INDEX:
---------------EDITOR’S NOTE
---------------EDITOR’S CHOICE
2nd Call for Papers: Wetlands 2002 "Restoring Impaired Wetlands and Other Waters."
Montana Wetlands Legacy Seeking Wetland Protection Survey Techniques
Report Reviews Wetland Protection in California Post-SWANCC
Federal Judge Rules Virginia Wetlands Are Beyond Federal and State Jurisdiction, Despite Surface Water Connections

---------------NATIONAL NEWS
Most Endangered Rivers of 2002 announced
Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain Terrestrial Wildlife Research Summaries
15 Million Trees Planted for Carbon Sequestration
Top 10 U.S. Endangered Parks Not Top Government Priorities
2002 National Wetland Award Winners Announced
Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Approves Additions to Nine National Wildlife Refuges
Navy Bombing Violates Migratory Bird Treaty Act
EPA Releases Environmental Report Card on Coastal Waters

---------------LEGISLATIVE NEWS
Excerpts from Natural Resources Defense Council’s "Legislative Watch, 3/21/02"

---------------STATES NEWS
Colorado Presents "The Waterfowl Stamp Program 1990-2001"
University of California to Prepare DEIS for Construction on Vernal Pools
Largest CT Land Acquisition Deal Sealed
NOAA Proposes Creation of Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary - Largest in US
Ohio EPA Proposes Revisions to Surface Water Rules
Agreement Reached to Clean Up Berkeley Pit, MT
Partnership to Preserve Wetlands in Quakertown, PA
NC Restoring Clear-Cut Bald Cypress Swamp
AK Biologists Target Invasive Species
Heavy Fines Levied in First Tortugas Reserve Violations
9,000 Acres Protected in Western Virginia
Emerald Mountain Protected through Land Swap
Massachusetts Debates $625 Million Bond

---------------RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS
New Wetlands Research Program (WRP) & Wetlands Regulatory Assistance Program (WRAP) Publication
MN DNR Releases "Restore Your Shore" CD-ROM
Announcing New Web Site "Shorebirds: Prairies to Patagonia"
Historic Maps Available Free Online
"Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management"
New Release: Primer on Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund
Bureau of Reclamation Wetland Activities Summary for Pacific Northwest Region
FHWA Posts "Greener Roadsides - Summer 2001: WETLANDS" to Website

---------------POTPOURRI
Call for Volunteer Monitoring Success Stories
Wetlands Consortium to Begin Field Study This Year
Pope Asked to Help Save Sea Turtles

---------------MEETINGS AND TRAINING
A rolling calendar of wetland and water events throughout the US
SPECIAL: 2002 Wetland Training Programs

**************************************************************
---------------EDITOR’S NOTE

Dear friends and colleagues,

Most of the US Department of the Interior is back online! That includes the National Wetlands Inventory maps and USFWS, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, and other web sites. Some sites remain restricted due to a court order, but the sites we visit most are available to us once again. Yippee!

On a local note, many of us in New York are in the midst of planning the annual New York State Wetlands Forum conference, "Wetland Assessment and Restoration in New York State" on April 17-18 in Syracuse. We have some terrific speakers from national, statewide, and regional levels discussing numerous wetland issues. If you are interested in learning more please visit the website at http://www.wetlandsforum.org.

Many thanks to this Edition’s contributors, including Pat Riexinger, NYS DEC; Doug Norris, Minnesota Dept. of Natural Resources; Doug Hoskins, US EPA; Heidi Luquer, Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network; Eric Hutchins, NOAA; Scott Hausmann, WI DNR; and Alex Chappell, CO Division of Wildlife.

Also, congratulations to the newly announced 2002 National Wetlands Awards winners! The next best thing to having a current Board member nab an award is having a past Board members do so - great job, Christie Foote-Smith! For details see the news item below.

Finally, some of you might get a kick out of the ACOE Sacramento District's "For Kids" page (http://www.spk.usace.army.mil/cespk-de/kidssite/) It is silly and infectious, particularly if your computer has speakers. Enjoy!

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

---------------EDITOR’S CHOICE

2nd Call for Papers: Wetlands 2002 "Restoring Impaired Wetlands and Other Waters."

October 7-9, 2002, The Westin Hotel, Indianapolis, IN. This is a second call for papers for Wetlands 2002, the upcoming National Symposium coordinated by the Association of State Wetland Managers. We have received a good response to the first call for papers and are seeking additional papers for the three-day meeting. Success in managing and improving the quality of wetlands nationally requires the marriage of sound science and balanced policy. Abstracts are encouraged that will help define the critical components of sound science as well as those that illustrate highlight methods for administering successful wetland programs. Abstracts are due April 19, 2002. Our goal is to publish a draft agenda on the web in May. For additional information visit www.Core4.org/Wetlands. Please email abstracts in Word, ASCII, or rich text format to Tammy Taylor at taylor@ctic.purdue.edu no later than April 19, 2002. Include a contact person's name, address, email address, and telephone number, the name and address for all authors, and the name, email address and phone number for the individual presenters. Information on sponsorship and exhibit opportunities will also be provided to interested parties. Please forward inquiries to jeanne.christie@aswm.org.

Montana Wetlands Legacy Seeking Wetland Protection Survey Techniques

"The Montana Wetlands Legacy, a voluntary incentive-based partnership dedicated to conservation of wetlands throughout Montana, is looking for some information and needs your help! Beginning this spring, the Legacy will survey Montanans to determine the level of interest in on-the-ground wetland protection, how it might be funded, and what degree of public financial support such an initiative might realize were a funding mechanism established. We recognize that surveys of this kind are neither unique nor first-in-time, thus this request for your help. If you aware of or have access to survey(s) which have been conducted elsewhere in Montana, another state or other jurisdiction, recently or in the past, would you please . . . offer information or potential leads? Thank you!" Please send information to Tom Hinz, Coordinator,
Montana Wetlands Legacy, 1400 South 19^th, Bozeman, MT 59718. Email: thinz@montana.edu Phone: 406-994-7889 FAX: 406-994-4090 Website: www.wetlandslegacy.org

Report Reviews Wetland Protection in California Post-SWANCC

The California Research Bureau has just completed a report on the SWANCC decision and its implications for California. The 134-page report, authored by Jennifer Ruffolo, was prepared at the request of State Senator Shelia Kuehl, Chair of the Senate Natural Resources and Wildlife Committee. The paper reviews wetlands, their functions and values, and national and California wetland losses. It describes (briefly) federal regulation and case law, then discusses the SWANCC opinion and dissent. It evaluates California wetlands laws and programs to determine which, if any, can fill the gap created by SWANCC, and tries to identify just which types of wetlands in California might be outside of Clean Water Act jurisdiction. It concludes with a comparison of the risks and costs of regulating isolated wetlands and some regulatory and non-regulatory policy options. A limited number of hard copies are available at the Research Bureau. It is also available at the state library web site, www.library.ca.gov/crb/02/03/02-003.pdf There is a short summary of the paper on the web at http://www.library.ca.gov/html/statseg2a.cfm

Federal Judge Rules Virginia Wetlands Are Beyond Federal and State Jurisdiction, Despite Surface Water Connections

[Posted 3/21/02 by Julie Sibbing, National Wildlife Federation, to the SWANCC list serve] Following a hearing in Norfolk Virginia on March 8, U.S. District Court Judge Henry Coke Morgan, Jr. ruled from the bench that neither the Corps of Engineers nor the Virginia Water Control Board or Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) had jurisdiction to require a Newport News developer to obtain permits before draining and filling over 38 acres of wetlands on its property. United States v. Newdunn, Civ. No. 01-508 (E.D. Va.) While the judge has not yet issued a written opinion in the case, he made clear his conclusion that DEQ "has no jurisdiction independently of the jurisdiction of the Corps," and "the Corps has no jurisdiction." Court Transcript at 4.

Despite evidence that water from the Newdunn wetlands flows off the property, through a man-made ditch and tributaries, into the traditionally navigable Warwick and James Rivers, Judge Morgan said it was "doubtful" that the Corps had proven "a sufficient connection between the wetlands and navigable waters or waters of the United States.." Court Transcript at 11. The judge suggested that even if the Corps did prove a surface water connection between the wetlands and other waters of the United States, he would find that the Corps' regulation of the wetlands had "gone far beyond the grant of authority by Congress." Court Transcript at 12. In his oral ruling, the judge relied almost exclusively on his broad reading of the SWANCC decision, noting that in his view, "that case alone would eliminate any claim of jurisdiction by the Corps in this case under any interpretation of the facts as presented by the Corps." Court Transcript at 12.

Judge Morgan also ruled that Virginia's Water Control Board and DEQ lack jurisdiction to regulate the Newdunn wetlands because their jurisdiction under state water laws is "coextensive with the Clean Water Act." Court Transcript at 5. According to the Richmond Times-Dispatch (March 9, 2002), DEQ had filed a separate state suit to stop the developer's drainage and filling of the site, but Judge Morgan had that case removed to federal court on grounds that it involved a matter of federal law.

Some at the trial believe that Judge Morgan did not distinguish between the state law on wetland delineation methods and the state law defining wetland jurisdiction. The state law requires use of the Corps' wetland delineation methodology simply to distinguish wetlands from non-wetlands and to identify wetland boundaries. Wetland delineation methods do not determine which wetlands fall within Virginia's state wetland jurisdiction. The Times-Dispatch article quoted the Chesapeake Bay Foundation as strongly objecting to the Court's state law ruling: "We find it incredible that Judge Morgan would invalidate the will of the Virginia General Assembly and the right of Virginia to protect its natural resources."

The factual and legal details of the Court's ruling will have to await the Court's written opinion, as will decisions by the United States and the State of Virginia whether or not to appeal this case.

Judge Morgan also has before him another SWANCC-related case, U.S. v. RGM Corp. (Civ. No. 01-719) (E.D. Va.). Last October, in that case, the Court denied the federal government a preliminary injunction to stop unpermitted dredge and fill activity in wetlands on a 658-acre site in Chesapeake Virginia. In doing so, Judge Morgan stated his view that, "the evidence proffered by the Corps does not, at this stage of the proceeding, meet the jurisdictional test established in SWANCC, supra."

---------------NATIONAL NEWS

Most Endangered Rivers of 2002 announced

[American Rivers press release 4/2/02] Washington, DC - The Corps of Engineers' operations of a huge dam and reservoir system have once again put the Missouri River at the top of the annual America's Most Endangered Rivers list, released today at a series of press conferences across the country. In this report, American Rivers cites these dams and other Corps water projects as a leading threat to rivers nationwide, and calls on Congress to pass legislation to put a stop to the agency's wasteful and destructive practices. For the complete press release visit http://www.amrivers.org/pressrelease/mer2002.htm

Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain Terrestrial Wildlife Research Summaries

USGS press release 3/29/02] The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) released a summary report of more than 10 years of investigations on the biological resources of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. The report discusses data from in and near the 1002 Area, a region of about 1.5 million acres on the coastal plain in the northern part of the Arctic Refuge. The report and a transmittal letter from the USGS Director to the Secretary of the Interior are available at http://www.usgs.gov under USGS Headlines "click" on Arctic Refuge Coastal Plain Terrestrial Wildlife Research Summaries

15 Million Trees Planted for Carbon Sequestration

Atlanta, GA 3/29/02 (ENS) - Environmental Synergy, Inc. (ESI), an Atlanta based environmental services company, has this month planted its 15 millionth tree in the Lower Mississippi River Valley under a mission to restore bottomland hardwood habitat and remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For full text and graphics visit
http://ens-news.com/

Top 10 U.S. Endangered Parks Not Top Government Priorities

By Cat Lazaroff. Washington, DC 3/25/02 (ENS) - Four new parks made their first appearance today on an annual list of the nation's 10 most endangered national parks. The list, which also includes six encore appearances by prominent U.S. parks, offers little overlap with another new parks list: the Department of Interior's inaugural slate of priority restoration projects in the nation's natural areas. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-25-06.html Also see "Interior Releases First Annual ‘Top 12 Projects to Restore America’s Parks’" [National Park Service press release 03/22/2002] at http://165.83.219.72/release/Detail.cfm?ID=238

2002 National Wetland Award Winners Announced

[Environmental Law Institute press release, 3/21/02] Seven outstanding wetland educators, activists, scientists and conservationists were selected as recipients of the 2002 National Wetlands Awards for their exemplary contributions to the conservation and restoration of the nation’s wetlands. The award winners will be honored at a ceremony on May 16, 2002, at the U.S. Botanic Garden on Capitol Hill. The National Wetlands Awards program honors exceptional individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary effort, innovation, and excellence in wetland conservation through programs or projects at the regional, state, or local level. This year’s winners include: Christie Foote-Smith, Massachusetts; Dr. Robert Hastings, Alabama and Louisiana; Jim King, California; Clarence Mortenson, South Dakota; Dr. William Patrick Louisiana; K. Angel Pilago, Hawaii and Jim Sweeney, Indiana. For more information on the National Wetlands Awards winners, the ceremony, or program sponsors visit the ELI Web site at www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm

Migratory Bird Conservation Commission Approves Additions to Nine National Wildlife Refuges

[USFWS news release, 3/21/02] The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved the acquisition of more than 1,735 acres of important migratory bird habitat at its March meeting in Washington, D.C. Newly acquired lands will benefit migratory birds and other species on units of the National Wildlife Refuge System in nine states, from South Carolina to Washington. The Cabinet-level commission, chaired by Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Craig Manson, approved funds of $3 million to acquire the land. All acquisitions had been previously approved by the affected states. For complete details visit http://news.fws.gov/NewsReleases/R9/D5AB5A7B-44D4-416A-A8F906E8F773A013.html

Navy Bombing Violates Migratory Bird Treaty Act

Washington, DC, 3/20/02 (ENS) - "A federal district judge has ruled that the U.S. Navy and Department of Defense are violating the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) by bombing and shelling a small island in the Pacific Ocean and killing protected birds. Judge Emmit Sullivan of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia granted summary judgment last week in a lawsuit over the bombing of Farallon de Medinilla, an island in the Northern Marianas. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act, passed in 1918, prohibits killing or otherwise harming migratory birds without a permit issued in accordance with federal regulations . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-20-09.html

EPA Releases Environmental Report Card on Coastal Waters

[US EPA press release] EPA is released its first environmental report card on the condition of the nation’s coastal waters, described as fair to poor. While the current condition is less than ideal, the findings provide EPA with baseline estimates of coastal conditions for select coastal regions. The report was developed in collaboration with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. EPA plans to do future studies to determine water quality improvements in coastal areas. The report is available online at http://www.epa.gov/owow/oceans/nccr/

 

---------------LEGISLATIVE NEWS

Excerpts from Natural Resources Defense Council’s "Legislative Watch, 3/21/02"

FARM BILL - House and Senate negotiators still have not been able to reconcile some of the policy differences between the House and Senate versions of the farm bill, H.R. 2646 and S. 1731, respectively. On 3/19, they did agree on a conservation funding level of $7.1 billion, reducing what had been a $6 billion gap between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The agreement pushes the bill closer to the House funding levels, which means less money for conservation projects than included in the Senate bill, which would have provided more money for clean energy programs that support wind power, biomass energy, fuel cells, and energy efficiency improvements on farms. It would have also increased funds for habitat and wetlands conservation programs and helped protect rural lands from sprawling suburban development.

ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT - On 3/20, the House Resources Committee held a hearing on two bills that would modify the Endangered Species Act, making it harder for the government to protect endangered and threatened species. Rep. Walden's (R-OR) H.R. 2829 and Rep. Pombo's (R-CA) H.R. 3705 would impose a higher burden on federal agencies to obtain additional scientific information on species and mandate additional review of that data, resulting in delay and additional hurdles before protections could be put in place.

WATER QUALITY - On 3/20, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee considered H.R. 3930, the Water Quality Financing Act of 2002, sponsored by Rep. Duncan (R-TN). This bill would increase the level of funding available to states for clean water projects under the Clean Water Act by $1 billion per year, up to a total of $6 billion in 2007. Environmental groups are seeking to ensure that the bill provides incentives for states and cities to fund water quality projects that are good for the environment, such as stream buffers, wetlands protection, stormwater controls, and smart growth that prevents sprawling development. The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has held hearings on the companion bill (S. 1961), introduced on 2/15 by Sens. Graham (D-FL), Jeffords (I-VT), Smith (R-NH), Warner (R-VA), and Crapo (R-ID). This bill, the Water Investment Act of 2002, would also authorize significant increases in funding for cleaner water. The White House, however, objects to the cost of these bills, claiming that it needs the money to fund the war on terrorism.

---------------STATES NEWS

Colorado Presents "The Waterfowl Stamp Program 1990-2001"

[Condensed from an article in the Rocky Mountain News, 3/8/02] Almost 20,000 acres of wetlands in Colorado have been protected and enhanced since 1990 through the sale of duck stamps, according to a report by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The report, Colorado Waterfowl Stamp Program 1990-2001, was written by Alex Chappell, the state's wetlands program supervisor. The wetland activities were funded through a state waterfowl stamp program that has generated $2.3 million since its inception in 1990. Most of the funds come from purchases of duck stamps by hunters and have generated an additional $4.4 million in matching gifts from other agencies and organizations. Free copies of the report are available at DOW division offices and it will also be available online soon at http://www.wildlife.state.co.us/habitat/wetlands/

University of California to Prepare DEIS for Construction on Vernal Pools

[Federal Register notice, 3/28/02] The University of California and County of Merced propose to construct a major university campus and associated infrastructure in Merced County, California. The project as proposed would impact over 92 acres of waters of the United States, including vernal pools and other associated wetlands. The proposed project consists of a 2,000-acre campus - consisting of a Main Campus (910 acres), Merced Irrigation District canals and easements (70 acres), a Campus Land Reserve (340 acres), a Campus Natural Reserve (750 acres) - and related infrastructure. Two scoping meetings will be held on April 18, 2002, at the Merced Civic Center. The first meeting will be held from 3:00p.m. to 5:00p.m., with the second from 7:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. For complete details visit http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-7523-filed

Largest CT Land Acquisition Deal Sealed

[CT DEP press release 3/28/02] The Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), The Nature Conservancy (TNC), and the Kelda Group and its Aquarion and BHC Company subsidiaries closed on the acquisition of rights to 15,300 acres of BHC watershed land. The state will be acquiring conservation and public access easements. Following the closing, the land will be managed in accordance with a Natural Resources Management Agreement approved by the DEP, BHC, and TNC. For complete details visit http://dep.state.ct.us/whatshap/press/2002/dg0328.htm

NOAA Proposes Creation of Hawaiian Islands Sanctuary - Largest in US

[NOAA press release, 3/26/02] The Department of Commerce's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will hold nine public meetings to discuss the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem becoming a national marine sanctuary in order to further protect the unique and pristine marine environment of the area. Comments will be posted on NOAA's website http://hawaiireef.noaa.gov. The Northwestern Hawaiian Islands is a chain of smaller islands, atolls, submerged banks and reefs located approximately 100 nautical miles west of the main Hawaiian Islands. This is the largest geographic area ever designated for conservation purposes in the United States and contains 2.7 million acres of coral reef, 14 million nesting seabirds, and 250 fish species; many of which are only found in Hawaiian waters. For a complete schedule of meetings and other details visit http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/releases2002/mar02/noaa02034.html

Ohio EPA Proposes Revisions to Surface Water Rules

[Ohio EPA web site] Ohio EPA has proposed revisions to rules addressing water quality standards, implementation of water quality standards, and Ohio NPDES permit provisions (OAC 3745-1, 3745-2 and 3745-33). Ohio EPA has also proposed revisions to rules addressing water quality standards antidegradation provisions, Clean Water Act section 401 water quality certification provisions and section 401 certification application fee provisions (OAC 3745-1, 3745-32 and 3745-45). Finally, Ohio EPA has announced a hearing on April 24, 2002 to accept comments on the draft Section 401 water quality certification of the Nationwide Permits proposed by the Corps of Engineers in the Federal Register on January 15, 2002. For complete details about these notices visit http://www.epa.state.oh.us/dsw/whatsnew.html

Agreement Reached to Clean up Berkeley Pit, MT

[US DOJ press release, 3/25/02] Washington, DC - The US Justice Department, EPA and Montana announced an $87 million settlement with six mining companies to control billions of gallons of highly acidic mine drainage that is contaminating the Berkeley Pit in Butte, MT. Absent the cleanup action, contaminated water from the pit would flow into Silver Bow Creek and area groundwater, polluting those bodies of water, and thereby endangering any persons relying on that water for drinking water and the fish population. The mine drainage that exists in the 23 square-mile Berkeley Pit is highly acidic and laden with arsenic and heavy metals such as aluminum, cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc and sulfate. These same toxic attributes of the pit water also led to the1995 deaths of 342 snow geese, which mistook the contaminated water for a safe migratory drinking stop. For complete details visit http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/March/02_enrd_180.htm

Partnership to Preserve Wetlands in Quakertown, PA

[PA DEP "Update Archives" 3/22/02] DEP A plan is in place for the preservation of a 518-acre natural wetland in Pennsylvania known as the Quakertown Swamp. The Quakertown Swamp has been identified as one of the largest intact, inland wetlands in southeastern Pennsylvania. It is the habitat for approximately 12 imperiled species, noted as a significant habitat for nesting and migrating waterfowl - including two species of Special Concern - and exceptional for its broadleaf deciduous shrubs. For complete details visit http://www.dep.state.pa.us/update/default.asp?ID=5773

NC Restoring Clear-Cut Bald Cypress Swamp

[NC DENR Division of Coastal Management news release, 3/18/02] Raleigh, NC - The North Carolina Division of Coastal Management is using bald-cypress trees to cover up bald spots at the Emily and Richardson Preyer Buckridge Coastal Reserve. Workers planted 5,000 one-year-old bald-cypress seedlings on 12 acres of a 250-acre section of the reserve that was clear-cut in 1997, the year before DCM bought the land. The reserve also contains one of the largest stands of Atlantic white cedar still in existence in the state. Buckridge is the largest of North Carolina’s nine coastal reserves. Its 18,000-plus acres contain habitat suited to several rare, threatened or endangered species, including the red wolf, bald eagle, red-cockaded woodpecker and American alligator. For the complete press release visit http://dcm2.enr.state.nc.us/News/seedlings.htm

AK Biologists Target Invasive Species

PLAN: Experts to battle nonnative fish, wildlife that imperils native species. By Doug O'Harra, Anchorage Daily News. (Published: March 18, 2002) "Noting the threat posed to native Alaska animals by such invasive species as Atlantic salmon and northern pike, the state Department of Fish and Game has worked up a strategy to block new invaders and go after those that have already begun to spread." For the complete article visit http://www.adn.com/alaska/story/785186p-852198c.html

Heavy Fines Levied in First Tortugas Reserve Violations

Key West, FL 3/18/02 (ENS) – "National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) attorneys have issued citations totaling $112,000 in the first eight cases against vessels charged with poaching in the protected waters of the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary’s Tortugas Ecological Reserve . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-18-09.html

9,000 Acres Protected in Western Virginia

Hot Springs, VA 3/18/02 (ENS) - More than 9,000 acres on and around Warm Springs Mountain will be permanently protected through the Nature Conservancy's single largest land purchase ever in Virginia. The property bought for $6.2 million, lies next to The Homestead, the famed National Historic Landmark resort in the Allegheny Mountains of western Virginia. For full text and graphics visit: http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-18-06.html

Emerald Mountain Protected through Land Swap

Steamboat Springs, CO 3/15/02 (ENS) - An innovative partnership has secured permanent protection for Colorado's Emerald Mountain. Emerald Mountain is a 6,345 acre parcel adjacent to the town of Steamboat Springs that is now owned by the State Land Board, and has been valued at over $17.2 million . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-15-09.html

Massachusetts Debates $625 Million Bond

Boston, MA 3/15/02 (ENS) - The Massachusetts legislature is considering a $625 million bond measure that would provide funds for state environmental programs. The Environmental Bond: An Act Providing for the Preservation and Improvement of the Environmental Assets of the Commonwealth (House bill 4909) would help fund watershed protection, flood control, farmland conservation, pollution prevention, grants to communities and stewardship of state forests, parks, beaches and trails. The bill has been approved by the House Committee on Long-term Debt and Capital Expenditures, and it is awaiting consideration by the House Committee on Ways and Means . . . " For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-15-09.html

---------------RESOURCES AND PUBLICATIONS

New Wetlands Research Program (WRP) & Wetlands Regulatory Assistance Program (WRAP) Publication

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center announces the publication of a new document on its Web site, ERDC/EL TR-02-3 "Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions: Guidelines for Developing Regional Guidebooks; Chapter 1, Introduction and Overview of the Hydrogeomorphic Approach" by Ellis J. Clairain, Jr. This publication contains an overview and introduction to the HGM Approach and a general description of each of the nine tasks necessary to prepare regional guidebooks specific for particular wetland types. Subsequent chapters of the Guidebook for Regional Guidebook Development provide more detail about each of the tasks presented in Chapter 1. To access/download the document in PDF format visit http://libweb.wes.army.mil/uhtbin/hyperion/EL-TR-02-3-1.pdf

MN DNR Releases "Restore Your Shore" CD-ROM

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Ecological Services has developed a user-friendly, interactive program aimed at helping citizens improve the health of their lake and stream shorelines. "Restore Your Shore: A guide to protecting and restoring the natural beauty of your shoreland" CD-ROM presents information on shoreland ecosystems and natural shoreland management, case studies, and an interactive database of over 400 plant species native to Minnesota (photos included!). Worksheets and forms guide users step by step through the design and implementation process. Although designed for Minnesota, the program should prove useful in most of the Upper Midwest/Great Lakes States. For more information visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/restoreyourshore/

Announcing New Web Site "Shorebirds: Prairies to Patagonia"

http://www.manomet.org/WHSRN/Prairies/ WHSRN and the Prairie Pothole Joint Venture are happy to announce the launch of their new web site: "Shorebirds: Prairies to Patagonia" for anyone interested in the amazing migration of shorebirds - but especially educators, students and outreach specialists. This site will be continually improved and updated with new information. To add your photographs, links, maps, or any other kinds of shorebird information please send it to Heidi Luquer at Luquer@manomet.org

Historic Maps Available Free Online

[Wired News (03/07/02)] Mayfield, Kendra. Cartography Associates President David Rumsey decided to put his collection of 150,000 19th and 20th century maps on the Internet instead of donating it to the Library of Congress. The site offers free access to the maps using a GIS-based browser Rumsey developed using visualization software from Telemorphic. In addition to search, zoom, pan, and printing capabilities, users can overlay multiple historical maps with up-to-date features and information using the GIS browser. These customized maps can also be saved and printed so that users can use them to track historical, cultural, or demographic shifts in geographic areas . . . For the complete article visit http://www.wired.com/news/technology/0,1282,50785,00.html

"Riparian Areas: Functions and Strategies for Management"

Restoring lands bordering lakes, rivers and oceans, known as "riparian" areas, should be a national goal, says a new National Academies report. Such areas perform critical ecological functions important for meeting requirements of the Clean Water and Endangered Species Acts, and limiting flood damage. The report is available online at http://www.nationalacademies.org/topnews/#0322

New Release: Primer on Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund

[Excerpted from the Great Lakes Information Network ‘Northeast-Midwest Weekly Update -- 25 March 2002"] As Congress reviews water infrastructure legislation, the Northeast-Midwest Institute has released a primer on the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund. The Institute also has expanded its Water Quality and Infrastructure web page to contain up-to-date appropriations information as well as links to pending legislation and information on current water and wastewater issues. The Institute’s CWSRF primer describes the program in a question/answer format, with references to the DWSRF, and it includes a set of policy recommendations and a detailed state contact list. The Water Quality and Infrastructure web site is www.nemw.org/water.htm, and the CWSRF primer can be found at www.nemw.org/CWSRF_primer.pdf.

Bureau of Reclamation Wetland Activities Summary for Pacific Northwest Region

Boise, Idaho - The Pacific Northwest Region of the USDOI Bureau of Reclamation completed several wetland projects in FY01, according to their "Wetlands Annual Report and Photographs". All wetland projects were developed and carried out in coordination with nonfederal cost-share partners. A worksheet documents the acreage of wetland conservation activities in the format set forth by the White House Wetland Working Group. Under this format, wetland conservation activities are reported under four main categories, which are establishment, restoration, enhancement, and protection/maintenance. A summary of activities for each of these categories is contained within the report, located online at http://www.pn.usbr.gov/project/wetland/pdf/fy01wetland.pdf.

FHWA Posts "Greener Roadsides - Summer 2001: WETLANDS" to Website

On March 19 the Federal Highway Administration posted "Greener Roadsides - Summer 2001: WETLANDS" to its website. This edition of the newsletter has articles on: Federal-Aid Highway Program and Wetlands Mitigation; Blackfoot Waterfowl Production Area; Wetlands Mitigation Program In South Carolina; Stream Restoration, A Photo Essay; North Carolina's Wetland Mitigation Program; The Supreme Court SWANCC Decision; Wetland and Other Aquatic Resource-Related Websites; Current Status of Wetlands in the United States; National Native Seed Production Conference, A Success! The newsletter is available at http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/environment/greenerroadsides/summer01.htm

---------------POTPOURRI

Call for Volunteer Monitoring Success Stories

The Editor of "The Volunteer Monitor" newsletter is seeking good volunteer monitoring "success stories" to publish in the upcoming (Summer 2002) issue due out in July. This will be a special expanded issue, to be widely distributed in conjunction with National Water Monitoring Day (October 18, 2002) and other events honoring the 30th anniversary of the 1972 Clean Water Act. Stories should illustrate how volunteer monitoring led to demonstrable positive results in a water body or community. Please write a brief (one or a few paragraphs) description including who was involved, what sort of monitoring they did, what the specific outcomes were, and how the outcomes were related to the monitoring. Include your name and phone number and e-mail to ellieely@earthlink.net.

Wetlands Consortium to Begin Field Study This Year

[Great Lakes Information Network e-mail notice] The Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Consortium selected six research projects that will lead to a long-term Great Lakes coastal wetlands monitoring strategy. The purpose of this work is to test the usefulness and applicability of various methods and metrics across the basin in a collaborative fashion. Project work will take place in over 30 wetland sites distributed across the Great Lakes basin. Information will be collected and analyzed on pre-selected indicators, which include biological measures, physical and chemical measures, and landscape measures. The data will be centrally compiled at the end of project work so that cross-site comparisons can be done. The brief descriptions below provide the scope of each of the funded projects. For further information on the Great Lakes Coastal Wetlands Consortium visit the website at www.glc.org.

Pope Asked to Help Save Sea Turtles

Los Angeles, CA 3/15/02 (ENS) - A California based conservation group has written to the Vatican asking that turtle meat be declared red meat, and therefore off limits to practicing Catholics during Lent. The group says that consumption of illegally caught turtles is one of the major threats to sea turtles in southern California and Mexico. For full text and graphics visit http://ens-news.com/ens/mar2002/2002L-03-15-07.html