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

---EDITOR'S CHOICE---
Supreme Court to Hear Wetland Case
Corps to Appeal Judge Morgan’s Newdunn Ruling
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Publishes Report on Isolated Wetlands
Judge Refuses to Lift Injunction Against Mining Permits
Federal Appeals Court Upholds Landmark Clean Water Decision

---NATIONAL UPDATES---
US Senate Climate Warming Hearing Delayed Until July
Minnesota Floods Claim 300,000 Acres of Farmland
Chiricahua Leopard Frog Listed as Threatened
Whooping Crane Recovery Spreads New Wings
Announcement of Missouri River Changes Delayed Indefinitely
USFWS Publishes Updated Endangered Species Act Candidate List
EPA Clean Watershed Demonstration Program --Extension of Application Deadline
Gulf Sturgeon Could Get Huge Critical Habitat
EPA, Environment Canada Announce Two-Year Progress Reports for Lakes      Michigan and Superior

---LEGISLATIVE UPDATES---
Wetland-Related Bills Introduced in U.S. Legislature
Lawmakers Offer Bipartisan Bill to Protect U.S. Forests

---STATES NEWS---
Endangered Florida Panthers Have Good News From The Nursery
Alaska, No Longer So Frigid, Starts to Crack, Burn and Sag
Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge to get Comprehensive Conservation      Plan
Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to get Comprehensive Conservation Plan
NY Announces $150,000 in Funding for Jamaica Bay
$9.1 Million for Largest-Ever Conservancy Land Acquisition in New York
6,000 Acres of Land Acquisition in Michigan Funded by The Conservation Fund
Formal Consultation Completed on 10-Year Klamath Project Operations

---PUBLICATIONS AND RESOURCES---
New - “An Introduction and User’s Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation, and      Enhancement”
Now Available: National Wetlands Newsletter – May-June
Lakeshore Development Affects Birds     
Ducks Curb Weed and Straw Problems in Flooded Rice Fields
Washington Herp Atlas Now Complete and Online
“A National Strategy to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat.”
FY 02 “Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide” Online
Two New HGM Regional Guidebooks Available
Ducks Unlimited Launches Online Conservation Education Site
San Francisco Estuary: Invasive Spartina Project [.pdf]
Pennsylvania Aquatic Insects [Flash]

---POTPOURRI---
Marine Habitat Restoration Specialist Sought by NMFS-Gloucester
Fulbright Scholar Program Seeking Applicants for International Exchange of      Scholars
Great Lakes Commission Funding Wetland Monitoring Projects
River Network's 2002 Watershed Assistance Grants Available
RFPs Sought on Science and Engineering Advancements in Water Quality Arena
Proposals Sought for the Coastal Ecosystem Research Project, Northern Gulf of      Mexico

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

EDITOR'S NOTE

Greeting friends and colleagues,

We had a lovely time at the Society of Wetland Scientists conference in Lake Placid.  The city sent out a dedicated committee of their local Black Fly brigade to warmly welcome us. They greeted me more times than I wanted to count – boy, did I feel welcome!  Gary Hahn, aka Swampy, has posted some photos of the event on his website, including some pretty shots of the Lake nestled among the mountains.  The images are located at http://www.swampy.org (Click on What's New?) It is a sharp contrast to the flames and destruction in the west, especially Colorado, due to the tremendous wildfires. It must be quite frightening for the folks dealing with the repercussions.

We may or may not get another edition out to you before I leave for vacation July 2.  If the Corps and EPA send out joint guidance on interpreting SWANCC, or if something of equal magnitude occurs, we will send out a special edition.  But please don't hold your breath waiting . . .

Specials thanks to Nidhi Rana, Restore America's Estuaries; Jeanne Christie and Pat Parenteau, ASWM; Scott Hausmann, WI DNR; Ralph Tiner, USFWS; Eric Hutchins, NMFS; Leslie Collins, Trent University; Harriette E. Bayse IV, American Water Resources Association; Abi Rome; and Pat Riexinger, NYS DEC.

Until next time,

Jennifer Brady-Connor
Editor, Wetland Breaking News

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Supreme Court to Hear Wetland Case

[From Jeanne Christie] “On June 10 the U.S. Supreme Court agreed to hear arguments in a case in which a California developer is accused of violating Section 404 of the Clean Water Act when he "deep ripped" wetlands on his property. The farming technique involves dragging long metal shanks through the soil. Regulators charged that the activities caused dirt to be discharged into 28 swales or intermittent drainages. As such, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers said the developer was required to obtain a Section 404 dredge and fill permit. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California ruled in November 1999 that the developer had violated the law hundreds of times by repeatedly deep ripping through protected wetlands and ordered him to pay $1.5 million in fines. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit upheld that decision. (Borden Ranch Partnership v. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. 01-1243, cert. granted, 6/10/02)
The Court certified three questions:
1. Whether "deep ripping" is exempt from 404 as a "normal farming practice."
2. Whether "deep ripping" involves the "discharge" of dredge or fill material
3. Whether the $1 million penalty is so excessive that it constitutes denial of due process.

For a brief history of the case read the Contra-Costa Times article, “Farm plowing case will test federal water rules” by Denny Walsh at http://www.bayarea.com/mld/cctimes/3462111.htm

Corps to Appeal Judge Morgan’s Newdunn Ruling

[ASWM] According to a June 6 article in the “Daily Press” [Hampton Roads, VA] the US Army Corps of Engineers announced that it is appealing the Newdunn decision to the U.S. 4^th Circuit of Appeals.  The article notes that if the Corps loses the appeal, the impact of U.S. District Court Judge Henry "Coke" Morgan Jr.’s ruling will expand to the entire 4^th Circuit, including parts of Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia, and the Carolinas. http://www.aswm.org/wbn/archive/02/dp020606newdunn.htm

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Publishes Report on Isolated Wetlands

[from Ralph Tiner, USFWS] On June 11, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service released a web-based report entitled "Geographically Isolated Wetlands: A Preliminary Assessment of Their Characteristics and Status in Selected Areas of the United States." The report is the first of a series of ecological reports about important types of wetlands.  Geographically isolated wetlands are wetlands that are surrounded by upland (not connected to surface waters such as perennial rivers and streams, estuaries, or the ocean).  While they lack a surface water outlet, many of these wetlands are hydrologically connected to other wetlands and waters through subsurface connections.  They are particularly important for much wildlife.  The report describes 19 types of geographically isolated wetlands and presents information (including maps) on the potential extent of such wetlands in each of 72 selected study areas.  These areas were selected to provide a cross-section of national conditions.  The report indicates that geographically isolated wetlands appear to be most extensive and abundant in subhumid to arid regions where precipitation is less than 24 inches per year and in Florida's karst topography.  The report does not address regulation of isolated wetlands. The report and maps are available on the Internet at http://wetlands.fws.gov.

Judge Refuses to Lift Injunction Against Mining Permits

Tuesday, June 18, 2002 By Pam Ramsey, Associated Press. CHARLESTON, W.Va. — “The [ACOE] cannot issue permits that allow streams to be buried under excess rock and dirt from mountaintop removal coal mines, a federal judge ruled Monday. [The] 51-page ruling was in response to a request from the corps to clarify his May 8 decision ordering the agency to stop issuing the permits. The corps also asked [the Judge] to stay that order while it appealed. A coal industry spokeswoman predicted there would be 32,000 layoffs in Kentucky and West Virginia in the next five years if the rulings stand . . . On Monday, [the Judge] said Huntington District cannot issue any more permits under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act ‘that have no primary purpose or use but the disposal of waste.’" http://production.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/06/06182002/ap_47577.asp   [Also see “Democrat Seeks to Limit US Mountaintop Coal Mining” for legislative attempts to reverse Fill Rule - http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/16316/story.htm]

