| Membership |
RESTORE is distributed to current SER members. Make sure you don't miss a single issue!
|
| Quick Links |
|
| |
|
|
 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. |
|
Attention SER Members
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
Hawaii: Volunteers Battle Purple Plague, Whistling Frog
Like aliens in a horror movie, the velvet tree of Mexico and whistling frog of Puerto Rico are viewed as monster invaders on the Hawaiian Islands, repulsive things that threaten the native forests and disturb the locals' peace of mind. In a recent study for the Journal for Nature Conservation, Duffy and Fred Kraus, a zoologist at the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, tell how, for more than 10 years, volunteer "invasive species committees" (or ISCs) on six of the eight main Hawaiian islands have pulled together scientists, ranchers, nursery owners and lower-level state and federal officials to save Hawaii's natural paradise.
http://miller-mccune.com/science_environment/volunteers-battle-purple-plague-whistling-frog-1688
Michigan: Working to Restore Grand Island Habitat
The federal government has a plan to restore Grand Island, and volunteers are already stepping in to help. This year the island received $133,000 from the federal government to reintroduce native plants to the landscape. "The total project will have about 35,000 native plants, mostly wildflowers, that will favor for species like the monarch butterfly," said Deb LeBlanc, Plant Ecologist of the Hiawatha National Forest.
http://www.uppermichiganssource.com/news/story.aspx?id=407218
Conferences & Workshops
19th High Altitude Revegetation Workshop - March 3-4, 2010
The High Altitude Revegetation Committee invites you to attend the nineteenth High Altitude Revegetation Workshop on March 3rd and 4th, 2010, at the Hilton Hotel in Fort Collins, Colorado. For over thirty years, interested people from the environmental restoration industry, academia and regulatory agencies have gathered at the biennial Workshops to learn about new techniques, products and methods for solving revegetation problems. The High Altitude Revegetation Committee, a group of professionals involved in reclamation and restoration activities, operates through Colorado State University and organizes these Workshops to educate and foster the exchange of ideas and interaction among participants.
http://www.highaltitudereveg.org/
5-day Shortcourse: "River Restoration: Fluvial Geomorphic and Ecological Tools" - June 7-11, 2010
This workshop provides training in fluvial geomorphic tools to assess the status of rivers, to identify on-going trends and their causes, and to develop programs of measures to reverse ecological decline and restore fluvial processes that can create habitats and improve water quality. We cover general principles and case studies from a wide range of environments, with specific applications and field visits to Mediterranean and mountain environments, and rivers where managers have undertaken innovative environmental management and restoration.
http://institutbeaumont.com/
2010 Conference Listing Now Available on the GRN
http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/conferences/ |
| New Books & Articles
The Value of 'Ignorance' in Restoration
Dr. Eugene Turner is a leading wetland scientist working out of the Coastal Ecology Institute at Louisiana State University. In a recent article in the journal Estuaries and Coasts, Dr. Turner argues that three historic coastal land uses in Louisiana - agricultural impoundment, marsh management, and dredging - have all led to catastrophic ecological problems because of their reliance on a knowledge-based world view in which "the intellectual landscape is flattened, the introduction of new ideas is impeded, monitoring and adaptive management is marginalized, risky behaviors continue, and social learning is restricted." Furthermore, the rush to restore the coastal ecosystem of the state in the wake of Hurricane Katrina is following these same footsteps. Dr. Turner argues for an alternative approach to ecosystem restoration based on embracing our ignorance.
http://www.conservationmaven.com/frontpage/2010/1/22/the-value-of-ignorance-in-restoration.html
The Secret Life of Smoke in Fostering Rebirth and Renewal of Burned Landscape
The innermost secrets of fire's role in the rebirth and renewal of forests and grasslands are being revealed in research that has identified plant growth promoters and inhibitors in smoke. In the latest discovery about smoke's secret life, an international team of scientists are reporting discovery of a plant growth inhibitor in smoke.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-01/acs-tsl012710.php |
| Biodiversity & Climate Change
Texas Grasslands to Become Climate Classroom
The prairies and woodlands of North Texas soon will become part of a project to increase scientists' understanding of climate change, biodiversity, species and pollution. The Caddo-LBJ National Grasslands will join the National Ecological Observatory Network, a series of 20 eco-climatic domains that will be used to study the forces that affect ecosystems. The project is sponsored by the National Science Foundation and has received $27 million in federal funding.
http://www.earthportal.org/news/?p=3085
|
| Wetland Restoration
Florida: St. Johns Challenge: Fix Wetlands But Respect Graves
Local tribes began burying their dead along this part of the St. Johns River about 7,000 years ago, and for several millennia left behind animal bones, clam shells, broken pottery, tools and arrowheads. Now, at least three areas of concentrated remains are within a tract that spans 15 square miles west of the farm community of Fellsmere. The land, about an hour's drive south of Orlando, is the future site of a vast reservoir to hold agricultural drainage as part of a $100 million environmental project.
http://www.waterworld.com/index/display/news_display/140411973.html |
River & Watershed Restoration
California: Restoring Nipomo Creek Habitat
Land Conservancy members and volunteers will take another step toward restoring riparian habitat along Nipomo Creek and its tributaries when they plant 500 native trees and shrubs this month. The work is part of a larger restoration plan that will eventually result in 12,000 native plants returned to almost 7 acres of land destined to become a historical park surrounding the Dana Adobe.
http://www.santamariatimes.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/article_8e5f66b6-0591-11df-b4ef0in4c002e0.html |
| Grassland Restoration
China: Policies for an Eco-Plateau
Tibetan grasslands constitute one of the most important grazing ecosystems in the world. Since 2000, when China began its "Western Development Strategy", the global significance of the Tibetan plateau region has been widely recognised, both as the "third pole" - a water tower upon which around 40% of the world's population depend - and as a geographic region with a unique natural and cultural heritage. However, climate change is now leading to historically unprecedented pressures. http://www.chinadialogue.net/article/show/single/en/3469 |
| Coastal & Marine Restoration
Florida: Controversy Surrounds Seagrass Restoration Project
On 95 acres of ocean floor near the Seven Mile Bridge, a seagrass meadow damaged by boaters is Exhibit A in an environmental group's controversial quest to start a new marine mitigation fund for Florida. Washington-based Ocean Foundation has applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for permission to create the fund as a way for private developers or public agencies to mitigate marine habitat destruction that occurs as a result of coastal construction projects.
http://www.fresnobee.com/green/story/1787347.html |
Wildlife Restoration
UK Planning to Reintroduce Insects
When one thinks of reintroducing wildlife, one usually thinks of big charismatic mammals, such as wolves or beaver, or desperate birds like the Californian condor. But the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) in Scotland is going one step further to save the UK's unique ecology with plans to reintroduce four species of dwindling insects.
http://news.mongabay.com/2010/0118-hance_ukinsects.html |
| Invasive Species
Mexico: When Prairie Dogs Disappear, Invasive Shrubs Move In
Grasslands in northwestern Mexico that harbor endangered species are quickly being invaded by shrubs, thanks to a dramatic drop in the density of prairie dogs. To bring the grasslands back, the researchers are turning to some unconventional allies: the agricultural and cattle industries. Grazing cattle could help clear the land so prairie dogs can move back in, the team says. And short-term intensive farming could remove invasive shrubbery - a task too costly to be completed by conservationists - allowing the area to be later restored to grassland.
http://journalwatch.conservationmagazine.org/2010/01/11/grassland-guardians/ |
| Funding Opportunities
NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship Program - Closes January 29, 2010
The NOAA Coastal Management Fellowship Program is now recruiting candidates for the 2010-2012 fellowship program. This program was established in 1996 to provide on-the-job education and training opportunities in coastal resource management and policy for postgraduate students and to provide project assistance to state coastal zone management programs. The program matches postgraduate students with state coastal zone programs to work on projects proposed by the state and selected by the fellowship sponsor, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Coastal Services Center. This two-year opportunity offers a competitive salary, medical benefits, and travel and relocation expense reimbursement. The fellowship positions start in August 2010 and are available in Maine, Michigan, New York, Puerto Rico, Washington, and Wisconsin. For more information on eligibility requirements, descriptions of the state projects, and guidance on how to apply please visit the fellowship website http://csc.noaa.gov/cms/fellows.html.
New Hampshire: Coastal Program Announces Grant Funding Opportunity - Closes February 1, 2010
The New Hampshire Coastal Program (NHCP) at the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services is currently accepting applications for its 2010 competitive grant round. The deadline is February 1, 2010 by 4 p.m. Through federal funding, NHCP enables projects that address coastal resources, like water quality protection, habitat restoration and climate change adaptation. Grants are offered on a competitive basis to eligible applicants, and at least a one to one match is required.
http://savegreatbay.wordpress.com/2009/12/03/coastal-program-announces-grant-funding-opportunity/
Landowners Urged to Apply for Funds - Closes February 1, 2010
Landowners with eligible acreage are encouraged to apply for technical and funding assistance available through the Wetlands Reserve Program. The program is voluntary and seeks to provide the opportunity to create, restore, and enhance wetlands for long-term conservation and wildlife habitat protection. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1. Landowners who choose to participate may sell a conservation easement or enter into a cost-share restoration agreement with the USDA.
http://www.postandcourier.com/news/2009/dec/20/landowners-urged-apply-funds/
The Five Star Restoration Program - Closes February 11, 2010
A new funding opportunity exists for the Five Star/NRT Restoration Program. Applications are due via Easygrants (www.nfwf.org/easygrants) by Thursday, February 11, 2010. The Five Star Restoration Program seeks to develop community capacity to sustain local natural resources for future generations by providing modest financial assistance to diverse local partnerships for wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration. The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), National Association of Counties (NACo), Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA), Southern Company, and Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), are pleased to solicit applications for the 2010 Five Star Restoration Pro-gram and Nature Restoration Trust (www.nfwf.org/nrt). The 2010 RFP and proposal narrative are available for viewing on our website at http://www.nfwf.org/fivestar
Minnesota: Conservation Grant Deadline Feb. 12
Local conservation organizations and outdoors clubs that want to improve wildlife habitat have until Friday, Feb. 12, to apply for a Heritage Enhancement Grant from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. "These grant dollars are available for large and small projects, so we're encouraging proposals from all size organizations," said Leslie Tannahill, conservation grants coordinator for the DNR. "Eligible projects include activities such as grassland plantings, brushland shearing, wetland restoration and oak savannah plantings on state wildlife management areas."
http://www.hutchinsonleader.com/news/outdoors/conservation-grant-deadline-feb-12-101
California: Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Klamath River Watershed Restoration Projects - Closes February 22, 2010
The Bureau of Reclamation's Klamath Basin Area Office, working in partnership with other Federal and State agencies, announces the availability of approximately $750,000 in Reclamation funds for the Klamath Basin Restoration Project in 2010. The goal of the program is to identify and provide funding for projects that will improve conditions for fish species listed under the Endangered Species Act that may be affected by the Klamath Reclamation Project including threatened coho salmon, endangered shortnose, and Lost River suckers. Reclamation will consider funding potential projects that specifically and convincingly show they will protect or improve conditions for these fish species. Proposals should address habitat for coho salmon in the Klamath River, associated side channels, sloughs, and the Klamath River estuary or endangered suckers in Upper Klamath Lake, Link River, Lake Ewuana/Keno Impoundment, and the Lost River watershed including Tule Lake, Clear Lake, and Gerber Reservoir.
http://yubanet.com/california/Bureau-of-Reclamation-Seeks-Klamath-River-Watershed-Restoration-Projects.php
New Mexico: Forest Service Seeks Collaborative Forest Restoration Grant Proposals - Closes March 1, 2010
The U.S. Forest Service is seeking grant proposals for forest restoration projects on public and tribal lands in New Mexico by 5 p.m., MST, Monday, March 1, 2010. "Approximately $3.5 million will be awarded under the Collaborative Forest Restoration Program this year in New Mexico," said Southwestern Regional Forester Corbin Newman. "The Forest Service will provide grants of up to $360,000 for projects that will be implemented in 4 years or less." The program encourages different organizations to collaborate on the design, implementation and monitoring of restoration projects on public and tribal lands. Grant money is available for projects on federal, tribal, state, county or municipal lands in New Mexico. By working together to apply for these grants, small business owners, conservation and environmental groups, community groups, tribes, universities and other organizations can help reduce the threat of wildfire, improve forest and watershed conditions and bring jobs and job training to local communities.
http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/news/releases/2010/100108-cfrp-grantproposals.shtml
NOAA Announces Estuary Habitat Restoration Project Funding - Closes March 16, 2010
The Estuary Habitat Restoration Council is soliciting project proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects. The Council is seeking projects that achieve cost-effective restoration while promoting partnerships among agencies and between public and private sectors. Projects will be evaluated for their support of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Strategy.
http://cheqbaypartners.wordpress.com/2010/01/20/noaa-announces-estuary-habitat-restoration-project-funding/ | |
|
|
|
|
|
