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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
ASWM Conference “Stream, Floodplain and Wetland Restoration
States, Environmentalists Press EPA to Drop Wetlands Rulemaking
USDA Proposes Rule on Income Qualifications
Study Finds Dramatic Increase in Use of Mitigation Banks and In-Lieu-Fees
NC Wetlands/401 WQC Unit Seeks Comments on Draft Internal Policy
Nomination Forms Available for 2003 National Wetlands Awards
OH EPA Releases Electronic Version of “Report on Isolated Wetlands”
FL DEP Releases Draft “Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method”
States Share “Best Practices”; Discuss Impact of Supreme Court Case

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Leaders Highlight Successes, Challenges
Lawsuit Challenges Farming in Wildlife Refuges
USDA Seeks Comments on Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program
Groups Sue EPA to Protect Florida Wildlife from Bird-Killing Pesticide
Wetlands Grant Approved for Lake Superior South Shore Coastal Wetland Conservation
Earthjustice Asks US Supreme Court to Protect Wetlands and Streams
Petition to List Cerulean Warbler as Threatened
Draft Guidance for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
Lame Duck Session Scheduled for mid-November
Hill Nears Pact to Exempt Pentagon from Law Protecting Species

---STATES NEWS---
WI DNR Releases Progress Report, “Reversing the Loss”
Reopened: Comment Period on Proposed Listing of Sonoma County, CA Tiger Salamander 
Sacramento Splittail Comment Period for ESA Listing Reopened
CREP Provides $153 Million in for Florida Conservation, Including Everglades
GMP/EIS Planned for Everglades National Park
FL Nature Center Seeks Court’s Help to Protect Delicate Wetland Ecosystem
NY: Nature Conservancy Goes Underwater in Land Acquisition to Help Protect Oyster Habitat
NJ: New Regulations to Protect Ecologically Important Waterways, Other
Las Vegas' Huge, Lavish, New ... Wetlands?

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
Brochure Available: Midwest Ephemeral Wetlands
New Release: State of the Waters Report for Midwest
Report: Guide to Opportunities in the 2002 Farm Bill
CWA Module Added to Watershed Academy Web-Based Training
USGS Introduces A Web-Searchable Database of Environmental Methods
Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Nature Sounds and Bird Videos Online Soon
Scientists Study the Long and Short of Pintail Duck Migration
New Handbook Helps Local Governments Protect Streams
HGM Regional Guidebook Available for Northern Rocky Mountains
Researchers Identify Tools to Find Best Place for Riparian Buffers
GAO Releases Invasive Species Report Online
Herbicide Makes Wild Frogs Hermaphrodite

---POTPOURRI---
Job Opportunity: TEAM LEADER, Environment National Technical Service Team
Wetland Ecologist Sought for Micronesia
US National Ramsar Committee Small Grants Program Year 2002-2003
Environmentally Sustainable Golf Course Management Seminar

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

This Edition is once again a bit late, this time due to a recent trip to Austin, TX for the Land Trust Alliance 2002 Rally. We had a whole lot of fun, both on 6^th Street and at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q where we were treated to a private concert by “Asleep at the Wheel”, and I definitely plan to return to see some of the natural wonders on the outskirts of the city about which I heard so much. It was terrific to see some of my wetland friends both presenting and in the audience, including Stan Austin (EPA Washington) and Abby Friedman (National Assoc. of Counties). 

Speaking of the Land Trust Alliance: the Northeast Region recently offered me a full-time position as their New York Program Associate - and after days of agonizing over the decision I accepted. Ever since Jon Kusler, former Executive Director of the Association of State Wetland Managers, envisioned an electronic newsletter linking people from all over the country and beyond to share wetland news and information, this newsletter has been my baby.  And it is hard to cut the apron strings. Therefore I anticipate serving as Editor of Wetland Breaking News for as long as it fits into the balance of work, volunteer, and family life (not necessarily prioritized in that order). Besides, it’s the only job I currently have that allows me to work in my skivvies on hot summer nights. ;-)

Thanks so much to the kind comments from a subscriber who is about to retire. He said, “I have enjoyed reading your newsletter and feel I have received valuable information from you.  I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and let you know how much I appreciated your editorials as well as the information. Several times you were the first to let us know of happenings that our agencies should have provided, but you are more on the ball than some of our Washington contacts.  Thank you.”  Thank you, William, for your generosity and kindness, and best of luck toward having a long and healthy retirement.

