International Water Association (IWA) December Newsletter

This December newsletter from the IWA showcases many of their accomplishments. For example, if you click on Articles you will find
an enormous number of publications. Just the Sustainability category has about 27 articles in itself. Almost any interest in the
water resources field is represented here. You can also leave comments on any article, and help strengthen the dialogue.

IWA is a worldwide organization with a number of offices, and a great amount of its activity is in cyberspace. This is a very
valuable resource for any water resources professional.

Tim Smith
Sustainable Water Resources Coordinator
Government Web Site, http://acwi.gov/swrr/
Archive Web Site, http://sites.google.com/site/sustainablewaterresources/

Group Spaces: Your Experiences

The European Commission is funding the collaborative project PREPARED: Enabling Change. Over a period of five years, PREPARED will
work with urban utilities to develop advanced strategies to meet anticipated challenges in the water supply and sanitation sectors
brought about by climate change.

PREPARED: Enabling Change

To help facilitate communications, PREPARED have set up their own group work space on the WaterWiki. The group are using this space
to circulate minutes from meetings, presentations, and country profiles.

It was important that the space should be access controlled. Project Management Team member, Bianca Van der Wolf, says:

"We already have a website for public purposes. But the Wiki is being used by the PREPARED partners for sharing documents and
deliverables which are not suitable for public viewing".

The Watch space feature <http://iwawaterwiki.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=a578d2ab39eceebc7c8842973&id=ddae8f32a5&e=57c889369e>
has been particularly useful to the group - this lets all members of PREPARED know when a new document is uploaded:

'This is useful as you can see when a page has been updated'.

Would you like to set up a private work space on the WaterWiki?
just contact Victoria Beddow <mailto:vbeddow@iwap.co.uk> , the WaterWiki Community Manager.

Copyright (C) 2010 International Water Association (IWA) All rights reserved.

Did you know we now have over 600 articles on all areas of water, wastewater and environmental science?

We recently met Dr Alireza Yazdani from Cranfield University who specialises in water distribution systems analysis. He says:

"I use the WaterWiki to look up technical water-related terms and topics which cannot be found in Wikipedia and other online
resources ... looking for them in books, papers and other printed matter takes time! so I find the Water Wiki an extremely handy and
reliable information source".

Carbon Dioxide Levels Continue to Rise and Charles Keeling

MAUNA LOA OBSERVATORY, Hawaii — Two gray machines sit inside a pair of utilitarian buildings here, sniffing the fresh breezes that
blow across thousands of miles of ocean.

They make no noise. But once an hour, they spit out a number, and for decades, it has been rising relentlessly.

The first machine of this type was installed on Mauna Loa in the 1950s at the behest of Charles David Keeling, a scientist from San
Diego. His resulting discovery, of the increasing level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, transformed the scientific
understanding of humanity's relationship with the earth. A graph of his findings is inscribed on a wall in Washington as one of the
great achievements of modern science.

Yet, five years after Dr. Keeling's death, his discovery is a focus not of celebration but of conflict. It has become the touchstone
of a worldwide political debate over global warming.

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/12/22/science/earth/22carbon.html?_r=2&pagewanted=1&nl=todaysheadlines&emc=a2

EPA Administrator Jackson regarding Her Meeting with 10 U.S. Senators on Chromium-6

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson met with
Senators Richard Durbin (IL), Mark Kirk (IL), Debbie Stabenow (MI), Bob
Casey (PA), Ben Nelson (NE), Bill Nelson (FL), Daniel Akaka (HI), Dianne
Feinstein (CA), Jeff Bingaman (NM), and Jeff Merkley (OR) to brief them
on the issue of chromium-6 in drinking water as it relates to this
week's Environmental Working Group (EWG) report.

The following is a statement from Administrator Lisa P. Jackson
regarding that meeting:

"Yesterday, I briefed members of the Senate on chromium-6 in drinking
water supplies as it relates to the recent Environmental Working Group
report. EPA has already been working to review and incorporate the
ground-breaking science referenced in this report. However, as a mother
and the head of EPA, I am still concerned about the prevalence of
chromium-6 in our drinking water.

