INDEX:
---EDITOR'S NOTE---

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
Corps Publishes Issuance of Nationwide Permits Notice Correction
Corps Publishes Explanation of Schedule for Expiration of the Existing Nationwides Prior to Reissuance
Washington State Wetland Mitigation Evaluation Study: Phase 2
OH DNR Announces Final General Isolated Wetlands Permit, New Wetlands Website
Indiana to Increase Wetlands Protection
Hydrophytic Vegetation Workshop March 20-22

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
Value of Ecological Services May Soon be a Factor in Land Transactions
Six States Urge Feds to Test Flow Changes to Restore Missouri River
Bush Administration Asks Judge to Dismiss GE Suit Challenging Superfund Law
Court Invalidates Wood Waste Dumping Permits
Park Service Website Back Online
AP Analyzes EPA Grant Awards, Process
25 Pacific Salmon Populations May Lose Protection

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
Farm Bill Update
2001 National Environmental Scorecard Released
Bush Budget Gives Conservation Short Shrift

---STATES NEWS---
ACOE to Prepare DEIS for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoirs
[WA] ACOE Opposes Breaching Snake River Dams
Florida Approves Acquisition of 21,000 Acres for Panther Habitat
Michigan Developer Sentenced for Violating State Wetland Laws
Condit Dam Removal Wins Early Backing
Bitterroot Settlement Saves Thousands of Forest Acres
EPA Orders Illinois Businessman to Restore Wetlands

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
NACo Publishes Water Resource Protection Booklet for Western States
New Book: "Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration"
"Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition" Modules Available Online
Report: Ducks Unlimited's Restored Wetlands Are As Good As Natural
Publication on Cost Benefit Analysis of Environmental Protection available
How Clean is Your Estuary? Scientists Have New Measurement Tool
Treatment of Aircraft Anti/De-Icing Process Effluent Using Wetlands
"The Volunteer Monitor" Winter 2002 Issue Focus: Beaches and Reefs
Waterfowl Population Estimates and Trends by Species & Region (1997) Now Online
New! Great Lakes Environmental Directory is Online
WI DNR Smart Growth Guide Now Available
Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21st Century Report

---POTPOURRI---
RFP: Development and Enhancement of Coastal NEMO Network Projects
Funding Available for Community-Based Fishery Habitat Restoration
Grants for Greenways
NAWCA Seeking Wetland Management Proposals for 2002
HSBC, WWF, BGCI and Earthwatch Launch $50M "Investing in Nature"

---MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES---
For a rolling calendar of meeting, conferences, and other events visit the ASWM calendar

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

It was a joy to put names to faces and meet all of you present at the ASWM Annual States meeting in Washington a couple of weeks ago! The meeting was very informative and, yes, even fun at times. It was an eye-opener for me to learn about all of the state and federal wetland programs that have been developed or are in development. Much, much more was discussed than I could possibly relay here, including how far a federal SWANCC "fix" is away from becoming a reality. My conclusions after attending the first two days of the meeting: each state present had individual approaches to regulating wetlands; nonprofits and local governments are imperative to long-term wetland protection; the states who weren't represented had the most need to be there; and if we run out of wetlands in the lower forty-eight we can borrow some from Alaska.

Thanks to the folks who contributed to this issue, including Kim Baker, OH DNR; Daniel Montella, US EPA Region 2; Paul McIver, US EPA Region 8; Taber Hand, University of Maryland; Jeanne Christie, ASWM; Suzanne Bolton, NOAA; Michael McElhiney, CA USDA; Esther Lev, The Wetlands Conservancy; Doug Hoskins, EPA; Carol Thompson, Tarleton State University.

Until next time!

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Corps Publishes Issuance of Nationwide Permits Notice Correction

[from Jeanne Christie, ASWM] In the February 13, 2002, Federal Register (Vol. 67, No. 30 pp. 6692-6695) the Corps published corrections to the earlier (January 13, 2002) Issuance of the Nationwides. This is a normal procedure--to provide technical edits that were overlooked in the final notice. In the Correction Notice, the Corps has republished Nationwide 39 (Residential, Commercial, and Institutional Developments), as well as the Definition of the Loss of Waters of the U.S. in their entirety. These particular corrections appear to be due in part to strong concerns raised by environmental groups and others that there were changes to these provisions in the final notice that were not included in the earlier proposed changes. Specifically the concern was raised that there were changes in these two areas in the final rule that could have a dramatic impact on the treatment of ephemeral waters. Ephemeral waters are of particular importance in the western states where annual evaporation exceeds precipitation and many streambeds are intermittent or ephemeral. The notice also states that it will open these issues to further public comment with an upcoming Federal Register notice addressing these corrections as well as any other matter not adequately addressed in the correction notice within a few weeks. The Federal Register Notice as well as Questions and Answers on the corrections can be found at http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/citizen.htm.

Corps Publishes Explanation of Schedule for Expiration of the Existing Nationwides Prior to Reissuance

[from Jeanne Christie, ASWM] In response to questions raised concerning the effective dates of individual nationwides, the Corps has posted a clarification of which general permits expired on February 11 and which will remain in effect until March 18 when the re-issued nationwides go into effect. It also explains how activities already authorized under the nationwides are treated during the five week period when some nationwides and general conditions will not be in effect. The information is posted at http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/nwpexp02.pdf. Essentially the nationwides that were re-issued as part of the process of replacing Nationwide 26 remain in effect and all others expire. This is because nationwides are issued on a 5-year cycle and those re-issued last year remain in effect. On March 18 ALL nationwides are re-issued and they will all be on the same five-year cycle.

Hydrophytic Vegetation Workshop March 20-22

The Hydrophytic Vegetation Workshop will be held at the Holiday Inn - Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey March 20-22 2002. The purpose of this Workshop is to investigate nationwide contemporary hydrophytic vegetation issues. The workshop will address proposed changes to the list of wetland indicator plant species (hydrophytic vegetation) that have caused a great deal of controversy lately. Some scientists and regulators feel that the change in indicator status of several of the species will result in drastic changes to wetland inventories nationally. Not all of the regulatory agencies with management and regulatory tasks for wetlands have signed the agreement proposing the changes. Scientists, regulators, resource managers, consultants, trade groups, students, environmentalists, and others are welcome to attend this important workshop. This workshop goal is to increase dialogue and foster partnerships between federal, state, and local regulatory agencies, non-governmental organizations, the private sector and the regulated community. Information on the workshop is located at http://www.thereillygroup.net/Hydrophytic.htm

Washington State Wetland Mitigation Evaluation Study: Phase 2

2/8/02, OLYMPIA -- Results from a two-phase Washington State Department of Ecology wetland mitigation study reiterate those from previous studies by the National Research Council and the Government Accounting Office. The Washington State Department of Ecology examined how well man-made ("mitigated") wetlands are working in Washington. The first phase evaluated whether 45 randomly selected projects followed their mitigation plans and met permit requirements. The second phase evaluated 24 projects to determine how ecologically successful they were and to what extent they replaced the functions of the wetlands that were lost. Researchers concluded that, to be successful, projects must be inspected to ensure work is completed, and sites monitored over time so that problems can be caught and fixed. Andy McMillan, Ecology's Wetlands Specialist, said Ecology will work with developers, local governments and others who have a role in designing and constructing wetlands to develop new guidance on how to design, construct, monitor and maintain mitigation sites. The Ecology Department is also in the process of adopting a regulation that will establish criteria and a certification process for setting up wetland mitigation banks. An executive summary of the report, entitled "Washington State Wetland Mitigation Evaluation Study: Phase 2," is on the Internet at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/mit-study/. The full version of the report will be available on the Web next week. More information about the proposed wetland-banking rule is available at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/wetmitig/index.html.

OH DNR Announces Final General Isolated Wetlands Permit, New Wetlands Website

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources has posted the final general isolated wetlands permit to its website at http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/401/401.html. Coverage under this permit is limited to the filling of, and the discharge of dredged material into, up to 1/2 acres of Category 1 and Category 2 isolated wetlands. Mitigation is required to qualify for the general permit. Category 3 isolated wetlands are specifically not covered. OH DNR is also pleased to announce the development of an Ohio Wetlands Website. The site contains a wealth of information on wetland types, history of wetlands, wetland restoration, wetland mitigation banking, wetland education resources, wetland contacts and wetland mapping. Click on the attached link to view the site. http://www.dnr.state.oh.us/wetlands [submitted by Kim Baker, OH DNR]

Indiana to Increase Wetlands Protection

[Excerpt from Great Lakes United's Habitat Watch #244] The Indiana Water Pollution Control Board voted 9-1 for preliminary adoption of a critical rulemaking to ensure adequate protection for state wetlands. The rulemaking outlines wetland water quality standards and establishes procedures and criteria to be used by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management when reviewing applications for "Section 401" water quality certification under the federal Clean Water Act [located at http://www.state.in.us/idem/owm/planbr/401/rule_and_procedures.html]. However, efforts are underway to undermine this progress made to protect state wetlands. Two bills, in the state House and Senate, would delay final adoption of this rulemaking by sidelining it into study committees. For more information contact Save the Dunes Council, std@savedunes.org or (219) 879-3564.

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NATIONAL UPDATE

Value of Ecological Services May Soon be a Factor in Land Transactions

In the Washington Post article, "Land and Eco-Assets for Sale: Conservation Joins Capitalism to Set Aside Wetland Habitat" (1/25/02) an interesting twist of events in land conservation has occurred. A landowner has donated property assessed $16 million yet plans to inform IRS that it's value is $32 million. The twist: the $16 million dollar difference represents the calculated ecological services the 12,000 acre parcel provides to Canaan Valley in West Virginia. If the IRS accepts this argument and grants the charitable deduction, future conservation sales and acquisitions might be more expensive due to ecological valuations. However, it might also result in increased offerings of important property and bargain sales for conservation. Read the complete article at http://www.washingtonpost.com/ac2/wp-dyn?pagename=article&node=&contentId=A35274-2002Jan24 [A related story is located at http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-15-09.html]

Six States Urge Feds to Test Flow Changes to Restore Missouri River

[American Rivers press release 2/13/02] American Rivers hailed the Missouri River Basin Association (MRBA) this week for endorsing dam reforms to restore the Missouri River. Six of the eight member states of the Missouri River Basin Association - Kansas, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming - voted to urge the Corps of Engineers to begin testing new operations of the dam and reservoir system over a ten year period to re-create more natural seasonal water levels in the river. The states of Iowa and Missouri remain opposed to any changes to the status quo. For the full story visit http://www.amrivers.org/pressrelease/missouri021302.htm

Bush Administration Asks Judge to Dismiss GE Suit Challenging Superfund Law

[ENN Worldwire News for Thursday, February 21, 2002] The Bush administration asked a federal judge this week to dismiss a lawsuit by General Electric Co. and uphold the Superfund toxic waste cleanup law. http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/02/02212002/ap_46448.asp [The EPA Record of Decision on Hudson River dredging is available online at http://www.epa.gov/epahome/headline2_020102.htm

Court Invalidates Wood Waste Dumping Permits

Anchorage, AK 2/14/02 (ENS) - "An appeals court ruled Wednesday that Alaska timber companies will no longer be allowed to dump logging debris into waterways. For years, timber companies in Alaska have been permitted to dump bark into coastal waterways under Clean Water Act permits issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). On Wednesday, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals invalidated those permits in a lawsuit brought by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-14-09.html [Editor's note - the opinion may be found at http://www.ca9.uscourts.gov/]

Park Service Website Back Online

Washington, DC 2/14/02 (ENS) - "The Department of Interior, which had to shut down its entire computer system in answer to a lawsuit 10 weeks ago, has brought the National Park Service back online. While most Interior Department (DOI) sites remain off line, including the main agency site and sites for the Bureau of Land Management and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Park Service site is now up and running, offering information for park visitors across the nation. On December 5, 2001, U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth ruled that the DOI's computer systems left Indian trust accounts, which include about $3 billion in assets, vulnerable to outside interference . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-14-09.html

AP Analyzes EPA Grant Awards, Process

Wednesday, February 13, 2002. By Larry Margasak, Associated Press. Washington, DC — "The Environmental Protection Agency has given more than $2 billion to nonprofit groups since 1993, often without competitive bidding, an Associated Press computer analysis found. The agency's internal watchdog says some groups may have received favored treatment . . . " For the complete article visit http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/02/02132002/ap_46380.asp

25 Pacific Salmon Populations May Lose Protection

Washington, DC 2/12/02 (ENS) - The National Marine Fisheries Service is reviewing petitions to remove federal protection for 14 groups of Pacific salmon and steelhead which are now protected under the Endangered Species Act. The agency's move angered environmentalists and delighted property rights advocates who have been battling water and land use restrictions aimed at protecting the fish. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-12-07.html [Related story "Lawsuit Challenges Pacific Salmon Protections - Again" Portland, OR 2/6/02 (ENS) http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-06-09.html]

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:

Farm Bill Update

[from Jeanne Christie, ASWM] Following passage of the Senate's farm bill, the conference committee has been established and has begun meeting to reconcile the House and Senate Bills. A good comparison of the Conservation Title of the two bills and the existing farm bill can be found at the National Association of Conservation District's website at http://nacdnet.org/govtaff/FB/House-Senate.htm A list of the presumed conferees has been posted at http://www.familyfarmer.org/confer.html. Currently calls and letters are going to Senate and House members in support of bills various groups or individuals prefer. The Senate Bill has a much larger Conservation Title including allowing up to 250,000 acres a year to be enrolled in the Wetlands Reserve Program. The House version caps WRP enrollment at 150,000 acres per year. A slightly revised version of the National Association of Conservation District's side-by-side comparison of H.R. 2646 and S. 1731 is now available at http://www.nacdnet.org

2001 National Environmental Scorecard Released

Long considered America's most informative and objective evaluation of the environmental voting records of each member of Congress, the League of Conservation Voter's Scorecard reflects the progress of Congress toward meeting environmental challenges, detailing the most important environmental votes in both chambers over the 1st session of the 107th Congress. In addition to individual scores, LCV released regional and state averages, most improved members, members who suffered the biggest score drop, and rookies of the year. View the scorecard and related information at http://www.lcv.org

Bush Budget Gives Conservation Short Shrift

By Cat Lazaroff. Washington, DC 2/5/02 (ENS) - The budget released Monday by the Bush administration - the nation's first deficit budget in four years - is meeting criticism from all corners, particularly from the environmental community. At a press conference this morning, representatives from several conservation groups denounced the financial "shell game" employed by the administration to fund its priorities. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-05-06.html

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STATES NEWS

ACOE to Prepare DEIS for the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) Storage Reservoirs

[Federal Register notice, 2/22/02] The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps), intends to prepare an integrated Project Implementation Report (PIR) and DEIS for the EAA Storage Reservoirs Project. The study is a cooperative effort between the Corps and the South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), which is also a cooperating agency for this DEIS. The lack of water storage in the Everglades system, particularly during wet periods, has led to ecological damage of Lake Okeechobee's littoral zone and damaging regulatory releases to the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee estuaries. Conversely, in dry periods, this lack of storage has led to water supply shortages for both the human and natural environment. The EAA Storage Reservoirs--Phase 1 is one of the initially authorized projects of the C&SF Comprehensive Review Study (Restudy). The integrated PIR will evaluate providing 240,000 acre-feet of storage on existing Federally-and State-owned lands and increasing the canal conveyance of the Miami, North New River, Bolles, and Cross Canals. The complete notice is available in the February 22 Federal Register, http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a020222c.html

[WA] ACOE Opposes Breaching Snake River Dams

Walla Walla, WA 2/21/02 (ENS) - As expected, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers final report on improving salmon passage through the lower Snake River dams recommends against dam breaching. Conservation groups warn that leaving the dams intact could lead to the extinction of the Snake River's salmon and steelhead runs. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-21-07.html

Florida Approves Acquisition of 21,000 Acres for Panther Habitat

Tallahassee – Florida Governor Jeb Bush and Florida Cabinet members accepted an option agreement from The Nature Conservancy Charitable Trust to acquire two parcels totaling 21,673.5 acres within the Panther Glades Florida Forever project in Hendry County. The Panther Glades Florida Forever project consists of 49,160 acres. The project is made up of a landscape mosaic of forested uplands interspersed among forested wetland communities. The ecosystem is a large landscape and watershed in south central Hendry County that includes portions of both Big Cypress and Kissimmee Billy Strand. The Panther Glades project is crucial habitat for the Florida panther and many other threatened wildlife species, especially those requiring extensive areas of habitat to maintain viable populations, as this part of the state rapidly converts to agriculture and residential/commercial uses. For details visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/comm/2002/02-016.htm

Michigan Developer Sentenced for Violating State Wetland Laws

[MI DEQ press release] 2/12/02. A Marquette developer has been sentenced for violating Michigan’s wetland laws following an investigation by the Department of Environmental Quality. Thomas Wight Davis pleaded guilty in the 93rd District Court to constructing a road system across streams and through regulated wetlands in Alger County without a state permit. District Court Judge Bruce Plackowski ordered Davis to pay $10,000 in fines, $23,940 to reimburse the state for investigative costs, and $2,400 in attorney fees. In addition, Davis was sentenced to two years of supervised probation and a suspended 90-day jail term, and was ordered to restore the affected streams and wetlands to their natural state. The 80-acre site, adjacent to Lake Superior, is mostly wetland and is regulated under both state and federal law. Davis claimed that the road was built for logging purposes and therefore was exempt from regulation. State investigators, though, presented evidence that the roads were actually intended to provide development access to the properties of several landowners. For the complete MI DEQ press release visit http://www.deq.state.mi.us/pr/2002releases/020212.htm

Condit Dam Removal Wins Early Backing

[Excerpt from American Rivers' River Currents 2/8/02] "Removal of the 89-year-old Condit Dam on the White Salmon River 'got a qualified thumbs-up from the nation's dam-licensing agency' last week, reports The Columbian (01-31-02). In 1999, Pacificorp proposed to breach Condit Dam rather than install costly fish ladders. The plan enjoys support from fish and wildlife agencies, environmentalists, and tribes. The staff of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission did not recommend dam removal last week, but its draft environmental impact statement said that Pacificorp's plan 'would provide the best and most cost-effective means' for removing the dam and the sediments behind it while protecting the environment. The 125-foot-tall dam would be the largest ever removed in the United States. American Rivers, a party to the settlement, welcomed the news . . . Dam removal would re-open as much as 30 miles of stream habitat above the dam to salmon and steelhead. Read more: Removing dams that don't make sense -- a look at today's dam removal movement http://www.amrivers.org/damremovaltoolkit/damremovalmovement.htm"

Bitterroot Settlement Saves Thousands of Forest Acres

Missoula, MT 2/7/02 (ENS) - The U.S. Forest Service agreed today to remove 27,000 acres of roadless old growth forest and sensitive fish habitat from a planned logging project in the Bitterroot National Forest in Montana. The settlement with several conservation groups ends months of contentious dispute over a massive, 46,000 acre timber sale that environmentalists warned could set a dangerous precedent for Western logging. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-07-07.html

EPA Orders Illinois Businessman to Restore Wetlands

[EPA Region 5 press release] 2/5/02 Chicago - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 recently ordered Gary L. Bailey of Williams, Minn., to stop any unauthorized discharges into wetlands or tributaries of the Winter Road River and submit a plan for restoring wetlands disturbed by road building, ditch digging and other activities over the past 10 years. "Mr. Bailey has been warned by both state and federal agencies that his construction activities not only will harm many acres of pristine forested wetlands in Lake of the Woods County, but pollute nearby streams as well," said Jo-Lynn Traub, regional Water Division director. "He has chosen to continue his unauthorized activities regardless of the impact on the environment." For the complete story visit http://www.epa.gov/region5/news/news02/02opa016.htm

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

NACo Publishes Water Resource Protection Booklet for Western States

"Smart Growth Strategies: Protecting Water Resources. Local Government Roles and Options for the Rocky Mountains and Northern Great Plains" is a new document recently developed by the National Association of Counties with assistance from EPA Region 8. It is a primer on smart-growth techniques available to protect water resources, including restoration, zoning, and acquisition. An extensive resource list and numerous case studies are included outlining private-public partnerships and local government initiatives. According to Paul McIver, Public Outreach Coordinator for EPA Region 8, the document has been sent to chief elected officials, clerks, planners and managers and administrators in every western state. In total, 1200 have been sent and more will be distributed on an ongoing basis. For additional information contact NACO at www.naco.org or call 202-393-6226.

New Book: "Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration"

"Heroic Tales of Wetland Restoration", published by The Wetlands Conservancy, tells of 12 rural landowners who changed their farming practices to restore oxbows, lush with sedges and cattails, forging partnerships with landowners, state and federal agencies, non-profits and community groups. Besides case stories, this book describes land conservation options and a range of state and federal technical assistance and funding programs. It also lists and explains the programs the people in this book used and some of the regulations that governed their work. The last section in the book includes descriptions of the restoration techniques employed by the landowners, as well as recommendations for the future. It outlines difficulties experienced by landowners working with federal and state incentive programs and includes landowner recommendations for ways the programs can better accommodate their needs. For complete details and ordering information visit http://www.wetlandsconservancy.org/heroic_tales.html

"Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition" Modules Available Online

Doug Hoskins, EPA Headquarters, brings to our attention the availability of twelve "Methods for Evaluating Wetland Condition" modules are available for viewing and download at http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/bawwg/publicat.html under "Wetland Bioassessment Methods".

Report: Ducks Unlimited's Restored Wetlands Are As Good As Natural

[DU press release] Memphis, TN 2/5/02 - In a study recently published in the Journal of Wildlife Management, researchers found that waterfowl and grassland birds use wetlands restored by Ducks Unlimited as much, if not more, than natural wetlands. Dr. John Ratti, Research Professor in the University of Idaho's Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, led the study. Ratti's team compared 39 wetlands restored by Ducks Unlimited to 39 natural wetlands, all of which were located in the Prairie Pothole Region (also known as "The Duck Factory") of North and South Dakota. The team paired each restored wetland with a nearby natural wetland of the same size, classification, and in the same geographical region. During the spring and summer of 1997 and '98, researchers counted and recorded waterfowl and upland birds and compared bird numbers, species numbers, and waterfowl-breeding pairs. The team concluded that, "restored wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region supported similar avian communities with equal or higher abundances than those of natural wetlands." For complete details visit http://www.ducks.org/news/study_wetlands_research.asp

Publication on Cost Benefit Analysis of Environmental Protection available

[from Jeanne Christie, ASWM] On Friday, February 8, the Georgetown Environmental Law and Policy Institute (formerly the Environmental Policy Project) released its inaugural publication, "Pricing the Priceless: Cost-Benefit Analysis of Environmental Protection," by Lisa Heinzerling of Georgetown University Law Center and Frank Ackerman of Tufts University. The publication can be found at http://www.law.georgetown.edu/gelpi/papers/pricefnl.pdf

How Clean is Your Estuary? Scientists Have New Measurement Tool

Honolulu, HI 2/15/02 (ENS) - "Many of the world's major estuaries are polluted, but until now there has not been a study that uniformly compares levels of nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus in two separate bodies of water. The presence of these chemicals in estuaries is a result of runoff from industry and agriculture. Environmental biologists have now made it possible to directly compare, for instance, the Chesapeake Bay to the Gulf of Gdansk in Poland. The methodology they have developed to measure the carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus levels in the world's waters were presented Wednesday at the American Geophysical Union Ocean Sciences meeting, at the Hawaii Convention Center in Honolulu . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/feb2002/2002L-02-15-09.html

Treatment of Aircraft Anti/De-Icing Process Effluent Using Wetlands

According to an article in the US Army Environmental Center's "1 Feb 02 Fielding Environmental Solutions," the US Navy is experimenting with using a small .6 acre "horizontal, subsurface-flow (HSSF) constructed treatment wetland (CTW)" to treat aircraft anti-de-icing fluid effluents from the Westover Air Reserve Base in western Massachusetts. According to the newsletter, "ADF consists of a glycol (usually propylene glycol), water, and a mixture of additives including thickeners, anti-corrosive agents, surfactants, and other proprietary chemicals. Effluent and/or runoff from deicing operations can have serious, negative impacts on the environment." Also noted in the article is the expense involved in existing treatment methods for small to medium sized airports, and that the Constructed Treatment Wetland "technology" might "be a suitable alternative for managing ADF wastes at airports." [Editor's Note: Could this also be a last-resort although unfortunate argument for retaining existing wetlands around airports?]

"The Volunteer Monitor" Winter 2002 Issue Focus: Beaches and Reefs

The Winter 2002 issue of "The Volunteer Monitor" is about to go to press. If you would like to order in quantity, see below. The theme for the issue is "Monitoring Beaches and Reefs." It includes articles on two simple, low-tech monitoring methods (measuring beach elevation profiles to track erosion, and surveying beached birds. Both have important "real world" applications and impacts. Other major articles are on such topics as: Beach Profiling; Beached Bird Surveys; Monitoring No-Take Zones; "From Ideal to Real": Designing RECON; Monitoring Intertidal Life; Salinity Methods Comparison. Plus: Short items, upcoming events, and useful resources. If you'd like to be added to the mailing list to receive a free copy of this and future issues, please send your request, including street address, to volmon@rivernetwork.org. To order quantities of the hard copy, send an e-mail to Eleanor Ely, editor, The Volunteer Monitor Newsletter, at ellieely@earthlink.net. For the online version, visit www.epa.gov/owow/volunteer/vm_index.html

Waterfowl Population Estimates and Trends by Species & Region (1997) Now Online

[Excerpted from LakeNet 2/19/02] "This Wetlands International publication presents crucial baseline information on population numbers and trends for every waterbird population in the world. It includes estimates for 1,924 populations of all 840 species in the world recognized as waterbirds. No fewer than 39% of monitored populations show a decreasing population trend. Do you know if your lake qualifies for "wetland of international importance" status under the Ramsar Convention? This information is a first step toward assessing whether your lake meets Criterion 6: "A wetland should be considered internationally important if it regularly supports 1% of the individuals in a population of one species or subspecies of waterbird". The tables in Waterbird Population Estimates let you know what number of a specific bird species would need to pass through or breed at your site to meet the criterion. Full text and tables are available in PDF format at http://www.wetlands.org/IWC/WPEnote.htm "

New! Great Lakes Environmental Directory is Online

[From Great Lakes United's "Habitat Watch #243"] "The Great Lakes Environmental Directory is an extensive on-line resource of environmental information related to the Great Lakes basin. The Directory includes an on-line library of hundreds of Great Lakes environmental articles and contact information for over 1,000 organizations. Also included are Great Lakes activist resources (grants, free environmental software/ downloads, advocacy tools and other environmental resources). Check out this great new educational resource at: http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org"

WI DNR Smart Growth Guide Now Available

Madison, WI - People involved in determining the future growth and development of their communities across Wisconsin now have a new guide to turn to when making decisions regarding local wildlife and other natural resources. This week, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the University of Wisconsin-Extension, is releasing an 84-page "how-to" manual titled Planning for Natural Resources: A Guide to Including Natural Resources in Local Comprehensive Planning. Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources has created a new Internet web site devoted to land use issues and comprehensive planning. The site will not only provide a direct link to the department's own guide to including natural resources in local land use planning, but links to guides and articles written and produced by other state agencies and organizations on the same topic. The entire DNR comprehensive planning guide is available online at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/es/science/landuse Paper copies are also available at county UW-Extension offices or by e-mailing Martin Griffin at griffmp@dnr.state.wi.us

Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21st Century Report

Green Infrastructure: Smart Conservation for the 21st Century Report (pdf) calls for states and communities to make green infrastructure an integral part of local, regional and state plans and policies. The report introduces green infrastructure as a strategic approach to land conservation that is critical to the success of smart growth initiatives. Green infrastructure is smart conservation that addresses the ecological, social and economic impacts of sprawl and the accelerated consumption and fragmentation of open land. The report was written by Mark Benedict and Ed McMahon of The Conservation Fund, a non-profit land conservation organization and published by the Sprawl Watch Clearinghouse. To obtain a copy visit http://www.sprawlwatch.org/green/

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POTPOURRI . . .
RFP: Development and Enhancement of Coastal NEMO Network Projects

[Submitted by Daniel Montella, US EPA] 2/2/02. Proposals are requested for the development or enhancement of coastal nonpoint source education projects founded on the University of Connecticut’s Nonpoint Education for Municipal Officials (NEMO) Project. This program seeks to provide increased education and assistance to local land use decision makers in the coastal zone, through grants that strengthen NEMO projects in coastal states and stimulate intra-NOAA collaboration on these projects. The total amount available for grants is approximately $188,000. The source of the funding is the National Ocean Service of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Grants will be competitively awarded, and administered, through the Connecticut Sea Grant College Program. This is a one-year program with no assurances of continuing funding. This RFP is posted in portable document format at the Connecticut Sea Grant web site at http://www.seagrant.uconn.edu

Funding Available for Community-Based Fishery Habitat Restoration

The NOAA Restoration Center is pleased to announce funding available in 2002 for community-based fishery habitat restoration projects under the Community-Based Restoration Program (CRP). Applications must be postmarked by April 15, 2002. A copy of the Notice and all the necessary standard NOAA grants application forms, as well as supplemental information specifically tailored to the CRP are available on the NOAA Restoration Center web page at: http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration. Look under "funding opportunities" or under the "Community-Based Restoration Program" section. Typical project awards will range from $50,000 to $200,000 this year; requests for over $250,000 will not be accepted.

Grants for Greenways

Arlington, VA --The Conservation Fund and Eastman Kodak Company are now accepting applications for the 2002 Kodak American Greenways Awards program. Applications for the awards, which provide important seed money to stimulate greenway planning and design, may be submitted to The Conservation Fund until June 1, 2002. The award recipients, announced in early fall, will receive grants of $500 to $2500 to support their pioneering work in linking the nation's natural areas, historic sites, parks and open space. Community-based organizations, including local, regional and statewide nonprofits, are encouraged to apply. To learn more about the Kodak American Greenways Awards Program or to apply online, visit the Fund's website, www.conservationfund.org under "Awards" and/or contact: Leigh Anne McDonald, American Greenways Coordinator, The Conservation Fund, 1800 North Kent Street, Ste. 1120, Arlington, VA, 22209 Phone: 703-525-6300 Email: lmcdonald@conservationfund.org

NAWCA Seeking Wetland Management Proposals for 2002

Grant proposals are currently being solicited for funding under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). Proposals for the most recent round are due MARCH 1. For more information about NAWCA and grant application requirements/forms visit the Ducks Unlimited website at http://www.ducks.org/conservation/nawca.asp For the complete Federal Register notice visit http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a020213c.html

HSBC, WWF, BGCI and Earthwatch Launch $50M "Investing in Nature"

2/21/02. HSBC, one of the world’s largest financial services organizations, is creating a US$50 million eco-partnership over five years to resuscitate three of the world's major rivers, help halt global plant extinction and deliver a 'century' of environmental research. For complete details visit http://www.investinginnature.org