit: http://www.cwp.org/ Gulf of Maine Council/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership Final Report: Saltmarsh Restoration Monitoring Near Pemaquid Beach , New Harbor, Maine December 5, 2007 -- The Pemaquid Salt Marsh is a 6-acre back-barrier marsh located behind Pemaquid Beach in Bristol , Maine . Prior to 2005, the marsh had limited saltwater input due to roadway culverts that restricted tidal flow, which was resulting in the marsh transforming into a brackish wetland. The Pemaquid Salt Marsh Restoration Project was a culvert replacement designed to diminish undesirable brackish plant species and increase native salt marsh vegetation by restoring natural tidal flow. Post-restoration monitoring results from 2005-2007 indicate that there have been substantial favorable changes in the marsh. For a direct link to this report, go to: http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/images/ Synopsis_PostRestoration.pdf  For a link to the project description and Pemaquid Watershed Association's website, visit: http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/waterquality.html Vegetation Classification and Mapping of New River Gorge National River , West Virginia Authors: Vanderhorst, J. P., J. Jeuck, and S. C. Gawler. 2007 -- Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR-2007/092.  National Park Service.  Philadelphia , PA. A vegetation classification and map were developed by the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program for New River Gorge National River following the standards of the U.S. Geological Survey / National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program. For a direct link to this report, go to: http://www.nps.gov/nero/science/FINAL/ NERI_veg_map/NERI_veg_map.htm  For questions and comments, contact Jim Vanderhorst at the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program at jimvanderhorst@wvdnr.gov Classification and Conservation Assessment of High Elevation Wetland Communities in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia Authors: E.A. Byers, J. P. Vanderhorst, and B. P. Streets. 2007. West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Elkins, WV. Wetland communities above 730 meters (2400 feet) elevation in the Allegheny Mountain region of West Virginia are characterized by exceptionally high biodiversity and conservation value. A new ecological system for the High Allegheny Wetlands and 41 wetland associations were classified, ranked for conservation purposes, and published in the National Vegetation Classification. For a direct link to this publication, go to: http://www.wvdnr.gov/publications/PDFFiles/High%20Allegheny%20 Wetlands-web.pdf ELI Publishes Report on Exploring Opportunities to Integrate State Wildlife Action Plans with State Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Programs ELI has published a report from a workshop: Explore Opportunities to Integrate the State Wildlife Action Plans into Improved Wetland Conservation and Restoration, including audio recordings, PowerPoint presentations, and related documents, are available on ELI’s website at http://www.eli.org/pdf/joint_meeting/ELI%20Workshop%20Final%20 Report.pdf 2007 UHN Stormwater Center Report Now Online The University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center 2007 Annual Report is now available online: http://ciceet.unh.edu/unh_stormwater_report_2007/index.php Produced in partnership with the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET), this publication contains performance data on the ability of stormwater treatment systems to treat water quality and manage water quantity. To manage stormwater in a way that prevents flooding, protects infrastructure, and safeguards human and environmental health, coastal communities require science-based, independent information on the performance of stormwater treatment systems. The CICEET-sponsored UNH Stormwater Center is unique in its ability to conduct such evaluations in a side-by-side setting. Its field site is designed ot test a range of stormwater treatment systems, from lowimpact development approaches to manufactured devices. This report is one of several tools the enter uses to communicate the results of its research to coastal communities interested in designing stormwater projects that protect water resources and improve resilience in a time of rapid development and more frequent and intense storms. In response to stakeholder feedback, the 2007 report includes information on the land use settings in which the evaluated systems are typically deployed, the type of application to which they are best suited, installation costs, and maintenance. If you have a suggestion for improving next year's report, please take a few minutes to fill out this online survey: http://survey.unh.edu/surveycat/surveys/survey406_unhsc2007.htm Salt Marsh Booklet Released by Gulf of Maine Council Salt marshes remove pollution from the water, provide food and shelter for fish and birds, protect the shoreline from erosion, and perform other valuable roles in the ecosystem. However, 75 percent of salt marshes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and 37 percent in New England states have been destroyed. A new booklet, Salt Marshes in the Gulf of Maine: Human Impacts, Habitat Restoration, and Long-term Change Analysis offers a reader-friendly look at the ecology of these vital coastal wetlands and ways to bring them back to health. The booklet can be downloaded in PDF format, and hard copies are available upon request. For more information and to obtain the booklet go to, http://www.gulfofmaine.org/saltmarsh/ Dam Removal and the Wetlands Regulations in MA This document, available on Mass DEP's website, provides guidance for conservation commissions and the Department of Environmental Protection, as the permitting authorities, in the application of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations. For more information, obtain a copy of this document at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#dam

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EVENTS

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NEWS

JULY

MN: Moist soils project provides beneficial wetland habitat for ducks, shorebirds By Brad Dokken – Grand Forks Herald – July 10, 2010 Trying to practice conventional farming on low ground is a challenge during wet years, so managers of the Roseau River Wildlife Management Area in northwestern Minnesota are working to turn the negative into a positive by making the land more attractive for ducks and shorebirds. The 75,000-acre WMA has established a half-dozen “moist soils” habitat sites on 110 acres near refuge headquarters that in recent years has been too wet to grow crops. For full article, go to: http://www.grandforksherald.com/event/article/id/168260/

JUNE

NY: Suit Challenging Wetlands Law Ends By Matt Dalen – Lewisboro Ledger – June 11, 2010 One of the most prominent lawsuits in the history of the town of Lewisboro has ended, not with a bang, but with a whimper, as the so-called “wetlands lawsuit,” which had challenged the constitutionality of the town’s wetlands law, missed the opportunity for a final appeal last month. Plaintiffs missed their deadline to apply for Supreme Court review, ending a five-year-long ordeal that had played a prominent role in Lewisboro politics. For full story, go to: http://www.acorn-online.com/joomla15/lewisboroledger/news/localnews/61359-suit-challenging-wetlands-law-ends.html

IN: Daniels adds to wetlands preservation plan By Mary Beth Schneider – Indiana Star – June 11, 2010 For the second day in a row, Gov. Mitch Daniels has announced a major effort to preserve more Indiana wetlands. This morning, Daniels said the state would target more than 25,600 acres along the Muscatatuck River in Scott, Jackson and Washington counties. For full story, go to: http://www.indystar.com/article/20100611/NEWS05/6110402/Daniels-adds-to-wetlands-preservation-plan

CT: Norton rejects wetlands law again By Michael Gelbwasser – Sun Chronicle – June 11, 2010 Voters have sunk a local wetlands protection bylaw for the second time. Wednesday night's annual town meeting vote followed a heated debate in which conservation officials insisted that critics were misleading the public about the bylaw's implications. Commissioners contend the bylaw would better protect Norton's drinking water, groundwater and wildlife habitats. For full story, go to: http://www.thesunchronicle.com/articles/2010/06/11/news/7522287.txt

