PUBLICATIONS

State Wetland Protection: Status, Trends & Model Approaches The Environmental Law Institute has released a final report of a 50-state study that described and analyzed seven "core" components of state wetland programs: state laws, regulations, and programs; monitoring and assessment; restoration programs and activities; water quality standards; public-private partnerships; coordination among state and federal agencies; and education and outreach activities. This report focuses on status and trends, model programs, and summary data for all 50 states. http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11279

Environmental Law Institute’s Multi-Year Study on the "Core" Components of State Wetland Programs

State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase I State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase II State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase III State Wetland Program Evaluation: Phase IV

Putting A Price On Riparian Corridors As Water Treatment Facilities By Ann L. Riley, Ph.D., Watershed and River Restoration Advisor, San Francisco Bay Regional Water Quality Control Board, Oakland, CA, Jan. 2008 -- The monetary value of natural riparian environments that provide water quality treatment functions by processing nutrients, storing sediment, moderating temperatures, and other services can be estimated by calculating the costs associated with the construction of brick and mortar water treatment plants built to achieve similar functions. For a direct link to this discussion paper, go to: http://www.aswm.org/putting_price_riparian_corridors_riley_21108.pdf

Smart Watershed Benchmarking Tool The Center for Watershed Protectin has released a new tool on CD available in PDF and workbook (CD) versions. Using lessons learned from around the country, this self-assessment tool helps local program managers make better decisions on watershed restoration priorities to maximize the performance of staff and financial resources. For more information, visit: http://www.cwp.org/

Gulf of Maine Council/NOAA Habitat Restoration Partnership Final Report: Saltmarsh Restoration Monitoring Near Pemaquid Beach , New Harbor, Maine December 5, 2007 -- The Pemaquid Salt Marsh is a 6-acre back-barrier marsh located behind Pemaquid Beach in Bristol , Maine . Prior to 2005, the marsh had limited saltwater input due to roadway culverts that restricted tidal flow, which was resulting in the marsh transforming into a brackish wetland. The Pemaquid Salt Marsh Restoration Project was a culvert replacement designed to diminish undesirable brackish plant species and increase native salt marsh vegetation by restoring natural tidal flow. Post-restoration monitoring results from 2005-2007 indicate that there have been substantial favorable changes in the marsh. For a direct link to this report, go to: http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/images/Synopsis_PostRestoration.pdf  For a link to the project description and Pemaquid Watershed Association's website, visit: http://www.pemaquidwatershed.org/waterquality.html

Vegetation Classification and Mapping of New River Gorge National River , West Virginia Authors: Vanderhorst, J. P., J. Jeuck, and S. C. Gawler. 2007 -- Technical Report NPS/NER/NRTR-2007/092.  National Park Service.  Philadelphia , PA. A vegetation classification and map were developed by the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program for New River Gorge National River following the standards of the U.S. Geological Survey / National Park Service Vegetation Mapping Program. For a direct link to this report, go to: http://www.nps.gov/nero/science/FINAL/NERI_veg_map/NERI_veg_map.htm  For questions and comments, contact Jim Vanderhorst at the West Virginia Natural Heritage Program at jimvanderhorst@wvdnr.gov

Classification and Conservation Assessment of High Elevation Wetland Communities in the Allegheny Mountains of West Virginia Authors: E.A. Byers, J. P. Vanderhorst, and B. P. Streets. 2007. West Virginia Natural Heritage Program, Wildlife Resources Section, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources. Elkins, WV. Wetland communities above 730 meters (2400 feet) elevation in the Allegheny Mountain region of West Virginia are characterized by exceptionally high biodiversity and conservation value. A new ecological system for the High Allegheny Wetlands and 41 wetland associations were classified, ranked for conservation purposes, and published in the National Vegetation Classification. For a direct link to this publication, go to: http://www.wvdnr.gov/publications/PDFFiles/High%20Allegheny%20Wetlands-web.pdf

ELI Publishes Report on Exploring Opportunities to Integrate State Wildlife Action Plans with State Wetland Mitigation and Restoration Programs ELI has published a report from a workshop: Explore Opportunities to Integrate the State Wildlife Action Plans into Improved Wetland Conservation and Restoration, including audio recordings, PowerPoint presentations, and related documents, are available on ELI’s website at http://www.eli.org/pdf/joint_meeting/ELI%20Workshop%20Final%20Report.pdf

2007 UHN Stormwater Center Report Now Online The University of New Hampshire Stormwater Center 2007 Annual Report is now available online: http://ciceet.unh.edu/unh_stormwater_report_2007/index.php Produced in partnership with the Cooperative Institute for Coastal and Estuarine Environmental Technology (CICEET), this publication contains performance data on the ability of stormwater treatment systems to treat water quality and manage water quantity. To manage stormwater in a way that prevents flooding, protects infrastructure, and safeguards human and environmental health, coastal communities require science-based, independent information on the performance of stormwater treatment systems. The CICEET-sponsored UNH Stormwater Center is unique in its ability to conduct such evaluations in a side-by-side setting. Its field site is designed ot test a range of stormwater treatment systems, from lowimpact development approaches to manufactured devices. This report is one of several tools the enter uses to communicate the results of its research to coastal communities interested in designing stormwater projects that protect water resources and improve resilience in a time of rapid development and more frequent and intense storms. In response to stakeholder feedback, the 2007 report includes information on the land use settings in which the evaluated systems are typically deployed, the type of application to which they are best suited, installation costs, and maintenance. If you have a suggestion for improving next year's report, please take a few minutes to fill out this online survey: http://survey.unh.edu/surveycat/surveys/survey406_unhsc2007.htm

Salt Marsh Booklet Released by Gulf of Maine Council Salt marshes remove pollution from the water, provide food and shelter for fish and birds, protect the shoreline from erosion, and perform other valuable roles in the ecosystem. However, 75 percent of salt marshes in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia and 37 percent in New England states have been destroyed. A new booklet, Salt Marshes in the Gulf of Maine: Human Impacts, Habitat Restoration, and Long-term Change Analysis offers a reader-friendly look at the ecology of these vital coastal wetlands and ways to bring them back to health. The booklet can be downloaded in PDF format, and hard copies are available upon request. For more information and to obtain the booklet go to, http://www.gulfofmaine.org/saltmarsh/

Dam Removal and the Wetlands Regulations in MA This document, available on Mass DEP's website, provides guidance for conservation commissions and the Department of Environmental Protection, as the permitting authorities, in the application of the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act and its regulations. For more information, obtain a copy of this document at: http://www.mass.gov/dep/water/laws/policies.htm#dam

News

April 2008

Study Examines Wetlands Programs in Each of the 50 States Contact: Brett Kitchen – Environmental Law Institute / E-Wire Press Release – April 9, 2008 The Environmental Law Institute (ELI) announces the publication of State Wetland Protection: Status, Trends and Model Approaches. This report examines state-level efforts to protect wetland resources. Research for the report is based on a 50-state study conducted by the Environmental Law Institute with support from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The report examines seven core elements of all 50 states’ wetland programs (regulatory programs, water quality standards, monitoring and assessment, restoration, public-private partnerships, coordination, and education and outreach) and outlines model approaches. For full press release, go to: http://www.ewire.com/display.cfm/Wire_ID/4634  For direct link to the study, go to: http://www.elistore.org/reports_detail.asp?ID=11279

WA: Ecology fines Puget Sound Energy $366,000 for 2006 fuel spill

Contact: Curt Hart – Washington Department of Ecology News Release – April 15, 2008 The Department of Ecology (Ecology) has levied a $366,000 fine against Puget Sound Energy (PSE) after an estimated 18,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled at a company backup electrical generating station near the Crystal Mountain ski area in Pierce County on Nov. 3, 2006. The November 2006 spill happened in mountainous terrain with rocky soil at the same time as record-setting rainfall and flooding. The geography and weather forced the spilled fuel down into the rocks further and faster than normal. Red-dyed diesel fuel entered nearby Silver Creek and adjacent wetlands that were below the generating station. The creek is an important salmon-bearing stream – and a tributary of the White River that flows into Puget Sound. The spill happened in an area of cultural significance to the Muckleshoot Tribe. For full news release, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2008news/2008-089.html

FL: Environmental groups challenge Mirasol permit

By Andrea Stetson – News-Press – April 13, 2008 Five environmental organizations filed a federal lawsuit this past week challenging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' issuance of a permit for the Mirasol development permit in North Naples. The environmental groups say the planned residential and golf course community on 1,713 acres will destroy 645 acres of wetlands which are a foraging habitat for endangered woodstorks and part of an historic natural flowway of water. For full story, go to:  http://www.news-press.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080413/NEWS0102/804130376/1075

TX: Local laws would buoy federal wetlands rules

By Leigh Jones – Galveston County Daily News – April 13, 2008 The laughing call of sea gulls echoed off the unusually placid surface of West Bay as five white pelicans jumped off their grassy resting place, startled by the sound of a boat motor. The shore’s wetland fringe looked almost deserted at first, but as the area’s feathered residents settled back down after their momentary disturbance, the grassy marsh began to teem with feeding, preening, prancing birds. In the distance, the human habitat of wood and concrete sprouted. Island birders have watched development advance quickly in recent years. Few wetlands remain untouched, and birders fear a future when wetlands are referred to only in the past tense. For full story, go to: http://www.galvnews.com/story.lasso?ewcd=183ba9e1891a6d20&-session=TheDailyNews:42F942510a15c000F5yyW32920A3

FL: Hatchet Creek proposal to be reviewed again

By Nathan Crabbe – Gainsville Sun – April 13, 2008 In October, the Gainesville City Commission put restrictions on the proposed Hatchet Creek development around Ironwood Golf Course that would have prevented construction in wetlands and places where passing aircraft are noisiest. Six months later, developer Rob Simensky is hoping commissioners have second thoughts. In a special commission meeting Wednesday, Simensky will ask for the restrictions to be rewritten to clear the way for up to 1,500 residences, a 400-bed assisted-living home and 2,000 square feet of retail and office space. For full story, go to: http://www.gainesville.com/article/20080413/NEWS/804130327/1018/news

IN: Fort Wayne wetlands project adds 22 acres of forest

WTHI News – April 12, 2008 A northeastern Indiana land trust has acquired another 22 acres of mature forested wetland to its expanding nature preserve. Officials with the Little River Wetlands Project said Friday that they had purchased a forested tract near Eagle Marsh on Fort Wayne's southwest side. The acquisition boosts the size of the preserve to 705 acres of wildlife habitat. The new tract will be added to seven acres acquired last year and will be called Eagle Marsh Woods. It contains ponds, marshy areas, prairie, and newly planted trees and shrubs. For full story, go to: http://www.wthitv.com/Global/story.asp?S=8157383&nav=menu593_2

NY: Stressing education to reduce violations

By Matt Dalen – Lewisboro Ledger – April 10, 2008 Is a permit required to do gardening work within 150 feet of a wetland? How about to cut down trees? Or to lay sand down on a beach? The answer to all of these is maybe. The Lewisboro Planning Board regularly reviews violations of the town wetlands law, often by people who have been misinformed or who just didn’t realize their actions required a permit. Now, with a new initiative, the board is attempting to reduce the number of people charged with violations by educating residents about when a wetlands permit is required. “Everybody is aware that when you do some work on your house, you’ll probably need a building permit,” town wetlands inspector Bruce Barber told The Ledger. “We want to encourage people, if they’re working on their site, to think, Do they need a wetlands permit?” For full story, go to: http://www.acorn-online.com/news/publish/lewisboro/31745.shtml

NY: Woodstock reviews proposed new rules to protect streams, wetlands

By William Kemble – Kingston Daily Freeman – April 10, 2008 The Town Board has agreed to lead the environmental review of proposed town wetlands and water course protection standards in the town zoning law. At a Town Board meeting Tuesday, officials said five sections of law under the proposal would replace a one-line clause governing work done near streams. Councilman Chris Collins said after the session that the town has spent nearly eight months on legal reviews, hoping to avoid a repeat of a 2004 court challenge that overturned similar amendments. "There were 10 points that were made during litigation," he said. "One of them was procedural, that it never went before the county Planning Board." For full article, go to: http://www.dailyfreeman.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19470267&BRD=1769&PAG=461&dept_id=74958&rfi=6

HI: ‘Wetlands’ Talks In Samoa This Week

Pacific Magazine – April 10, 2008 The Oceania region will soon come together to develop a stronger Pacific voice at the 10th Conference of the Parties to the Ramsar Convention in October.  The Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP) is coordinating a two-day preparatory meeting to be held at SPREP headquarters in Apia, Samoa from 10-11 April. Five Pacific Island countries are a party to the convention that promotes the conservation and wise, sustainable use of wetlands around the world: Fiji, Republic of the Marshall Islands, Republic of Palau, Papua New Guinea and Samoa who will be attending the upcoming preparatory meeting, along with non-party Kiribati who are currently in the process of joining the convention. For full story, go to: http://www.pacificmagazine.net/news/2008/04/10/wetlands-talks-in-samoa-this-week

CO: Beaver in Land Conservation Creates Habitat, Wetlands

By Sara Coulter - Telluride Watch – April 8, 2008 The San Juan Corridors Coalition continues its monthly wildlife series with a presentation by Sherri Tippie entitled “Beaver: Partners in Conservation.” This presentation will take place at the Ridgway Town Hall Community Center on Thursday, April 10 at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tippie, an expert on beaver relocation, will come from Denver to share her enthusiasm for this important species, highlighting her presentation with a slideshow and with her stories of trapping and relocating more than 1,000 beavers around Colorado. For full story, go to: http://www.telluridewatch.com/pages/full_story?article-Beaver-in-Land-Conservation-Creates-Habitat--Wetlands%20=&page_label=home&id=56653&widget=push&instance=home_news_bullets&open=&

NJ: Planning for a Dismal future

By Pamela Spoka-Holzmann – New Brunswick Home News Tribune – April 7, 2008 The Edison Wetlands Association aims to gather officials from three municipalities bordering the 660-acre Dismal Swamp to talk them into preserving the environmentally sensitive site. The swamp covers portions of South Plainfield, Edison and Metuchen. While Edison and Metuchen officials have shown interest in preserving the wetlands as open space, Robert Spiegel, executive director of the Edison Wetlands Association, said the environmental group has been at odds with South Plainfield officials. For full story, go to: http://www.thnt.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080407/NEWS01/804070407/1001

WA: Ecology seeks public comment on water quality requirements for Avista dams

Washington Dept. of Ecology News Release – April 7, 2008 Water quality in the Spokane River would be protected, and the public would see more water over Spokane Falls, under a draft “401 Water Quality Certification” being released today for public review.  The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is taking public comment on the water-quality certification that is designed to ensure that four Avista Corp. dams do not harm water quality. The dams include the Upper Falls Dam, the Monroe Street Dam, the Nine Mile Dam and Long Lake Dam on Lake Spokane. For full story, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov

OH: OEPA invites public to information session and public hearing

By Jeremy Lydic – The Review – April 6, 2008 In a two part public meeting hosted by the Ohio EPA, residents will be briefed on surface water impact from the proposed Baard coal-to-liquids gasification plant, and will have an opportunity to have their questions answered and concerns addressed. According to a news release issued by the OEPA recently, the meeting will be held at 6 p.m. April 17 at the Wellsville High School, and will focus on the coal-to-liquids fuel plant proposed for Columbiana and Jefferson counties and its potential impact on Rocky Run and the Ohio River. The meeting will be comprised of two parts: an information session and a public hearing. OEPA Media Relations Mike Settles said the information session will be a presentation about the project and potential impacts on surface water. Dan Osterfeld will conduct this portion of the evening and will allow time for residents to ask questions. For full article, go to: http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/500895.html?nav=5008

NY: State judge strikes Milan land-use plan, laws

By Rasheed Oluwa - Poughkeepsie Journal – April 2, 2008 Remember the controversial comprehensive plan that passed in the Town of Milan two years ago? Well, town residents can forget about the plan and a few of the laws it spawned for the time being. State Supreme Court Justice James Brands has issued a ruling that voided the comprehensive plan along with the town's wetlands law and the town's decision to end its floating light industrial zone. Several parties contested aspects of the comprehensive plan, including Red Wing Sand and Gravel and the Durst Organization, which disputed only the town's wetlands law. For full story, go to: http://www.pojonews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080402/NEWS01/804020311/1006/NEWS

CA: California Waterfowl Granted $1M for Wetlands in San Jacinto and San Diego

Contact: Chadd Santerre – California Waterfowl Association – March 14, 2008 California Waterfowl received a $1 million grant for wetland habitat restoration and improvements in two important areas for wildlife in southern California. Money spent at the San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge’s Sweetwater Marsh in south San Diego Bay, will improve tidal marsh conditions and improve breeding habitat for the federally listed California least tern (endangered), light-footed clapper rail (endangered) and the western snowy plover (threatened). Additional restoration will occur in the San Jacinto Valley on the state owned San Jacinto Wildlife Area and on 3 nearby private properties dedicated to wildlife. For full article, go to: http://calwaterfowl.org/

DE: Ceremony Highlights “Thank You Delaware Bay” Campaign

Kimberly Cole – Delaware Department of Natural Resources – February 12, 2008 In a special ceremony today, “Thank You Delaware Bay,” a campaign designed to showcase the beauty and amenities of the bay and encourage actions to help protect its health and resources, was unveiled by program partners, Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s (DNREC) Delaware Coastal Programs, The Nature Conservancy, and the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary. The ceremony was held at DNREC’s Field Site Building on Pilottown Road in Lewes overlooking scenic views of the Delaware Bay’s Roosevelt Inlet and Beach Plum Island Nature Preserve. For more information, go to:  http://www.tydb.org/

March 2008

MD: Mining could spoil wetlands

The Daily Times – March 18, 2008 Environmentalists are afraid that a company's plans to mine sand and gravel on a parcel of farmland and forest along Marshyhope Creek in Dorchester County will spoil a very rare wetlands area. Delaware-based Horsey Family LLC is asking the county zoning appeals board on Thursday for a zoning exception for the proposed excavation east of Cambridge on Maryland's Eastern Shore. The environmental concerns are unfounded, said the company's attorney, William McAllister. For full story, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080318/NEWS01/803180344/1002

MO: Under Pressure: Proposition 1 would OK city’s upgrade of sewers

By Kat Hughes – Columbia Tribune – March 16, 2008 The proposal before voters April 8 regarding improvements to the city of Columbia’s sewers is not a question of whether the city should make  $77 million in improvements, but how it should pay for them. The city is asking voters in Proposition 1 to approve paying for sewer improvements using bonds. That means city sewer users would pay back the amount over a long-term period rather than paying upfront through higher rates during the next few years. […]“Right now, the city is relying on the wetlands to meet our permit limit, and that’s how come we can say we have 20 million gallons of capacity when we only have 13 million gallons of capacity mechanically; the wetlands make up the other 7” million gallons, Hunt said. “But once we have the ammonia requirement, we’ll have to provide all the ammonia removal through a mechanical process because the wetlands do not consistently remove ammonia on a monthly basis.”  For full article, visit: http://www.columbiatribune.com/2008/Mar/20080316Feat004.asp

LA: Wetlands Research Center showcases women's art

By Patricia Gannon – The Daily Advertiser – March 16, 2008 The U.S. Geological Survey's National Wetlands Research Center is in touch with its feminine side. The NWRC welcomed guests and artists to an opening reception for "Women's Art: Women's Visions of the Natural World," a weeklong exhibition in honor of National Women's History Month. Organized by center director Greg Smith, branch secretary Debbie Norling, graphic designer Christina Boudreaux and Susan Horton, pieces were required to reflect nature in either subject matter or materials. http://www.theadvertiser.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080316/LIFESTYLE/803160302/1024

IN/IL: Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Awards New Research Funding

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, a program supporting research, education and outreach that contribute to a sustainable environment in the two states, announces funding awards for four research projects for 2008-2010. “These projects address some long-term concerns facing the Great Lakes, including human health, wetland management and restoration, and sustainable coastal development,” said Brian Miller, IISG director.  “Outcomes from these studies will inform in policy and management decisions related to economic and environmental sustainability in the region.” The first project addresses concerns about the rising number of beach closings along southern Lake Michigan due to contaminated waters.  With Sea Grant funding, Kizhanipuram Vinodgopal and Julie Peller from Indiana University Northwest will develop a fast, innovative way of detecting sewage in swimming waters.  They will establish a system to rapidly alert managers when a problem is detected, which can result in more timely decisions on beach closures.  For full press release, go to: http://www.iisgcp.org/news/031708.htm

FL: Development in wetlands moves ahead near Collier-Lee line

By I.M. Stackel – Naples Daily News – March 15, 2008 Despite explanations by Collier County staffers, Commissioner Fred Coyle couldn’t buy into a project that will be built within wetlands, and may — or may not — provide Naples residents with more affordable housing. Others questioned staff on the once-contentious Brandon subdivision, but Coyle cast the only dissenting vote this past week when commissioners approved the project that was once opposed by neighbors because of access, an issue developers say has been resolved. For full story, go to: http://www.naplesnews.com/news/2008/mar/15/development-wetlands-moves-ahead-near-collier-lee-/

FL: Why rush? Consider effects on wetlands carefully

By Dan DeWitt – St. Petersburg Times – March 15, 2008 The office of Mike McHugh, Hernando County's business development director, does vital work: promoting economic diversity, attracting wealth that spreads to other businesses and decent jobs that cut the need for wasteful commutes. Wetlands also do great things: capturing floodwater, recharging the aquifer, filtering out pollution and providing wildlife habitat. For full story, go to: http://www.tampabay.com/news/environment/wetlands/article418561.ece

MD: Md. lawmakers seek to speed rural Web access

By Kristen Wyatt – The News Journal – March 15, 2008 Frustrated by a permit dispute that has put the brakes on parts of a state program to bring broadband Internet access to rural parts of Maryland, some lawmakers are seeking a bill to require the Department of the Environment to waive the fees. But the department wants lawmakers to hold off, saying the bill would only make it harder to enforce wetlands protections in the future. For full story, go to: http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080315/NEWS/80315004

NE: A birdwatcher's paradise

By Robert Pore – The Grand Island Independent – March 15, 2008 It was like a cloud rising off the water, more than 500,000 snow geese taking flight from the wetland sanctuaries of the Hultine Wildlife Production Area, west of Harvard in Clay County. In perspective, the 70-acre wetland provides a temporary home for as many snow geese as there are sandhill cranes annually migrating through Nebraska during the late winter and early spring. For full story, go to: http://www.theindependent.com/stories/03152008/new_mainnews15.shtml

MN: DNR to buy rare wetland near Chanhassen

By Carissa Wyant – Minneapolis St. Paul Business Journal – March 14, 2008 Minnesota's Department of Natural Resources is close to buying an extremely rare piece of wetland in Carver County, the Star Tribune reported Friday. The Carver County Board gave the state agency permission to buy over 100 acres of wetland area near Chanhassen, called the Seminary Fen. For full story, go to: http://www.bizjournals.com/twincities/stories/2008/03/10/daily41.html

SD: Opposing efforts in Congress to expand jurisdiction of Clean Water Act

State of South Dakota: 83rd Session – Legislative Assembly, March 2008    651P0467    SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION   NO.   8   Introduced by:     Senators McNenny, Albers, Gant, Hanson (Gary), et. al. A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION,  Opposing efforts in Congress to expand the jurisdiction of the federal Clean Water Act by revising the terms "navigable waters" and "waters of the United States.” For a direct link to a copy of the resolution, visit: http://legis.state.sd.us/sessions/2008/Bills/SCR8P.htm

WA: Ecology, FEMA currently revising state flood hazard maps

Contact: Dan Sokol – Dept. of Ecology News Release – March 12, 2008 A project currently under way will help Washington landowners and local officials make informed decisions about where it is safe to build in and around areas prone to flooding. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Ecology (Ecology) are updating existing flood hazard maps in several Washington counties that have high risk, flood-prone areas. In many Washington communities, it has been about 20-30 years since flood hazard maps have been updated. The new maps will depict flood hazards more accurately, including changes in flooding patterns. The mapping project is part of a nationwide effort by FEMA. Ecology is helping FEMA put the new maps into a digital, electronic format. The more detailed maps will eventually be available on the Internet. For full story, go to: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/news/2008news/2008-027A%20-%20(Update).html

ME: Ellsworth construction firm settles with EPA in wetlands case

Foster’s Daily Democrat – March 12, 2008 An Ellsworth construction company and its owner have agreed to pay a $16,017 civil fine and donate a conservation easement as part of a settlement of a case brought by federal regulators for alleged violations of the Clean Water Act. The Environmental Protection Agency said Robert Ray and Ray Builders Inc. will also fund a 3-year program of invasive species control at the 115-acre Great Meadow, one of the largest freshwater wetlands in Acadia National Park. For full article, go to: http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080312/NEWS0104/493326642

TX: Rare Shrub's Spread May Revive Wetlands

By Martin Ricard – Oakland Tribune – March 11, 2008 The sun was shining high in the sky late Friday morning, and the scientists had just finished planting deep in the sand the last of what used to be a rare species here. Peter Baye and Valary Bloom, plant biologists with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Michael Perlmutter, a conservationist with the Audubon Society, had dug a row of mounds, six in all, near a beach at Roberts Landing farbeyond public view. They each took some material washed up on the sand and, like potting soil, massaged it into each mound. Then they placed the little prickly-looking shrubs in the ground and surrounded them with sand and brush, adding a little water at the end. They placed a bundle of branches around the last shrub that it could blend in with the rest of the ecosystem. For full article, go to: http://www.redorbit.com/news/science/1290501/rare_shrubs_spread_may_revive_wetlands/

MD: Legal protection argued for wetlands

By Laura D'Alessandro – Ocean Pines Independent – March 11, 2008 Little has been done to enforce Maryland's Critical Area law since the state passed the landmark shoreline development legislation almost 25 years ago, said representatives of three environmental organizations Wednesday during a press conference on Turville Creek. "The Critical Areas law has not kept pace with development," said Erik Fisher, land use planner for the Maryland Chesapeake Bay Foundation. After research by the Environment Maryland Research and Policy Center, changes to the law have been put in front of Maryland legislators to be voted on during the current session. For full article, go to: http://www.delmarvanow.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080311/OPI01/803120307/-1/OPI

LA/NJ: Chemical Found to Lure Nutria Out of Louisiana Wetlands

ENS – March 10, 2008 A team of chemists from three universities has identified compounds to lure nutria, introduced rodents from South America that are damaging thousands of acres of Louisiana wetlands. The environmentally friendly bait is intended to entice the 10 pound, semi-aquatic nutria into traps for transport away from sensitive coastal zones and marshlands. Introduced by Tabasco sauce magnate E.A. McIlhenny in the 1930s, the nutria have been especially damaging to the marshland ecology in the Mississippi Delta following Hurricanes Rita and Katrina in 2005. For full story, go to: http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/mar2008/2008-03-10-095.asp

WA: Wetland bank plan awash in concerns

By Cookson Beecher - Capital Press Agriculture News – March 7, 2008 Reprinted with the author’s and managing editor’s permission. An action alert directed against a proposed wetland mitigation bank on farmland in Skagit County, Wash., is picking up steam in the ag community. Retired dairy farmer Ken Johnson, who sent letters opposing the project earlier on, said he'll be sending another letter in response to the recent action alert. "I think it's a tremendously backward step for farmland in general," he said, referring to the project, which will adjoin his farmland near Clear Lake. "When they allow developers to destroy wetlands and then take farmland out of production to compensate for it, that's wrong. It's a bad move." For full story, go to: http://www.aswm.org/news/wetland_bank_plan_0308.pdf

MI: Bill calls for state to give up wetland enforcement role

By Stephanie Schneider – Spinal Column – March 5, 2008 The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) would relinquish control of its wetland permitting process to the federal government if a state Senate bill introduced last month is enacted into law. Under Senate Bill (SB) 112, introduced by Sen. Roger Kahn (R-Saginaw) and referred to the Senate Natural Resources and Environmental Affairs Committee, the DEQ would relinquish the authority to issue wetland building permits to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Currently, the DEQ holds the authority to issue permits granting a landowner permission to undertake improvements on his or her land if it has been designated a wetland. For full article, go to: http://www.spinalcolumnonline.com/Articles-i-2008-03-05-54862.113117_Bill_calls_for_state_to_give_up_wetland_enforcement_role.html  For access to a copy of the bill, visit: http://www.legislature.mi.gov

TX: Mitigation Project Along Plum Creek

Construction of State Highway 130 in Central Texas resulted in unavoidable losses of perennial, intermittent, and ephemeral streams; on-channel ponds, wetlands, and riparian habitat. The Clean Water Act Section 404 Permit issued by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) requires Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) to compensate, or mitigate, for these losses.  To achieve these mitigation goals, TxDOT is acquiring 265 acres along Plum Creek, just north of Lockhart, Texas to create, enhance, and preserve 175 acres of wetland and woodland environments. The Plum Creek Mitigation Site will serve the following functions: preservation of wildlife habitat, stream bank stabilization, biodiversity maintenance, water quality improvement, stormwater retention, and flood control. Through agreements with Caldwell County and the City of Lockhart, the Plum Creek Mitigation Site will also provide public use. A series of approximately 2.75 miles of trails will be constructed leading through the various habitats. For more information see http://www.centraltexasturnpike.org/pdf/Dec_2007_AR_Final.pdf or contact: Jon Geiselbrecht Texas Department of Transportation, 1421 Wells Branch #107, Pflugerville, Texas 78660 512-225-1346  jgeiselb@dot.state.tx.us

February 2008

DE: Once Reviled, Wetlands Awaken to Preservation's Touch By Molly Murray – The News Journal – February 17, 2008 Nick Dilks saw the potential even as he first laid eyes on 1,200 acres of forest west of Georgetown. It had been ditched, drained and cut over. In short, the 1,200 acres purchased late last year by Ecosystem Investment Partners told the story of the toll that land clearing, farming, forestry and development take on Delaware's wetlands. With millions in private investment dollars, the for-profit company plans to restore the land and re-create the significant wetland habitat that was once here. It was working land -- land valued for the trees that grew here. Roads and ditches were carved and dug to get to the trees. For full story, go to: http://www.delawareonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080217/NEWS/802170392/1006/NEWS   Study Shows Southwest Waters at High Risk of Pollution, Destruction Contact: Jim Murphy, National Wildlife Federation and Scott Yaich, Ducks Unlimited – National Wildlife Federation News – February 14, 2008 A new report shows an alarmingly high percentage of southwest waters are at risk from pollution and destruction because they may no longer be protected by the Clean Water Act. Recent government guidance based on two major Supreme Court cases has severely weakened Clean Water Act safeguards New Mexico, Arizona, Texas, Nevada and southern California. “For people living in the arid southwest, water is our most precious natural resource,” said Jeremy Vesbach, executive director of the New Mexico Wildlife Federation.” The government failure to protect these waters is akin to allowing poisoning of the roots while attempting to protect the tree. It just doesn’t make sense.” For the full news release, go to: http://www.aswm.org/news/02-14-08_imperiled_treasures_national_release.pdf For a link to the study, go to: http://www.nwf.org/nwfwebadmin/binaryVault/SW_WATER_REPORT.pdf For related stories, visit the following links: http://www.koat.com/news/15312240/detail.html?rss=alb&psp=news http://www.elpasotimes.com/ci_8259825?source=most_emailed http://sfe.live.mediaspanonline.com/Local%20News/Report-Lakes-streams-are-in-danger http://news.rgj.com:80/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080215/NEWS05/802150509/132 http://www.santafenewmexican.com/SantaFeNorthernNM/Report-Lakes-streams-are-in-danger http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/environment/stories/MYSA021508.03B.wetlands.371c59e.html http://www.southeasttexaslive.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=19298855&BRD=2287&PAG=461& dept_id=512588&rfi=6 http://www.brownsvilleherald.com/news/water_84409___article.html/wetlands_texas.html http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/texassouthwest/stories/DN-wetlands15tex.ART.State.Edition1.462141e.html http://www.star-telegram.com/448/story/475058.html http://www.mysanantonio.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D8UQCP683.html http://www.elpasotimes.com/newupdated/ci_8270533 http://www.gosanangelo.com/news/2008/feb/15/report-3m-acres-of-wetlands-in-danger/ http://www.reporternews.com/news/2008/feb/14/policy-changes-imperil-texas-wetlands-report/ http://www.kxan.com/Global/story.asp?S=7875204 http://www.kvia.com/Global/story.asp?S=7875204 http://www.kristv.com/global/story.asp?s=7875204   NH House Puts Onus on DES in Wetlands Permit Process By Bob Sanders – New Hampshire Business Review – February 13, 2008 The state Department of Environmental Services will be forced to give a development company half of its money back if it fails to meet a self-imposed deadlines to respond to a wetlands permit application, under a bill the House passed Wednesday. The state has 75 days from the time it determines that an application is complete to decide on a permit (105 days if the project would have an impact on more than an acre of wetlands.) Under House Bill 1471, if DES doesn’t meet the deadline, the developer will get a quarter of its permitting fees back. If the department still doesn’t make it within two weeks of the deadline, the developer will get half of the fees back. For full article, go to: http://nhbr.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080214/NEWS06/850675541   U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Blocks Plan to Dam Susquehanna Associated Press – February 15, 2008 The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced Thursday that it is denying a permit for an inflatable dam to be built across the Susquehanna River in Wilkes-Barre. The Luzerne County Flood Protection Authority had proposed building a structure that would have reached 9 1/2 feet high and impounded 4 1/2 miles of the free flowing river. The corps said in a statement that the dam was not the least environmentally damaging way to control floods in the area. The proposed $14 million dam would fill an acre of wetlands and disrupt the natural current in violation of the Clean Water Act, which requires the corps to maintain the biological integrity of U.S. waterways, the statement said. For full story, visit: http://www.whptv.com/news/state/story.aspx?content_id=f28a9303-194f-40fd-bc19-71b6cf0666f8   Washington State Sea Levels Could Rise Considerably By End of Century   By Vince Stricherz -- University of Washington News Release --January 17, 2008 Melting glaciers in Greenland and Antarctica, combined with other effects of global climate change, are likely to raise sea levels in parts of Western Washington by the end of this century, though geological forces will offset the rising water in some areas. A new report suggests a moderate scenario is for sea levels on the Washington Coast and in the Puget Sound Basin to rise an average of 6 inches by 2050 and 14 inches by 2100. The analysis, conducted by the Pacific Northwest Climate Impacts Group at the University of Washington and the Washington State Department of Ecology, suggests that a worst-case scenario could raise sea levels in some places as much as 22 inches by 2050 and 50 inches -- more than 4 feet -- by 2100. For full press release, go to: http://uwnews.washington.edu/ni/article.asp?articleID=39136 For a direct link to the report, go to: http://www.cses.washington.edu/db/pdf/moteet