BEN - November 28, 2006 #273

1) Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres
2) Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion
3) State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester
4) Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions
5) BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website

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Dear BEN Reader:

Maxie Bryant, a longtime leader in the Audubon Society and the environmental community died this weekend.

When I served on the Forever Wild board of trustees, every meeting opened with comments from the public.

It never failed.

At every meeting, Maxie Bryant, smiling from ear to ear would stand and greet us "you know why I'm here!" she would always say.

Then with boastful enthusiasm she would passionately tell the trustees how important the Sipsey River Swamp is to Alabama.

I can't remember a Forever Wild meeting without Maxie. Encouraging us. Prodding us. Even after the board, bought over 2000 acres on the Sipsey River, she still attended the meetings graciously thanking us at every turn. She loved Forever Wild. She loved preserving our rivers, swamps and land. She loved nature and her family.

I can still see her smiling. Maxie - Well Done.

Best Wishes,Pat Byington
BEN Publisher

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Visitation for Maxie Bryant will be Wednesday, November 29, 5-7pm at the Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel. Funeral services will be on Thursday, November 30 (her birthday) at Tuscaloosa Memorial Chapel - 2pm. At Maxie's request, in lieu of flowers, she asked memorial contributions be made to Forever Wild Land Trust, 64 North Union Street, Suite 464, Montgomery, Alabama 36104 or Dauphin Island Bird Sanctuaries, P. O. Box 1295, Dauphin Island, Alabama 36528.

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Last night, I received an email from Kirsten Bryant, Maxie's granddaughter in-law, relaying the following special story Maxie told the Forever Wild Board last March in Montgomery.

"75 years ago our vacation was to throw two bushels of corn into the back of a wagon and to go overnight to the Sipsey Swamp. We put out the set hooks and trout lines. It was so exciting. We made a check of them on the hour to take off the fish and put new bait on them. Everyone fought to get to go but they felt like that was not proper for a girl to go. Girls were left out when it came to putting out the trout lines and changing the bait. That was not something the girls did. I pushed the button. I always wanted to go and I would put a pitiful face up to Dad. And, I convinced him that I could hold the lantern. I never dropped it."

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1. Freshwater Land Trust To Inherit 4500 Acres - According to the Birmingham News, the Freshwater Land Trust has agreed to take responsibility for 4,500 acres from Jefferson County.

Since 1996, the county has been under a federal decree when a federal judge found that it repeatedly had violated the Clean Water Act . Under the decree, the county bought 4,500 acres protecting headwaters of creeks and pathways along the Cahaba and Black Warrior river basins instead of paying fines to the federal government. Up to $30 million was spent on the 10 year program.Jefferson County will convey to the land trust, after the approval of EPA, the rights to the 4,500 acres in December. An additional $4.2 million will also be placed in a maintenance fund.

For more information about the Freshwater Land Trust visit http://www.freshwaterlandtrust.org

2. Chief Ladiga Trail Nears Completion - Last week, the Clebourne County Commission accepted a $460,000 bid to finish a 4.2 mile section of the Chief Ladiga Trail. This action, along with several projects in progress will enable the Chief Ladiga Trail to connect with Georgia's Silver Comet Trail by mid 2007.

To learn more about this project that links Alabama and Georgia visit http://epic.jsu.edu

3. State Poised To Hire 1st Deep South State Forester - According to the Decatur Daily, the state of Alabama is poised to appoint the first female state forester in the Deep South after the Alabama Forestry Commission accepted a search committee's recommendation.

Linda Casey of South Carolina was selected from a field of 26 applicants and must now be approved by Governor Bob Riley. Casey presently oversees the procurement of 26.8 million tons of fiber, manages 138 employees and a budget of nearly a $1 billion for International Paper in Georgetown, South Carolina. Alabama's state forester oversees the day to day work of 337 employees across the state and an annual budget of $35 million.

Commission chairman Don Heath said Riley will be asked to appoint Casey contingent upon her becoming a licensed forester in Alabama. She could begin work in January.

4. Sen. Lamar Alexander of Tennessee Calls For Mercury Reductions - Last week, U.S. Senator Lamar Alexander said the federal government's current rule on mercury emissions may not be strong enough to protect Tennessee and urged Tennessee Governor Phil Bredesen to continue his investigation into the extent coal fired power plants in Tennessee and neighboring states are contributing to the problem of mercury deposits in the Great Smokey Mountains National Park.Sen.

Alexander has introduced bipartisan legislation called the Clean Air Planning Act, that goes 'farther and faster" than Bush administration proposals to clean up coal burning plants by removing sulfur, nitrogen, and mercury from the air. The bill would cut mercury emissions by 90 percent in 2015 according to an Alexander press release.

View Sen. Alexander's clean air positions by visiting his website at: http://alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Articles.Detail&Article_id=129

5. BEN Notes: Dogwood Alliance Internship Program, Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program, Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn, The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide, Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature", Perry Lakes Website

Dogwood Alliance Internship Program - Students interested in working an internship for a regional grassroots forestry protection group may contact the Dogwood Alliance's Eva Hernandez at eva@dogwoodalliance.org or visit http://pressroomda.greenmediatoolshed.org/folders/index.tcl?folder_id=1431

Wiregrass Electric Cooperative Green Power Program - The Wiregrass Electric Cooperative is offering "Green Power Choice" to it's customers. Check it out by visiting their website at http://www.wiregrass.coop/greenpower.html or call 800-239-4602.

Climate Change Organizer to Speak at Auburn - Dr. Eban Goodstein, an economics professor at Lewis and Clark College and an organizer of a major initiative that is engaging over a thousand educational institutions around the country on climate change will speak on Tuesday, November 28th, Noon at 208 Foy Union at Auburn University. His topic - "Seen Inconvenient Truth: Now What? Focus the Nation on Solutions to Global Warming." For additional info call Lindy Biggs or Matt Williams at 334-844-7777.

The Gulf Restoration Network Wetlands Guide - The Gulf Restoration Network has a downloadable "wetlands guide" for people interested in protecting wetlands. Go to http://www.healthygulf.org/wetlands/Wetlands%20Manual.htm

Nature Conservancy's "Gift of Nature" - The Nature Conservancy has a great stocking stuffer for the holiday season. The conservation group is selling "gift of nature" certificates that show recipients have contributed to nature projects throughout Alabama. For example: a gift of "pearls" goes toward oyster reef restoration, a gift of "flowers" supports preservation of central Alabama's Cahaba River and its lilies. Donations for the certificates start at $50. For more information call Linda Mayson at 251-433-1150.

Perry Lakes Website - Check out a great website providing information about all the many activities occurring at Perry Lake. Visit http://www.perrylakes.org

BEN - November 14, 2006 #272

1) Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Success Stories
2) 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating
3) Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing
4) Legacy Receives National Honor
5) BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail
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Here is a great story/excerpt from a Mike Bolton column that was published in the Birmingham News on November 5th.

"Maybe for different reasons, but we all want a clean environment. A healthy environment benefits us all, no matter how we play outdoors.

The details from one interview on that trip will forever stay embedded in my mind. I talked to a biologist from the Alabama Geological Survey about the declining mussel population in the Cahaba and the fact that several mussels species found there just 25 years before were now extinct.

Although I'm sure one of my questions wasn't as terse as my thought train, the basic premise of my ignorant inquiry was: 'So what?"

The patient biologist gave me an answer that I will never forget. Aside from not wanting to go to your grave knowing that you might have been partially responsible for the demise of a species of animals on this earth, there are other things to consider, he explained. Whether we like the outdoors because we fish, hunt, hike, camp or watch birds, it is a house of cards that is precariously perched, he said. You can pull out a card here and there and nothing happens, but eventually you will pull out the wrong card and it will all come tumbling down.

The sad part is that it can never be put back the way it was.

The mussel in the Cahaba that nobody eats and that the bass don't eat may seem lowly, but it is an important component of the bass that I like to catch there. The bottom dweller sits at the lowest end of the food chain, but it is a filter feeder that filters harmful pollutants from the river.

It serves as the canary in the coal mine so to speak, the biologist explained. Miners once took canaries into coal mines. When the canary died, that meant a harmful level of toxic gas was present. The canary for the Cahaba is dying, the biologist said.

Will the tiny minnows that the bass and bream eat die next? Will the bass follow? Will it all eventually tumble down, never to be put back as it was?

To read the entire column go to this al.com website.

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1. Alabama Association of RC&D Councils Success Stories - Recently, we received at the Bama Environmental News a copy of the 2005 Annual Report for the Alabama Association of RC&D Councils.

It is an impressive report.

Through the nine local councils that cover the state of Alabama, there are numerous proactive environmental projects that are being carried out. Some of these projects and accomplishments include:

* Water Festivals in Baldwin, Lee, Montgomery, Bullock, Barbour, Talladega, Limestone and Colbert counties.

* Creation of nature trails and outdoor classrooms in schools and communities such as the Dodge City Outdoor Classroom, Priceville Elementary Wetland Walkway, the Monroeville Future Forest Learning Center, Stapleton Elementary School "Our Big Back Yard," Bear Exploration Center (Montgomery County), Eufaula Rails to Trails, Russell County's Lakewood School Nature Trail and Outdoor Discovery Center and the Phil Campbell Outdoor Classroom.

* Alabama Clean Water Partnership (CWP) Basin Groups such as the Black Warrior River CWP, Cahaba River Basin, Coosa Basin, Tennessee Basin and several other groups.

* Your Town Alabama - http://www.yourtownalabama.org/ - a conference that attracts community leaders throughout Alabama to develop and inspire new and innovative community projects and development goals.

This is just a sampling of Association's many environmental projects. A true "advocate for the public and community good" - Alabama's RC&D Councils are a great way to protect and enhance the environment within your own community. To learn more about your local Regional Council visit the following websites:

http://www.amrvrcd.net
http://www.cawaco.org
http://www.gulfcoastrcd.org
http://www.wrcd.org

2. 4-H Environmental Center Garners "Gold" LEED Rating - Last month, Alabama 4-H broke ground in Shelby County on the site where a new 17,500 square foot Environmental Science Education Center will be built. The new center will be the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) commissioned environmental education building in the Southeast and will be an example of sustainable awareness nationally.

The LEED Green Building rating system is the nationally accepted benchmark for the design, construction and high performance green buildings. LEED certification promotes sustainability, human and environmental health, sustainable site development, energy efficiency, materials selection and indoor environmental quality. To attain "gold" LEED certification, buildings are required to achieve 39 points, the Alabama 4-H Environmental Science Education Center will qualify for 45 points. The building has been designed by Davis Architects of Birmingham and will be constructed by B.L. Harbert International. It is scheduled to open in November 2007.

Check out the design of the building and additional details at http://www.aces.edu/fourh/ For additional information about LEED certification go to the U.S. Green Building Council website at http://www.usgbc.org

3. Environmental Groups Sue to End Gulf of Mexico Bluefin Tuna Fishing - According to the Associated Press, several environmental groups are calling for Bluefin Tuna fishing to be shut down in the Gulf of Mexico, to keep one of the world's largest and most valuable fish from dying out.

Earthjustice and the Blue Ocean Institute sued the federal government last week, after the federal government's rejection of a petition by Earthjustice to close 125,000 square miles of the Gulf when bluefin are spawning. Bluefin, which can reach 10 feet long and up to 1500 pounds, travel thousands of miles every year to reach the spring spawning grounds in the Gulf of Mexico. Direct fishing for bluefin was banned in U.S. waters in 1999.The lawsuit coincided with a study in the current issue of Nature that warns of a worldwide collapse of fish populations by 2048, if trends are not reversed.

To read more about the lawsuit visit, http://www.earthjustice.org

4. Legacy Receives National Honor - On October 10th in San Diego, California, the American Bar Association Section of Environment, Energy and Resources presented Legacy, Inc., Partners in Environmental Education, with the 2006 American Bar Association Award for Excellence in Environmental and Resources Stewardship.

Legacy is primarily funded through the sale of Alabama's "Protect Our Environment" license tags, as well as from corporate, individual and in-kind donations and grants. Founded in 1992, Legacy has bestowed more than $2 million in grants, scholarships and sponsorships related to environmental education and events. Other achievements from 2000-2005 include:

* 1064 teachers trained at Legacy teacher workshops.
* 173 environmental grants awarded for a total of $785,807
* 109 environmental scholarships awarded for a total of $143,950
* 23 chemical collection day sponsorships awarded for a total of $93,650
* 110 Earth Month sponsorships awarded for a total of $27,250
* 250,000 environmental education materials (posters, guides, pamphlets and booklets) distributed.

For additional info about Legacy and their programs visit, http://www.legacyenved.org

5. BEN Notes: Environmental Educator Position Open, Organic Vegetable Conference Slated, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference, River of Words, AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway, Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail

Environmental Educator Position Open - Camp McDowell is seeking an environmental education instructor. The position pays $225 per week plus room and board, and will run from February to May. Requirements include a college degree, certifications in CPR and First Aid and a desire to help children learn and grow in an outdoor environment. To apply - mail or email resume and references to Maggie Wade Johnston, 105 DeLong Road, Nauvoo, Alabama, 33578 or maggie@campmcdowell.com . For additional info, call 205-387-1806 or visit http://www.campmcdowell.com

Organic Vegetable Conference Slated - The 4th Annual Organic Vegetable Production Conference is scheduled to be held on November 15, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM at the Alabama Power Company Conference Center in Clanton. The conference fee is $15.00. For additional details go to http://fp.auburn.edu/auorganicveg/conference2006/ or call Dee Fowler at 334-844-2561.

Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Please make plans to attend the Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium on November 28-30 in Mobile. This event is one of the most important symposiums about the Gulf and Alabama's Mobile Bay held in the region. The last event of this kind that was held focusing on Alabama's coast was in 1995. For more details go to http://ambbs.mobilebaynep.com/ or contact Tiffany England at 251-431-6409 or Shonda Borden 251-438-5690.

Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2006 Conference - The Alabama Clean Water Partnership 2nd Annual Watersheds Conference is scheduled to be held on December 6th, 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM at the Alabama Power Water Course Conference Center in Clanton, Alabama. Please RSVP by November 17th for lunch to Allison Jenkins at ajenkins@elmore.rr.com or call 205-266-6285.

River of Words - Inspirational! Check out Alabama's Environmental Art & Poetry Program for Alabama's Youth - River of Words at http://riverofwords.auburn.edu/Winners.htm

AWF Outdoor Classroom/Free Seedling Giveaway - Don't miss out on this special program. The Alabama Forestry Commission is partnering with the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Department of Conservation and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System to donate and deliver free seedlings to schools that are enrolled in the Alabama Outdoor Classroom Program. The deadline to participate in this program is Friday, November 17th. Apply for this program today, by visiting the Alabama Wildlife Federation's website at http://www.alabamawildlife.org/conservation_education/seedlinggiveaway.asp

Alabama's Bartram Canoe Trail - Alabama State Lands has "launched" the Bartram Canoe Trails. Check out this new dynamic program at:http://www.outdooralabama.com/outdoor-adventures/bartram/index.htm

BEN - November 8, 2006 #271

1) Forever Wild Purchases 340 Acres in Huntsville
2) Forever Wild Car Tag Results: $250,000 +
3) New Cahaba River Canoe Launch Near Selma
4) BEN Notes: Nature's Lens Opening Reception, Wolf Bay Monitor Awards, Wenonah Area Safe Routes to School Workshop, Bay Buddy Training, Coastal Wonders at Camp Beckwith, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Ivory-billed Woodpecker Websites

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1. Forever Wild Purchases 340 Acres in Huntsville - Forever Wild, Alabama's land preservation program, "cut the ribbon" this week on the purchase of a new 340 tract on Green Mountain overlooking Hampton Cove and Jones Valley in Huntsville and Madison County. An effort that took nearly 3 years to complete, the purchase is the biggest piece of a nearly 900 acre outdoor preserve spanning parts of Green and Huntsville mountains.

This "model" public-private partnership was accomplished through the support of the City of Huntsville, the Madison County Commission and the Land Trust of Huntsville and North Alabama. The land, was owned by the Certain family since the late 1800s.

According to the Huntsville Times, Drew Certain said his father, the late William Lewis Certain III, was a "consummate outdoorsman." "It was very hard to turn loose of the land. But I can't think of any better people to turn it over to." said Certain in the Times.

2. Forever Wild Car Tag Results: $250,000 + - According to a report from Joe Copeland, for fiscal year 2006, which ended September 30th, the Forever Wild Car Tag netted the Forever Wild Land Trust $253,546. This is a $44,929 or 21% increase from 2005.

To learn more about the Forever Wild car tag email Joe at joec@powernet.org

3. New Cahaba River Canoe Launch Near Selma - According to the Selma Times Journal, this week local and state officials celebrated the acquisition of a new canoe launch site on the lower Cahaba River. Located at the Alabama Highway 22 bridge east of Selma, the seven acre site is part of an effort to develop a Cahaba River Canoe Trail stretching from Birmingham to Selma.

The site, which is expected to open in 2007, is a partnership among The Nature Conservancy of Alabama, the Alabama Power Company, Alabama Historical Commission, Alabama-Tombigbee Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Alabama Department of Transportation.

4. BEN Notes: Nature's Lens Opening Reception, Wolf Bay Monitor Awards, Wenonah Area Safe Routes to School Workshop, Bay Buddy Training, Coastal Wonders at Camp Beckwith, Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium, Ivory-billed Woodpecker Websites

Nature's Lens Opening Reception - Nature photographer Anne DelBene is making her Atlanta, Georgia debut with an open reception at Java Monkey: an organic coffee and wine bar, tonight (Nov. 3rd) from 7:00-10:00. The show titled "Tis a Beautiful Season" will run through November 30th. If you can't make it to Atlanta, check out Anne's beautiful work at http://www.natureslens.org

Wolf Bay Monitor Awards - Our friends at Wolf Bay in Baldwin County will be celebrating and recognizing their many dedicated water monitors this Saturday, November 4th, 4:00 PM at the Bay Forest Club House. State Senator Bradley Byrnes will be on hand to distribute the awards. To learn more about this event, call Liz at 850-712-1137.

Wenonah Area Safe Routes to School Workshop - The National Center for Bicycling and Walking will be facilitating a community discussion of Safe Routes to School. This workshop will promote safety and ideas on how to improve the walking and cycling environment. The event will be held on November 8th 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM at Lawson State Community, College Building 3, Birmingham. Contact Tom Maxwell at 205-264-8445 for more info.

Bay Buddy Training - The Alabama Coastal Foundation will be holding a "Bay Buddy Training," for individuals interested in volunteering for the Gulf Coast Bay Program, November 8, 3:00, PM at the Alabama Coastal Foundation Office, located at 122 Fairhope Ave. in Fairhope, Alabama. For detailed info, go to http://www.joinacf.org

Coastal Wonders at Camp Beckwith - Camp Beckwith, the Episcopal Church Camp in Baldwin County, has an innovative environmental education program called Coastal Wonders. Check out their website, http://www.coastalwonders.org/ for additional details.

Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium - Please make plans to attend the Alabama-Mississippi Bays and Bayous Symposium on November 28-29 in Mobile. This event is one of the most important symposiums about the Gulf and Alabama's Mobile Bay held in the region. The last event of this kind that was held focusing on Alabama's coast was in 1995. For more details go to http://ambbs.mobilebaynep.com/ or contact Tiffany England at 251-431-6409 or Shonda Borden 251-438-5690.

Ivory-billed Woodpecker Websites - Have you caught Ivory-billed Woodpecker fever? Check out these blogs/websites documenting the search...

http://ivorybills.blogspot.com
http://www.nokuse.org
Geoff Hill's Auburn University Website