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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
Joint TEA-21 Guidance Advances Wetlands Protection
NH to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Revisions to the Wetland Rules
Supreme Court to Hear Everglades Case
Nesting Ospreys Return to Iowa
New York Moves to Protect Clean Water Act
7th National Mitigation Banking Conference Issues Call for Papers

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
Western Governors Call for National Drought Policy
Nebraska Judge Wades Out of Missouri River Controversy
House Panel Votes for Peer Review of Army Corps Projects
Chicago Mayor Daley Uses Clout to Help Guard Great Lakes
USDA and Society of American Foresters sign Technical Service Provider Agreement
Agencies Release Draft EIS/EIR on the Environmental Water Account
USDA Releases 1^st Annual National Resources Inventory
New acting top EPA officials named
States Receive Funds for Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation
Private Stewardship grant Program Disburses More than $9.4 M
Released: Draft Environmental Assessment of Mute Swan Management in Atlantic Flyway
EPA Issues Construction General Permit
$70 M in Grants Support Endangered Species Protection
Land Added to National Wildlife Refuges in Five States
Nation’s Streams and Wetlands to be Restored through Community-Led Efforts
BLM and Forest Service Seek Public Input on Stewardship Contracting

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
U.S. House Refuses to Limit Crops in the West's Dry Klamath Basin
Congress Struggles With Great Lakes Restoration
Energy Bill Provisions Jeopardize Dam Reforms that Help Fish
Bills of Interest

---STATES NEWS---
NCDENR State, Federal Partners Sign Stream And Wetlands Agreement
OH EPA Issues Section 401 WQC to Section 404 Letters of Permission
Update to Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Wetlands
EPA Awards $75,000 to Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources
NJ DEP Commissioner Announces Upgraded Protections for Endangered Species
Endangered Wood Stork Nesting Surges as Drought Recedes
EPA Announces Use Designations for Kansas
Draft CCP/EA Issued for Parts of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex
EPA Settles Clean Water Act Violations at Three Chesapeake Construction Sites
NY Governor Signs Staten Island Wetlands Protection Bill into Law
WA Ecology Department Adopts Updated Water Quality Standards
WA Approves Permits to Allow Corps to Deepen Columbia River

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
New Biological Resources from the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
August 2003 newsletter of WATERMARKS, Louisiana CWPPR News
Researchers Aim to Halt Sales of Noxious Weeds on the Internet
Case Studies: Financing Transportation and Community and System Preservation Projects
Bibliography: “Constructed wetlands and other approaches to protecting water quality”
Climate Change Strategic Plan Issued by Federal Science Panel
New Publication: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wetland Construction
NC Stream Restoration Institute releases “Stream Restoration: A Natural Channel Design Handbook”
Ecologists Urge Preventive Conservation of Coastal Areas
Streams and Wadeable Rivers Document (EPA-822-R-02-048) Available
GAO Report: Freshwater Supply:  States' Views of How Federal Agencies Could Help
The Status of Restoration Activities in the Great Lakes Areas of Concern: A Special Report
US EPA: Draft Report on the Environment [pdf]
National Park Services Releases Draft Chesapeake Bay Special Resource Study/EIS

---POTPOURRI---
New Stamps Have Freshwater Theme
Bridge Project Creates Wetlands; Bald Eagle Sanctuary Planned
July is Lakes Awareness Month
Master's Assistantship - Effects of Beaver on Plant Assemblage Dynamics
Wetland Scientist/Inspector 
Eider Recovery Coordinator Wanted
Wanted: Preservation Project Manager & Controller
Assistant Professor needed for Forested Wetland Ecology and Management
Vacancies at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
Colorado State Seeks “Threatened and Endangered Species Specialist”
Wetlands Plant Ecology * Teaching Assistantships Available

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

It is a beautiful summer day here in the northeast.  An occasional airplane flies overhead, my husband is rocking on the porch and my daughter is playing with her toes (little girls still do that at four years old) on the recliner.  We picked a half-cup of blackberries this morning in the front yard; these three canes have produced well for us – considering they grew under conditions of neglect - and hopefully as they become established we’ll have greater bounty in the future.  It is so neat, being able to walk out the front door a few feet, pick some berries, and return to the house to toss them in with some pancake batter or into a fruit salad.  Not that we do it.  But it is neat to be able to if we were so inclined.  My husband would clutch his chest in mock shock if I were to whip up pancakes or much else.  He met a self-proclaimed “house husband” Thursday night at a fundraiser, and I noticed that they had way too much in common.  After some discussion the two men threatened to form a union for house-husbands.  We’ll have to keep those two guys separated, before this idea goes any further. 

Special thanks to the many contributors of this edition, including David Merkey, NOAA; Carlene Bahler, EROLS, and all of the terrific people who continue to maintain the web sites and list-serves from which we glean this information.

Enjoy the rest of July!