Thanks also to the many contributors to this Edition, including Terri Lamanna, Federal Highway Administration; Leah Miller, Izaak Walton League of America, Inc.; Debra Nelson, NYS DOT; Rebecca Buerkett, F. X. Browne, Inc.; Jason Feuchtwanger, National Governors Association; Jeanne Christie, Association of State Wetland Managers, Inc.; Connie Bersok, FL DEP; and Erica Pencak, Environmental Law Institute.

Until next time,

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

Fun web site: http://www.lastgreatplaces.org/berkshire/resources/art7614.html

EDITOR'S CHOICE

ASWM Conference “Stream, Floodplain and Wetland Restoration: Improving Effectiveness Through Watershed and Source Water Programs”

There are a few spaces available to register for the Mid-Atlantic/Northeast Training Workshop: Stream, Floodplain and Wetland Restoration: Improving Effectiveness Through Watershed and Source Water Programs to held on November 12-14, 2002 at the Bear Mountain Inn in Bear Mountain, New York. We welcome you or any of your colleagues who might be interested in attending.  Please let us know as soon as possible if you wish to attend. Information on this meeting, as well as the registration form can be found on our web site at www.aswm.org or call ASWM at 518-872-1804. 

States, Environmentalists Press EPA to Drop Wetlands Rulemaking

Inside EPA via InsideEPA.com, 10/18/02. Issue: Vol. 23, No. 42. © Inside Washington Publishers. “State wetlands officials and environmentalists are pressing EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to abandon a rulemaking to define Clean Water Act (CWA) jurisdiction over isolated waterbodies following the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in 2001 that limited federal jurisdiction over isolated wetlands. The state officials and environmentalists fear that a rulemaking will allow widespread filling of isolated wetlands that are critical for protecting water quality and preventing flooding, and could lead to discharges into many non-navigable streams and tributaries . . . “ http://www.aswm.org/wbn/archive/02/021031a.htm

USDA Proposes Rule on Income Qualifications

National Association of Wheat Growers, 11/01/02. On Monday October 28, 2002, USDA published a proposed rule in the Federal Register on income qualification limits for farm program participation. These regulations set forth the criteria to be applied in determining whether certain income limits have been exceeded by an individual or entity, which would make the individual or entity ineligible for certain Commodity Credit Corporation (CCC) commodity and conservation program benefits, including the Wetland Reserve Program. Comments are due to the Federal Register November 27, 2002. http://www.wheatworld.org/html/news.cfm?ID=195 The proposed rule is available as a pdf file at: http://www.wheatworld.org/pdf/payment%20limits.pdf.

Study Finds Dramatic Increase in Use of Mitigation Banks and In-Lieu-Fees

ELI news Release, 10/16/02. The face of mitigation banking has changed substantially over the past 10 years, according to a report released by the Environmental Law Institute. Based on a two-year study of off-site compensatory mitigation, ELI found that wetland mitigation banking has evolved from a small industry dominated by state and local governments to a growing nationwide commercial enterprise dominated by entrepreneurs. Building on ELI's 1993 study of wetland mitigation banking, “Banks and Fees: The Status of Off-Site Wetland Mitigation in the United States” describes and analyzes wetland mitigation banks, in-lieu-fee mitigation, and umbrella banks, and makes recommendations for improving their effectiveness. Beyond the published report, ELI has posted its compiled data on banks and fees in a comprehensive database at http://www2.eli.org/wmb. The study may be ordered from ELI for $24.99 plus shipping by calling (800) 433-5120 or online at http://www.eli.org.

