If you care about Smart Growth and Livable Cities make plans to attend the 6th Annual Livable Cities Conference to be held May 12-14 at Birmingham Southern College. Sponsored by the Southern Environmental Center, the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham and the Birmingham Metropolitan Planning Commission, the conference will have nationally recognized speakers on the issues of Smart Growth and Livable Cities. It is a "can't miss" conference.

Registration is $30, which includes lunch on the 13th. For more details about the event download the brochure at www.bsc.edu/sec/news/default.html or contact the Southern Environmental Center at 205-226-4934 or email rhazelho@bsc.edu.

1. Litter Cleanup Costing Alabama $5.3 Million a Year - Here is a figure that is hard to believe. This year, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, is receiving approximately $3.9 million from the Alabama Legislature. ADEM's budget decreased 18% over the past year and may lose an additional $300,000 in this year's budget.

In contrast, according to a recent article in the Birmingham News, taxpayers pay $5.3 million every year in Alabama to pick up litter alongside federal and state highways.

The litter pick up costs are the Department of Transportation's 3rd highest maintenance costs behind the mowing of right of ways and rest area operations. In Jefferson County alone, the state picks up 296 tons (5,920,000 pounds) of litter each month or approximately 3552 tons (71,104,000 pounds) of litter a year. It costs the state $198,000 a month (or approx. $2.4 million a year) to pick up litter in Jefferson County.

2. Appalachian Trail: From Alabama to Maine - Last month, the Calhoun County Commission passed a resolution supporting an effort to purchase 1800 acres of land spanning the Alabama-Georgia border. If the purchase is successful the land would link the Pinhoti Trail in Alabama with the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia.

One of the world's most famous trails, linkage with the Appalachian Trail would provide a significant economic impact through eco-tourism according to Calhoun County Commissioner Robert Downing. Acquisition of the land, which lies in two parcels, one on each side of the state line, is expected to cost more than $4 million in federal funding.

3. Forestry Commission Tackles State Wildfires In March - Dry weather and low humidity sparked 1,540 wildfires that burned 23,962 acres of land in Alabama during the month of March, according State Forester Tim Boyce.

An abundance of undergrowth spawned by last year's heavy rains has produced an oversupply of fuel for fires. Since the beginning of the Forestry Commission's fiscal year on October 1, 2003, there have been more than 2,900 fires that have burned approximately 34,000 acres.

4. BEN Notes: - AEC Dirty Dozen List, Mobile National Estuary Mini Grants, Legacy Funding Opportunities, Coosa River Basin Initiative Position Open, Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste Day, State Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners

AEC Dirty Dozen List - Last week, the Alabama Environmental Council released its "Dirty Dozen" list. To check out the list and the AEC press release go to www.aeconline.ws

Mobile National Estuary Mini Grants - The deadline for the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program's Mini Grants is May 1st. For complete information about the Mini Grant program go to their website at www.mobilebaynep.com/Minigrant_guide.htm. If you have any questions call 251-431-6409 or email lyokel@mobilebaynep.com

Legacy Funding Opportunities - Legacy Partners in Environmental Education has several "funding opportunities" deadlines that are fast approaching. Here are the programs and deadlines:

Competitive Grants (grants up to $10,000) - Deadline April 30, 2004
Mini-Grant Program (grants up to $2,500) - Deadline April 30, 2004
College Scholarships ($1,500 for undergraduate, $2,000 for graduate) - Deadline May 7, 2004

Coosa River Basin Initiative Position Open - The Coosa River Basin Initiative is seeking a program coordinator in Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama. Full-time, entry level salary with benefits. Resumes should include 3 references. Send to CRBI, c/o Matt Reid, 408 Broad Street, Rome, Ga. 30161. Applications reviewed on receipt. Anticipated start date: May 1st.

Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste Day - The Jefferson County Commission will be sponsoring a Household Hazardous Waste Day on April 17th from 8:00 A.M. to Noon. Volunteers are needed. Please call Mike Higgginbotham with the Jefferson County Department of Environmental Protection at 205-325-8712.

State Arbor Day Poster Contest Winners - Check out the poster winners for this year's 2004 Statewide Arbor Day Poster Contest at www.aces.edu/Calhoun/arborday.