Water: Watersheds
Watershed News: May 2007
Watershed News is a publication of EPA's Office of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds. It is designed to provide timely information to groups working at the watershed level.
In this month's newsletter
1) May is American Wetlands Month
2) EPA announces new RFP on "Smart Growth Streets and Emergency Response"
3) DVD Copies of "After the Storm" Program Available
4) New, Improved: Water Quality Modeling Tool
5) National Water Quality Monitoring Network Pilot Studies for Coastal Waters Underway
6) Highlands Action Program Charter Signed by Mid-Atlantic States' Governors
7) IPCC Releases Working Group II Report on Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
8) National Association of Environmental Professionals Requests Nominations for the 2008 President's and National Environmental Excellence Awards
9) Watershed Plan Builder Tool
10) Sandy and Yellowstone Creeks (OK): Education and Demonstration Efforts Result in Turbidity Improvements
11) EPA's Watershed Academy to sponsor May Webcast on Taking on the Long-term Stewardship of Wetland Mitigation Sites
12) Social Marketing Webcast Slated for May 9th, 2007
13) EPA Releases Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox
14) Upcoming Conferences and Workshops
May is American Wetlands Month
In celebration of American Wetlands Month, activities are taking place all across the country. Visit: www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/awm/index.html for a listing of events and activities. Highlights include:
May 9 - the Environmental Law Institute, EPA, and other federal partners will honor a diverse group of individuals for their extraordinary commitment to conserving wetlands at the 2007 National Wetlands Award Ceremony. Visit http://www.nationalwetlandsawards.org.
May 12 - International Migratory Bird Day - This year's theme is "Birds in a Changing Climate" and events around the globe will highlight the threats to migratory birds and efforts to conserve these beautiful creatures. http://www.birdday.org/
May 1-24 - Hurricane on the Bayou, Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History - The Johnson IMAX Theater in Washington, DC presents the film "Hurricane on the Bayou," a breathtaking tour of the Louisiana Bayou and the City of New Orleans. http://www.si.edu/imax/#johnson
Funding Opportunities
EPA announces new RFP on "Smart Growth Streets and Emergency Response"
A new grant Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by EPA's Development, Community, and Environment Division seeks to bring together emergency response officials, local government officials, transportation experts, and developers to engage in a problem-solving process around the issue of simultaneously meeting the needs for emergency response with the design of smart growth streets. The goal is to create a solution or set of solutions that have the endorsement of these multiple interests and will be applicable nationally across the U.S. and/or in significant regions of the country. The RFP will also support outreach efforts to educate relevant stakeholders nationally.
EPA expects to award $150,000 for Phase 1 (years 1 and 2) with the possibility of additional, incremental funding of up to $500,000 in total over a five year project period. Funding for future years is dependent on funding availability, agency priorities and applicant performance. EPA may award up to three assistance agreements. Eligible applicants include: States, territories, Indian Tribes, interstate organizations, intrastate organizations, and possessions of the U.S., including the District of Columbia, public and private universities and colleges, hospitals, laboratories, other public or private nonprofit institutions, and individuals. For-profit organizations are not eligible to apply. Proposals are due by 5PM, East Coast Time on June 15, 2007.
View the RFP at: http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/grants/opei0701.htm
Announcements
DVD Copies of "After the Storm" Program Available
DVD copies of the popular half-hour television special about watersheds - After the Storm - co-produced by The Weather Channel (TWC) and the EPA are now available at no charge. This program premiered on TWC in 2004 and continues to be a very popular vehicle to educate citizens about stormwater management. The program highlights three case studies - Santa Monica Bay, the Mississippi River Basin/Gulf of Mexico, and New York City - where polluted runoff threatens watershed health. For more information, including tips about what you can do to prevent pollution, visit: www.epa.gov/weatherchannel/. To order a free copy of After the Storm, contact NSCEP at 800-490-9198 or send an email to nscep@bps-lmit.com and please a refer to After the Storm (DVD), EPA 841-C-06-001 OR After the Storm (VHS), EPA 840-V-04-001.
New, Improved: Water Quality Modeling Tool
The Environmental Protection Agency has released a new version of its acclaimed watershed management program, "Better Assessment Science Integrating Point and Nonpoint Sources" (BASINS). BASINS is a multi-purpose system that integrates environmental data, analytical tools, and modeling programs. BASINS will help regions, states, and local agencies develop cost-effective approaches to watershed management and environmental protection. BASINS 4.0 is a valuable tool for watershed and water quality-based analyses, including developing total maximum daily load (TMDL) allocations. For more information: www.epa.gov/waterscience/basins/.
National Water Quality Monitoring Network Pilot Studies for Coastal Waters Underway
In response to the 2004 Ocean Policy Commission report, the National Water Quality Monitoring Council is leading an effort to design and implement a national monitoring network for U.S. coastal waters. The network will provide observations of pollution loads conveyed from inland watersheds to coastal waters through eight linked "resource components" in the hydrologic system. The Council has received 12 expressions of interest to implement pilot studies that will examine the effort needed to integrate the new network requirements into existing monitoring in selected regions. Three areas - the San Francisco Bay Region, Lake Michigan, and the Delaware River Basin/Delaware Bay - have been chosen as the focus of regional pilot studies which will be completed by January 2008.
Each of the parties expressing interest in the pilots will be in a position to initiate the next phase in the implementation of the network: to install the monitoring stations, sensors, and data systems needed to begin network monitoring in selected regions. Over time, the network will grow to cover all areas of coastal America. For more information, see http://acwi.gov/monitoring/network/design/
Highlands Action Program Charter Signed by Mid-Atlantic States' Governors
On April 18, 2007, Pennsylvania Governor Edward Rendell, Virginia Governor Timothy Kaine, West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin III and Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley signed the Highlands Action Program Charter, a regional partnership to preserve the ecological and cultural resources of the Mid-Atlantic Appalachian Highlands. The goals are to help link communities, non-governmental organizations, local, state, and federal governments, and businesses to highlight places of ecological and cultural importance, revitalize damaged ecosystems, and empower citizens and communities to strengthen linkages among cultural heritage, economic viability and the environment. As part of the agreement, states will focus on enhancing "green infrastructure" as a basis for targeting restoration and protection. Green infrastructure refers to the network of hubs and corridors that are essential to maintaining the health of natural ecosystems and resource-based working lands.
IPCC Releases Working Group II Report on Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability
In April, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change released the Working Group II Report on the Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability as part of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Report. Among the findings, there is high confidence that "by mid-century, annual average river runoff and water availability are projected to increase by 10-40% at high latitudes and in some wet tropical areas, and decrease by 10-30% over some dry regions at mid-latitudes and in the dry tropics, some of which are presently water stressed areas." Among the projections specific to North America, there is very high confidence that "warming in western mountains is projected to cause decreased snowpack, more winter flooding, and reduced summer flows, exacerbating competition for over-allocated water resources." More information, as well as the complete summary of the Working Group II findings, can be found at www.ipcc.ch.
National Association of Environmental Professionals Requests Nominations for the 2008 President's and National Environmental Excellence Awards
The National Association of Environmental Professionals' (NAEP) Awards Committee is soliciting nominations from select persons and organizations for the President's and the National Environmental Excellence Awards. The primary goal of this program is to recognize the variety of existing accomplishments and excellence provided by environmental practitioners in adhering to the principles of NAEP. The awards will be presented at the NAEP National Conference to be held in 2008 in San Diego, CA from March 25-27, 2008. The deadline for nominations is September 30, 2007. For more information or to download a nomination form, visit: http://www.naep.org/displaycommon.cfm?an=12 [broken links]
Watershed Tool of the Month
Watershed Plan Builder Tool
EPA has developed a new interactive, web-based tool to promote the development of comprehensive watershed protection and restoration plans. The Watershed Plan Builder Tool also identifies funding information, technical resources, federal and state contacts for water programs, and a description of various agency program rules and guidelines that relate to managing water quality. The tool helps users develop a customized outline for a plan, specific to the user's watershed, that can serve as a starting point for more integrated watershed planning.
The Watershed Plan Builder Tool can be found at www.epa.gov/owow/watershedplanning/. The website is open to public feedback until September 30, 2007. EPA is making this draft site widely available with the purpose of having it used and tested by a variety of watershed partnerships. Please address your comments, suggestions, and corrections to OWOW-WPB@epa.gov with "Watershed Plan Builder Site" in the subject line.
Spotlight: Watersheds at Work
Sandy and Yellowstone Creeks (OK): Education and Demonstration Efforts Result in Turbidity Improvements
Sandy and Yellowstone Creeks, both in the Salt Fork of the Arkansas River watershed in north central Oklahoma (in Alfalfa and Woods Counties, respectively), were impaired for turbidity due in part to practices associated with crop and cattle production. Agricultural producer education and implementation of best management practices (BMPs) to promote conservation tillage, proper fertilizer application, integrated pest management, and riparian buffer establishment helped to decrease sediment and nutrients going into both creeks. As a result, Oklahoma removed Sandy Creek from its 2004 303(d) list for turbidity impairment, and nominated Yellowstone Creek for removal from the state's 2006 303(d) list for turbidity. For more information about this success story, visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/nps/Success319/state/ok_sandy.htm.
Webcasts
EPA's Watershed Academy to sponsor May Webcast on Taking on the Long-term Stewardship of Wetland Mitigation Sites
EPA's Watershed Academy sponsors free monthly Webcasts for watershed practitioners from around the globe. On Wed., May 23, 2007, the Webcast will discuss the basics of the Section 404 program as well as the basics of compensatory mitigation. Speakers will also provide an overview of the roles and risks of becoming involved in mitigation and will provide a review of methods to evaluate stewardship tasks, calculate an adequate long-term stewardship endowment, and guarantee long-term funding. For more information or to access archived audio versions of past Webcasts, please visit www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.
Social Marketing Webcast Slated for May 9th, 2007
EPA's Office of Wastewater Management will host a Webcast, A Tool for More Effective Stormwater Education and Outreach Programs, on May 9th, 2007. Nancy Lee, nationally noted expert on communications and social marketing, will discuss how social marketing techniques can be integrated into stormwater outreach and education programs to help change citizen's behavior to help prevent stormwater pollution. For more information, visit EPA's Office of Wastewater Management Website.
Education and Outreach
EPA Releases Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox
The Environmental Protection Agency has released the Nonpoint Source Outreach Toolbox, a set of Web-based resources designed to assist communities across the U.S. conduct locally effective watershed outreach. The Toolbox, on-line at www.epa.gov/nps/toolbox, is intended to help regulated and unregulated communities alike. The Toolbox includes a searchable catalog of nearly 800 print, radio, and TV ads and outreach materials in the following categories: lawn and garden care, motor vehicle care, pet care, septic system care, household chemicals and waste, and general stormwater and storm drain awareness. This repository of contemporary, audience-tested materials is designed to meet the needs of stormwater professionals who might be strapped for ideas, money, time or staff to develop messages and products for their own communities. The Toolbox also provides EPA's publication "Getting in Step - A Guide to Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns," as well as a comprehensive collection of surveys and evaluations of outreach programs from around the country and a collection of logos, slogans, and mascots to help unify a community's campaign.
Upcoming Conferences and Workshops
May 15-19 -- World Environmental and Water Resources Congress, Tampa, FL.
For more information, see http://content.asce.org/conferences/ewri2007.
May 18-22 -- River Rally 2007, Stevenson, Washington.
River Network's River Rally will help grassroots groups harness the power of citizen involvement to protect rivers and build healthier communities and watersheds. The River Rally will bring together hundreds of friends of rivers, water keepers, monitors, watchdogs, stewards, guardians and others involved in watershed protection and restoration. The Rally will provide attendees with means to celebrate rivers, teach and learn from each other, and explore the power of citizen action. To register or for more information, visit the rally web site at: http://www.rivernetwork.org/rally/.
May 21-23 -- New England Interstate Water Pollution Control Commission's 18th Annual Nonpoint Source Pollution Conference, Newport, RI.
For more information, see www.neiwpcc.org.
May 20-23 -- 2nd National Forum on Socioeconomic Research in Coastal Systems: Challenges of Natural Resource Economics and Policy, New Orleans, LA.
For more information, see www.cnrep.lsu.edu/pdfs/CNREP_abstracts07.pdf.
May 20-25 -- International Conference on Ecology and Transportation 2007, Little Rock, AR.
For more information, see www.icoet.net.
June 3-6 -- Western State Workshop: Strengthening the Roles of Land Trusts and Local Governments in Protecting and Restoring Wetlands and Riparian Areas, Treasure Mountain Inn, Park City, Utah.
This workshop, let by the Association of State Wetland Mangers, Sponsors and cooperating parties, will be for technical and semi-technical staff of land trusts, local governments, state agencies, and federal agencies. IT will present "how to" information concerning the protection and restoration of wetlands and riparian areas. For more information, http://www.aswm.org/calendar/lt&lg/lt&lg2.htm.
August 1-3 -- 10th Annual Southeast Watershed Roundtable: Sustaining Our Water Infrastructure through Watershed-Based Approaches, Braselton, GA.
Presenters from around the Southeast and beyond will showcase communities, utilities and industries blending innovative strategies for water supply, waste-water and watershed management, based on the EPA´s Four Pillars of Sustainable Water Infrastructure: 1. Better Management; 2. Full Cost Pricing; 3. Water Efficiency; and 4. Watershed Approach. For more information, visit http://www.southeastwaterforum.org/index.asp.
Call for Abstracts: Watershed Science and Technical Conference, "Clean Water Through Protection and Partnership" on September 11 & 12, 2007 Hotel Thayer, West Point, NY
For more information, visit: http://www.dos.state.ny.us/lgss/pdfs/2007callforabstracts.pdf.
September 3-6 -- 10th Annual River Symposium and Environmental Flows Conference, Brisbane, Australia.
This year's symposium will focus on the emerging field of river management and Environmental Flows. The program will feature presentations on innovative practices and case studies from all over the world and a wide range of perspectives on managing river flows for people and ecosystem health. For more information or to register, visit www.riversymposium.com.
Be sure to check EPA& Watershed Funding Web site at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/funding.html
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