13th ANNUAL SAMAB FALL CONFERENCE ROCKS! -- Over 230 people participated in the November 5-7 event in Gatlinburg. Enthusiasm for the plenaries, concurrent sessions, workshops, field trips, posters/displays, and evening events was so great that planning for next year is started already. Mark your calendars now for November 4-6, 2003 at the Renaissance Hotel in Asheville, NC. Gary Peeples of the Fish and Wildlife Service is 2003 Conference Chair. See http://samab.org/Events/Conf/Conf02/conf02.html for this year's Program and Abstracts, the multimedia presentations on Environmental Stewardship and Streamlining in Transportation Planning and Project Decision Making, and the presentations on Hemlock Adelgid Invasion in the Southern Appalachians: If You're Not Concerned Now, You Need To Be.
SAMAB 2003 SUMMER INTERNSHIPS AVAILABLE -- The ten-week summer internship program runs from June 2 through August 8, 2003 and places interns with environmental decision-making organizations in the East Tennessee area. The program is open to advanced undergraduate and graduate students in public policy and administration, environmental science, planning, natural resource management, business, decision research, information, and related fields. See http://samab.org/Opps/intern.html for full program description and application procedures.
NEW SEQUOYA PROFESSOR -- Tom Hatley, SAMAB Foundation Board Member, has taken a position at Western Carolina University as the Sequoyah Distinguished Professor of Cherokee Studies. Tom is interested in creating better dialogue between academia, Native Americans, and the environmental community. He can be reached at hatley@wcu.edu.
BUBBLING CRUDE? REALITIES AND PERCEPTIONS -- Have you heard about CBS' plan to create a Beverly Hillbillies reality show, with real live Appalachian "hillbillies" transplanted to the real hills - Beverly, that is? Some folks think this may not be a good way of enhancing appreciation of our regional human and cultural resources. See perspectives of Rudy Abramson, http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/suncommentary/la-oe-abramson1dec01001516,0,1330308.story?coll=la%2Dheadlines%2Dsuncomment; and Thomas Rowley, http://www.rupri.org/articles/realities.html.
INVASIVE SPECIES -- A report on non-native, invasive plants on the Oak Ridge Reservation (prepared by Sara Drake, Univ. of Georgia; Jake Weltzin, Univ. of TN; and, Pat Parr, ORNL) has been published by Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The report includes an assessment (using a USGS ranking system) of the distribution, abundance, impact, and potential for control of the 18 most abundant invasive plant species on the reservation with a focus on natural areas. For copies of the report, please contact Pat Parr (parrpd@ornl.gov) and provide your name and mailing address.
FADING FORESTS II -- This is a new report by Faith Thompson Campbell, leader of the Invasive Species Program at American Lands Alliance and member of the Invasive Species Advisory Committee created by Executive Order 13112, and Scott E. Schlarbaum, Professor of Forest Genetics in the Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries at the Institute of Agriculture, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Its executive summary concludes, "Invasive exotic insects and pathogens already harm the integrity of North American forests. The ecological, economic, and fiscal consequences threaten to rise substantially due to rapidly expanding imports and the weakening of phytosanitary safeguards prompted by international trade agreements and national trade promotion policies. Now is a crucial time: by changing relevant treaties, laws, regulations, and policies, and through providing additional funding, policy makers can minimize damage to forest ecosystems. See full report at http://fwf.ag.utk.edu/Schlarbaum/Fading%20Forests%20II.pdf.
ATBI NEW HIGHS -- Robert Keller and student Jim Brinson report two new elevational records for species in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. They captured a cotton rat (Sigmodon hispidus Say and Ord) at Parson Bald (elevation 4746 ft.) The previous published elevational record for this species inside of the park was 1700-1750 ft at Greenbrier Cove and 1700 ft at Mt Sterling (Linzey 1995). A golden mouse (Ochrotomys nuttalli Harlan) was captured at Gregory Bald (elev. 4940 ft). The previous published elevational record for this species inside of the park was 2700 ft at Elkmont (Linzey 1995). This is the third golden mouse captured at upper elevations within the last year (one by Keller at Parson Bald (elev. 4746 ft) and one by Ed Pivornam at Andrews Bald (elev. 5700 ft)). Keller thinks these findings may suggest a migration by this species into previously unoccupied habitat.
Other findings of the All Taxa Biodiversity Inventory in the Smokies are being presented at the Discover Life in America Annual Conference in Gatlinburg, TN this week. To date, over 300 species new to science and 2500 species new to the Smokies have been found.
CERULEAN WARBLER STATUS -- On October 31, 2000, the Fish and Wildlife Service received a petition to list the cerulean warbler as a threatened species. In response to the petition, on October 23, 2002, the Service announced in the Federal Register that the petition contained substantial information indicating that there may be a need to list the cerulean warbler and that they will expand their review of the status of the species. This finding initiates a further evaluation of the status of the cerulean warbler, and opens a 90 day comment period for interested parties to provide any additional information that they may have on the cerulean warbler. After review of all the information a decision will be made whether to propose the cerulean warbler as a threatened species. For detailed information on the finding and the biology of the cerulean warbler, see http://southeast.fws.gov/es/hot%20issues.html.
WILDLIFE CROSSINGS TOOLKIT -- The USDA Forest Service's San Dimas Technology and Development Center, Utah State University's Jack H. Berryman Institute, University of Montana-Bozeman's Western Transportation Institute, and the Federal Highway Administration announce the public launching of the Wildlife Crossings Toolkit. You can find the Toolkit at www.wildlifecrossings.info
SOUTHERN FOREST RESOURCE ASSESSMENT FINALIZED -- See http://www.srs.fs.fed.us/sustain for a web version of the recently completed 650-page USFS Gen. Tech. Report, Southern Forest Resource Assessment. Hard copies may also be obtained from this page or by calling 828-257-4830 or by emailing pubrequest@srs.fs.fed.us
NEW JOURNAL ON INDICATORS -- The new international journal, "Ecological Indicators: Integrating, Monitoring, Assessment, and Management" is soliciting manuscripts in the areas of biology and ecology, addressing indicators of condition, research, case studies, and assessment. More information is available at: http://www.elsevier.com/locate/ecolind
OUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT? -- Redefining Progress' Sustainability Program has released its latest "Ecological Footprint of Nations" report that outlines the ecological impact of 146 of the world's nations. The issue brief shows to what extent a nation can support its resource consumption with its available ecological capacity. It also illustrates the degree to which a nation could reproduce its consumption at a global level. http://www.redefiningprogress.org/publications/ef1999.pdf
RED COCKADED WOODPECKER SYMPOSIUM -- Dates: 27-31 January 2003. Location: Savannah, Georgia. Early registration due 31 December. Registration, hotel, draft program, etc. can be found at http://rcwrecovery.fws.gov/draftprogram.htm.
NEPA/ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION ITEMS:
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission--
Federal Highway Administration--
Forest Service--
US Army Corps of Engineers Nashville District Public Notices (http://www.orn.usace.army.mil/cof/Pnlist.htm)--
TVA decisions (copies from hmdraper@tva.gov)--
UPCOMING EVENTS:
BLOCKBUSTER FALL CONFERENCE NEXT WEEK! -- SAMAB's 13th Annual Fall Conference promises to be the biggest and best ever! November 5-7 at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, Gatlinburg, TN. Check the web page for final program of presentations, workshops, field trips, and posters on the theme, "Measuring, Mitigating, and Managing Human Impacts in the Southern Appalachians." Welcome by Mike Tollefson, Superintendent of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Plenary talks by Gene Cleckley, Director of Field Services, South, U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration; Bill Ross, Secretary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and Joel Hirschhorn, Director, Natural Resource Policy Studies, National Governors Association, will set the stage for sessions on stewardship and streamlining in transportation planning, opportunities in the 2002 Farm Bill, sustainable gateway communities, managing for ecological integrity - terrestrial and aquatic, restoring native species, assessing invasive species, implications of the Southern Forest Resource Assessment for the Southern Appalachians, and just added - the hemlock adelgid invasion in the southern Appalachians - if you are not concerned now, YOU NEED TO BE.
EUROMAB 2002 EXAMINES BIODIVERSITY DATA HANDLING -- NBII co-sponsored a session at the October 7-12 EuroMAB meeting in Rome on handling biodiversity data in protected areas. Robb Turner, Executive Director of SAMAB and Technical Director of SAIN, presented the lead paper outlining the SAMAB-SAIN partnership for making biodiversity, ecosystem, and socioeconomic data, information, and tools more accessible and useable in the southern Appalachians. John Mosesso of USGS facilitated the session, and Emily Medley of Information International Associates assisted with program development and identification of informatics experts in central and eastern Europe to be sponsored by NBII at the session. The EuroMAB meeting also addressed topics of urban areas as biosphere reserves, ecotourism, quality economies, world heritage sites, and changing land uses and values in central and eastern Europe.