NC Wetlands/401 WQC Unit Seeks Comments on Draft Internal Policy

According to an October 9 memo on North Carolina’s Wetlands/401 Water Quality Certification Unit website, a Draft Internal Policy regarding cumulative impacts and 401 Water Quality Certification and Isolated Wetland Permitting Programs has been released for public comment and also as a working draft.  As stated in the Draft Internal Policy, “Existing rules for the 401 Water Quality Certification Program (15A NCAC 2H .0506(b)(4) and (c)(4)) as well at those for the Isolated Wetland Permit Program (15A NCAC 2H. .1300) require that DWQ determine that a project ‘does not result in cumulative impacts, based upon past or reasonably anticipated future impacts, that cause or will cause a violation of downstream water quality standards.’ This internal policy is meant to give direction to DWQ Central and Regional Office staff on how to implement this rule.” Send comments by November 22, 2002. http://h2o.enr.state.nc.us/ncwetlands/

Nomination Forms Available for 2003 National Wetlands Awards

ELI news release, 10/16/02. The National Wetlands Awards Program honors individuals from across the country that have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence through programs or projects at the regional, state, or local level. Awards are given for the following categories:  Education/Outreach, Science Research, Volunteer Leadership, Land Stewardship and Development, and Outstanding Wetlands Program Development.  Nomination forms for the 2003 National Wetlands Awards Program are now available.  The deadline for submitting nominations is January 10, 2003.  Organizations and federal employees are not eligible.  To download the nomination form, please visit http://www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm. For more information about the National Wetlands Awards Program, please e-mail wetlandsawards@eli.org or contact Erica Pencak at 202-939-3822.

OH EPA Releases Electronic Version of “Report on Isolated Wetlands”

Ohio EPA web site, 10/10/02. The Ohio EPA Report on Isolated Wetlands is now available electronically. This is the first report produced since the implementation of the isolated wetland permitting program. The report will be updated annually. The report describes isolated wetland impacts and resulting mitigation for projects acted upon by the Division of Surface Water 401 Certification Unit during the period beginning on July 17, 2001 (the date the Isolated Wetland Permit Program was created) and ending June 31, 2002 (end of the state fiscal year). This report is intended to satisfy the reporting requirements specified in Ohio Revised Code Section 6111.025 (C). For a link to the report visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/401/401.html

FL DEP Releases Draft “Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method”

From Connie Bersok, 10/17/02. A preliminary draft of Florida’s Uniform Mitigation Assessment Method has been released by Florida DEP.  The assessment method is to be applied to impacts proposed in wetlands and other surface waters and associated mitigation, in addition to the awarding and debiting of credits from mitigation banks. A copy of the draft rule (Chapter 62-345, F.A.C.) and agenda may be obtained by writing to Constance Bersok, Department of Environmental Protection, Bureau of Beaches and Wetland Resources, at 2600 Blair Stone Road, MS 2500, Tallahassee Florida 32399-2400, by calling 850-245-8479, or by e-mailing connie.bersok@dep.state.fl.us.  Four scheduled workshops will explain the proposed draft mitigation assessment method and rule. The full text of the workshop notice is published online at http://tlhora6.dep.state.fl.us/onw/pub_date.asp?pubdate=10/18/2002

States Share “Best Practices”; Discuss Impact of Supreme Court Case

NGA news release, 10/21/02. Washington - Citing Wisconsin as a leader in the movement to protect wetlands, the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices hosted a workshop recently in Madison, WI, to provide state officials from around the country with policy options for preserving some of the most productive ecosystems in the world, including prairie potholes, bogs, and vernal pools. Because governors are unclear which wetlands are covered by the federal government, the need for strong state policies is even greater, NGA officials said. The workshop helped states by providing them with examples of effective policies and programs and offering a chance to hear from nationally recognized experts. http://www.nga.org/nga/newsRoom/1,1169,C_PRESS_RELEASE^D_4537,00.html  

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NATIONAL UPDATE

Chesapeake Bay Restoration Leaders Highlight Successes, Challenges

Chesapeake Bay Program news release, 10/31/02. Washington, DC– At its annual meeting on the banks of the Anacostia River, members of the Chesapeake Executive Council marked the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act by celebrating recent accomplishments and recognizing future challenges facing Chesapeake Bay Program partners as they continue their work to protect and restore the Chesapeake Bay watershed in a time of constraining economic conditions and competing regional and national priorities. For more information about the data released including bay grass abundance, forest buffer restoration and the oyster management and local government participation plans, visit the Chesapeake Bay Program online Press Center at http://www.chesapeakebay.net/press.htm.

Lawsuit Challenges Farming in Wildlife Refuges

Earthjustice news release, 10/29/02. Sacramento, CA - Ten conservation groups, represented by Earthjustice, filed a lawsuit challenging the Bush administration’s mismanagement of several wildlife refuges in the Klamath Basin. Tule Lake and Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuges, located on the Oregon/California border, permit the commercial farming of over 20,000 acres within their boundaries. This requires the diversion of up to 60,000 acre-feet of water per year from the Klamath River and natural wetlands to grow crops that include potatoes, onion, and alfalfa at the expense of key habitat in the heart of the largest waterfowl migration corridor in the western states. http://www.earthjustice.org/news/press.html

USDA Seeks Comments on Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program

NRCS news release, 10/29/02. Washington, DC - The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is seeking public comments on the Farm and Ranch Lands Protection Program (FRPP), formerly known as the Farmland Protection Program. The 2002 Farm Bill amended the program and a proposed rule was published in today’s Federal Register, Oct. 29, 2002. The proposed rule establishes eligibility criteria, state ranking considerations and guidelines for program administration. USDA encourages written comments on the proposed rule from individuals as well as governmental agencies and nongovernmental organizations during the 60 day comment period. The proposed rule can be viewed at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/farmbill/2002/FBRules.html

Groups Sue EPA to Protect Florida Wildlife from Bird-Killing Pesticide

Defenders of Wildlife news release, 10/29/02. Three environmental groups today filed suit against the USEPA over the use of a highly toxic pesticide that is killing federally protected species in Florida. The lawsuit, which was filed in federal district court, charges EPA with violations of the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by its registration of the pesticide fenthion. Fenthion has been documented to cause severe ecological impacts and is exceptionally toxic to birds. Fenthion has long been known for its extreme toxicity to birds and was once specifically formulated and marketed for the purpose of killing birds, as the active ingredient in "Rid-a-Bird" perches. http://www.defenders.org/releases/pr2002/pr102902.html

Wetlands Grant Approved for Lake Superior South Shore Coastal Wetland Conservation

USFWS news release, 10/25/2002. The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission recently approved a North American Wetland Conservation Act grant for $999,800 to conserve wetlands in Lake Superior's Chequamegon Bay area. The project, called the Superior Coastal Wetland Initiative, will provide funding to nine natural resource agencies, tribes and organizations in northern Wisconsin. The Superior Coastal Wetland Initiative, will include wetland acquisition, wetland restoration and stream restoration. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases

Earthjustice Asks US Supreme Court to Protect Wetlands and Streams

Earthjustice news release, 10/25/02. Washington, DC - Earthjustice submitted a brief asking the Supreme Court to uphold the Clean Water Act against industry attempts to weaken it. Addressing one of the most crucial environmental cases on the Supreme Court's docket this term, the Earthjustice brief opposes attempts by agricultural, mining, and roadbuilding interests to accelerate unpermitted destruction of wetlands and streams around the nation. At issue in the case are activities on a California ranch that destroyed and damaged numerous wetlands and streams, in order to convert them to crop production. Borden Ranch Partnership v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 261 F.3d 810, 812 and 815 (9th Cir. 2001). http://www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=463

Petition to List Cerulean Warbler as Threatened

Federal Register, 10/23/02. The USFWS announced a 90-day finding on a petition to list the cerulean warbler (Dendroica cerulea) as threatened under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The FWS found that the petition presented substantial information indicating that listing this species may be warranted and is initiating a status review to determine if listing the cerulean warbler is warranted. To be considered in the 12-month finding for this petition, comments and information should be submitted to the Service by January 21, 2003. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a021023c.html {scroll down to Fish and Wildlife Service}

Draft Guidance for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation

Federal Register, 10/22/02. NOAA is seeking comments by 11/21 on Draft Guidance for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). The Program was established by the FY 2002 Appropriations Act “for the purpose of protecting important coastal and estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic values, or that are threatened by conversion from their natural or recreational state to other uses,” giving priority to lands which can be effectively managed and protected and which have significant ecological value. http://www.ocrm.nos.noaa.gov/landconservation.html

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:

Lame Duck Session Scheduled for mid-November

NRDC Legislative Watch. 10/23/02. After passing a resolution to fund the government until 11/22, senators and representatives headed home for the November 5 elections. Key bills to be addressed when Congress reconvenes for a "lame duck" session in mid-November include 11 of the 13 appropriations bills, the floundering energy bill, and legislation to create a homeland security department. http://www.nrdc.org/legislation/legwatch.asp

Hill Nears Pact to Exempt Pentagon from Law Protecting Species

By Eric Pianin, Washington Post Staff Writer, 10/23/02; Page A09 “House and Senate negotiators have tentatively agreed to exempt the Defense Department from an international law designed to protect more than 850 species of migratory birds, in response to Bush administration complaints that such treaties seriously hamper military training and bombing exercises. The decision, disclosed yesterday by lawmakers and environmental groups, could effectively allow the incidental bombing of habitats of hundreds of thousands of migratory birds . . . “ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A1944-2002Oct22.html 

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STATES NEWS

WI DNR Releases Progress Report, “Reversing the Loss”

WI DNR web site, 10/31/02. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources’ Wetland Team has produced a "Reversing the Loss" Progress Report for 2001-2002 outlining the accomplishments of the Reversing the Loss program so far, as well as the future goals and plans for the project. "Reversing the Loss" charts a course for DNR programs involved in wetland education, protection, restoration, enhancement and management. To read more about this strategy visit http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/wetlands/strategy.shtml. For more information regarding the protection and restoration of wetlands in Wisconsin, please contact Pat Trochlell, Wetlands Ecologist, (608) 267-2453.

Reopened: Comment Period on Proposed Listing of Sonoma County, CA Tiger Salamander 

USFWS news release, 10/31/02. At the request of Sonoma County residents and businesses, the USFWS has re-opened public comment on its proposal to list the Sonoma County population of the California tiger salamander as endangered. The California tiger salamander, a large and stocky amphibian with a broad, rounded snout, has white or pale yellow spots or bars on a black background. This population of the California tiger salamander is restricted to a portion of the Santa Rosa Plain in Sonoma County from approximately Santa Rosa south to Cotati. The animal now occurs in scattered and increasingly isolated breeding sites within a small portion of its historic range in Sonoma County. The public comment period will close on December 16, 2002, at 5 p.m. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/

Sacramento Splittail Comment Period for ESA Listing Reopened

Federal Register, 10/31/02. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the reopening of the comment period for the final rule on the Sacramento splittail (Pogonichthys macrolepidotus), a type of fish. Public comments accepted until December 2, 2002. The splittail presently occur in Suisun Bay, Suisun Marsh, the San Francisco Bay-Sacramento-San Joaquin River Estuary (Estuary), the Estuary's tributaries (primarily the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers), the Cosumnes River, the Napa River and Marsh, and the Petaluma River and Marsh. Splittail spawn on submerged vegetation in temporarily flooded upland and riparian habitat. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a021031c.html {scroll to Fish and Wildlife Service}

CREP Provides $153 Million in for Florida Conservation, Including Everglades

USDA news release, 10/28/02. Orlando – The USDA and the state of Florida are launching a $153 million voluntary program to restore up to 30,000 acres of environmentally sensitive Florida land, including the Everglades. Through the Florida Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP), USDA, farmers and Florida will work together to protect Florida’s diverse ecosystem by providing financial incentives to farmers to retire cropland and marginal pastureland. The Florida CREP aims to reduce phosphorus runoff through constructing wetland treatment systems and riparian buffer strips. Overall, the program will help improve lands from the northeast corner to the southern tip of the state. http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2002/10/0464.htm

GMP/EIS Planned for Everglades National Park

Federal Register, 10/25/02. The National Park Service is preparing a General Management Plan and Environmental Impact Statement (GMP/EIS) for Everglades National Park, Florida. The GMP/EIS will identify an overall direction for park management for the next 20 years by clearly prescribing desired types and levels of resource conditions and visitor experiences to be achieved throughout the park. Everglades National Park is the largest national park east of the Rocky Mountains, encompassing 1,509,000 acres of land and water in Dade, Monroe, and Collier counties, Florida. The park includes the largest designated wilderness area in the Eastern United States, totaling 1,296,500 acres. http://www.nps.gov/ever  

