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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---

$70 Billion Worth Of Freshwater Resources At Risk Annually
Wetlands Program Development Grants
New Shared Federal Agency National Mitigation Action Plan (MAP) Website
NOAA Issues Omnibus Grants Notice
Survey: NPS Compendium of Ecological Assessment Methods

---NATIONAL UPDATES---

California Water-Rights Ruling Could Threaten Species Protection
Up To 26 Times More Fish Found On Reefs Near Mangrove Forests
Conservationists File Lawsuit for Wetlands Dragonfly Critical Habitat Designation
USGS Study Documents Water-level Changes in High Plains Aquifer
International Maritime Organization Adopts Ballast Water Convention
Pesticides Restricted To Protect Salmon; West Coast Ruling Is Sweeping
Ramsar Signs Two Memoranda Of Understanding With The USA
Global Wetlands To Be Surveyed From Space
Conservation Program To Protect New Jersey Streams Feeding Into Atlantic Ocean
$14 Million In Grants To Tribes To Help Fund Fish And Wildlife Conservation Projects

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---

Slimmer $14 Bln Energy Bill Unveiled
U.S. Senate Passes $318 Billion Transportation Bill
Eco-Groups Unhappy with Bush Budget Plan

---STATES NEWS---

MA DEP Proposes General Permit for Work in the Buffer Zone
WI: AB780 Threatens Wetlands
MD: Wetland Plants Could Hinder Delmarva Development
USFWS Decides Not To List Midvalley Fairy Shrimp    
NM: Minnow Plan Under Review
Rare Puerto Rico Coqui Frog To Receive Protections Under Legal Accord
CA: Sonoma Land Trust Seeking $25M for Wetlands
Final Environmental Document Released for CALFED Environmental Water Account 
Settlement: Freshwater Wetlands in New Jersey's Pinelands to be Restored
MI Governor Signs Directive to Prohibit Toxic Material Disposal in Michigan’s Waters

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---

Long Island Sound Restoration Work Group Releases "Technical Support for Coastal Habitat Restoration"
March 2004 Edition of Wetlands Journal Available
Welcome To The February 2004 Edition Of The Playa Post!
NRCS PLANTS Website Among “Top 50” Government Innovations In America
USGS Study Describes Ground Water in Aquifers and Ecosystems along the Atlantic Coast
Stream Restoration Case Studies: The Effect of Highways on Streams
Upcoming Weather Channel Episodes To Feature Watershed Protection
New Website for Salton Sea Restoration

---POTPOURRI---

West Eugene (OR) Wetlands Program Hiring 20 Seasonal Employees
Wetland Technician Job Announcement (CO)
Illinois Natural History Survey Seeks Waterfowl/Wetlands Ecologist
Request For Proposals - Grants To States For Endangered Species Conservation
MI DEQ Seasonal Job Openings: Contract Wetland Specialist Positions

---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 was a simple New Year’s Resolution – do the dishes every night before I go to bed. All I really need to do is take dirty dishes from the sink and place them into the dishwasher.  Maybe even pick up a dishrag and wipe off the countertops.  And yet, I failed.  Sure, it was the longest running resolution I’ve maintained – almost six weeks.  But my husband has once more picked up the slack; and each evening the rattle of a pan or clank of silverware against a glass barks a damning reminder of my shortcomings.  So, I’m going to try again – a Presidents Day Resolution.  After all, isn’t that the hallmark of success – trying again where once one has failed?

Special thanks to this edition’s contributors, including Pat Riexinger, NYD Department of Environmental Conservation; Eric Wold, City of Eugene; Scott Jecker, Whitenton Group, Inc.; Suzanne Bolton, NOAA; Bonnie Potocki, Eco-Solutions; and Liz Marshall.

Finally, we were unable to update the meetings and events calendar in time to include it in this edition, so please visit http://www.aswm.org/calendar/calendar.htm.  I promise, we’ll get it updated soon.

Until next time,

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

$70 Billion Worth Of Freshwater Resources At Risk Annually

WWF news release, 1/31/04. Gland, Switzerland – According to a new WWF report, US$70 billion worth of goods and services from freshwater resources could be at risk annually if governments fail to manage their wetlands sustainably. The report, The Economic Values of the World’s Wetlands, is the first comprehensive overview of the economic values of the world’s wetlands. It analyzes the 89 existing valuation studies and uses a database covering a wetland area of 630,000 km², putting the annual value of wetlands at a very conservative US$3.4 billion. But extending this figure using the Ramsar Convention's global wetland area estimate of 12.8 million km², the WWF report concludes that the annual global value of wetlands is US$70 billion. It shows that amenity and recreation, flood control, recreational fishing, and water filtration are the most valued functions of wetlands. http://www.panda.org/news_facts/newsroom/press_releases/news.cfm?uNewsID=10965

Wetlands Program Development Grants

The Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs), initiated in FY90, provide eligible applicants an opportunity to conduct projects that promote the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. While WPDGs can continue to be used by recipients to build and refine any element of a comprehensive wetland program, priority will be given to funding projects that address the three priority areas identified by EPA: Developing a comprehensive monitoring and assessment program; improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation; and refining the protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources. States, Tribes, local governments (S/T/LGs), interstate associations, intertribal consortia, and national non-profit, non-governmental organizations are eligible to apply. http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines

New Shared Federal Agency National Mitigation Action Plan (MAP) Website

From Jeanne Christie, ASWM. A new web page summarizing the federal agencies' progress implementing the National Mitigation Action Plan (MAP) can be accessed at http://www.mitigationactionplan.gov/.  This interagency site is has been created to share information regarding MAP implementation with stakeholders and the public.  The site provides information about the MAP, status of the various action items called for in the MAP, and links to completed MAP action items.  Draft documents will be posted in the "Status of Action Items" section of the site in the coming weeks for comment/review will include: Draft Mitigation Site Performance Standards Report and Draft Stream Mitigation Protocol Compendium.

NOAA Issues Omnibus Grants Notice

(CSO Weekly Report) NOAA has announced the availability of competitive grant funds for fiscal year 2004 (69, Federal Register, p. 6942, February 12). This notice provides the application  information related to some of NOAA's competitive grant offerings, such as the Coastal Services Center Technical Assistance for Coastal Managers Program.  The awards for this program will go to applicants who target the following five priorities: increasing coordination and planning between local land trusts, state agencies, and regional planning agencies; development of a nationally consistent inventory system for geospatial data at the state level; increasing education and research opportunities in the application of GIS and remote sensing technologies; incorporation of seagrass into the monitoring of the health of special management areas; pilot projects supporting the Data Management and Communications component of the Integrated Ocean Observing System. The application deadline is March 15, 2004. For more information, visit http://www.ofa.noaa.gov/%7Egrants/fbo/Omnibus_FRN_FY04.pdf

Survey: NPS Compendium of Ecological Assessment Methods

The National Park Service (NPS) has initiated an effort to develop a Compendium of Ecological Assessment Methods. The purpose of the Compendium is to provide park managers the information necessary for identifying and selecting assessment methods.  Park managers need replicable, planning-level assessments of the ecological (including hydrological) conditions of park watersheds and landscapes, including the upland, wetland, and stream/riparian areas. They must also be able to compare those conditions to the objectives for park watershed resource management. As part of this effort, the NPS has compiled a web-based general survey to gather basic information about available methods that are and/or can be used by the National Park Service.  The NPS is also seeking preliminary case study information for projects where ecological assessment methods have been used to conceptualize, design, construct, and monitor ecosystem enhancement or restoration projects. The NPS respectfully invites you to learn more about the NPS project by visiting the project web site noted below.  You are encouraged to participate by completing the general survey and/or the case study survey available on the same site. http://ecosurvey.gmu.edu/index.html

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NATIONAL UPDATE

California Water-Rights Ruling Could Threaten Species Protection

2/13/04. By Seth Hettena, Associated Press. SAN DIEGO – “An effort to save two rare fish more than a decade ago could come back to haunt environmentalists after a recent court decision awarded millions of dollars in compensation to farmers who lost water in the process . . . The case stemmed from the government's efforts to protect endangered winter-run chinook salmon and threatened delta smelt between 1992 and 1994 by withholding billions of gallons from farmers in California's Kern and Tulare counties. Court of Federal Claims Senior Judge John Wiese ruled that the government's halting of water constituted a ‘taking’ or intrusion on the farmers' private property rights [and] awarded $26 million to a group of California farmers . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2004-02-13/s_13125.asp

Up To 26 Times More Fish Found On Reefs Near Mangrove Forests

WWF news release, 2/4/04.  Washington, DC – A study to be published tomorrow in the science journal Nature has found the strongest link to date between the productivity of coral reef fisheries and the health of nearby mangrove forests.  The study compared the numbers and amount of fish on reefs near mangrove forests to reefs far from any mangroves. One species, blue striped grunt, was found to be 26 times — or 2667 per cent — more abundant on reefs near healthy mangroves, measured in total biomass. http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/what_we_do/marine/news/news.cfm?uNewsID=11035 

Conservationists File Lawsuit for Wetlands Dragonfly Critical Habitat Designation

Center for Biological Diversity news release, 2/4/04. WASHINGTON DC - National and regional environmental groups filed an important lawsuit today asking a federal court to order the Bush administration to designate critical habitat for the Hine’s emerald dragonfly, a wetlands-dependent endangered species found in small areas of Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin and Missouri. The species is likely already gone in Ohio, Indiana and Alabama due to habitat loss. The Hine’s emerald dragonfly (Somatochlora hineana) was listed as an endangered species in 1995. http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/press/dragon2-4-04.html

USGS Study Documents Water-level Changes in High Plains Aquifer

USGS news release, 2/9/04. A new report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) describes changes that have taken place in the High Plains aquifer from the time that significant ground-water pumping began in the 1940's to the year 2000.  The results show a six percent decrease in the volume of water stored in the High Plains (or Ogallala) aquifer.  Underlying portions of eight states, including Colorado, Kansas, Nebraska, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Dakota, and Texas, the massive aquifer spans 173,000 square miles and provides irrigation and drinking water for one of the major agricultural regions in the world. http://www.usgs.gov/public/press/public_affairs/press_releases/pr1847m.html

International Maritime Organization Adopts Ballast Water Convention

Great Lakes United “Habitat Watch # 291” February 8-February 14, 2004. “On Friday in London, an international convention to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species carried by ships' ballast water was adopted by the International Maritime Organization.  The IMO is the United Nations agency responsible for the safety and security of shipping and the prevention of marine pollution from ships. The IMO announcement is at: http://www.imo.org/Newsroom/mainframe.asp?topic_id=848&doc_id=3475 The convention will enter into force 12 months after ratification by 30 countries, representing 35 per cent of world merchant shipping tonnage . . . “

Pesticides Restricted To Protect Salmon; West Coast Ruling Is Sweeping

By Craig Welch, Seattle Times staff reporter, 1/23/04. “A federal judge yesterday banned application of 38 pesticides along Northwest salmon streams, and required retailers in major West Coast cities to post warnings that read ‘Salmon Hazard’ where seven of the most harmful chemicals are sold.  The sweeping order by U.S. District Judge John Coughenour affects everything from sprays used in orchards, dandelion-killers used on farms and yards, and industrial herbicides applied on forests, golf courses and roadsides . . . “ http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2001842254_pesticide23m.html

Ramsar Signs Two Memoranda Of Understanding With The USA

RAMSAR news release, 1/21/04. The Ramsar Convention Bureau and delegates from the United States State Department and Fish and Wildlife Service signed two memoranda of understanding that open an area of even greater cooperation in the funding of small projects in pursuit of the Convention's principles of wetland conservation and wise use.  Approximately 25 projects per year have been funded through the Wetlands for the Future Fund over the past eight years, at the rate of US$ 250,000 per year, and the new memorandum expresses the US commitment to continuing this exceptionally valuable program from 2003 through to 2008, the period covered by the Ramsar Strategic Plan. http://www.ramsar.org/w.n.usa_mou_2004.htm

Global Wetlands To Be Surveyed From Space

Wetkit News Jan/Feb 2004. “Globwetland is a new €1 million ($CAD 2,33 million) project designed to produce inventory maps and digital elevation models of wetlands and the surrounding catchment areas. These satellite-derived and geo-referenced products are intended to aid local and national authorities in fulfilling their Ramsar obligations, and should also function as a helpful tool for wetland managers and scientific researchers. The project, formally launched on November 20, 2003 by the European Space Agency (ESA), provides data on about 50 sites in 21 countries worldwide . . . “ http://www.wetkit.net/modules/1/showtool.php?tool_id=1286

Conservation Program To Protect New Jersey Streams Feeding Into Atlantic Ocean

USDA news release, 2/3/04. WASHINGTON - Agriculture Secretary Ann M. Veneman today announced a $100 million Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) partnership with the State of New Jersey to improve water quality of streams filtering into the Atlantic Ocean. "This partnership will result in the planting of 30,000 acres of New Jersey farmland to grasses and trees to help prevent pollutants from entering waterways that feed into the Atlantic Ocean," said Veneman. http://www.usda.gov/Newsroom/0059.04.html 

$14 Million In Grants To Tribes To Help Fund Fish And Wildlife Conservation Projects

USFWS news release, 1/27/04. WASHINGTON - The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarding 79 grants, totaling nearly $14 million, to help 60 federally recognized Indian tribes conserve and recover endangered, threatened and at-risk species and other wildlife on tribal lands. The Service is awarding the grants under two new programs, the Tribal Landowner Incentive Program and Tribal Wildlife Grant Program. These programs are similar to cost-share programs recently developed by the department to assist states, local communities, private landowners and other partners undertake wildlife conservation projects.  http://news.fws.gov

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES

Slimmer $14 Bln Energy Bill Unveiled

PlanetArk World News 2/16/04. WASHINGTON – “Senate Republicans last week formally unveiled a slimmed-down, $14 billion energy bill after cutting a deal with Democrats for a swift vote on the stalled package when lawmakers return from a week-long holiday later this month. The new bill, which would double the use of corn-distilled ethanol in gasoline, replaces a proposed $31 billion bill laden with energy industry incentives that stalled in the Senate late last year . . . The bulk of the savings in the bill's tax breaks come from delaying their effective date by a year. Republicans also sliced about $6.7 billion by dropping programs for energy efficiency, deep-water drilling and coastal restoration in Louisiana and other oil-producing states. . . “ http://www.planetark.com/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/23822/story.htm

U.S. Senate Passes $318 Billion Transportation Bill

Planet Ark World News, 2/13/04. WASHINGTON – “The Senate passed a $318 billion transportation bill Thursday, defying President Bush, who has threatened to veto the spending package because of its large price tag and funding strategies. Senators approved the bill, which will pay for road construction and mass transit programs over the next six years, by a vote of 76-21 after defeating an attempt by some Republicans to pare it back to Bush's $256 billion request . . . “ http://www.enn.com/news/2004-02-13/s_13117.asp

Eco-Groups Unhappy with Bush Budget Plan

The Salt Lake Tribune, 2/3/04. WASHINGTON – “President Bush is calling for increased spending for wildfire prevention and salmon restoration, but would cut other spending for natural resources and environmental programs.    The president's budget would fully fund a new law aimed at preventing wildfires in national forests and increase spending for Northwest salmon restoration to $100 million -- a $10 million increase over current levels. But the Forest Service overall would see a 7.6 percent decrease to $4.2 billion under the plan Bush proposed Monday for the budget year that begins Oct. 1 . . . “ http://www.sltrib.com/2004/Feb/02032004/nation_w/135257.asp

STATES NEWS

MA DEP Proposes General Permit for Work in the Buffer Zone

“The River Current” (The mostly monthly e-newsletter of the Charles River Watershed Association) Issue Vii 1/23/04 “In an effort to maximize protection of wetlands and water resources, especially given severe staff limitations, DEP has proposed new regulations that would create a General Permit for certain types of work in the buffer zone.  Under current Water Management Act regulations, any work proposed in a buffer zone (within 100 feet of wetlands, rivers, lakes and ponds) requires public review and approval by a local Conservation Commission.  The proposed General Permit would replace the current regulatory requirements, and would allow certain types of work to go ahead without such review and approval, provided the project met a list of standards that are presumed to protect the wetland and water resources . . . The public comment period will most likely not begin until late winter or early spring. To view a copy of the Proposed Wetlands Protection Act Buffer Zone General Permit, please visit: http://www.state.ma.us/dep/brp/ww/wwpubs.htm”

WI: AB780 Threatens Wetlands

Wisonsin Wetlands Association e-mail, 2/12/04. “The [WI] Assembly Natural Resources Committee [held] a public hearing and executive session . . . to discuss Assembly Bill 780. Wisconsin Wetlands Association opposes AB780, which would provide exemptions from compliance with existing wetland regulations for governmental units that have adopted ‘Smart Growth’ plans. WWA objects to the legislation for four main reasons . . . : Wetland protection is not required by SmartGrowth; "Negligible Functional Values" is not defined; The Mitigation provision in the bill is inadequate; The bill is in violation of the Public Trust Doctrine . . . “ For more information e-mail becky@wiscwetlands.org

MD: Wetland Plants Could Hinder Delmarva Development

1/25/04.  By Adrienne Saunders, Capital News Service. ANNAPOLIS – “The [USFWS] should reconsider revisions to the national wetland plant list that could increase wetland areas in several Shore counties, pushing development into crop fields and increasing development costs, some lawmakers said.  Three plants -- American beech, American holly and loblolly pine -- were reclassified in the 1998 revisions, which have not been adopted by the [EPA].  Although plants are only one indicator of three necessary for wetland classification, Sen. Richard Colburn, R-Dorchester, said loblolly pines grow all over the Eastern Shore and don't necessarily indicate that an area is a wetland . . . Residents are concerned changes could have a negative economic impact on property owners, who would be subject to difficult building requirements, pushing development into other areas . . . “ http://www.dailytimesonline.com/news/stories/20040125/localnews/291917.html

USFWS Decides Not To List Midvalley Fairy Shrimp    

USFWS news release, 1/26/04. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today that it cannot conclude that the midvalley fairy shrimp is in need of Federal listing under the Endangered Species Act. The Service reached this conclusion after assessing the best scientific and commercial information available on the past, present, and future threats faced by this species. The small crustacean is found in shallow seasonal wetlands known as vernal pools in Sacramento, Solano, Contra Costa, San Joaquin, Merced, Madera, Fresno and Yolo counties in California’s Central Valley. Today’s decision comes in response to a petition – filed in August 2001 by the Center for Biological Diversity and VernalPools.Org – to list the midvalley fairy shrimp as endangered. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/

NM: Minnow Plan Under Review

Santa Fe New Mexican, 2/13/04.  WASHINGTON – “Interior Secretary Gale Norton committed Thursday to give serious consideration to Sen. Pete Domenici's proposal to solve New Mexico's problem with the endangered silvery minnow by ‘taking the fish to the water.’ The minnow's primary habitat is the Rio Grande south of Albuquerque. It's an area that sometimes runs dry, and for its survival, the fish requires water diversions from farmers and towns. Domenici, R-N.M., and Sandia Pueblo Gov. Stuwart Paisano have asked the Interior Department to consider a proposal to relocate the fish farther upstream to parts of the river that have more regular flows. They have also proposed sanctuaries for the fish on tribal lands north of Albuquerque . . . “ http://www.santafenewmexican.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=40319&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=7

Rare Puerto Rico Coqui Frog To Receive Protections Under Legal Accord

Center for Biological Diversity news release, 2/8/04. Washington, DC -The Center for Biological Diversity and the Maunabo Development Committee have reached a legal settlement with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service requiring the preparation of a Recovery Plan for the coqui guajon (Puerto Rico rock frog). The coqui guajon is a rare frog that occurs only in Southeastern Puerto Rico. The guajon is the only one of the Puerto Rico coqui species to occur in caves and grotto formations.  http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/swcbd/press/coqui2-9-04.htm

CA: Sonoma Land Trust Seeking $25M for Wetlands

Sonoma News, By Patricia Henley Assistant News Editor, 01/27/04 - Under the theme of "The Once and For All Baylands Campaign," the nonprofit Sonoma Land Trust is poised to preserve more than 2,300 acres of prime open space along San Pablo Bay but needs to gather an estimated $25 million by this fall. Most of the money will come from local, state and federal government sources, but it's crucial that about 10 percent, or $2.5 million, is raised through private donations no later than this spring, said Ralph Benson, executive director of the Sonoma Land Trust . . . “ http://www.sonomanews.com/articles/2004/01/27/news/top_stories/news02.txt

Final Environmental Document Released for CALFED Environmental Water Account 

US Bureau of Reclamation news release. The Bureau of Reclamation and the CA Department of Water Resources (DWR) have prepared the Final Environmental Impact Statement/ Environmental Impact Report (EIS/EIR) covering the operation of the CALFED Bay-Delta Program's Environmental Water Account (EWA). The EIS/EIR analyzes the No-Action/No-Project Alternative, a Flexible Purchase Alternative (Proposed), and a Fixed Purchase Alternative.  The EWA is a cooperative CALFED management program developed to address fish protection and recovery in the San Francisco Bay/Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, while at the same time improving water supply reliability for CVP and SWP customers. www.dwr.water.ca.gov.

Settlement: Freshwater Wetlands in New Jersey's Pinelands to be Restored

NJ DEP news release, 1/22/04.  TRENTON - Settling long-standing violations of the state's Freshwater Wetlands Protection Act, Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Commissioner Bradley M. Campbell today announced that A.R. DeMarco Enterprises, Inc. will restore 22 acres of wetlands that were unlawfully converted to cranberry bogs in 1998, and will pay the state a $400,000 fine. http://www.state.nj.us/dep/newsrel/releases/04_0003.htm

MI Governor Signs Directive to Prohibit Toxic Material Disposal in Michigan’s Waters

Governor’s news release, 1/20/04. LANSING – Michigan Governor Jennifer M. Granholm issued an executive directive prohibiting the dumping of dredge material contaminated with toxic substances such as dioxin or PCBs into the waters of the Great Lakes.  Executive Directive 2004-1 prohibits state agencies from issuing permits for the open water disposal of contaminated dredge material.  The prohibition against open water disposal is one of six initiatives presented by Granholm, which includes protection of isolated wetlands and federal funding for Great Lakes restoration projects. http://www.michigan.gov/gov/0,1607,7-168--84746--,00.html

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

Long Island Sound Restoration Work Group Releases "Technical Support for Coastal Habitat Restoration"

From Pat Riexinger, NYSDEC. The NYS DEC Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources' Marine Habitat Protection Section just released the Long Island Sound Habitat Restoration Work Group's  "Technical Support for Coastal Habitat Restoration."   It is designed to provide basic technical information about habitats and their restoration, for persons interested in planning and pursuing a restoration project.  It contains sections on tidal wetland, freshwater wetlands, submerged aquatic vegetation, coastal grasslands, and coastal barrier beaches and dunes.  It is available in electronic format at www.longislandsoundstudy.net/habitat

March 2004 Edition of Wetlands Journal Available

Society of Wetland Scientists website. Wetlands is an international journal concerned with all aspects of wetlands biology, ecology, hydrology, water chemistry, soil and sediment characteristics, management, and laws and regulations. The journal is published quarterly, with the goal of centralizing the publication of pioneering wetlands work that is otherwise spread among a myriad of journals. March 2004 table of contents and abstracts are available online at http://www.sws.org/wetlands/toc/TOCV24n1.html

Welcome To The February 2004 Edition Of The Playa Post!

In this issue:
1. PLJV Management Board reviews accomplishments, tours playas during meeting in Woodward, Oklahoma
2. PLJV Partner Profile: Oklahoma Wildlife and Prairie Heritage Alliance
3. Teacher wins grant for playa program; More education resources on PLJV.org
4. USFWS seeks NAWCA, Private Stewardship Grant Program proposals
5. PLJV coordinator meets with key partners in New Mexico
Follow this link for the Playa Post: http://www.pljv.org/newsarchive/PlayaPost/post0204.html

NRCS PLANTS Website Among “Top 50” Government Innovations In America

NRCS “This Week,” 2/10/04.  “The NRCS PLANTS Website is among the ‘Top 50’ programs still in the running for the Innovations in American Government Awards . . . Established as one of the earliest government Web-based databases, the PLANTS Website provides scientifically credible plant information to about 350,000 visitors (12 million hits) per month. One of NRCS’s three strategic databases (along with Climate and SOILS), PLANTS provides diverse, taxonomically standardized information to promote sound land management and ecologically healthy landscapes. It is recognized as the Federal Government’s plant data standard for the exchange of natural resource information, and has revolutionized access to fundamental plant information about the land plants of the U.S. and its territories.” http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/news/thisweek/2004/040210/plantsaward.html

USGS Study Describes Ground Water in Aquifers and Ecosystems along the Atlantic Coast

USGS news release, 2/3/04. Because of an increasing awareness of the critical role of ground water in sustaining coastal populations, economies, and ecosystems, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) has recently published a report that describes ground water conditions in freshwater and saltwater environments along the Atlantic coast. The report "Ground Water in Freshwater-Saltwater Environments of the Atlantic Coast," is available on the USGS website at http://water.usgs.gov/pubs/circ/2003/circ1262.

Stream Restoration Case Studies: The Effect of Highways on Streams

Federal Highway Administration website, 2/23/04. Six case histories from across the Nation (Montana, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, and Washington). These projects successfully protected stream habitats and natural characteristics by careful design and restoration of natural features in the stream channels that had to be relocated due to road construction.  DVD available from the Office of Natural and Human Environment by e-mailing environment@fhwa.dot.gov

Upcoming Weather Channel Episodes To Feature Watershed Protection

EPA Region 3 “EnviroBytes” for the week ending 1/30/04.  The Weather Channel and EPA have co-produced an episode about watersheds for the Weather Channel show: After the Storm. The show highlights three case studies where polluted runoff threatens watersheds valued for recreation, commercial fisheries and navigation, and drinking water: In addition to illustrating the environmental implications of weather events, the special explains simple things people can do to protect their local watershed—such as picking up after one’s dog and recycling household hazardous wastes and low impact development (utilizing rain gardens and green roofs to minimize stormwater runoff). The Weather Channel will air the show on Sunday, May 9, 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Eastern; and Saturday, June 26, 8:30 p.m. and 11:30 p.m. Eastern.

New Website for Salton Sea Restoration

Welcome to the home page for State implementation of the 2003 Colorado River Quantification Settlement Agreement and Salton Sea ecosystem restoration legislation. This legislation created new responsibilities for the Resources Agency and for the Departments of Fish and Game and Water Resources. Specifics of the new legislative requirements can be found by following the summary link provided at the left. http://www.saltonsea.water.ca.gov/

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POTPOURRI

West Eugene (OR) Wetlands Program Hiring 20 Seasonal Employees

The West Eugene Wetlands Program will be hiring approximately 20 seasonal employees this spring and summer to work on wetland restoration projects. The seasonal employees will work on one of three teams:  (a) Botanical Monitoring Team (3 people), (b) Seed Collection Team (4 people), or (c) Wetland Maintenance Team (12 people).  Employment on any of these teams will provide an excellent introduction to the successful wetland habitat restoration program of the West Eugene Wetlands Program, and employees will gain considerable experience with the identification of native Willamette Valley wetland plants and non-native wetland plants.  A description of the positions and application procedures are available by contacting SELECTEMP, 1202 Gateway Loop, Springfield, Oregon  97477
Phone: 541-746-6200. Request information on the City of Eugene's "Botany Assistant 1, Botany Assistant 2, and Wetlands Maintenance" positions.  Applications must be submitted to SELECTEMP by Thursday, March 18, 2004.  

Wetland Technician Job Announcement (CO)

Ecology list serve e-mail. Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory seeks up to four seasonal biological technicians to assist in the monitoring and assessment of select wetland conservation projects in Colorado.  Responsibilities will include surveys of bird use and breeding success, qualitative and quantitative assessments of vegetation communities, inspection of project improvements, and wetland functional assessments of project sites. Additional duties include data management, equipment maintenance, and occasional oversight of project volunteers.  Positions may last up to six months (May-October) with salary ranging from $8-10 per hour based on experience.  The project is based out of Fort Collins, CO. Contact Heather Tipton, Project Biologist, heather.tipton@rmbo.org

Illinois Natural History Survey Seeks Waterfowl/Wetlands Ecologist

Waterfowl/Wetlands Ecologist. Assistant Professional Scientist, Illinois Natural History Survey (INHS), Center for Wildlife Ecology.  The position is located at the Forbes Biological Station / Frank C. Bellrose Waterfowl Research Center in Havana, IL. INHS seeks a wildlife ecologist to plan, develop, and conduct research on waterfowl ecology or wetlands restoration, with applications to conservation, management, or habitat restoration issues in Illinois and elsewhere.   Research may address a broad range of topics such as habitat use, reproduction, migratory patterns, behavioral ecology, and management or conservation of waterfowl or other waterbirds.  Qualifications:  Ph.D. in wildlife ecology or a related field is required by date of hire.  To ensure full consideration, applications must be
received by April 7, 2004.  To apply submit cover letter, cv, statement of research interests, 2 - 3 examples of publications, and three (3) letters of references: Illinois Natural History Survey, Human Resources Office, PRF #1181 607 East Peabody Drive, Champaign IL 61820 hroffice@inhs.uiuc.edu 217-265-5644, FAX: 217-333-4949. 

Request For Proposals - Grants To States For Endangered Species Conservation

USFWS news release, 2/11/04. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is seeking proposals from states and U.S. territories interested in acquiring land or conducting conservation planning for endangered species. Congress has appropriated $71million for fiscal year 2004 to support grants awarded under the Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund. These grants are available to states and territories to support their participation in a wide array of voluntary conservation projects for listed species, as well as for species that are either proposed or candidates for listing.  By law, the state or territory must have a current cooperative agreement with the Service and contribute 25% of the estimated program costs of approved projects, or 10% when two or more states or territories undertake a joint project.  The grants are expected to be awarded in summer 2004. http://endangered.fws.gov/grants/.

MI DEQ Seasonal Job Openings: Contract Wetland Specialist Positions

The deadline for submitting an application is March 1, 2004.
Job Title:  Contract Wetland Identification Specialist (April 15, 2004 through January 31, 2005.) The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality's (MDEQ's) Geological and Land Management Division (GLMD) is looking for qualified persons to fill up to five seasonal positions.  Successful candidates will work within one or more of the following regions of Michigan: Upper Peninsula, Northern Lower Peninsula, Southwest Michigan, South-Central Michigan, and Southeast Michigan. Active enrollment in or completion of a BS or MS degree program in Natural Resource Sciences is required. Desirable Qualifications include: Training, education, and field experience in identifying Michigan wetland plant species, soils, determining surficial and near-surface hydrology, and map interpretation skills. For complete details contact Todd Losee, 517-335-3457, loseet@michigan.gov or Wendy Veltman, 517-241-8485, veltmanw@michigan.gov

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