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 RESTORE is a weekly e-bulletin, published by SER International, linking you to the latest, breaking news stories from around the world keeping you up-to-date on a wide variety of topics related to ecological restoration including the latest funding opportunities. RESTORE is free to SER International members and can be subscribed to for only $20/year by visiting: www.ser.org/content/restoration_network.asp.
SER Opens Search for New Executive Director
The Society for Ecological Restoration (SER) International has opened its search to fill the position of Executive Director. The application deadline is Monday, September 15, 2008. For a complete set of duties and qualifications, please go to http://www.ser.org/pdf/edjobdesc.pdf |
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Get Involved / Community-Based Restoration
California: Baskets and Burning - Indigenous Restoration on the Klamath
Thursday September 4, 2008 3 PM - 5 PM. Come learn about the Following the Smoke program, an innovative partnership between the Forest Service, BLM, Karuk Indigenous Basketweavers, and the Mid-Klamath Watershed Council. Redwood Creek Nursery manager Chris Friedel participated in the summer of 2007, and he will share photographs and stories from the event. Topics will include: traditional Indian burning practices; restoration of the Klamath River salmon fishery; some Karuk ceremonial practices; and an introduction to California Indian basketry.
http://www.parksconservancy.org/calendar/index.asp?event=1790&date=9/4/2008
New Mexico: Public can Tour Bosque Restoration Projects
What has been going on in the bosque this past year? The Save Our Bosque Task Force is offering a free tour that is open to the public Friday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. "It's an opportunity to spend the day out looking and projects we've completed over the past year," said Doug Boykin of the state Forestry Division, a member of the task force. The task force, which has representatives from various agencies, has been a major player in the bosque restoration projects in question. During the tour, participants will have the chance to see up to 10 or 12 projects, depending on time, that are finished or under way.
http://www.dchieftain.com/news/82718-08-27-08.html |
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People in the News
Friendly Fire: Restoration Forestry
Wally Covington, professor, restoration ecologist, and a man who has been around burned woods all of his career, walked through the still-raw scar of a fire that had wiped out nine nesting reserves for the northern goshawk, shut down the only roads to the plateau, including one to Grand Canyon's North Rim, threatened a substantial chunk of the remaining habitat of the flammulated owl and endemic Kaibab squirrel, may cause a quarter of the old-growth ponderosa pine to die, promoted gully-washing erosion, and rang up suppression costs of $7 million.
http://westinstenv.org/resfor/2008/08/30/friendly-fire/
eMinutes(R) Commits to Plant 10,000 Trees by 2013
eMinutes(R), a leading provider of legal counsel related to business formation and the maintenance of legal entities, announced today that it will plant trees on behalf of clients who choose their paperless delivery option. To date, the company has planted more than 2,200 trees through American Forests(R), and they've set a five-year deadline to reach the 10,000-tree milestone.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/eminutesr-commits-plant-10000-trees/story.aspx?guid=%7B5086C2AA-5082-4023-96D1-FA57BC0DE670%7D&dist=hppr |
| New Books & Articles
Evolving Designer Ecosystem Sheds Light on Unintended Consequences
Amidst the semi-arid stretches of Phoenix, a visitor might blink twice at the sight of a sailboat cutting across the horizon. Tempe Town Lake, on the northern edge of Arizona State University (ASU), is just one of a multitude of lakes, small ponds, canals and dams combining flood control, water delivery, recreational opportunities and aesthetics, and altering perception of water availability and economics in the area.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2008-09/asu-ede090308.php
UK Think Tank: Preventing Peatland Loss is Cheapest Climate Measure
The UK think thank Policy Exchange has presented the costs of the most important climate measures. Reducing emissions from tropical peatlands is by far the cheapest way of reducing greenhouse gas emissions; using biofuels is by far the most expensive measure. The study 'The Root of the Matter' shows the magnitude of emissions due to peatland and forest loss. Costs for reducing these emissions range from 0,1 euro per tonne carbon dioxide for peatlands to maximum 30 euro for forests. The costs for nuclear energy, the use of hydrogen and especially biofuels are much higher, up to around 600 euro per tonne.
http://redapes.org/science/uk-think-tank-preventing-peatland-loss-is-cheapest-climate-measure/
Lessons and Experiences from a Stream Restoration Project in the Piedmont of North Carolina
Mulkey, Inc. is participating in a stream restoration study with the Ecosystem Enhancement Program in Yadkin County, North Carolina. The purpose of this study is to restore approximately 4,300 linear feet of Rocky Branch, a second order stream locatedin the western Piedmont of North Carolina. Stream restoration in North Carolina is generally conducted to provide compensatory mitigation for stream impacts from both highway construction and private development.
http://repositories.cdlib.org/jmie/roadeco/Barrett2007a/ |
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Australia: The Battle for the Red Gum Forests
The Rivers and Red Gum Environmental Alliance (RRGA) wants 104,000 hectares of land declared Ramsar Reserve which would allow for the continued "wise use" of the forest by woodcutters, graziers and campers while also providing for the conservation of important wetland areas. The two plans represent two competing concepts of wilderness. The VEAC plan is based on a Romantic and European notion that excludes people: but for many Indigenous Australians a tract of land without custodians is something to lament - certainly not to celebrate.
http://www.onlineopinion.com.au/view.asp?article=7755 |
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Philippines: Cordillera Leaders Urge Reforesting the Indigenous Way
Cordillera leaders who met here recently believed there is a "Cordillera way" of reforesting the region's watershed reservations areas, that they recommend government should pattern its massive reforestation activities. Balbalan Mayor Allen Jessie Mangaoang revealed their practice of planting native species of trees along the Balbalan-Abra area, which he claimed is more effective against erosion than the species recommended by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (
http://madla69.wordpress.com/2008/09/03/cordillera-leaders-urge-reforesting-the-%E2%80%9Cindigenous-way%E2%80%9D/ |
| Wetland Restoration
Wetlands Destroyed, Wetlands Restored: Both Mean Great Profits
Investors have spent and made millions converting thousands of acres of forests and farm fields to wetlands near the Great Dismal Swamp, the Northwest River and other parts of Chesapeake, Suffolk and northeastern North Carolina. Their clients are a "who's who" list of developers and government agencies that need to offset natural wetlands paved or filled to accommodate houses, shopping centers, roads and office buildings. It's a business that draws mixed opinions about whether creating new wetlands to replace natural ones helps or harms the environment.
http://hamptonroads.com/2008/08/wetlands-destroyed-wetlands-restored-both-mean-big-profits
California: Wetlands Project gets $420,000 State Grant
The Giacomini Wetland Restoration Project has received a $420,000 grant from the California Wildlife Conservation Board. The $5 million effort to turn the former Waldo Giacomini Dairy near Point Reyes Station into a 550-acre wetlands began its second stage in mid-July, as workers hauled 29,000 cubic yards of mud and dirt from the property to two former quarries within the National Seashore. The Park Service acquired the land in 2000 for restoration.
http://www.marinij.com/marinnews/ci_10359406 |
River & Watershed Restoration
Colorado: Eagle River Work Aims to Restore Bank
Restoration work is being done on a stretch of the Eagle River running through Minturn that was badly damaged by early development in town. As homes and businesses were built near the water's edge decades ago, the river was reshaped and deformed. High river banks were created that couldn't hold plant roots, which caused erosion. Wildlife habitat was destroyed as the river widened.
http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news/2008/aug/31/eagle-river-work-aims-to-restore-bank/
The Nature Conservancy Works to Restore Mississippi River Tributary
The Nature Conservancy announced today that it is working to restore another stretch of a key Mississippi River tributary. Partners include the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (WDNR), Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and the University of Wisconsin. Starting last week, heavy machinery is being used once again to return the East Branch of the Pecatonica River to a more natural condition. As shown with an earlier project on a nearby section of the river, the new effort is expected to reduce erosion, improve wildlife habitat and store additional floodwater.
http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/wisconsin/press/press3670.html
Minnesota: Funding in Place to Protect Vermillion River
The Vermillion River Watershed last week was guaranteed strong governmental protection for its fish and wildlife -- and for people who want to use the southern metro river. Dakota County commissioners approved use of a major state grant to enhance and preserve the 335-square-mile watershed, the largest in the metro area. The Vermillion River is the nation's only world-class trout stream within a major metro area, according to Trout Unlimited, a nonprofit organization. The river, a tributary of the Mississippi, flows through 20 municipalities and Dakota and Scott counties.
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/27800339.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiU |
| Grassland Restoration
Using Floristic Quality Index to Evaluate Success of Restorations
At the Grassland Research Network meeting today I learned that a number of prairie restoration projects in various states are using the Floristic Quality Index value as a measure of the success of a restoration. To calculate FQI, one needs to know the number and name of all the species in a prairie, and the Coefficient of Conservatism (C) of each.
http://pvcblog.blogspot.com/2008/08/using-floristic-quality-index-to.html
Illinois: The Prairie State
Thankfully, a lot of prairie restoration work is being done in The Prairie State, most notably at the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. The Midewin Prairie site (Midewin is supposedly the Pottawatomie word for "healing") is also very involved in education about the prairie ecosystem. See here for a great site about prairies.
http://flinthillstallgrass.org/2008/08/29/the-prairie-state/ |
| Desertification & Arid Land Restoration
Portugal: World Wildlife Fund Encourages Expansion of Cork Forests
According to a report by the World Wildlife Fund, if Portugal were to expand its current cork forests by just 20 per cent, desertification could be effectively stopped by the year 2020. Cork trees can grow in relatively dry climates and, if average temperatures continue rising due to global warming, the WWF has recommended that cork be planted further north in Portugal to reduce the threat of desertification. Cork currently represents some 2.7 percent of Portugal's exports and the cork industry employs up to 14,000 people.
http://www.euroweeklynews.com/news/10600.html |
| Lake Restoration
Michigan: Sand Point to get New Look
Concerned by the deaths of billions of bees, adult and teens at the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community are creating habitat for butterflies and other pollinators to thrive while repairing a tribal beach ravaged by mining pollution. In the spring of 2009, the Zaagkii Wings and Seeds Project will restore thousands of native plants to Sand Point, a tribally owned beach along the western shore of Lake Superior's Keweenaw Bay.
http://www.indiancountry.com/content.cfm?id=1096418118 |
| Coastal & Marine Restoration
California: A Bed of Life is Restored
Giant kelp is coming back to local waters, and Crystal Cove State Park visitors can see it for themselves. Kelp is the subject of the park's first exhibit in the newly renovated Rotating Exhibit Facility, located in the Historic District of restored 1930s-era cottages. Giant Kelp and the Coastal Ecosystem, sponsored by the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, opened to the public in June and will run through the end of September.
http://www.coastlinepilot.com/articles/2008/08/29/top_stories/cpt-kelp082908.txt |
Wildlife Restoration
Wildlife Conservation Board Funds Environmental Improvement Projects
The California Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) today approved more than $35 million in funding to help restore wildlife habitat throughout the state. The 27 projects approved will protect habitat for fish and wildlife species, including some endangered species, as well as increase public access to these lands. In addition to the funds allocated by the WCB, the state will receive more than $26 million in federal matching funds for habitat protection and restoration.
http://yubanet.com/california/Wildlife-Conservation-Board-funds-environmental-improvement-projects.php
Israel: 35 Newly Hatched Soft-Shelled Turtles Restored to Kishon River
Thirty-five soft-shelled turtles hatched in the Kishon River Authority hatchery were restored to the Kishon River at the end of August 2008, as part of a project targeted at restoring life to this northern river. In a survey conducted by the Kishon River Authority and the Nature and Parks Authority, two nests of soft-shelled turtles were found downstream in the Kishon River, a river section which was historically plagued by severe pollution. According to the Kishon River Authority, this new development is "testimony to the breeding process of soft turtles in the Kishon."
http://www.environment.gov.il/bin/en.jsp?enPage=e_BlankPage&enDisplay=view&enDispWhat=Object&enDispWho=News^l4311&enZone=e_news |
| Invasive Species
Utah: Long Lake Marsh Restoration Project Moves Forward
Control of Cattails and Phragmites on Long Lake Marsh moved forward several weeks ago with the application of an aquatic plant herbicide by Aquatic Weed Technologies and the Save the Dunes Conservation Fund. The herbicide adheres to the leaves and is absorbed into the roots of the plants, which is from where these kinds of plants grow and spread.
http://odeab.blogspot.com/2008/09/long-lake-marsh-restoration-project.html |
| Urban Restoration
Colorado: River Restoration begins in Minturn
Restoration work is being done on a stretch of the Eagle River running through Minturn that was badly damaged by early development in town. As homes and businesses were built near the water's edge decades ago, the river was reshaped and deformed. High river banks were created that couldn't hold plant roots, which caused erosion. Wildlife habitat was destroyed as the river widened.
http://www.vaildaily.com/article/20080831/NEWS/808309991/1078&ParentProfile=1062 |
| Funding Opportunities
FishAmerica Announces Funding Available for Habitat Restoration
The FishAmerica Foundation has grant monies available for marine and anadromous sportfish habitat restoration projects across the coastal United States and the Great Lakes basin. These grants will be awarded to community-based, on-the-ground projects to restore marine, estuarine and riparian habitats, including salt marshes, mangrove forests and freshwater habitats important to anadromous fish species such as salmon and striped bass that spawn in freshwater and migrate to the sea.
http://www.fishandfly.com/articles/20080822
US: New Forest-Health Grant Cycle Begins - Closes October 10, 2008
With $1 million federal funding boost, the Colorado State Forest Service has up to $2 million available for forest restoration proposals that protect critical water supplies and address related forest health challenges such as wildfire risk reduction, community protection, ecological restoration and woody biomass utilization. Grant applications are due by 4 p.m., Oct. 10 and awards will be announced in early November.
http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20080810/NEWS/372732661/1078&ParentProfile=1055
Seed Grants from the Organization for Tropical Studies - Closes October 15, 2008
To promote further research at LCBS and surrounding areas, there is a post-workshop call for seed grants (for graduate students at US and Costa Rican institutions) to conduct interdisciplinary pilot studies on themes related to the workshop. Preference will be given to graduate students who attended the workshop and research proposals are restricted to projects that would be undertaken at LCBS and the surrounding vicinity. The application deadline is October 15, 2008. For further information on LCBS or the call for seed grants visit the OTS website (www.ots.ac.cr) and click on the link for Las Cruces.
New Zealand: Apply Now for an Environment Enhancement Grant
Landowners or groups working to protect and enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury have until the end of August to apply for contestable grants of up to $5,000 through Environment Canterbury's Environment Enhancement Fund. Financial assistance can be granted for any project that contributes to the region's indigenous biodiversity and usually involves the protection or enhancement of waterways, wetlands, coastal dunes and native vegetation. Applicants may apply more than once.
http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0806/S00102.htm
Fulbright Awards in Agriculture or Fisheries
Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program for academic year 2009-10 offers various awards for American academics and professionals in the fields of agricultural economy. The Philippines ( http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/award/Agr9161.htm)offers a six-months Lecturing/Research combination grant to help the development of young scholars and practitioners as well as to consult the country's Department of Agriculture. Kazakhstan ( http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/award/Env9494.htm ) offers awards for 4 to 10 months in environmental sciences or environmental law to lecture or lecturing/research combination. Turkmenistan ( http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/award/All9513.htm ) seeks for applicants in agricultural studies and water resources management; and so does Uzbekistan ( http://www.cies.org/award_book/award2009/award/All9515.htm ) Interested applicants are encouraged to contact Program Officer Mamiko Hada (mhada@cies.iie.org) with most up-to-date CV. | |
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