MD: Raising Awareness of the Bay Through Open Water Swimming On June 13, 2010, approximately 600 swimmers of all ages will once again attempt to swim across the Chesapeake Bay. The annual event is one of the premier open water events in the United States covering a 4.4 mile course swum mostly between the two spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge. In addition to providing a venue for a top open water event, the Bay Swim also provides a platform to raise awareness of the Chesapeake Bay and to promote efforts to aide in its restoration. For full story, go to: http://www.buildingagreenmaryland.com/2010/06/articles/chesapeake-bay/raising-awareness-of-the-bay-through-open-water-swimming/

SD: Greater threat to wetlands is development By Jeannette Eichacker-McVay – Argus Leader – June 9, 2010 It was interesting to note in John Pollmann's column in the June 2 Argus Leader regarding installing drain tile in farm ground that there was no mention of non-agricultural development usurping wetlands. Just look in any direction around Sioux Falls and note building expansion going on - in swamps. The same is true of Tea and its surrounding developments. For full opinion, go to: http://www.argusleader.com/article/20100609/VOICES05/6090320/1052/OPINION01

CA: Trade for Degraded Wetlands Complete By Harry Saltzgaver - Grunion Gazette – June 9, 2010 Long Beach now is the proud owner of 34 acres of degraded wetlands property in east Long Beach. Friday saw the close of escrow in a land trade that gave the city the property south of Second Street and east of the Pacific Coast Highway in exchange for 11 acres in industrial west Long Beach that was part of the city's public service yard on San Francisco Avenue. For full story, go to: http://www.istockanalyst.com/article/viewiStockNews/articleid/4196888

IA: UNI wetlands slow to take root By Jon Ericson – WCF Courier – June 8, 2010 A year after native species were planted at the new flood retention/nature area north of the UNI-Dome, the same questions get asked. The most general query runs along the lines of "what the heck is it?" But others stem from a misperception that the flood control/wetlands project would be shaped into a traditional park. "There's still the notion out there where people wonder where's the swingset and playground equipment?" said Paul Meyermann, head of facilities planning at the University of Northern Iowa. For full story, go to: http://wcfcourier.com/news/local/article_a3f97229-e8e8-5c92-99b9-5d6888966a26.html

WA: Dept of Ecology seeks public input about state’s aquatic plant and algae permit Washington Dept. of Ecology – June 8, 2010 The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is holding an open house in Tacoma to gather input about what works and doesn’t work with the state’s current aquatic plants and algae permit. The open house marks the beginning of a public process to update the permit. The Aquatic Plant and Algae Management General Permit covers the discharge of products used to control aquatic plants and algae in Washington lakes. The permit also allows treatment of nuisance emergent plants along roadsides and ditch banks. For full article, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2010news/2010-133.html

FL: BP oil spill clean up: Fearful Florida authorities take matters into their own hands to save beaches By Maryann Tobin – Hernando County Examiner – June 8, 2010 In the Panhandle city of Destin, Florida, community leaders fearing an invasion of oily tar balls on their white sand beaches, have taken matters into their own hands. City tourism director Dawn Molentaro had asked BP for help in protecting Destin's white sand beaches 3 weeks ago, but her requests fell on deaf ears. So community leaders took matters into their own hands and set up their own booms. For full story, go to: http://www.examiner.com/x-17299-Hernando-County-Political-Buzz-Examiner~y2010m6d8-BP-Oil-spill-clean-up-Angry-Florida-authorities-take-matters-into-their-own-hands-to-save-Florida

Archived News Return to Top of Page

MAY

LA: Despite Leak, Louisiana Is Still Devoted to Oil By Campbell Robertson – New York Times – May 22, 2010 In a state that is particularly sensitive to the health of its coastal wetlands, which serve as a barrier against hurricanes, such an attitude might seem odd — even self-defeating. To read full article, go to: http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/23/us/23drill.html

WI: Two Wetland Bills Pass Legislation May 19, 2010 – Wisconsin Wetlands Association On May 18, 2010, Governor Doyle signed two important wetland bills into law. One will help reduce unauthorized wetland fill, while the other will help Wisconsin leverage more federal funding for wetland restoration projects. Both address long-standing wetland problems. For full story, go to: http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/legislation.htm

CT: Lack of training a continuing problem for some town wetland boards

By Matthew Brown – Connecticut Mirror – May 17, 2010 Having an application pending before a municipal inland wetlands commission can be an exercise in pure frustration. At times, simple requests to build a deck, a shed or a garage on one's own property can turn into protracted, off topic discussions or arguments over the development of what a property owner may consider a wet piece of property of little value, but a commission considers a vernal pool. And by 2006, according to the Connecticut Council on Environmental Quality, the headaches and misunderstandings were becoming too frequent and painful to ignore. For full story, go to: http://www.ctmirror.org/story/5952/lack-training-problem-some-town-wetland-agencies

CA: Dwindling visitor population doesn't stop wetlands docents

By Louis Sahagun – Los Angeles Times – May 16, 2010 At this month's open house, only a handful show up to see the Ballona Wetlands' rare wildlife and scenic vistas. "Most people don't know this place even exists. But they should," a volunteer says. A dozen conservationists gathered at the Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve on Saturday to introduce visitors to the natural rhythms of life in some 600 acres of restored marshlands that are laced with brackish rivers and hiking trails. For full story, go to: http://www.latimes.com/news/science/environment/la-me-ballona-20100516-20,0,3525129.story

NY: Refuge a great place to observe, enjoy nature

By Leo Roth – Democrat & Chronicle – May 16, 2010 The Montezuma Wetlands Complex, historically known as the Montezuma Marsh, has lost 70 percent of its original habitat due to development and agriculture. Still, it provides a major staging, resting and feeding area for thousands of migratory waterfowl, shore and songbirds along the Atlantic Flyway. For full story, go to: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20100516/SPORTS0103/5 160370/1007/SPORTS/Refuge-a-great-place-to-observe--enjoy-nature

DE: Native Delaware: Benefits of designed wetland are many

By Margo McDonough – Native Delaware – May 16, 2010 Several times a week, Chad Nelson begins his workday with a trek through a wetland near his Townsend Hall office on UD's Newark campus. With spring in full swing, he enjoys the sight of the butterflies, migratory songbirds, mallard ducks and their ducklings, frogs and tadpoles that make the wetland their warm-weather home. For full story, go to: http://www.delawareonline.com/article/20100516/LIFE/5160309/ Benefits+of+designed+wetland+are+many

SC: Wetlands species presents ID challenge to botanists

By John Nelson – Aiken Standard – May 15, 2010 Wetlands are natural habitats featuring, obviously, some water. Sometimes a lot of water. They come in many varieties, and they provide home for a huge array of plant and animal species. Across North America, unfortunately, many kinds of wetlands are becoming increasingly rare, as they have commonly fallen victim to urbanization and landscape manipulation. Of course, when wetlands are sufficiently disturbed or destroyed, their resident plants and animals also suffer, commonly disappearing. In the last two decades, more research has focused on the plight of wetlands and to efforts protecting them. We would do well to make sure that legislation and public awareness remain to safeguard these precious habitats, in all their diversity. For full article, go to: http://www.aikenstandard.com/FeatureColumns/0516-mystery-plant-column

IN: Notebook: View nature up-close at Camp Scott wetlands

Fort Wayne Journal Gazette (blog) – May 14, 2010 Fort Wayne’s Camp Scott wetlands will be open to the public on Thursday, May 20, from 2:00 – 7:00 PM with activities for all ages. Visitors can wander the wetlands or go on a wildflower identification walk, see a demonstration of water quality testing, learn to make compost or participate in other activities. Camp Scott is located at 3615 Oxford Street. The Camp Scott constructed wetlands stores stormwater during rainy periods then releases it to the Maumee River after the storm sewer system has emptied. In addition to providing stormwater storage, the wetlands provide habitat for fish and wildlife. Wildlife seen at Camp Scott includes owls and other birds of prey such as hawks and falcons. For full blog, go to: http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100514/BLOGS21/100519729

WA: State asks, what are the most popular saltwater beaches?

Dept. of Ecology News Release – May 14, 2010 What are Washington's most popular saltwater beaches? The state wants to know so it can test the water for pollution-caused bacteria that can make people sick. The state BEACH (Beach Environmental Assessment, Communication and Health) Program notifies the public when bacteria results are high, and educates people about what they can do to avoid getting sick from playing in saltwater. The program is jointly coordinated by the Departments of Ecology and Health. It is implemented by local health agencies, tribal nations and volunteers. This summer, the federally funded program proposes to monitor 52 of the state's most popular saltwater beaches. The number is down from 70 beaches it monitored last year and 53 the year before. For full story, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2010news/2010-115.html

LA: Work continues aimed at keeping slick out of wetlands

By John DeSantis – Daily Comet – May 13, 2010 A 200-yard streak of oil was confirmed on a Terrebonne Parish barrier island Wednesday, and authorities are trying to confirm whether information about oil on two other Louisiana islands is correct. The confirmation of oil on Whiskey Island brings to three the areas where oil has been confirmed by assessment teams in connection with the Deepwater Horizon oil leak in the Gulf of Mexico. The others are South Pass, off Plaquemines Parish, and the Chandeleur Islands, near the state's eastern border. For full article, go to: http://www.dailycomet.com/article/20100513/ARTICLES/100519633/1292?p=1&tc=pg

DE: Wetland program reaches milestone

By Nick Roth – Delmarva Daily Times – May 13, 2010 Twenty years after its start, the Adopt-A-Wetland program has inspired more than 3,000 people to get involved and improve water quality throughout the state. Marlene Mervine of the state Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control said the program recently recorded its 100th adoption. "It's just a wonderful opportunity for people to feel as though they're making a difference for Delaware," she said. For full story, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100513/NEWS01/5130373

NY: Toxic threat to nature's nursery?

By Allie Wilkinson – LI Herald – May 13, 2010 Part one of a two-part series. Imagine building an incinerator next to a hospital nursery. That, critics say, is about what the Village of Freeport would be doing if it were to build a $550 million waste-to-energy incinerator alongside a wetland in south Freeport, near the Merrick border. Plans for the facility appear in doubt (see related story, "What's up with Freeport's incinerator plans?"). But if eventually approved, the project could have serious consequences for the local environment and human health. Full story, http://www.liherald.com/detail/24945.html?content_source=& category_id=5&search_filter=&event_mode=&event_ts_from= &list_type=&order_by=&order_sort=&content_class=&sub_type=&town_id=

TN: Cumberland River Crest Highest in 73 Years

Contact: Rodney Knight – USGS News – May 13, 2010 Rivers throughout middle Tennessee crested at record high levels last week.  They exceeded previous highs at many streamgages by as much as 14 feet, according to preliminary estimates released today by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS).   The highest flood levels were recorded on May 2 and 3, from Nashville west toward Jackson, extending about 40-miles north and south of Interstate 40, and affecting major tributaries to the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers. For full article, go to: http://www.usgs.gov/newsroom/article.asp?ID=2461 For a related article, go to: In-depth report: Army Corps of Engineers struggled with dams, forecasts http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100509/NEWS01/5090355/-1/nsitemapXML/In-depth-report--Army-Corps-of-Engineers-struggled-with-dams--forecasts

LA: River water pours into wetlands to avert oil

Associated Press – May 13, 2010 There's now enough Mississippi River water pouring into Louisiana's wetlands to fill the Superdome once an hour, in hopes of avoiding oil from the Gulf of Mexico spill. Authorities opened all eight gates at the Bayou Lamoque freshwater diversion in Plaqemines Parish on Thursday. Seven diversion projects, created to rebuild wetlands with silt, now funnel fresh water into wetlands in hope of pushing away oil that might enter them. Bayou Lamoque spreads into wetlands next to Black Bay and Breton Sound at the rate of 12,500 cubic feet - or 93,500 gallons - every second. That alone could fill the Superdome in less than three hours. About 34,550 cubic feet of water per second are flowing through the seven projects in St. Charles, St. Bernard and Plaquemines parishes. For a link to this story, go to: http://www.wxvt.com/Global/story.asp?S=12479823

IN: Wetland mitigation improves Jordan River

By Hannah Spencer – Indiana Daily Student – May 12, 2010 The expansion of the Eigenmann Hall parking lot is not only diminishing the time students will spend circling parking lots, but also part of the Jordan River, which runs through where the new pavement is set to be poured. To help compensate for this loss of the natural wetlands, IU has hired local sub-contractor Eco Logic to design a stream mitigation project along the Jordan River near the Wright Education Building and the Jordan Avenue Garage. According to IU Environmental Health and Safety Specialist Michael J. Dorsett, it is a requirement for the University to mitigate the stream disturbance. The mitigation site is already blooming, and Eco Logic is confident the local ecosystem will continue to thrive. For full article, go to: http://www.idsnews.com/news/story.aspx?id=75700

TN: Calvin Donaldson Dedicates 'Wetlands' Living Classroom

By Jose Ocando – Chattarati – May 12, 2010 Community members gathered Tuesday at Calvin Donaldson Environmental Science Academy (CDESA) to dedicate the newly completed Wetlands living classroom. Becky Coleman, CDESA principal, thanked members of the community who were instrumental in the building of the project, including the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Partners in Education, the Hamilton County School Board — particularly board members Linda Mosley and George Ricks — the Hamilton County Water Quality Program, Chattanooga State, Earthscapes, and Engineered Verdant Solutions (EVS). For full story, go to: http://chattarati.com/neighborhoods/st-elmo/2010/5/12/calvin-donaldson-dedicates-wetlands-living-classro/

