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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
Michigan Receives Preliminary Approval to Continue Section 404 Permit Program
SWS 24th Annual Meeting, June 8-13, 2003
South Carolina Moves Ahead With Wetlands Rules
US EPA Backs Trading of Water Pollution Credits

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
Wetlands Protection: Developer Plows Deep Into Property Rights
GLC Seeks Party to Collect Information on the Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands
US Interior Dept Issues Alaska Oil Drilling Plan
Management Plans Underway for Wildlife Refuges
Air Pollution, Development, Insufficient Funding, Administration Policies Threaten Parks
Mexico to Give Water to United States
Water Crisis Facing Entire Nation

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
Excerpts from NRDC “Legislative Watch”

---STATES NEWS---
WI: State Rules will Continue to Protect Isolated Wetlands
WI: Major Pipeline Changes to Reduce Harm to Wetlands, Streams
Corps Preparing DEIS for Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Restoration Feasibility Study
Report: Status of Water Quality in Tennessee: 2002
CA: Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog Precluded for ESA Listing
MN: Rice, Research, Ducks, and Degrees
CA: $500,000 Grant Awarded for San Joaquin River Restoration Plan
OR: Corps Dams Must Comply With Clean Water Act
PR: Military to End Vieques Training in May
OR: To an Old Floodplain: Thanks for the Memories
Secretary Norton Calls for Continued Partnership in Everglades Restoration
 $7.5 Million in Grants to Protect Open Space, Critical Habitat
 Sonora Tiger Salamander Recovery Plan Completed    

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
The Wetland Journal: Back Issues Available
Wetlands Clean Selenium From Farm Runoff
“Aquatic Resources News – A Regulatory Newsletter”
FHWA: Stormwater Best Management Practices in an Ultra-Urban Setting

---POTPOURRI---
Natural Resources Damage Assessment Specialist Needed
Executive Director Sought for Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy
Pre-Proposals Sought in the Areas of Coastal Resources and Regional Growth
Fourth Annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week
Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Technicians Wanted
EPA Solicits Environmental Award Nominations
Habitat Restoration Grant Funding Available
Coastal Stewardship Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

As expected, EPA and the Corps of Engineers published the Advanced Notice of Public Rule Making in the January 15 Federal Register. It has been posted online at http://www.aswm.org/fwp/cwa/anprm.pdf. Comments are due by March 3, 2003.  If you didn’t receive the special edition of Wetland Breaking News discussing the Notice, visit the ASWM website for details at http://www.aswm.org.

It is freezing here. Two feet of snow. Still. End of story.  Although I did spend two days in Washington DC last week for new job orientation. No snow, and twenty degrees warmer than home, but still below freezing.  It was nice and warm in Senator Clinton’s office, though, where I spent a couple of hours on an impromptu lobbying visit – my first lobbying effort ever.  Of course I had a partner, and in typical newbie fashion I played the attentive, quiet yet concerned constituent while my colleague spoke volumes about farm and conservation policy. We spoke to a “legislative fellow” – a Senator Clinton “mini-me” - but it was a fun and enlightening experience nonetheless. I may even do it again, someday.

Thanks to the many contributors to this Edition, including Scott Hausmann, WI DNR; Li Zhang, Ohio State University; Tom Biebighauser, USDA; Becky Bowers, North Carolina State University; Earle Cummings, California citizen; Jim Rivers, LA DNR Coastal Management Division; Bronwyn Mitchell, Environmental Concern; and Carol Thompson, Tarleton State University.

Hasta luega!

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Michigan Receives Preliminary Approval to Continue Section 404 Permit Program

Federal Register notice, 1/7/03. EPA has released preliminary findings of its review of Michigan's approved Clean Water Act Section 404 Program.  EPA's review concluded that in general the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality does a good job of administering the program.  The review identified some improvements that must be made so that the Michigan program is consistent with federal rules. The state has already taken steps to ensure that its program is consistent with federal regulations and guidelines. Comments on this document must be received in writing by March 10, 2003. In 1984 Michigan was the first state in the nation, and currently is one of only two states, to be authorized to administer a CWA section 404 permit program within its borders. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a030107c.html [scroll down to EPA]

SWS 24th Annual Meeting, June 8-13, 2003

SWS 24th Annual Meeting, June 8-13, 2003, Hyatt Regency Hotel, New Orleans, LA. All SWS members, students, members of regional societies, as well as individuals interested in wetland science, management and education are invited to submit an ABSTRACT (250 words or less).  ORAL and POSTER presentations are being solicited to support the conference theme entitled, "WETLAND STEWARDSHIP: CHANGING LANDSCAPES AND INTERDISCIPLINARY CHALLENGES." The conference will focus on understanding the interdisciplinary scientific
needs and innovative approaches for the stewardship of wetland ecosystems across ever changing landscape.  Awards will be given for the best student paper and best student poster. Abstract Deadline: January 30, 2003. Submit abstracts on-line: http://www.sws.org/neworleans/.  For further information contact the Program Committee Co-chairs: Doug Meffert (dmeffert@tulane.edu) or Robert Twilley (ceet@louisiana.edu).  For significant conference registration savings, register by the early registration deadline of March 14, 2003.Registration forms will be on-line soon!

 
South Carolina Moves Ahead With Wetlands Rules

The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) responded to an October 2002 rulemaking petition by the Southern Environmental Law Center on December 2, 2002. The agency affirmed that all wetlands, isolated or not, are "waters of the state," and announced that it would undertake rulemaking to clarify the state's authority in the wake of the SWANCC decision.  DHEC published a notice of rule drafting in the December 27, 2002 State Register that proposes a regulatory amendment to clarify the Department's authority to regulate all discharges into isolated waters, even where no federal or state permit may have been sought. The agency also intends to streamline the process for obtaining a permit for discharges into isolated waters and wetlands.  Comments may be submitted to Sally Knowles, Bureau of Water, S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control, 2600 Bull Street, Columbia, S.C. 29201-1708 by January 27, 2003. www.SouthernEnvironment.org

US EPA Backs Trading of Water Pollution Credits

World Environment News, 01/15/03, Planet Ark. Washington - Americans will see cleaner water "at lower cost in less time" under a plan allowing industry, cities and farmers to trade water pollution credits, the head of the EPA said this week. EPA administrator Christine Todd Whitman said the new policy would harness "the power of the market" to reduce water pollution. She likened it to a similar longtime program that has curtailed acid rain. State and local officials would oversee trading of credits within individual watersheds, aimed primarily at reducing the amount of nutrients and sediment entering waterways. A dozen states are experimenting with credits, EPA officials said . . . “ http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/19408/story.htm [The full text of the policy, facts sheets, and other information can be found at http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/trading.htm]

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NATIONAL UPDATE

Wetlands Protection: Developer Plows Deep Into Property Rights

San Joaquin Record - 1/5/03, By Andy Samuelson, staff writer. GALT – “While driving along a private dirt road on the rolling hills of his property, Angelo Tsakopoulos stopped his car and pointed at a pool of water that sits in between rows of vineyards. ‘See the vernal pool,’ he said. ‘See how we avoided it.’ As the trip continued on his Borden Ranch, the 66-year-old Tsakopoulos indicated other precautions he took to preserve the environment, such as saving vernal pools and preserving natural swales by harvesting around them. Upon reaching the patch of wetland that put him on the losing end of a recent U.S. Supreme Court decision, Tsakopoulos became agitated; his voice grew louder. He still couldn't believe the high court upheld a ruling that he violated the law for deep-plowing his fields to produce grapes and apples. He was forced to pay $500,000 and restore four acres of wetlands, but he said the case has cost him about $20 million in damages. Yet, he's not dejected . . . “ http://www.aswm.org/wbn/archive/03/030120b.htm

GLC Seeks Party to Collect Information on the Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands

The Great Lakes Commission has issued an amendment for the Year Two project work. The notice clarifies and expands details on the evaluation of landscape indicators. The GLC seeks a party to utilize existing data and reports and, if necessary, propose processes to fill in gaps and evaluate methods for collecting basin-wide information on Great Lakes coastal wetlands.  The evaluation of landscape indicators is one of four target projects sought for funding this year.  Eligible applicants include institutions, organizations, and agencies that have the capacity and experience to conduct analysis according to the needs outlined relevant to Great Lakes coastal wetlands.  Abstracts due February 14, 2002.  The RFA for the Evaluation of Landscape Indicators is available at: http://www.glc.org/wetlands/rfa.html.  Contact: Thomas Rayburn, tray@glc.org. 

