Bay cleanup bills will help troubled waters Nov 20, 2009
These bills are titled the Chesapeake Clean Water and Ecosystem Restoration Act of 2009. In a nutshell, they ensure that all seven bay judicatories (the six contiguous states and the District of Columbia) develop and implement detailed plans to reduce nitrogen, phosphorus, and sediment pollution to healthy levels by 2025. (Fredericksburg.com, VA)
Agencies debate merit of $11 billion water bond Nov 19, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009 Edition. just what fire prone Malibu doesn't need. (Malibu Times, CA)
Viewpoints: California can't afford for Delta bond vote to fail Nov 18, 2009
By investing in Delta sustainability and ecosystem restoration, water storage and conveyance projects and conservation efforts, this historic water package will revitalize California's economy, help maintain its position as the nation's major food provider and contribute to a quality of life that is the envy of the world. State Sen. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Water bills...and their loopholes Nov 15, 2009
And by Jan. 1, 2012, it must adopt a "Delta Plan" for ecosystem restoration and water management. The loophole: The council gets operational funds now allocated to the CalFed Authority, but no guarantee in future years. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
The Conversation: Plan is best hope to avert a dry future Nov 15, 2009
For example: future landuse decisions should incorporate flood risks; ecosystem restoration should be coordinated with expanded floodways and strengthened levees; and water supply planning should ensure the water the Delta needs. The new council also will work to protect the Delta's legacy towns and agricultural heritage. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
The Conversation: Water pact falls short on protections Nov 15, 2009
Although the bond provides needed funding for regional water conservation, water recycling, reclamation of polluted groundwater and ecosystem restoration programs, it also provides billions of dollars to build new dams and expand existing dams that directly threaten the Sacramento, San Joaquin, Mokelumne, Merced, Bear and other California rivers. With the water bond, the Legislature is relieving water districts of the financial responsibility for conserving and developing water supplies and... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Water funds by the bucket Nov 7, 2009
5 billion for Bay Delta Conservation Plan ecosystem restoration projects; acquisition of water rights and removal of invasive species; reduce greenhouse gas emissions from Delta soils; reduce mercury contamination. $750 million for Delta counties/cities for flood protection; water quality projects, agriculture preservation, and to mitigate the effects of water conveyance and ecosystem restoration (including $50 million to improve wastewater treatment facil 00004000 ities upstream of the Delta;... (Fresno Bee -- Local)
Legislature breaks a generation of water gridlock Nov 6, 2009
Legislative support for this bold new approach came from Northern and Southern California by placing these two objectives - ecosystem restoration and water supply - as co-equal goals ... A new conservancy will help oversee the ecosystem restoration. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
Volunteers undo mans work Oct 23, 2009
The project is funded by grants from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and the state's River Ecosystem Restoration Initiative. Homesteaders of the late 19th and early 20th century had build irrigation ditches and catchment ponds to ensure a supply of enough water for crops. (Grants Cibola County Beacon, NM)
Viewpoints: Delta solution must strike a balance Oct 21, 2009
Moreover, all aspects of a comprehensive Delta solution must move forward concurrently, including ecosystem restoration, water quality enhancements, water conveyance infrastructure, investments in local and regional water supply improvements, and development of new water storage both for groundwater and surface supplies ... Delta solutions must include ecosystem restoration and improved Delta conveyance and should be implemented in compliance with California's existing water rights system... (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
What are coral reef services worth? $130,000 to $1.2 million / ht / yr: Experts Oct 16, 2009
This diagram represents the "returns on investment " from ecosystem restoration ... Examples of a rate of return on investments in ecosystem restoration. (EurekAlert!)
Tide Turning in Calif. Water Battle? Oct 13, 2009
I think it moves both sides closer together," Hollingsworth said. Democratic leaders said they hope to be able to present a water proposal to rank-and-file legislators this week, and perhaps hold public hearings on a water package before week's end. Passing a water deal that includes a bond needs a two-thirds vote in the Legislature, requiring at least some support from Republicans. "I think we made great progress today," said Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles. "I feel very good about... (CBS News -- US)
NRDC Report Issues Chesapeake Restoration Agenda Oct 10, 2009
Ben Cardin's Chesapeake Bay Ecosystem Restoration Act, which includes a cap-and-trade system for bay pollution. The report issued Thursday also encourages Virginia and the District of Columbia to develop state and local funding sources to complement federal funding, citing a "flush tax" for sewage treatment and stormwater utilities as an example. (W-USA News, DC)
Opponents criticize Baird over vote against flood money Oct 8, 2009
The money in the bill is split between the Twin Cities Project, which calls for 11 miles of levees in and around Centralia and Chehalis, and the general investigation into basinwide flood control and ecosystem restoration. The money was originally requested by Baird and U.S. Sen. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Alfalfa sprouts key to discovering how meandering rivers form and maintain Oct 6, 2009
The research was funded by the CALFED Ecosystem Restoration Program and the National Science Foundation, through the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics. . (EurekAlert!)
Government takes input on river ecosystem plan Sep 14, 2009
The agency concluded 10 public meetings over the last six weeks to take input on the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and Environmental Impact Statement. States that are a part of the project include Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Iowa and Missouri. (Jefferson City News Tribune, MO)
Unlimited fishing allowed until North Park Lake drains (Yesterday) Sep 10, 2009
The "ecosystem restoration project" is a joint federal, state and county effort. It is designed to return the lake to its original depth, restore recreation options, improve fish habitats and reduce danger of downstream flooding. (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA -- Sports)
Craig M. Wilson: Coordinated projects can solve Delta issues Sep 8, 2009
There 00004000 is pretty clear consensus on the elements of an overall Delta fix: salinity control, ecosystem restoration, water quality protection, water supply reliability, Delta land use protection and levee stability. Where consensus breaks down is how to achieve each of these objectives in a way that does not do harm to the other objectives. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
Restoring The Ecology Can Boost The Economy Sep 1, 2009
Lead author, Professor Jos; M. Rey Benayas from the University of Alcal; and President of the International Foundation for Ecosystem Restoration said: "In addition to the improved biodiversity resulting from ecological restoration, our findings show that such restoration also has benefits for ecosystem services. These services can act as an engine of economy and a source of green employment, so our results give policymakers an extra incentive to restore degraded ecosystems. Ecological... (Science Daily)
Letters to the Editor Sep 1, 2009
In spite of the governor's claim that the canal will result in "ecosystem restoration," this dangerous bill package will only exacerbate the unprecedented collapse of Central Valley salmon, delta smelt, longfin smelt, green sturgeon, Sacramento splittail, American shad, striped bass and other California delta fish populations by removing more water from the imperiled estuary. Does it make any sense for the state to build a giant canal that will destroy delta fisheries and delta farmland while... (San Francisco Chronicle -- Opinion)
ERA Carbon Offsets Ltd. Announces Restatement of the Third Quarter 2008 Interim Consolidated Financial Statements Aug 28, 2009
Through its subsidiary, ERA Ecosystem Restoration Associates Inc., ERA produces significant measurable carbon sequestration benefits that are validated and verified to international standards and sold to purchasers interested in offsetting their greenhouse gas footprints as a means of mitigating the effects of climate change. ERA is producing EcoNeutral offsets from the company's "Community Ecosystem Restoration Program" (CERP) in the Lower Fraser Valley, near Vancouver, British Columbia. (CCNMatthews Press Releases)
Fence sought for Ka'ena reserve Aug 25, 2009
The Ka'ena Point Ecosystem Restoration Project involves a partnership between the state Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of Forestry and Wildlife and State Parks; the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; and the Hawai'i chapter of The Wildlife Society, which is paying for the $200,000 project. The DLNR has filed applications for a special management area use permit and a shoreline setback variance that are needed to move the project forward. (Honolulu Advertiser)
New Missouri River plan will focus on public's vision Aug 22, 2009
They're calling it the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan and holding nine "public scoping" meetings this month all along the river basin, from Three Forks, Mont ... Randy Sellers, a corps project leader from the Omaha District office, said it's unique for the corps to start a project like the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan from scratch with the public. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
Mission Reach gets boost from stimulus funds Aug 20, 2009
The San Antonio Channel Improvement Project will receive an additional $16 million to fund a key portion of the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration Project ... This additional Army Corps of Engineers funding for the Mission Reach Ecosystem Restoration Project is great news for our community, says Rodriguez, who sits on the House Appropriations Committee ... Correction:An earlier version of this story should have specified that the $16 million worth of funding will fund the completion of Phase 2A... (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Senate's confirmation of USFWS director lauded Aug 20, 2009
Hamilton provided leadership and oversight to the department's restoration work in the Everglades, the largest ecosystem restoration project in the country, and oversaw recovery and restoration work following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, which devastated coastal wetlands, wildlife refuges, and other wildlife habitat along the Gulf of Mexico. Prior to becoming regional director, Hamilton served as assistant regional director of the ecological services in Atlanta and the Service's Texas state... (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Region Roundup Aug 17, 2009
New Town - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will hold an open house from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Northern Lights building in New Town to discuss the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan, authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. - New Town News. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Input is sought Aug 9, 2009
Public comment is ready to be gathered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the coming weeks to organize a study for a future ecosystem restoration plan for the Missouri River ... This allows it to study and decide how to develop an Ecosystem Restoration Plan, as well as an Environmental Impact Statement. (Williston Daily Herald, ND)
Sen. Lois Wolk: Delta residents must have say in Delta plan Aug 7, 2009
For example, state agencies and water users south of the Delta have established a process called the Bay-Delta Conservation Plan, which is creating an ecosystem restoration plan and investigating a proposal to build a peripheral canal. The implications for the Delta's ecosystem, farms and communities are profound. (Sacramento Bee -- Opinion)
St. Louis Community College gets stimulus Aug 5, 2009
Graduates will receive training certifications in hazardous waste operations and emergency response, Occupational Safety and Health Administration safety, mold remediation, weatherization, ecosystem restoration and lead and asbestos abatement. The college will target unemployed and under-employed residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area. (St. Louis Business Journal, MO)
Management of the Missouri River Jul 31, 2009
It s all part of the Missouri River Ecosystem Restoration Plan (MRERP), more commonly known among those involved as Mr. Erp. It was authorized by the Water Resources Development Act of 2007. (Helena Independent Record)
Flood study of lower Colorado on tap Jul 11, 2009
The money will go to the Lower Colorado River Authority, which will conduct the study of a basin-wide flood reduction and ecosystem restoration study in cooperation with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Recent floods in Texas remind us of the importance of taking steps to prevent flood damage, Sen. (Austin Business Journal, TX)
Army Corps seeks input on Ohio River Basin Jul 10, 2009
The Corps will focus in flood damage reduction, environmental degradation, ecosystem restoration, fish and wildlife habitat, water supply and quality, hydropower and navigation. The results of the study will be used to create a management plan and reinvestment strategy for the Ohio River basin. (Louisville Business First, KY)
Rwanda: Water Rationing Warning as Drought Bites Jul 4, 2009
In 2008, a Canada-based firm, Ecosystem Restoration Associates, signed a US$17 million deal with the Rwandan government to implement forestation and reforestation projects in a bid to help the country replace its forest cover and address the impact of climate change. Stanislas Kamanzi, the Minister of Natural Resources, said the government continued to reform and implement policies to protect the environment, which is under threat from widespread poverty, rapid population growth and weak... (allAfrica.com)
Plan would aid salmon, reduce water for people Jun 5, 2009
The Bay Delta Conservation Plan, a state environmental and planning process whose goals balance both delta ecosystem restoration and water supply reliability, may hold some of the answers. But environmentalists say fixing the water system is as much behavioral as it is structural. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
Phil Hardberger leaves legacy in Alamo City Jun 1, 2009
That portion of the river, from Lexington Avenue to Josephine Street, includes new flood control, ecosystem restoration and recreational improvements. We got this all done in a four-year period. (San Antonio Business Journal, TX)
Some damaged ecosystems recover quickly, study shows May 28, 2009
Bill Jordan III, a founder of the Society for Ecosystem Restoration who reviewed the study for McClatchy, questioned its definition of recovery. That depends, as it probably must, on the admittedly varied definitions of the original researchers, Schmitz and Jones write. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Neighborhoods: Word on the street May 14, 2009
Presenter Jim Laurie is a biologist focused on biodiversity and ecosystem restoration as the key to creating a better future. The event is free. (Cambridge Chronicle, MA)
Stimulus funds earmarked for AZ forests May 12, 2009
Hazardous Fuels/Ecosystem Restoration Groom Creek/Crown King Fire Districts, Yavapai County: hazardous fuels treatment, 200 acres, $179,000 ... White Mountain Apache Tribe Nursery Development and Ecosystem Restoration, Apache County: 5,000 acres, $2. (Phoenix Business Journal, AZ)
Restoring Freshwater Wetlands Apr 5, 2009
These technical but still accessible online guides lead those interested in ecosystem restoration through a comprehensive assessment of a local wetland, from invertebrates to water quality to plant life. Explore the Social and Environmental Aspects of Wetland Stewardship. (Suite101.com)
Ocean seeding fails on carbon but claims a plus for plankton Mar 27, 2009
Professor Smetacek told Bloomberg the "ecosystem restoration" could help the revival of some whale species, which feed on the microscopic animals. The Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition said this claim was spurious. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Australia)
Help wildlife adapt to climate changeTuesday, March 17, 2009 Mar 18, 2009
The next step is to protect these critical areas, though new designations, mindful local planning and investments in ecosystem restoration. We must also reduce and prevent stressors such as sprawling energy development (i. (Missoulian, MT)
More of this story Mar 11, 2009
The funds will be used to continue the preconstruction, engineering and design phase of the project and to include ecosystem restoration to minimize damage caused by increased sediments from stream channelization and to protect homes affected by potential floods ... Mokuhinia/Mokuula Ecosystem Restoration. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
No comments posted. Mar 8, 2009
The Army Corps of Engineers is working on a feasibility study for ecosystem restoration; it is expected to be complete within two years. Some projects funded by state bond money are already moving forward, including the building of bike paths near Elysian Park. (Los Angeles Downtown News, CA)
Historical Photographs Expose Decline In Florida's Reef Fish, Study Finds Mar 3, 2009
McClenachan's studies are part of an emerging field called historical marine ecology, in which scientists study photographs, archives, news accounts and other records to help understand changes in the ocean ecosystem over time and establish baselines for future ecosystem restoration. McClenachan believes that historical ecology can not only help describe the structure of ecosystems that existed in the recent past, but can be used to establish goals for restoration of large predators, both on... (Science Daily)
McNerney seeking federal funding for local projects Feb 27, 2009
454,000 for Lower San Joaquin River Projects Study: The study should determine a wide range of necessary projects in the San Joaquin Delta, such as flood damage reduction, ecosystem restoration, shoreline or streambank protection and water quality enhancement. 1. (Lodi News Sentinel, CA)
