Penn State Lauds Green Roofs

New research on the benefits of green roof technology is highlighted on the Penn State University Center for Green Roof Research website.

The website includes good information about why people should plant green roofs, details about research being conducted at the Center, news articles and publications, and links to other good green roof websites. http://hortweb.cas.psu.edu/research/greenroofcenter/index.html . For more information on designing a green roof for your site, contact into@fxbrowne.com.

Old Manure May Yield Fewer Bugs

New research sponsored by the Lake Champlain Basin Program suggests that manure storage may help reduce bacteria levels in agricultural runoff.

Researchers in Vermont found that storing manure for 30 days reduced the number of E. coli bacteria in runoff from experimental plots by 97 percent compared to fresh manure, and storage for 90 days reduced bacteria counts by 99 percent. Other factors, including vegetation height, field tillage, and the timing of manure spreading with respect to rainfall, had a significant but less pronounced effect. http://www.lcbp.org/casin/spring2005.pdf

International Report Raises Red Flag

Humans are damaging the planet at a rapid rate and raising risks of abrupt collapses in nature that could spur disease, deforestation, or "dead zones" in the seas, an international report claims.

The Millennium Ecosystem Assessment study claims that in the last 50 years a rising human population had polluted or overexploited two-thirds of the ecological systems on which life depends, including clean air and fresh water. The study urges changes in consumption, better education, new technology and higher prices for exploiting ecosystems. The five-year study, commissioned by the United Nations and involving 1,360 researchers in 95 nations, looked at 24 "services" that Earth's ecosystem provided people. The study found that 15 if these critical services were in trouble. http://www.millenniumassessment.org/en/index.aspx

Algae Toxin - Alzheimer's Link Studied

An environmental toxin linked to common neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been found in blue-green algae-contaminated water throughout the world.

An international team of researchers that reported the finding this week suggested that public health officials now should consider monitoring for the neurotoxin in waters that have blue-green algae "blooms." The neurotoxin is called B-N-methylamino-L-alanine, or BMAA. Other researchers agree that the work is interesting and warrants further investigation, but they caution it is only suggestive, and no definitive link between blue-green algae and common neurodegenerative diseases has yet been established. The research appears in the April 5, 2005 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Good Work If You Can Get It: A New Approach To Lake Restoration Funding

A new film project will help pay for lake restoration at a Cook County, IL forest preserve.

Many scenes for the romantic drama "Il Mare," starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock, will be filmed at a glass-sided house near Maple Lake, about 15 miles southwest of Chicago. In addition to the $100,000 shooting fee, Warner Bros. Pictures agreed to pay for much of the $40,000 needed to stabilize the shoreline and pay for new wetland plantings that the Cook County Forest Preserve District already had planned. The movie is scheduled for release in 2006.

http://mesh.medill.northwestern.edu/mnschicago/archives/2005/04/preserve_a_new.html

The PA DEP announced the availability of final Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDL) Plans for all or parts of 17 watersheds in 12 counties.

PA DEP has issued administrative orders to 13 municipalities that failed to comply with federally mandated Phase II Stormwater Permitting Regulations, which address the water quality of runoff that enters streams and rivers through storm sewers.

In a move aimed at strengthening cooperation and collaboration between agricultural and environmental research, education and outreach, Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has created a new Environment and Natural Resources Institute.

NY DEC officials recently unveiled a draft of the Hudson River Estuary Program's plan for achieving dozens of goals to restore and improve the Hudson River by 2009.

Acting NJ Governor Codey recently unveiled a Shore Protection Initiative that will toughen standards for ocean discharge to stem pollution and bolster restrictions on offshore oil and gas development.

The NJ DEP has developed Source Water Assessment reports that rate the vulnerability of public water system sources in New Jersey to potential contamination.

Grant Programs 
 

Lower Delaware Wild And Scenic Incentive Grants

The Delaware River Greenway Partnership (DRGP) invites applications for the 2005 Lower Delaware Wild & Scenic River Incentive Grant Program by May 20. The program aims to provide assistance to local governments and not-for-profit organizations that operate within the federally designated sections of the Lower Delaware Wild and Scenic river corridor from the Delaware Water Gap to Washington Crossing for projects that further the goals of the Wild and Scenic River Management Plan. Grants typically range from $3,000 -- $5,000 with a few possibilities of funding projects up to $10,000.  http://www.drgp.org/index.html

EPA Community-Action Grants

EPA has launched the CARE (Community Action for a Renewed Environment) grant program, a new community-based, community-driven, multimedia demonstration program. The program offers financial and technical assistance to help communities understand and reduce risks caused by toxics from multiple sources and to help communities understand and reduce the risk of exposure to toxic chemicals. Applications are due May 20. http://cfpub.epa.gov/care/

USDA Conservation Security Program

The USDA is encouraging farmers to sign up for the Conservation Security Program (CSP), a Natural Resource Conservation Service program that supports ongoing stewardship of private, agricultural working lands and financially rewards those producers who are meeting the highest standards of conservation and environmental management. Agricultural land located within the boundaries of the Lower Susquehanna- Swatara, Schuylkill, Chester-Sassafras, and Raystown watersheds are eligible for the 2005 CSP program. Farmers in these watersheds must apply for the program by May 27, and are assessed according to specific criteria and an interview. http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/csp/ 

Kodak American Greenways Grants

The Kodak American Greenways Awards Program provides small grants to stimulate the planning and design of greenways in communities throughout America.

Grants may be used for activities such as: mapping, ecological assessments, surveying, conferences, and design activities; developing brochures, interpretative displays, audio-visual productions or public opinion surveys; hiring consultants, incorporating land trusts, building a foot bridge, planning a bike path, or other creative projects. Awards will primarily go to local, regional, or statewide nonprofit organizations. The deadline is June 1. http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2372

PA Community Recycling Grants

The PA DEP is accepting applications for Section 902 community recycling grants through June 17. Recycling Development and Implementation Grants reimburse local governments for the cost of municipal recycling and composting programs. Municipalities are eligible for 90 percent funding of approved recycling program costs. Grants of up to $500,000 are available. Pre-application conferences with DEP Regional Planning and Recycling Coordinators are required.http://www.pabulletin.com/secure/data/vol35/35-14/610.html

PA Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants

Applications are due by June 30 for Pennsylvania Wild Resource Conservation Program Grants. The Wild Resource Conservation Fund (WRCF) awards resource conservation grants every year for projects that contribute substantially to conserving and protecting the biota (plants and animals,) of Pennsylvania, especially threatened or endangered species. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/2005grant/index.aspx

EPA Youth and the Environment Training and Employment Program Grants

EPA's Office of Wastewater Management (OWM) is accepting Fiscal Year 2005 Youth and the Environment Training and Employment Program grant proposals. Grant funds are generally used for training programs that introduce economically disadvantaged urban and rural high school students to various occupational opportunities in the water and wastewater arena through summer employment. http://www.epa.gov/OW-OWM.html/mab/smcomm/youth.htm.

Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grants

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) announced that $49,961 is available through a grant process for stream restoration, habitat enhancement, and recreational enhancement activities on streams located in the Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Creek watersheds. These monies can be used for stand-alone projects or to supplement other funding for larger projects that are designed to improve aquatic habitat, water quality, or recreational use. Applications must be received no later than June 30. PFBC 2005 Press Release - Tulpehocken and Quittapahilla Watershed Grants

EPA Targeted Watersheds Grants Program

US EPA is accepting proposals under the Targeted Watersheds Grant Program, a competitive grant program designed to support the protection and restoration of the country's water resources through a holistic watershed approach to water quality management. Projects must be nominated by a governor or tribal leader. Of the $18 million available in FY2005,  $10 million will be directed to nationwide projects for improving water quality and $8 million will be directed toward projects in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The deadline for EPA receipt of nominations is May 19. http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/initiative/

PA Heritage Parks Grants

The PA DCNR is accepting applications for FY 2005-06 Heritage Park Program grants. The goal of the program is to provide a catalyst for diverse groups within a region to join together to develop a unified strategy for protecting, preserving, developing and promoting the heritage of the region. The program is guided by five inter-related goals including economic development, partnerships, cultural conservation, recreation and open space, and education and interpretation. The deadline for applications is May 20. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/brc/heritageparks/index.aspx  

PA Lake Management Society Conference- Call For Presenters

The Pennsylvania Lake Management Society (PALMS) is seeking presenters for their Sixteenth Annual Conference to be held on October 18-19 in State College, PA. The conference format is similar to that of last year, but with a few minor improvements based on attendee review forms.  Presentations are being sought for any area of lake management, including lake ecology, aquatic weed management, in-lake restoration techniques, and invasive species, among others. Click here for the call for presenters brochure.

US EPA Science Forum 2005

EPA's 2005 Science Forum: Collaborative Science For Environmental Solutions will be held on May 16-18 in Washington, DC. Registration for the event is free. The event brings top scientists and policy-makers together to explore how collaborative science and research are leading the effort to better understand environmental challenges. http://epa.gov/scienceforum 

National Green Roof Conference

Green Roofs for Healthy Cities (GRHC) and the Government of the District of Columbia are hosting the Third Annual Greening Rooftops for Sustainable Communities Conference, Awards, and Trade Show in Washington, D.C. on May 4-6. The conference will consist of plenary and specialized sessions focused on three main topic areas: Policies and Programs to Support Green Roofs, Green Roof Design and Implementation, and Research and Technical Papers on Green Roof Performance. http://greenroofs.org/washington/index.php.

15th Annual Susquehanna River Sojourns

Two sojourns will be held on the Susquehanna River in June. The West Branch Susquehanna River Sojourn will begin on June 2 in Hyner, Clinton County, PA, and will continue 62 miles downstream to Williamsport, ending on June 6. http://www.alliancechesbay.org/event.cfm?EVENT_ID=564

The Susquehanna Sojourn highlighting the Chenango and Susquehanna Rivers will begin June 17 in Sherburne, NY and continue 98 miles downstream on the Chenango and Susquehanna rivers before ending on June 25 in Sayre, Bradford County. http://www.alliancechesbay.org/project.cfm?vid=237 

2005 PA River Sojourns

River Sojourns have been organized throughout Pennsylvania during the summer of 2005. To search for a sojourn on your favorite river, visit http://www.pawatersheds.org/sojourn/index.asp

PA Wild Resource Festival

The first annual Wild Resource Festival will be held June 4 at Bald Eagle State Park in Centre County, PA. The festival is designed to provide children, families, and anyone interested in preservation of non-game animals and plants with hands-on activities, bird walks, tree identification hikes and other participatory and educational activities. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/wrcf/festival/welcome.htm

2005 Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting

The International Joint Commission (IJC) Great Lakes Conference and Biennial Meeting will be held on June 9-11 in Kingston, Ontario. The 2005 Biennial Meeting will focus on the governments' review of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement. http://www.ijc.org/2005biennial/about_en.php

PA Road Maintenance Workshop

The PA Center for Dirt and Gravel Road Studies will be holding its 2005 Maintenance Workshop on June 6-8 at Wilson College in Chambersburg, PA. The workshop is intended for Conservation District personnel involved with the Dirt and Gravel Road Program. June 6th will be "township day" with a program targeted at township personnel.  Both classroom and field sessions are planned. http://www.mri.psu.edu/centers/cdgrs/pages/workshop2005/workshop2005.html 

New England NALMS Meeting

The New England Chapter of the North American Lake Management Society (NALMS) is holding its annual meeting on June 3-4 at Plymouth State University, Plymouth, NH. The meeting is titled, “On Golden Pond: 21st Century Lake Management.” Topics include lake management, nonpoint source pollution, volunteer monitoring, toxins in lake water, and shoreline protection. http://www.nalms.org/necnalms/

Susquehanna River Symposium

The Susquehanna River Basin Commission (SRBC) has opened registration for the Riverfront Communities: A Susquehanna Symposium to be held June 8-10 in Harrisburg, PA. The symposium will deal with the challenges and opportunities common to riverfront communities throughout the Susquehanna River Basin in New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland. http://www.srbc.net/RiverfrontSymposium.htm

Mid-Atlantic Highlands Biodiversity Conference

The first ever regional conference on biodiversity, Mid-Atlantic Highlands Biodiversity: Making the Connection in Your Community, will be held June 16-18 at the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, PA.  The goal of this conference is to empower civic organizations and civic-minded individuals to demonstrate how biodiversity conservation work can be used to enhance the missions of a variety of organizations throughout the Mid-Atlantic Highlands. http://www.naturalbiodiversity.org/conference.htm

NJ Watershed Education Conference

Making the Watershed Connection: An Interactive Conference for New Jersey Educators will be held on June 28 – 29 at the Rutgers EcoComplex, Bordentown, NJ. Sessions will explore New Jersey's dynamic watersheds and connect educators with regional resources, curriculum materials and more. Field trips will be held on the second day.

http://www.nj.gov/dep/watershedmgt/DOCS/Watershed%20Educators%20Flyer.pdf

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