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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 or can be subscribed to for only $20/year by visiting: www.ser.org/content/restoration_network.asp. Please send your news stories and articles to the RESTORE editor at info@ser.org. |
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Get Involved / Community-Based Restoration
Attention SER Members
2009 SER Board Elections - Cast your ballot before August 23, 2009!
The 2009 SER Board elections are currently being held to select board representatives for three regions: Midwest U.S./Canada, Western U.S. and Pacific. Visit the adjoining link for a detailed set of instructions and absentee ballot to help you cast your vote.
https://www.ser.org/pdf/2009_election_procedures.pdf
Discount on Wiley-Blackwell Products: Code is SDP18
http://www.wiley.com
Discount on Island Press/SER Book Series: Code is 2SER
http://www.islandpress.org/ser/index.html
Get Involved/Community-Based Restoration
Canada: Community Stream Steward Program Makes a Difference One Stream at a Time
The Community Stream Steward Program (C.S.S.P.) has secured funding from federal and provincial government agencies as well as private sources, for numerous stream restoration projects within its catchment area. Hosted by the Ontario Federation of Anglers and Hunters (O.F.A.H.), the C.S.S.P. educates and engages individuals and groups to act as stewards in restoring community streams, with associated benefits for healthy fish and wildlife populations.
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Ontario-Federation-Of-Anglers-And-Hunters-1031431.html
Minnesota: Bus Tour to Pope County Offers Insights into Grassland Management
Pope County Soil and Water Conservation District is hosting a Grassland Management Demonstration Site Bus Tour August 19 and 20 to view scattered demonstration sites in Pope County. This project demonstrates the potential benefits of managed grazing, an underutilized management tool, for grassland habitat and wildlife. Small side-by-side plots on public and private land will demonstrate the similarities and differences of various grassland management practices.
http://www.echopress.com/event/article/id/67531/
Wyoming: Volunteers Collect Seeds for Grass Restoration
All told, about 40 people spent two days last week collecting native grass seeds with a Colorado-based group called Wildlands Restoration Volunteers, which conducts volunteer projects around northern Colorado. This was the group's first foray into Wyoming, interim community programs director Jarret Roberts said.
http://cbs4denver.com/wireapnewswy/Volunteers.collect.grass.2.1125243.html
Maryland: 1st Volunteer-Grown Md. Oysters Transplanted
The first crop of oysters grown by volunteers in a new restoration effort were transplanted Tuesday to a sanctuary reef on the Tred Avon River. "How do they look? I worked hard on those oysters," said volunteer Owen Wormsel after the baskets that hung from his pier over the winter were emptied.
http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/local/ap/52950032.html
Conferences & Workshops
California: Central Coast Bioengineering Field School - September 15-18, 2009
Salmonid Restoration Federation will host a Central Coast Bioengineering Field School September 15-18, 2009 in Arroyo Grande, California. The course will include classroom instruction with John McCullah of Salix Applied Earthcare who will teach techniques to restore riparian habitat, control erosion and stabilize banks. Participants will tour projects in San Luis Obispo County and learn how to build willow matresses and live siltation baffles as well as other structures. Growers can receive eight hours of Ag Waiver Education Credits through the Central Coast Water Quality Control Board for this course.
http://calsalmon.org/pdf/BioengineeringRegForm_042809.pdf
Washington: 36th Natural Areas Conference - September 15-18, 2009
The 36th Annual Natural Areas Conference, hosted by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources, will examine the many edges in conservation land management, including edges for species, habitats, human society and the earth.
http://www.naturalarea.org/09Conference/program.html
California: State of the Laguna Conference and Science Symposium - October 14-16, 2009
It's time again for the State of the Laguna Conference and Science Symposium. This year is the third biennial conference focused on the Laguna de Santa Rosa Watershed as a model for watershed science in the face of climate change. The 2009 State of the Laguna Conference will be held on October 14-16, 2009 at Sonoma Mountain Village in Rohnert Park, CA. Using the Laguna as a case study, we hope to inspire and empower our region's resource managers, environmental scientists, policy-makers, agricultural practitioners, stakeholders, and funding organizations to move forward together with new resolve.
http://lagunafoundation.org/news_state.shtml
RIACRE: Latin American Network for Ecological Restoration - November 9-13, 2009
La Red Iberoamericana y del Caribe de Restauración Ecológica (RIACRE) en conjunto con la Sociedad Brasilera de Recuperación de Áreas Degradadas (SOBRADE y la Fundación de Investigaciones Forestales de Paraná (FUPEF), con apoyo de la Universidad Federal de Paraná (UFPR) y la Empresa Brasilera de Investigaciones Agropecuarias (EMBRAPA), programaron para el período del 9 al 13 de Noviembre de 2009, en Curitiba, Estado de Paraná, Brasil, el Congreso Iberoamericano y del Caribe sobre Restauración Ecológica.
http://www.sobrade.com.br/riacre/
For a complete listing of conferences related to ecological restoration, please visit:
http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/conferences/ |
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People in the News
New Direction for U.S. Forest: Restore and Conserve
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| New Books & Articles
Study Blames Global Warming for Shrinking Some Species of Australian Birds
Some species of Australian birds are shrinking and the trend will likely continue because of global warming, a scientist said Sunday. Janet Gardner, an Australian National University biologist, led a team of scientists who measured museum specimens to plot the decline in size of eight species of Australian birds over the past century. The research concluded the birds were likely downsizing because smaller bodies shed heat faster than larger ones.
http://www.google.com/hostednews/canadianpress/article/ALeqM5hb_XCElSRI-vqKsq47uYeQkH2j_A |
| Agro-Ecology
Pennsylvania: Dean of Ag Sciences Lays Out a Vision for Rockview Property
The State Government Committee of the House of Representatives is considering two bills that would authorize the transfer of about 1,800 acres of Rockview land, about 1,100 acres of which Penn State seeks to purchase for use by its College of Agricultural Sciences. The land in question, which -- like much of Pennsylvania -- is currently a mixture of forests, open fields and crop land, represents a unique opportunity for the College to invest in innovative educational and research programs that will benefit the entire state, according to McPheron.
http://live.psu.edu/story/40933 |
| Biodiversity & Climate Change
Australia: New Blueprint Needed to Save Biodiversity
Climate change will demand a shift in how we protect biodiversity and how we view natural systems, says a new Australian report. The country's first national assessment of climate change and biodiversity was launched by Federal environment minister Peter Garrett at an international ecology conference in Brisbane today.
http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2009/08/17/2658266.htm
U.S.: Kansas National Wildlife Refuge Garners Carbon Kudos
The Conservation Fund, in partnership with U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) and Environmental Synergy Inc. (ESI), announced today that its forest-based carbon sequestration project near Kansas City received Gold validation, the highest level available, under the standards of the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Alliance (CCB). The Conservation Fund is the first group in the nation to receive two CCB Gold validations for carbon projects.
http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/37115/ |
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Video: Cambodian Monks Save Remote Forests, Tree by Tree
In Cambodia, there is an unusual effort underway by Buddhist monks to replant forests devastated by war and clearing by loggers. This is important to them for both religious and environmental reasons. The monks, like others, believe that trees may help counter the effects of climate change.
http://worldfocus.org/blog/2009/08/13/cambodian-monks-save-remote-forests-tree-by-tree/6787/
Can New Growth Save the Amazon Rainforest?
In the past, scientists scorned the "secondary forests," as the new growth is called. There is no doubt that they are not nearly as spectacular as the species-rich primary forests, with their giant trees, which are often centuries old; and they are not home to nearly as many animal and plant species. But now a growing number of biologists are interested in this previously ignored vegetation. According to a United Nations study, the ecological importance of these new forests, which are "growing dramatically" all over the world, is "undervalued."
http://www.salon.com/news/feature/2009/08/17/rainforest_recovery/
Africa: Saving the Tsingy Forests in Madagascar
After the success of their Sahafina Forest project, Biodiversity Conservation Madagascar is now branching out to the tsingy forest of Beanka, a project set to launch in October this year. The Beanka forest plays a crucial role in water regulation for the region but is under constant threat from fire and illegal hunting; a common story throughout western Madagascar.
http://news.mongabay.com/2009/0817-moses_tsingy_bcm.html
Georgia: Research Shows Promise for Restoring Canebreaks
On a muggy day in late July, Klaus, a senior Wildlife Resources Division biologist, began checking 40 cane restoration plots he established 10 years ago across the Piedmont region. The focus is determining whether creating openings in the forest canopy over bottomlands will significantly help restore cane (Arundinaria sp.). Muise, Georgia coordinator for the global Important Bird Areas Program, volunteered to help. The two documented cane growth, forest composition and vegetation density at seven sites along Caney Creek in Brender, part of the Hitchiti Experimental Forest on Oconee National Forest in Jones County.
http://outdoornewsdaily.com/index.php/archives/8570 |
| Wetland Restoration
Wisconsin: $454,000 in Stimulus Funds Go to Ozaukee County Nature Preserve
The Ozaukee Washington Land Trust has received $454,000 in federal economic recovery act funds to help pay for creating wetlands and planting additional woods and grasslands at the former Squires Country Club along Lake Michigan, officials said Wednesday.
http://www.jsonline.com/news/ozwash/52961482.html |
River & Watershed Restoration
Nevada: Union Pacific Agrees to Restore Nevada Streams, Wetlands
Union Pacific Railroad Company has agreed to settle alleged violations of the federal Clean Water Act in Nevada by restoring 122 acres of mountain desert streams and wetlands at an estimated cost of $31 million.
http://www.ens-newswire.com/ens/aug2009/2009-08-17-091.asp
California: Web to Give Information on Area Watersheds
An interactive Web site is in the works to help Novato residents learn more about watershed areas. The Novato Creek Watershed Program is a partnership between the city of Novato, the North Marin Water District, the Novato Sanitary District and the county of Marin. It will address flooding, water quality, conservation and habitat restoration.
http://www.marinij.com/novato/ci_13068543
New Hampshire: DES Announces Merrimack River Watershed Grants
The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services ( DES ) Wetlands Bureau has announced the Merrimack River Watershed Site Selection Committee's recommendations for four projects to receive a total of $631,000 in grants through the DES Aquatic Resource Mitigation Fund. The projects will provide wetland restoration, stream improvements and land preservation totaling 1,080 acres of habitat with high conservation value.The grants are pending Governor and Executive Council approval.
http://presszoom.com/story_149433.html |
| Grassland Restoration
Texas: Sheldon Lake State Park Prairie Restoration
Before Houston and surrounding communities took root, and farmers turned wild land into farmland, the area was covered in tall grass prairies. We're restoring these croplands back to the historic tall grass prairies that they were fifty, a hundred years ago.
http://passporttotexas.org/sheldon-lake-state-park-prairie-restoration/
U.S.: Saving Grassland A Matter Of Getting More Green
The Conservation Reserve Program pays farmers, primarily in the Midwest, an annual subsidy to leave their most easily-eroded land in grass, instead of using it for crops or cattle. But last year's farm bill cut back on the acreage covered in the program and, starting this summer, roughly two million acres - mostly in Texas, Kansas, and Colorado - will be turned back into farmland. Megan Verlee reports from Colorado Public Radio.
http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=111917160&ft=1&f=1025 |
| Lake Restoration
U.S.: Great Lakes Watchers Anxious to Fill EPA Post That's Key to Restoration Initiative
Great Lakes officials are anxious for the Obama Administration to appoint the region's top Environmental Protection Agency administrator. "The appointment is always important, but for (the Great Lakes states), right now it's absolutely critical," said Andy Buchsbaum, executive director of the National Wildlife Federation's Great Lakes region. "For the first time in history, we could get millions and millions of dollars from Congress, and the administrator is important to making sure the money is spent well."
http://greatlakesecho.org/2009/08/14/great-lakes-watchers-anxious-to-fill-epa-post-key-to-restoration-initiative/ |
| Coastal & Marine Restoration
Underwater Cage in Maldives Offers Hope for World's Coral Reefs
The 40ft-long flower shaped structure, known as the Lotus, uses a tiny electrical current to help the sea anemone-like coral to form. Put in place eight years ago on the island of Vabbinfaru, the cage is now said to be almost invisible under the multicoloured coral which has formed on its surface.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/africaandindianocean/maldives/6041336/Underwater-cage-in-Maldives-offers-hope-for-worlds-coral-reefs.html
Massachusetts: Barnstable Plans Nursery for Damaged Dunes
Nearly every year, reports of wind-damaged dunes along the shores and washed-over barrier beaches lead to restorative efforts by towns to bring the Cape's top attraction back to form. Now the town of Barnstable is taking a proactive approach in replenishing beaches from heavy summertime use and Mother Nature's wrath. At the site of the old Suni Sands Motel across from Craigville Beach in Centerville, the town is establishing a Coastal Remediation Nursery.
http://www.wickedlocal.com/barnstable/news/x769898029/Barnstable-plans-nursery-for-damaged-dunes
Hawaii: Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project Launched Today
The federally funded Pelekane Bay Watershed Restoration Project on the leeward coast of Kohala Mountain was officially launched today in a ceremony that included remarks by U.S. Sen. Daniel K. Inouye.
http://www.bigislandchronicle.com/?p=7990
Washington: Marysville Marshes Gradually Stage a Comeback
The time appears to be coming soon when earthen dikes will be breached to let salt water from Possession Sound flow into the marsh north of Ebey Slough, south of Marysville. The Tulalip Tribes recently received $2 million in federal economic stimulus money to round out the $7.8 million they'll need to do the project. The Tulalips hope to have the work done by 2011.
http://www.enterprisenewspapers.com/article/20090817/NEWS01/708179909/0/ETPZONELT |
Wildlife Restoration
Idaho: Tribe Restoring Sturgeon Habitat
As part of aggressive plans to keep the Kootenai River's white sturgeon population from sliding into extinction, the tribe has crafted a habitat restoration plan for 55 miles of the river. The habitat work will help young hatchery sturgeon survive after they're released into their native waters, and also benefit the remaining wild sturgeon population.
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/national/northwest/52659927.html
California: Restoration Efforts Soar
The tribes of the lower Klamath River have since ancient times decorated themselves with condor feathers when they performed the dances designed to heal a world gone wrong. Now the Yurok Tribe is using modern science in hopes of restoring condors, which have not soared above the northern coast of California since 1914.
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/aug/16/restoration-efforts-soar/ |
| Extractive Industries
Alaska: Coal Strip Mine Would Destroy Salmon Streams in Cook Inlet
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| Invasive Species
New Jersey: Beetles Feasting on Pretty Weeds Threatening N.J. Wetlands
Purple loosestrife has raised its pretty head again this summer.
But agricultural officials say the invasive and troublesome swamp plant that once threatened to choke off Garden State wetlands does not stand a chance of getting past a tiny army of weed killers New Jersey agricultural agents are releasing. While the hue of the loosestrife's magenta blooms may occasionally taint roadside ditchess and wetlands, it has faded on the landscape because of thousands of tiny beetles munching away at the weeds.
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2009/08/beetles_feasting_on_pretty_wee.html |
| Urban Restoration
Michigan: Phytofiters: Turning Brownfields Green
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| Funding Opportunities
UK: Funding Given to Worthy Wildlife Schemes
Celebrity naturalist Chris Packham has launched a £10m fund created to protect some of the UK's most threatened wildlife habitats. The fund will be run by not-for-profit business Waste Recycling Environmental Limited, better known as WREN, and will become its new Biodiversity Action Fund (BAF).
http://www.edie.net/news/news_story.asp?id=16846&channel=0&title=Funding+given+to+worthy+wildlife+schemes
California Coastal Restoration Fund - Closes August 24, 2009.
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, together with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, is requesting proposals for projects located within the Northern or Central Districts of California that benefit fish and wildlife species and the habitats upon which they depend. Types of project activities may include, but are not limited to, on-the-ground habitat conservation, improvement of public access areas, and projects that encourage collaboration and support local communities.
http://www.epa.gov/watershed/news.html
Shell Marina Habitat Program - Closes September 1, 2009
The Shell Marine Habitat Program is a partnership between the Shell Oil Company and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF). The purpose of this partnership is to provide grants for projects that benefit marine and coastal habitats in and around the Gulf of Mexico, as well as the North Aleutian Basin, North Slope Borough, and Northwest Arctic Borough areas of Alaska.
http://www.epa.gov/watershed/news.html
NOAA RC National and Regional Partnership Grants - Closes September 30, 2009
The NOAA Restoration Center is currently soliciting applications for new three-year national and regional Partnerships to invest funding in the restoration of coastal and marine habitat nationwide, from 2010-2012. Through this solicitation, the NOAA Restoration Center seeks to openly compete funding available for multi-year national and regional habitat restoration Partnerships that will result in implementation of a wide-range of habitat restoration projects -- from locally-driven, hands-on projects that emphasize stewardship, to mid-scale, watershed-scale projects that yield significant ecological and socioeconomic benefits.
http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/habitat/restoration/projects_programs/crp/partners_funding/natregpart.html
2010 St. Andrews Prize for the Environment - Closes October 31, 2009
Applications are invited from individuals, multi-disciplinary teams or community groups for the 2010 annual prize, consisting of an award of $75,000 USD for the winner and $25,000 USD for each of the two runners-up. Aimed at helping ordinary people find solutions to environmental problems, the Prize was launched 11 years ago and is recognized as a prestigious international initiative by the University of St Andrews, Scotland and ConocoPhillips, one of the world's leading energy companies, attracting entries from around the world. The focus is on environmental initiatives, but of course the most innovative and important usually come with gains to people in their locality.
http://www.thestandrewsprize.com/ | |
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