[audubon-news] FW: Newswire, April 23, 2004
- From: "BIANCHI, John" <JBIANCHI@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <audubon-news@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 23 Apr 2004 17:34:20 -0400
> Audubon Newswire
> Volume 2, Number 8
> April 23, 2004
>
> In this issue:
> -- Federal Judge Halts Navy Work on Proposed North Carolina Landing Field Site
-- Norm Brunswig and Barbara Salzman Honored with 2004 National Wetlands Awards
> -- Audubon Society of New Hampshire Reports 500-Acre Land Acquisition for IBA
> -- Mississippi Named One of America> '> s Ten Most Endangered Rivers
> -- Pennsylvania Moves to Expand State> '> s Largest Egret Colony on Wade Isle
> IBA
> -- Audubon Members Underwrite Texas Galleries Prints Honoring J.J. Audubon
> -- USFWS Offers E-Field Trips to Students on the Impact of Invasive Species
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Judge Halts Navy Work on North Carolina Landing Field Site: Audubon's Suit
Results in Injunction on Plan that Imperils Pilots, Migratory Birds, Communities
Raleigh, NC, Thursday, April 22, 2004 - U.S. District Court Judge Terrence
Boyle this week ordered the U.S. Navy to stop work on a planned jet landing
field in eastern North Carolina. The injunction issued by the court supports
arguments made against the Navy by The Southern Environmental Law Center
(SELC), representing the National Audubon Society, Defenders of Wildlife, and
the North Carolina Wildlife Federation, as well as those made by lawyers for
Washington and Beaufort counties.
In a suit filed in January, the groups contended the government's environmental
impact studies for the landing field downplayed the substantial risk of
collisions between jets and the large flocks of tundra swans, snow geese and
other birds that winter in the area. In comments accompanying his decision,
Judge Boyle stated, "the Navy's decision to locate the OLF at [the Washington
County site] may have been a clear error of judgment." The court also pointed
out that the Navy's planned land acquisitions will immediately "result in
irreparable harm," including "harm to the numerous tundra swans and snow geese
that spend the winter months at the lakes and refuges close to the proposed
OLF."
"This is a major victory for all those who have tried so long to get the Navy
to listen to reason and choose a safer, less damaging location for jet
training," said Audubon North Carolina Executive Director Chris Canfield. "We
hope the Navy will see this stay as a good opportunity to work with state
leaders in coming up with an alternative plan." For more information, visit
<http://www.audubon.org/news/press_releases/index.html>.
>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Norm Brunswig and Barbara Salzman Receive 2004 National Wetlands Awards:
> Audubon Staffer and Chapter President Honored for Their Wetland Conservation
> Work
>
> Washington, DC, Friday, April 23, 2004 -- For 30 years, both Norm Brunswig
> and Barbara Salzman have been engaged in the conservation and restoration of
> the nation> '> s wetlands. Brunswig, executive director of Audubon South
> Carolina, has worked to restore Francis Beidler Forest in the Four Holes
> Swamp watershed in South Carolina. Salzman, President of Marin Audubon
> Society, has worked to protect and restore San Francisco Bay.
>
> On Thursday, May 20, both are being honored at a ceremony in the United
> States Senate Caucus Room in Washington, DC. The award spotlights the
> honorees> '> exemplary contributions and dedication toward conserving and
> restoring the nation> '> s wetlands.
>
> The 2004 National Wetlands Award, given by a cooalition of groups including
> the Environmental Law Institute and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency,
> was also given to four other conservationists from across the nation: Peg
> Bostwick (Michigan Department of Environmental Quality), Jack Branning
> (Mississippi Natural Resources Conservation Service's Wetlands Reserve
> Program), Francis Golet (University of Rhode Island) and Sky Lewey (Education
> and Resource Protection Associate for California's Nueces River Authority).>
>
> National Wetlands Awards Program celebrates individuals who demonstrate
> extraordinary dedication, innovation, or excellence in wetlands conservation.
> Their work covers programs or projects on the regional, state, and local
> levels. > "> We are grateful for the exceptional efforts of these dedicated
> individuals. Their efforts on behalf of our nation> '> s wetlands help
> sustain healthy aquatic habitats for plants, fish, and wildlife,> "> said
> Major General Carl A. Strock, Director of Civil Works, U.S. Army Corps of
> Engineers. > "> The well-being of natural communities is essential to the
> quality of our lives.> ">
>
> For more information on the National Wetlands Awards Program, the 2004
> awardees, or for information on the awards presentation, contact Erica Pencak
> at the Environmental Law Institute at (202) 939-3822 or
> wetlandsawards@xxxxxxx <mailto:wetlandsawards@xxxxxxx> or visit the awards
> program website at www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm
> <http://www.eli.org/nwa/nwaprogram.htm>.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Attention Chapters: News on 2004 Elections
>
> Missoula, MT, Friday, April 23, 2004 - In this presidential election year,
> everyone connected with a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization is advised to be
> alert to an important law that applies to 501(c)(3) entities.
>
> National Audubon Society and most Audubon Chapters are tax-exempt 501(c)(3)
> organizations. This means both that the organizations do not pay federal and
> state corporate taxes and also that donations made by the public to them are
> tax-deductible. Under federal law, 501(c)(3) entities are prohibited from
> supporting or opposing candidates for public office. This prohibition is
> absolute and violation of the law can lead to the revocation of 501(c)(3)
> status.
>
> No one in their role as an employee or volunteer of a 501(c)(3) entity should
> support or oppose a candidate for any public office; this applies to federal,
> state and local elections. The organization's resources (phones, e-mail,
> stationery, newsletters, etc.) should not be used or spent in support of or
> in opposition to a candidate for public office. In addition, great care
> should be taken by employees and volunteers of 501(c)(3) organizations not to
> connect their positions with the organizations with any personal support they
> may lend a candidate for office (or with any personal opposition to a
> candidate, as well).
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Audubon Society of New Hampshire Reports Bird Conservation Success: 500
> Acres of an Important Bird Area on Merrimack River is Acquired.
>
> Concord, NH, Friday, April 23, 2004 - A Town Meeting here last month voted
> overwhelmingly (89%) in favor of bonding $800,000 dollars toward the
> $2-million purchase of 500 acres in the Merrimack River Corridor Important
> Bird Area (IBA). The announcement was made today by Pam Hunt, IBA
> coordinator, Audubon Society of New Hampshire. The site> '> s status as an
> IBA had a significant impact on the Town> '> s decision.
>
> The Merrimack River Corridor IBA, comprised of more than 50 miles of river,
> floodplain, and agricultural land, is important for migrating and wintering
> waterfowl and songbirds, and wintering Bald Eagles. The 500-acres, which
> will be purchased by the Trust for Public Land, also serve as habitat for the
> threatened New England Cottontail.
>
> The 500-acre parcel is part of almost 1,000 acres of riverfront property,
> which recently came up for sale. The parcel features forest and 3.6 miles of
> undeveloped river frontage just north of Concord. The local Conservation
> Commission and the Trust for Public Lands teamed to buy the property; the
> Audubon Society of New Hampshire provided an overview of the Merrimack River
> IBA. If similar success is realized on the other 500 acres, a significant
> amount of open space will be preserved in central New Hampshire.>
>
> For more information on the Audubon Society of New Hampshire> '> s IBA
> program, visit <http://www.ceinfo.unh.edu/Forestry/Documents/IBAProg.pdf> or
> contact Pam Hunt at phunt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx <mailto:phunt@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Attention Chapters: National Seeking Chapter Events for Audubon Web Site
>
> Missoula, MT, Friday April 23, 3004 - Chapters wishing to publicize their
> special events beyond the immediate community may wish to take advantage of a
> new calendar on the Audubon Web site at
> <http://www.audubon.org/local/cso/birdfest_events.html>. This resource is
> designed to feature birding festivals, educational workshops, camps, and
> other large events targeted to the general public. All events must be
> sponsored by and/or organized by an Audubon Chapter, State Program, or Center.
>
> The calendar will be updated regularly. An online form to submit information
> can be found at <http://www.audubon.org/local/cso/birdfest_form.html>.
> Chapter leaders and members are encouraged to submit event information as
> much as a year in advance; all information for annual events will need to be
> annually resubmitted. If you have any questions about the Web site, submittal
> form or the calendar, please contact the Chapter Services Office at (800)
> 542-2748.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Mississippi Named One of America> '> s 10 Most Endangered Rivers
>
> St. Paul, Minnesota, Wednesday, April 14, 2004 - The Mississippi River could
> face > "> ecological collapse> "> unless the U.S. Congress directs the Army
> Corps of Engineers to fix problems afflicting the river in the next Water
> Resources Development Act. That warning is made in a report released today
> by Washington, DC-based group, American Rivers, in its report > "> America>
> '> s Most Endangered Rivers of 2004.> ">
>
> Locally, several conservation organizations gathered at the riverfront in St.
> Paul, Minnesota to respond and give a local perspective. Dan McGuiness,
> Director of the Audubon Upper Mississippi River Campaign, concurred. > "> The
> Mississippi River, for 200 years, has served as both a flyway for birds and a
> highway for riverboats and barges. But, as Congress and the Corps have
> continued to spend money on improving the navigation system, it has neglected
> the ever-degrading ecosystem. It is time to turn the tide and focus first and
> foremost on habitat restoration.> ">
>
> After 10 years of study, the Corps will release a draft report within the
> next month likely to recommend measures to improve efficiency of the
> navigation system and measures to improve the health of the ecosystem. > ">
> If past trends are any indication, Congress will make sure the navigation
> system gets improved but it will once-again short-change the ecosystem.
> Audubon calls for that to change.> "> said McGuiness in today> '> s
> gathering. For the full story, visit
> <http://www.audubon.org/news/press_releases/Mississippi_River.html>.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Audubon Pennsylvania Works with PA Game Commission to Expand the State> '> s
> Largest Egret/Heron Nesting Colony on Wade Island, an IBA
>
> Harrisburg, PA, Friday, April 23, 2004 - Audubon Pennsylvania and the
> Pennsylvania Game Commission worked together to build a simulated egret
> nesting colony on a small Susquehanna River island to encourage two
> state-endangered species of wading birds to expand their nesting grounds
> before overcrowding or loss of habitat chase them from their stronghold on
> nearby Wade Island in Harrisburg.
>
> Great Egrets and Black-crowned Night Herons have nested on three-acre Wade
> Island for over two decades. Recognized as the state> '> s largest heron
> nesting colony - and only Great Egret nesting colony, Wade is one of many
> islands in the Sheets Island Archipelago Important Bird Area (IBA).
> Protected from trespass for many years, the rookery> '> s threats are erosion
> and crowding from nesting Double-crested Cormorants.
>
> The first attempt to reduce these threats is the creation of a simulated
> egret-nesting colony on a neighboring island. Egret and heron models -
> developed by East Stroudsburg University students - and mock nests, were
> placed in the island> '> s trees with hopes that they will act as decoys;
> bird sounds will be played as a further nesting enticement. Rob Blye, IBA
> Coordinator for Audubon Pennsylvania, helped install the decoys, and ferried
> people, equipment, and decoys back and forth from the island.
>
> In the most recent nest census on Wade Island, taken in late April 2003, a
> record 193 Great Egret nests were counted, as well as 99 Black-crowned Night
> Heron nests. Cormorant nests numbered 31. Previously, the largest number of
> nesting egrets there was in 2001, when 166 nests were counted. Black-crowns
> peaked in 1990, when 345 nests were counted. For more information, visit
> <http://pa.audubon.org/Ibamain.htm>.
> ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> Texas Galleries Commemorate John James Audubon With Limited Edition Avian
> Lithographs: Audubon Members Laura And Walter Elcock Underwrite Series
> Through 2007
>
> Austin, TX, Tuesday, April 20, 2004 - Longtime Audubon members, Laura and
> Walter Elcock of Dallas, Texas, have underwritten a special Limited Edition
> Avian Lithograph Series to benefit the environmental conservation efforts of
> Audubon Texas.
>
> Billy Hassell, a well-known Fort Worth artist, has been commissioned by
> Audubon Texas to release one limited edition lithograph each April for five
> years to commemorate the birthday of John James Audubon. Each lithograph
> will represent a different region of Texas and will be produced in a very
> limited quantity of 30. The first, entitled > "> Great Egret with Four Eggs>
> "> was released in April 2003: the second, entitled > "> Dogwood Canyon> ">
> was released in April 2004. A portion of each sale of the lithographs
> supports Audubon programs in Texas, including environmental education, local
> Audubon centers and sanctuaries, and natural resource conservation.
>
> Receptions are planned in April and May to unveil the Dogwood Canyon print to
> members and donors. Participating galleries include Conduit Gallery, Dallas;
> William Campbell Contemporary Art, Fort Worth; Meredith Long and Company,
> Houston; Parchman Stremmel Galleries, San Antonio and d berman gallery,
> Austin. Visit
> <http://www.audubon.org/news/press_releases/TX_Elcock_Release_April20th2004.html#TopOfPage>
> for the full story. To attend one of the receptions in your community,
> please visit our website at <http://tx.audubon.org/events/events.htm> for
> more information.
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Helps School Kids Take a Virtual Visit with
> some of America> '> s Least Wanted Plants and Animals Through E-Field Trips
>
> Washington, D.C., Friday, April 23, 2004 - This week, the U.S. Fish and
> Wildlife Service (USFWS) is inviting school kids online to visit with and
> learn more about America> '> s least wanted plants and animals. Through
> these E-Field Trips, the USFWS is educating children about invasive species
> and what they can do to help reduce the impact of these plants and animals
> that cause harm to America> '> s native wildlife.
>
> Audubon is working to reduce the impact of invasives on National Wildlife
> Refuges and other important bird areas by securing the funding necessary for
> proper control and educating the public in partnership with the USFWS. This
> program, sponsored and conducted by the Agency, includes virtual visits,
> engaging activities, journal keeping, and question & answer sessions with
> USFWS experts. Go to <http://www.efieldtrips.org/invasives/>> for more
> information and to find out how you can participate.
>
> - 30 -
>
>
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