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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
A Slam Dunk Decision For Indiana Wetlands!
CT: Wetlands Ruling May Have Major Impact on Area
Call for Nominations for 2004 National Wetlands Awards
EPA Gears Up for the Second Round of Watershed Grants

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
Final Rule on Double-Crested Cormorant Management
Unprecedented Project to Restore Balance on Penobscot River
Report Finds Strengths, Weaknesses in FWS’ Endangered Species Program
Study Finds Net Gain From Pollution Rules
Public May Be Shut Out from Environmental Review Process
Bighead Carp an Injurious Species?  Information Sought

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
Administration Endorses Legislation To Reorganize EPA, Elevate Its Status
U.S. Energy Bill May Be Delayed Until January
Democrats Block Vote on EPA Nominee Leavitt
Bill Would Ban Foreign Ships' Ballast Water
Proposal Excludes States, Tribes, and the Public from New Hydro Relicensing Administrative  Process and Curtails Environmental Protections
Cleaning up after the Corps: WRDA 2003
Update on Federal Government Spending Bills

---STATES NEWS---
171,000-Acre CT Headwaters Now Protected (NH)
New Species Of Salamander Found In Eastern Tennessee
Illinois Lawyer Ordered to Restore Wetland, Pay $75,000 Penalty
SC: Coastal Group Pushes State Wetland Control
Groups Petition EPA to Protect Wetlands in SW Florida
NC Coastal Federation Calls for Re-Examination of Coastal Development Laws
Florida Increases Protection for Florida’s Springs
KAWS Hires Coordinator for Western Kansas
$30 Million to Preserve Wetlands in South Florida
MD Governor Ehrlich Scales Back Conservation Program
California Moves to End Colorado River Water Wars 
Federal Wildlife Service to Withdraw Permits to Kill Mute Swans

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
New: Atlas of the Biodiversity of California
2001 National and State Economic Impacts of Wildlife Watching Report
National Research Network Could Help Solve Environmental Problems

---POTPOURRI---
CA: Watershed Coordinator Grant Program 2004 RFP
2004-2005 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Request for Proposals
Everglades BirdFest, January 17-19, 2004
EPA Solicits Grant Applications for Border Environment Projects

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

The leaves are prettiest today, the translucent yellows of the beech and silver maples and the fiery reds of the red maples contrasted against the greens and browns of pine and oak trees.  This is such a delightful time of year in the northeast though fleeting – there is a conflicting sense of urgency on a warm fall day to slow down and relish each moment for soon the winter winds will brush the forest canopy with a harsh cold gusts followed by the arrival of the first snowfall.  My daughter is getting the biggest kick out of this fall – hauling fresh-picked apples from the orchard; picking and carving Jack-o-Lanterns; stretching “spider webs” across artwork, fireplace, and mantle; talking about Halloween and trick-or-treat; and seeing her name posted on almost everything relating to the season.  These are the days that memories are made.

With regard to achievements on a different scale, the Sierra Club has awarded its highest honor, the John Muir Award honoring a distinguished record of achievement, to a very deserving and dear friend, Vivian Newman. Vivian has spent over two decades working to protect the integrity of our nation's coasts, waters and wetlands. Her quiet determination and dedication has served as an inspiration to many of her colleagues across the country. We are very grateful for her years of hard work and proud to acknowledge her as a member of the Association of State Wetland Managers.  She continues to contribute her expertise on a wide variety of issues, and we look forward to many more achievements in the future.  You go, girl!

Special thanks to this edition’s contributors, including Earle Cummings, retired and lovin’ it in California; Scott Hausmann, ASWM Board Member extraordinaire and Wisconsin DNR wetlands guru; and Erika Pencak, Environmental Law Institute.

This week I’m off to Sacramento California [Ahnuld – Land] for the annual Land Trust Alliance Rally, so I won’t see you at the ASWM annual conference in NH.  Have a great time, and we’ll touch base again in a few weeks.

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

A Slam Dunk Decision For Indiana Wetlands!