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Joint TEA-21 Guidance Advances Wetlands Protection

EPA news release, 7/11/03. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), the EPA, and the Corps issued guidance that will ensure the replacement of wetlands impacted by federal-aid highway projects and enhance regulatory decision-making. "Federal Guidance on the Use of the TEA-21 Preference for Mitigation Banking to Fulfill Mitigation Requirements under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act" was jointly developed by the three agencies as part of the Bush administration's National Wetlands Mitigation Action Plan to achieve no net loss of America's wetlands. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/guidance/index.html

NH to Hold Public Hearing on Proposed Revisions to the Wetland Rules

NH DES news release, 7/15/03. Concord, NH - The NH Department of Environmental Services (DES) is proposing to add a new chapter and modify three existing sections of the State’s wetland rules to establish mitigation requirements for certain impacts to wetlands. A public hearing on the proposed rules, called the "Mitigation Rules," will be held on July 30. DES is proposing rules to establish specific criteria for compensatory mitigation and to clarify that compensatory mitigation is required for all impacts to jurisdictional areas that meet or exceed a specified threshold level. A public notice announcing these proposed rules was published in the June 27, 2003 New Hampshire Rulemaking Register. To see the rulemaking notice, visit the N.H. Office of Legislative Services’ webpage on administrative rules at www.gencourt.state.nh.us/rules/index.html. If you would like a copy of the proposed rules or have questions about them, please contact Tracey Boisvert at (603) 271-4055 or visit the DES website at www.des.state.nh.us/wetlands/rule-law.htm#proposed. The deadline for submitting written comments on these rules is August 13, 2003 at 4 p.m. Written comments may be sent to Tracey Boisvert, N.H. Department of Environmental Services, PO Box 95, Concord, NH 03302-0095; or e-mailed to tboisvert@des.state.nh.us. http://www.des.state.nh.us/press/press071503.htm

Supreme Court to Hear Everglades Case

Miami Herald, Associated Press, 6/27/03.  WASHINGTON – “The Supreme Court said Friday that it would consider a case involving the endangered Florida Everglades that tests the federal government's power to fight pollution.  Justices will consider next term how much authority the federal government has in controlling water pumping across the Everglades basin. The Bush administration urged the court last month to reject the appeal from Florida water managers who argued they should not be required to get federal permits for water pump facilities. An appeals court had sided with environmentalists and an Indian tribe in ordering the South Florida Water Management District to apply for permits . . . “http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/6185248.htm

Nesting Ospreys Return to Iowa

7/15/03. By Lowell Washburn, Iowa Department of Natural Resources. SPIRIT LAKE - It is history in the making. For the first time since pioneer settlement, wild ospreys are successfully nesting in Iowa. "This is an exciting time. Nesting ospreys are just something that people don't get to see here," said DNR wildlife technician, Tim Waltz as he addressed a crowd of more than 100 wildlife enthusiasts gathered at the Spirit Lake Middle School last Thursday. The crowd witnessed the banding of the first documented osprey chick ever produced in the wild in Iowa. http://www.iowadnr.com/news/03jul/osprey2.html

New York Moves to Protect Clean Water Act

ALBANY, New York, July 24, 2003 (ENS) – “The state of New York has filed court papers seeking to intervene in two lawsuits that many believe seek to reduce the scope of the Clean Water Act. At issue is the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s oil spill prevention program, which is designed to prevent discharges of oil into the waters of the United States, and to contain those discharges if they occur. The lawsuits have been brought by representatives of the oil industry, which contends that the law’s protections only apply to water that are “navigable in fact” and to wetlands adjacent to them. . . .” http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2003/2003-07-24-09.asp#anchor6

7th National Mitigation Banking Conference Issues Call for Papers

Panelists and speakers on “Practice, Policy & New Emerging Markets” are being sought for the 7th National Mitigation Banking Conference next March 3-5 in New Orleans, with the Cajun venue offering conference participants first-hand experience with Louisiana’s unique perspective on banking.  Interactive sessions will range from how-to sessions to panels on new markets such as water quality trading, stormwater credits, carbon sequestration and NOx credits.  Technical banking issues, wetlands science, alternatives to banking, and the newest information on legislation and industry events will be discussed, and a continuation of last year’s Regulators’ Forum facilitated by the Corps is planned.  Presentations – and ideas for sessions  – are welcomed from experienced mitigation and conservation bankers, regulators, engineers, bank users, consultants, bonding firms, venture capitalists, nonprofits who maintain banks, public interest groups and others experienced in the industry.  Ideas, comments and summaries of presentations (approximately 300 words tailored to one of the topics listed on www.mitigationbankingconference.com; or call 800. 726.4853) must be submitted to cbahler@erols.com or faxed to 703.548.6299 by Sept. 12.

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NATIONAL UPDATE

Western Governors Call for National Drought Policy

WGA news release, 7/24/03. DENVER -- The Western Governors Association endorsed drought legislation that they say is badly needed to better prepare for drought and manage its often devastating impacts to communities, agriculture and watersheds. Impacts from the drought in 2002 -- one of the worst in the past century -- were far-reaching across the economy, the environment and society, the governors said. Wildfires alone cost $1.4 billion to suppress on more than 7 million acres of land. http://www.westgov.org/wga/press/drought-legis7-24-03.htm

Nebraska Judge Wades Out of Missouri River Controversy

OMAHA, Nebraska, July 23, 2003 (ENS) – “U.S. District Court of Nebraska Judge Laurie Smith Camp today said she would not hold the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in contempt of a prior ruling if the agency moves to resolve the legal controversy that emerged from a higher court ruling. Camp's decision could prompt the Corps to reduce the water flows on the Missouri River in order to protect endangered species, as ordered by U.S. District Court Judge Gladys Kessler on July 12 . . . The federal agency has refused to comply with Kessler's order, citing the ruling by Camp . . .” http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2003/2003-07-23-09.asp#anchor1  For an American Rivers’ “Restoring the Missouri River” update visit http://www.amrivers.org/missouririver/july03update.htm