CA: Wetlands defender honored after death

By Britney Barnes – Daily Pilot – May 11, 2010 Jan Vandersloot, a founding member of the Bolsa Chica Land Trust, will be honored posthumously for his dedication to preserving the Bolsa Chica Wetlands. The late Newport Beach resident on Sunday will be recognized as an outstanding wetlands community leader by the Environmental Law Institute in Washington, D.C. The award is part of the National Wetlands Awards Program that honors six individuals who have contributed to the preservation of the country’s wetlands through education, restoration or activism. For full story, go to: http://www.dailypilot.com/articles/2010/05/11/features/dpt-vandersloot051210.txt

CA: Bill to fund efforts to restore bay's wetlands

By Carolyn Jones – San Francisco Chronicle – April 23, 2010 A 20-year wish list of San Francisco Bay wetlands restoration projects would finally receive funding under a $1 billion federal bill introduced by a Bay Area congresswoman. The San Francisco Bay Improvement Act of 2010 by Rep. Jackie Speier, D-Hillsborough, would fund the restoration of thousands of acres of bay marshes that were filled in or destroyed by levees and other projects in the last century. For full story, go to: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/04/22/MN4O1D2VOC.DTL#ixzz0lxKFuKM\

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APRIL

FL: County considers wetland guidelines By Jim Waymer – Florida Today – April 20, 2010 Brevard County commissioners today plan to discuss lifting density restrictions on commercial and industrial development along the St. Johns River, freshwater lakes and freshwater tributaries to the Indian River Lagoon. For full story, go to: http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20100420/NEWS01/4200327/1006/County +considers+wetland+guidelines

LA: New Baton Rouge Area Mitigation Bank Now Online – Over 185 Acres of Wetlands Conserved and Protected Contact Kate Wilson – Resource Environmental Solutions/Business Wire – April 20, 2010 First Louisiana Resource, L.L.C. (FLR) a subsidiary of Resource Environmental Solutions L.L.C. (RES), has received approval of the Comite Properties mitigation project located in the Baton Rouge area. The Comite Properties Wetlands Mitigation Bank covers two tracts of land and permanently conserves 185.3 acres in East Baton Rouge Parish, east of Zachary, Louisiana adjacent to the intersection of Milldale Road and Peairs Road. The mitigation bank primarily services the USGS Cataloging Unit 08070202 which covers more than 1,281 square miles and includes portions of Ascension, East Baton Rouge, East Feliciana, Iberville, Livingston, and St. Helena parishes. For full press release, go to: http://www.businesswire.com/portal/site/home/permalink/ ?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20100420006784&newsLang=en

UT: Opinion: McEntee: Let's not lose the wetlands By Peg McEntee – Salt Lake Tribune – April 20, 2010 Stop on the side of I-80 west of the airport and take a look northward at what seems like a whole lot of nothing dotted with cattle and the occasional broadcast tower. What you won't see from that vantage are birds -- from avocets to harrier hawks, ducks and geese and swans and stately herons -- and the bugs that keep them coming. Right now, this sliver of the Central Flyway is a vast maternity ward, where young are hatched and educated before the great migration south is completed. And Salt Lake City wants to build a mini-SLC out here? At least 70,000 people (just eight miles from downtown!) atop alkaline mud, nasty old landfills and the dust from Kennecott mine tailings. And all too close to the Great Salt Lake, which during the floods of the early 1980s broached the freeway. For full opinion, go to: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14915910

OR: Projects to help offset impacts to wetlands from development Contact: Dana Hicks – Oregon Department of State Lands – April 20, 2010 Oregon’s work to gain federal recognition of a new wetland mitigation option has paid off with the approval of two new projects recently started on the Salmon River near Lincoln City and on a working farm near Forest Grove.  Oregon was the first state in the nation to receive federal approval for the In-Lieu Fee Program (ILF) under 2008 federal mitigation rules.  Impacts to wetlands and other waters in Oregon are often co-regulated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Oregon Department of State Lands (DSL).  The ILF program is administered by DSL. The state has a policy of “no net loss” of wetlands.  When projects such as housing, bridges and retail developments will impact more than 50 cubic yards of material in wetlands, project proponents must apply for a removal-fill permit from DSL.  Permit conditions include replacing – or mitigating – lost wetland functions.  For full press release, go to: http://oregonstatelands.us/DSL/DO/news/pr1011_ilf_program.shtml

WV: Volunteers help beautify Williamstown’s wetlands By Jolene Craig – Parkersburg News & Sentinel – April 19, 2010 The Williamstown Wetlands project is coming along with a walking trail and observation deck built as members of Boy Scout Troop and Pack 47 helped plant trees Saturday. The troop has been helping with the wetlands project next to DaVinci's Restaurant on Highland Avenue for several months to learn some of the aspects of Boy Scouts. In November they picked up trash and debris from the wetlands. For full story, go to: http://www.newsandsentinel.com/page/content.detail/id/528881.html?nav=5061

WI: Volunteers rise early to count cranes By Karen Madden – Central Wisconsin Daily Tribune – April 18, 2010 Bird-watchers fanned out across central Wisconsin's wetlands to participate in a statewide count of sandhill cranes. When the annual count, sponsored by the International Crane Foundation, began about 25 years ago, there were 25 pairs of nesting cranes in Wisconsin, said Gloria Zager, Wood County count coordinator. Last year, about 550 sandhill cranes were spotted in Wood County alone during the annual count. Currently, authorities believe the county has 90 pairs of the birds. For full story, go to: http://www.wisconsinrapidstribune.com/article/20100418/CWS0101/4180680/ 1982/WRT04/Volunteers-rise-early-to-count-cranes

AK: Meet the Migration By Abby Lowell – Juneau Empire – April 16, 2010 The Mendenhall Wetlands are like a truck stop for migrating birds. They exit off their airborne interstate to take advantage of the snacks, of both the vertebrate and invertebrate variety, the lodgings and the opportunity to just refuel. They arrive in waves by the thousands, beginning in early April and lasting into May. Some stay for only a day, others nest and raise young. For all, this nationally recognized important bird habitat is vital to their ability to thrive.  For full story, go to: http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/041610/out_610556848.shtml

MD: Chesapeake Bay’s crab population up 60 percent By Timothy Wheeler – Baltimore Sun – April 14, 2010 The Chesapeake Bay's blue crab population has bounced back from dangerously low levels, Maryland officials announced Wednesday, reporting that a newly completed survey of the crustaceans counted more than have been seen in more than a decade. A jubilant Gov. Martin O'Malley heralded the news from the waterfront deck of a seafood restaurant here, saying the winter crab survey justified the steps he and his counterpart in Virginia took two years ago to clamp down on the commercial catch. Both states shortened the season, slashing watermen's income, and Virginia banned its traditional practice of dredging slumbering female crabs from the bottom during winter. For full story, go to: http://www.baltimoresun.com/features/green/bs-gr-blue-crab-fishery-20100414,0,5207295.story

AK: Landowners Ordered to Restore Salmon Stream and Wetlands near Haines, Alaska Contact: Mark Jen – EPA News Release – April 14, 2010 Robert and Nancy Loomis of Kilgore, Texas, have been ordered by the Environmental Protection Agency to repair damaged wetlands, restore a salmon stream and better manage stormwater runoff on their property located near Haines, Alaska. The Loomis’ received the Order after EPA alleged they discharged fill material, consisting of mud, dirt, gravel and rock, to this valuable fish and wildlife habitat. http://yosemite.epa.gov/opa/admpress.nsf/d96f984dfb3ff7718525735900400c 29/895978ac579056fd85257704007688b1!OpenDocument

TX: There's plenty of water available for North Texas Editorial by Staff – Texas Star Telegram – April 12, 2010 Don't worry about ever reaching for the faucet on your kitchen sink and finding no water there. It's never going to happen to your kids or your grandkids or their grandkids, either. Never. They will make sure you always have a reliable source of clean water. Take it for granted. Who's they? You know, the people who do that sort of thing. […] They detailed where they plan to get the water that 16 North Central Texas counties will need between now and 2060. That's a whole lot of water, but thank goodness plenty of it is available. The list starts with rivers and reservoirs and wells and wetlands like those the region uses now, and it goes all the way to taking the salt out of the virtually limitless water of the Gulf of Mexico and piping it all the way up here for you. For full editorial, go to: http://www.star-telegram.com/2010/04/11/2106030/theres-plenty-of-water-available.html#ixzz0kuSgfJ5f

ME: Sierra Club fights CMP project By Tux Turkel - Portland Press Herald – March 25, 2010 Central Maine Power Co.'s proposal to upgrade the reliability of its transmission system faces a new threat: wetlands. The Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club says the $1.6 billion project would destroy 385 acres of wetlands and 1,200 linear feet of streams. In a letter dated March 15, it told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the agency can't approve construction if there are alternatives that reduce the impact on the environment.A strict standard under the Clean Water Act says the corps cannot issue wetlands permits for any project if a "less environmentally damaging, practicable alternative" exists. In the Sierra Club's view, CMP could meet the objectives of its new line with non-transmission alternatives. The group says it will take legal action, if needed, to enforce the law. For full article, go to: http://www.pressherald.com/news/sierra-club-fights-cmp-project_2010-03-24.html

DE: New public participation guidebook provides actions to protect Delaware's wetlands Delmarva – March 20, 2010 A new guidebook is now available that will help Delawareans protect and conserve our state’s vital wetlands. Just released, the Wetlands Public Participation Guidebook is a comprehensive resource developed to educate and inspire citizens to take actions to protect the health and productivity of the more than 350,000 acres of wetlands that cover our state. For full story, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100319/DW01/100319025/-1/DW/DELAWARE--New-public-participation-guidebook-provides-actions-to-protect-Delaware-s-wetlands

VA: Wetlands group fights challenge with challenge By Scott Harper – Virginian-Pilot – March 20, 2010 First, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli filed a legal challenge to a key federal finding that greenhouse gases are public health threats, contribute to climate change and should be regulated. Now, a Norfolk-based environmental group, Wetlands Watch, has filed a challenge to Cuccinelli's challenge, calling his actions "dangerous" and "a stall tactic" against government attempts to tackle global warming. For full article, go to: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/03/wetlands-group-fights-challenge-challenge-0

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MARCH

ME: Sierra Club fights CMP project By Tux Turkel - Portland Press Herald – March 25, 2010 Central Maine Power Co.'s proposal to upgrade the reliability of its transmission system faces a new threat: wetlands. The Maine Chapter of the Sierra Club says the $1.6 billion project would destroy 385 acres of wetlands and 1,200 linear feet of streams. In a letter dated March 15, it told the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers that the agency can't approve construction if there are alternatives that reduce the impact on the environment.A strict standard under the Clean Water Act says the corps cannot issue wetlands permits for any project if a "less environmentally damaging, practicable alternative" exists. In the Sierra Club's view, CMP could meet the objectives of its new line with non-transmission alternatives. The group says it will take legal action, if needed, to enforce the law. For full article, go to: http://www.pressherald.com/news/sierra-club-fights-cmp- project_2010-03-24.html

DELAWARE: New public participation guidebook provides actions to protect Delaware's wetlands Delmarva – March 20, 2010 A new guidebook is now available that will help Delawareans protect and conserve our state’s vital wetlands. Just released, the Wetlands Public Participation Guidebook is a comprehensive resource developed to educate and inspire citizens to take actions to protect the health and productivity of the more than 350,000 acres of wetlands that cover our state. For full story, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/article/20100319/DW01/100319025/-1/DW/ DELAWARE--New-public-participation-guidebook-provides-actions-to-protect- Delaware-s-wetlands

VA: Wetlands group fights challenge with challenge By Scott Harper – Virginian-Pilot – March 20, 2010 First, Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli filed a legal challenge to a key federal finding that greenhouse gases are public health threats, contribute to climate change and should be regulated. Now, a Norfolk-based environmental group, Wetlands Watch, has filed a challenge to Cuccinelli's challenge, calling his actions "dangerous" and "a stall tactic" against government attempts to tackle global warming. For full article, go to: http://hamptonroads.com/2010/03/wetlands- group-fights-challenge-challenge-0

NY: NT set to fight DEC over wetlands By Neal Gulley - Tonawanda News – March 18, 2010 The Department of Environmental Conservation has declared its intent to designate roughly 120 acres of newly protected wetlands in and around the City of North Tonawanda. Elected officials past and present have fought for years to keep this day from coming. But their inherent interest has always been in keeping the newly proposed wetlands — located in five separate irregular-shaped areas between Ruie Road south to the canal — open for development. Millions of dollars in tax-funded infrastructure like roads and sewers has been installed in the area and will be wasted, they say. For full story, go to: http://tonawanda-news.com/local/x1112098302/NT-set-to-fight-DEC- over-wetlands

NM: NM panel to hear outstanding waters petition By Susan Montoya Bryan – Business Week – March 18, 2010 New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson's administration is pushing ahead with a plan to give special protection to hundreds of miles of rivers and streams and thousands of acres of wetlands despite concern from some farmers and ranchers. Richardson has been seeking a sweeping Outstanding National Resource Waters designation under the federal Clean Water Act since 2008. With the end of his second four-year term looming, he's now one step closer. For full story, go to: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/financialnews/D9EH3B400.htm

LA: Federal flood insurance program extension endorsed by House By Bruce Alpert – Times-Picayune – March 18, 2010 The U.S. House of Representatives voted Wednesday for another one-month extension of the federal flood insurance program, along with the temporary continuation of expiring unemployment insurance and federal health insurance subsidies for jobless Americans. The measure, adopted by a voice vote, is the latest in a series of temporary extensions in programs as the House and Senate have been unable to resolve differences about longer term authorizations. The Senate is likely to take up the temporary extension before it recesses next week. For full story, go to: http://www.nola.com/politics/index.ssf/2010/03/federal_flood_insurance_ progra.html

IA: A wetlands benefit for taxpayers, too Opinion by Michael Burkart – Des Moines Register – March 17, 2010 I was pleased to read good news in the Feb. 26 Iowa View, "Farm Drainage Proposal Based on Sound Science." The best news for taxpayers is that, "Once the pilot project is over, they [drainage and wetlands] would be installed with money from the landowners, not the government." This will start to reverse the historical destruction of wetlands using government funds and benefiting only landowners. The other good news for taxpayers and scientists is that the plan will include wetland monitoring by institutions engaged in objective science. For full story, go to: http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20100317/OPINION04/317 0337/1038/Opinion/A-wetlands-benefit-for-taxpayers-too

NH: Panel wants to take closer look at wetlands By Harrison Haas – The Citizen of Laconia – March 17, 2010 The Conservation Commission will be researching the idea of forming a subcommittee to address the modification of the town's wetlands conservation district ordinance. A petitioned article was recently voted down by residents that would have rewritten the current wetlands ordinance. The proposed ordinance called for a 50-foot protective buffer setback on all properties in town. Although the article did not originate with the commission, board members did support it because it was attempting to put regulations in place to help protect the natural resources in town, such as wildlife and the lakes. For full story, go to: http://www.citizen.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100317/ GJNEWS02/703179879/-1/CITNEWS

NY: North Tonawanda mayor’s e-mails assailed By Aaron Besecker – Buffalo News – March 16, 2010 Mayor Robert G. Ortt has drawn criticism for what some consider an attempt to get the city’s Environmental Committee to “rubber stamp” a proposed street extension. Ortt wrote an e-mail earlier this month to Brian P. Murphy, committee chairman, seeking the backing of the seven-member advisory board for extending Meadow Drive.  For full story, go to: http://www.buffalonews.com/2010/03/16/ 989007/n-tonawanda-mayors-e-mails-assailed.html

MN: DNR, watersheds discuss ways to clean up lakes By: Julie Buntjer – Daily Globe – March 16, 2010 Representatives of the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and local watershed districts gathered in Worthington Monday afternoon to discuss the state of the state’s waters and the work needed to improve or reduce the growing number of impaired lakes, rivers and streams.Skip Wright, DNR regional hydrologist, said roughly 40 percent of the state’s waters are impaired. In southwest Minnesota, it’s closer to 90 percent. For full story, go to: http://www.dglobe.com/event/article/id/33951/

LA: Disappearing birds a troubling omen Editorial – Houma Today – March 16, 2010 Often lost in our thoughts and discussion of wetlands loss is the impact it has on the animals that share this land with us. But just as important is the significant losses those wildlife effects can signal for us. Prime examples are Louisiana's coastal birds, among some of the nation's at-risk because of climate changes and the loss of habitat. That is the disturbing word that came from “The State of the Birds: 2010 Report on Climate Change,” released last week by the U.S. Department of the Interior. For full story, go to: http://www.houmatoday.com/article/20100316/OPINION/100319579/0/ recipes?p=1&tc=pg

WI: Wetlands bill targets construction conflicts By Paul Snyder – Daily Reporter – March 11, 2010 Disputes between the state and builders over construction projects near wetlands have prompted a lawmaker’s attempt to force better communication between the sides. State Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, has introduced a bill requiring the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources provide information about wetlands to landowners, builders and local governments that issue building permits. The bill would establish a $50 fee a landowner can pay for a DNR wetlands map of the property and a $300 fee for a DNR employee to visit a property and mark off wetlands. http://dailyreporter.com/blog/2010/03/11/ bill-aims-to-boost-wetland-information-for-developers-landowners/

NH: Proposed 50-foot wetland buffer prompts debate By Lauren Tiner – Winnisquam Echo – March 3, 2010 The Conservation Commission has put forth petitioned warrant Article 10, asking that the existing Article 15, that establishes the wetlands district ordinance, be replaced with regulations that include a 50-feet wetland buffer – standards not everyone can agree on. This protective buffer setback would be adjacent to wetlands under certain conditions, and would allow for certain uses and activities by special exception applications. This proposed ordinance would also create standards for mitigation, erosion and sedimentation plans. For full story, go to: http://www.winnisquamecho.net/Articles-c-2010- 03-02-150681.113119_Proposed_50foot_wetland_buffer_prompts_ debate.html

KY: Applications now being accepted for Wetlands Reserve Program By Dave Baker – Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife Resources – March 2, 2010 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Kentucky is now accepting applications for the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP). The Wetlands Reserve Program offers landowners the opportunity to protect, restore and enhance wetlands on their property. Through this voluntary program, NRCS has provided Kentucky landowners with over $29 million to restore more than 17,000 acres of cropland, pastureland and other altered lands to their original wetland conditions. For full story, go to: http://www.bgdailynews.com/articles/2010/03/02/the_amplifier/recreation/ doc4b797f6816857403185242.txt

UT: State plans burn for invasive reed on lake shore Salt Lake Tribune – March 2, 2010 State crews in Utah hope to burn about 300 acres infested by an invasive reed near the shore of the Great Salt Lake. The Utah Division of Forestry, Fire and State Lands plans the prescribed burn near Farmington Bay for Tuesday morning, if weather conditions cooperate. The fire is aimed at destroying phragmites, a tall, nonnative reed that crowds out native vegetation and alters the natural state of the wetlands around the lake. Thousands of acres around the lake are infested with phragmites. The burn is part of a larger state plan to eliminate the invasive reed so the wetlands can be restored. The reeds in the area of the burn were treated with an herbicide last year. For full story, go to: http://www.sltrib.com/news/ci_14497304

WA: Vancouver wetland bank first to be certified under new Ecology rules Contact: Curt Hart – WA Dept. of Ecology – March 1, 2010 The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has used its new rule establishing an approval process for wetland mitigation banks to certify the proposed Columbia River Wetland Mitigation Bank at the Port of Vancouver. State and federal laws prohibit the loss of wetlands due to development. In September 2009, Ecology adopted a rule establishing criteria and a certification process for wetland mitigation banks across the state. The Vancouver wetland is the first to be certified under the new rule. It is also the second to be certified under a new federal rule established by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Environmental Protection Agency. For full story, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2010news/ 2010-037.html