Julie Sibbing, National Wildlife Federation. “On September 23, 2003, the Indiana Supreme Court decided an important wetland case in favor of the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), reversing the lower court and upholding the agency's authority to regulate Indiana's isolated wetlands and waters.  Indiana Department of Environmental Management v. Twin Eagle LLC, No. 49S00-0204-CV-00237 (Ind. 2002) . . . The Supreme Court upheld IDEM's authority to require an NPDES permit for discharges in ‘waters of the state,’ including isolated wetlands and ponds, regardless of whether those waters remained ‘waters of the United States’ under the federal Clean Water Act (CWA).  The Supreme Court concluded that, ‘[t]he contraction of federal authority did nothing to limit state power.’  Interpreting state law defining state ‘waters,’ the Court further concluded that ‘at least some wetlands,’ including some so-called isolated wetlands, are ‘accumulations of water’ and therefore ‘waters of the state’ subject to IDEM's NPDES permit requirement.  Similarly, the Court found that certain ‘private ponds’ were ‘waters of the state’ subject to state regulation. The Supreme Court also upheld IDEM's ‘interim process’ of requiring an NPDES permit for discharges of dredged or fill material into isolated waters no longer requiring a federal CWA §404 permit . . . “


CT: Wetlands Ruling May Have Major Impact on Area

By Peter Davenport, Assistant City Editor, 10/4/03, and John Nickerson, Staff Writer. “Attorneys for developers hailed a state Supreme Court ruling yesterday that the Wilton Inland Wetlands Commission exceeded its authority in preventing construction on the habitat of spotted salamanders. Experts say the high court's ruling could have far-reaching implications. Many development plans that have been held up or denied because of concerns about impacts on creatures such as spotted salamanders -- which live on dry land but use nearby wetlands a few weeks a year to breed -- may now be resubmitted or will move forward . . . “ http://www.llgm.com/article.asp?article=679

Call for Nominations for 2004 National Wetlands Awards

Environmental Law Institute announcement.  Each year the environmental community comes together to honor individuals who have dedicated their time and energy to protecting our nation's precious wetlands.  The 2004 Awards will be given in six new categories: Education and Outreach; Science Research; Conservation and Restoration; Landowner Stewardship; State, Tribal, and Local Program Development; and Wetland Community Leader.  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.  The deadline for submitting nominations is December 15, 2003. http://www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm

EPA Gears Up for the Second Round of Watershed Grants

EPA announcement. EPA announced the call for nominations for the second round of Watershed Initiative grants.  $21 million has been requested for this year’s budget for grants to support community-based approaches and activities to protect and restore local water resources.  This request is now before Congress. Nominations will be due January 15, 2004; final selections of watershed grantees will be announced next spring.  http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/initiative/

Return to Top of Page

NATIONAL UPDATE

Final Rule on Double-Crested Cormorant Management

USFWS news release, 10/8/03. The USFWS released a Final Rule and Record of Decision that will allow more flexibility in the control of double-crested cormorants in areas where they are causing damage to aquaculture and public resources such as fisheries, vegetation, and other birds. The rule expands the aquaculture depredation order, which has been in place in 13 States since 1998, to allow USDA Wildlife Services to conduct winter roost control.  It also establishes a public resource depredation order to allow cormorant control for the protection of public resources in 24 States. http://migratorybirds.fws.gov/issues/cormorant/cormorant.html

Unprecedented Project to Restore Balance on Penobscot River

American Rivers news release, 10/6/03. Old Town, Maine -- On the banks of the Penobscot River, PPL Corporation, conservation groups, the Penobscot Indian Nation, the State of Maine, and the U.S. Department of Interior, announced an agreement aimed at restoring sea-run fish to the Penobscot River, while giving PPL Corporation the opportunity to maintain more than 90% of its current hydropower generation. The Penobscot River Restoration Project will significantly improve access to over 500 miles of river habitat, allowing for the recovery of native species of sea-run fish.  http://www.amrivers.org/pressrelease/penobscot100603.htm

Report Finds Strengths, Weaknesses in FWS’ Endangered Species Program

9/30/03, By John Heilprin, Associated Press. WASHINGTON – “Congressional investigators generally approve of the way the Fish and Wildlife Service is putting science into its endangered species program but say improvement is needed in decisions to protect habitats needed for species to recover. A report Monday from the General Accounting Office, the investigative arm of Congress, put new pressure on Fish and Wildlife to develop guidelines for when to require critical habitats, mainly to reduce the agency's exposure to lawsuits from environmental groups. http://www.enn.com/news/2003-09-30/s_8930.asp

Study Finds Net Gain From Pollution Rules

By Eric Pianin, Washington Post Staff Writer, Saturday, September 27, 2003; Page A01. “A new White House study concludes that environmental regulations are well worth the costs they impose on industry and consumers, resulting in significant public health improvements and other benefits to society. The findings overturn a previous report that officials now say was defective . . . ” http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A7586-2003Sep26.html  OMB press release:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/pubpress/2003-38.pdf; OMB report:   http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/inforeg/regpol-reports_congress.html

Public May Be Shut Out from Environmental Review Process

From Natural Resources Defense Council, 9/24/03. WASHINGTON - Recommendations announced today in a report by the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ) could obstruct public input on key federal decisions on the environment, according to an analysis by NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). The report, "Modernizing NEPA Implementation," was issued by CEQ's National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) Task Force. http://www.nrdc.org/media/default.asp#0924review

Bighead Carp an Injurious Species?  Information Sought

USFWS news release, 9/17/03. The USFWS served notice that it will begin to collect scientific and economic information on bighead carp to help determine if the fish should be placed on the list of injurious species, which would prohibit their importation into the United States and their shipment across State lines. Bighead carp are already established in the Mississippi River basin. Biologists are concerned that the fish could slip through a manmade canal into the Great Lakes, where the voracious eaters would threaten the food supply available to native fish.  http://news.fws.gov

Return to Top of Page

LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Administration Endorses Legislation To Reorganize EPA, Elevate Its Status

EPA EnviroBytes, 9/12/03. The Bush administration supports elevating EPA to a cabinet-level department and generally supports pending legislation that would reorganize its structure. Legislation (H.R. 2138) would reorganize EPA and divide responsibility among undersecretaries for policy, planning, and innovation; science and information; and compliance, implementation, and enforcement. Acting EPA Administrator Horinko offered support for the legislation saying, "This general structure could help EPA overcome organizational challenges." http://www.epa.gov/region03/ebytes/ebytes09_12_03.htm

U.S. Energy Bill May Be Delayed Until January

10/10/03. By Chris Baltimore, Reuters. WASHINGTON – “A vote by U.S. Senate and House negotiators on a broad energy bill could be delayed until January because of bitter disagreements over electricity grid rules and a fuel additive that competes with ethanol, a Senate aide said Thursday. The bill, the first overhaul of U.S. energy policy in a decade, aims to offer billions of dollars worth of incentives for investments in natural gas drilling, coal-fired power plants, nuclear power, and alternative energy . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2003-10-10/s_9308.asp

Democrats Block Vote on EPA Nominee Leavitt

10/2/03. By Thomas Ferraro, Reuters. WASHINGTON – “Senate Democrats blocked a vote on President Bush's nomination of Utah Gov. Mike Leavitt to head the Environmental Protection Agency on Wednesday, saying he needed to fully explain his positions . . . Democrats, who have accused Bush of rolling back environmental protection, boycotted the committee meeting, thereby preventing the scheduled vote on Leavitt. The vote on whether to send his nomination to the full Senate for consideration was rescheduled for Oct. 15. By then, Democrats hope to have obtained more answers from Leavitt on a number of issues — from asbestos contamination to ozone standards . . . “  http://www.enn.com/news/2003-10-02/s_9036.asp

Bill Would Ban Foreign Ships' Ballast Water

By Gene Schabath, The Detroit News, 9/24/03. HARRISON TOWNSHIP – “Foreign commercial ships entering the Great Lakes may find the going a little rougher -- not from high seas but from proposed regulations aimed at keeping invasive aquatic species from re-establishing a foothold in state waters. U.S. Rep. Candice Miller, R-Harrison Township, introduced legislation last week that would require foreign ships to unload 95 percent of their ballast water in the ocean before entering the Great Lakes. That's just the first step, she said. http://www.greatlakesdirectory.org/mi/092403_great_lakes.htm

Proposal Excludes States, Tribes, and the Public from New Hydro Relicensing Administrative Process and Curtails Environmental Protections

American Rivers * Hydropower Reform Coalition * Trout Unlimited, 9/23/03. The Hydropower Reform Coalition, American Rivers, and Trout Unlimited expressed significant disappointment with yesterday's release of the proposed Hydropower Title contained in the draft Energy Bill citing a precedent setting administrative review process that excludes the public. According to the draft language released yesterday, the bill establishes four new administrative processes as part of the hydroelectric licensing and makes them available only to dam owners.  http://www.amrivers.org/pressrelease/hydro091903.htm

Cleaning up after the Corps: WRDA 2003

American Rivers website, 10/3/03. Members of the U.S. House of Representatives missed a chance to ensure that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers replaces the wetlands and other habitat their projects destroy when legislators declined to include long overdue mitigation reforms in the Water Resources Development Act of 2003. Conservation groups like American Rivers and other members of the Corps Reform Network have sought reforms that would ensure that the Corps quickly replaces each acre of habitat a project destroys, and to monitor mitigation projects to ensure that created wetlands and forests succeed. http://www.amrivers.org/armycorpsreform/wrda100303.htm

Update on Federal Government Spending Bills

Natural Resources Defense Council's LEGISLATIVE WATCH, 10/8/03. http://www.nrdc.org/legislation/legwatch.asp By 10/7, the House had finished work on its versions of the 13 annual spending bills, while the Senate still had six remaining bills to approve. The new fiscal year began on 10/1, so on 9/25 the House and Senate passed a continuing resolution (H.J. Res. 69) to fund the federal government until 10/31 while the two chambers complete work on appropriations bills. The sluggish pace of the appropriations process in the Senate has increased the likelihood that any unfinished spending bills will be combined into one comprehensive package, allowing Congress to adjourn for the year at the end of October.

Return to Top of Page

STATES NEWS

171,000-Acre CT Headwaters Now Protected (NH)

The Trust for Public Land news release. PITTSBURG, New Hampshire, 10/10/03 - Federal and state officials joined area residents and nonprofit organizations today at Lake Francis State Park to complete the final phase of the landmark Connecticut Lakes Headwaters Project, marking the permanent conservation of approximately 171,000 acres in Pittsburg, Clarksville, and Stewartstown. The largest contiguous block of New Hampshire land in private ownership, this property comprises roughly 3 percent of the state. http://www.tpl.org

New Species Of Salamander Found In Eastern Tennessee

HerpDigest Volume # 4 Issue # 6 [Information Courtesy CNAH press release.] “Herpetologists Jennifer A. Anderson and Stephen G. Tilley, Smith College, Northampton, Massachusetts, recently discovered and formally described as new to science a unique salamander from the Cumberland Plateau of eastern Tennessee . . . Appropriately dubbed the Cumberland Dusky Salamander, this small amphibian was given the scientific names Desmognathus abditus. The species name "abditus" comes from Latin, and means hidden, concealed, or secret. The authors so named this creature because for so long it had remained hidden from science in the heavily-populated eastern United States . . . http://www.cnah.org/detail.asp?id=1238 . . . ”

Illinois Lawyer Ordered to Restore Wetland, Pay $75,000 Penalty

USDOJ news release, 10/9/03. Madison, Wisconsin -- The United States District Court has ordered Paul A. Heinrich, an Illinois lawyer and pilot, to fully restore wetlands adjacent to Little Star Lake, in Vilas County. In issuing his ruling after trial on injunctive relief and penalties, Judge John C. Shabaz found that Heinrich’s violations of the Clean Water Act (“Act”) were knowingly and willfully, and also ordered Heinrich to pay a $75,000 penalty to provide both specific and general deterrence.  Heinrich must submit a plan to restore the White Cedar Swamp by November 10, 2003. Contact Leslie K. Herje, (608) 264-5158 or http://www.usdoj.gov/

SC: Coastal Group Pushes State Wetland Control

BY JESSICA FLATHMANN, The Island Packet, 10/4/03. PINOPOLIS – “A state coastal group recommended Friday that the S.C. General Assembly pass legislation giving the state Department of Health and Environmental Control the specific authority to regulate isolated freshwater wetlands. In a 10-0 vote, the Council on Coastal Futures voted to ask the state legislature to take up and pass a bill that would give the state the authority to control isolated freshwater wetland uses and require mitigation for wetlands to be filled in a development project . . . “ http://www.islandpacket.com/news/local/story/2918733p-2682609c.html

Groups Petition EPA to Protect Wetlands in SW Florida

PEER news release, 10/3/03. Washington, DC – A coalition of national and Florida-based groups is asking EPA to veto ten wetlands development permits in Southwest Florida, arguing that the permits would violate the Clean Water Act. The ten projects are located in Lee and Collier Counties and represent the leading wave of plans to pave over a significant portion of the remaining undeveloped lands in the area outside of Naples known as the Western Everglades. The ten projects would destroy nearly 2,000 acres of wetlands and impact thousands more acres of undeveloped uplands. http://www.peer.org/press/398.html

NC Coastal Federation Calls for Re-Examination of Coastal Development Laws

NC Coastal Federation news release, 10/3/03. Ocean – The NC Coastal Federation will call on North Carolina's political leaders today to appoint a special commission or a legislative committee to decide if the state needs to overhaul its 30-year-old programs meant to protect its coastal environment. Its ninth annual State of the Coast Report argues that landmark laws, such as the Coastal Area Management Act passed by the NC General Assembly in 1974, have failed to fulfill their promise of promoting "orderly and balanced growth" while protecting the coast's natural heritage. Responsibilities for managing coastal resources are fragmented into 27 different government agencies. http://www.nccoast.org/Newsroom/PressSOC_state.html  

Florida Increases Protection for Florida’s Springs  

The FL DEP “DEPost”, Volume 4, Issue 19, October 3, 2003. Tallahassee – On September 30, Governor Jeb Bush and the Florida Cabinet voted unanimously to strengthen protection for Florida’s 600 freshwater springs. Improvements to the Florida Springs rule, proposed by DEP, will increase protection for water quality, flow and habitats . . . “ http://www.dep.state.fl.us/secretary/DEPost/2003/1003.htm

KAWS Hires Coordinator for Western Kansas

Playa Post #8 Oct. 2003. “The Kansas Alliance for Wetlands and Streams (KAWS) has boosted its presence in western Kansas by hiring a new chapter coordinator, Linda Hauder. Hauder supports three KAWS chapters covering 26 western Kansas counties, and will develop additional chapters in the area. Since coming on board September 1, Hauder is already making contacts and building interest in areas not currently served by KAWS . . . “ http://www.pljv.org/newsarchive/PlayaPost/post1003.html

$30 Million to Preserve Wetlands in South Florida

 NRCS This Week 10/3/03 edition. “[USDA] was on hand to help announce a partnership among NRCS, the South Florida Water Management District, and Martin County to restore and preserve more than 15,000 acres of wetlands and associated upland buffer habitat on the Allapattah Ranch, a beef cattle ranch in Martin County. Through the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), $23 million went to purchase a permanent conservation easement on the Allapattah Ranch property. [Another] $7 million in WRP funds were used to cost-share with the Water Management District on restoration of the agriculturally impacted wetlands . . . “ http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/thisweek/2003/031003/flwetlands.html

MD Governor Ehrlich Scales Back Conservation Program

By Nelson Hernandez and Anita Huslin, Washington Post Staff Writers, 10/2/03; Page B01. “Maryland Gov. Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. yesterday announced that the state would not purchase any more land for preservation until his administration revamps the state's land conservation program. Striking directly at his predecessor's pet program, Ehrlich argued that the state's environmental policy should focus more on preserving the Chesapeake Bay rather than acquiring scattered parcels across the state . . . “ http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A30862-2003Oct1.html

California Moves to End Colorado River Water Wars 

Planet Ark WorldNews, 10/1/03. LOS ANGELES – “California took a major step this week toward resolving its so-called water wars and reducing the amount it draws from the giant Colorado River, largely at the expense of the state's desert farmers. Calif. Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation this week to implement a pact reached between four state water agencies following more than seven years of often bitter negotiations. . . “ http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/22414/story.htm

Federal Wildlife Service to Withdraw Permits to Kill Mute Swans

By Tom Stuckey, Associated Press, 9/19/03. ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed this week to withdraw all permits for state and federal officials to kill mute swans said to pose an environmental threat in 17 Eastern states. The offer needs final approval from a federal judge, who granted an injunction last month prohibiting the killings until he ruled in a lawsuit brought by the Fund for Animals, a New York–based advocacy group. The lawsuit challenged a permit issued to Maryland to kill the birds. Swans are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2003-09-19/s_8598.asp

Return to Top of Page

NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

New: Atlas of the Biodiversity of California

The California Department of Fish and Game is pleased to announce the publication of "Atlas of the Biodiversity of California." The “Atlas of the Biodiversity of California” is a guide to the state’s biological resources.  This book is a bound collection of maps, stunning photographs, and artistic illustrations – all depicting the state’s rich diversity of plant and animal species. It includes 87 nature photographs, 48 full-color maps, and 10 wildlife illustrations. Additional information about the book, including ordering instructions and the table of contents, is available online at http://atlas.dfg.ca.gov

2001 National and State Economic Impacts of Wildlife Watching Report

A new economic report released by the USFWS found that 66 million Americans spent more than $38 billion in 2001 observing, feeding, or photographing wildlife.  The new report, called the 2001 National and State Economic Impacts of Wildlife Watching Addendum relied on data collected in the Service's 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. http://news.fws.gov

National Research Network Could Help Solve Environmental Problems

National Academies news release, 9/17/03. - A proposed national network of research sites, designed to facilitate regional- and continental-scale ecological monitoring, would be an important tool for understanding the vulnerability of ecosystems to environmental changes, says a new report from the National Academies' Board on Life Sciences. The network should focus on major environmental issues such as biodiversity, climate change, emerging infectious diseases, invasive species and land use. Full Report http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10807.html?onpi_topnews_091703 Project Web Site
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/10807.html?onpi_topnews_091703

Return to Top of Page

POTPOURRI

CA: Watershed Coordinator Grant Program 2004 RFP

The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the Department of Conservation Watershed Coordinator Grant Program is now available on the Department's website at: http://www.consrv.ca.gov/DLRP/rcd/publications/index.htm The Grant Program is open to locally based nonprofit groups with 501(c)(3) status, special districts and local governments. The Program is not open to federal or state agencies.  Proposals are due November 17, 2003, 5:00 p.m. The Department will be holding a series of RFP informational workshops.  To receive a hard copy of the RFP, please send a request to rcd@consrv.ca.gov

2004-2005 Wisconsin Coastal Management Program Request for Proposals

The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program (WCMP) is soliciting proposals to enhance, preserve, protect and restore resources within the state's coastal zone - all counties adjacent to Lakes Superior and Michigan, with their 820 miles of shoreline. WCMP Grants are available for coastal land acquisition, coastal wetland protection and habitat restoration, nonpoint source pollution control, coastal resource and community planning, Great Lakes education, public access and historic preservation.  Applications are due November 7, 2003. http://coastal.wisconsin.gov

Everglades BirdFest, January 17-19, 2004

Everglades BirdFest, January 17-19, 2004, is a 3-day birding and ecology festival in Everglades National Park, including naturalist guided birdwatching in Main and Shark Valley sections of the park. Included is luxury coach transportation to sites and trails, 2 nights lodging at Flamingo Lodge, 7 meals, full use of park facilities, exhibitors, evening seminars on birdlife, wildlife, habitats, comparative ecology, natural history, and conservation and restoration of the Everglades. Optional boating, canoeing, kayaking, biking, fishing, back-country hiking are available. http://www.browardaudubon.org/birdfest

EPA Solicits Grant Applications for Border Environment Projects

10/2/03. EPA news release, SAN FRANCISCO – EPA has a total of $1.2 million in grants and is soliciting proposals for projects along the border that address objectives of the U.S.-Mexico Border 2012 Program. The program focuses on decreasing air, water, waste and soil pollution, and lowering the risks of exposure to pesticides and other chemicals. For more information on the application process, call (415) 972-3498 or visit: http://www.epa.gov/r6border/b2012_rfp.pdf or for
information on the Border 2012 Program, go to: http://www.epa.gov/usmexicoborder

Return to Top of Page

MEETINGS AND CONFERENCES