US Interior Dept Issues Alaska Oil Drilling Plan

Planet Ark’s World Environment News, 1/20/03. Washington – The U.S. Interior Department released a draft proposal on expanding oil and natural gas drilling in the National Petroleum Reserve, which may give energy companies access to millions more acres in a pristine reserve in Alaska. In a 1,000-page report, the department's Bureau of Land Management proposed four scenarios for the northwest area of the National Petroleum Reserve, ranging from having no drilling to giving oil companies access to parts of the reserve . . . BLM will take public comment on the four scenarios for 60 days until March 18 and then present one to Interior Secretary Gale Norton in a final environmental impact statement expected later this year, the official said . . . http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/19463/story.htm

Management Plans Underway for Wildlife Refuges

Federal Register notices, 1/17/03. The USFWS plans to prepare conservation plans for a number of wildlife refuges, including Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge (AL); Des Lacs, Upper Souris, and J. Clark Salyer National Wildlife Refuges (ND); and the Sabine, Cameron Prairie, and Lacassine National Wildlife Refuges (LA) The USFWS also announced plans to work more closely with states when developing these plans [http://news.fws.org]. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a030117c.html [scroll to Fish and Wildlife Service]

Air Pollution, Development, Insufficient Funding, Administration Policies Threaten Parks

National Parks Conservation Association, 1/14/03. Washington - Air pollution, abusive use of motorized vehicles, years of inadequate funding, damaging development on lands adjacent to parks, and harmful Bush Administration policies are among the troubles besetting national parks named to the fifth annual National Parks Conservation Association's (NPCA) America's Ten Most Endangered National Parks list. Parks on this year's list include Big Thicket National Preserve in Texas and Everglades National Park in Florida. http://www.npca.org/media_center/PressReleaseDetail.asp?id=125 

Mexico to Give Water to United States

Reuters, 01/10/03. WASHINGTON — Mexico has agreed to give the United States some 400,000 acre feet of water by Sept. 30, delivering more than half in time for the growing season of drought-hit U.S. farmers, a U.S. official said. The agreement does not resolve a long-standing dispute over the large deficit of water that Mexico owes the United States under a 1944 treaty, but it should provide some relief to hard-hit farmers in the U.S. Southwest. http://enn.com/news/wire-stories/2003/01/01102003/s_49328.asp

Water Crisis Facing Entire Nation

Washington, DC, 1/9/03. (ENS) – “The United States is facing major challenges to its water resources, the American Water Resources Association (AWRA) has warned the Bush administration and Congress. The group . . . sent a letter to President George W. Bush [and others] calling on them to address the problems. The letter is based largely on discussions that took place at the National Water Policy Dialogue, held in Washington DC in September 2002 . . . The letter also warns of annual losses of more than 70,000 acres of non-federal wetlands, a federal list of 1,260 threatened or endangered plants and animals, [and] impaired coastal waters and estuarine areas . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jan2003/2003-01-09-09.asp#anchor1

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Excerpts from NRDC “Legislative Watch”

[The following information has been excerpted from the January 16 edition of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s “Legislative Watch” and is available in its entirety online at
http://www.nrdc.org/legislation/legwatch.asp (the web version links to the text of bills and congressional web pages).]

The Republican-led 108th Congress met for the first time on 1/7 to choose its leadership and take up unfinished funding bills from last year. Both the House and the Senate passed yet another stopgap funding measure designed to keep the federal government running until 1/31. They will now attempt to pass one large comprehensive appropriations bill made up of the 11 funding bills the 107th Congress left incomplete when it adjourned last December.

While House members have settled new leadership and committee assignments for the 108th Congress, organization of the Senate is currently stalled as a result of disagreements between Republicans and Democrats on the allocation of resources and committee appointments.

The House is in recess until 1/27, but the Senate is currently meeting.

Clean Water
On 1/10, the Bush administration announced plans to eliminate large numbers of American waterways from Clean Water Act protections. Sen. Feingold (D-WI) and Rep. Oberstar (D-WI) and Rep. Dingell (D-MI) are expected to reintroduce a bill to reverse the Bush proposal and ensure that the scope of the Clean Water Act remains unchanged.

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STATES NEWS

WI: State Rules will Continue to Protect Isolated Wetlands

Madison - Recent Bush administration announcements on wetlands would have limited impact in Wisconsin, but could leave some wetlands in other states unprotected, Wisconsin wetland officials say. That's because a 2001 Wisconsin law authorizes the state to step in when the federal government determines it has no jurisdiction to protect isolated wetlands from being filled in or dredged for commercial and residential development, roads, or to make way for other uses.  http://www.aswm.org/wbn/archive/03/030120a.htm

WI: Major Pipeline Changes to Reduce Harm to Wetlands, Streams

WI DNR news release. Madison - Changes to the route and construction technique planned for a natural gas pipeline in southeastern Wisconsin will reduce by more than half the number of wetland acres affected and will avoid many sensitive lakes and streams. The state, environmental groups, property owners, and We Energies agreed Jan. 15 to changes in the Wisconsin Gas Lateral Project after an intense, seven days of negotiations ended a standoff over the original pipeline route. The lateral project will connect We Energies’ system with the Guardian pipeline, a new 142-mile interstate pipeline being built from Joliet, Ill., to Ixonia. http://www.aswm.org/wbn/archive/03/030120a.htm#2

Corps Preparing DEIS for Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island Restoration Feasibility Study

Federal Register notice, 1/17/03. The Baltimore District, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has initiated an environmental restoration feasibility study for the restoration of island habitat in the Mid-Chesapeake Bay region. The study focuses on restoring hundreds of acres of aquatic and wildlife island habitat in the Mid-Chesapeake Bay region through the beneficial use of dredged materials from the Port of Baltimore channel system. An Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) will be prepared to document the plan formulation process and recommendations of this study. The draft EIS for the Mid-Chesapeake Bay Island environmental restoration study is expected for public release in July 2005. http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs/fedreg/a030117c.html [scroll down to Engineer Corps]

Report: Status of Water Quality in Tennessee: 2002

TN DEC news release, 1/17/03. The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation released Status of Water Quality in Tennessee: 2002, an assessment of the quality of lakes, streams and wetlands across Tennessee. The report divides assessed waters into five categories and includes information about assessment methodologies, bacteriological and fish consumption advisories, stream restoration efforts and future program directions. Status of Water Quality in Tennessee: 2002 is available online at www.state.tn.us/environment/wpc/305b/2002/305(b)%20intro.pdf

CA: Mountain Yellow-Legged Frog Precluded for ESA Listing   

USFWS news release, 1/16/03. Sacramento, CA – The USFWS has determined that the Sierra Nevada population of the mountain yellow-legged frog warrants protection under the Endangered Species Act, but that listing the species under the Act is precluded by the need to take other listing actions of a higher priority. The Service will add this population of mountain yellow-legged frog to its list of candidate species and review the frog’s status annually. The Sierra Nevada population of the mountain yellow-legged frog is a separate, distinct population from the southern California population of the mountain yellow-legged frog, and comprises the remainder of the species’ range. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases 

MN: Rice, Research, Ducks, and Degrees

ENN Worldwire News, 01/14/03. The Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians' Department of Natural Resources and its partners have successfully completed the first phase of the Red Lake Farm/Kiwosay Waterfowl Habitat Restoration Project begun in 1998. Located within the prairie-forest transition zone of northwestern Minnesota, where about half of the State's wild rice is grown, the project's goal was to increase wildlife values of production-wild-rice paddies by restoring or enhancing adjacent habitats . . . During the course of the project, partners restored more than 930 acres to wetland or upland nesting habitat, enhanced almost 600 acres, and placed and maintained 117 nesting structures . . . http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2003/01/01142003/s_49210.asp

CA: $500,000 Grant Awarded for San Joaquin River Restoration Plan

EPA news release, 1/14/03. San Francisco – EPA announced that it has awarded a $500,000 grant to the San Joaquin River Exchange Contractors Water Authority to plan the restoration of the upper San Joaquin River. In partnership with the San Joaquin River Resource Management Coalition (RMC), the authority will use the grant to develop a vision and restoration plan for the river from the Friant Dam to the confluence with the Merced River. Planning will be conducted in two phases: The first step is an assessment, including review by an expert science panel, of
opportunities and constraints for river restoration.  The second stage will put this information to use in planning restoration actions. http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/r9press.nsf/news?readform

OR: Corps Dams Must Comply With Clean Water Act

Portland, OR, 1/14/03. (ENS) – “A federal district court in Oregon has confirmed that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers must operate its dams in compliance with the Clean Water Act. The court also decided that the Corps had taken steps to comply with the Clean Water Act by adopting the 2001 Water Quality Plan, but ruled that the four lower Snake River Dams are now violating the Act. Conservation and fishing groups, joined by the Nez Perce Tribe and the State of Oregon, had argued that the four Snake River dams illegally raise water temperatures in the river . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jan2003/2003-01-14-09.asp

PR: Military to End Vieques Training in May

Washington, DC, 1/13/03. (ENS) - The Department of Defense has confirmed that it will end all military training on the Puerto Rican island of Vieques as of May 1, 2003. Secretary of the Navy Gordon England signed the letter of certification to Congress on Friday confirming that, as planned, the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps will cease military training on the Vieques Inner Range by May 1. The Department of the Navy has identified training alternatives that it says will "collectively provide equivalent or superior training" to the options now provided by the island of Vieques . . . ” http://ens-news.com/ens/jan2003/2003-01-13-09.asp#anchor2

OR: To an Old Floodplain: Thanks for the Memories

By Tim McNeil, Western Rivers Conservancy.  01/10/03.  Remnant pockets of the Willamette River's old floodplain contain forest galleries important to a myriad of wildlife species.  Located between the Cascade Mountains and the Coastal Range in western Oregon, the Willamette River once flowed through a broad, braided channel nourishing floodplain wetlands and great gallery forests on its way to the Columbia River. Agriculture, industry, and urban development have disconnected the river from its floodplain and constrained it to a single channel. Still, pockets of the old floodplain survive, containing old stands of ash and oak, along with sloughs and backwater habitat, where rare fish, reptiles, and waterfowl thrive. http://enn.com/news/enn-stories/2003/01/01102003/s_49212.asp

Secretary Norton Calls for Continued Partnership in Everglades Restoration

USDOI news release, 1/10/03. Delray Beach, Fla. -- Secretary of the Interior Gale A. Norton said at the annual meeting of the Everglades Coalition that the Interior Department will form an advisory committee to allow stakeholders to provide input to Interior land managers in South Florida on a wide range of Everglades restoration issues. Norton also said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service will begin to employ a habitat-based recovery strategy for endangered species, including implementing restoration plans for key areas of habitat such as the 107,000-acre East Everglades Addition to Everglades National Park. http://www.doi.gov/news/030110c.htm

$7.5 Million in Grants to Protect Open Space, Critical Habitat

PA Env Protection Update, 1/3/03. Pennsylvania is awarding 26 grants totaling $7.5 million to help protect nearly 12,000 acres of critical habitat and open space across Pennsylvania. Grants during this round are awarded mainly for land acquisitions, including a 9,000-acre parcel in Columbia and Northumberland counties to be used for open space, recreation and watershed protection, and a 750-acre tract that will become an environmental research and education park at the intersection of the Appalachian Trail and the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor in Carbon and Lehigh counties. http://www.dep.state.pa.us/update/default.asp?ID=11796

Sonora Tiger Salamander Recovery Plan Completed    

1/3/03. The USFWS has finalized the recovery plan for the Sonora tiger salamander. The plan outlines the actions that are needed to move the salamander from an endangered to threatened status and eventually remove it from the Endangered Species List. One of three tiger salamanders found in Arizona, Sonora tiger salamanders are found almost exclusively in cattle tanks or maintained ponds. Sonora tiger salamanders hatch and grow as aquatic larvae with gills, and then mature as either gilled aquatic adults or land living salamanders without gills. Introduced fish and bullfrogs, disease, and crossbreeding are all threats that led to their being protected under the Endangered Species Act since 1997. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases 

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

The Wetland Journal: Back Issues Available

The Wetland Journal was a quarterly publication featuring practical articles on several wetland topics, including wetland education issues, restoration and research. Written in a style that is useable by both the wetland professional and the informed lay person or student, with the goal of providing a forum for exchanging results, information, and experiences which can benefit others in the wetland field. Purchase the Complete Library (31 issues from 1993-2001) for $100.00. Individual back-issues may also be purchased. See the complete listing of all articles in back-issues of the Wetland Journal http://www.wetland.org/jrnlback.html or for more information visit Environmental Concern at www.wetland.org.

Wetlands Clean Selenium From Farm Runoff

Berkeley, CA, 01/08/03 (ENS) – “Researchers from the University of California have found a natural detoxification program for selenium contaminated farm runoff: wetlands vegetation and microbes. Results from a two-year study by researchers at the University of California - Berkeley show that manmade wetlands in the state's San Joaquin Valley were able to remove an average of 69.2 percent of the selenium in agricultural drainage water . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jan2003/2003-01-08-09.asp. 

“Aquatic Resources News – A Regulatory Newsletter”

The second quarterly newsletter of the Army Corps of Engineers Institute of Water Resources has been posted online at http://www.usace.army.mil/inet/functions/cw/cecwo/reg/Vol1-2final.pdf
This issue puts the spotlight on compensatory wetland mitigation, and examines efforts in the field to advance this as an effective strategy for alleviating wetland loss.

FHWA: Stormwater Best Management Practices in an Ultra-Urban Setting

FHWA web site. This Federal Highway Administration document provides a planning-level review of the applicability and use of new and more traditional BMPs in ultra-urban areas. The term "ultra-urban" has been used to describe metropolitan areas of the country where space for stormwater BMP implementation is limited (Bell, 1996). The goal of ultra-urban technology is to provide cost-effective, low-maintenance solutions to stormwater management problems in the ultra-urban environment. This report supplements recent FHWA manuals by expanding and presenting additional data, design criteria, and monitoring study results on BMPs implemented in ultra-urban areas. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/ultraurb/index.htm

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POTPOURRI

Natural Resources Damage Assessment Specialist Needed

The Coastal Management Division of the Office of Coastal Restoration and Management of the Louisiana Department of Natural Resources seeks qualified applicants for its Oil Spill Liaison position.  Job title is Coastal Resources Scientist 3 (annual salary range is $32,627 - $45,261).   A rate higher than the starting salary may be available in the case of especially qualified applicants.  Primary duties involve natural resource damage assessment of coastal habitats impacted by oil spills and development of restoration/mitigation plans.  Qualifications include a baccalaureate degree in a natural science-related curriculum with 3 years of professional experience, but applicants with graduate training or graduate degrees may substitute up to 2 years of professional experience depending on level of training. Job specific qualifications include experience in assessing impacts to coastal habitats, wetland plant identification, and/or wetland mitigation. Contact Jim Rives at 1-800-267-4019 or jimr@dnr.state.la.us or send resume to Jim Rives, Coastal Management Division, P.O. Box 44487, Baton Rouge, LA 70804-4487.

Executive Director Sought for Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy

The Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, the state's leading environmental advocacy organization, seeks an Executive Director with exceptional leadership, fundraising, and management abilities.  For 28 years, MCEA has used law, science, and research to protect Minnesota’s natural resources, wildlife, and public health.  The Executive Director is responsible for raising and administering a budget of more than $1.3 million and managing a professional staff of 16, including attorneys, scientists, lobbyists, policy and communications specialists, and fundraising and administrative professionals.  Salary and benefits are commensurate with experience and competitive within the non-profit sector.  For further information see www.mncenter.org.  Interested applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, contact information for three references, and salary requirements via e-mail to mcea@mncenter.org, with "ED Search Committee" in the subject line.  Application deadline is Feb. 28, 2003.

Pre-Proposals Sought in the Areas of Coastal Resources and Regional Growth

The Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant College Program requests preproposals in the areas of Coastal Resources and Regional Growth. Priority areas include (1) the development of analytical methods or models to better identify, forecast, and assess the physical, social or economic impacts of regional development on critical coastal resources and habitats; (2) the creation and evaluation of new regulatory and/or market-based management techniques and institutions to better reconcile the protection of critical coastal resources with the promotion of needed new residential, commercial and industrial development; and (3) the formulation and assessment of improved forecasting, shoreline stabilization and improvement, and capital facilities planning techniques to better address the metropolitan-scale and longer-term resource sustainability challenges posed by regional growth and global climate change impacts in the southern Lake Michigan basin.  Preproposals due 02/24/03. Awards of $40,000-$60,000 per year will be made for the 2004-2006 biennium.  Complete RFP at http://www.iisgcp.org/funfell/

Fourth Annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week

The Invasive Weeds Awareness Coalition (IWAC) invites you to participate in a weeklong series of events and activities held in Washington, D.C. during the fourth annual National Invasive Weeds Awareness Week (NIWAW IV) February 24-28, 2003.  The week will include several hosted meetings with FICMNEW member agencies and Departments, briefings on critical invasive plant issues, a combined reception at the U.S. Botanic Garden, and special poster displays and exhibits to raise awareness about invasive plant issues.  Presentations and Position Papers will highlight significant weed management and ecosystem restoration topics. This year there will be a Registration Fee for NIWAW.   Early bird registration ends January 31, 2003. For more information on NIWAW activities, poster presentation opportunities, and to download a registration form, visit www.nawma.org and click on the NIWAW link.

Wetlands Monitoring and Assessment Technicians Wanted

Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory in association with the Colorado Division of Wildlife's Wetlands Program seeks two seasonal biologists to assist in the monitoring and assessment of select wetland conservation projects in Colorado. The biologist will work closely with project leadership to compile baseline biological information on wetland conservation projects in the state, conduct initial evaluations of projects, and initiate a large-scale, long-term monitoring and assessment program for wetland conservation in Colorado.  Previous research experience identifying birds and vegetation in the field required. All applicants should have a valid U.S. driver's license and be able to operate 4WD vehicles.  Familiarity with identification of waterfowl, waterbirds and the wetland flora of Colorado is preferred. Applicants with research experience in managed or artificial wetland sites are preferred. All applicants should have experience with data collection, data entry, and possess good organizational and communication skills. Contact:  Matthew A. Reddy, 970-472-4319. http://www.rmbo.org/

EPA Solicits Environmental Award Nominations

EPA news release, 1/15/03. San Francisco – EPA is encouraging citizens to nominate a friend, peer or organization for this year's U.S. EPA Environmental Awards Program. The program, now in its fifth year, seeks to recognize individuals and groups outside of the U.S. EPA who made significant contributions to improve the environment in the year 2002.  Anyone can be nominated, such as scientists, teachers, journalists, citizen activists, young people, organizations, business representatives, public officials and others committed to protecting public health and preserving our natural surroundings. Each region is soliciting nominations, and nomination forms may be found at www.epa.gov. Nomination forms are due by 2/14/03.

Habitat Restoration Grant Funding Available

NOAA Restoration Center/Community-based Restoration Program - Eligible projects include stream and channel restoration, fish passage improvement, estuarine and marine area restoration, and flow improvement.  There is also a limited amount of funding available to do research and monitoring on existing restoration projects.  Projects are expected to have a strong on-the-ground habitat restoration component, as well as significant involvement of community members or volunteers. Grants range from $50,000 to $200,000.  Projects must demonstrate a 1:1 non-federal match; both cash and in-kind contributions are acceptable.  Solicitation closes March 2, 2003.  Also see http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/ .

NOAA RC/FishAmerica Foundation - Projects must result in on-the-ground habitat restoration, clearly demonstrate significant benefits to marine, estuarine or anadromous fisheries resources, particularly sportfish, and must involve community participation through an educational or volunteer component.  Funding requests are typically between $5,000 and $30,000; a 1:1 non-federal match is required (in-kind or cash).  Solicitation closes March 12, 2003.  Also see http://www.fishamerica.org .

Five Star Restoration Challenge Grants - In partnership with EPA, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, NOAA and other partners, this program provides modest financial assistance to community-based wetland, riparian and coastal habitat restoration projects that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities.  Awards are typically between $5,000 and $20,000; a 2:1 non-federal match (in-kind or cash) is required.  Solicitation closes March 3, 2003.  Also see http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star .

Coastal Stewardship Award Nominations Are Now Being Accepted

Breaux Act Newsflash, 1/8/03. The Coalition to Restore Coastal Louisiana is now accepting nominations for their annual Coastal Stewardship Awards. The Coastal Stewardship Awards Program recognizes those individuals and groups who have made significant contributions to the preservation and restoration of Louisiana's coastal wetlands. These contributions should set an example of stewardship and serve as a vision for the future. The nomination form and other information can be found at: http://www.lacoast.gov/press/2002-12-27/stewardship.pdf Nominations due March 1, 2003 and are NOT limited to residents of Louisiana. http://www.lacoast.gov/press/2003-01-08.htm

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