REPRESENTING "SMOKIES-NESS" -- Using quantitative methods to delineate ecoregions allows 1) assessment of representativeness and mapping of geographic locations of regions that are similar, and 2) network site analysis to show how well a particular network of sites represents a larger area containing the sites. See http://research.esd.ornl.gov/~hnw/networks/. Bill Hargrove and Forrest Hoffman of the Environmental Sciences Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory are SAIN partners, and also are developing a quantitative mapping tool to show connectivity in the landscape.
CHECK IN TO THE LEN FOOTE HIKE INN AND BP'S PROJECT HELIOS -- For a relaxing time, check out/check in to the Len Foote Hike Inn at Amicalola Falls State Park, near Springer Mountain, in northern Georgia. You can only get there on foot (except of course virtually - http://www.hike-inn.com - for info, pix, and reservations). While there, notice BP Solar's Project Helios photovoltaic panels or visit them virtually at http://www.bpsolar.com/Contentdetails.cfm?Page=310.
BLUE RIDGE PAPER REDUCING NOX EMISSIONS -- Blue Ridge Paper Products in Canton, NC is investing $14 million over 3 years to reduce NOx emissions by 2000 tons annually. Although emissions to the air will be reduced all year, benefits may be greatest during the May-September "ozone season."
INSPIRATIONAL LANDSCAPES ON-LINE CONFERENCE -- Register now for an on-line conference November 6 and 7 addressing landscapes that evoke a response, that people take action to protect. See http://heritageforum.truenorth.net.au/register.asp
NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION COMMUNITY GRANTS AVAILABLE -- The NFF Community Assistance Program (CAP) will provide "start-up" grants in the $5,000-15,000 range, as well as basic resources, tools, and guidance, to newly-forming and recently-formed community groups nationwide to organize and engage more effectively in natural resource management issues on and around national forests. Deadline for proposals is November 27, 2002. See http://www.natlforests.org/cap.htm
DEVELOPMENT AND OUTREACH POSITION AVAILABLE -- See complete job description with the Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy at http://www.main.nc.us/cmlc or email.
NEPA/ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION ITEMS:
US Army Corps of Engineers--
Commodity Credit Corporation--
Forest Service--
National Park Service--
Nuclear Regulatory Commission--
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SAMAB FALL CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 5-7 -- SAMAB's 13th Annual Fall Conference is November 5-7 at the Holiday Inn Sunspree, Gatlinburg, TN. Presentations, workshops, field trips, and posters on the theme Measuring, Mitigating, and Managing Human Impacts in the Southern Appalachians are planned. Plenary talks by Gene Cleckley, Director of Field Services, South, U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration; Bill Ross, Secretary, NC Department of Environment and Natural Resources; and Joel Hirschhorn, Director, Natural Resource Policy Studies, National Governors Association, will set the stage for sessions on stewardship and streamlining in transportation planning, opportunities in the 2002 Farm Bill, sustainable gateway communities, managing for ecological integrity - terrestrial and aquatic, restoring native species, assessing invasive species, and implications of the Southern Forest Resource Assessment for the Southern Appalachians. See the conference page under "Events" for the full agenda and hotel and registration information.
NATIONAL FOREST FOUNDATION AT FALL CONFERENCE -- A "partners meeting" of organizations funded by the National Forest Foundation (NFF) in their Southern Appalachian focus area will be held on Tuesday morning, November 5, before the SAMAB Conference begins. The NFF also will sponsor the SAMAB Conference reception Tuesday evening at the Gatlinburg aquarium.
SAMAB FALL NEWSLETTER ON-LINE -- More on the conference and related subjects is in the Fall SAMAB News, at the printer and on-line. See articles on conference plenary speakers, changing southern forests, and restoring native grasses at "Read the Newsletter" from SAMAB's home page.
CHEROKEE-NATIONAL PARK SERVICE LAND EXCHANGE -- On September 11-13, Robb Turner, SAMAB Executive Director, facilitated a meeting for the NPS discussing the findings of 28 technical studies conducted on the proposed land exchange. Those studies are available at http://npslandexchange.com. The group identified potential effects of the no-action, exchange-without-restrictions, and exchange-with-restrictions alternatives, and discussed potential mitigation measures associated with those effects. Participants included NPS staff from Great Smoky Mountains, Blue Ridge Parkway, Atlanta regional office, and Washington office; the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians; the consulting firm writing the EIS; the A&E firm designing the proposed schools; the NC State Historic Preservation Officer; the National Parks Conservation Association; several contractors for the technical studies; and others. A decision on the preferred alternative is expected next, followed by the draft EIS, in this complex proposal.
COUNTY ORDINANCE SOMETHING DIFFERENT -- On September 9, 2002 the Macon County (NC) Board of Commissioners unanimously passed the "Clean Water Amendment" to the county's existing Watershed Protection Ordinance. In passing this legislation, as recommended by the Macon County Watershed Council, the Commissioners created a new water quality category, Excellent Quality Waters, tantamount to the State of North Carolina's Outstanding Resource Waters (ORW) category. The legislation was sparked by the realization that there is still no point source discharge to the 25 miles of the Little Tennessee River between Lake Emory Dam at Franklin and Fontana Reservoir in Swain County, and that this may have something to do with the extraordinary biological health of this reach of the river. The new amendment prohibits any new NPDES permitted discharges to the river or any of its tributary systems downstream of Lake Emory (approximately half of the county). It also mandates vegetative buffers and restricts built-upon area and area of impervious surface within 1,000 ft. of the river or 500 ft. of tributaries. This may well be the first time that a county government in this region has acted based on considerations of biodiversity conservation.
SAMI FINAL REPORT ON-LINE -- Results of the 10-year assessment of emissions, deposition/exposure, air-pollution effects, and alternative solutions are posted at http://www.saminet.org. The study indicates what sources contribute to air-quality problems in the region and recommends actions to improve air quality.
TWO OAK RIDGE RESERVATION LAND-USE PLANNING-PROCESS REPORTS AVAILABLE -- The "Land Use Technical Report" evaluates the potential environmental and socioeconomic impacts, positive and negative, associated with four future-land-use scenarios. These scenarios were defined based on discussion and other input from a Focus Group and the public. The "Focus Group Report" includes suggestions on the utilization of land in the northwest portion of the Oak Ridge Reservation (around East Tennessee Technology Park). The Focus Group Report was unanimously signed by the Focus Group members at their final meeting on September 13, 2002. Both documents are available online at the Land Use Planning website http://landuseplanning.ornl.gov/. Some hard copies of the report and a newsletter including summaries of both reports are available from Pat Parr (parrpd@ornl.gov).
RIVER NEIGHBORS NEWSLETTER -- The October 2002 issue of TVA River Neighbors - a newsletter for people who live near the Tennessee River, its tributaries and reservoirs - features an interview with Bridgette Ellis, Vice President of Resource Stewardship. In the interview, Ellis talks about the challenges involved in protecting the Tennessee Valley's natural resources while promoting economic growth, as well as various other topics related to TVA's management of reservoir lands, shorelines, recreation, and watershed protection. This issue also includes new reservoir ratings for black bass, bluegill, and crappie; an article about how TVA dams got their names; and news about Clean Marina award winners, Valley wildlife refuges, and recent efforts to work more closely with Native American tribal representatives in protecting the region's archaeological resources. (See http://www.tva.com/river/neighbors/)
"STATE OF THE NATION'S ECOSYSTEMS" IS MISSING DATA -- The H. John Heinz III Center for Science, Economics, and the Environment has released a report using existing data to assess the health of the nation's environment. The 270 page report concludes that almost 50 percent of the information needed to make environmental policy decisions is missing or inadequate. Check out the "indicators at a glance" sections in the report at http://www.heinzctr.org/ecosystems to see questions that cannot be answered without more information. Citizen-science monitoring, performed as in SAMAB's Appalachian Environment Monitoring Program, could supply much of the missing data. The Southern Appalachian Information Node and other nodes of the National Biological Information Infrastructure can index, synthesize, map, and provide access to existing data to make local, regional, and national ecosystem assessments easier to do.
HOME-SCALE WIND WORKSHOP -- Nov. 15 & 16, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC. Instructor: Mick Sagrillo; topics include wind assessment, siting, equipment overview, towers, wind/pv hybrids, system sizing, & how to do it right. For additional information call 828-262-6358 or 6361 or email scanlindm@appstate.edu.
COMMUNITY FORESTRY RESEARCH FELLOWSHIPS -- The U.S. Community Forestry Research Fellowship Program provides fellowships to graduate students to support their field work in communities in the United States, and also funds undergraduate internships and assistantships. Students at any institution of higher learning may apply to either the graduate or undergraduate program. While the graduate program is open to all students enrolled in degree-granting programs in the social sciences or related natural resource sciences, the undergraduate program is specifically for minority students. Applications are due February 3, 2003. See http://nature.berkeley.edu/community_forestry/
NEPA/ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION ITEMS:
--US Fish and Wildlife Service has designated critical habitat for theAppalachian elktoe (a clam or mussel) in North Carolina and Tennessee. River reaches affected are the Little Tennessee River from Lake Emory Dam inFranklin to the backwaters of Fontana Reservoir; Tuckasegee River from Cullowhee to Bryson City; Cheoah River from Santeetlah Dam to the confluence with the Little Tennessee River in Calderwood Reservoir; Little River from Cascade Lake Power Plant to the French Broad River east of Brevard; Pigeon River and West Fork Pigeon River upstream from Canton; and the Nolichucky,Toe, South Toe, and North Toe Rivers upstream from Erwin, Tennessee. This designation primarily affects federal agencies who propose activities that may affect these rivers or which issue permits on these river systems. Information from John Fridell at 828-258-3939 x225.
--The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has issued the Final EIS for the Patriot Project of Duke Energy/East Tennessee Natural Gas. This project involves 140 miles of new pipeline uprates and loops, mostly in middle and eastern Tennessee and 100 miles of new natural gas pipeline construction, mostly in the Blue Ridge and Piedmont of North Carolina and Virginia. New pipeline construction would cross the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia. Copies from FERC at 202-208-1371 or on the www.ferc.gov web site. Harold Draper of TVA at 865-632-6889 can also provide information and copies of selected portions of the report.
--TVA has issued its FONSI for expansion of the Buffalo Mountain Wind Farm in Anderson County, Tennessee. A total of 18 new wind turbines generating 27MW of electricity would be installed. Copies from Chuck Nicholson at 865-632-3582.
--National Park Service has issued a Final Environmental Impact Statement for activities in the National Coal Heritage Area in 11 counties of southernWest Virginia. The management plan sets forth the integrated cultural, historical, and land resource management policies and programs related to historic sites in the area. The National Park Service will provide technical and financial assistance to the state of West Virginia for a period up to 10 years. Copies from peter_samuel@nps.gov
--The Forest Service, Nolichucky/Unaka Ranger District, is proposing to relocate approximately 1500 feet of Paint Creek Road in Greene County,Tennessee. The road suffered flood damage in August 2001 and the proposal would remove the road from the floodplain. Information from Tom Rowe at 423-638-4109.
--The Forest Service, New River Valley Ranger District, is proposing to implement prescribed burns on 2,615 acres in Montgomery and Bland Counties, Virginia. Information from Jesse Overcash at 540-552-4641.
--The Bureau of Land Management is preparing an Environmental Assessment on a proposed lease of 64 acres of federal coal under the Daniel Boone National Forest in Whitley and McCreary Counties, Kentucky. Information from John A.Lewis at 601-955-5437.
--TVA has issued a draft EA for a proposed deed modification affecting Knox County park property on Fort Loudoun Reservoir, Tennessee. The document maybe viewed at http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/knoxcounty/index.htm
--TVA has issued a draft EA for a proposal by the Hallsdale-Powell Utility District to withdraw water from Melton Hill Reservoir in Anderson County,Tennessee. The document may be viewed at http://www.tva.gov/environment/reports/hallsdale/index.htm
--TVA has prepared a summary of issues and alternatives to be evaluated in its ongoing Reservoir Operations Study. The scoping document may be viewed at http://www.tva.gov/feature_rostudy/index.htm
--From July through September 2002, TVA completed the following environmental reviews that affect the southern Appalachians:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SAMAB FALL CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 5-7 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION -- Contribute to the SAMAB Fall Conference, focusing on measurement, mitigation, and management of human impacts in the Southern Appalachians. Join other caretakers of the Southern Appalachians--state and federal resource managers, scientists, and NGO and community members--in networking and sharing information. The conference features workshops, presentations, and field trips that convey the latest assessments, planning activities and tools, restoration challenges and successes, and natural-resource related legislation. Deadline for summaries/abstracts is September 3. Conference details are available on the SAMAB web site (samab.org).
SAMAB SUMMER NEWSLETTER ON-LINE -- SAMAB News is at the printer and on-line. See articles on citizen monitoring, partner agency long-term planning, stewardship and transportation, and the new SAMAB work plan at http://samab.org/Pubs/Newsletters/news_0802.pdf.
CLEAR DAY ON MOUNT MITCHELL -- The SAMAB Cooperative Executive Committee met August 16 at Mt. Mitchell State Park in North Carolina. They were treated to cool, sunny weather and a discussion with Walter Gravely, western district manager NCDENR Division of Parks and Recreation, of issues faced by western North Carolina state park resource managers. Mt. Mitchell is one of SAMAB's Biosphere Reserve units. The Committee reviewed progress on the new work plan being developed from Spring Planning Meeting discussions and the Fall Conference, which promises to become SAMAB's biggest and best. Larry Hartmann of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Jerry Ryan of the USGS were selected to be the Executive Committee's next chair and vice chair -- their two-year terms of office begin after the Fall Conference.
NEW GIS CAPACITY -- SAIN has reviewed applications from over 50 GIS/Conservation Biology candidates from around the world, interviewed four, and selected an excellent candidate to begin work in September. We also have interviewed and selected three students from the University of Tennessee Geography Department to assist. These folks will be working with public agencies, private organizations, and community groups to identify, synthesize, and make more accessible information from the region that is of value to resource managers, planners, citizens, students, researchers, and entrepreneurs in environmental decision making.
PLANNING FOR "CRITTER CROSSINGS" -- The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), along with the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) and the National Cooperative Highway Research Program (NCHRP), sponsored a visit by federal, state, and conservation group representatives to Slovenia, Switzerland, Germany, France, and the Netherlands to observe and document efforts in Europe that address transportation-related habitat and wildlife issues. The team formed conclusions and recommendations for U.S. applications in the areas of policy, communications, guidance manuals, and research. These conclusions and recommendations, along with extensive color imagery of European solutions, have been published in a new FHWA technical report: Wildlife Habitat Connectivity Across Europe. An ecologist with FHWA's Southern Resource Center in Atlanta, Mr. Alex Levy, was a member of this delegation and a contributor to the technical report. Mr. Levy is currently assisting the North Carolina Department of Transportation with research about whitetail deer crossings. For copies of the report or to learn more about "Critter Crossings" initiatives, contact Mr. Levy at (404) 562-3920 or alex.levy@fhwa.dot.gov.
BIOSPHERE RESERVES: SPECIAL PLACES FOR PEOPLE AND NATURE -- This new UNESCO/MAB publication presents a wide-ranging and beautifully illustrated overview of the international system of over 400 biosphere reserves. Two chapters and ordering information are available on the web at http://www.unesco.org/mab/wssd.htm.
ARC&D REQUEST FOR RESOURCE BENEFIT STUDY PROPOSALS -- The Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council and the Upper Nolichucky Watershed Alliance call for proposals to conduct a Resource Benefit Study in Unicoi County/Erwin, Tennessee. Resources of concern are clean water and natural areas in the county. Proposals from planning or design firms and Universities must be received by the ARC&D no later than September 30. For copy of the RFP, contact Roy Settle, Project Coordinator, Appalachian RC&D Council, Five Worth Circle, Ste B, Johnson City, TN 37601. (423) 854-9621 Ext 2, FAX (423) 282-6451, anetrcd@preferred.com.
CORPORATE OZONE AWARENESS -- There are many ways that organizations, public and private, can raise awareness of effects of and means for reducing ozone and other air pollutants. See (http://daq.state.nc.us/cgi-bin/aanews.cgi?art=20020804&fmt=single) for a report on how the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC is approaching air quality education.
DIGITAL DATA COLLECTION FOR VOLUNTEER STREAM ASSESSMENT -- Jason Anderson's thesis titled "Developing Digital Monitoring Protocols for Use in Volunteer Stream Assessment" is downloadable from the Virginia Tech digital library and archives. http://scholar.lib.vt.edu/theses/available/etd-12102001-163111/. The abstract is as follows:
The traditional paper-based method of field data collection has always been a time-consuming and cumbersome process. Agency personnel in the field complete a standard evaluation form, which is then returned to the office and entered into a computer database for storage and analysis. Throughout this process, data can easily be lost or misinterpreted. As data requirements continue to expand, field data collection can quickly overwhelm a regulatory agency's manpower and resources, which only serves to exacerbate these problems. Recent technological developments can help agencies and organizations keep up with this growing demand and have begun to change the method of data collection and management. The overall goal of this study is to develop, demonstrate, and evaluate a digital protocol for the use of technology in a volunteer stream monitoring application and draw conclusions on its applicability as a more effective means of data collection in a wide variety of fields. The protocol includes digital evaluation forms and integrated help files for use in the field. The digital evaluation forms are based on paper evaluation forms developed by researchers conducting a stream corridor assessment of Stroubles Creek in Blacksburg, Virginia.
The protocol was developed using available hardware and software. Collected data can be downloaded directly from a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) and stored on a hard drive or system server. The data can then be input directly into a Geographic Information System (GIS) database to enhance the visualization and usefulness of the information. The GIS allows surveyors to view the relationships among the many factors affecting the stream, as well as preparing the data for advanced analysis. Two examples are provided: a field application of the protocol on streams currently listed for Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) development; and an environmental education setting in a Virginia elementary school. Conclusions drawn from these applications are also described.
FROM THE SOURCE: PROTECTING DRINKING WATER IN TENNESSEE -- The Tennessee Clean Water Network's 5th Annual Conference will be held on Friday, Sept. 20 and Saturday, Sept. 21 at The Factory in Franklin, TN. On Friday, the conference will feature speakers on a variety of topics addressing drinking water quality and opportunities to protect drinking water. The day will close with a panel discussion and, on Friday evening, a benefit concert for TCWN featuring bluegrass and folk music from regional musicians. Saturday's agenda is designed specifically for watershed associations and will include two tracks of workshops on topics such as organizational development and raising awareness about drinking water issues. Harpeth River field trips in the afternoon will involve watershed surveying by participants from land and canoe. For a full registration form and agenda, email May Sligh at maysligh@yahoo.com.
NFAIS METADIVERSIY II SUMMARY AVAILABLE -- NFAIS (National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services) has published MetaDiversity II: Assessing the Information Requirements of the Biodiversity Community. This report is the summary of findings that emerged from a two-day symposium, jointly sponsored by NFAIS and the U.S. Geological Survey, in Charleston, South Carolina, June 25-26, 2001. The international symposium was organized with the purpose of identifying where and how biodiversity information users' needs are being met, where there are gaps in biodiversity information, and who might be priority users of biodiversity information. The 38-page report is at http://www.nfais.org/MetaDiversity2.asp. The next MetaDiversity meeting, MetaDiversity III: Global Access for Biodiversity Through Integrated Systems is to be held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, November 18-19, 2002. For further information, see http://www.nfais.org/EventDetails.asp?EventID=12.
NEPA/ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATION ITEMS:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
(new acronym? NBII/SAIN = National Biological Information Infrastructure/Southern Appalachian Information Node, see http://sain.nbii.gov)
SAMAB FALL CONFERENCE NOVEMBER 5-7 CALL FOR PARTICIPATION -- Contribute to the SAMAB Fall Conference, focusing on measurement, mitigation, and management of human impacts in the Southern Appalachians. Join other caretakers of the Southern Appalachians--state and federal resource managers, scientists, and NGO and community members--in networking and sharing information. The conference features workshops, presentations, and field trips that convey the latest assessments, planning activities and tools, restoration challenges and successes, and natural-resource related legislation. Deadline for summaries/abstracts is September 3. (http://samab.org/Events/Conf/Conf02/conf02.html)
BUSY SUMMER -- June and July have been busy -- some highlights for SAMAB Executive Director Robb Turner and the Coordinating Office:
FINAL SAMI MEETING! -- Come to the SAMI Finale at the Grove Park Inn in Asheville, North Carolina. The rate is $99.00/night, call 828 252-2711 or 800-438-5800 for reservations by August 8 (http://www.groveparkinn.com). Wednesday, August 28, there will be two symposiums and Thursday, August 29, 1/2 day of presentations and lunch. See http://www.saminet.org for registration form and agenda. RSVP BY August 5 on your choice of symposium and for attendance as they need to arrange transportation and food. Linda Herrera at 828 252-6622 or email linda_h@landofsky.org.
ACT NOW FOR NRCS WHIP FUNDING -- The 2002 Farm Bill authorized $15 million in funding for the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) -- funding that will be lost if it is not spent by the end of this fiscal year in September. Take advantage of this excellent opportunity to enhance wildlife conservation by applying to NRCS before the end of August. A list of State NRCS contacts and other program information on WHIP can be found at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/whip/. In addition, there are links to States with specific program information. Landowners, and those assisting landowners, can go to http://www.sc.egov.usda.gov and click on "eForms" in the center of the page to complete a WHIP application form to send to their local NRCS office. State wildlife agencies, conservation districts, and conservation groups worked hard to secure this funding. Now everyone needs to work fast to ensure that it is used!
SCIENCE NETLINKS - ONLINE RESOURCE FOR K-12 EDUCATORS -- This collection of reviewed lesson plans and Internet resources is produced by the American Association for the Advancement of Science. The site is part of an Internet-based learning initiative called MarcoPolo, sponsored by the WorldCom Foundation, and is a partnership among the AAAS, the National Endowment for the Humanities, the Council of the Great City Schools, the National Council on Economic Education, the National Geographic Society, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The free interdisciplinary lessons and linked resources cross ecology, history, economics, art, and many other subjects. See http://www.sciencenetlinks.com/ or http://marcopolo.worldcom.com/.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items:
Bureau of Land Management:
Federal Highway Administration:
Forest Service:
Nuclear Regulatory Commission:
Tennessee Valley Authority :
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SUSTAINABLE FORESTS ROUNDTABLE--Charles Van Sickle represented SAMAB at the Roundtable on Sustainable Forests meeting in Washington, DC May 29-31. The Roundtable presented the findings of the National Report on Sustainable Forests. Charlie presented the SAMAB poster at the meeting. See http://www.fs.fed.us/sustained/siteindex.html, and http://www.sustainableforests.net/events.html for the draft report and related information.
SAMAB SPRING PLANNING MEETING--SAMAB hosted its annual spring planning meeting at the North Carolina Arboretum in Asheville May 14. Over 40 participants discussed opportunities for cross-boundary, regional partnerships in environmental monitoring, community sustainability, watershed restoration, fire management, invasive species, and information management. Results of these discussions will be the basis for new and ongoing SAMAB projects. The SAMAB Cooperative Executive Committee met on May 15 to discuss the results and how they can be incorporated into agency priorities and planning.
SAMAB FOUNDATION ORIENTS NEW BOARD MEMBERS--The SAMAB Foundation Boards of Directors and Advisors met jointly May 16 at the NC Governor's Western Residence above Asheville. Board members expressed their visions for SAMAB, reviewed past and ongoing projects, and discussed roles the Foundation and Board members can play in furthering the goals of the SAMAB Program.
OAK RIDGE RESERVATION LAND USE PLANNING PROCESS--As the Department of Energy changes its mission priorities, it is considering alternative land uses on parts of its Oak Ridge Reservation, one of SAMAB's core biosphere reserve units. Oak Ridge National Laboratory is assisting with a variety of means of obtaining stakeholder participation in the process, including focus groups, public meetings, newsletter, website with maps of alternative scenarios, and others. Visit the website http://landuseplanning.ornl.gov or contact Pat Parr
CADES COVE OPPORTUNITY PLAN--Cades Cove in Great Smoky Mountains National Park has experienced the pressure of increasing visitation for decades. This area has become so popular that it often takes up to four hours during a peak autumn day to travel the 11-mile one-way loop road. The National Park Service and the Knoxville Regional Transportation Planning Organization have undertaken a development concept and transportation management planning project for Cades Cove. The public scoping process for this action began last week, with a well-attended meeting in Townsend, the closest entrance to the Cove. This is a brainstorming phase of the project, where the planners want the concerns and ideas from the public on what the problems are and what should be done at Cades Cove. A new website, www.cadescoveopp.com, will be up in a few days, and will show how to make comments. Or, mail a letter to Superintendent, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738. The comment period is open until June 22, 2002.
"GIVE BACK A PIECE OF OURSELVES"--Addressing the graduating class at the Appalachian School of Law, Appalachian Regional Commission Federal Co-Chairman Jesse L. White told the class of 2002 they represented part of a "new generation of leadership committed to the mountains." The Appalachian School of Law was envisioned by its founders, White said, "to be a crucial piece of the infrastructure for sustainable economic development; a law school based on public service, born out of a commitment to this region and to its people." White told the graduates, "Your message is one that America needs to hear: that there is deep in the mountains of Virginia a school, a dream, a call -- a call to all us of us to give back a piece of ourselves to the communities and the family and friends who nurtured us." To obtain a copy of White's address contact Duane J. DeBruyne, ARCnews@arc.gov, 202-884-7663.
HEMLOCK WOOLY ADELGID INVADES PARK--Biologists at Great Smoky Mountains National Park have confirmed five locations in the Park having infestation by the Hemlock Woolly Adelgid, a tiny aphid-like insect that attacks and kills hemlock trees. The Hemlock Woolly Adelgid is native to China and Japan and is a close relative of the Balsam Woolly Adelgid that has killed over 90% of the Park's Fraser firs at areas like Clingmans Dome and Balsam Mountain. The hemlock adelgid was first detected in the mid-Atlantic states in the 1920's but was not recognized as a serious pest until its population exploded when it reached large forested areas such as Shenandoah National Park in the 1970's. In Shenandoah about 80% of the Park's hemlocks are now infested and most are expected to die. Throughout the 1990's federal and state biologists monitored the adelgid's slow spread north into Maine and south along the Appalachians. The tiny insect can be spread by larger insects, on the feet of birds, and by wind, but the fastest spread occurs when infested landscape materials are brought in for planting in developed areas.
SAMAB AT ASB MEETING--Charles Van Sickle presented a paper on SAMAB and the Southern Appalachian Assessment on April 13 at the meeting of the Association of Southeastern Biologists in Boone, NC. The paper was part of a panel on developing partnerships for ecosystem management.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON ENVIRONMENTAL RESOURCE VALUATION AVAILABLE--A recent bibliography of reference and research materials on environmental resource valuation and cost-benefit analysis is posted on the SAMAB Web site http://samab.org. The bibliography was prepared by the Federal Highway Administration Southern Resource Center Planning and Environment Team.
2002 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS--2002 has been designated internationally as Year of the Mountains. See the international IYM web site at http://www.mountains2002.org, and the U.S. Year of Mountains web site at http://mt2002.er.usgs.gov. Provide suggestions for additional content to Antoinette Condo, condoaj@state.gov.
LAST CALL: NBII JOB OPENING--The National Biological Information Infrastructure Southern Appalachian Information Node (SAIN) has a position available in Knoxville, TN, for a GIS/CONSERVATION BIOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT -- Masters-level person to synthesize, integrate, and disseminate inventory and monitoring data being collected by federal, state, and non-profit/private organizations in the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Candidate will identify relevant data/information; coordinate protocols through which data can be indexed, searched, and made accessible through SAIN; develop web map services and other information synthesis products; identify opportunities for cross-boundary collaborations in resource-management information needs; and communicate results via the SAIN web site and other appropriate outlets. Candidate must have demonstrated skills in GIS, information analysis and synthesis, and communication. Send one-page statement of career goals, complete resume, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references to Robb Turner, 314 Conference Center Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-4138; or by email to rsturner@utk.edu; or fax to 865-974-4609. See http://sain.nbii.gov.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items:
Department of Energy--
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission--
Fish and Wildlife Service--
Forest Service--
National Park Service--
Tennessee Valley Authority--
UPCOMING EVENTS:
REGIONAL INFORMATION SYSTEM VISIONING--Robb Turner and Wolf Naegeli presented examples of the SAMAB/NBII internet mapping capabilities and applications at a Remote Sensing and GIS Planning Meeting of the Southeast Natural Resource Leaders Group (SENRLG) in Atlanta on April 26. SENRLG is exploring means for making more spatial data, at higher resolutions, available for resource planning and use in the region. These efforts dovetail nicely with the SAMAB and NBII goals and directions for making resource information and tools available and useable by decision makers in the region.
EASTERN CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENTAL REGIONALISM--Tommy Gilbert represented SAMAB at the April 24-25 workshop of the Harvard Environmental Regionalism Project at the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy in Cambridge, MA. The workshop reviewed several regional case presentations, history of ecological regionalism, and strategies for supporting regional initiatives. Tommy promoted the SAMAB experience and plans for the future as a test case in networking, intergovermental interactions, and education and training of practitioners.
NBII BRIEFING FOR DOE-ORO--Bonnie Carroll and Robb Turner briefed Michael Holland, Acting Manager for the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge Operations Office, on April 19. The presentation and discussion centered on NBII goals and examples of applications and on opportunities for leveraging the substantial informatics capabilities in the region for the benefit of the region, DOE, and the NBII.
PARKWAY AND DOT COORDINATION PLANNED--Blue Ridge Parkway and the Departments of Transportation of North Carolina and Virginia, along with the Federal Highway Administration, are initiating a joint effort to streamline coordination, planning, design and permitting of maintenance and system improvements to crossings of the Parkway by existing State Primary and Secondary Highways. At a meeting in Jonesville, NC, on April 17th, consensus was reached to pursue joint funding for a compilation of Best Management Practices for minimization and mitigation of potential impacts on the Parkway by such Transportation activities. An Implementation Plan will likely be prepared, as well as appendices to the Parkway's General Management and Transportation Plans, to formalize these interactions and procedures.
BIBLIOGRAPHY ON CUMULATIVE IMPACTS AVAILABLE--A recent bibliography of reference and research materials on Secondary & Cumulative Impacts of Transportation Projects is posted on the SAMAB Web site main page. Major topics include Sprawl, Sustainability, Externalities and Life Cycle Cost Analyses, Land Use and Land Development Patterns and Modeling, Economic and Social Impacts, and Community Impact Assessment. The bibliography was prepared by the Federal Highway Administration Southern Resource Center Planning and Environment Team.
ANNOUNCING FIRST ISSUE OF SOUTHEASTERN NATURALIST--This is a broad-based effort to develop a strong regional journal for the Southeast. It is available online (http://www.bioone.org/bioone/?request=get-toc&issn=1528-7092&volume=001&issue=01) in the full-text version . See subscription information at http://maine.maine.edu/~eaglhill/JSGENINF.html.
2002 INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MOUNTAINS--2002 has been designated internationally as Year of the Mountains. See the international IYM web site at http://www.mountains2002.org, and the U.S. Year of Mountains web site. Provide suggestions for additional content to Antoinette Condo (condoaj@state.gov).
AUDUBON SPRING BIRD CONSERVATION NEWSLETTER ONLINE-- Visit http://www.audubon.org/bird/news.html to see Important Bird Area Program updates, as well as policy, sanctuary, and educational news along with upcoming meetings and events, as they relate to bird conservation.
3 NBII JOB OPENINGS--The National Biological Information Infrastructure Southern Appalachian Information Node (SAIN) has two positions available in Knoxville/Oak Ridge, TN. Another NBII position is located in Reston, VA.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items--
--Farm Service Agency:
The Commodity Credit Corporation has issued a Notice of Intent to prepare a programmatic EIS for the Conservation Reserve Program and Emergency Conservation Program. Alternatives for the administration of these programs will be evaluated. The CRP assists farmers in conserving and improving soil, water, air and wildlife resources. This is accomplished by converting highly erodible and other environmentally-sensitive acreage normally devoted to the production of agricultural commodities to a long-term resource-conserving cover. For more information contact Don Steck at don_steck@wdc.usda.gov or 202-690-0224
--Federal Energy Regulatory Commission:
The Draft EIS for the Patriot Project of Duke Energy North America has been published. This project includes gas pipeline upgrades in East Tennessee and Southwest Virginia and new pipeline construction in Virginia and North Carolina, crossing the Blue Ridge Parkway. The project would provide additional gas supply to the Duke Energy Murray Project in Georgia and two proposed power plants in Virginia. A limited number of copies are available from the FERC Public Reference and Files Maintenance Branch at 202-208-1371 or the Office of External Affairs at 202-208-1088.
--Federal Highway Administration:
A Notice of Intent to prepare an EIS for the Transamerica Transportation Corridor (I-66) between Somerset and London, Kentucky was issued on April 29, 2002. For further information contact Evan Wisniewski at 502-223-6740 or evan.wisniewski@fhwa.dot.gov
--National Park Service:
The Notice of Intent for the Cades Cove Development Concept and Transportation Management Plan was issued. To get on the mailing list, contact the park at 107 Park Headquarters Road, Gatlinburg, Tennessee 37738 or call 865-436-1207.
The Notice of Intent for the Benefits Sharing EIS has been issued. Benefits-sharing agreements use research specimens for qualified scientific purposes and occasionally result in commercial applications. The EIS will examine the impacts of various methods of implementing the provisions of the law while ensuring the integrity of resources. For more information, contact Sue Mills at 307-344-2203.
--Tennessee Valley Authority:
The Final Environmental Assessment for a proposed 20-MW windfarm and associated energy storage facility was completed in April 2002. Paper copies are available from akrose@tva.gov and will be available on the www.tva.gov web site after May 3. Sites on Buffalo Mountain in Anderson County and Stone Mountain in Johnson County, Tennessee were evaluated. A site on Buffalo Mountain is TVA's preferred alternative. Three wind turbines with a combined capacity of 2 MW are currently operating on Buffalo Mountain.
--US Army Corps of Engineers:
The Lake Cumberland Shoreline Management Plan is currently being updated. The 1994 version resulted in a policy whereby no new private docks were authorized on the lake. For more information contact craig.s.shoe@usace.army.mil
UPCOMING EVENTS:
SUMMER INTERNS SELECTED--SAMAB and the Joint Institute for Energy and Environment have selected 12 interns from among 150 applicants to participate in the 2002 summer internship program focusing on environmental decision making. Among the interns are six graduate students and six undergraduate students. They hail from Miami University, University of Alabama, University of Florida, Indiana University, Vermont Law School, University of Colorado-Boulder, Monmouth College, McGill University, Carnegie Mellon University, and University of Virginia. Interns will work from June 3 - August 9 on policy analysis, information management, data collection, community involvement, and resource-management activities for their host organizations including: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, NPS Rivers, Trails and Conservation Assistance, Tennessee Valley Authority (River Operations, Environmental Policy and Strategy, and Resource Stewardship), Oak Ridge National Environmental Research Park, Knox County Metropolitan Planning Commission, Alcoa Corporation, Ijams Nature Center, National Parks and Conservation Association, Tennessee River Gorge Trust, and Tennessee Clean Water Network.
PROTECTING THE APPALACHIAN TRAIL COUNTRYSIDE--SAMAB Foundation leaders met in Asheville on April 11 with Bob Williams, Director of Land Trust Programs for the Appalachian Trail Conference, to discuss ideas for protecting the values of lands in the vicinity of the Appalachian Trail that create the Appalachian and Trail experiences. Ideas expressed by Williams dovetail directly with SAMAB's goals and ongoing projects for citizen-science/community monitoring of these areas, gateway-community stewardship of the areas, and dissemination of information about these areas that facilitates better public and private decision making. Bob left with many new thoughts on how land trusts, in partnership with organizations providing information and other tools, can work together with innovative approaches to protect the Appalachian countryside.
SOUTHEAST EPPC ANNUAL MEETING--Jack Ranney, SAMAB's leader of the Invasive Species Initiative, and Shelaine Curd, NBII-SAIN's information specialist, attended the 4th annual Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council Symposium in Nashville, TN April 3-5. Symposium speakers indicated that the woodland invasive-plant situation is getting worse, although there are some notable local control successes. Two invasive plants of serious concern working toward the southern Appalachians are purple loosestrife and cogon grass.
2 NBII JOB OPENINGS--The National Biological Information Infrastructure Southern Appalachian Information Node (SAIN) has two positions available in Knoxville/Oak Ridge, TN.
1) GIS/CONSERVATION BIOLOGY/ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT--Masters-level person to synthesize, integrate, and disseminate inventory and monitoring data being collected by federal, state, and non-profit/private organizations in the Southern Appalachians and beyond. Candidate will identify relevant data/information; coordinate protocols through which data can be indexed, searched, and made accessible through SAIN; develop web map services and other information synthesis products; identify opportunities for cross-boundary collaborations in resource-management information needs; and communicate results via the SAIN web site and other appropriate outlets. Candidate must have demonstrated skills in GIS, information analysis and synthesis, and communication.
For this (full-time) position, send one-page statement of career goals, complete resume, undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and contact information for three references to Robb Turner, 314 Conference Center Building, Knoxville, TN 37996-4138; or by email to rsturner@utk.edu; or fax to 865-974-4609.
2) GEOSPATIAL APPLICATIONS ADMINISTRATOR--Responsible for administration of ESRI products (ArcSDE, ArcINFO, ArcIMS, etc.) in Unix environment. Requirements: Experience with systems in Unix environments, a good understanding of basic GIS concepts, knowledge of GIS data structures, and experience tuning ArcSDE for Oracle/Oracle Spatial. Familiarity with Oracle Enterprise database administration procedures a plus.
This position is expected to be a half-time position. For this position, send one-page statement of career goals and complete resume including contact information for three references to Franciel Azpurua, Information International Associates, 122 S. Jefferson Circle, Oak Ridge, TN 37830; or by email to fazpurua@infointl.com; or fax to 865-481-0390.
ECOSYSTEMS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS CLASS--Dr. Mac Post of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Environmental Sciences Division is teaching a new class at University of Tennessee during the mini-term May 8-29. It's an ecosystem field-camp style, student-initiated-investigation class. More information can be found at http://www.esd.ornl.gov/~wmp/Class/.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items--
Army Corps of Engineers:
--A DEIS has been issued for permits related to the Hobet Mining Company's surface coal mining operation in Logan County, West Virginia. Information may be obtained from teresa.d.hughes@usace.army.mil or by calling 304-529-5710
Federal Highway Administration:
--I-40 in Knoxville. The Final Environmental Impact Statement for I-40 Construction through downtown Knoxville has been issued. The major issue in the analysis was impacts to the Fourth and Gill Historic District. The preferred alternative has three traffic lanes in each direction with
five-lane sections at main junctions. A new Fifth Avenue Connector route from I-40 to Summit Hill Drive is proposed as part of the project.
Forest Service:
National Park Service:
--A DEIS has been issued for management of the National Coal Heritage Area, consisting of 11 counties in southern West Virginia. Information from peter_samuel@nps.gov
Rural Development:
--An EA for funding the proposed expansion of the Big Cherry Reservoir on the South Fork Powell River in Wise County, Virginia by the Town of Big Stone Gap has been issued by USDA Rural Development. Information from judy.allen@vatappahan.fsc.usda.gov
From January through March 2002, TVA completed the following environmental reviews affecting the Southern Appalachians:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
3 NBII JOB OPENINGS -- The National Biological Information Infrastructure Southern Appalachian Information Node (SAIN) has three positions available in Knoxville/Oak Ridge, TN:
NC CHAPTER OF SE-EPPC OFFICIALLY ESTABLISHED -- On March 21 the North Carolina Chapter of the Southeast Exotic Pest Plant Council officially came into existence. Its purposes are to: Provide a focus for issues and concerns regarding exotic pest plants in North Carolina; Facilitate communication and the exchange of information regarding all aspects of exotic pest plant control and management; Provide a forum where all interested parties may participate in meetings and share in the benefits from the information generated by Council; Promote public understanding regarding exotic pest plants and their control; Serve as an advisory council regarding funding, research, management, and control of exotic pest plants; Facilitate action campaigns to monitor and control exotic pest plants in North Carolina; Review incipient and potential pest plant management problems and activities and provide relevant information to interested parties. A Board of Directors represents the nursery industry, landscape industry, arboreta, conservation organizations, citizens, and state government. Dick Bir, NC State University is President; dick_bir@ncsu.edu; http://se-eppc.org
ECOSYSTEMS OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS CLASS -- Dr. Mac Post of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Environmental Sciences Division is teaching a new class at University of Tennessee during the mini-term May 8-29. It's an ecosystem field-camp style, student-initiated-investigation class. More information can be found at http://www.esd.ornl.gov/~wmp/Class/.
WHERE THERE ARE MOUNTAINS: AN ENVIRONMENTAL HISTORY OF THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS -- Donald Davis will speak on the topic of his book on Tuesday, April 9, 7:30 - 8:30 p.m. in Room 253 of Hodges Library at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. The book, published by University of Georgia Press in 2000, received the Southern Environmental Law Center's 2001 award for Outstanding Literary Writing on the Southern Environment. Davis, now a Professor at Dalton State College, is a graduate of the doctoral program in Sociology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION WITH NATIVE COMMUNITIES AND THEIR LANDS -- Presentation by Thom Alcoze and Sally Oran, Northern Arizona University, 10:00-11:30, April 19 at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, NC. Alcoze and Oran have been working on an innovative project to tap oral traditions about the use of fire by the Eastern Band of Cherokee in NC and the Kaibab Paiute in Arizona. They are visiting Western Carolina University as part of the Little Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Initiative. For information contact Professor Peter Bates, email bates@wcu.edu; phone 828-227-3914.
CULTURE, ENVIRONMENT, AND CONSERVATION IN THE APPALACHIAN SOUTH -- a new book edited by Benita Howell, professor of Anthropology at the University of Tennessee. "Debunking the nature/culture dichotomy, contributors examine how physical space is transformed into culturally constituted "place" by a variety of factors, both tangible (architecture, landmarks, artifacts) and intangible (a sense of place, long-term family habitation of land, tradition, "a way of life worth fighting for"). Archaeologists, cultural geographers, and ethnographers examine how the land was used by its earliest inhabitants and trace the effects of agricultural decline, industrial development, and tourism in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries." (http://www.press.uillinois.edu/s02/howell.html)
SOUTHEAST REGIONAL FOOT TRAILS CONFERENCE -- Friday through Sunday April 26-28 at Unicoi State Park in Helen, GA. Join American Hiking Society, the NPS Rivers, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program, and Georgia State Parks for a visioning, networking, and education gathering of hiking trail advocates in the Southeast. Call Liz Dooley at AHS 301-565-6704 x212, or visit http://www.americanhiking.org.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items --
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service:
--An EA has been prepared to support a proposed decision to grant nonregulated status for corn genetically engineered by Monsanto for insect resistance (corn rootworm). APHIS determined that field use of the corn would not present a risk of plant pest introduction or dissemination. Copies are available from Kay.Peterson@aphis.usda.gov
Forest Service:
Department of Energy:
--The Record of Decision for the future operation of the Y-12 National Security Complex was signed on February 4, 2002 by the Secretary of Energy. DOE would construct and operate a highly enriched uranium materials facility and special materials complex, in addition to continued operation of Y-12 to meet national nuclear security needs. For more information contact Gary Hartman at 865-576-0273.
National Park Service:
The Notice of Intent to Prepare an EIS for the General Management Plan for the Blue Ridge Parkway was published on March 13. The management plan will address provision of a quality visitor experience and resource protection on 82,000 acres of public land. To get on the mailing list, contact Superintendent, Blue Ridge Parkway, 1999 Hemphill Knob Road, Asheville, NC 28803. Information also will be available on the NPS web site.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service:
--The Draft EIS on Resident Canada Goose Management is available from Jon Andrew, Chief, Division of Migratory Bird Management at 703-358-1714 or http://migratorybirds.fws.gov. The programmatic EIS evaluates alternative strategies to reduce, manage, and control Canada goose populations. The decision process in the EIS would result in a regulatory mechanism to allow federal, state, and local agencies to respond to damage complaints and damages by resident Canada geese. The proposed action would authorize direct and indirect population control strategies including aggressive harassment, nest and egg destruction, gosling and adult trapping and culling, and expanded hunter harvest.
Federal Highway Administration:
--The Draft EIS for I-66 construction between Pikeville, Kentucky and Williamson, West Virginia is available for review. Contact Jose Sepuveda at
502-223-6764.
UPCOMING EVENTS--
PLANNING AN AGENDA-SETTING ROLE FOR SAMAB--The SAMAB Foundation Executive Committee and Chair of its Advisory Committee met March 11 to discuss how SAMAB can more effectively facilitate discussion of regional issues and assist in setting and supporting agendas for public and private organizations in the region. The Advisory Board is being enlarged with savvy business and media folks from inside and outside the region to assist in building awareness, fund raising, and government relations. The Board of Directors and Advisory Board will meet on May 16 for an orientation program and to discuss ongoing projects and new directions.
FOREST CHANGES ON CUMBERLAND PLATEAU DOCUMENTED--The University of the South Landscape Analysis Laboratory has released "An Assessment of Forest Change on the Cumberland Plateau in Southern Tennessee." Funded by the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the study evaluated forest change since 1981 in a seven-county, 620,000-acre area in southern Tennessee. About 66,000 acres of native forest has been lost since 1981 and most of this loss was caused by conversion to pine plantations. The rate of conversion has doubled during the last three years of the study (1997-2000). Native hardwood forests were found to have the highest levels of bird diversity, as measured by the number and distribution of bird species and Partners in Flight conservation scores. Pine plantations had substantially lower bird diversity. Water quality was lower in disturbed sites, but increased as the width of streamside management zones increased. The study was a sub-study of the Southern Forest Resource Assessment project on methodologies to track land use change. To read the report, go to http://lal.sewanee.edu. For more information, contact Jonathan Evans at 931-598-1304 or Ben West at EPA (404-562-9643)
FOREST SERVICE SEEKS USES FOR BIOMASS--The Forest Service is looking for some good ideas to utilize biomass from creating fire breaks and defensible space as part of the National Fire Plan. If you have ideas that a small rural community could use, visit the following web site for guidance, the RFP, and information: http://www.southernregion.fs.fed.us/spf/coop/rca [see link on very bottom right of page] or contact Alan E. Pigg, Regional Program Manager, 404-347-7486, apigg@fs.fed.us
TENNESSEE EROSION CONTROL WORKSHOPS--Developers, contractors, plan preparers, site superintendents, engineers, inspection and enforcement personnel, and others are invited. Topics include, best management practices, permitting, agency roles, and the erosion process and its impacts on natural resources. Dates and locations are:
For information or to register contact Gail Farris at (865) 974-4774 or gfarris@utk.edu. For course content questions, contact Tim Gangaware at (865) 974-2151 or gangwrrc@utk.edu.
ALL TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY SPRING EVENTS--The ATBI has a long calendar of Spring volunteer training and special events. See listing below and/or contact jeanie@discoverlife.org.
INTEGRATING SCIENCE TEACHER WORKSHOP--Announcing a weekend workshop April 5-7 aimed at training teachers to integrate real scientific research into their classroom curricula, with a special focus on research in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Review the research process with hands-on science activities, including studies of salamanders and insects. Brainstorm ways to make research work in a classroom setting, and interact with teachers who have successfully involved their students in real research. Contact Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont (mail@gsmit.org) or 865-448-6709; ask about the Integrating Science Teacher Workshop.
EASTERN FORESTS DIRECT ACTION CAMP--Activists, forest dwellers, concerned citizens, and others ready and willing to act on behalf of forests are invited to attend from May 28-June 3. Focus is on non-violent direct action tactics, with workshops in nonviolence, climbing, blockades, organizing, medic training, security culture, market campaigns, forest watch, media, legal, street theatre, banner making, and more. You must register to attend. Andrew George, 828-285-8855, andrew@forestadvocate.org or go to the web site: www.forestadvocate.org. [Note: SAMAB encourages open debate, dialogue, and awareness of natural and human dynamics affecting chenge in the Southern Appalachians. It does not necessarily endorse or support specific approaches advocated by any particular organization - Ed.]
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items--
UPCOMING EVENTS--
ATBI Calendar of Events--In the coming year, Discover Life in America is coordinating more ATBI volunteer training and several exciting special events--"Bio-Quests." If you interested in becoming a volunteer and have not yet participated in one of the orientation sessions, please note the two offered in 2002. Enroll soon because space is limited. There will also be specialized training and other educational programs in conjunction with the Bio-Quests. Scientists and educators who would like to participate are encouraged to get in touch with Jeanie Hilten.
For more information about upcoming events, contact Jeanie Hilten (DLIA Administrative Officer), jeanie@discoverlife.org or Tom Rogers (DLIA Board and Science/Taxonomy volunteer team leader, trogers@rollinscorp.com or Pat Cox (University of Tennessee) for the Fern Forays)
SAMAB MONITORING COORDINATOR ON BOARD--Andy Brown assumed program coordinator responsibilities for SAMAB's Appalachian Trail Region Environmental Monitoring Program in February. Andy is an environmental planner who has coordinated partnership-driven watershed restoration projects, conducted watershed- and conservation-easement assessment, and leads the NC/TN Appalachian Trail land trust activities. He works through his own firm, Equinox Environmental in Asheville. You can reach him at equinoxab@earthlink.net or 828-253-6856.
APPALACHIAN MONITORING PLANS GEL--Andy Brown, Robb Turner, Jack Ranney and others met over the past month in Franklin, NC, Erwin, TN, Abingdon, VA, and Norris, TN to set up agreements for watershed alliance/association participation in the SAMAB/National Forest Foundation program for monitoring and stewardship in the region. The groups have proposed a number of monitoring and restoration projects to accomplish under the first year of the matching-grants program. They also are very interested in the capabilities of the SERIS/NBII/Southern Appalachian Information Node for information management and dissemination.
THE SOUTHERN APPALACHIANS: A CHANGING WORLD VIDEO--SAMAB has distributed over 2,400 copies of the USGS video, "The Southern Appalachians: A Changing World," and the companion teacher's guide and information booklet. Recipients are 1800 schools, environmental educational centers, and state parks in the Southern Appalachians. Agencies with resource management/educational programs also have received videos. The video has been extremely well-received, and is up for a number of awards. Limited copies through SAMAB are still available free to schools and learning centers, and at a wholesale cost to non-profit sales outlets. They also may be purchased through the USGS (http://pubs.usgs.gov/gip/so_app/).
HISTORIC REAUTHORIZATION BILL FOR APPALACHIAN REGIONAL COMMISSION PASSED--An historic, five-year reauthorization bill for the ARC (a SAMAB Cooperative member agency) received final approval from the U.S. Congress on February 26 and was sent to the President for signature. This would be the longest reauthorization of the ARC in its history. "This caps an incredible comeback for the ARC," said Federal Co-Chairman Jesse L. White, Jr. "We've come a huge distance -- just like the Appalachian Region itself. Our unique partnership of federal, state and local participation serves as a model for the nation."
USGS APPALACHIAN SCIENCE PROCEEDINGS ON-LINE--The proceedings for a workshop summarizing USGS research in the Appalachians held in Gatlinburg last October is available as a pdf file at http://www.AppalachianRegionScience.usgs.gov.
BIOENERGY WORKSHOP MARCH 6 IN OAK RIDGE--Topics include bioenergy policy, benefits, techniques, successes. Keynotes by Douglas Kaempf, Senior Advisor to the Assistant Secretary, U.S. Department of Energy and Ronald Buckhalt, Co-Director, National Biobased Products and Bioenergy Coordination Office, USDA-Agricultural Research Service. Hosted by the Cumberland Resource Conservation and Development Council at Pollard Auditorium on the campus of Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, TN. Contact Alan Neal, 865-494-2343, aneal@tn.nrcs.usda.gov.
BIOLOGICAL WOODSMEN WEEK APRIL 1-6--The Healing Harvest Forest Foundation sponsors the Biological Woodsmen Week this year at Voyager Foundation Farm in Glasgow, Virginia to harvest timber during the week and have an invitational horse pull on Saturday the 6th. This event is primarily a public educational opportunity to see modern horse logging and restorative forestry in action. Horse logging practitioners and around 6 teams of horses and mules from around the region will work in the woods throughout the week. Contact Jason Rutledge (rutledge@swva.net, 540-651-6355, http://community.roanoke.com/HealingHarvestForestFoundation).
GOVERNORS' SUMMIT ON AIR QUALITY MAY 10--This spring, southeastern leaders will meet in Charlotte, North Carolina to continue their discussion on air quality challenges across the region, share information, and work toward regional solutions to air problems. The conference will benefit from the work of the Southern Appalachian Mountains Initiative (SAMI), a multi-year assessment of current and potential future air quality the region. It also will review a report on the progress being made under the Southern Air Principles, an agreement between the governors of Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee calling for a joint strategy to address smog, acid deposition and haze. Contact Nann Guthrie, (nann.guthrie@ncmail.net, 828/251-6208 or visit http://daq.state.nc.us/quick/summit/).
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items:
UPCOMING EVENTS--
SAMAB COOPERATIVE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETS--At its quarterly meeting February 15th at the new Blue Ridge Parkway Headquarters the SAMAB Cooperative heard proposals for a review of the state of science on atmospheric deposition and its effects in the Southern Appalachians and a proposal for educating various publics on invasive species extent, damage, and control in the region. The committee also heard about the National Park Service's Appalachian Highlands Network Inventory and Monitoring progress and were introduced to SAMAB's new regional environmental monitoring coordinator, Andy Brown. We reviewed highlights of agency activities in the region and priorities for future directions, and made preparations for the Spring Planning Meeting (May 14-15 in Asheville) and the Fall Annual Conference (November 5-7 in Gatlinburg). The committee also viewed an on-line demonstration of the latest capabilities of the SERIS/NBII-SAIN internet map server capabilities.
SAMAB FACILITATES SCOPING MEETINGS FOR PROPOSED GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK-EASTERN BAND CHEROKEE INDIAN LAND EXCHANGE--SAMAB Executive Director Robb Turner facilitated three public scoping meetings for the National Park Service February 12-14. In Cherokee, NC, 32 speakers provided their thoughts on the proposed exchange. The next evening in Knoxville, 46 people spoke, and on Thursday in Asheville, 60 speakers voiced their opinions on what should be considered in the environmental impact statement as well as what should be the outcome of the decision process. 110 to 160 people attended each meeting. The comment period is open until February 28--comments can be sent to NPSlandexchange@saic.com
ADMINISTRATION BUDGET CUTS COULD HIT SAMAB REGION HARD--The Bush Administration budget proposed to Congress for FY 2003 would eliminate funding for the Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory (a SAMAB core biosphere reserve unit) near Franklin, NC and the Bent Creek Experimental Forest near Asheville. Both of these facilities are components of the Southern Research Station of the US Forest Service. Substantial cuts also are proposed for watershed management efforts by the Natural Resources Conservation Service and from the Water Resources Division of the US Geological Survey. Word is that Congress is planning to start from FY 2002 funding levels in their deliberations rather than from the President's budget, but providing justification at all opportunities for the values of natural resource research and conservation to the region will be as important this year as ever.
DISCOVER LIFE IN AMERICA INSECT SORTING CLASS--DLIA is offering several training classes this spring, beginning with a session on sorting insects and other arthropods, led by Science/Taxonomy team leader Tom Rogers, with help from Jim Lowe, Chuck Parker, and Ian Stocks. This class will be Sat. Feb 23 at 9:00am at the Twin Creeks Center in Gatlinburg, TN. If you'd like to attend, please call Jeanie Hilten at 865-430-4752. The purpose of this training is to allow volunteers to help sort samples that come in from the ATBI plot traps to the level of Order so they may then be mailed to experts for ID. For other events, see the ATBI newsletter at http://www.discoverlife.org, under research, then under publications.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY COORDINATOR POSITION AVAILABLE--The Little Tennessee Sustainable Forestry Project seeks a talented and energetic Program Coordinator for an innovative land conservation and management program based in Franklin, NC. The Project is a collaboration of The Land Trust for the Little Tennessee or LTLT (which will be the institutional home of the Coordinator), The Conservation Fund, Western Carolina University, and Duke University. With major support from national foundations, the project seeks to explore new ground in building sustainable forestry, conservation, and community-based land protection. The Little Tennessee River basin is a hotspot of biodiversity, recreational opportunity, and high quality of life in western North Carolina's Appalachian Mountains. For full position description and application instructions, mail or e-mail: Search Director, P.O.Box 1148, Franklin, NC 28744 or ltlt@dnet.net before April 15.
EPA-NSF FUNDING FOR DECISION MAKING AND VALUATION FOR ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY--Funding is available for research that will contribute to the development of practical, credible approaches for estimating the benefits and costs of environmental policies and improving decision making about environmental issues. The three specific research areas focus on 1) ecosystem valuation, 2) research linking individual environmental values with group or community valuation of environmental amenities, and 3) the role of environmental information in environmental decision making. See http://es.epa.gov/ncer/rfa/
AUDUBON BIRD CONSERVATION NEWS ON-LINE--Read the Winter 2002 edition of Audubon's Bird Conservation Newsletter at http://www.audubon.org/bird/news.html. Highlights include IBA Program updates, as well as policy, sanctuary, and educational news along with upcoming meetings and events, as they relate to bird conservation.
KNOXVILLE I-475 BELTWAY DRAFT EIS ON WEB, HEARINGS SCHEDULED--The draft EIS on this proposed project has been published, with limited numbers of paper copies available in local libraries. It is also available at http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/Chief_Engineer/assistant_engineer_Planning/environmental_permits/I475DEIS.pdf. Hearings are scheduled for:
Other NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items:
--US Army Corps of Engineers Public Notices:
Department of Energy:
DOE announces the availability of the EA and FONSI for Transportation of Low-Level Radioactive Waste from the Oak Ridge Reservation to Off-Site Treatment and Disposal Facilities. Copies available from McMillanWG@oro.doe.gov. Also, a Draft EA for the Proposed Conveyance of the American Museum of Science and Energy is available at www.oro.doe.gov/Foia/DOE_Public_Reading_Room.htm under "New Documents."
Federal Highway Administration:
The final EIS for the construction of the Shawnee Highway, McDowell, Raleigh, and Wyoming Counties, West Virginia is available from Thomas J. Smith at (304) 347-5928.
Fish and Wildlife Service:
The Draft EIS on Double-crested Cormorant Management is available from the Chief, Migratory Bird Management, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 North Fairfax Drive, Room 634, Arlington, VA 22203; cormorant_eis@fws.gov.
Forest Service:
The New River Valley Ranger District is proposing to establish an oak progeny test in an old agricultural field in Smyth County, Virginia. For more information, contact Ed Leonard at 540-552-4641.
Tennessee Division of Water Pollution Control:
A Public Notice of the availability of proposed total maximum daily load for fecal coliform in First Creek, Second Creek, Third Creek, and Goose Creek, Fort Loudoun Lake Watershed was issued. For more information, contact Dennis Borders at 615-532-0706.
From October through December, TVA issued the following environmental decisions affecting the Southern Appalachians. Copies are available from hmdraper@tva.gov:
UPCOMING EVENTS:
ALL TAXA BIODIVERSITY INVENTORY OF GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK GRANTS AVAILABLE -- $100,000 is allocated for research activities to be conducted in the 2002 field season in support of the Smokies ATBI. Proposals are solicited for award amounts not to exceed $7500. Email Jeanie Hilten (jeanie@discoverlife.org) for full RFP and visit the web site (http://www.discoverlife.org/sc/) for an overview of the ATBI activities.
SUSTAINABLE FORESTRY PROJECT GRANTS AVAILABLE -- National Commission on Science for Sustainable Forestry seeks proposals for competitively funded grants for ten specific projects identified by the Commission to fulfill their mission. Investigators and practitioners in a wide range of organizations including universities, institutes, professional organizations, consultants, NGOs and governmental organizations at the local, state and federal levels are eligible. See the web site (http://cnie.org/NCSE/NCSSF/page.cfm?FID=1433#List) for information on projects and proposals due February 4.
MAB YOUNG SCIENTISTS AWARDS AVAILABLE -- Objectives of the MAB awards are 1) to encourage young scientists (not older than 40 years) to use MAB research and project sites and biosphere reserves in their research and training efforts, 2) to encourage young scientists who already use such sites to undertake comparative studies in other sites in or outside their own country, and 3) to assist exchange of information and experience among a new generation of scientists. Proposals for awards up to $5000 are due July 1. See the web site (http://www.unesco.org/mab/capacity/mys/awarmab2.htm) for more information.
NEPA/Environmental Coordination Items:
UPCOMING EVENTS: