January 12, 2011 
Restoration Volunteers RESTORE header 

Society for Ecological Restoration International
In This Issue
Get Involved
People in the News
New Books & Articles
Restoring Natural Capital
Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)
Agro-Ecology
Biodiversity & Climate
Forest Restoration
Wetland Restoration
River Restoration
Grassland Restoration
Coastal Restoration
Extractive Industries
Invasive Species
Urban Restoration
Funding Opportunities
Membership

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serlogoRESTORE 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 

 

Call for Nominations for SER Awards - Closes March 28, 2011 

The Awards Committee of the Society for Ecological Restoration is now soliciting nominations from SER members for our society awards which will be presented at the biannual meeting of SER to be held in Merida, Mexico from August 21-25, 2011. We seek nominations for four awards: The Theodore M. Sperry Award, the Full Circle Award, the Communications Award, and the John Rieger Award. SER Awards are presented in recognition of meritorious achievement and service for advancing the craft, knowledge, and public awareness of ecological restoration. Recipients may include Society members and others. Please read the individual award criteria carefully, as nominations must meet the award criteria to be considered. Descriptions of the award criteria and a link to the on-line nomination form may be found at:  http://www.ser.org/content/ser_awards_program.asp

 

SER Members receive 25% off Island Press purchases. Contact Caroline Bronaugh at caroline@ser.org for details!

 

Get Involved / Community-Based Restoration

 

"Mangrove Ecology, Management and Restoration Training Course" - January 18-21, 2011

Contact Robin Lewis to apply: LESRRL3@AOL.COM OR LESRRL3@GMAIL.COM

 

Washington: Mushrooms / Mycelium as Environmental Restoration Tools - January 22, 2011

http://transitionwhatcom.ning.com/xn/detail/2723460:Event:40408?xg_source=activity

 

California: Torres-Martinez & Wetlands Restoration Tour - January 22, 2011

http://theabf.org/event/archaeology_and_history/torres_martinez_wetlands_restoration_tour

 

Wisconsin Wetlands Association Annual Conference February 16-17, 2011

http://www.wisconsinwetlands.org/2011conference.htm

 

Oregon: Watershed Wide Volunteer Restoration Event - March 5, 2011

http://www.katu.com/outdoors/events/105366513.html

 

Washington: Maury Island Marine Park Restoration - March 12, 2011

http://pugetsound.org/connect/events/031211maury/?searchterm=None

 

Florida: Service at Pelican Island National Wildlife Refuge - April 3-9, 2011

http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/national/brochure/11076a.aspx

 

Conferences & Workshops

 

SER Midwest-Great Lakes Chapter Third Annual Meeting - Linkages between Ecological Restoration and Ecosystem Sustainability

We invite all interested parties to submit an abstract for an oral presentation or poster presentation to be given at our Annual Chapter meeting that will be held April 1-3, 2011 at the University of Illinois Springfield. Abstracts are due January 24, 2011. Future announcements and additional information are available on the Chapter website.

http://www.ser.org/mwgl/events.asp   

 

2011 Conference Listing NOW Available on the GRN

http://www.globalrestorationnetwork.org/conferences/ 

People in the News


Storm Cunningham - TEDxMidAtlantic 2010 Presentation

Storm Cunningham might be the only revitalization facilitator who addresses all aspects of renewal: natural and cultural resources, urban and rural communities, industrialized and developing countries. Storm Cunningham is the author of 2002's The Restoration Economy, which has been hailed by government and business leaders around the world. His second book, reWealth (McGraw-Hill) was published in 2008.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fpokEthuW2U

New Books & Articles

 

A Tidal Hydrology Restoration Guidance Manual for the Southeastern U.S.

Returning the Tide offers guidance to restoration practitioners and coastal resource managers who may not have familiarity with tidal hydrology restoration techniques.

http://www.habitat.noaa.gov/partners/toolkits/tidal_hydro.html

 

Wetlands Can Cope with Sea Rise

Amid predictions by climate scientists that half the coastal marshes may not survive rising sea level, comes a glimmer of hope. A study published in Geophysical Research Letters in December says vegetated wetlands with high tidal ranges-remaining flooded for longer periods-and sediment concentration may survive sea level rise.

http://www.downtoearth.org.in/node/2789

Restoring Natural Capital (RNC) 
 

Major Environmental Recovery Programme Marks New Year in Haiti

The Côte Sud Initiative (CSI), which will be implemented over a period of 20 years, aims at the recovery and sustainable development of a severely degraded land area of 780 km² -- about half the size of Greater London - and a marine area of approximately 500 km². Ten communes, with an estimated population of 205,000 people, will benefit directly from the programme, which will include reforestation, erosion control, fisheries management, mangrove rehabilitation and small business and tourism development, as well as improved access to water and sanitation, health and education.

http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/rwb.nsf/db900sid/JALR-8CTHWY?OpenDocument

Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)


Thoughts on Biocultural and Ecogastronomic Restoration

As people involved in ecological restoration, conservation planning and regenerative design, we work to protect and enhance biodiversity every day. And most of us are well aware of the benefits-to our bodies, consciousness, and world-of eating food made of locally, organically and sustainably produced ingredients. But could the connection between food and our work be even stronger? By integrating the restoration of endangered, place-based food species in our work, could we help rescue and regenerate traditional ecological knowledge, cultural connections, health and economic prosperity while we restore ecosystems?

http://blog.biohabitats.com/

Agro-Ecology

 

California: Livingston Farms Set to Attract Essential Insects

On some sandy Livingston soil near an almond orchard, Jessa Guisse and Chris Schlies were trying to help some bees Monday afternoon. Along with helping the habitat, Schlies said the plants should help with pollinating the almond orchard.

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2011/01/11/1724636/livingston-farms-set-to-attract.html

Biodiversity & Climate Change

 

Slow Death By Carbon Credits

Forget any spin. In the end, the recent UN gathering on climate change in Cancún repeated Copenhagen's failure in 2009. Again, the world's industrial economies refused to set new binding reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, despite dire warnings by scientists. Perhaps the people least impressed by this half-measure are the ones who most urgently need a solution to climate disruption. From the Amazon basin to the African savannahs, traditional indigenous peoples depend directly on their local environment for sustenance, and so they are the most vulnerable to climate change.

http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2011/01/10/slow_death_by_carbon_credits/

 

Preserving Biodiversity Falls Short of What is Needed

Those of us active in preserving and restoring natural areas recognize the traditional approach to economic development could, over time, degrade our restoration efforts. The warning signs are all around us, as summarized in the concept of our ecological footprint. George Woodwell, founder, director emeritus and senior scientist at the Woods Hole Research Center in Massachusetts, declared in an article printed in Caliber that defending biodiversity as conservationists' core goal is a blunder, perhaps a fatal one.

http://rockrivertimes.com/2011/01/12/preserving-biodiversity-falls-short-of-what-is-needed/


Yellowstone on Endangered Ecosystem List

Wyoming has made a new "Top Ten" list, and it's not a positive place to be. It focuses on habitats across the country that are home to fish, wildlife and plants at risk of extinction. They're not a lost cause just yet, because the report describes conservation actions that could help keep species resilient.

http://www.sheridanmedia.com/news/yellowstone-endangered-ecosystem-list14100

 

American Forests Receives $100,000 Grant

American Forests, which has planted 35 million trees in forest restoration projects in recent years, has been awarded $100,000 from Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation to continue their work, and is competing for a share of $600,000 more in Lowe's first online community giving campaign.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/american-forests-receives-100000-grant-113242544.html

Wetland Restoration

 

Intensive Logging Created New England's Rich Wetlands

Those who enjoy the wetlands and seafood of New England's coastline may be surprised by who they have to thank: the loggers of the 18th and 19th centuries. In clearing vast tracts of land, those prolific loggers released so much sand and dirt that open-water bays turned into swamps.

http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20927942.600-intensive-logging-created-new-englands-rich-wetlands.html

 

Florida: Obama Administration Proposes Protection for Everglades Headwaters

The Obama administration on Friday proposed protecting a vast mosaic of wilderness, streams, lakes and ranchlands north of Lake Okeechobee. "The Everglades' rural working ranch landscapes are an important piece of our nation's history and economy, and this initiative would work to ensure that they remain vital for our future," Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said in a written statement. "The partnerships being formed would protect and improve water quality north of Lake Okeechobee, restore wetlands and connect existing conservation lands and important wildlife corridors to support the greater Everglades restoration effort."

http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2011-01-07/news/fl-salazar-everglades-coalition-20110107_1_everglades-restoration-everglades-snail-kite-everglades-coalition-conference

 

California: San Francisco Bay Named Top 10 Vulnerable Spots for Wildlife

The San Francisco Bay-Delta was named in a report Wednesday as one of the nation's most vulnerable habitats for endangered wildlife. The Endangered Species Coalition listed the delta-- the West Coast's largest estuary making up about 1,000 square miles--among the top 10 places where endangered wildlife need protection.

http://menlopark.patch.com/articles/san-francisco-bay-named-top-10-vulnerable-spots-for-wildlife

River & Watershed Restoration


New Zealand: Up the Creek - With a Plan

Just metres from the view of thousands of motorists every day on the Southern Motorway is the embattled Otara Creek. Once a thriving eco-system of native fish and plants, the creek banks have been cleared of vegetation for decades of farming and more recently for industrial developments. But the tide is turning on the harsh fate handed to this body of water and surrounding land. The latest assistance in in the shape of a new water restoration toolkit, an online how-to guide for community volunteers, school groups and environmental scientists trying breathe life back into Otara Creek.

http://www.theaucklander.co.nz/local/news/up-the-creek-with-a-plan/3936376/

 

"Recovery" Funds at Work in Illinois Floodplains

Water treatment plants, libraries, road construction - that's what most people think of when they hear about Recovery Act projects. However, in Illinois, America's Recovery and Reinvestment Act goes even further. The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (USDA-NRCS) is restoring historical floodplains - with big benefits.

http://www.reviewatlas.com/news/x2135348398/-Recovery-funds-at-work-in-Illinois-Floodplains

 

Alaska: Forest Service to Restore River Near Sitka

A new partnership in the Tongass National Forest between government and non-government entities will attempt restoration of the Sitkoh River. The effort hopes to help return the river to its original condition, channel it back to its natural path and restore salmon growth.

http://www.juneauempire.com/stories/010711/loc_766708397.shtml

 

Oregon: Enjoying A Restored Sandy River

Three years ago I was there on the banks of the Sandy River with a host of dignitaries and river conservation organizations who shared a vision for restoring a river. At noon on a beautiful spring day an explosion echoed down the river and a plume of concrete debris flew up into the clear blue sky-Marmot Dam removal and restoration of the Sandy River was really underway.

http://www.americanrivers.org/newsroom/blog/enjoying-a-restored-sandy-river-1-10-2011.html

Grassland Restoration

 

UK: £1.9m for Limestone Preservation Project

A large grant has been awarded to help preserve and protect a significant chunk of the North-East which is rich in flora and fauna. The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has awarded £1.9m to the Limestone Landscapes Partnership for a three-year project starting this spring. The 44,000ha site accounts for almost two-thirds of Britain's magnesian limestone grassland and contains 94 scarce and 14 rare species and plants.

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/8780582.__1_9m_for_limestone_preservation_project/
Coastal & Marine Restoration

 

Oregon: Salmon Otoliths Reveal Increased Use of Estuary Following Dike Removal

Otoliths-salmon's "in-flight data recorders"-tell the story of transit through estuaries to their lives in the ocean. Pacific estuaries, where the river meets the sea, are becoming better understood as critical to the lives of salmon, thanks in part to their namesake Salmon River on the Oregon coast and to a special part of the fish's anatomy. Funding from Oregon Sea Grant, begun in 1998 and sustained for 10 years, provided the base of support that allowed researchers from several agencies and universities to study the impacts of estuary restoration on the Salmon River Chinook population.

http://seagrant.oregonstate.edu/makingadifference/stories/Otoliths-SoA.html

 

New Jersey: Oyster Restoration Group Must Raise $100,000 for Shell Planting

The Delaware Bay oyster industry will match a $50,000 grant from the Partnership for the Delaware Estuary as part of efforts to raise sufficient funds this year to continue a shell-planting program which has increased the oyster harvest. The Delaware Bay Oyster Restoration Task Force now needs to raise another $100,000 as the minimum goal for the 2011 program.

http://www.nj.com/cumberland/index.ssf/2011/01/oyster_restoration_group_must.html

Extractive Industries

 

Indiana: Peabody's Farmersburg Mine Recognized for Stream Restoration with Major Indiana Honor

A flourishing watershed at Peabody Energy's Farmersburg Mine has earned one of Indiana's highest environmental honors. The Indiana Society of Mining and Reclamation recognized the mine team with the 2010 Indiana Excellence in Mining and Reclamation Award for Natural Stream Restoration at the organization's 24th annual Technology Transfer Seminar in Jasper, Ind. The award honors the company's successful work to reconstruct a nearly 6,000-foot section of the West Fork Busseron Creek, in Sullivan County, Ind.

http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peabodys-farmersburg-mine-recognized-for-stream-restoration-with-major-indiana-honor-112953014.html

Invasive Species

 

An Attempt to Reduce Invasive Predators in the Florida Keys

Over the past century, as developers of the Florida Keys gobbled up pristine real estate, the federal government created four refuges along the island chain to protect wildlife and preserve habitat. But in the safe havens for nature, not all creatures are welcome. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service wants to remove all nonnative predators.

http://squamates.blogspot.com/2011/01/attempt-to-reduce-invasive-predators-in.html

Urban Restoration

 

Oregon: Johnson Creek Shows Signs of Health after Decades of Restoration Work

Years of work to restore Johnson Creek, a 26-mile stream that winds from the foothills of Mount Hood near Boring to the Willamette River near the Sellwood Bridge, are paying off. In a breakthrough last month, three dead coho salmon were discovered 15 miles upstream -- the farthest in memory, said Matt Clark, executive director of the Johnson Creek Watershed Council, a nonprofit that works to protect the creek. "This is another sign that the creek is responding to decades of work," said Laura Guderyahn, Gresham's watershed restoration coordinator.

http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2011/01/johnson_cr.html

Funding Opportunities

 

Colorado: Grant Funds Available for Forest Restoration, Watershed Protection Projects - Closes January 26, 2011

Colorado landowners and communities that want to protect forested watersheds may be eligible for grant funding from the Colorado State Forest Service. The CSFS will accept proposals for the Colorado Forest Restoration Pilot Grant Program, which helps fund projects that demonstrate a community-based approach to forest restoration. Proposals are due to the CSFS by Jan. 26.

http://csfs.colostate.edu/pages/main-features.html#funding

 

Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative - Closes January 28, 2011

To improve the health of the Mississippi River Basin, including water quality, wetland restoration, and wildlife habitat, the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has established the Mississippi River Basin Healthy Watersheds Initiative (MRBI). Through this Initiative, NRCS and its partners will help producers in targeted watersheds within the Mississippi River Basin voluntarily implement conservation practices that avoid, control, and trap nutrient runoff; improve wildlife habitat; and maintain agricultural productivity.

http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2010/pdf/2010-29958.pdf

 

USDA Seeks Bay Partnership Proposals - Closes January 31, 2011

USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is making available up to $3.5 million in financial assistance in fiscal year (FY) 2011 for single state- and multi-state partnership projects that address natural resource concerns within six Chesapeake Bay Watershed states - Delaware, Maryland, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. The financial assistance is available through NRCS' Cooperative Conservation Partnership Initiative (CCPI).

http://southeastfarmpress.com/government/usda-seeks-bay-partnership-proposals

 

Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research - Closes February 1, 2011

The Charles Bullard fellowship program is to support advanced research and study by individuals who show promise of making an important contribution, either as scholars or administrators, to forestry and forest-related subjects from biology to earth sciences, economics, politics, administration, philosphy, humanities, the arts or law.

http://harvardforest.fas.harvard.edu/education/bullard.html

 

NOAA Great Lakes Habitat Restoration Program Project Grants - Closes February 2, 2011

NOAA delivers funding and technical expertise to restore Great Lakes coastal habitats. Projects funded through NOAA have strong on-the-ground habitat restoration components that provide social and economic benefits for people and their communities in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements.

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=61674

 
 Five Star Restoration Grant Program - Closes February 14, 2011

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 Association of Counties, the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF), the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC), in cooperation with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Southern Company, and FedEx, are pleased to solicit applications for Five Star.

http://www.nfwf.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=Charter_Programs_List&Template=/TaggedPage/TaggedPageDisplay.cfm&TPLID=60&ContentID=17901

 

Nebraska: Producers Urged to Sign Up for Conservation Programs - Closes February 18, 2011

Farmers and ranchers interested in soil, water and wildlife conservation or wetland restoration funds are encouraged to sign up now for conservation programs available from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The first application deadline is Dec. 31, with a second application deadline set for Feb. 18.

http://www.gothenburgtimes.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=2064:producers-urged-to-sign-up-for-conservation-programs&catid=5:agribusiness&Itemid=7

 

Washington: New Stream Stewards Program Created

The 15-year-old Kitsap County Stream Team is being reorganized as a new Stream Stewards Program with broader restoration goals, according to officials with the Kitsap County Surface and Storm Water Management Program. People who wish to design and carry out stream-restoration projects may be eligible to receive grants up to $2,500. Grant applications are due by Feb. 25.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2011/jan/10/new-stream-stewards-program-created/

 

Kansas: Kansas Request Proposals for Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy Projects

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment, Watershed Management Section, will be accepting proposals for Kansas Watershed Restoration and Protection Strategy projects and services for State Fiscal Year 2012. The application period for project proposals will be January 10- February 28.

http://www.infozine.com/news/stories/op/storiesView/sid/45639/

 

New Mexico: Forest Service Seeks Grant Applications - Closes February 28, 2011

The U.S. Forest Service plans to award $4 million in grants for forest restoration projects on public and tribal lands in New Mexico. The agency is accepting applications for grants of up to $360,000 for projects to reduce the threat of wildfires and improve forest and watershed conditions.

http://www.newswest9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13635613

 

Estuary Habitat Restoration Program Project Solicitation - Closes March 10, 2011

On behalf of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council (Council), NOAA Fisheries Service is soliciting proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects.

http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?mode=VIEW&oppId=61934

 

2011 Riverprize Applications Now Open

International RiverFoundation is pleased to announce the 2011 Riverprize applications are now open! All organisations, big and small, engaged in all aspects of river management are eligible to apply for either the Thiess International Riverprize or Australian National Riverprize (funded by the Australian Government).  Nominations close 30 March 2011. Winners will be announced at the 2011 Riverprize Gala Dinner, held during the 14th International Riversymposium, 26 -29 September in Brisbane, Australia. Further information may be found at www.riverfoundation.org.au, or email questions to riverprize@riverfoundation.org.au

 

Alabama: Longleaf Pine Restoration Grants Available

The Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is currently accepting applications through its Landowner Incentive Program to continue longleaf pine restoration efforts in Alabama. The grant was awarded through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and will be made available to qualifying landowners for longleaf pine restoration on private lands.

http://www.andalusiastarnews.com/2011/01/07/21302/

 

USDA Announces Support for Restoration of Nonindustrial Private Forest Land Damaged by Natural Disasters

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today said that $18 million will be made available to assist nonindustrial private forest (NIPF) landowners restore lands damaged by natural disasters. The funds are provided through USDA's Emergency Forest Restoration Program.

http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/!ut/p/c4/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os_gAC9-wMJ8QY0MDpxBDA09nXw9DFxcXQ-cAA_2CbEdFAEUOjoE!/?contentidonly=true&contentid=2010%2F11%2F0614.xml

 

Terra Viva Grants develops and manages information about grants for agriculture, energy, environment, and natural resources in the world's developing countries. 

http://www.terravivagrants.org/Home/view-grant-makers

 

World: Call for wet carbon proposals

Danone would like to invest in projects which deliver certified carbon credits and local community benefits through restoring mangrove ecosystems. They are interested in large-scale projects which can be implemented quickly and efficiently. Working in partnership with IUCN and Ramsar, Danone is seeking to invest in wet carbon projects that have the potential to deliver between 10,000 and 300,000 tons per annum of carbon offsets, certifiable by the Clean Development Mechanism or the Voluntary Carbon Standard.

http://wetcarbon.com/

 

California: Ecosystem Restoration on Agricultural Lands (ERAL)

Grant funding applications are accepted on a year-round basis. The WCB meets four times each year, normally in February, May, August, and November to consider approval of funding for projects.

http://www.wcb.ca.gov/ERAL/grants.html

 

Tamarisk Related Grant Opportunities

The Tamarisk Coalition has developed a list of available Grant Opportunities to address tamarisk issues and riparian restoration. This list was revised as part of the Colorado River Basin Tamarisk and Russian Olive Assessment.

http://www.tamariskcoalition.org/FundingResources.html

 

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