Federal Appeals Court Upholds Landmark Clean Water Decision

EPA Press release, 6/3/02. SAN FRANCISCO   A U.S. Court of Appeals affirmed a landmark district court ruling on Friday that upholds the EPA's and states' authority to identify which U.S. waterways are polluted by runoff from urban areas, agriculture and timber harvesting, and to identify the maximum amount of pollutants that may enter these waterways. The opinion by Ninth Circuit Court Judge Marsha Berzon on behalf of a three-judge panel in San Francisco affirms the comprehensive scope of the Clean Water Act's "Total Maximum Daily Load" program.  A TMDL defines the greatest amount of a particular pollutant that can be introduced into a waterway without exceeding the river's water quality standard.  The appellate panel found the District Court ruled correctly that Congress intended to include non-point source pollution in the Clean Water Act's water quality standards and planning program.  http://yosemite.epa.gov/r9/r9press.nsf/news?OpenView&Start=1&Count=30&Expand=1.1#1.1 

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NATIONAL UPDATE

US Senate Climate Warming Hearing Delayed Until July

World Environment News - June 20th 2002 from Planet Ark. WASHINGTON – “Senate Democrats said yesterday they would postpone a hearing on global warming until July, when Bush administration officials have promised to clarify if the president agrees with a recent report concluding that greenhouse gas emissions from human activities were the main cause of global warming. The report from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency caused a stir because it aligned the administration for the first time with scientists who believe car emissions, and pollution from power plants and oil refineries are to blame for rising global temperatures . . . “ http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/16489/story.htm  

Minnesota Floods Claim 300,000 Acres of Farmland

World Environment News - June 17th 2002 from Planet Ark. CHICAGO – “Flooding in northwest Minnesota has submerged at least 300,000 acres of cropland, a regional U.S. Department of Agriculture official said last week. ‘We estimate anywhere from about 300,000 to 500,000 acres are currently under water,’ said John Monson, director of the Minnesota office of the Farm Service Agency, a unit of the USDA. Overall, at least 1.9 million acres of farmland in an eight-county area were affected by excessive rains since last weekend. Crop losses on those acres range from 20 percent to 100 percent, Monson said in an telephone interview . . . “  http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/16445/story.htm

Chiricahua Leopard Frog Listed as Threatened

WASHINGTON, DC, June 14, 2002 (ENS) – “The Chiricahua leopard frog has been listed as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act. The listing includes a special rule that encourages livestock owners in the Southwest to continue regular management of livestock water tanks that harbor frog populations. The frog, native to the Southwest, is imperiled by nonnative predators, particularly including fish, bullfrogs and crayfish; loss of habitat, and potential natural events such as floods and drought. The species has disappeared from entire mountain ranges, valleys and river drainages within its historic range. . . “
http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-14-09.asp

Whooping Crane Recovery Spreads New Wings

By Ben Ikenson -ENN Worldwire News 6/14/02. “Sporting gangly legs and a long neck, the young chick awkwardly poised on a tiny island does not appear to be a particularly significant presence. However, this rare bird's recent appearance in Florida marks an historic milestone in an endangered species recovery effort: it is the first whooping crane (Grus americana) since 1939 born in the wild in the United States that can fly on its own. On June 7, success was confirmed when the 87-day-old crane flew some 300 yards across a marsh in Leesburg, Fla., where it was hatched and reared by first-time parents. The parent cranes, both 4 years old, were hatched in 1998 at the U.S. Geological Survey's Patuxent Wildlife Research Center in Laurel, Md., and released in Florida in January 1999 . . . “ http://production.enn.com/news/enn-stories/2002/06/06142002/s_47550.asp

Announcement of Missouri River Changes Delayed Indefinitely

Associated Press, By Libby Quaid 6/14/02. WASHINGTON — “The Bush administration is postponing indefinitely the long-awaited plan for altering the Missouri River's flow. The agencies controlling the process — the Army Corps of Engineers and the Fish and Wildlife Service — began consultations Thursday at the service's regional offices in Denver. Corps spokesman Paul Johnston said there is no timeline for the talks, which represent the latest delay in a dozen years of review . . . At issue is how to protect endangered fish and birds along the 2,341-mile waterway, where dams and reservoirs in upstream states provide consistent depths for barge shipments downriver. The river flows from Montana through the Dakotas and across Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, and Missouri to the Mississippi River at St. Louis. http://production.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/06/06142002/ap_47557.asp

USFWS Publishes Updated Endangered Species Act Candidate List

[USFWS press release] 6/13/02. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service published a revised list of 260 species of plants and animals that may warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act, including 16 new candidate species added since the Candidate Notice of Review was last published in 2001. Eight species have been removed from the candidate list: six species are now listed as threatened or endangered species, one species was removed due to lack of pertinent biological information, and one species was removed since it was mistakenly included in the previous candidate list.  Also in the Notice, the Service reassessed its "warranted but precluded" findings for 30 candidate species that citizens petitioned the Service to list, as provided for in the Endangered Species Act.  http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/r9/EECD567C-9D95-4303-8792BA3C8E326D12.html

EPA Clean Watershed Demonstration Program --Extension of Application Deadline

Federal Register notice, 6/11/02. The EPA Office of Water is leading a demonstration program to recognize local governments of various types that are undertaking extraordinary actions now to protect and enhance watershed health and also commit to undertake specific actions in the future, over and above the requirements of the Clean Water Act (CWA). The program is intended to give local governments the opportunity to be recognized - not limited to wastewater treatment agencies. A fuller description of the program and guidelines for applying can be found at www.cleanwaterpartners.org.  Applications are now due July 15, 2002. 

Gulf Sturgeon Could Get Huge Critical Habitat

PANAMA CITY, Florida, June 6, 2002 (ENS) – “Two federal agencies are proposing to designate critical habitat for the Gulf sturgeon along about 1,580 miles of rivers that empty into the Gulf of Mexico. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) are consider designating critical habitat for the Gulf sturgeon along portions of rivers, estuaries, and marine coastline in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-06-09.asp

EPA, Environment Canada Announce Two-Year Progress Reports for Lakes Michigan and Superior

EPA press release, CHICAGO (May 31, 2002) — The US EPA and Environment Canada has announced that progress reports on Lakewide Management Plans (LaMPs) for Lakes Michigan and Superior are available. The LaMPs, originally released in April 2000, are strategic ecosystem management plans for the lakes. They outline the environmental status of each lake, highlight successes, identify problems and propose solutions. An update on the Lake Huron Initiative has also been completed. http://www.epa.gov/region5/news/news02/02opa070.htm

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LEGISLATIVE UPDATES:

Wetland-Related Bills Introduced in U.S. Legislature

H.R.4926 San Francisco Bay Estuary Ecosystem Restoration Act of 2002 (Introduced in House)
Sponsor: Rep Thompson, Mike(introduced 6/12/2002)
Latest Major Action: 6/12/2002 Referred to House committee. Latest Status: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Title: To authorize the Secretary of the Army to participate in ecosystem restoration of the San Francisco Bay estuary, and for other purposes.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:h.r.04926:

S.2608 Coastal and Estuarine Land Protection Act (Introduced in Senate)
Sponsor: Sen Hollings, Ernest F.(introduced 6/11/2002)
Latest Major Action: 6/11/2002 Referred to Senate committee. Latest Status: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Title: A bill to amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to authorize the acquisition of coastal areas in order better to ensure their protection from conversion or development.
http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/z?d107:s.02608:

Lawmakers Offer Bipartisan Bill to Protect U.S. Forests

By Christopher Doering, Reuters, 6/6/02. “A bipartisan group of lawmakers on Wednesday said Congress would overwhelmingly pass new legislation banning road construction in millions of acres of national forests, although they doubted the bill would be supported by Bush administration. The bill would require the federal government to honor a Clinton-era plan to restrict the development of most roads on nearly 60 million acres (24 million hectares) of U.S. forest land. Under the plan, pristine forest lands could only be disturbed if natural disasters such as fires threaten area residents and wildlife. The legislation has already attracted broad support in the Republican-led House . . . “ http://production.enn.com/news/wire-stories/2002/06/06062002/reu_47454.asp

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STATES NEWS

Endangered Florida Panthers Have Good News From The Nursery

US FWS press release, 6/14/02. A rare event in the population of the endangered Florida Panther at the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) has occurred. Two litters from two female panthers were simultaneously recorded on the refuge near Naples, Florida. This year’s births are a highlight for the refuge in the recovery of the imperiled cousin of the mountain lion or cougar. Only 80 to 100 Florida panthers remain in the wild making Florida’s official state animal one of the most endangered mammals in the world.  http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/r4/75236D9C-82D4-40FD-AD962ED9827DF2B6.html

Alaska, No Longer So Frigid, Starts to Crack, Burn and Sag

By TIMOTHY EGAN, NY Times. NCHOR POINT, Alaska, June 13 — “To live in Alaska when the average temperature has risen about seven degrees over the last 30 years means learning to cope with a landscape that can sink, catch fire or break apart in the turn of a season. In the village of Shishmaref, on the Chukchi Sea just south of the Arctic Circle, it means high water eating away so many houses and buildings that people will vote next month on moving the entire village inland. In Barrow, the northernmost city in North America, it means coping with mosquitoes in a place where they once were nonexistent, and rescuing hunters trapped on breakaway ice at a time of year when such things once were unheard of . . . “ http://www.nytimes.com/2002/06/16/national/16ALAS.html

Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge to get Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Federal Register notice, 6/12/02.The USFWS is preparing a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Hanford Reach National Monument/Saddle Mountain National Wildlife Refuge in Benton, Franklin, Adams, and Grant counties, Washington. The Monument/Refuge contains many units including the River Corridor Unit (includes sixteen islands that provide habitat for waterfowl and shorebirds) and the Wahluke Unit (encompasses 57,000 acres of riparian and shrub-steppe habitats). http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-14694-filed

Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge to get Comprehensive Conservation Plan

Federal Register notice, 6/11/02. The USFWS intends to gather information necessary to prepare a Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and Environmental Assessment (EA) for the Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge. The USFWS is seeking suggestions and information on the scope of issues to include in the environmental documents. The planning process will consider many elements, including habitat and wildlife management, habitat protection and acquisition, public uses, and cultural resources. Eastern Neck National Wildlife Refuge, located in Kent County, Maryland, consists of 2,285 acres of brackish tidal marsh, cropland, forest, grassland and open water impoundments. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-14543-filed

NY Announces $150,000 in Funding for Jamaica Bay

NYS DEC press release, 6/10/02. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced that the State will provide $150,000 to the United States National Park Service to investigate the causes of intertidal marsh loss in Jamaica Bay. The funding is being made available as part of a comprehensive strategy developed by DEC to address documented loss of intertidal marshland in the Jamaica Bay watershed over the last quarter century. The National Park Service will use the $150,000 to undertake six research projects this summer.

$9.1 Million for Largest-Ever Conservancy Land Acquisition in New York

The Nature Conservancy press release, 6/10/02. TUG HILL PLATEAU, NY - The Nature Conservancy of New York announced a landmark deal to preserve 44,650 acres of forest lands in the Tug Hill Plateau in Lewis County, marking the largest land acquisition that the Conservancy has negotiated in the state of New York.  TNC, with the help of New York State, will buy the property for $9.1 million from Hancock Timber, a private timber investment company that has owned the land since 1996. The property, known as the "East Branch of Fish Creek Site," is the largest privately-owned parcel on the Tug Hill Plateau, the westernmost extension of the Northern Forest, which stretches from New York to Maine.  The parcel is located east of Lake Ontario and to the west of the 6 million-acre Adirondack Park, in the remote interior of the Tug Hill Plateau.  It includes intact spruce and northern hardwood forests, extensive wetlands and the headwaters of three major river systems. http://nature.org/pressroom/press/press673.html

6,000 Acres of Land Acquisition in Michigan Funded by The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund press release, 5/31/02. The recently established Great Lakes Revolving Loan Fund, administered by The Conservation Fund, has made its second loan. A $1.07-million loan to The Nature Conservancy will aid in the protection of more than 6,000 acres of pristine forest and wetlands on Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula. The lands, located in Copper Country, represent some of the richest and most unique habitat in the Upper Peninsula. Unspoiled natural systems abound, including glacial lakes, peatlands, wetlands, Montreal River frontage, hardwood and boreal forests, and Lake Superior shoreline containing cliffs and bluffs. The lands will link with nearly 2,500 acres currently owned by the DNR and another 1,500 acres owned by The Nature Conservancy.  http://www.conservationfund.org/?article=2001

Formal Consultation Completed on 10-Year Klamath Project Operations

USFWS press release, 5/31/02.  SACRAMENTO--The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has completed the final 2002 biological opinion on the Bureau of Reclamation’s Klamath Project. The biological opinion, delivered to Reclamation today, provides sound guidance for 10 years of operating the Klamath Project. The biological opinion is consistent with the National Academy of Science (NAS) interim report and allows Reclamation to deliver irrigation water with flexibility by year type. http://news.fws.gov/newsreleases/r1/B3FA514F-394E-4854-A161AA6F86BA3214.html

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NEW PUBLICATIONS and RESOURCES

New - “An Introduction and User’s Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation, and Enhancement”

The pre-print version of “An Introduction and User’s Guide to Wetland Restoration, Creation, and Enhancement,” developed by the Interagency Workgroup on Wetland Restoration, is now available online.  The “document is designed to achieve two goals: introduce non-technical readers to the basics of wetland projects including planning, implementing, and monitoring; and direct interested persons to documents and resources specific to a particular region or wetland type.” It is nicely organized and has lots of good information for the layperson, along with valuable resource and technical appendices and a checklist for going through the process.  Preview your copy online at http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/habitatconservation/publications/index.htm

Now Available: National Wetlands Newsletter – May-June

The May-June 2002 issue of the National Wetlands Newsletter and the National Wetlands is now available on the ELI Web site. Featured articles include “Raising the Level of Restoration: California's Mono Lake,” by Greg Reis, Mono Lake Committee; “Same Story, Different Lake? Diversion Planning on Utah's Bear River,” by Zachary Frankel, Utah Rivers Council; and “Past Spill, Future Traffic Underscore Call for Prince William Sound Management Plan,” by Tony Turrini, National Wildlife Federation. Other sections include “News,” “Congress,” “Federal Agencies,” and “Courts.”  Visit http://www.eli.org/publications/nwn.htm

Lakeshore Development Affects Birds       

ANN ARBOR, Michigan, June 12, 2002 (ENS) – “Lakeshore housing development affects breeding bird communities in subtle ways that conventional surveys may miss, suggests a study by researchers at the University of Michigan (U-M) and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR). Property owners can take steps to lessen the effects, the scientists say, writing in the September issue of the journal ‘Biological Conservation,’ now available online. The researchers surveyed breeding birds over a two-year period in an area of northern Wisconsin where lakeshore housing development has boomed in recent years . . . “ http://ens-news.com/ens/jun2002/2002-06-12-09.asp

Ducks Curb Weed and Straw Problems in Flooded Rice Fields

University of California, Davis press release, 6/11/02. University of California, Davis, researchers found that foraging waterfowl in winter-flooded rice fields helped control weeds and increase the decomposition of rice straw from the previous season's crop. In rice fields that were flooded during the winter and open to foraging waterfowl, the researchers found that rice straw decomposed more than 30 percent faster and grassy weeds in the subsequent growing season decreased by more than 50 percent, compared to flooded rice fields where wildfowl were fenced out. Furthermore, grain yield was not reduced by the foraging ducks. http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/

Washington Herp Atlas Now Complete and Online

The Washington Herp Atlas is now available online. The Atlas provides the most current information available on Washington's herpetofauna (amphibians and reptiles, or "herps") including information on life history, habitat, status, threats, management concerns and distribution. The Atlas also seeks additional information about Washington's amphibians and reptiles. Information obtained through this project will be used to track the current status of each species, document rare species occurrences, analyze population trends, identify critical habitat and establish conservation priorities. http://www.wa.gov/dnr/htdocs/fr/nhp/refdesk/herp/

“A National Strategy to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat.”

Restore America’s Estuaries press release. Restore America’s Estuaries released “A National Strategy to Restore Coastal and Estuarine Habitat” to provide a framework for restoring function to coastal and estuarine habitat.  The Strategy seeks to ensure that restoration priorities are established, diverse programs are coordinated to maximize benefits, and public expectations are both established and met.  “A National Strategy” is available in print, on the web at the Restore America’s Estuaries website, www.estuaries.org, and as an interactive CD-ROM.  In addition to the document, A National Strategy contains several other powerful tools for coastal and estuary habitat restoration including the “Principles of Estuarine Habitat Restoration,” “Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide,” an on-line, searchable database of restoration plans, and a dynamic website – http://restoration.nos.noaa.gov. 

FY 02 “Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide” Online

Restore America’s Estuaries press release. Restore America’s Estuaries recently announced its latest study of 74 federal programs that provide funding for habitat restoration in FY2002, “Funding for Habitat Restoration Projects: A Citizen’s Guide.”  The funding guide provides a quick, comprehensive and accessible review of the often hidden federal funds that may be used to implement on-the-ground habitat restoration projects.  Its design and layout provide users with easy access to critical information about funding, eligibility and program contacts.  The guide is available online at Restore America’s Estuaries website, www.estuaries.org

Two New HGM Regional Guidebooks Available

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center announces the publication of a new document on its Web sites: www.wes.army.mil/el/wetlands and www.wes.army.mil/el/wrap "A Regional Guidebook for Applying the Hydrogeomorphic Approach to Assessing Wetland Functions of Wet Pine Flats on Mineral Soils in the Atlantic and Gulf Coastal Plains" [ERDC/EL TR-02-9] by Richard D. Rheinhardt, Martha Craig Rheinhardt, and Mark M. Brinson, uses the HGM Approach to develop a Regional Guidebook for assessing the functions of wet pine flats wetlands on mineral soils in the southeastern United States. 

Ducks Unlimited Launches Online Conservation Education Site

Memphis, TN, June 13, 2002 - Ducks Unlimited, the world leader in wetland and waterfowl conservation, has developed a new education section for its web site at www.ducks.org. The online resource includes teaching materials for parents and educators, plus educational fun for kids to enjoy. The Greenwing site is designed just for kids, and features project ideas, fun facts, entertaining games, and a variety of other activities. "The idea is to make learning about wetlands, wildlife, and conservation an enjoyable experience," explains Thompson. The educator's site is designed to supply teachers with an engaging curriculum about wetland habitat and wetland wildlife.  http://www.ducks.org/news/greenwing_teachers_site.asp

San Francisco Estuary: Invasive Spartina Project [.pdf]

http://www.spartina.org/index.htm The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences -- June 14, 2002. “The Invasive Spartina Project was developed by the California State Coastal Conservancy to determine the extent and address the problem of invasive Spartina in the San Francisco Estuary. This Web site describes the efforts of the Invasive Spartina Project and the risk that Spartina poses. A variety of maps and photos are used to describe the results of the 2000-2001 survey of Spartina populations within the estuary. A host of other documents regarding Spartina and this project are also available in Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format. [AL]”

Pennsylvania Aquatic Insects [Flash]

http://paaquaticfliesrus.bd.psu.edu/index.asp The NSDL Scout Report for the Life Sciences -- June 14, 2002. “This Web site from Penn State University is a vast resource of information on aquatic insects. Users can search or browse the database for an insect species and view maps of the selected species distribution within Pennsylvania, or all of North America. The site has recently added some radar images of a Mayfly emergence, complete with a detailed description to help interpret the images. Those visitors interested in trout fishing may appreciate the two pages on tying flies that can be found by navigating through the section entitled How to Use Site. [AL]”

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POTPOURRI

Marine Habitat Restoration Specialist Sought by NMFS-Gloucester

The NMFS Restoration Center has advertised a position in Gloucester for a ZP-03 Marine Habitat Resource Specialist.  There also might be one for a ZP-02.  It is one position to be hired at either the Band II or II level.  The ZP-03 closes on July 8.  The announcement number is h-nmf-02036.3.tfj The position is working with habitat restoration at the National Marine Fisheries Service office in Gloucester, MA. https://www.jobs.doc.gov/cool/doc/APP_VAC_LIST?F_AG_ID=11 Also available is a full time, permanent Marine Habitat Specialist position for Sandy Hook, New Jersey. 

Fulbright Scholar Program Seeking Applicants for International Exchange of Scholars

The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering 130 lecturing, research and lecturing/research awards in the fields of Environmental Science for the 2003-2004 academic year. Awards for faculty and professionals range from two months to an academic year. While many awards specify project and host institution, there are a number of open "Any Field" awards that allow candidates to propose their own project and determine their host institution affiliation. Foreign language skills are needed in some countries, but most Fulbright lecturing assignments are in English. The application deadline for 2003-2004 awards is August 1.  http://www.cies.org/

Great Lakes Commission Funding Wetland Monitoring Projects

The Great Lakes Commission continues to facilitate a large-scale collaborative effort that will yield a long-term monitoring program for Great Lakes coastal wetlands. A total of $300,000 is available for projects that address several needs established by the Consortium. The ultimate mission of the project is to develop a monitoring implementation plan. Work requested under this announcement may include the evaluation of first year work and projects, the design of long-term monitoring program options, assessment of indicators of wetland condition, and the continued development and population of a broadly accessible binational wetlands inventory and database of relevant coastal wetland monitoring information. http://www.glc.org.

River Network's 2002 Watershed Assistance Grants Available

American Rivers’ “RiverCurrents: June 7, 2002.” River Network is again teaming up with EPA to disperse Watershed Assistance Grants to watershed groups across the country. River Network members are encouraged to apply for these grants that range from $1500 to $30,000 per project. Applications are due by July 19. For more information and for an application form visit http://www.rivernetwork.org/

RFPs Sought on Science and Engineering Advancements in Water Quality Arena

WERF web site. The Water Environment Research Foundation (WERF) announced the availability of $4.4 million in new research initiatives.  Environmental professionals with an interest in advancing science and engineering in the water quality arena are invited to submit proposals.  Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for 13 projects totaling more than $3.3 million have been posted on the WERF website at http://www.werf.org/funding/2002_RFPs.cfm. Approximately $1.1 million in additional funds has been allocated to six additional projects as either expansion of ongoing work or as a workshop.  RFPs are being issued under four broad headings including Watershed and Ecosystem Management. Proposals due August 21, 2002.

Proposals Sought for the Coastal Ecosystem Research Project, Northern Gulf of Mexico

Federal Register notice, 6/5/02. Center for Sponsored Coastal Ocean Research/Coastal Ocean Program (CSCOR/COP), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Commerce. is soliciting proposals to support 1 to 3 year studies of coastal ecosystem research related to hypoxia over the Louisiana continental shelf in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Funding is contingent upon the availability of Federal appropriations. It is anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have a May 1, 2003 start date. The deadline for receipt of proposals at the CSCOR/COP office is 3 p.m., local time September 17, 2002. http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getdoc.cgi?dbname=2002_register&docid=02-14069-filed

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