Daily Updates for March 2012
RochesterEnvironment.com
These Daily Updates for this month represent just one month in over a decade of connecting the dots on our area's environmental situation.
Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? GOT AN ENVIRONMENTAL STORY ABOUT THE ROCHESTER, NY AREA FROM A CREDIBLE SOURCE? SEND IT TO ME! Looking for something specific. Use Control + F and search for it on this page.
These daily updates pertain to what is going on in our environment in Rochester & around the world. Although I do not see RochesterEnvironment.com, or Global Environmental Resources, as environmental activist sites, I do view them as active. They are active conduits for all the environmental news, services, links, and an on-going discovery for the potential role that I believe the Internet will play in environmentalism. Your local news media is not doing its job in informing the public on the breath and depth of our environmental problems, so you are going to have to get on the Internet.
- 3/31/2012 - Worth your time to see how Rochester, NY is doing on many fronts, including our environment with ACT Rochester, NY. Analyzing Rochester's Community Report Card | WXXI News WXXI News Director Julie Philipp talks with ACTRochester's Ann Johnson and Jennifer Leonard of the Rochester Area Community Foundation about the recently released report card on the Rochester community. (March 30, 2012) WXXI News | The Public Media news source for Rochester, NY and the Finger Lakes
- 3/30/2012 - Reminder of major Earth Day event coming up for Rochester, NY WHAT: Sierra Club – Rochester Regional Group’s 14th Annual Environmental Forum: Our Water’s Fragile Future: Hydrofracking, Climate Change & Privatization WHEN: Thursday, April 19, 2012; 5:30-9pm; 5:30pm-Networking; 7pm-Program WHERE: First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Road South Celebrate Earth Day a few days early at the 14th Annual Environmental Forum, where the future of upstate New York’s clean water is the topic of discussion. This annual event, sponsored by the Sierra Club’s Rochester Regional Group, features a presentation by dynamic speaker, Jim Olson, the foremost U.S. legal expert on the challenges of protecting our nation’s fresh water. more...
- 3/30/2012 - Interesting heuristic: See how Climate Change affects our planet from many viewpoints and get a sense of this issue: "Carbon map infographic: a new way to see the Earth move How can you map the world to show global data in an immediately clear way? How can you show two datasets at once to see how they compare? Kiln, a partnership of Guardian writer Duncan Clark and developer Robin Houston has come up with this beautiful new take on the globe. Watch the animated intro or click on the topics and see the map move before your eyes. Adding shading lets you compare two datasets to see how they relate – " Latest US news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian
- 3/30/2012 - ACTION for active transportation: It’s not too lake to make comment on active transportation (biking and walking) in Brighton, NY. Complete this simple survey and help those constructing the Brighton Bicycle Master plan do the best job of making Brighton a community that easily accommodates active transportation, which is good for you and our environment, and the other kinds. Welcome to BIKE WALK brighton : Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan "The Town of Brighton is currently in the early stages of developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This survey is designed to gather information reflecting Brighton residents' current levels of bicycling and walking activity, their attitudes toward bicycling and walking, and their insight into barriers that presently exist. Please allot about 5-10 minutes to complete the survey. Thank you for helping shape Brighton's efforts to become a more accommodating place to walk and ride! " Welcome to BIKE WALK brighton : Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan
- 3/30/2012 - Recycle for our environment, recycle for our kids: E-Scrap 4 Camp 2012: Recycle Your Electronics & Help Send Kids With Cancer To Camp Good Days Sunnking, in partnership with Camp Good Days and Special Times, has created a program entitled E-Scrap 4 Camp to turn old electronics into funds to help improve the quality of life for children, adults and families whose lives have been touched by cancer. The combined efforts of everyone who recycles through this annual event will help to make a huge difference in the lives of people who have been afflicted by this dreaded disease. (March 29, 2012) Electronics, E-Scrap, E-Waste Recycling & Data Destruction | Sunnking
- 3/30/2012 - It’s like I’ve been saying, New York State is going to have enough stress on our freshwater with Climate Change without adding Fracking in the mix. "Climate change will constrain North America’s over-allocated water resources, increasing competition among agricultural, municipal, industrial and ecological uses (very high confidence). " page 619 - North America Field, C.B., L.D. Mortsch,, M. Brklacich, D.L. Forbes, P. Kovacs, J.A. Patz, S.W. Running and M.J. Scott, 2007: North America. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Linden and C.E. Hanson, Eds., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 617-652.
- 3/29/2012 - Who is going to pay for natural disasters in the age of warming? When you think about the Likely Changes coming to our NYS region because of Climate Change the money spent out by our government for natural disasters could get pretty steep. We are grateful that our representatives are willing to step up to the plate to provide financial assistance when extreme weather strikes, but what are we going to do as extreme natural events become more common. more...
- 3/29/2012 - The Solutions for a Thriving New World | Spring of Sustainability looks like quite an environmental event off-line and on until June: Sustainability Leaders Lead Free Webinars | WiserEarth Blog "The Spring of Sustainability is a three-month series of virtual and live events. Our own Executive Director Peggy Duvette will be among the speakers. Learn more in this official press release. World’s Largest Sustainability Mobilization Begins March 26 Virtual and Live Events Feature Global Environmental Leaders, NGO’s Major environmental organizations and 100 top-name sustainability leaders are joining forces in a massive, unprecedented global initiative. The three-month “Spring of Sustainability,” intended to reach hundreds of thousands, begins March 26 with an almost-daily mix of free teleseminars, live programs, and local events uniting communities across the globe. "
- 3/28/2012 - Voice your concern for active transportation in Brighton tomorrow: BikeWalkBrighton Open House The town was awarded $68,500 from the Genesee Transportation Council’s Unified Planning Work Program to develop a Brighton Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan. One goal of the plan is to provide accessible and safe routes to and from the University. The Brighton Bicycle and Pedestrian Task Force will hold an open house on Thursday, March 29, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave. Additional information and an online survey are available on the project website.
- 3/28/2012 - Got something to do on May 5th? If not why not love our NYS Parks: Parks & Trails New York - I Love My Park Day "Show NYS Parks and Historic Sites Some Love Volunteer on Saturday, May 5th for the first-ever I Love My Park Day! Online registration is now open! Find an event and register today. I Love My Park Day is an exciting new statewide event organized by Parks & Trails New York to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs. Volunteers from across the state will participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites. Volunteers will celebrate New York’s park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects. Join us Saturday, May 5th and show our parks and historic sites some love! " Parks & Trails New York
- 3/28/2012 - Maybe, like our friends in Amherst, NY, we here in the Rochester, NY region will become so adept at Recycling that our recycling totes will be larger than our landfill cans. Town to begin delivering recycling totes in late April - Amherst - The Buffalo News Amherst residents can expect to receive their new, green-lidded recycling totes between late April and late May. The totes will be delivered to the town and will be available to distribute around April 26, Highway Superintendent Robert Anderson said Monday. Ever since the town signed a new trash and recycling contract with Modern Corp., effective this year, town residents have been pestering town officials with questions about when they can expect their new, wheeled recycling totes to arrive. (March 27, 2012) The Buffalo News - breaking local news, sports, business, entertainment, weather and multimedia
- 3/28/2012 - ACTION: for stopping Fracking: The attached poster is to request participation in the important rally in Albany on April 4th. We are afraid the governor will go ahead and issue permits to allow fracking soon!!! Please consider attending and signing up for the bus. If not please help by contributing the bus cost for someone else to attend. The bus cost is $30.00. Reduced low rates available for those who need it Thanks contact bonniecannan@hotmail.com
- 3/28/2012 - For all of you who like gadgets to help you become more environmentally friendly here is a great way to find ways to Recycle everything from your Smartphone or tablet, or just go to the site: iRecycle - Earth911.com "iRecycle is the easiest and most accessible way to get people plugged into local recycling opportunities. iRecycle provides access to more than 1 million ways to recycle plus the latest in green news and ideas to match your lifestyle. Now available for iOS, iPad & Android. " [more on Recycling and Green Living in our area]
- 3/28/2012 - Dealing with Climate Change in our region. Calculate your carbon footprint in our region, then find out and join programs to reduce your carbon footprint: Finger Lakes Climate Fund "The Finger Lakes Climate Fund works to promote energy efficiency projects in the Finger Lakes area while strengthening our regional economy and assisting local families in need. Carbon offset donations are used for grants to fund energy efficiency projects that would not otherwise be possible in low to moderate income households in the Finger Lakes region. These grants help pay for insulation, air sealing, energy efficient heating equipment, and other upgrades to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is also investigating other cost-effective local carbon offset projects such as solar hot water, solar photovoltaic, biomass heating, and other renewable energy projects. The Finger Lakes Climate Fund is a way for people to support our community while offsetting their home, plane, or vehicle pollution. " [more on Green Living in our area]
- 3/27/2012 - Great event about Food coming up where you learn about local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Please come visit us Saturday, March 31st at NOFA-NY’s 2nd Annual Community Supported Agriculture Fair in Huntington. You are invited to attend this FREE event to meet area growers, learn about their farms, products, and CSA – and to sign up for the upcoming season! Find the CSA that’s right for you. The fairs are family friendly as well-so bring the kids! Cinema Arts Centre, 423 Park Ave. Saturday, March 31st from 10 am-1pm This fair is sponsored by a Specialty Crop Block Grant from NYS Department of Agriculture and Markets, Bejo Seeds, Farmshed CNY & Farm Family Insurance. Snacks sponsored by Tierra Farm. CSAs Attending Crossroads Farm at Grossman's Clover Road Farm Flora's Nurseries Fox Hollow Farm Garden of Eve Farm Golden Earthworm Organic Farm Hawthorne Valley Farm Homecoming Farm/Sophia's Garden Invincible Summer Farm Restoration Farm Rustic Roots Deliver (subscription service) SustainAbility Services More information as well as dates and locations for upcoming NOFA-NY CSA Fairs at www.nofany.org/csafair
- 3/27/2012 - Hope for the Genesee River: The Genesee Rivers has been given some negative news lately, as it has been named the 32nd worst toxic polluted river in the US according to this report: Wasting Our Waterways 2012 Toxic Industrial Pollution and the Unfulfilled Promise of the Clean Water Act Released by: Environment America Research and Policy Center Release date: Thursday, March 22, 2012 > Read News Release > Download Report (PDF). Read more about that here and a host of articles on this story: Not news: Genesee River (which runs through Rochester, NY) ranked 32nd most polluted river in the US. However, all may not be lost to recover the environmental health of our river, check out this photo essay” Improving Conservation Strategy for the Neglected Upper Genesee River” by Genesee River Wilds www.geneseeriverwilds.org
- 3/27/2012 - Great environmental event for the whole family and recycle too: Wildlife Educators Coalition at Cool Kids Ecofest, Where:Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, New York, When: April 14, 2012,10 AM to 2PM, FREE and open to the public | Looking for a fabulous fun way to spend a day with the family? Look no further! Come visit us at the Cool Kids Ecofest: WILDLIFE EDUCATORS COALITION + we are being joined by APEX WILDLIFE EDUCATION with Snakeman Jake and his cold blooded critters. We will have our animals that you know and love And some new friends, too. Get a sneak preview of our very first book THE FOX & THE RABBIT: Brothers of the Heart And meet the star characters of the book Get your picture taken, play Beanie Baby Toss Commune with the Critters Be COOL! BE GREEN! Recycle! TODAY MARK YOUR CALENDAR and RIGHT AWAY-START SAVING YOUR: · -OLD ELECTRONICS for the E-scrap Drive! · -OLD SNEAKERS (only--no metal!) for Nike-Reuse-A-Shoe Drive! · -Paperback BOOKS! --for Operation Paperback! (no hardcovers or Romance novels) Featuring a massive green menu of over SIXTY COOL, LOCAL GREEN displays and ACTIVITY TABLES!! with make it and take it’s-and LOADS of HIGH ENERGY FUN to keep you/the family busy with GREEN! GAMES! WILDLIFE! Hands-on COOL for 4 GREEN-POWER packed HOURS!!! A mountain bike raffle for participating in recycling your E-Scrap! Sneakers! Books! And TONS more!!!! Including: OUTSIDE in Parking Lot and Plaza!! 10 AM - 2 PM
- 3/27/2012 - A note from CEI: Center for Environmental Information "Green Drinks April Green Drinks will be replaced by Sierra Club's 14th Annual Environmental Forum. Topic: Our Water's Fragile Future - Hydrofracking, Climate Change, & Privatization Thursday, April 19, 2012 doors open at 5:30pm First Unitarian Church of Rochester, 220 Winton Road South "
- 3/27/2012 - ACT Rochester “A community indicators program of the Rochester Area Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Rochester,” has issued is Community Report Card, which includes environmental data for the seven county region: ACT Rochester "Our Community Report Card Today more than 250 people will attend an event where ACT Rochester delivers Our Community Report Card, where data from our seven-county region in 12 topic areas will be compared to New York state. In addition, long-term trending and some disparities will be reviewed. This objective assessment of our region's well-being will be discussed in small groups to determine how every person and organization can participate in community problem-solving and decision-making by using credible, independent, and timely data. "
- 3/26/2012 - When extreme weather comes to your door: NCPR News - Year of the Floods Part One: The Rivers Rise During this membership drive week, we'll be looking back at the story that shaped much of our news coverage over the last twelve months - a series we're calling The Year of the Floods. Beginning in April of 2011, torrential rains combined with heavy snowmelt sparked weeks of heavy flooding that caused tens of millions of dollars worth of damages. (March 26, 2012) NCPR: North Country Public Radio
- 3/26/2012 - Not news: Genesee River (which runs through Rochester, NY) ranked 32nd most polluted river in the US. Back in 1998, when I first began RochesterEnvironment.com to collect and access all the environmental issues surrounding one community—Rochester, NY—I created a page called Genesee River. I created it because some major articles and reports had just come out that the river that runs through Rochester, NY was very toxic and polluted. Here is an entry I posted on my web page back in the day (though none of the links work anymore): more...
- 3/24/2012 - Find out about Invasive Species in this lecture: Rochester Committee for Scientific Information Annual Meeting focusing on Invasive Species Monday, April 9, 2012 7:00 PM Invasive Species: By Land and By Sea “Invasive Non-native Forest Pests: Game Changers in a Changing Environment?” Presented by Dr. Mark Whitmore Forest Entomologist Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University “Aquatic Invasive Species: A Threat to the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes” Presented by Dr. Joe Makarewicz Distinguished Service Professor Department of Environmental Science and Biology, SUNY Brockport Rochester Institute of Technology Building 76 – Chester F. Carlson Image Science Center Carlson Auditorium Room 1125 (See map on reverse side) Co-sponsored by the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Liberal Arts Free – open to the public Please park in Lot F
- 3/23/2012 - If we were hoping that the President would keep his promise to address Climate Change, it looks like not. Addressing the GOP ridiculous charge that the President is responsible for the hike in gas prices seems to be more important than the physics of Climate Change. Obama's Worst Speech Ever: "We’ve Added Enough New Oil And Gas Pipeline To Encircle The Earth" | ThinkProgress Obama expedites southern leg of Keystone pipeline and embraces fossil fuels. Does this make him more or less likely to okay the northern leg post-election? Once upon a time, Obama said future generations would remember his ascendance as “the moment when the rise of the oceans began to slow and our planet began to heal.” In a Cushing, Oklahoma, speech today, Obama made clear future generations would remember him for something quite different: (March 22, 2012) Climate Progress | ThinkProgress
- 3/23/2012 - ACTION: Take action on Climate Change on May 5th: It’s Time for Us to Connect the Dots « EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement Earlier today, Barack Obama wrapped up his first trip to Oklahoma as President. He arrived just after a week of floods, capping off a winter that never came, which followed the hottest and driest summer Oklahoma had seen in thousands of years, perhaps ever. But he wasn’t in Oklahoma to talk about these climate disasters. He was there to laud his administration’s fast-tracking of the southern leg of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. It’s obvious from his speech today that President Obama isn’t connecting the dots between fossil fuel extraction, climate change and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this past year. (March 22, 2012) EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement
- 3/23/2012 - Something that RochesterEnvironment.com has been doing since its inception back in 1998 is connecting the dots between local environmental news and sustainability. Now, things are becoming clearer as we accumulate more information. Climate Change is the lens through which all environmental information must be viewed. Climate warming due to human activities is accelerating, but it is not reflected in our news or politics. Something must be done or we’ll cook in our own juices—the sauce of business as usual. Let the action on Climate Change begin: Connect the Dots "Record-breaking heat waves in Russia, wildfires in Australia, floods in Thailand. Every time we pick up the newspaper and read about another record-breaking natural disaster, it becomes increasingly clear that climate change is not a future problem — it’s happening right now. Connect the Dots is a project of 350.org and our partner organizations, to shine a spotlight on the connections between extreme weather and climate change. We will use those connections to issue a wake-up call for our communities, the media, and our politicians. We’ll kick off the project with Climate Impacts Day on 5/5/12, when thousands of communities around the world come together to take action to Connect the Dots and call for urgent action to stop the climate crisis. "
- 3/22/2012) What is spring? Spring used to be March 21st and dependable, but now with warming it’s fluid. Check out state-by-state arrivals of recent Springs. State-by-State Look at How Early Spring Has Arrived | Climate Central For most of the country spring has sprung earlier this year, but is this anything more than a single warm year? It seems that it is. Over the past several decades, with the exception of the Southeast, spring weather has indeed been arriving earlier. In the interactive below, you can see how much earlier spring has arrived state-by-state, measured by the date of first leaf. As you hover over any state, it'll display two boxes: a gray box that represents the day spring used to arrive (based on the 1951-1980 average) and a colored box that represents how much earlier spring has arrived (based on the 1981-2010 average). Climate Change | Climate Central
- 3/22/2012 - For those thinking this mild winter was just great might want to consider what it might mean this year and years to follow. Winter That Wasn't Fuels Deadly Spring Of Wildfires | ThinkProgress The winter that wasn’t is bleeding into a spring of fire, with freakish warmth and dry ground breeding a disturbingly early start to wildfire season across the nation Green | ThinkProgress
- 3/21/2012 - Actually, what does the economy (manmade system) have to do with whether Climate science (physics) is true or not? Climate Change Acceptance Sinks During Economic Slumps | Wired Science | Wired.com A few years back, the US public’s acceptance of conclusions reached by climate scientists took a dramatic drop. It’s only now beginning to recover. Not a lot has changed about the science during that time, raising questions about what’s driving the ups and downs in the polls. Studies have found correlations with the weather and a role for political leaders in driving these changes, but a new study suggests some of that is misplaced. Instead, its authors come to a conclusion we’ve heard before: it’s the economy, stupid. (March 20, 2012) Wired.com
- 3/21/2012 - Don’t forget 40th anniversary of Clean Water Act, something to remember as we inch towards #Fracking-which got exempted from the CWA. Clean Water Act: 40th Anniversary | Clean Water Act 40th Anniversary | US EPA "2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the nation's law for protecting our most irreplaceable resource. Every person deserves clean water - it is vital for our health, communities, environment and economy. We have made great progress in reducing pollution during the past 40 years. But many challenges remain and we must work together to protect clean water for our families and future generations. Everyone has an impact on the water and we are all responsible for making a difference. Water is worth it."
- 3/21/2012 - Got thoughts on walking and bicycling (active transportation) for Brighton, NY? Stop over and share your thoughts and sign up to their Facebook page. Bike Walk Brighton "The objective of the Brighton Pedestrian and Bicycle Master Plan is to develop a plan for a well-connected, safe, and functional active transportation network of sidewalks and on- and off-road trails to enhance the safety and circulation of pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists. "
- 3/20/2012 - Press release coming up creating more renewable energy jobs in New York State: Sierra Club in Niagara Proposes Win-Win Strategy for Jobs and Clean Energy Thursday, March 22, 2012 at 9:30 AM outside Dug’s Dive Restaurant, 1111 Fuhrmann Blvd, Buffalo NY 14203. The Sierra Club/Niagara Group is releasing CLEAN/FIT, a report that outlines how NYS can create jobs while shifting to renewable energy. This report describes how a FIT, or Feed-in-Tariff has worked across the world to generate alternative CLEAN energy and at the same time, provide viable jobs. The FIT, already being considered in Long Island, could work here in WNY. The paper was prepared for the Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club. Members of the Sierra Club/Niagara Group, Lynda Schneekloth, Chair, Bill Nowak, report author, and John Shinn, United Steel Workers, Regional Director for District 4 will be present to talk about the paper and answer questions. C L E A N - F I T Clean Local Energy Accessible Now – Feed In Tariff: A Program to Unleash Renewable Energy and Create Jobs in New York State
- 3/19/2012 - Bat disease that started in our region spreads; danger to our bats and agriculture White Nose Syndrome In Bats Has Spread To Alabama BIRMINGHAM, Ala., March 15 (Reuters) - White-nose syndrome, a mysterious illness blamed for killing millions of bats across eastern North America since it was detected in New York in 2006, has spread to Alabama, authorities said on Thursday. Government wildlife officials said the disease, which poses a potentially devastating threat to U.S. agriculture because bats feed on pest insects, had been confirmed earlier this month among bats nesting in the Russell Cave complex in Alabama's Jackson County. (March 15, 2012) Green News, Energy, Environment, Animals, Climate Change, Extreme Weather - HuffPost Green [more on Wildlife in our area]
- 3/19/2012 - Alternative Transportation in Rochester: Because Transportation contributes to 17 t% of the release of greenhouse gases (GHG) into our atmosphere according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) you get the most bang for your buck by walk or riding your bike than using your gas guzzler to get to short destinations. Check out this excellent online talk/presentation/program by one of our area’s best transportation thinkers: Rochester's Rolling Revolution: What goes around comes around "I've combined the video of my TEDx Rochester talk with the Prezi that I was going to use before Gary Jacobs created his wonderful visuals. For online viewing try this Active Transportation Multimedia Extravaganza. " Prof. John Schull of RIT.
- 3/17/2012 - Water, sewage, and Climate Change in the Rochester, NY region Uninteresting and unappealing as the subject of sewage can oftentimes seem, two news items this week about a couple of our New York State cities’—New York City and Buffalo—sewer systems caught my attention. New York City’s new sewer system plan was hailed as a model of how combined sewer overflows can be significantly reduced and Buffalo was excoriated by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for failing to comply with federal Clean Water Act requirements for combined sewer systems. more...
- 3/16/2012 - Climate Change skeptics are a drag on us all While Climate Change skeptics still get to grab the US public’s attention and spew doubt about Climate Change your government through its various agencies—wildlife, transportation, health, and many more—are preparing and adapting to imminent change. Our collective ability to provide funding and public participation for the may projects that will help us adapt to Climate Change is oftentimes foiled by senseless arguments by those with another agenda: more...
- 3/15/2012 - ACTION: Got thoughts on fish and Climate Change and research and resources? Tell it to the NYSDEC Lake Ontario Fisheries Unit before April 27, 2012 DEC Releases Draft Objectives For Lake Ontario's Fish Community - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Releases Draft Objectives For Lake Ontario's Fish Community Plan to Guide Bi-National Management of Lake's Fisheries Resources The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released its proposed Fish Community Objectives for Lake Ontario for public review and comment. The comment period ends April 27, 2012. Lake Ontario's fisheries are jointly managed by DEC and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). DEC and OMNR strive to provide sound management of Lake Ontario's fisheries for ecosystem function and recreational benefits. The draft plan is available on the DEC website. (March 14, 2012) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]
- 3/15/2012 - Hard to reconcile this Climate Change news for US and the fact the presidential candidates aren’t even questioned on their Climate Change positions. Rising Sea Levels a Growing Risk to Coastal U.S., Study Says - NYTimes.com About 3.7 million Americans live within a few feet of high tide and risk being hit by more frequent coastal flooding in coming decades because of the sea level rise caused by global warming, according to new research. If the pace of the rise accelerates as much as expected, researchers found, coastal flooding at levels that were once exceedingly rare could become an every-few-years occurrence by the middle of this century. (March 13, 2012) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia [more on Climate Change in our area]
- 3/15/2012 - Environmental Event coming up: The third is the 4 part film series on "LOCALIZATION: ECONOMY, FOOD AND ENERGY" will be held WEDNESDAY, MARCH 21 at the Brighton Town Hall Lower Auditorium, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester. Sponsored by ten community organizations, GREENHORNS, the movie about the growing beginning farmer movement in the country will begin at 6:30 pm with tabling by sponsor groups, the film at 7 pm and a panel-led discussion following. Erin Bullock whose Mud Creek Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has been featured in many articles will be a panelist along with Cordelia Hall, who coordinates the East Hill Farm and CSA in Middlesex location of the Rochester Folk Art Guild. Kristina Keefe-Perry, Outreach and Beginning Farmer Coordinator for the Northeast Organic Farming Assn. of NY (NOFA NY) will facilitate the panel. The event is free and open to the public with donations welcomed. For further information: contact Alison Clarke, 585-244-2711.
- 3/14/2012 - Public health and Fracking: Better late than never to determine the public health effects before lifting the New York State moratorium on Fracking. Of course, determining whether Fracking’s impact on our public health should have been in the original Hydraulic Fracturing SGEIS report from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation before it solicited public opinion about the potential health issues involving Fracking. And it probably would have been ignored altogether, as it probably is in other states, but I guess the public outcry that the state would even consider Fracking without it shows that NYS is not going to roll over completely for the drilling companies. NY Assembly calls for fracking health impact study ALBANY — Environmental and health groups are praising the New York State Assembly for including an independent health impact study of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas in its budget proposal. Numerous physicians, health organizations and environmental groups have criticized the Department of Environmental Conservation for not including a comprehensive health impact study in its environmental review of gas drilling using high-volume hydraulic fracturing, or fracking. (March 12, 2012) NY Daily Record [more on Fracking in our area]
- 3/14/2012 - Save money and energy on new appliances that will help our environment: GOVERNOR CUOMO ANNOUNCES $3.5 MILLION HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE REBATE PROGRAM Rebates Are Available for High-Efficiency Refrigerators and Clothes Washers Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the “Buy Green, Save Green NYS High-Efficiency Appliance Rebate Program” with $3.5 million in federal funds available to New York residents for the purchase of high-efficiency ENERGY STAR® refrigerators and clothes washers. The program begins Monday, March 19. The funding is being provided by the U.S. Department of Energy's State Energy Program. (March 12, 2012) http://www.ny.gov/
- 3/12/2012 - Unclaimed bottle refunds going to NYS Environmental Protection Fund is a great idea. Learn more about that here Keep Protecting New York's Environment | Bottle deposit fees may go to environmental fund | The Journal News | LoHud.com | LoHud.com ALBANY — Ever wonder what happens to your nickel deposit whenever you toss a soda can or beer bottle without returning it? Under a bill receiving serious consideration in the state Legislature, most of it would go back into a state fund that provides grants for projects that involve recycling, preserving farmland and open space, and other conservation initiatives. (March 11, 2012) The Journal News | LoHud.com | Westchester, Rockland, Putnam news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, New York | LoHud.com [more on Recycling in our area]
- 3/12/2012 - Like it or not we are going to see that diseases like Lyme disease will be connected with Climate Change as areas of concern spread. Disease-carrying tick populations spread: study A new study has documented the rapid growth in Canada of ticks that can cause Lyme disease, and global warming is thought to be a factor. Ticks capable of carrying Lyme disease went from being almost non-existent in populated areas in Canada in 1990 to being currently in 18 per cent of such spots east of Saskatchewan, and this is expected to reach 80 per cent by 2020, according to the paper published in the British Ecological Society's Journal of Applied Ecology. (March 11, 2012) Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph online, Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph [more on Lyme Disease in our area]
- 3/12/2012 - Will the Fracking boom bypass NYS and set us up for a greater economic boom? New York State seems to be balking at the idea of riddling our countryside with natural gas production. The rise in public concern over Fracking in New York State and current low natural gas prices appear to be giving the gas companies the jitters. Some perceive that NYS is over-regulating the drilling industry, which might mean that the boom could go bust. That is added to the cascading of Fracking moratoriums (60 as of today) being passed by localities in the state, in part because of concerns over water quality due to the reluctance of gas drilling companies to reveal what’s in their Fracking fluids. (See What the Frack is in That Water? - ProPublica). more...
- 3/10/2012 - Meeting on local Water Quality coming up. Don’t miss it: "Tuesday, March 27, 6:30pm. Brighton Memorial Library, 2300 Elmwood Avenue. Free. With the warm spring and summer months on the way, what is your contribution to the water quality issues we experience at Lake Ontario beaches every year? Is water quality in Canandaigua and the other Finger Lakes deteriorating because of our own daily activities? How does your own water use change the quality of the water we drink, swim, and play in and on? Color Brighton Green has invited three water quality experts to address the issues and questions we have about everything from the chemistry of our ground and surface water such as streams and rivers, to clean drinking water issues, to the pools and lakes we play in during the warmer months that are just around the corner. Join us, along with: Charles Knopf - water scientist for the Monroe County Health Department on the science of what is making its way into our water, lakes and rivers Jim Nugent - Monroe County Water Authority on why we have some of the highest quality drinking water in the world Paul Sawlko - Water Education Collaborative on why we seem to have 'no swim' days so often at Lake Ontario beaches and the progress Brighton is making on restoring its own Buckland Creek as we get up to date and specify actions you, your family, and your business can take as part of the Brighton community to lessen your impact on water quality here and in the area's streams, rivers, lakes and beaches. For more information, contact Cheryl Frank or Margy Peet info@ColorBrightonGreen.org. "
- 3/09/2012 - Because of the heightened concern over nuclear energy since Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan, we are glad they’re taking a close look at our nuclear power plant. With nuclear energy there’s little room for error, unlike renewable energy that doesn’t pollute and won’t contaminate future generations if something goes wrong. Feds: Ginna is good to go | 520 – An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle Federal regulators have given the Ginna nuclear power plant a clean bill of health in their latest annual assessment. Our local atomic plant, on the shore of Lake Ontario in the Wayne County town of Ontario, 17 1/2 miles as the crow flies from downtown Rochester, “operated in a manner that preserved public health and safety and met all cornerstone objectives.” Well, that’s reassuring. You can read the assessment letter, which I received this morning, here. There’s not much there, and what isthere is in nuke-reg jargon and therefore virtually unintelligible to most of us. But it makes reference to some hot water in which the plant found itself starting back in 2008. (March 7, 2012) 520 – An Environmental Blog | Rochester Democrat and Chronicle [more on Energy in our area]
- 3/09/2012 - The yearly City of Rochester ‘Clean Sweep’ is coming up. Over the years this event has brought neighbors together to spruce up our beautiful city and makes us proud. Find out where and when ‘Clean Sweep’ will be orchestrated in your neighborhood and sign up. City of Rochester | Clean Sweep - 2012 Help make Rochester sparkle at Clean Sweep More than 25,000 volunteers have demonstrated their pride in Rochester by working alongside City crews to clean and beautify just about every street in the city. In addition to removing litter and debris, volunteers do such things as planting flowers, pruning trees and performing other neighborhood beautification projects. Register Now! 2012 Clean Sweep Dates and Places: City of Rochester
- 3/08/2012 - Climate Change in NYS will increase asthma so focusing on Climate Change adaption strategies should be a part of asthma strategies State Health Department Awards $7.2 Million to Combat Asthma Eight regional coalitions receive grants to improve the quality of life for individuals with asthma ALBANY, N.Y. (February 22, 2012) - State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H., today announced that eight regional coalitions have been awarded State grants totaling up to $7.2 million over five years to provide asthma services to high-risk populations and reduce the burden of asthma in New York communities. The grant recipients will receive initial awards of $180,000 for a 12-month period, and may qualify for additional awards up to a maximum of $900,000 over five years. (February 22, 20120 New York State Department of Health
- 3/08/2012 - The 2012 Great Disconnect: During the presidential elections no talk of Climate Change. Though we are social creatures and are heavily swayed by conformity and conventionality, we are also a reasonable species. At the core of our being is the thread finely weaved of four-billion years of survivors who learned about their environment so they could struggle successfully against our enemies and the harsh elements to arrive at this critical point. We are now the stewards of this planet, whose every action affects our environment and everything else on this planet. more...
- 3/08/2012 - Regardless of where you stand on Fracking, the public has a right to know what Fracking fluids contain. Thanks to those trying to wrestle from the drillers is critical info. What the Frack is in That Water? - ProPublica Environmentalists have repeatedly pressed regulators to compel oil and gas companies to report what chemicals they use in the drilling and fracking process. According to a 2011 congressional report, many of the chemicals used can pose a serious health risk. No one knows the exact makeup of the frack mixture, drilling muds and other stuff used at well sites, but this list breaks down the main ingredients revealed so far. Click on the chemical name for more detailed information. (March 7, 2012) ProPublica [more on Fracking in our area]
- 3/07/2012 - There’s a new green idea for Rochester. Find out how Rochester, NY is helping to transition Rochester's past to Rochester’s future with environmentally friendly actions. ""Join Rochester Greenovation for the grand opening of their Community Reuse Center! Stop in any time during Earth Week (April 21st to 28th) for events, creative reuse workshops, locally made upcycled goods and green products, art and more. Greenovation is a non-profit organization dedicated to educating the Rochester area about zero-waste living, recycling and reuse. Our center will be a resource for skill-seekers, artists, designers, students and local residents. We will be accepting donations of quality reuseable furniture, building materials, art and craft supplies and more in the weeks leading up to the grand opening. Visit www.rochestergreen.org or call (585) 288-6056 for more info." "
- 3/06/2012 - Extreme weather and Climate Change predictions: the true connection No matter where you stand on whether recent extreme weather events are caused by Climate Change, these stories are not going away. They are not going away because even if it is very difficult to pin point a direct cause and effect relationship between this extreme event and another one, overall we know Climate Change studies predict extreme weather events. Overall, our climate is warming up because of the fossil fuels we have put into the atmosphere since the early 1800’s. And, in all probability insurance rates are going to go up on property and anything else insurance is connected to because, deniers’ enthusiasm or not, the reality is that insurance rates will go up as the likelihood of more expensive disasters goes up. more...
- 3/05/2012 - This is the last day to add you comment to an important Climate Change adaption policy. Don’t sit this one out. Extreme Weather Of The Week (PHOTOS) This week was marked by extreme weather in the United States, where severe tornadoes destroyed property and killed many across the American Midwest. The resort town of Branson, Missouri was damaged by storms that also wreaked havoc elsewhere in Missouri and southeastern Illinois. The town of Harrisburg, Illinois lost residents and many others were reportedly injured. (March 3, 2012) Green News, Environmental Issues and Eco-Living - HuffPost Green
- 3/03/2012 - One of the many Earth Day events coming up: "The Victor Earth Day Celebration on April 23rd, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Victor Junior High School 953 High Street will focus is on "Obtainable Sustainable Solutions" for families and individuals looking for ways to make positive changes to increase the health and wellness of their lives and the earth we inhabit. Local businesses, farms, restaurants, bakeries, salons, and community groups will be joining in this evening to raise awareness, and assist families in making those "earth-friendly" choices that impact us all. We hope to have you be a part of this important evening. Demonstrations, green give-aways, natural organic locavore food tastings, interactive booths, movies, and presentations will be a part of the evening. A sample of some businesses that will be a part of the evening are: Points of Harmony Acupuncture Mud Creek Farm Organic Agriculture Nature,Spirit Healing Sierra Club Small World Collective Seven Bridges Farms The Whole Herb Salon Brio Smugtown Mushrooms Natural Alternatives Integrated Broccolo Landscaping Fingerlakes Zero Waste Coalition LEAD Poison Control Detection Victor Sustainabilty Committee Barefoot Permaculture Young Living Essential Oils Imagine It Recycling GM Alternative Vehicle Demonstration Red Bird Market "
- 3/02/2012 - Of course, there’s an easy way to address Climate Change: deny it and then suppress it. Next, maybe turn tar sands into gold. Canadian Government Targeting Opponents of New Oil Sands Pipeline | InsideClimate News Environmental groups in Canada say they are now operating within a culture of fear aimed at silencing legitimate democratic dissent. As U.S. environmental groups renew their battle against the resurrected Keystone XL oil pipeline, their counterparts in Canada are facing a deeper problem—a government campaign to limit their influence over Canada's Northern Gateway pipeline. The proposed Northern Gateway would funnel tar sands crude oil from Alberta to the Pacific Coast, where Canada could ship the oil via tankers to China and other countries. Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper expressed his support for the $6.6 billion project in January, before the first public hearing was held, and he reiterated his position during a recent visit to China (March 1, 2012) | InsideClimate News [more on Climate Change in our area]
- 3/02/2012 - Senator Sanders can speak out on Climate Change, why can’t the presidential candidates? Listen to this short video on Climate Change hosted by Senator Bernie Sanders. Already, we are experiences extreme weather and higher insurance costs because of Climate Change. Cost of Climate Change - YouTube from Senator Bernie Sanders, VT
- 3/01/2012 - For those who think that nuclear power is the answer to our Climate Change and energy issues should think again. Inside Japan’s Nuclear Meltdown | FRONTLINE | PBS Those who were there tell an unprecedented account of the crisis inside the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex.