Governor Riley Honors Legacy

Attended the Legacy Earth Day Celebration at the State Capitol on April 29th.  Governor Bob Riley announced to the audience his next car tag will be a Legacy tag.

BEN - April 24, 2008 #302

Freshwater Land Trust Seeking Input From the Public

The Freshwater Land Trust is seeking accreditation from the national Land Trust Accreditation Commission. The land trust accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands forever. The Freshwater Land Trust is pleased to announce it is applying for accreditation. A public comment period is now open. Please visit: http://freshwaterlandtrust.org for more information.

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Check out BEN Publisher, Pat Byington's latest Earth Day commentary in the Birmingham News and his past commentaries on Recycling and Cancer Risk
Earth Day - http://www.bamanews.com/2008/04/lets-play-birmingham-news-earth-day.html
Recycling - http://www.bamanews.com/2007/11/bham-news-recycling-commentary-by-pat.html
Cancer Risk - http://www.bamanews.com/2006/10/bham-news-op-ed-cancer-risk-and.html

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1. ADEM Commission Lowers Cancer-Causing Pollutants - After a year long effort, the Alabama Environmental Management Commission, the board that governs the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), voted 3 to 1 to establish stronger standards for more than 50 cancer causing pollutants.

The new rule passed by the Commission will change the cancer risk level used to calculate human health criteria from one cancer per 100,000 residents to one cancer in a million. The stronger, "more protective of health" regulation will bring Alabama in line with neighboring states - Mississippi, Florida and Georgia.

Cindy Lowry, executive director of the Alabama Rivers Alliance stated, "This is an important step toward cleaner water in Alabama, which will reduce the risk of harmful health effects to aquatic species and citizens around the state.

According to the Huntsville Times, ADEM has said that about 1900 businesses and municipal sewage treatment plants are permitted to release carcinogens into state waterways.

2. Governor Signs Solid Waste/Recycling Legislation Into Law - This week, Governor Bob Riley celebrated Earth Day signing Alabama's most comprehensive solid waste law in nearly two decades.

The Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Management Act, sponsored by Rep. Frank McDaniel of Albertville, passed both houses of the Alabama Legislature earlier this month. The new law imposes a statewide tipping fee of $1 a ton on solid waste disposal which will adequately fund ADEM's solid waste regulatory activities, and provide funds to clean up illegal dumps and support statewide and local recycling efforts.

According to a December 2007 Birmingham News story, records showed that solid waste volume rose in Alabama from 2.79 million tons in 1995 to 4.39 million tons in 2007, a 57% increase. The rise in solid waste volume occurred despite an early 1990s state legislative goal to reduce solid waste by 25%.

For information about this new law and the Governor's Earth Day signing ceremony, visit http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2008-04-22-01-recycling-video.asp

3. Statewide Water Planning Resolution Passes - Led by State Senator Kim Benefield and Representative Greg Canfield, both the House and Senate passed a resolution, earlier this month, that establishes the Alabama Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Water Policy and Management to develop the Alabama Water Management Plan. This action is the first step toward a comprehensive water policy in Alabama.

The committee's primary charge, to develop a Alabama Water Management Plan, will be taken up during the 2009 legislative session. The committee itself is made up of legislators only, but there will be subcommittees consisting of citizen and industry experts.

4. Estuarium At Dauphin Island Re-Named After George Crozier - Here is a well deserving honor. This past weekend, through a resolution by the Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Board of Directors, the Estuarium at Dauphin Island changed its name to the George F. Crozier Estuarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab.

Dr. Crozier served as Executive Director of the Sea Lab from 1977 to 2007. Check out our "Take 5" interview with George that was conducted this winter.

http://www.bamanews.com/2007/12/take-5-with-ben-dr-george-crozier.html

5. BEN Notes - Alabama Wildlife Center Seeking Executive Director, Ruffner Mountain Seeking Educator, Legacy Grants (Friday, April 25 Deadline) &Scholarships, Environmental, Leadership Program Seeking Applications, Waterkeeper's Online Auction, 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Applications, TVA Energy & Climate Change Public Hearings, Raindrop Festival, Energy Summit in Tuscaloosa, ADEM Regulatory Update

Alabama Wildlife Center Seeking Executive Director - The Alabama Wildlife Center is seeking a new Executive Director. To access a detailed job description visit, http://www.awrc.org/jobs.htm

Ruffner Mountain Seeking Educator - Ruffner Mountain Nature Center is seeking an Education Director. To learn how to apply, make a request application procedures at info@ruffnermountain.org or visit http://www.nrca.info/services/nonprofit_jobs.asp . Ruffner's job description is about 5-6 job descriptions down the list.

Legacy Grants (Friday, April 25 Deadline) &Scholarships - Please check out Legacy's Competitive and Mini-Grant applications (the deadline is Fri. April 25th!) at http://www.legacyenved.org . You can also find Legacy's Scholarship application at the same website. The scholarship deadline is May 2.

Leadership Program Seeking Applications - The Environmental Leadership Program is now accepting applications for the 2009 Southeast Fellowship class. Learn more about this exciting opportunity at http://elpnet.org/southeastnetwork/apply.php

Waterkeeper's Online Auction - Check out Waterkeeper Alliance's Earth Day Online Auction at http://waterkeeper08.charitybuzz.com/viewLots.do

2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Applications - The Gulf of Mexico Program is currently soliciting entries for the 2008 Gulf Guardian Awards Program. The entry deadline is May 1st. Go online to http://www.epa.gov/gmpo to apply.

TVA Energy & Climate Change Public Hearings - TVA is seeking public comments on their Energy Efficiency, Climate Change and Renewable Draft Plans. The plans can be accessed at http://www.tva.gov/abouttva/board/draft_plans.htm The Alabama meeting will be on April 28th at the Huntsville Marriott (at the Space Center) from 6PM to 8 PM.

Raindrop Festival - Please join the Hulsey Little River Trust, April 25-26 at the 2008 Raindrop Festival at Bottletree in Birmingham - For more info visit http://www.friendsofshane.blogspot.com

Energy Summit in Tuscaloosa - "Energy Summit of 2008" Hosted by Congressman Artur Davis - 9:30 to 11:30 at the Child Development Resource Center, 651 5th Ave. East in Tuscaloosa, Alabama - For more info call 205-254-1960.

ADEM Regulatory Update - On May 22nd ADEM will be holding a "Regulatory Update" in Montgomery at the new Renaissance Hotel and Conference Center - For additional info call 334-260-4510 or visit http://www.adem.state.al.us

"Let's Play" Birmingham News Earth Day Commentary

My latest Earth Day Commentary.  It appeared in the Birmingham News on April 20, 2008.

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My four-year-old daughter is a princess.   No really, she wears crowns and tiaras most of the day, flowing dresses and silver sparkling shoes. One of her most prized possessions is a Canadian coin with Queen Elizabeth on it.

 

A few weeks ago, my princess had a transformative experience. 

 

She and I went out to see the Dick’s Sporting Goods Outdoor Adventure Road Tour, where there was a paddle/canoe demonstration and a huge fish tank, with professional fishermen showing folks how to fish.  It was the fish that got her, literally “hooked.”   She was mesmerized by the fishermen and the fish, and afterwards my little princess was begging me to buy her a “Barbie” fishing pole.  Since then, her favorite activity is walking around as a princess, tiara included, and casting her fishing pole line – pretend fishing on the banks of local creeks. She absolutely loves being outside, albeit on her own unique, royal terms.

 

I’m sharing this story because every year, right before Earth Day, environmental reporters ask the following question: What should people do for Earth Day and the environment?  

 

Now more than ever the answer is:  Start spending time outdoors with our children.

 

A recent 15-year analysis by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recognized a disturbing generational trend.  It showed future participatory declines of 16 percent among anglers, 11 percent among hunters, and 23 percent among those who watch wildlife.  A new study published in a National Academy of Sciences publication found that even though national parks remain popular, adjusting for population increases, park attendance is 70 million short of the 1987 peak.

 

Electronic media, TV, and video games are replacing “playtime outdoors” for our children, according to a 2005 Kaiser Family Foundation report. On average, the study found that U.S. children between the ages of 8 and 18 spend 45 hours a week exposed to electronic media, an amount of time most parents spend on their full-time jobs.  The problem, coined as “nature deficit disorder” by author Richard Louv, is so serious that the National Wildlife Federation recently made outdoor nature education its top priority alongside global climate change.

 

And why is this important for the environment and our communities? 

 

Because we are at risk of losing a generation. These children could end up disconnected to nature while being connected more and more to their sofas.  How will we ever be able to explain the need for clean water and air or the protection and preservation of natural areas, forests and wildlife when the closest a child gets to a river or forest is peering out a car window?

 

For our communities, the benefits of experiencing the outdoors with our children are immeasurable. Study after study proves the importance of outdoor nature education   A recent California Department of Education study showed that sixth graders improved their science scores by 27 percent after taking week-long outdoor education classes.  Outdoor play is linked to lower rates of obesity and depression. A University of Illinois study even found that spending time in “green areas” reduced symptoms of attention deficit disorder.

 

In the Birmingham area, it has been very encouraging to see our community coalesce around the creation of Red Mountain Park and the expansion of Ruffner Mountain.  Community gardens and ecoscapes are blooming like wildflowers around our neighborhoods, thanks to groups like the Southern Environmental Center and Jones Valley Urban Farm.  And local nature preserves and greenways have been developed in about a half dozen local communities, from Hoover to Brookside.  These are all hopeful signs that at least Birmingham “gets it” and is ready to truly tackle nature deficit disorder.

 

As the famous environmental writer Rachel Carson put it in her first book, The Sense of Wonder, “If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder…. he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.”

 

Back to my daughter, the princess.  She will be celebrating Earth Day this weekend with a “bug hunt” in one of our neighborhood parks.  Her friends, or should I say royal court, will be joining us.  And yes, she will be bringing her Barbie fishing pole.

BEN - April 9, 2008 #301

1) EPA Announces Tougher Ozone Rules 

2) Forever Wild Buys 1500 Acres Along Paint Rock River

3) Alabama's 3rd Birding Trail Located in the Black Belt

4) City of Troy Signs U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Change Agreement

5) BEN Notes - Ruffner Mountain Seeking Education Director, Shoals Earth Month, AEC's Green Tie Affair, Dauphin Island Discovery Day, 1st Annual Village Creek Run & Workshop, Alabama's First Lady to Attend Auntie Litter Parade, E-cycling Day at Whole Foods, Dauphin Island's Cocktail with the Critters, Camp McDowell's Raptor Run

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Thicket Magazine's Green Issue is on newsstands this month!  Check out this new exciting magazine at http://www.thicketmag.com

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1. EPA Announces Tougher Ozone Rules - According to a news story written by Birmingham News environment reporter Katherine Bouma, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced last month tougher health requirements to clean up the nation's air.

Under the new rules, Birmingham and as many as four Alabama metro areas are likely to be in violation of ozone air pollution rules.  The counties that are expected to not meet the new rules are: Baldwin, Jefferson, Madison, Mobile, Morgan and Shelby. Presently, all of Alabama is meeting the current standard.  

Why the new, tougher ozone air pollution standard? According to the News, health experts say smog under the current ozone regulation - even in areas where the limit is being met - causes hundreds of premature deaths among the elderly and health problems for thousands of young children and people with asthma and other respiratory illnesses. The new rule will help address this national environmental/health problem.

2. Forever Wild Buys 1500 Acres Along Paint Rock River - The state of Alabama's Forever Wild program has purchased 1500 acres and roughly 3 1/2 miles of frontage along the Hurricane Creek and Paint Rock River in Jackson County, Alabama. Nature Conservancy officials call the Paint Rock River one of the world's "last great places" and have been working hard since 2001 to spare it from development.

The new Forever Wild Reserve was bought by the state from the Nature Conservancy for more than $1.5 million.  Along with Forever Wild funds, the state was able to use an additional $1.2 million from the U.S. Forest Service's Forest Legacy Program.  The new preserve will be named Henshaw Cove and will be part of the 30,000 acre Skyline Wildlife Management Area.  

For more information about Forever Wild and Alabama's public lands, visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/publiclands/

3. Alabama's 3rd Birding Trail Located in the Black Belt - Alabama now has its third Birding Trail - the Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail.

The new trail covers a large "swath" of the state, from the Mississippi state line in the west to the Georgia line in the east.  The trail's three loops cover 13 counties and 55 sites. Along with a number of historic sites, some of the trail's nature sites include: the Perry Lakes Birding Tower, the Choctaw National Wildlife Refuge, the Oakmulgee division of the Talladega National Forest and the Marion Fish Hatchery.

Alabama first birding trail was the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail. It was followed by the North Alabama Birding Trail.  Visit http://www.alabamatravel.org to check out Alabama's newest Birding Trail.

4. City of Troy Signs U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Change Agreement - Recently, the city of Troy and its Mayor Jimmy Lunsford have signed on to the U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Protection Agreement.  Under the agreement cities commit to:

* Strive to meet or beat the Kyoto Protocol targets in their own communities, through actions ranging from anti-sprawl land-use policies to urban forest restoration projects to public information campaigns;

* Urge their state governments and the federal government to enact policies and programs to meet and beat the greenhouse gas reduction target suggested for the United States in the Kyoto Protocol - 7% reduction from 1990 levels by 2012; and Urge Congress to pass bipartisan greenhouse gas reduction legislation.

Other Alabama cities who have signed the agreement include: Auburn, Bessemer, Huntsville, Opelika and Tuscaloosa.

5. BEN Notes - Ruffner Mountain Seeking Education Director, Shoals Earth Month, AEC's Green Tie Affair, Dauphin Island Discovery Day, 1st Annual Village Creek Run & Workshop, Alabama's First Lady to Attend Auntie Litter Parade, E-cycling Day at Whole Foods, Dauphin Island's Cocktail with the Critters, Camp McDowell's Raptor Run

Ruffner Mountain Seeking Education Director -Ruffner Mountain Nature Center in Birmingham is seeking an Education Director.  For a complete job description email info@ruffnermountain.org

Shoals Celebrates Earth Month - Talk about a busy month!  Check out all the activities and Earth Day events in Shoals at http://shoalsenvironalliance.netfirms.com  (They will be holing Earth Day on April 19th).  Contact Charles Rose at 256-381-2826 if you have any questions.

AEC's Green Tie Affair - Mark your calendars - The Alabama Environmental Council will be holding their 12th Annual Green Tie Affair on April 17th at the Flower Stems Loft on 213 Richard Arrington Blvd. South.  For more info, call 205-322-3126.

Dauphin Island Discovery Day - Dauphin Island Sea Lab will be holding a Discovery Day, Open House on April 19th.  For additional info call 251-861-7509.

1st Annual Village Creek Run & Workshop - On April 19th from 10:00 to 1:00 at the McAlpine Community Center in Birmingham, members of the 2007-2008 Project Corporate Leadership Class and Environmental Leadership Program will host a  workshop to discuss strategies for implementing the Olmstead Vision for the Village Creek Area in the Ensley and Pratt Communities. For info about this event call - L'Tryce Slade at 866-925-5742.

Alabama's First Lady to Attend Auntie Litter Parade - Alabama's First Lady, Patsy Riley will be leading Auntie Litter's 17th Annual Earth Day Parade and celebration in downtown Birmingham.  The parade, which on April 22nd begins at noon.  For more info call 205-879-3009 or visit http://www.AuntieLitter.org

E-cycling Day at Whole Foods - Whole Foods Market in Birmingham will be holding an Electronics Recyclables Day on April 19th, 8am-4pm.  Bring old computers/electronics and cell phones.

Dauphin Island's Cocktail with the Critters - The Dauphin Island Sea Lab Foundation will be hosting Cocktails and Critters with TV Host and Sports fishing photographer Bill Boyce on April 24th at the Five Rivers in Spanish Fort.  For additional info, call 251-861-7509.

Camp McDowell's Raptor Run - Camp McDowell will be holding a "Raptor Run" fundraiser on May 3rd at Camp McDowell.  For details, visit http://www.raptorrun.com

From Maine to Alabama

Quotes from the Pinhoti Appalachian Trail Connection Dedication - March 16, 2008

Connecting Alabama’s Pinhoti Trail to the world-famous Appalachian Trail is great news for the many outdoor enthusiasts who have been waiting for the entire Appalachian range to be joined together. Hikers from all corners of the world will now have the opportunity to experience the majestic Alabama wilderness as they challenge themselves on the Appalachian Trail.  I believe that we must protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations to enjoy and I am proud to have played a part in ensuring that the Appalachian Trail connects to our great state."

- Senator Richard Shelby

Alabama's Senior Senator

Today, of course, is Palm Sunday and on this day, maybe a more spiritual, meaningful and human connection is here, one at a time, connecting each of us to our natural history, heritage, this clean air, healthy lifestyle and unparalleled beauty. In fact, on this Sunday, this ridge may serve as the most beautiful church, so appropriate for prayer, contemplation, and deep thanks for all that we have. 

- Pete Conroy

Director, Jacksonville State University

Environmental Policy Information Center

BEN - March 14, 2008 #300

1) Mobile Register Global Warming Poll
2) ADEM Pushes Recycling Legislation
3) City of Homewood Grants Easement to Freshwater Land Trust
4) Sea Grant Research Awards Far Reaching
5) Cahaba River Society Honors "Blue-Green" Innovation
6) BEN Notes: Auntie Litter's Earth Day T-Shirts, Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops,, Black Creek Park Community Service Day, Brookside Greenway Festival, Green Coast 2008, 4th Annual State of the Tallapoosa River Basin, Shoals Celebrates Earth Month, AEC's Green Tie Affair, ALEEC Spring Conference, Earth Day Party at the Poles, Earth Day at the Gardens, Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo, Mobile Baykeeper's Grandman Triathlon

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The Rt. Rev. Henry Parsley - Episcopal Bishop of the Diocese of Alabama

Please check out Bishop Parsley's remarkable speech about care of creation during his opening remarks at the church's Diocesan Convention.
http://www.dioala.org/diocesan_convention/bishops__addresses.html

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Green Resource Center for Alabama

Save the following dates from the Green Resource Center for Alabama:
March 15th, 9-5 The Clover Crawl - An Open House for the Center
March 25th 8:30am-4pm "Saving Our Water" - at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For additional details visit - http://www.greenalabama.org

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1. Mobile Register Global Warming Poll - According to a recent Mobile Register poll, three-quarters of Alabamians believe global warming is a reality, but they are split on whether human activities are responsible. And despite grave warnings by scientists about climate change being the greatest threat to the earth, only one in six Alabamians feels that way.

Below are the Mobile Register/University of South Alabama poll results.

The poll was a telephone survey of 402 adult residents of Alabama, conducted February 18-21, 2008 by USA Polling Group: margin of error is +/-5% at the 95% confidence level.

1. How would you rate the overall condition of the natural environment in the world today? Would you say it is...? Excellent - 1%, Good - 23%, Fair - 45%, Poor - 25%, Very Poor - 4%, DK/NA - 2%

2. Compared to 10 years ago, do you think the natural environment in the world today is better, worse, or about the same? Better - 9%, Worse - 56%, About the Same - 34%, DK/NA -1%

3. Which of the following would you say is the most serious environmental threat facing the world today? Hazardous Waste generally - 26%, Air Pollution - 18%, Water Pollution - 18%, Global Warming - 17%, Loss of plants and wildlife species - 6%, All of the above - 6%, Something else - 3%, DK/NA - 6%

4. Which of the following statements comes closest to your view on global warming:

Global warming is occurring due to human activity.
Global warming is occurring, but it is due to national forces rather than human activity.
Global warming is not happening at all.

Occurring due to human activity - 42%
Occurring due to natural forces - 35%
Not occurring at all - 13%

5. Assuming that global warming is occurring as many scientists have suggested, how would you rate the potential problem of a rising sea level. Would you say that is likely to be a ... Major problem - 35%, Moderate problem - 24%, Minor problem -20%, Not a problem - 14%, DK/NA - 7%

6. What about the decline of various animal populations, such as polar bears, seals, and penguins? (prompt with responses as needed) Major problem - 36%, Moderate problem - 24%, Minor problem - 21%, Not a problem - 14% DK/NA - 5%

7. What about potential increase in the number and intensity of storms such as tornadoes and hurricanes? Major problem - 56%, Moderate problem - 22%, Minor problem - 10%, Not a problem - 9%, DK/NA -3%

8. In dealing with the issue of global warming, do you think the government should do more, is doing enough, or is doing too much? Should do more - 58%, Doing enough - 23%, Doing too much - 13%, DK/NA - 6%

9. How much would you personally be willing to sacrifice financially in order to help stop global warming? Would you sacrifice....? A lot - 8%, Some - 31%, A little - 24%, Not at all -34% DK/NA -3%

2. ADEM Pushes Recycling Legislation - Last month, Rep. Frank McDaniel of Albertville introduced House Bill 395, the Solid Wastes and Recyclable Materials Act. The legislation, which is being advocated by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) will address and remediate illegal dumpsites throughout Alabama, develop and enhance recycling programs, and enable ADEM to more adequately regulate solid waste. This program will be paid for by a $1 a ton tipping fee on solid waste. The legislation is modeled after successful programs in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Presently, Alabama is one of the last states in the country without a comprehensive recycling program. And on a local level, only 81 cities out of the Alabama's 460 municipalities provided some kind of recycling program or service. Of the counties, 26 have recycling programs out of 67 counties.

3. City of Homewood Grants Easement to Freshwater Land Trust - Here is a wonderful public/private partnership in Homewood, Alabama. On February 11th, the Homewood City Council unanimously approved to grant a conservation easement on 65 acres of the city-owned "Homewood Forest Preserve" to the Freshwater Land Trust. This action guarantees that the Preserve will be held in perpetuity as green space for the protection of the environment and the enjoyment of local citizens. Homewood Mayor Barry McCulley signed the conservation easement on March 3rd.

Located adjacent to Samford University and Homewood High School, the Preserve will provide opportunities for outdoor nature education. The Preserve is also home to the city's annual Salamander Festival.

4. Sea Grant Research Awards Far Reaching - The Mississippi-Alabama Sea Grant Consortium is funding several innovative research grants in Alabama. Here is a description of the grants that have been awarded for its 2008-2010 budget cycle.

Auburn University School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences - Will access the effect of land use/cover on the water quality of the Fish River, a major water supplier. Auburn develop population projections and zoning maps that will aid local authorities in making science-based decisions regarding environmental and ecosystem health.

University of Alabama at Birmingham's Department of Biology - Study a process to increase an abundant and predictable supply of soft shelled crabs that could benefit economies in states with existing and potential soft crab fisheries.

Auburn University's Department of Fisheries and Allied Aquaculture - Provide west Alabama shrimp farmers with information about salinity and temperature tolerance of post-larval and early juvenile state shrimp. The information will help increase survival, growth and production of inland low-salinity farms.

University of Alabama and the Grand Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve - Will address the lack of understanding of the effects of prescribed burning, a common management practice for many ecosystems, especially marsh habitat.

Dauphin Island Sea Lab - Will collect and examine the relationship between shellfish habitat, wastewater treatment plants and human health.

For more info about the Mississippi- Sea Grant Program, visit http://www.masgc.org

5. Cahaba River Society Honors "Blue-Green" Innovation - Last month, at their 20th Anniversary meeting, the Cahaba River Society recognized innovative development that protects both the Cahaba watershed and the region's environment. This year's "Blue-Green" Innovation Award winners were:

McWane Cast Iron Pipe Company - for its stormwater and industrial process water reuse system;

Opus South Corporation - for the Social Security Administration in Birmingham building green roof and stormwater collection system;

Trussville City Schools - for the new Hewitt-Trussville High School sensitivity to the river during its development;

Protective Life Office Complex - was awarded the Classic Blue-Green Development Award for its building's good design that conserves water resources and saves money over time.

6. BEN Notes: Auntie Litter's Earth Day T-Shirts, Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops, Black Creek Park Community Service Day, Brookside Greenway Festival, Green Coast 2008, 4th Annual State of the Tallapoosa River Basin, Shoals Celebrates Earth Month, AEC's Green Tie Affair, ALEEC Spring Conference, Earth Day Party at the Poles, Earth Day at the Gardens, Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo, Mobile Baykeeper's Grandman Triathlon

Auntie Litter's Earth Day T-Shirts - Check out Auntie Litter's "Take Pride Statewide" t-shirts for her upcoming 16th Annual Earth Day Parade in Birmingham. Visit http://www.auntielitter.org

Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops - The 2008 Free McDowell Environmental Center Teacher workshops (FUNshops) are starting to book! The lost World FUNshop is scheduled for June 2-6 with an added treat of touring a local cave. The Living Streams FUNshop is scheduled for October 27-29. For more info on Camp McDowell Environmental Center and one of the teacher workshops contact Maggie Wade Johnston at maggie@campmcdowell.com or 205-387-1806. Also visit - http://www.campmcdowell.com/cmec

Black Creek Park Community Service Day - The city of Fultondale is hosting a Black Creek Park Community Service Day on Saturday, March 15th 9:00 AM until Noon. For directions and information about this event, visit http://www.cawaco.org/fivemilecreek

Brookside Greenway Festival - The small town of Brookside in western Jefferson County is hosting the Brookside Greenway Festival, Saturday, April 5 from 6 AM to Sunset at Bensko Park. Registration for events http://www.brooksidealabama.com/events.html

Green Coast 2008 - Save the Date - The GreenCoast 2008 Conference & Expo will be held at Mobile, Alabama's Arthur Outlaw Convention Center on April 9-10. Register today at http://greencoast2008.blogspot.com/

4th Annual State of the Tallapoosa River Basin - Alabama Water Watch and AU Department of Fisheries is coordinating the 4th Annual State of Our Watershed Conference - The Tallapoosa River Basin on Friday, April 11th at the Health, Education and Arts Auditorium, Central Alabama Community College, Alexander City. To register (required) visit http://www.twp.auburn.edu

Shoals Celebrates Earth Month - Talk about a busy month! Check out all the activities and Earth Day events in Shoals at http://shoalsenvironalliance.netfirms.com (They will be holing Earth Day on April 19th). Contact Charles Rose at 256-381-2826 if you have any questions.

AEC's Green Tie Affair - Mark your calendars - The Alabama Environmental Council will be holding their 12th Annual Green Tie Affair on April 17th at the Flower Stems Loft on 213 Richard Arrington Blvd. South. For more info, call 205-322-3126.

ALEEC Spring Conference - Jared Diamond - The Alabama Environmental Education Consortium (ALEEC) will be holding their Spring Conference this year on April 19th at Samford University. This year's featured speaker will be Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel. His topic will be - Lessons from Environmental Collapses of Past Societies. For more info about the conference call Virginia Brown at 205-726-4246.

Earth Day Party at the Poles - The McWane Science Center in Birmingham will be holding "Earth Day at the Poles" Saturday, April 19th. For additional info visit http://www.mcwane.org or call 205-714-8300.

Earth Day at the Gardens - Check out the 11th Annual "Earth Day at the Gardens" in Birmingham, Alabama at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens on Sunday, April 20th, 1-5PM. Visit http://www.bbgardens.org

Earth Day Safari at the Montgomery Zoo - The Montgomery Zoo will be holding their "Earth Day Safari" on April 22, 9 AM to 3 PM. For additional info visit http://www.montgomeryzoo.com

Mobile Baykeeper's Grandman Triathlon - The Springhill Medical Center Grandman Triathlon to benefit Mobile Baykeeper will be held May 31st at 7:00 AM at the Fairhope Municipal Pier in Fairhope, Alabama. If you are interested in participating visit http://www.thegrandman.com or call 251-433-4229.

BEN - February 20, 2008 #299

1) Huntsville Ranked 18th on List of "America's 50 Greenest Cities"

2) Sen. Sessions Presents $1 Million To Red Mountain Park

3) Enviro Bills in the Alabama Statehouse

4) Tuscaloosa E-Cycling Event Collects Nearly 200 Ton

5) Alabama Land Trust and Georgia Land Trust Conservation Easement Totals

6) BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Scholarships, Rick Trione & Alabama Coastal Foundation, WRATT Volunteers, Birmingham Historical Society - 'Olmstead Files", Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops "State of the Environment Conference, Alabama Rivers Alliance Watershed Leadership Conference, Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference,  Green Coast 2008, AEC's Green Tie Affair, ALEEC Spring Conference - Jared Diamond,  

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Quote of the Day

"The most important political office is that of the private citizen." - Supreme Court Justice Louis D. Brandeis

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Green Resource Center for Alabama

Save the following dates from the Gren Resource Center of Alabama:

March 15th, 9-5 The Clover Crawl - An Open House for the Center

March 25th  8:30am-4pm "Saving Our Water" - at the Birmingham Botanical Gardens

For additional details visit - http://www.greenalabama.org

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1.  Huntsville Ranked 18th on List of "America's 50 Greenest Cities" - According to the Huntsville Times, the magazine Popular Science ranked the city of Huntsville 18th on its list of "America's Greenest Cities."  Huntsville scored the highest among Southeastern cities beating Lexington, Ky. (25th), Athens, Ga. (33rd), Newport News, Va. (41st), Louisville, Ky. (42nd) and Greensboro, NC. (50th).

Popular Science, which has a monthly circulation of about 1.45 million copies, used data from the U.S. Census Bureau, and National Geographic's Green Guide to see how American cities ranked in terms of renewable energy, public transit, recycling, and setting aside land for parks and nature preserves. To check out the entire list visit - http://www.popsci.com/environment/article/2008-02/americas-50-greenest-cities

2. Sen. Sessions Presents $1 Million To Red Mountain Park - Earlier this month, on February 1st, Senator Jeff Sessions announced and presented $980,000 to the Red Mountain Greenway and Recreational Area Commission.  The federal funding will help the Commission acquire and develop more than 1,100 acres of land atop Red Mountain for the park.

The new 1100 acre park will join its "twin" in East Birmingham - the Ruffner Mountain Nature Preserve - as two of the largest urban parks in the country.  Red Mountain Park was made possible through the discounted sale of the park land by U.S. Steel.  Along with the park's natural areas, the Red Mountain Park Master Plan includes 18 miles of walking, jogging and bicycling trails, numerous sports and recreational fields, fishing ponds, a bird watching sanctuary and outdoor venues  for shows and exhibitions.

Senator Sessions' support of Red Mountain Park is the latest in a long line of conservation efforts that have included the establishment of the Dugger Mountain Wilderness, Cahaba National Wildlife Refuge, Mountain Longleaf National Wildlife Refuge and the expansion of the Bon Secor National Wildlife Refuge.

For more info about Red Mountain Park, visit http://www.redmountainpark.org

3. Enviro Bills in the Alabama Statehouse - Energy, solid waste and quarries are the primary issues the Alabama Legislature have tackled during the first couple of weeks in the Alabama Legislature. Below are brief descriptions of the bills that have been filed.

HB 234 and SB 305 - Energy  -  Alternative and Renewable Energy Act - Tax credit for solar power, capital credit for certain facilities

HB 235 and SB 306 - Energy -  Alternative Motor Fuels Security Act - State tax credit for certain expenses for qualified facilities producing alternative fuels.

HB 237 and SB 308 - Energy - Green Fleets Program - Establish fuel efficiency goals and Green Fleets Review Committee

HB 242 and SB 309 - Energy - Building Commission to adopt 2006 International Conservation Code

HB 313 - Solid Waste - Solid waste disposal management plan review by local governing body, considered denied if inacted upon within 90 days.

HB 354 - Rock Quarries - Madison County rock quarries, location near schools, regulated outside limits of municipality

HB 372 and SB 190 - Limestone County rock quarries to be regulated outside municipalities

SB 131 - Rock Quarries - ADEM cannot issue permits for rock quarry without approval from the county commission.

SB 229 - Clean Indoor Air  - Smoking is prohibited in public places and work places  

4. Tuscaloosa E-Cycling Event Collects Nearly 200 Tons - Want some evidence about the "need" for electronic recycling in Alabama.  

Last month, the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama and the city of Tuscaloosa  held an E-Cycling Day.  According to Chris Rue, president of Black Warrior Technology and chairman of the E-Cycling committee, more than 800 people and 50 businesses dropped off their electronic waste at the event, collecting nearly 200 tons of electronic equipment.  The group needed 7 transfer trucks, "filled to the brink,"  carrying approximately 25 tons of equipment.

Along with saving landfill space, the money made from recycling the ink cartridges and cell phones will be used to fund the mayor of Tuscaloosa's Pre-K Initiative.

5. Alabama Land Trust and Georgia Land Trust Conservation Easement Totals - The Alabama Land Trust and Georgia Land Trust enjoyed a banner year during 2007, protecting a record 35,556 acres in Alabama and Georgia with conservation easements.  Here are some highlights from the 2007 protection effort:

* Cahaba River Watershed: 2785 acres were placed in conservation easements protecting more than 5 miles along the River

* Choccolocco Creek: nearly 4 miles of streambed protected 

* Black Warrior River Watershed:  2392 acres placed in conservation easement protecting nearly 6 miles of the river bank

* Tallapoosa River Watershed: 10 miles of stream bank were protected with conservation easements in Chambers, Randolph, and Tallapoosa Counties

* Tennessee River Basin: 2255 acres were protected with a conservation easement in Jackson County

* Coosa River Watershed; conservation easements protected over 2 miles along the river

To date the Alabama Land Trust and Georgia Land Trust has protected 100,000 acres with conservation easements.  For more info on the Land Trust visit - http://www.allandtrust.org

6. BEN Notes: Birmingham Audubon Scholarships, Rick Trione & Alabama Coastal Foundation, WRATT Volunteers, Birmingham Historical Society - 'Olmstead Files",  Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops, "State of the Environment Conference, Alabama Rivers Alliance Watershed Leadership Conference, Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference,  Green Coast 2008, AEC's Green Tie Affair, ALEEC Spring Conference - Jared Diamond

Birmingham Audubon Scholarships - The Birmingham Audubon Society has scholarships available for teachers to attend the Audubon Mountain Workshop (deadline April 1) and the Maine Audubon Society's Workshop for Educators (deadline March 1).  For additional details visit http://www.birminghamaudubon.org

Rick Trione & Alabama Coastal Foundation - Check out at http://www.joinacf.org/Ricky%20Trione.htm   the wonderful story about Fairhope native Rick Trione and his partnership with the Alabama Coastal Foundation.  A blind artist, whose work is now used on a number ACF's merchandise, his art is inspirational and a blessing.  Check out his art at http://www.joinacf.org

WRATT Volunteers - The Waste Reduction and Technology Transfer Foundation is seeking retirees to assist the group with their programs, including waste reduction, recycling, energy efficiency and air pollution.  Interested?  Call Danny Patterson at 205-824-8797 or email wrattd@aol.com

Birmingham Historical Society - 'Olmstead Files" - At this year's annual meeting of the Birmingham Historical Society, the organization featured a new book Hand Down Unharmed - Olmstead Files on Birmingham Parks.  Find out how you can purchase this wonderful story of "green" history in Birmingham by visiting -  http://www.bhistorical.org  .

Camp McDowell's Teacher FUNshops -  The 2008 Free McDowell Environmental Center Teacher workshops (FUNshops) are starting to book!  The lost World FUNshop is scheduled for June 2-6 with an added treat of touring a local cave.  The Living Streams FUNshop is scheduled for October 27-29. For more info on Camp McDowell Environmental Center and one of the teacher workshops contact Maggie Wade Johnston at maggie@campmcdowell.com or 205-387-1806.  Also visit - http://www.campmcdowell.com/cmec

Legacy "State of the Environment" Conference - Legacy will be holding their 2008 Environmental Partnership Conference on February 27-29 at the Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach. This year's topic is the "State of the Environment." To register visit - http://www.legacyenved.org  - The registration deadline is Feb.1st.

Watershed Leadership Conference - The Alabama Rivers Alliance will be holding their annual Watershed Leadership Conference  on March 14-16, in Fairhope, Alabama at Camp Beckwith on Week's Bay.  For conference details visit http://www.alabamarivers.org  .

Alabama Hiking Trail Society Conference - The Alabama Hiking Trail Society will be celebrating the linking of the Pinhoti Trail with the Appalachian Trail at their 2008 Conference to be held March 14-16 at Cheaha State Park.  For details, visit  http://www.hikealabama.org/

Green Coast 2008 - Save the Date - The GreenCoast 2008 Conference & Expo will be held at Mobile, Alabama's Arthur Outlaw Convention Center on April 9-10.  Register today at http://greencoast2008.blogspot.com/

AEC's Green Tie Affair - Mark your calendars - The Alabama Environmental Council will be holding their 12th Annual Green Tie Affair on April 17th at the Flower Stems Loft on 213 Richard Arrington Blvd. South.  For more info, call 205-322-3126.

ALEEC Spring Conference - Jared Diamond - The Alabama Environmental Education Consortium (ALEEC)  will be holding their Spring Conference this year on April 19th at  Samford University.  This year's featured speaker will be Jared Diamond, author of Guns, Germs and Steel.  His topic will be - Lessons from Environmental Collapses  of Past Societies. For more info about the conference call Virginia Brown at 205-726-4246.