FL Nature Center Seeks Court’s Help to Protect Delicate Wetland Ecosystem

Earthjustice news release, 10/23/02. Sarasota, FL - Earthjustice filed suit on behalf of the Crowley Museum and Nature Center to stop the flooding of its swamp and the Tatum Sawgrass Marsh. The flooding, caused by irrigation runoff from three large agricultural operations, already has killed hundreds of trees in the swamp and the nature preserve. Crowley seeks an end to the flooding so that the once flourishing wetland ecosystem can be restored. http://www.earthjustice.org/news/display.html?ID=460

NY: Nature Conservancy Goes Underwater in Land Acquisition to Help Protect Oyster Habitat

Tuesday, October 22, 2002, By John Heilprin, Associated Press. Washington - Accustomed to buying land to protect it from developers, The Nature Conservancy is taking its approach underwater, acquiring 11,500 acres at the bottom of Great South Bay in Long Island, N.Y., to preserve its marine life. Taking possession of the underwater property, most of it mud and sea grass once prized for its Blue Point oysters, marks the first time the environmental organization has sought to acquire marine acreage specifically to protect it. http://www.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/10/10222002/ap_48767.asp

NJ: New Regulations to Protect Ecologically Important Waterways, Other

Governor McGreevey news release, 10/21/02. Howell, NJ – NJ Governor James McGreevey announced new regulations to upgrade 15 waterbodies to the highest level of protection - Category One (C1). C1 designation protects waterways from any discharge producing a measurable change to existing water quality. While the State’s previous C1 designations were primarily extended to trout production streams, the new regulations extend those protections to nine reservoirs and six streams. Final rules will be signed after a sixty-day public comment period. Waterbodies upgraded to C1 classification include Pequest River, a high quality watersheds that feature an excellent example of calcareous wetlands and important wildlife habitat. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/releases/02_1021gov.htm  

Las Vegas' Huge, Lavish, New ... Wetlands?

By Cathy Scott, Special to The Christian Science Monitor, 10/15/02. Las Vegas, NV - Build it and they will come. That's the mantra when mammoth hotels and glitzy casinos are built here. But for desert parkland too? Apparently so, if Walt Wegesser is any indication. On a recent day, the Las Vegas resident was jogging on a revamped wetlands trail in the Las Vegas Wash for the first time. ‘I like to run somewhere besides subdivisions and on concrete,’ he said, a green ribbon of cattails beside him. ‘I think this might be it.’ Once a dumping ground for urban debris, the Wash today is a 2,900-acre preserve. The park isn't complete, but so far Clark County officials have developed 150 acres: In addition to the 20-mile wetlands trail, there are ponds and a habitat for migratory birds . . . “ http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/1015/p02s02-usgn.html

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

Brochure Available: Midwest Ephemeral Wetlands

FROGLOG # 53, The Newsletter of the Declining Amphibian Populations Task Force [via HerpDigest 10/13/02]. Now available, a DAPTF-sponsored, full-colored, full-sized brochure entitled Midwestern Ephemeral Wetlands that presents a definition of these habitats, describes their seasonal changes, ties in surrounding upland habitats, and details reasons for concern.  It includes a strong emphasis on amphibian conservation.  For copies contact: Edward J. Hammer, WQ-16J, USEPA Region 5, 77 West Jackson Boulevard Chicago, IL 60604-3507, 312-886-3019, USA. hammer.edward@epa.gov

New Release: State of the Waters Report for Midwest

EPA Region 5 news release, 10/15/02. Chicago, ILCHICAGO - To mark the 30th anniversary of the Clean Water Act on October 18, EPA and six Midwest states have issued a report on their successes, goals and challenges for improving water quality in the region that includes Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin. Among the goals identified in the report are maintaining and improving aquatic habitat and a healthy environment for aquatic creatures, fish that are safe to eat, and water that is safe to swim in and safe to drink. For a copy of the Regional State of the Waters report visit http://www.epa.gov/region5 or call EPA at  800-621-8431.

Report: Guide to Opportunities in the 2002 Farm Bill

GLIN Northeast-Midwest Weekly Update, 10/14/02. The Northeast-Midwest Institute’s Agriculture Policy Program has issued a guide to select USDA grant and entitlement programs in areas of marketing, community development, conservation, management assistance, energy, nutrition, credit and finance, and research. Developed for a workshop for departments of agriculture from Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, the guide makes available information relevant to the entire Northeast-Midwest region.  The report is available at http://www.nemw.org/workshopguide.pdf.

CWA Module Added to Watershed Academy Web-Based Training

EPA news release, 10/18/02. EPA has completed the 44th Watershed Academy web-based training module called “Introduction to the Clean Water Act [CWA]” (http://www.epa.gov/watertrain/cwa/). This web-based training module provides an introduction to the major CWA programs in the following sequence: 1) water quality standards, 2) antidegradation policy, 3) Waterbody monitoring and assessment, 4) reports on condition of the nation's waters, 5) total maximum daily loads (TMDLs), 6) NPDES permit program for point sources, 7) Section 319 program for nonpoint sources, 8) Section 404 program regulating filling of wetlands and other waters; 9) Section 401 state water quality certification; 10) state revolving loan fund (SRF).

USGS Introduces A Web-Searchable Database of Environmental Methods

USGS news release, 10/18/02. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) today announced a new standardized web-searchable database of environmental methods that will allow scientists and managers monitoring water quality to compare data collection methods at a glance and find the method that best meets their needs. The tool, called NEMI (National Environmental Methods Index) may be accessed at www.nemi.gov. In the future, NEMI will be expanded to meet the needs of the monitoring community. For example, biological methods will be added to NEMI, along with additional field and laboratory methods of importance to the monitoring community.

Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Nature Sounds and Bird Videos Online Soon

Cornell University news release, 10/21/02. Ithaca, NY - The contents of the world's largest collection of nature sounds and videos of birds in their natural habitats soon will be accessible to the general public via the Internet, thanks to a gift of computer equipment to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology by EMC Corp. When the new system goes online in 2003, Internet visitors to the Cornell lab's Macaulay Library web site will be able to hear any of hundreds of thousands of digital sound recordings, view video clips and order custom-recorded DVDs of their favorite birds. http://www.news.cornell.edu/releases/Oct02/EMC_gift.hrs.html

Scientists Study the Long and Short of Pintail Duck Migration

USGS news release, 10/15/02. An international team of waterfowl biologists and technicians from USGS, Ducks Unlimited, Inc. (DU), DU Canada and the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) is using satellite telemetry to determine migration routes and identify major resting areas of North American pintail ducks. By piecing together what they learn from this study with additional studies using standard radio telemetry the scientists hope to learn if unknown factors are affecting this species' decline. To learn more about pintail migration and the pintail satellite study, visit "Discovery for Recovery" at http://www.werc.usgs.gov/pinsat/.

New Handbook Helps Local Governments Protect Streams

EPA Region 3 Envirobytes, 10/18/02. The University of Virginia's Institute for Environmental Negotiation has produced a new book, “A Stream Corridor Protection Strategy for Local Governments.” The handbook is designed to help implement many facets of the Chesapeake 2000 agreement. In particular, the handbook aims to protect forested stream buffers and development of local watershed plans. It describes how to devise an effective stream protection strategy, provide tools such as the use of zoning to protect local streams, give case studies of successful projects and how to engage the local community. http://www.virginia.edu/~envneg/ien_projects_featured.htm#stream 

HGM Regional Guidebook Available for Northern Rocky Mountains

ACOE ERDC/EL TR-02-21 "A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Riverine Floodplains in the Northern Rocky Mountains" is now online. This report uses the Hydrogeomorphic (HGM) Approach offers:  HGM developmental history; overview of the major components of HGM and development and application phases; factors that influence wetland functions on riverine floodplains in the northern Rocky Mountains; wetland functions, model variables, and functional indices; and necessary assessment protocols, field methods, and computing procedures.  http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/EL-TR-02-21.pdf

Researchers Identify Tools to Find Best Place for Riparian Buffers

NACD Buffer Notes, 10/24/02. Researcher Arthur J. Gold at the University of Rhode Island has this advice for conservation practitioners: “Wisely locate riparian buffers.” Gold and other researchers at the university say that the county-level SSURGO soils database can be used to target appropriate sites in watersheds. Buffer research shows that when key factors are right, biologically active root zones are capable of effectively removing nitrates from ground water. But how to find them? http://www.nacdnet.org/buffers/02Oct/buffer.htm

GAO Releases Invasive Species Report Online

“Invasive Species:  Clearer Focus and Greater Commitment Needed to Effectively Manage the Problem.”  GAO-03-1, October 22. GAO recommends that the National Invasive Species Council (1) incorporate data on the economic impacts of invasive species in developing the federal government’s budget; (2) add performance-oriented goals and objectives to its updated plan; (3) give high priority to an oversight strategy for measuring progress against results-oriented goals; and (4) examine whether the council is being hampered in its implementation of the plan by the lack of specific legislation. Agencies generally agreed with GAO’s recommendations. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-1 Highlights: http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d031high.pdf

Herbicide Makes Wild Frogs Hermaphrodite

Nature, Science Update 10/31/02. A widely used herbicide is making male frogs grow female gonads in the US Midwest, according to a recent field study. The finding could fuel the controversy over whether or not the chemical is one of the many possible reasons amphibian populations are shrinking worldwide. Atrazine seems to make leopard frogs (Rana pipiens) hermaphrodite in the wild as well as in the lab . . . .But whether or not atrazine is really the cause of the abnormalities seen and if so, how, is hotly debated. http://www.nature.com/nsu/021028/021028-7.html

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POTPOURRI

Job Opportunity: TEAM LEADER, Environment National Technical Service Team

The US DOT’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) is seeking a new Team Leader for an Environmental National Technical Service Team (NTST). The Team Leader will be located at one of five locations for the National Resource Center.  The candidate will serve as a Team Leader of a highly skilled, diverse, and multi-disciplinary group of national and international specialists located in various field offices across the country. This Team Leader will manage the Team in providing technical assistance, training, and deploying technology to FHWA Divisions, State DOT’s, and other organizations in environmental stewardship and streamlining for surface transportation. The annual salary ranges up to $127,798; closing date of December 9. Visit www.fhwa.dot.gov/vacancy/index.htm or call 202-366-0541.

Wetland Ecologist Sought for Micronesia

Posted by Katherine C. Ewel, Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, to the Ecology list-serve. The Institute of Pacific Islands Forestry, Pacific Southwest Research Station, USDA Forest Service, seeks an ecologist with experience in coastal forested wetland landscapes and biogeochemistry. The position will be based in Honolulu, Hawaii, but most research will be conducted on mangrove forests and freshwater swamps in Micronesia. This position is GS-12, with a salary range of $49,959 - $64,944 + 25% cost-of-living allowance. Applicants must be US citizens. A vacancy announcement that includes qualification requirements and application procedures is available on the USA Jobs website www.usajobs.opm.gov Deadline for applications is December 6, 2002.

US National Ramsar Committee Small Grants Program Year 2002-2003

The U. S. National Ramsar Committee, in cooperation with the USFWS, announces its Small Grants Program for year 2002-2003.  This program is provided as a means to promote wetlands conservation and awareness at and adjacent to U. S. Ramsar sites. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to Signage; Trails or boardwalks; Educational and outreach materials and/or programs; Repairs or additions to the physical site - either to buildings or the wetlands. Deadline: November 5, 2002. Contact Pat Johnson

pjohnson@wildlifehc.org or 301-588-8994.

Environmentally Sustainable Golf Course Management Seminar

The Lake Wallenpaupack Watershed Management District and F. X. Browne, Inc. are presenting a seminar on "Environmentally Sustainable Golf Course Management" on November 19th at Woodloch Springs in Hawley, PA. The seminar includes three lectures in the morning, lunch, and a panel discussion in the afternoon by golf course superintendents involved with the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program. An optional tour of the Woodloch Springs golf course will follow the seminar, weather permitting. The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) have approved 0.35 Professional Development Units (PDUs) from this seminar as applicable toward renewal as a certified golf course superintendent. The seminar is funded by the U.S. EPA, and will examine the advantages of managing golf courses using sound environmental practices. For more information or to register for the seminar, contact Rebecca Buerkett of F. X. Browne, Inc. at (518) 891-1410, or rbuerkett@fxbrowne.com. Registration information is also posted at www.fxbrowne.com.

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