Today, I am announcing a series of actions that the EPA will take over
the coming days to address chromium-6 in our drinking water. It is clear
that the first step is to understand the prevalence of this problem.
While the EWG study was informative, it only provided a snapshot in
time. EPA will work with local and state officials to get a better
picture of exactly how widespread this problem is. In the meantime, EPA
will issue guidance to all water systems in the country to help them
develop monitoring and sampling programs specifically for chromium-6.
We will also offer significant technical assistance to the communities
cited in the EWG report with the highest levels of chromium-6 to help
ensure they quickly develop an effective chromium-6 specific monitoring
program.

The science behind chromium-6 is evolving. EPA is already on a path
toward identifying and addressing any potential health threats from
excessive, long-term exposure with its new draft assessment released
this past fall. This assessment still needs to be reviewed by
independent scientists as an essential step toward tightening drinking
water standards for chromium-6. Strong science and the law will continue
to be the backbone of our decision-making at EPA. EPA takes this matter
seriously and we will continue to do all that we can, using good science
and the law, to protect people's health and our environment."

Meeting Readout:

In yesterday's meeting with the 10 U.S. senators, Administrator Jackson
described EPA's current chromium-6 risk assessment, which is a review
EPA immediately started in response to new science in 2008 showing a
link between chromium-6 ingestion and cancer. This risk assessment –
which would be the first step to updating the drinking water regulations
– will be finalized after an independent scientific peer review in 2011.
Administrator Jackson told the senators that based on the draft risk
assessment, EPA will likely revise drinking water regulations to account
for this new science. These revisions would only take place after an
independent science panel has verified the underlying science.

Administrator Jackson told the senators that EPA currently requires
testing for total chromium which includes chromium-6. She noted that the
testing does not distinguish what percentage of the total chromium is
chromium-6 versus chromium-3, so EPA's regulation assumes that the
sample is 100% chromium-6. This means the current chromium-6 standard
has been as protective and precautionary as the science of that time
allowed.

Administrator Jackson told the senators that according to the most
recent data, all public water facilities are in compliance with the
existing total chromium standards, but she agrees that chromium-6 is a
contaminant of concern. She also told the senators that people can have
their water tested and install home treatment devices certified to
remove chromium-6 if they are concerned about the levels of chromium-6
in their drinking water.

The administrator concluded the briefing by making the following points
and commitments:

1) While provocative, the EWG report is a self-described
"snapshot" in time and does not provide a full, long-term picture of the
prevalence of chromium-6 in our drinking water. EPA will work with state
and local officials to better determine how wide-spread and prevalent
this contaminant is.

2) Meanwhile, EPA will issue guidance to all water systems on
how to test for and sample drinking water specifically for chromium-6.
This guidance will provide EPA-approved methods and other technical
information.

3) EPA will also offer technical expertise and assistance to the
communities cited in the EWG study with the highest levels of chromium.
This assistance will include providing technical experts to work with
water system operators and engineers to ensure the latest testing and
monitoring is being utilized.

4) Once EPA's chromium-6 risk assessment is finalized, EPA will
work quickly to determine if new standards need to be set. Based on the
current draft assessment, which has yet to undergo scientific peer
review, it is likely that EPA will tighten drinking water standards to
address the health risks posed by chromium-6.

More information on chromium:
http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/basicinformation/chromium.cfm

To track the status of the ongoing risk assessment:
http://cfpub.epa.gov/ncea/iristrac/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewChemical.showChemical&sw_id=1107

Position Vacancy: Director, Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, NOAA, Silver Spring, MD

From
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94592531&aid=68690665-201210&WT.mc_n=125

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

Job Title: Director, Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor
Department: Department Of Commerce
Agency: Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Sub Agency: National Marine Fisheries Service
Job Announcement Number: NOAA#11-05.NJH

SALARY RANGE:
$119,554.00 - $179,700.00 /year

OPEN PERIOD:
Friday, December 17, 2010 to Friday, March 11, 2011

SERIES & GRADE:
ES-0480-00/00

POSITION INFORMATION:
Full-Time Permanent

PROMOTION POTENTIAL:
00

DUTY LOCATIONS:
1 vacancy - Silver Spring, MD

WHO MAY BE CONSIDERED:
Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified
individuals who are U.S. Citizens.

JOB SUMMARY:
This position is located in the National Marine Fisheries Service
(NMFS), Office of the Assistant Administrator. NMFS administers
programs for the stewardship of marine ecosystems, including commercial
and recreational use of living marine resources. The program provides
services and products and conducts research to support: fisheries
management; recovery of protected resources; conservation and
enhancement of habitat; international fisheries affairs; fishery
development, trade, and industry assistance activities; and, the
scientific and technical aspects of NOAA's marine fisheries resources
programs.

More information at
http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx?JobID=94592531&aid=68690665-201210&WT.mc_n=125

USDA Offers Conservation Funding to Organic Producers

From: Environmental News and Announcements

USDA
Release No. 0669.10
Contact:
Office of Communications 202-720-4623

USDA Offers Conservation Funding to Organic Producers
Initiative in its Third Year

WASHINGTON, December 20, 2010 - Agriculture Deputy Secretary Kathleen
Merrigan today announced USDA will provide funding to help organic
producers and those transitioning to organic production implement
resource conservation practices on their agricultural operations.

"Increasing consumer demand for organically grown foods is providing new
opportunities for small and mid-size farmers to prosper and stay
competitive in today's economy," Merrigan said. "The 2008 Farm Bill
calls for this assistance, and we want to help these farmers protect the
natural resources on their land and create conditions that help foster
organic production."

Fiscal year (FY) 2011 marks the third year of USDA's Organic Initiative,
and up to $50 million is available this year for producers to plan and
implement conservation practices that address natural resource concerns
in ways that are consistent with organic production. For example,
organic producers may use the funding to plant cover crops, establish
integrated pest management plans, or implement nutrient management
systems consistent with organic certification standards.

Eligible producers include those certified through USDA's National
Organic Program, those transitioning to certified organic production,
and those who meet organic standards but are exempt from certification
because their gross annual organic sales are less than $5,000. In FY
2010, NRCS obligated nearly $24 million through the Organic Initiative
to help producers implement conservation practices.

Organic Initiative funding is provided through the Environmental Quality
Incentives Program (EQIP), a voluntary conservation program administered
by USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) that promotes
agricultural production and environmental quality as compatible national
goals. The 2008 Farm Bill provided for assistance specifically for
organic farm operations and those converting to organic production.

Under Organic Initiative contracts, producers are paid 75 percent of the
cost for the organic conservation measures they implement. Beginning,
limited resource, and socially disadvantaged producers are paid 90
percent. The program provides up to $20,000 per year per person or legal
entity, with a maximum total of $80,000 over six years.

Producers interested in applying for Organic Initiative funding must
submit applications through their local NRCS Service Center, which can
be located through the Web site at
http://offices.sc.egov.usda.gov/locator/app?agency=nrcs. Applications
are accepted on a continuous basis, with the cutoff date set for March
4, 2011.

NRCS is celebrating 75 years helping people help the land. Since 1935,
the NRCS conservation delivery system has advanced a unique partnership
with state and local governments and private landowners delivering
conservation based on specific, local conservation needs, while
accommodating state and national interests.

USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer and lender. To file a
complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Director, Office of Civil
Rights, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, D.C. 20250-9410 or
call (800) 795-3272 (voice) or (202-720-6382 (TDD).

December Audubon Advisory: Year in Review

 

Audubon Advisory December 2010 Vol 2010 Issue 11 ~ ~ ~ 2 0 1 0    I N    R E V I E W ~ ~ ~   Brown Pelicans, seen here preening on oil boom protecting marshland, instantly became a symbol of the tragedy. Credit: Gerry Ellis   Audubon Responds to the BP Oil Spill Audubon was the first national group to respond with volunteers on the ground. Our response to the oil spill disaster focused on volunteer work, gathering bird data, informing the public on our view from the field, and coordinating with federal agencies. Read more about the emergency response and our ongoing work in the region.     Climate change impacts the Snowy Owl's habitat and prey. Credit: USFWS   Climate Change: Disappointing with a Side of Good News The Senate failed to pass comprehensive climate change legislation, but, with help from your many letters, we were able to fend off repeated attempts to weaken the Clean Air Act. Read more.     The Arctic Ocean's shallow and highly productive sea floor allows bottom-dwelling prey to flourish, creating a buffet for walrus. Credit: USFWS   Protecting the Arctic Ocean from Careless Drilling Earlier this year, we celebrated when imminent offshore drilling was delayed in this sensitive ecosystem. With the moratorium in the Arctic Ocean lifted, Shell Oil is now poised to start drilling next summer. Read more.     Restoring the Great Lakes and Long Island Sound, home to the endangered Piping Plover, are among our highest priorities. Credit: USFWS   Audubon Conservation Priorities Come Down to the Wire The Senate is still considering some of Audubon's legislative priorities as the clock ticks down towards the end of the year. Read more.     This caribou calf, along with hundreds of species of birds and other wildlife, depends on an unspoiled Arctic Refuge. Credit: Florian Schultz   A Look Ahead at a Hostile Environment for the Environment In 2011, we will have to fight once again to protect the Arctic Refuge and other critically important habitats across our country, and to ensure that climate change pollution can be reduced for the health of our children, our families, and our planet. Read more.   Briefly Noted Nominations sought for Land and Water Conservation Fund sites. Audubon chapters testify to stop cell tower bird kills Arctic Refuge Fall Migration Birding Challenge winners announced.   December Mystery Bird Congratulations to Rochelle D., of Webb City, MO, who was randomly chosen from the entries that correctly identified last month's Common Loon, at right. Good luck with this month's challenge, below. HINT: In last year's Christmas Bird Count, 9,647 individuals of this species were reported. The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be chosen at random from all entries received that correctly identify the species (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is Sunday, January 9. Photo credits: Common Loon-USFWS, Mystery Bird-Nick Saunders    The Audubon Advisory is published monthly by Audubon's Public Policy Program. 1150 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org

Thanksgiving Wishes from Audubon

Dear Andrew, On behalf of the birds and other wildlife that we are all working to protect, we wanted to thank you for sending letters, making phone calls, and staying informed. Thanks to you, in the past year, we have fended off repeated threats to the Clean Air Act, prevented a landfill from encroaching upon the Joshua Tree National Park, and protected thousands of acres of globally-significant wetlands around Teshekpuk Lake in Alaska. Audubon also was the first national organization on the scene with staff and volunteers to respond to the horrific BP oil spill. These are just a few of the year's highlights, and they are certainly your highlights as well, because our activists and volunteers had a hand in every one of these accomplishments. Simply put, we could not achieve conservation victories without your help. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, thanks for being a part of Audubon's Action Network! Sincerely yours, Mike Daulton, Vice President of Government Relations & Brian, Connie, Justin, Liz, Sean and Taldi Audubon's Policy Team Caspian Tern Photo courtesy of Bob Martinka Audubon 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org

Bison Prarie Range Habit Extended Free the Yellowstone 60

Slaughter or Survival? Will the Yellowstone 60 face death... or freedom on the Great Plains? Help free the Yellowstone 60 -- bison that hold the key to the recovery of these iconic animals. Dear Andrew, A herd of genetically pure, disease-free bison could be the key to widespread recovery of these iconic animals. But these bison -- known as the Yellowstone 60 -- could be killed, if we don't find a home for them soon. Please donate today to help free the Yellowstone 60 -- bison that could hold the key to the recovery of these iconic animals on the American plains. As a part of government-sponsored research from 2005 to 2008, a few dozen bison calves were spared from an annual ritual of hazing and slaughter -- a ritual spurred by an exaggerated fear of disease -- that Yellowstone bison face each winter as they descend from the safety of the park. These true American bison have been proven disease-free -- but their fate remains in doubt: These bison could be killed unless an adequate home is found. Your contribution will help save the Yellowstone 60 from slaughter, support our efforts to restore bison in the West and protect other imperiled wildlife. Please donate today. For centuries, bison by the tens of millions thundered across America's grasslands, weaving their way into the rich ecology and diverse cultures of the Great Plains. Now, after the tragic slaughter of the 1800s that nearly wiped out America's bison, we have a unique opportunity to help these iconic animals -- some of the last true, wild bison in the U.S. -- once again roam the prairie beyond Yellowstone National Park. We're partnering with the Native American tribes of Fort Belknap and Fort Peck Reservations in Montana to create a new home for the Yellowstone 60 on their reservations. Already, with the help of our sister organization Defenders of Wildlife, the two reservations have secured 27,000 acres of prime bison habitat. But much more work needs to be done. Along with our partners, we need to secure vital grazing allotments on nearby federal and tribal lands, ensure proper facilities and infrastructure are built and convince Montana officials to approve the transfer of the Yellowstone 60 to the safety of Fort Peck and Fort Belknap Reservations -- all before these iconic animals are killed. We can't do any of this wildlife-saving work without your help. Please help us save the Yellowstone 60 and protect other wildlife you cherish. Thanks to hundreds of caring supporters like you, we've already mobilized more than 100,000 people through partners like Care2, Change.org and The Animal Rescue Site to urge federal officials to stop the annual hazing and slaughter that bison face as they venture outside the safety of Yellowstone National Park. Now, we can help protect the Yellowstone 60 by ensuring their lasting future on the American plains where they can also once again enrich the historic culture of two Native American reservations. Please donate today. Sincerely, Rodger Schlickeisen President Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund P.S. Help us save the Yellowstone 60 with a secure donation online today. Or call 1-800 425-4632 to donate by phone.
© Copyright , Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund Paid for by Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund at http://www.defendersactionfund.org/ and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee. Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund provides a powerful voice in Washington to Americans who value our conservation heritage. Through grassroots lobbying, issue advocacy and political campaigns, the Action Fund champions those laws and lawmakers that protect wildlife and wild places while working against those that do them harm. Defenders of Wildlife Action Fund can be contacted at: 1130 17th Street, NW Washington, DC 20036

 

Audubon Gulf Recovery Bird Rescue Video

November 12, 2010 Dear Andrew, We thought you would be interested in a new National Geographic video, which showcases Audubon volunteers in action. The video follows citizen scientists as they track Gulf coast birds in the BP spill zone and learns how their work is helping document the disaster's effects on Gulf coast birds. Watch video. Get another volunteer perspective from Sarah Andert, who discusses her work as a wildlife transport liaison in a new video from Audubon magazine. Watch video. Special Webcast Showcases the Gulf Restoration Effort Register for our next webcast, Gulf Coast Restoration: Next Steps. This special webcast features some spectacular video footage produced by the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. We'll also look at how legislation in Congress can benefit Gulf coast restoration (see article below). Don't miss this interactive and informative webcast, November 18, 1 PM EST. If you can't make that date, the archived version will be available the following day.  Register for the live event or the archive webcast. U.S. Senate Considers Oil Spill Recovery Legislation Audubon is calling for the Senate to pass legislation to direct BP's Clean Water Act penalties to Gulf Coast environmental recovery and to do so now. The lame duck congressional session in November and December offers the final opportunity to hold BP and other polluters accountable, put safeguards in place to prevent a disaster like this from happening again, and set the Gulf coast on a path toward healing and renewal. Here's the scoop and a rallying cry from Chris Canfield, VP Gulf of Mexico Conservation and Restoration. "This past week I was in Pensacola, Florida, at the inaugural meeting of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. It is a long name for group now tasked with facing a long river of challenges that has flowed into one of the world's great ecosystems. We should be encouraged that this unprecedented grouping of federal and state agencies is being led by a close friend of Audubon's, John Hankinson, Jr. Until this appointment, Hankinson was the chair of Audubon of Florida's board. We should be distressed, though, by the fact that there is no funding currently available for this effort. What a further tragedy it would be to waste the tremendous goodwill and passion across the country for finally restoring this great national treasure, as so many at the meeting described it. Let's get our elected leaders, especially our senators, to respond now and put the money where it is most urgently needed." Learn more. Audubon President & CEO Urges Senate Action to Protect the Environment"Americans may have voted for change in Congress, but no one voted to increase pollution," asserts David Yarnold in his statement regarding the outcome of the 2010 election. "Audubon stands ready to respond by focusing conservation and environmental protection efforts at the state, community and individual level. The election of 2010 brought a sea change to Congress, but our grassroots supporters are committed to ensuring it doesn't swamp the chances for progress toward a healthy planet for birds, wildlife and people everywhere." Read full statement. "Thank-you" Event Celebrates Gulf Volunteers A full moon rising over the Mississippi Sound on a crisp October evening provided the perfect backdrop for Audubon's Volunteer Appreciation Gala. Hosted by Audubon staff, the celebration was a "thank you" to Gulf-based volunteers who served as wildlife transport facilitators, coastal bird survey observers, Volunteer Response Center phone back operators and more. Join us on Facebook! We have created a special page for registered volunteers in the Gulf region to connect with each other and Audubon's oil spill response team. Thank you for your continued support. Audubon 1150 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org

November Audubon Advisory Senate Clean Up Oil Spill

 

Audubon Advisory November 2010 Vol 2010 Issue 10   Rescued Brown Pelican after being cleaned and released. Credit: Gerry Ellis   U.S. Senate Must Act This Year to Pass Oil Spill Recovery Legislation Under the Clean Water Act, BP is liable for billions in civil penalties, but Congress must act to direct the money to restoration efforts in the Gulf. Read more.     The 112th Congress will pass major legislation impacting the conservation of grassland birds like this Dickcissel. Credit: Steve Maslowski/USFWS   Audubon Outlook for the 112th Congress Last week's elections mean challenges—and opportunities—are on the horizon for important conservation work. Read more.     The Neotropical Migratory Bird Conservation Act helps save habitat for Cerulean Warblers and other songbirds. Credit: Mdf/Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-3.0)   Audubon Conservation Priorities Congress still has work to do this year to ensure the success of critical conservation programs. Thousands of acres of wildlife habitat are at risk without adequate funding. Read more.   Briefly Noted Audubon on alert to defend the Clean Air Act. Register for Gulf Restoration: Next Steps webcast. New biography tells story of Rosalie Edge, a pioneer of the conservation movement. "Celebrate the Arctic" program kits available. Audubon launches Holiday Gift Catalog.   November Mystery Bird Congratulations to Eleanor P., of Long Beach, CA, who was randomly chosen from the entries that correctly identified last month's Black-headed Grosbeak, at right. Good luck with this month's challenge, below. HINT: This species is one of twelve that can be adopted in Audubon's new Holiday Catalog. The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be chosen at random from all entries received that correctly identify the species (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is Sunday, December 5. Photo credits: Black-headed Grosbeak-Steve Ryan/Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-2.0), Mystery Bird-USFWS    The Audubon Advisory is published monthly by Audubon's Public Policy Program. 1150 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036 (202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org

Killing Woles is Not Patriotic, Save the Wolves of the Northern Rockies

We need your help to counter dangerous anti-wolf hate speech like this: Killing wolves is patriotic. Use shelter dogs to lure wolves to their deaths. Eliminate all wolves from the Northern Rockies -- by any means necessary. Help Run Our New Ad Montanans are speaking out against extreme anti-wolf policies. Will you help ensure their voices are heard? Donate today to help run radio ads to fight extreme anti-wolf hate speech in the Northern Rockies and protect the lives of wolves and other imperiled wildlife. We need to raise $50,000 by Monday (Nov. 15th) to produce and air our new radio ads. Please listen to some of the wolf stories we'll be including in the ads and donate whatever you can.   Dear Andrew, The fate of Montana's wolves could hang on outrageous words like these and the deeds of a handful of vocal anti-wolf extremists. Don't let the extremists win. Help us counter anti-wolf rhetoric with a new radio ad featuring pro-wolf Montanans. Anti-wolf hate speech is becoming louder by the day -- and it could have deadly consequences for the wolves that you and I have fought so hard to restore to Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies. But the region is more than radical anti-wolf extremists. That's why we're showcasing the sensible people just like you who live in the region -- and recognize the importance and beauty of the wolves in Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies. Listen to their stories -- and please help us ensure that their pro-wolf voices are heard. With the support of people like you, we've been able to record the testimonials of 300 authentic Montanans who favor an end to the anti-wolf hate that has been dominating the airwaves and inciting violence against our endangered wolves. Now comes the next vital step in our campaign to counter the anti-wolf hate speech in Montana: ensuring that these voices of reason are heard in a powerful new radio ad. Help us produce and air a new radio ad to counter the anti-wolf propaganda. Donate whatever amount is right for you to run radio ads to help fight extreme anti-wolf rhetoric in the Northern Rockies and protect the lives of wolves and other imperiled wildlife. Our new radio ad will help refute the lies about the wolf and demonstrate support for wolves in the Big Sky state -- ground zero in the extremists' war on wolves. We need to raise $50,000 by Monday (Nov. 15th) to help save these amazing, ecologically important animals. Your tax-deductible donation will help: Produce and air our new radio ad to combat anti-wolf hate speech in Montana; Fight anti-wolf legislation in Congress; Help ranchers to co-exist with wolves and keep these magnificent animals out of harm's way; and Promote other vital efforts to save wolves and other imperiled wildlife. The support of caring people like you has helped Defenders return wolves to Greater Yellowstone and the Northern Rockies, beat back efforts to eliminate life-saving protections for these magnificent animals and build important partnerships to ensure a lasting future for wolves in the region. But we need your help to keep fighting. Please donate now. For the Wild Ones, Rodger Schlickeisen President Defenders of Wildlife P.S. Please make a secure online donation now so we can get our radio on the air and keep fighting for wolves and other imperiled wildlife. You can also contribute by phone – just call 1-800-385-9712. Use PayPal to donate before Saturday and your contribution will be matched dollar for dollar – doubling the impact of your contribution!    Share on Facebook Defenders Home | Privacy Policy | Contact Us | Donate Now

© Copyright 2010, Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.

Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at:
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Audubon Leaders Rally to Protect Snail Kites

 

Tell Your Friends Send this message to friends and family members. Tell them to help Florida's birds and wildlife too. Stay in touch with the Audubon of Florida Policy Team Eric Draper – Executive Director Charles Lee – Advocacy Director Julie Wraithmell – Wildlife Advocacy Director Julie Hill-Gabriel – Everglades Team Leader Jonathan Webber – Conservation Campaigns Additional Resources Snail Kite Survival Factsheet Snail Kite White Paper Audubon Leaders Rally to Protect Snail Kites Staff, supporters and citizens turn out to help this signature Florida bird. A Snail Kite clutching a snail.  Photo by Mike Tracy Hundreds of people responded last week to Audubon's efforts to support managing the important Snail Kite habitat on Lake Tohopekaliga (Lake Toho) by downloading our Factsheet and by testifying at a public hearing before management agencies on Friday, November 6. Thank you all for rallying to protect Snail Kites. Nine Audubon volunteer leaders from Kissimmee Valley and Ocklawaha Audubon chapters joined Audubon of Florida staff scientist Paul Gray, Ph.D to support aquatic plant management actions that will protect enough exotic hydrilla and exotic apple snails that currently sustain the Snail Kite breeding efforts. The hearing was run jointly by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Fish and Wildlife Service. A local issue has taken on national importance because federally endangered Snail Kite numbers have dropped from more than 3,000 birds ten years ago to less than 700 today. If trends continue, the species could be extinct in a few decades. The Snail Kite is plagued by two problems. In the Kissimmee Valley region, its habitat has been invaded by exotic aquatic plant and snail species that when controlled, leave the Kites with virtually no habitat. In Okeechobee and the southern Everglades, development-driven water management and extreme weather have degraded the natural habitats and availability of food so dramatically that Kite nesting has failed in this area. More than half the nesting Snail Kites now depend on the exotic apple snails that hydrilla supports in Lake Toho. Normally, the exotics would be removed, but due to the urgent need to foster successful Kite breeding, Audubon supports the agencies' position that the exotics should be temporarily protected. Concerns were raised at the meeting of losing boating access if the hydrilla gets too thick and the agencies agreed to maintain boating lanes and fishing holes to sustain the economic importance of the lake, while protecting as much potential habitat for Kites as possible. Please stay connected to Audubon of Florida News as we cover this critical issue and work to protect this signature Florida bird.

Dec 1-4 Washington Dec 7-10 Italy Global Women's Health Organization Conference

The Global Women's Health Organization (GWHO) is organizing a Global Summit On HIV/AIDS & Female Trafficking. We invite you to take part in the upcoming Global Summit , taking place from 1st – 4th December 2010 in Century Blvd, Washington, D.C USA and from 7th – 10th  December in Vicenza Italy.

The summit will deliver interactive workshop sessions that will enable delegates to share best practice, exchange ideas, empower each other and discuss the latest research findings.

If you are interested to participate and want to represent your country, you may contact the secretariat of the organizing committee by email (gwho_summit@globomail.com) for more information.

You may get back to me with my email: isabella_anderson@globomail.com

Sincerely

Isabella Anderson
Youth Leader
Global Women's Health Organization
1501 Century Blvd, Washington, D.C 20037
Tel: +1-516-303-0030

October Audubon Advisory: Six Month Report on Gulf

From: Audubon

Audubon Advisory
October 2010
Vol 2010 Issue 9

Six Months Later: Audubon Reports on the Louisiana Coast
Yesterday, Audubon released a new report on the status of birds and oil along the Louisiana Coast. Read more to download the report
and see an audio slide show.

VICTORY! Court Upholds Critical Habitat Designation for Piping Plovers
A federal judge has ruled in favor of designating critical habitat areas for wintering Piping Plovers in North Carolina in
compliance with the Endangered Species Act. Read more.

Mission: Renewable - Next Steps for Climate Change Campaign
Congress might act before the end of the year to advance a few clean energy measures, including a nationwide renewable electricity
standard. Read more.

Audubon Wish List for "Lame Duck" Congress
From advocating for legislation to address the oil spill and other conservation priorities to defending the Clean Air Act...Audubon
will be busy when Congress returns after the election. Read more.

Phillies Wives Organize Auction to Benefit Audubon
Proceeds from an online auction of autographed bats from Major League Baseball teams and players-including Cy Young winner Roy
Halliday-will benefit Audubon's efforts to address the oil spill disaster and advance long-term restoration in the region. Read more
to find out how to bid and watch a video about the auction.

Briefly Noted

New Partnership with National Wildlife Refuges.
Audubon Chapters Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Arctic Refuge

October Mystery Bird
Congratulations to Rebecca B., of Westfield, MA, who was randomly chosen from the entries that correctly identified last month's
Dark-eyed Junco, at right. Good luck with this month's challenge, below. HINT: This bird with Halloween plumage is found throughout
the western United States in the summer-and it's not an oriole! The winner will receive a plush Audubon singing bird and will be
chosen at random from all entries received that correctly identify the species (NAS employees can play but not win). One entry per
person please! Please email us your entry, being sure the words "Mystery Bird" appear in the subject line. Deadline for entering is
Sunday, November 7. Photo credits: Dark-eyed Junco-Dave Menke/USFWS, Mystery Bird-Steve Ryan/Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-2.0)

The Audubon Advisory is published monthly by Audubon's Public Policy Program.
1150 Connecticut Ave NW Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036
(202) 861-2242 | audubonaction@audubon.org

www.Audobon.org

Student Volunteer Opportunities

Student Volunteering Opportunities!

One Less Car Day

The Office of Sustainability is looking for volunteers to help us on One Lss Car Day Celebration as part of our One Less Car campaign! One Less Car Day is on October 6th on the North Lawn from 11 AM to 1 PM.  

We need volunteers to help staff activities and make the day fun! There will be two shifts, one from 10:30 to 12:00 and one from 12:00 to 1:30.  Please E-mail Jamie Schindewolf if you would like to help out at this exciting event.

Game day recycling vs. Kentucky

Join the TailGator Green Team THIS Saturday, Sept. 25 to help volunteer with game day recycling.

The TailGator Green Team is a fun way to help UF reach its zero waste goal and you may also be able to raise money for your favorite student organization!  For more information or to RSVP for a shift, e-mail gatorgreenteam@gmail.com. Meet at the white volunteer tent outside Gate 2 of the O'Connell Center (Next to the Neutral Gator Display, look for people wearing "Green Team" t-shirts).

Shifts:

Shift 1: 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Shift 2: 12 p.m.-2 p.m.

BREAK: 2 p.m.-4 p.m.

Shift 3: 4 p.m.-6 p.m.

Shift 4: 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Sincerely, 

Ashley

Ashley Pennington

Office of Sustainability

University of Florida

P.O. Box 113111

(352) 392-7578

www.sustainable.ufl.edu