House Panel Votes for Peer Review of Army Corps Projects

WASHINGTON, DC, July 23, 2003 (ENS) - The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee today voted for a measure to require peer review of U.S. Army Corps of Engineer civil works projects as part of the Water Resources Development Act of 2003. Army Corps projects have historically been controversial and are frequently the bane of conservationists, who contend environmental oversight of the agency is often lacking. . .” http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2003/2003-07-23-09.asp#anchor2

Chicago Mayor Daley Uses Clout to Help Guard Great Lakes

By Kelly Quigley, Chicago Business, 07/22/03. “Mayor Richard M. Daley on Tuesday said he has launched a Chicago-based office to help mayors of other U.S. and Canadian cities collaborate on strategies to protect and restore the Great Lakes. The office will house the Great Lakes Cities Initiative, a new organization that grew out of a conference of mayors . . . Mr. Daley also praised the introduction of two Great Lakes bills in Congress this week that would provide billions of dollars for lake restoration. The legislation also would create an advisory board made up of mayors, governors and representatives of various federal agencies that would decide where the federal funding should go. . . ” http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/il/072203_great_lakes.htm 

USDA and Society of American Foresters sign Technical Service Provider Agreement

WASHINGTON, July 17, 2003 - Agriculture Under Secretary for Natural
Resources and Environment Mark Rey signed a five-year MOU with officials of the Society of American Foresters (SAF) that will help landowners obtain assistance in forest management. SAF can now recommend its certified individuals to USDA for certification to provide technical services in forest management and agroforestry practices.  The 2002 Farm Bill encourages use of technical service providers to assist in delivering conservation technical assistance services. http://www.usda.gov/news/releases/2003/07/0252.htm

Agencies Release Draft EIS/EIR on the Environmental Water Account

US Bureau of Reclamation news release, 7/14/03. Federal and State agencies have made available for public comment the draft Environmental Impact Statement/Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR), covering the operation of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program’s Environmental Water Account (EWA). The EWA is a cooperative CALFED management program to protect the native fish species of the Bay-Delta estuary through environmentally beneficial changes in the Federal Central Valley Project (CVP) and the State Water Project (SWP) operations at no uncompensated water cost to the CVP/SWP water users. The draft EIS/EIR is available online at www.dwr.water.ca.gov

USDA Releases 1^st Annual National Resources Inventory

WASHINGTON, July 11, 2003—The USDA NRCS released results from its new annual National Resources Inventory (NRI). The NRI provides comprehensive and statistically reliable information on various natural resource conditions and trends on nonfederal lands. Today’s announcement marks the first release of data since the NRI began a transition from a 5-year to an annual survey. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/.

New Acting Top EPA Officials Named

11 July 2003, By John Heilprin, Associated Press. WASHINGTON — President Bush has decided to name Marianne Lamont Horinko, who now oversees the Superfund toxic waste cleanup program, as acting administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency, the EPA said Thursday. Bush also has picked Stephen Johnson, now in charge of the agency's pesticides program, to be acting deputy administrator, said EPA spokeswoman Lisa Harrison . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2003-07-11/s_6499.asp

States Receive Funds for Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation

USFWS news release, 7/10/03.  Conservation organizations in 15 states and 17 Latin American and Caribbean countries will share $3 million in grants for neotropical migratory bird conservation. Partnering organizations will match these grants with $13 million. There are 341 species of nearctic-neotropical migrants, birds that breed north of the Tropic of Cancer and winter south of that line.  Examples of these birds include pelicans, vultures, falcons, cranes, owls, hummingbirds, bluebirds, and orioles. Project write-ups can be found at http://birdhabitat.fws.gov.

Private Stewardship grant Program Disburses More than $9.4 M

The USFWS announced 113 grants totaling more than $9.4 million to individuals and groups to undertake conservation projects on private lands in 43 states for endangered, threatened and other at-risk species.  The grants, the first ever awarded under the Private Stewardship program, will benefit species ranging from the whooping crane in Nebraska to the bald eagle in the state of Washington. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases. 

Released: Draft Environmental Assessment of Mute Swan Management in Atlantic Flyway

USFWS news release, 7/2/03. The USFWS released a draft environmental assessment for the management of mute swans in the Atlantic flyway.  The assessment analyzes the consequences of actions to minimize the damage caused by the increasing numbers of mute swans.  Implementation of the management plan will protect resources such as wetlands, native fish and wildlife populations, personal property, agricultural resources, and address human health and safety issues. Wildlife professionals have argued for a coordinated and cooperative program to reduce mute swan populations – an exotic species - to predetermined and manageable levels designed to minimize ecological impacts. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases. 

EPA Issues Construction General Permit

WaterNews for July 1, 2003. EPA's Construction General Permit was published in the Federal Register today and covers all construction activity on sites one acre or larger * in states, territories, and Indian country where EPA is the permitting authority.  The new permit implements Phase II of the NPDES Stormwater Regulations, which contains new requirements for construction sites between one and five acres.  For more information, see www.epa.gov/npdes/stormwater/cgp.

$70 M in Grants Support Endangered Species Protection

More than $70 million in grants to 29 states will support conservation planning and acquisition of vital habitat for threatened and endangered fish, wildlife, and plant species.  The grants will benefit species ranging from the endangered
red-cockaded woodpecker in the Southeast to the threatened spectacled eider
in Alaska. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases.

Land Added to National Wildlife Refuges in Five States

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of more than 4,660 acres of important migratory bird habitat in Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Texas and Utah for the National Wildlife Refuge System at its June meeting in Washington, D.C. The Cabinet-level commission, chaired by Interior Secretary Gale Norton, approved Migratory Bird Conservation funds of more than $4.5 million to acquire the land. All acquisitions had been previously approved by the affected states. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases. 

Nation’s Streams and Wetlands to be Restored through Community-Led Efforts

EPA news release, Washington DC - The National Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and the Wildlife Habitat Council today have awarded nearly $600,000 to 56 community-led conservation projects throughout the country. The Five Star Restoration Grant Program will provide $5,000 - $15,000 grants to community-based partnerships for support of wetland and streamside restoration projects. A list of projects receiving grants can be viewed on www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/restore/5star/03grants.html.

BLM and Forest Service Seek Public Input on Stewardship Contracting

WASHINGTON, D.C., June 27, 2003 – The Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management and the USDA Forest Service are seeking public input on an administrative tool for stewardship contracting, which will improve and restore forest and rangeland health projects under the Bush Administration’s Healthy Forests Initiative. Stewardship contracting, which Congress recently authorized in appropriations legislation, is intended to achieve key land-management goals an open, collaborative process. The two agencies will consider public input before developing a final policy. A notice is published in today’s Federal Register. http://www.blm.gov/nhp/news/releases/2003.htm 

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

U.S. House Refuses to Limit Crops in the West's Dry Klamath Basin

7/18/03, By Alan Fram, Associated Press. WASHINGTON — “The House refused Thursday to require some farmers in the West's dry Klamath Basin to grow only crops needing little irrigation. It was the latest round of a long-running water war among growers, fishers, environmentalists, and local Indians. The vote was among several environmental battles lawmakers fought as they considered a $19.6 billion bill financing the Interior Department and other federal land and cultural programs next year . . . “http://www.enn.com/news/2003-07-18/s_6716.asp Also see “Klamath salmon plan found illegal - Judge says plan too vague, uncertain, and risky for fish” 7/17/03 http://www.amrivers.org/pressrelease/klamath071703.htm.

Congress Struggles With Great Lakes Restoration

By J.R. Pegg. WASHINGTON, DC, July 16, 2003 (ENS) – “A patchwork of 181 federal and 68 state programs spanning 10 agencies in eight states aims to restore the ecological health of the Great Lakes, but this massive effort is failing for lack of resources and a clear overarching strategy, witnesses told a Senate panel today. And although bipartisan legislation aims to change this and to provide $6 billion in funding for the Great Lakes, those involved in restoration efforts have heard such promises before . . . “http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/on/071603_great_lakes.htm.

Energy Bill Provisions Jeopardize Dam Reforms that Help Fish

July-August 2003 Bay Journal. Article by Scott Faber. ”[A] provision of the energy bill would allow power companies to propose cheaper alternatives to fish ladders, fish lifts and other methods of moving fish over dams if the dam owner could show that the alternative was ‘no less protective of the fish resources.’ The vague provision would weaken current standards and could allow dam owners to use hatcheries to supplement wild fish, use trucks to move fish upstream, or replace native fish with non-native fish altogether, critics say. http://www.bayjournal.com/03-07/dam.htm.

Bills of Interest

H.R.2531 American Wetland Restoration Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:h.r.02531:
Title: To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act relating to wetlands mitigation banking, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Rep Jones, Walter B., Jr. [NC-3] (introduced 6/19/2003) Cosponsors: 6
Latest Major Action: 6/19/2003 Referred to House committee. Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

H.R.2641 Calfed Bay-Delta Authorization Act
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d108:h.r.02641:
Title: To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to implement the Calfed Bay-Delta Program.
Sponsor: Rep Miller, George [CA-7] (introduced 6/26/2003) Cosponsors: 1
Latest Major Action: 7/24/2003 House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Subcommittee Hearings Held.

S.1427 Agriculture Appropriations, FY 2004 bill (identified by CRS)
Title: An original bill making appropriations for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies programs for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2004, and for other purposes.
Sponsor: Sen Bennett, Robert F. [UT] (introduced 7/17/2003) Cosponsors: (none)
Related Bills: H.R.2673
Latest Major Action: 7/17/2003 Senate committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Committee on Appropriations ordered to be reported an original measure.
Summary online at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/about/legislative/pdf/July212003.pdf

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STATES NEWS

NCDENR State, Federal Partners Sign Stream And Wetlands Agreement

NC DENR news release, 7/22/03. GREENSBORO - Officials with the state departments of Transportation and Environment and Natural Resources today entered into an agreement with the US ACOE creating a new multi-agency environmental initiative designed to enhance habitat, stream and water quality protection while reducing road construction delays. The new program, the first of its kind in the nation, will reshape the way the state offsets or alleviates the unavoidable impacts of highway construction on streams and wetlands. http://www.enr.state.nc.us/newsrels/20030722_wetlandagreement.html

OH EPA Issues Section 401 WQC to Section 404 Letters of Permission

July 1, 2003 - Ohio EPA has issued a Section 401 Water Quality Certification (WQC) to Section 404 Letters of Permission for seven types of Lake Erie Watershed projects (PDF 766k) that cause minimal degradation to waters of the state. These Letters of Permission (LOP) substantially expedite the permitting process. To determine if your project qualifies for LOP coverage, or requires an individual Section 401 WQC from Ohio EPA, applicants should contact the Buffalo Corps first to discuss the project. The Buffalo Corps of Engineers can be reached at 716-879-4116.

Update to Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Wetlands

Minnesota has updated the Minnesota Routine Assessment Method for Wetlands to version 3.0. This is a cooperative effort to ensure a standard, field-ready, science-based approach to wetland assessment in Minnesota. The beta version, now available, takes advantage of modern technology and incorporates advances in scientific understanding of wetland function. BWSR is coordinating training sessions in the method, including an overview of wetland assessment, tailoring use of the method to local regulatory needs, broader applications for watershed inventories and planning, GIS applications, step-by-step guidance through the method, and a field exercise. http://www.wes.army.mil/el/emrrp/emris/emrishelp6/minnesota_routine_assessment_method_tools.htm

EPA Awards $75,000 to Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources

EPA Region 9 news release, 7/22/03. HONOLULU – EPA recently awarded a $75,000 grant to the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources for wetland restoration and monitoring work at the Hamakua Marsh in Kailua, Oahu. The grant is part of over $1.5 million in funds being awarded this year throughout the Region for the protection of wetlands. The Hamakua Wetland Restoration and Monitoring Program will use the funds for work at the Hamakua State Wildlife Sanctuary to re-establish habitats for native Hawaiian waterbirds and migratory shorebirds, involve the local community in caring for the wetlands, develop monitoring techniques to understand the biological health of coastal Hawaiian wetlands, and to establish a native wetland ecosystem. http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/#map

NJ DEP Commissioner Announces Upgraded Protections for Endangered Species

NJ DEP news release, 7/15/03. TRENTON (03/99) – NJ DEP announced plans to protect the habitats of New Jersey's threatened and endangered species, making New Jersey a national leader in wildlife protection. Critical habitat regulations to be proposed later this year will use the state's Landscape Project - a Geographic Information Systems (GIS) database of known habitats for threatened and endangered species - to protect upland habitats, as well. The regulations will be incorporated into the Blueprint for Intelligent Growth (BIG) Map, one of the department's prime tools in combating sprawl. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/releases/03_0099.htm

Endangered Wood Stork Nesting Surges as Drought Recedes

7/8/03, by Russ Bynum, Associated Press. SOUTH NEWPORT, Ga. — “John Robinette wades chest-deep through the smelly, swampy stew of dense weeds and biting bugs like a proud papa. The endangered wood storks he monitors here are delivering a baby boom. The wood storks, whose nesting population took a dive during Georgia's five-year drought, have rebounded along with the rain and are having a record nesting season at the 40-acre, human-made bog on the Harris Neck National Wildlife Refuge. Robinette, a biologist with the Fish and Wildlife Service, and his team have counted 431 stork nests at the refuge south of Savannah this year, up from 300 last year and part of a surge recorded statewide . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2003-07-08/s_6307.asp

EPA Announces Use Designations for Kansas

WaterNews for July 8, 2003 In a July 7 Federal Register notice, EPA published final water quality standards for the State of Kansas announcing recreation use designations for 1,287 of the State's waters. These designations replace those adopted by Kansas that EPA disapproved in 1998. The Agency incorporated the results of 550 of the State's analyses into the use designations. Once Kansas has completed the necessary changes to its water quality standards, EPA will withdraw the Federal designated uses. You can learn more about this action by visiting the Internet at http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/standards/actions.htm.

Draft CCP/EA Issued for Parts of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex

Federal Register, 7/8/03. The USFWS has issued a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for Assabet River, Great Meadows and Oxbow National Wildlife Refuges, Part of the Eastern Massachusetts National Wildlife Refuge Complex. Comments due August 22, 2003. Copies of the Draft CCP/EA are available online at www.northeast.fws.gov/planning/.

EPA Settles Clean Water Act Violations at Three Chesapeake Construction Sites

EPA news release, 7/8/03. PHILADELPHIA – More than 24 acres of wetlands will be restored as part of the US EPA settlement in three Clean Water Act cases involving construction sites in Chesapeake, Va. – the Joliffe Road School construction site, and the Willow Lakes and the Emerald Woods residential developments. The alleged violations in these cases involved the illegal filling, ditching, or draining of more than 12 acres of protected wetlands, as well as violations of regulations designed to reduce contaminated storm water runoff. In consent agreements with EPA, Vico and the property owners have agreed to pay total penalties of $9,000, and restore 24.18 acres of wetlands. http://www.epa.gov/region3/news.htm

NY Governor Signs Staten Island Wetlands Protection Bill into Law

NYS Governor news release, 6/28/03. NY Governor George Pataki signed legislation into law that will allow for a one-year moratorium on any development of wetlands in the mid-Island section of Staten Island to give New York City additional time to develop a program to protect the environmentally sensitive "Bluebelt" area and to provide for effective storm-water management in the area. The "Bluebelt" program is a pioneer program to preserve streams, ponds, and other wetland areas so that these systems can--through natural means--convey, store and filter storm water. Compared to sewers, wetlands management has been determined to be a more environmentally-sensitive and cost-effective method of managing stormwater runoff. http://www.state.ny.us/governor/press/year03/june28_03.htm

WA Ecology Department Adopts Updated Water Quality Standards

6/25/03. OLYMPIA - The Department of Ecology (Ecology) is adopting its first major overhaul of the state's water quality standards in a decade. Draft standards were circulated earlier this year, and Ecology held eight public workshops throughout the state to gather comments. More than 1,400 comment letters were received by the March deadline. The updated standards must be approved by the federal Environmental Protection Agency and federal fish agencies before they take effect. For more information:  http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/wq/swqs/index.html

WA Approves Permits to Allow Corps to Deepen Columbia River

6/24/03. OLYMPIA - The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) has approved permits that will allow the US ACOE to deepen the Columbia River navigation channel from Portland, Ore., to the mouth of the river. Permit conditions require the Corps to take detailed steps to lessen environmental effects of the project. White said the state's conditions would provide overall benefits for all river dredging, not just deepening. With similar permit approvals from Oregon, deepening could begin as early as February of 2004. Copies of the approval documents are posted on Ecology's Web site http://www.ecy.wa.gov/programs/sea/cr-channel.html.

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

New Biological Resources from the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center

http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/whatsnew.htm
1) Biological Resource -- Using Aquatic Invertebrates to Delineate Seasonal and Temporary Wetlands in the Prairie Pothole Region of North America tests the feasibility of using the remains of aquatic invertebrates to delineate wetlands even when the wetlands are dry or have been tilled. 2) Biological Resource -- A Comprehensive Review of Observational and Site Evaluation Data of Migrant Whooping Cranes in the United States, 1943-99 is a comprehensive analysis of existing observational data (1943-99) and site evaluation data (1977-99) for locations used by whooping cranes (Grus americana) during migration through the United States portion of the Wood Buffalo-Aransas flyway.
3) Biological Resource -- Conservation Reserve Program: Benefit for Grassland Birds in the Northern Plains investigates the importance of CRP and its potential to help reverse population declines of several upland-nesting ducks and certain other grassland-nesting birds.
4) Biological Resource -- Effects of Radio Transmitters on Nesting Captive Mallards studies 3 types of back-mounted radio packages on captive female mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) to assess their effects on reproduction.

August 2003 newsletter of WATERMARKS, Louisiana CWPPR News

The August 2003 Number 23 newsletter of WATERMARKS, Louisiana Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration News has a focus on FRESHWATER DIVERSIONS: Revitalizing Louisiana’s Coastal Wetlands. Articles include: issues of interest related to the “Restoring the Natural Flow: Diversions Rebuild Wetlands,” “Diversions: Routing Water into Wetlands,” “Diversion Critics Question Impact,” and more. Visit http://www.lacoast.gov/watermarks/2003-08/watermarks-2003-08.pdf (PDF 3.26 MB)

Researchers Aim to Halt Sales of Noxious Weeds on the Internet

NCSU News Release, 7/24/03. Many online vendors sell plants that appear on the federal noxious weed list, making the Internet the newest pathway for exotic plants and associated pests to invade the nation’s natural resources. But a team of researchers from CIPM and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) is developing a Web application that searches the Internet for Web sites selling noxious weeds. The application, called Agricultural Internet Monitoring System (AIMS) frees regulatory inspectors from manually searching the Internet. http://www.ncsu.edu/news/press_releases/03_07/196.htm

Case Studies: Financing Transportation and Community and System Preservation Projects

These FHWA case studies discusses how TCSP grantees have leveraged a variety of public and private sources, allowing them to undertake innovative projects that link transportation, community, and system preservation practices. http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/tcsp/case10.html

Bibliography: “Constructed wetlands and other approaches to protecting water quality”

The Water Quality Information Center at the National Agricultural Library has compiled the bibliography “Constructed wetlands and other approaches to protecting water quality.” Subtopics covered are agricultural best management practices; nutrient management for crops and livestock; and environmental management systems for agriculture. Available at http://www.nal.usda.gov/wqic/Bibliographies/qb0302.html

Climate Change Strategic Plan Issued by Federal Science Panel

EPA news release, 7/24/03. A multi-agency Federal panel has issued its strategic plan to answer some of the most complex questions around the climate variability and change issues. The document describes a strategy for developing knowledge of variability and change in climate and related environmental and human systems, and for encouraging the application of this knowledge. The plan is the result of months of intensive effort by the Climate Change Science Program (CCSP), a joint federal program of President Bush's Committee on Climate Change Science and Technology Integration.  http://www.epa.gov/newsroom/

New Publication: The Do’s and Don’ts of Wetland Construction

Environmental Concern Inc. (www.wetland.org) is pleased to announce the arrival of its newest publication.  Authored by Dr. Edgar Garbisch, The Do’s and Don’ts of Wetland Construction is a practical guide to assist wetland practitioners in their effort to make professionally sound decisions regarding Site selection; Plans and specification development; Pre-bid and pre-construction meetings; Contract bidding; Wetland construction; Post-construction maintenance; Post-construction monitoring. $34.95. For more information contact Environmental Concern - (410) 745-9620, dir.educate@wetland.org.

NC Stream Restoration Institute releases “Stream Restoration: A Natural Channel Design Handbook”

The North Carolina Stream Restoration Institute's (SRI) official guide to stream restoration is hot off the press. This 128-page book (not including appendices) contains information about stream survey procedures, classification, restoration options, restoration design procedures, vegetation, erosion control and much more! Get your copy for only $35 (includes $5 for shipping and handling). See the SRI's web page for order information http://www.ncsu.edu/sri/stream_rest_guidebook/guidebook.html The guidebook can also be downloaded free as a pdf file.

Ecologists Urge Preventive Conservation of Coastal Areas

WASHINGTON, DC, July 23, 2003 (ENS) – “A new report published by the Ecological Society of America finds that marine conservation and management strategies need to address juveniles and their habitats and should shift from mitigation and restoration measures to more preventive conservation of key coastal areas such as seagrass meadows, marshes, oyster reefs and kelp and mangrove forests. The concept of nursery habitat and strategies for protecting them have been poorly defined, according to the report, titled ‘The Role of Nearshore Ecosystems as Fish and Shellfish Nurseries’ . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jul2003/2003-07-23-09.asp#anchor3 "The Role of Nearshore Ecosystems as Fish and Shellfish Nurseries" is available online at: http://www.esa.org/sbi/sbi_issues/issues_pdfs/issue11.pdf

Streams and Wadeable Rivers Document (EPA-822-R-02-048) Available

EPA is pleased to announce the availability of the Summary of Biological Assessment Programs and Biocriteria Development for States, Tribes, Territories and Interstate Commissions: Streams and Wadeable Rivers Document (EPA-822-R-02-048).  This document provides an abundance of technical and programmatic information, which illustrates the progress States, Tribes, Territories and Interstate Commissions are making in the utilization of biological assessments and criteria in their water programs for protecting streams and small rivers. To download a copy of the document and fact sheet, please visit http://www.epa.gov/waterscience/biocriteria/ or http://www.epa.gov/bioindicators/html/program_summary.html.

GAO Report: Freshwater Supply:  States' Views of How Federal Agencies Could Help Them Meet the Challenges of Expected Shortages

GAO-03-514, July 9. http://www.gao.gov/cgi-bin/getrpt?GAO-03-514 Highlights http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d03514high.pdf  GAO was asked to determine the current conditions and future trends for U.S. water availability and use, the likelihood of shortages and their potential consequences, and states’ views on how federal activities could better support state water management efforts to meet State water managers ranked federal actions that could best help states meet their water resource needs. They preferred: (1) financial assistance to increase storage and distribution capacity; (2) water data from more locations; (3) more flexibility in complying with or administering federal environmental laws; (4) better coordinated federal participation in water-management agreements; and (5) more consultation with states on federal or tribal use of water rights. Federal officials identified agency activities that support state references.

The Status of Restoration Activities in the Great Lakes Areas of Concern: A Special Report

The Status of Restoration Activities in the Great Lakes Areas of Concern: A Special Report evaluates RAP implementation and progress across the Great Lakes basin. The report is available on the Internet at www.ijc.org, on CD with the Eleventh Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality or in hard copy by contacting any IJC office. The IJC's Eleventh Biennial Report on Great Lakes Water Quality, assessing progress of the U.S. and Canada to restore and maintain the Great Lakes is available on the Internet at http://www.ijc.org/php/publications/html/aoc_rep/english/report/index.html

US EPA: Draft Report on the Environment [pdf]

The NSDL Scout Report for the Physical Sciences, 7/11/03. The Draft Report on the Environment, from the Environmental Protection Agency, "describes current national environmental conditions and trends using existing data and indicators, identifies data gaps and research needs, and discusses the challenges government and our partners face in filling those gaps." The recently released online Draft Report on the Environment Technical Document "provides the scientific foundation for the Draft Report on the Environment and discusses in detail the indicators and data that are currently available, as well as their limitations." Visitors can view information from five thematic areas that include Cleaner Air, Purer Water, Better Protected Land, Human Health, and Ecological Condition. [JAB] http://www.epa.gov/indicators/roe/html/tsd/index.htm

National Park Services Releases Draft Chesapeake Bay Special Resource Study/EIS

Federal Register, 6/25/03. The National Park Service (NPS) announces the availability of the draft Chesapeake Bay Special Resource Study and Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS).   The Study was conducted to: (a) Examine whether having additional Chesapeake Bay resources within the National Park System would make sense and would advance partnership efforts to conserve and celebrate the Chesapeake Bay; (b) define whether there are concepts or ways that areas of the Bay might fit appropriately within the diverse National Park System; and (c) make recommendations to Congress regarding these findings. www.chesapeakestudy.org.

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POTPOURRI

New Stamps Have Freshwater Theme

July 2003, U.S. Water News Online. NEW YORK – “Freshwater resources worldwide are so important that the United Nations has proclaimed the year 2003 as the ‘International Year of Fresh Water” . . . To help promote and publicize the freshwater program, the United Nations Postal Administration has issued a set of six new commemorative stamps with a freshwater theme . . . The pair of U.S. stamps portray a person in a canoe gliding through waters and vegetation toward receding water . . . The UNPA says the card will be available only through October. First-day covers and the new stamps will be available by calling (800) 234-UNPA . . . “  http://www.uswaternews.com/archives/arcglobal/3newsta7.html

Bridge Project Creates Wetlands; Bald Eagle Sanctuary Planned

By Griff Witte, Washington Post Staff Writer, 7/24/03. Page SM12. “Workers in neon yellow hard hats and construction vests planted thousands of shrubs and trees along the shore of Hunting Creek in Alexandria this month as the first step in creating acres of wetlands and other environmental improvements to compensate for damage caused by construction of the new Woodrow Wilson Bridge. On a gently sloping one-acre site just west of the George Washington Memorial Parkway, workers planted native plants and trees -- 12,000 in all -- to replace the invasive vegetation that had been occupying the site and choking off growth. In doing so, the workers started the site's transformation from an ecologically dormant flood plain into a vibrant wetland that will help filter out pollution and offer critical habitat to local creatures, officials said . . . “ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A32015-2003Jul22.html

July is Lakes Awareness Month

EPA in conjunction with the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) and others, is celebrating "Lakes Awareness Month" in July as part of the Year of Clean Water, 2002-2003.  For more information about Lakes Awareness Month and the outreach materials that are available, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/lakes/month/

Master's Assistantship - Effects of Beaver on Plant Assemblage Dynamics

An assistantship is available for work on a project funded by the National Audubon Society to examine the effects of beaver on wetland plant vegetation in north Mississippi.  The research will take place at the Strawberry Plains Audubon Center, a 1200-hectare former cotton plantation near Holly Springs, MS.  It is anticipated that the student would begin work no later than January 2004. The assistantship includes an annual stipend of $11,500, and a waiver of 100% out-of-state and 71% in-state tuition and fees.  Contact Dr. Gary Ervin, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box GY, Mississippi State, MS, 39762; tel: (662) 325-1203; e-mail: gervin@biology.msstate.edu.

Wetland Scientist/Inspector 

The Town of Philipstown, a semi-rural township in Putnam County, NY is seeking a part-time Wetland Inspector.  Duties include wetland inspections and determinations, application review, assessment of environmental impact, permit writing, and violation investigations.  Successful applicant shall have a degree in wildlife, fisheries or forest management, ecology, hydrology or a closely related field and two years’ full-time experience in wetlands protection.  Please reply to ilopatin@inconsult.com or Isabel Lopatin at (845) 265-9057.

Eider Recovery Coordinator Wanted

The USFWS is recruiting for an Eider Recovery Coordinator position to be based in Fairbanks, Alaska.  The position will be a Fish and Wildlife Biologist, GS 11/12.  This position will serve as the primary Service contact with the Eider Recovery Team, which advises the Service on the recovery of threatened Spectacled and Steller's Eiders.  For further information contact Ted Swem at 907-456-0441 or ted_swem@fws.gov.  To apply, see Announcement #FWS7-03-40VJ-0986712, available on the www.usajobs.opm.gov website; applications must be submitted by August 19, 2003.

Wanted: Preservation Project Manager & Controller

The Conservation Trust has entered into a partnership with the NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and must hire new staff to manage the program.  The partnership will help implement the Ecosystem Enhancement Program (EEP), a new state initiative established to facilitate the preservation and restoration of streams, wetlands, and riparian areas throughout North Carolina to provide required mitigation credits for the NC Department of Transportation (NC DOT).  CTNC will contract with North Carolina's network of local and regional land trusts to accomplish the objectives of the EEP. Send cover letter, resume, and salary history, by August 23, 2003, to Rusty Painter, CTNC, PO Box 33333, Raleigh, NC, 27636, or to rusty@ctnc.org.

Assistant Professor needed for Forested Wetland Ecology and Management

LOCATION:  Louisiana Agricultural Experiment Station/Louisiana State University Agricultural Center and College of Agriculture, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. RANK: Assistant Professor (12 month, tenure-track). APPLICATION DEADLINE: On September 1, 2003 the search committee will begin reviewing applicants; interviews are anticipated in early fall. Start date January 2004. CONTACT: Dr. Michael Stine, Chair, School RNR Search Committee, School of Renewable Natural Resources, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, mstine@lsu.edu Office: 225-578-4137, Fax: 255-578-4227, http://www.rnr.lsu.edu

Vacancies at Arkansas Game and Fish Commission

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission currently has vacancies for the following positions in the Wildlife Management Division:
Assistant Chief, Wild. Mgt. Div         Closes:  8/1/03
Deer Program Coordinator                        Closes: 8/22/03
Wetlands Program Coordinator (G&F Bio III): Closes: 8/1/03
Waterfowl Program Coordinator           Closes 8/9/03
Assistant Regional Wildlife Supervisor Closes 9/5/03
Habitat Biologist                                       Closes: 8/1/03
Private Lands Biologist                         Closes: 9/5/03
To view job announcements go to
https://www.ark.org/arstatejobs/jobsearch.cgi?SEARCH=1 and use the pull down menu to view jobs at the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.  Follow directions on the announcements if you want more information.

Colorado State Seeks “Threatened and Endangered Species Specialist”

DEADLINE: AUGUST 8, 2003
STATE: COLORADO
JOB: THREATENED & ENDANGERED SPECIES SPECIALIST Position Number: 22309,
Fulltime with Colorado Department of Transportation, in SE Denver.
*Applicants must be Colorado Residents
Details posted online at http://www.cyber-sierra.com/nrjobs/announce/aug8-03colo.html

Wetlands Plant Ecology * Teaching Assistantships Available

Teaching Assistantships available beginning August 2003 or January 2004 in the Mississippi State University Biological Sciences Department.  Present research involves disturbance, succession, and species interactions, as they pertain to wetland plants. Assistantships include an academic year (9-month) stipend of $10,000 for Master's students or $12,000 for Ph.D. students, and a waiver 100% out-of-state and 71% in-state tuition and fees.   Contact Dr. Gary Ervin, Department of Biological Sciences, PO Box GY, Mississippi State, MS, 39762; tel: (662) 325-1203; e-mail: gervin@biology.msstate.edu.

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MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES