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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
U.S. to Rethink Clean Water Rules - Administration Accused of Using Ruling to Weaken Safeguards
Correction regarding Michigan DEQ Permit for Temporary Beach Walkways on the Great Lakes
Wetlands a Concern for Nation: Beaufort County Case Part of a 'Mixed Bag'
VA: Groups Back Wetlands Appeal
Howard Odum Dead 

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
DSEIS Available for Missouri River Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project
White House Wants to Speed Environmental Reviews of High-Priority Transportation Projects
National Water Monitoring Day
Migratory Bird Habitats Added to National Wildlife Refuges
Binational Organizations Oppose the Corps Great Lakes Navigation System Review
Governments Show Progress but Challenges Remain in Restoring the Great Lakes
National Park Service Announces Chesapeake Bay Study
USDA provides $323 M for conservation programs
USGS to Map Richness of Aquatic Life in the Great Lakes
Raptors Dying of West Nile Virus
Ocean Protection Begins Far Inland

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
INTERVIEW - Norton Wants Energy Bill Veto if no ANWR Drilling
Everglades Victory in the Senate

---STATES NEWS---
Emergency Rule Establishes Additional Manatee Protection Areas
IN: Wetlands Policy Bogged Down - Environmentalists, Developers Square Off
Louisiana's Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary showcased on Estuary Live!
Trustees Release Plan to Assess Hudson River Resource Injuries
California Red-Legged Frog Final Recovery Plan Available
Golden, Colo., Faces Mandatory Water Restrictions After Losing Appeal in Water Court
North Carolina To Draft Biodiversity Land Conservation Plan
DEIS Planned for FL Keys Water Quality Improvements Program
NOAA Announces Public Hearing of Millennium Pipeline Appeal
Final Plan Completed for Antioch Dunes NWR
Patrick Bayou (TX) Added to Superfund List
$30,000 Penalty Proposed for Alterations to the South Fork Little Butte Creek

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
Wildlife Corridors Help Promote Movement of Plants and Animals
Technologies Advance Water Quality Understanding in Chesapeake/ Coastal Bays
Publication: Most States Lack Comprehensive Invasive Species Laws and Regulations
NPS Pollution National Management Guidance Available

---POTPOURRI---
Lincoln, NE Seeks to Fill “Saline Wetlands Coordinator” Position
$68 M Awarded for Endangered Species Habitat Conservation, Planning

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

The rains arrived, and the toads and frogs were abundant in our yard.  My daughter pounces on them with such enthusiasm, bringing her catch into the light for a “ha ha HA!” as she examines bumpy heads.  With a kiss and some advice – usually to go home to mommy – she releases them, wipes her hands on her pant leg and launches into a new search.  One toad near the garage was particularly vocal when she caught it, and it invariably peed on her hand.  Apparently the toad was justified in fearing for its life, not from the child but from the car tires.  My husband informed me after one rainy evening that he scraped the remains of the toad from the garage floor, near my rear passenger side tire.  The moral: duck and cover is best left to people at ball games, not toads on pavement.

For those of you who tried to view the hearing on SWANCC on September 18 – what happened?  I was unable to view the streaming video as well.  We’ll look into how soon transcripts will be available and keep you posted.  Meanwhile, the Washington Post covered the hearing; the article is below.  On another note, Marguerite Whilden, of Maryland DNR, sent news about an innovative fund raising program linking NASCAR and DNR’s Terrapin Station, an education and stewardship program designed to protect the diamondback terrapin and its habitat. For details visit http://www.dgnracing.com/.  Finally, a special thanks to Peg Bostwick of Michigan who brought to light a misleading edit I did on a press release regarding MI DEQ’s new General Permit for beach walkways (8/30/02). The full press release is printed below.  It is much narrower in scope than I had suggested, and her follow-up is much appreciated.

Thanks to the many other contributors to this edition including Harriette Bayse, American Water Resources Association; Pat Riexinger, NYS DEC; Scott Hausmann, WI DNR; Deborah Schultz, Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program; Ted LaGrange, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission; and Stephen Parker, S.W. Parker & Associates.

Until next time,

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

U.S. to Rethink Clean Water Rules - Administration Accused of Using Ruling to Weaken Safeguards

By Eric Pianin, Washington Post Staff Writer. 9/20/02; Page A11. “The Bush administration announced yesterday that it will consider new rules for enforcing the Clean Water Act, prompting concern among environmentalists that the government may sharply scale back protection for hundreds of thousands of miles of small streams, tributaries and wetlands. During a congressional hearing, officials of the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers revealed plans to reconsider the extent to which the government can prevent unlawful industrial pollution in non-navigable waterways and wetlands. Rep. Doug Ose (R-Calif.), chairman of a House Government Reform subcommittee on natural resources, and other lawmakers have pressed the administration to redefine protected and unprotected waterways and wetlands since the Supreme Court put new limits on the scope of the act in a January 2001 ruling. Some lawmakers say that in light of the ruling, federal authorities are exceeding their jurisdiction in many water pollution cases and should leave enforcement to the states -- although environmentalists say that many states lack adequate laws to cope with massive industrial pollution . . . “ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A41768-2002Sep19.html

Correction regarding Michigan DEQ Permit for Temporary Beach Walkways on the Great Lakes

Peg Bostwick, MI DEQ.  The August 31, 2002 issue of Breaking News reported that the Michigan DEQ had issued a general permit authorizing construction and maintenance of temporary walkways across beach areas with standing water, where extreme low Great Lakes water levels have exposed significant areas of Great Lakes bottomlands.  Unfortunately, it was incorrectly reported that this permit would authorize the raking, disking or plowing of beach areas and exposed bottomlands to control wetland vegetation.  In fact, the general permit issued by the Michigan DEQ expressly prohibits these types of activities.

Property owners adjacent to some portions of the Great lakes, particularly the Saginaw Bay area, have witnessed the significant expansion of wetland habitat on bottomlands exposed during the current prolonged low water cycle.  The Michigan DEQ recognizes both the importance of coastal wetland habitat, which depends to an extent upon the normal long term water level fluctuations typical of the Great Lakes, and the desire of property owners to access open water.  Temporary walkways up to 200 feet in length and 6 feet in bottom width are authorized under the general permit, to be constructed from sand and pebbles taken from adjacent unvegetated areas, with a maximum fill volume of 300 cubic yards.  No hard surfacing or long term maintenance of the walkways is authorized.  It is anticipated that as Great Lakes water levels return to normal, these walkways will be inundated and removed by normal shoreline currents. 

Property owners who seek more extensive alteration of Great Lakes bottomlands must apply for a permit under the Great Lakes Submerged Lands Part of Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act.  Such applications are subject to a public notice process.  Criteria considered in reviewing such applications include impacts on the public trust, impacts on the natural resources of the state, and concerns of adjacent riparian owners.  Federal Section 10/Section 404 permits are also required.

Wetlands a Concern for Nation: Beaufort County Case Part of a 'Mixed Bag'

BY HANNAH LOBEL, Special to The Island Packet. Published Sunday, September 1st, 2002. WASHINGTON – “In the wake of a Supreme Court decision last year removing isolated wetlands from federal protection, developers have been testing the regulatory waters in courts nationwide. In South Carolina, the test case springs from a Beaufort County special circuit court judge's ruling in May that barred the Department of Health and Environmental Control's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management from considering the impacts of development on isolated wetlands when issuing permits. While the appeal of that case still awaits a hearing in the state Supreme Court, expected next year, courts throughout the country are issuing what one environmentalist called a "mixed bag" of decisions in the absence of federal guidance . . . “ http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/1688078p-1707172c.html

VA: Groups Back Wetlands Appeal

The Washington Post, Saturday, September 7, 2002; Page B03. “Two environmental groups filed papers yesterday supporting appeals by state and federal officials of a Norfolk federal judge's ruling that voided a Virginia wetlands protection law. The Southern Environmental Law Center and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation filed "friends of the court" briefs with the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond urging the appeals court to reverse the decision by U.S. District Judge Henry C. Morgan Jr. Morgan ruled in March that the federal Clean Water Act does not allow the state Department of Environmental Quality and the Army Corps of Engineers to stop Newdunn Associates from developing property it owns in Newport News. The Virginia Water Control Board had ruled in October 2001 that Newdunn violated a state law protecting wetlands by filling in 38 acres of wetlands on the 43-acre site. The U.S. Justice Department filed a federal lawsuit against Newdunn last July after the company refused to get permits from the Corps and the state to fill the property.”

Howard Odum Dead 

According to an obituary in the New York Times Howard Thomas Odum, “a founder of the modern science of ecology and an influential voice in the restoration of the Everglades,” passed away recently at the age of 78. At the time of his death Dr. Odum was the Director of its Center for Environmental Policy at the University of Florida, at which he founded the Center for Wetlands.  Much of his work precipitated the current Everglades restoration efforts. 

Return to Top of Page

NATIONAL UPDATE

DSEIS Available for Missouri River Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project

Federal Register, 9/20/02. The ACOE has announced the availability of the Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (DSEIS) for the Missouri River Fish and Wildlife Mitigation Project located on the Missouri River in the States of Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri. The purpose of the Mitigation Project is to restore 166,750 acres of fish and wildlife habitat losses resulting from the construction and development of the Missouri River Bank Stabilization and Navigation Project (BSNP). The DSEIS assesses the potential environmental impacts of the modified Mitigation Project, which includes the development, restoration, or enhancement of fish and wildlife habitat on an additional 118,650 acres on individual sites purchased from willing sellers and through easements. Comments are due November 4, 2002. For details visit http://www.nwk.usace.army.mil/projects/mitigation/supplemental-eis.htm

White House Wants to Speed Environmental Reviews of High-Priority Transportation Projects

ENN Worldwire News for Thursday, September 19, 2002. President Bush directed federal agencies on Wednesday to accelerate environmental reviews of high-priority transportation projects that he said are vital to the economy. http://production.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/09/09192002/ap_48470.asp Related item: 9/18/02 Executive Order: Environmental Stewardship and Transportation Infrastructure Project Reviews http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2002/09/20020918-14.html

National Water Monitoring Day

America's Clean Water Foundation is coordinating a National Water Quality Monitoring Day to bring professional water quality monitoring agencies, established volunteer monitoring organizations and first-time citizen monitors together to conduct a day of water monitoring to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Clean Water Act. This year's event will focus on the four basic parameters of temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen and clarity/turbidity. Monitoring sites should be registered by October 18 with data entered by November 15. Test kits are available through October 10, if access to testing equipment isn’t available. www.yearofcleanwater.org 

Migratory Bird Habitats Added to National Wildlife Refuges

USFWS news release, 9/16/02. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of more than 4,600 acres of important migratory bird habitat at its September meeting in Washington, D.C. Newly acquired lands will benefit migratory birds and other species on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System in 5 states.  http://news.fws.gov

Binational Organizations Oppose the Corps Great Lakes Navigation System Review

Great Lakes United’s Habitat Watch #260 9/14/02. Organizations across the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River region sent a letter to the U.S. Congress and the Army Corps of Engineers urging them to “halt this present Great Lakes Navigation System Review.” The 51 organizational signatories said they “stand ready to assist the Corps with projects that restore our wetlands and fisheries, clean up the toxic hot spots and ensure that our waters are safe to drink, swim and fish,” but concerns center around the Corps plan to “improve” Great Lakes commercial navigation by physically widening and deepening connecting channels, locks and ports. The letter is available at http://www.lakeontariokeeper.org/lok/index.cfm?DSP=content&ContentID=5376

Governments Show Progress but Challenges Remain in Restoring the Great Lakes

International Joint Commission press release, 9/12/02. In its Eleventh Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality, the International Joint Commission (IJC) finds that while there are many ongoing programs and activities in Canada and the United States, progress to restore and maintain the chemical and biological integrity of the waters of the Great Lakes basin ecosystem is proceeding at a slow pace. The Report offers specific recommendations in three major areas: The State of the Great Lakes; The Challenge of Contaminated Sediment and Human Health Impacts; and The Challenge of Alien Invasive Species. Other challenges are discussed as well. http://www.ijc.org/ijcweb-e.html

National Park Service Announces Chesapeake Bay Study

National Park Service news release, 9/10/02. Annapolis, MD - The National Park Service (NPS) has been asked by Congress to conduct a “special resource study” focusing on the Chesapeake Bay. The study will explore if and how the NPS could and should further efforts to celebrate and conserve the Chesapeake, particularly whether adding Chesapeake Bay resources to the National Park System might be appropriate. The study opens with a series of public workshops around the Bay region in September 2002. For details about the workshops and other commenting opportunities visit http://www.chesapeakestudy.org 

USGS to Map Richness of Aquatic Life in the Great Lakes

USGS press release, 9/9/02. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and its cooperators are launching a 5-year study in the Great Lakes basin to identify and map unprotected areas of substantial richness in aquatic animal species, and to determine how free those habitats are from human disturbance.  By locating the places that support a full range of aquatic species, scientists hope to help decision makers identify gaps and set priorities for conservation. More information can be obtained at the Web sites www.gap.uidaho.edu and www.glsc.usgs.gov/GLGAP.htm

Raptors Dying of West Nile Virus

The Raptor Center news release, 9/3/02. The Raptor Center at the University of Minnesota is receiving reports from all over the Midwest about raptors sick or dead from the West Nile virus. Each of the contiguous states except Arizona, Nevada, Utah, and Washington had suspected or confirmed cases of West Nile virus in birds as of Aug. 21. Raptor species reported to the Centers for Disease Control's West Nile Virus avian mortality database include bald eagles, golden eagles, ospreys, merlins, Cooper's hawks, and several species of owls. Even companion birds, from zebra finches to macaws are reported to have died from the virus. http://www.raptor.cvm.umn.edu/content.asp?page=1028

Ocean Protection Begins Far Inland

Johannesburg, South Africa, 9/3/02 (ENS) - Drawing on a new emphasis on the interrelationships between ecosystems, the United States is preparing to launch a new initiative that aims to protect ocean ecosystems by cleaning up land based sources of pollution. The White Water to Blue Water initiative was announced Monday at the World Summit for Sustainable Development in South Africa. http://ens-news.com/ens/sep2002/2002-09-03-06.asp

Return to Top of Page

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:

INTERVIEW - Norton Wants Energy Bill Veto if no ANWR Drilling

Planet Ark World News, 9/20/02.Washington - U.S. Interior Secretary Gale Norton told Reuters on Wednesday she would recommend the White House veto a broad energy bill if Senate and House negotiators failed to include opening the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil drilling.  The Bush administration is urging Congress to give energy firms access to the Arctic refuge located in northeast Alaska, arguing the area's possible 16 billion barrels of oil are needed to reduce U.S. crude imports from hostile countries like Iraq. http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/17841/story.htm

Everglades Victory in the Senate

Audubon Advisory, 9/4/02. On September 5, the U.S. Senate approved language that gives the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) the authority to complete the Modified Waters Deliveries Project, a critical step for Everglades restoration. The vote was unanimous to include this authority in the Senate Interior Appropriations bill. The language would give the Corps the authority to buy out willing sellers or condemn property in a small 8.5 square mile parcel of land that is vital to returning the flow of freshwater to Everglades and Florida Bay. The lack of condemnation authority has been an obstacle to restoring Florida Bay and the Everglades, as major components of the separate Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan cannot be constructed until the Modified Waters project is completed.

Return to Top of Page

STATES NEWS

Emergency Rule Establishes Additional Manatee Protection Areas

Federal Register, 9/20/02. The USFWS has taken “emergency action” to establish seven additional manatee protection areas in Florida. All waterborne activities will be prohibited within the sanctuaries and watercraft will be required to proceed at ``idle speed'' or slow speed,'' as specified within the refuges on a seasonal basis. The emergency rule will remain in effect through January 20, 2003, with a final rule expected in November, 2002. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a020920c.html

IN: Wetlands Policy Bogged Down - Environmentalists, Developers Square Off

By Martin DeAgostino, Southbend Tribune Staff Writer. 09/10/02. Indianapolis – “Lawmakers and others have started the hard work of crafting a state wetlands policy that could replace the swamp of laws and rules that now govern them . . . Pro-economic development forces tried to push laws favorable to them through the Indiana General Assembly this year, while environmentalists backed new regulations proposed by the state Department of Environmental Management. Lawmakers did not resolve the struggle but took two steps to assert their role in setting policy. First, they forbade a state rule-making agency from adopting IDEM's proposed regulations until at least next year. Second, they directed a state advisory board to recommend new legislation for consideration next year . . . “ http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/in/091002_great_lakes.html

Louisiana's Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary showcased on Estuary Live!

Tune in as Louisiana's Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary comes to you!  You’re invited to explore the former hideout of Jean Lafitte the pirate in the rich waters of Louisiana's Cajun Coast.  Here you will observe the rich bounty of shrimp, redfish, crabs and oysters, offshore oil rigs, pelicans and other resident and migratory birds, and learn why this national treasure, the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary is "the fastest disappearing landmass in the world".  Coastal Roots kids, fishermen and scientists are among the crew who will interpret island ecology, describe the resources, and demonstrate what is being done to save this national treasure. On October 3, at 1 pm central (2 pm Eastern Standard) receive a live virtual tour of the Barataria-Terrebonne Estuary as part of a two-day estuarine odyssey via satellite with eight estuaries around the country. See  www.estuarylive.org for details on how to log in, schedule, resources and more.

Trustees Release Plan to Assess Hudson River Resource Injuries

NOAA news release, 9/16/02. Trustees from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Department of Interior, and New York State who are responsible for assessing the impacts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on the Hudson River, released a comprehensive plan for studying the river environment, including fish and wildlife, surface waters and geological resources. The Hudson River Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) Plan describes the broad range of studies completed, under way, or to be undertaken as part of an assessment of potential PCB-related injuries to Hudson River ecosystems. The assessment will be used to help the trustees evaluate and determine actions, including projects to restore resources, to mitigate damages to these resources. http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2002/

California Red-Legged Frog Final Recovery Plan Available

Federal Register, 9/12/02. The USFWS announced the availability of a final recovery plan for the California red-legged frog (Rana aurora draytonii). The population of this subspecies of red-legged frog has been extirpated from 70 percent of its former range and is now found in coastal drainages of central and southern California. Actions needed for recovery include the development of land use guidelines and surveying and monitoring. The recovery plan is available at http://www.r1.fws.gov/ecoservices/endangered/recovery/default.htm.

Golden, Colo., Faces Mandatory Water Restrictions After Losing Appeal in Water Court

ENN Worldwire News, 9/11/02. The city of Golden has banned all outdoor water use after it lost an appeal of a state order saying it must shut off nearly half its water supply and allow the water to flow to drought-stricken neighbors downstream. http://production.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/09/09112002/ap_48393.asp

North Carolina To Draft Biodiversity Land Conservation Plan

HerpDigest Sunday, September 22, 2002. “The 9/12 Raleigh News and Observer reported that North Carolina officials are starting to draft a statewide plan and strategy for conserving land that will identify the types of wetlands, forests and fields they need to protect in the state. The effort, called "One North Carolina Naturally," aims to set common goals for private conservation groups and local, state and federal governments, and will be lead by Conservation and Community Affairs at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The project could revitalize attention on the state's lagging Million Acre Initiative which has so far fallen short of its preservation goals. In fact, Gov. Mike Easley used $29 million from conservation trust funds to fill a hole in last year's budget. State officials will draft their conservation plan by next spring, including a statewide map showing areas already protected from development and areas they'd like to target. For more on conservation planning, visit http://www.serconline.org/biodiversitystate.html Wildline Report #37, September 16, 2002.

DEIS Planned for FL Keys Water Quality Improvements Program

Federal Register, 9/10/02. The Jacksonville District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Corps) intends to prepare a Draft Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Florida Keys Water Quality Improvement Program involving the planning, design and construction of wastewater treatment systems to improve water quality within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary. For further information contact Barbara Cintron, 904-232-1692 or e-mail Barbara.B.Cintron@saj02.usace.army.mil

NOAA Announces Public Hearing of Millennium Pipeline Appeal

NOAA news release, 9/6/02. A public hearing will be held for an administrative appeal brought by the Millennium Pipeline Company. The appeal involves Millennium’s proposed natural gas pipeline that would run much of the length of New York State, beginning in the Lake Erie region and crossing the Hudson River north of New York City. The appeal, brought under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), results from the state of New York’s objection to the project based on concerns about the project’s potential effects on the state’s coastal resources. The public hearing will be held in Tarrytown, NY on November 13. Under the CZMA the state of New York’s objection prevents federal agencies from issuing permits required by the project. However, the state’s objection may be overridden by the secretary of commerce through an administrative appeal. http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2002/

Final Plan Completed for Antioch Dunes NWR

Federal Register, 9/4/02. The USFWS announced the availability of the Final Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and a Summary for Antioch Dunes National Wildlife Refuge. This riverside Refuge, created in 1980, was the first National Wildlife Refuge in the country established to protect endangered plants and insects. The CCP describes how the Refuge will be managed for the next 15 years. http://pacific.fws.gov/planning.

Patrick Bayou (TX) Added to Superfund List

EPA news release, 9/5/02. EPA recently added the Patrick Bayou site in Deer Park, Texas, to the federal Superfund National Priorities List (NPL). For several years, Patrick Bayou has received an accumulation of permitted industrial wastewater discharges, municipal wastewater treatment plant effluent, and storm water runoff from adjacent industrial facilities and nearby urban/residential areas.  These discharges are suspected to be the primary sources of the sediment contamination detected in the wetlands bordering the Bayou. For details visit http://www.epa.gov/superfund/new/newnpl.htm

$30,000 Penalty Proposed for Alterations to the South Fork Little Butte Creek

EPA Region 10 news release, 9/3/02. Leonard Zylstra, of Eagle Point, Oregon, has received an Administrative Complaint from EPA for failure to obtain necessary permits for a project that included excavating gravels to construct dikes along the South Fork Little Butte Creek. These discharges occurred below the ordinary high water mark of the active creek channel and into its adjacent wetlands and riparian areas. The Complaint proposes a $30,000 civil penalty. Agreed-to restoration/ mitigation measures were not completed and remain incomplete two years later. http://www.epa.gov/r10earth

Return to Top of Page

NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

Wildlife Corridors Help Promote Movement of Plants and Animals

North Carolina State Univ. news release, 9/16/02. In one of the first large-scale studies of wildlife corridors - thin strips of habitat that connect isolated patches of habitat - Dr. Nick Haddad, assistant professor of zoology at North Carolina State University, and a team of researchers from across the country have found that a number of plant and animal species derive great benefits from corridors. The findings suggest that corridors helped increase animal movement, plant pollination and seed dispersal rates between patches in the study area. The study will be published in an online version of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences the week of Monday, Sept. 16. The print edition will be published Oct. 1. http://www.ncsu.edu/news/press_releases/02_09/237.htm

Technologies Advance Water Quality Understanding in Chesapeake/ Coastal Bays

MD DNR news release, 9/13/02. Annapolis, MD - The Maryland Department of Natural Resources today launched a comprehensive Web site that utilizes new monitoring technologies and the Internet to provide a better picture of the health of the Chesapeake and Coastal Bays and assess progress in meeting Chesapeake 2000 goals. The Web site, accessed at http://mddnr.chesapeakebay.net/eyesonthebay/index.cfm or through the DNR Web site, www.dnr.state.md.us/bay, provides real-time information on a wide spectrum of the data. In addition, the Web site provides extensive, easy-to-understand background material to help the public to understand why the data is relevant, how to interpret it, and what Maryland is doing to restore the health of the Bays and their tributaries. http://www.dnr.state.md.us/dnrnews

Publication: Most States Lack Comprehensive Invasive Species Laws and Regulations

ELI news release, 9/12/02. Though few federal regulations address invasive species, a wide variety of state laws may be used to effectively address the problem, according to a new report by ELI's State Biodiversity Program. Halting the Invasion: State Tools for Invasive Species Management identifies 17 state tools to effectively prevent, regulate, control, and manage invasive species as well as enforce and implement existing laws. It also offers three examples of model state programs and provides specific recommendations on improvements states could make to their existing invasive species tools with the hope that all states will strive to achieve the outlined gold standard.  Finally, the report includes a CD-ROM that has detailed information on each states' laws and regulations related to invasive species.  For details or a copy of the report visit http://www2.eli.org/research/invasives/index.cfm

NPS Pollution National Management Guidance Available

Federal Register, 9/9/02. EPA is requesting comment on draft guidance for the prevention and control of urban runoff. This technical guidance was written to provide technical assistance to State and local elected officials and agencies, landowners, developers, environmental and conservation groups, and watershed practitioners on the best available, most economically achievable means of reducing nonpoint source pollution from urban sources. The complete text of the draft guidance is available on EPA's Internet site on the Nonpoint Source Control Branch homepage at http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps.

Return to Top of Page

 

POTPOURRI

Lincoln, NE Seeks to Fill “Saline Wetlands Coordinator” Position

The City of Lincoln, Nebraska is now accepting applications for a Saline Wetland Coordinator Position. Closing date is September 27th. Information can be found at http://interlinc.ci.lincoln.ne.us/city/person/jobltrs.htm This is a full-time grant funded position lasting 3 years. Responsible for developing and coordinating natural resource projects including the E. Saline Wetland Project. Responsible for implementing the conservation plan for natural resource projects, develop broad based community support for the project to achieve short term and long range goals for natural resource protection. Desired training and experience: Bachelor's degree with major course work in natural resource management, planning, public administration, social sciences or related field with 2 - 4 years related experience. Closing: Friday, September 27, 2002.

$68 M Awarded for Endangered Species Habitat Conservation, Planning

USFWS news release, 9/13/02. The USFWS awarded  $68 million in grants to16 states and a Pacific island commonwealth to support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish and wildlife species.  The grants will benefit species ranging from Red-cockaded Woodpeckers in Georgia to the Mariana Crow in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Funded through the Service's Habitat Conservation Planning Assistance and Land Acquisition grant programs, the grants will support up to 75 percent of the cost of 24 habitat conservation planning activities and 15 land acquisitions.  http://news.fws.gov

Return to Top of Page