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FEBRUARY

MN: Farm tax jump jeopardizes woods, wetlands, bluffsides By Sarah Elmquist – Winona Post - February 28, 2010 Winona County Board members sounded off Tuesday on state legislation that will multiply property taxes on thousands of acres of rural land under the newest changes to the Green Acres tax program. The board is expected to approve a resolution stating its opposition to the changes at its meeting Tuesday, when it will hear an update from Winona County Assessor Steve Hacken. Hacken has reportedly been working with the Legislature to try to reduce the higher, state-imposed values on vacant land that he will soon be forced to apply to landowner tax statements.  For full story, go to: http://www.winonapost.com/stock/functions/VDG_Pub/detail.php?choice=35196& home_page=1&archives

ME: Popham Beach Disappearing as Erosion Takes Toll By Tom Porter – MPBN – February 25, 2010 Popham Beach, near Bath, is one of Maine's most popular state parks, visited by an estimated 175,000 people every year. In recent years though, there's been increasingly less beach to visit, especially where the Morse River flows into the ocean. Since 2007, the sea has advanced more than 200 feet in parts, and many local residents are worried. For full story, go to: http://www.mpbn.net/News/MaineNewsArchive/tabid/181/ctl/ViewItem/ mid/3475/ ItemId/11204/Default.aspx A week later, after another storm, this news story stated that the beach is growing because the Morse River split: River Shift Is Great News For Popham Beach http://www.wmtw.com/news/22817521/detail.html The State of Maine passed legislation in April 2009 to address climate change impacts, including sea level rise. For details, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dep/oc/adapt/

IA: Wetland Easements Will Help Reduce Flooding in Iowa This Spring Wallace’s Farmer – February 25, 2010 Flooding will be reduced this spring thanks to the Iowa farmers who are voluntarily restoring nearly 3,000 acres of frequently-flooded cropland to wetlands through the USDA's Natural Resource Conservation Service. The cost-sharing funds are provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 or ARRA. The easements are valued at nearly $9 million, said Rich Sims, State Conservationist with NRCS in Iowa. "As spring approaches, these acres will protect communities and farm ground by helping to reduce the potential of downstream flooding near the easement areas," says Sims. For full article, go to: http://mobile.wallacesfarmer.com/index.aspx?ascxid=cmsNewsStory&rmid=0& rascxid=&args=&rargs=9&dt=634026566730192500&lid=a8yebu2d9qxnz7lo& adms=634026566728786250Xcab226cbc4&cmsSid=35759&cmsScid=9

VA: Wonder Wetlands Cleans, Protects, Educates and Looks Good By Jennifer McManamay – Sweet Briar College - February 18, 2010 About 60 area engineers and government workers attended a Stormwater Wetlands Design Workshop at Sweet Briar College on Thursday, Feb. 18. The course was coordinated by the Robert E. Lee Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with the College, the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay. The group spent part of the morning indoors focusing on pending state stormwater management regulations aimed at reducing runoff pollution from development. They also learned about innovative techniques for meeting the new rules, including wetlands construction as an alternative to traditional methods. For full story, go to: http://www2.sbc.edu/newsletter/index.php/site/stories/wonder_wetlands_cleans_ protects_educates_and_looks_good

MI: Permits Drag on U.S. Mining Projects By Robert Guy Matthews – Wall Street Journal – February 8, 2010 Obtaining the permits and approvals needed to build a mine in the U.S. takes an average of seven years, among the longest wait time in the world. So despite having vast underground stores of raw materials, the U.S. is one of the last places miners go to start a project. At the proposed Kennecott Eagle nickel mine in Michigan's sparsely populated Upper Peninsula, the wait is at seven years and growing. Global miner Rio Tinto says the project would fill a raw-material gap in the U.S. economy, but the company has yet to produce an ounce of nickel there. For full story, go to: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB1000142405274870382240457 5019123766644644.html?mod=WSJ_article_Moreln

MA: Protecting wetlands in wind turbine siting bill Gate House News Service – February 7, 2010 Legislation adopted last week by the state Senate that streamlines the permitting process for large-scale wind turbine projects includes language proposed by Sen. Robert L. Hedlund that preserves local control over wetlands and other environmentally sensitive areas. For full story, go to: http://www.wickedlocal.com/weymouth/news/x1522834599/ Protecting-wetlands-in-wind-turbine-siting-bill

VT: Government, nonprofits move to restore wetlands By Candace Page – Burlington Free Press – February 7, 2010 An unusual public-private coalition is on a search for landowners willing to turn their marginal, boggy farm fields back into wetlands. Time is running out, at least for this year. By March 1, the Vermont office of the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service must commit up to $2.5 million to wetlands restoration, or lose access to the money. In 2009, the local office was able to use only $1.5 million of the $6 million available to it. http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100207/NEWS03/2070305

WA: Tides rechanneling Nisqually River By Mike Archbold – News Tribune – February 6, 2010 The tides are back and change is afoot at the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. No one knows that better than Jean Takekawa, who manages the 3,000-acre refuge southwest of Tacoma. She is in charge of returning 762 acres of the refuge to a saltwater marsh or estuary after more than 100 years as farmland and freshwater wetlands. For full story, go to: http://www.thenewstribune.com/292/story/105 8924.html?storylink=omni_popular

TN: Legislators must reverse trend, preserve land, water Opinion – The Tennessean – February 5, 2010 As feared, the Tennessee General Assembly has veered from the serious governance of the special session to the antic policymaking of the 2009 regular session. Legislators slid from raising educational standards to pushing an unnecessary constitutional amendment to guarantee the right to hunt and fish. But they could stop the fall into provincialism by focusing on two areas: the budget and the environment. For full story, go to: http://www.tennessean.com/article/20100205/OPINION01/ 2050327/1008

FL: Christmas Bird Count Documents 99 Species at Everglades Treatment Wetlands By South Florida Water Management District – Treasure Coast Palm – February 4, 2010 An Everglades restoration project maintained its status as a national bird watching destination as volunteers with the Hendry-Glades Audubon Society partnered with the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD) to document 99 species and nearly 106,000 individual birds during the 110th Christmas Bird Count this January. Known as "citizen science," bird counts are vital to studies of the long-term health and status of bird populations. For full story, go to: http://www.tcpalm.com/news/2010/feb/04/christmas-bird-count- documents-99-species-at-everg/

VA: Forest, tidal wetlands to be protected forever By Rusty Dennen – Fredericksburg News – February 4, 2010 Virginia has been fertile ground for conservation easements, but none can compare to one announced yesterday by The Nature Conservancy. The conservation group purchased 13,350 acres of forest within the Dragon Run and Mattaponi watersheds west of U.S. 17 and the Rappahannock River. Though the parcels are not all contiguous, together they encompass about 20 square miles in Essex, King and Queen, and Middlesex counties. The seller was the Hancock Timber Resource Group. Immediately after the purchase, The Nature Conservancy sold the property to the The Forestland Group, which acquires and manages timberland investments for institutions, families and individuals. http://fredericksburg.com/News/FLS/2010/022010/020 42010/525574

CA: Wetlands map, guide highlights local areas The Times-Standard – February 4, 2010 Friends of the Dunes has announced the release of the “2010 Humboldt Bay Beaches, Dunes and Wetlands Map and Guide.” The free map and guide highlights natural areas where people can enjoy a variety of coastal habitats while providing in-depth information about local natural history and the importance of conserving the beauty and diversity of the coast. For full story, go to: http://www.times-standard.com/lifestyle/ci_14331642

MN/ND: Environment, wildlife among top concerns By Helmut Schmidt – Inforum – February 4, 2010 Environmental and wildlife concerns tied to building a Red River flood diversion channel in Minnesota or North Dakota were among the top concerns discussed in a meeting Wednesday in Fargo. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers officials said they heard no serious objections from experts representing both states and several federal agencies on plans to mitigate any problems caused by the diversions. For full story, go to: http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/268001/

LA: In Obama's Budget, a Trickle of Money for Louisiana's Disappearing Coast By Harry Shearer – Huffington Post – February 3, 2010 I've been rather consistently critical of the Obama administration's largely MIA stance toward New Orleans, with the singular exception of the appointment of a new FEMA administrator who, by all reports, has cut the red tape and started the long-appropriated funds finally flowing to fix the damage caused by the failure of the federal levees. So it's only fair to acknowledge a small, halting step towards progress in Washington. For full story, go to: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/harry-shearer/in-obamas- budget-a-trickl_b_447328.html

ELI has developed a report titled, In-Lieu Fee Mitigation: Model Instrument Language and Resources The report offers model language that could be incorporated into in-lieu fee program instruments being developed by state agencies and non-profit organizations and was designed to comply with the 2008 Compensatory Mitigation Rule.  It was developed using the best available information and uses examples from the approved and draft in-lieu fee instruments that were available as of December 2009. The model language should not, however, be seen as a prescriptive approach to the development of in-lieu fee program instruments. The model language offered does not represent official guidance from federal agencies, nor does it eliminate the necessity of working closely with the appropriate Corps district and Interagency Review Team to seek approval for an in-lieu fee program. The report can be downloaded for free here: http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11390

USA Today Examines Shortages in State Budgets USA Today on February 3 featured a front-page article on state environmental agency budget issues. (See http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/environment/ 2010-02-02-environment-states-epa_N.htm).

SC: Catawba makes endangered list By John Marks – Lake Wylie Pilot – February 2, 2010 Different year, different group, same conclusion – the Catawba River is in danger. According the Southern Environmental Law Center, the Catawba ranks among the Top 10 Endangered Places 2010 along with rivers, wetlands, ocean stretches and natural areas from six states. The Cape Fear wetlands in North Carolina and South Carolina’s freshwater wetlands also make the list. According to southernenvironment.org, the group chose the Catawba because threats from “a low-flow scheme for hydroelectric dams that would restrict the flow of water essential to a healthy river system, and the lack of an overarching and coherent plan to protect the ecological integrity of the river and prevent over-allocation of its waters.” For full story, go to: http://www.lakewyliepilot.com/462/story/616593.html

FL: Proposed Water Quality Standards for the State of Florida's Lakes and Flowing Waters EPA has proposed numeric nutrient water quality standards for lakes and flowing waters, including canals, within the State of Florida and has proposed regulations to establish a framework for Florida to develop “restoration standards” for impaired waters. EPA issued this proposed rule pursuant to a determination that EPA made on January 14, 2009, under section 303(c)(4)(B) of the Clean Water Act. For full press release, proposed standards and other information, go to: http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/rules/florida/

WA: Ecology partnership, federal award save coastal wetland habitat Washington Department of Ecology – February 2, 2010 The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has secured five federal grants worth a total of nearly $4 million to help return 1,100 acres of coastal wetlands and connected freshwater and upland habitat areas in Jefferson, Pacific, Thurston and Whatcom counties back to natural conditions. Ecology is working in close partnership with the Lummi Nation, Columbia Land Trust, Capitol Land Trust, Jefferson County Land Trust, Cascade Land Conservancy, and U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to ensure the acquisitions will be restored and protected. Details about the five wetland restoration and preservation projects on Washington’s outer coast and in Puget Sound are available at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/wetlands/ stewardship/nwcgp.html

SC: Court's ruling protects S.C. wetlands By Sammy Fretwell – The State – February 2, 2010 The S.C. Supreme Court dealt a smashing blow Monday to developers who have tried for years to overturn state rules that safeguard coastal freshwater wetlands from unchecked development. The decision, much anticipated by environmentalists and developers, overturns a 2008 lower-court verdict that declared invalid state rules protecting freshwater wetlands along the coast. For full story, go to: http://www.thestate.com/local/story/1138269.html

MI: Humbug Marsh Will Become Michigan's First Wetland of International Importance Under the Ramsar Convention Contact: Tracy Collin – Michigan Department of Natural Resources Press Release – February 2, 2010 The Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and the U.S. National Ramsar Committee are pleased to announce that Humbug Marsh will become Michigan's first Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention. For more information, go to: http://www.fws.gov/midwest/news/release.cfm?rid=170 and for full press release, go to: http://www.michigan.gov/deq/0,1607,7-135-7251_7253-231028--RSS,00.html

CT: Army Corps: Railroad did not fill Hawleyville wetlands By Melissa Bruen – Stamford Advocate – February 2, 2010 The results are in. After a January site survey of the Housatonic Railroad Co.'s Hawleyville facility, the Army Corps of Engineers ruled no violation of federal law took place on the property. "We have made reasonable inquiry into allegations from other parties that wetlands on the subject property were illegally filled; however, no substantive evidence has been offered," wrote Robert Desista, the chief of the Permits and Enforcement of the Regulatory Division of the Army Corps of Engineers in a Jan. 26 letter to the railroad. For full story, go to: http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/?controllerName= search&action=search&channel=news&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22 Robert+Desista%22

WA: Environmentalists worry about proposed light rail through wetlands By Marlee Ginter – Komo News – February 1, 2010 Light rail could slice right through a cherished wildlife sanctuary in Bellevue. The city council wants Sound Transit to look at a plan that critics say will drive away wildlife. Right in Bellevue's city limits are more than 320 acres of wildlife habitat along with 7 miles of trails and several bird species. For full story, go to: http://www.komonews.com/news/local/83303462.html

MI: Experts: Preserve Great Lakes wetlands By Chenqi Guo – Traverse City Record-Eagle – February 1, 2010 The Great Lakes face another serious environmental threat besides Asian carp, experts warn: coastal wetlands disturbance. "The development of coastal wetlands is the biggest problem," said James Clift, policy director for the Michigan Environmental Council. "People are coming in and they need places for water fun development. As a result, we are losing wetlands." http://www.record-eagle.com/statenews/local_story_032074029.html

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