Updates August - Sept 04

• 9/29/04 --**EVENT** FLOWER BULBS AVAILABLE FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PLANTINGS -  Dear Area Gardeners, For the sixth year, funds made have been used to purchase more than 3500 tulip and daffodil bulbs which will be distributed to groups interested in planting in public spaces this fall. The distribution of the bulbs will be similar that of the annual plants in the spring. The following questions may help clear up any confusion: How will the bulbs be distributed? On Saturday, October 16 from 9:00 - 10:30 a.m. the bulbs will be available for pick-up at the Parks Offices at 420 Dewey Avenue. Any bulbs not picked up on that day will be given to another group, or planted in the City’s Parks.  How many bulbs can we expect to receive? Each sector will be allotted 350 bulbs, a mixture of daffodils and tulips. In each sector generally 3 - 4 groups register for bulbs.  How do groups register? A group must register by returning the attached form by October 15.  Do the bulbs need to be planted on October 16th?
  No, but keep in mind that the bulbs should be planted by mid November. Do not hold them over the winter, they are perishable. If your group is unable to plant all the bulbs, please return them to the Parks Offices. We have many groups who would be interested in them. Please call with any further questions, 428-6770, Mon - Fri. Or email me at mcenteet@cityofrochester.gov  The commitment to community gardens has been inspirational, each year more and more garden space is being cultivated throughout the city.  Sincerely,  Terry McEntee - Horticultural Technician - G:\TERRY\WPDOC\BLOSSOMS\SEC4A.RTF Neighborhood Bulb Planting, October 16, 2004   -Or Email the information to mcenteet@cityofrochester.gov By: October 15, 2004 -For more information call 428-6770 or E-mail mcenteet@cityofrochester.gov
•  9/29/04 -- Here's an example of a useful online environmental site that we could use here in the United States: PollutionWatch - PollutionWatch is your source for information about the toxic pollution that facilities release in your community. On this web site, you can: Search for polluters in your area using your postal code. Obtain information about the health effects associated with specific pollutants and groups of chemicals and find out if they are tracked in the National Pollutant Release Inventory (NPRI). Take action by contacting facilities or the federal Minister of Environment to voice your concerns about pollution in Canada. Visit our Pollution Ranking page to get quick lists of the top polluters in Canada. Or create your own ranked or alphabetical lists of facilities, companies, sectors, municipalities, and provinces by a range of information on our Create a Pollution List page. Download lesson plans and order posters for junior and senior high school curriculum-relevant projects designed by Canadian Institute for Environmental Law & Policy in English or French. Analyse pollution trends from 1995 to 2001. Find detailed definitions and explanations about the NPRI and pollution regulatory information from a provincial to international level. - PollutionWatch is a collaborative project of Environmental Defence Canada, the Canadian Environmental Law Association, and the Canadian Institute for Environmental Law and Policy.
•  9/25/04 -- Concerned about nuclear power?  Check out Nuclear Policy Research Institute: Creating Consensus for a Nuclear Free Future The Nuclear Policy Research Institute (NPRI) was established to educate the American public through the mass media about the greatest single threat to our country's -- and indeed the world's -- public health, namely the profound medical, environmental, political and moral consequences of perpetuating nuclear weapons, power and waste. NPRI is led by Dr. Helen Caldicott, Founding President of Physicians for Social Responsibility (1978-83) and Women’s Action for Nuclear Disarmament (WAND); and executive director, Julie R. Enszer. NPRI seeks to create a consensus of commitment to end the nuclear age by mounting public education campaigns, establishing a pervasive presence in the mainstream media, and by sponsoring high-profile symposia.
•  9/24/04 -- Scant Environmental News-- In these days of political spin, it's getting harder and harder to find environmental news about our area.  I know because I look for them everyday in order to get a complete picture of our environment--a correct model of our reality.  Remember, "If you can't drink the water or breathe the air, anything else you want to do isn't going to happen?" --Carl Sagan.  Anyway, here's a story that I shouldn't have had to dig and dig to find.  The International Coastal Cleanup  is a very important event here in Rochester, because everyday people get out once a year a help clean up one of our most sensitive ecologies--that near our waters. So, what were the results of our area's Costal Clean up?  You wouldn't know from a causal scan of our area's news sources.  Finally, I found the story at R News: Your NewsChannel.  I commend R-News for being on the ball.  And, I also recommend that if you want a comprehensive online news report of our daily news, R News: Your NewsChannel has the most exhaustive Rochester-area news site on the web.  --Area Parks and Beaches Get Clean Up - Rochester’s beaches and parks are looking a little cleaner . Dozens of volunteers spent their Saturday picking up litter as part of the annual International Coastal Cleanup. Volunteers cleaned up places like Genesee Valley Park, Durand Eastman Beach and Hamlin Beach.  (September 24, 2004) R News: Your NewsChannel
•  9/22/04 -- With monetary cuts in our governmental programs, is our area's environment at risk? An important read from Environmental Advocates of New York-- **  EANY - Endangered Agency New York’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) is one of the state’s most important agencies. It is charged with protecting our air, water, and land — the natural resources on which all New Yorkers depend to provide a healthy and high quality environment to live, work, play, and visit. But in recent years, the DEC has suffered from dramatic staff cuts, losing many of its most experienced scientists and engineers. This trend is potentially quite dangerous — and costly — for public health and the environment. Is the DEC still able to enforce the law and protect our natural resources? Have staff cuts forced the DEC to cut corners in protecting our air and water quality and managing forests and other public lands? By cutting back on financial resources to the DEC, is the state saving money or just borrowing on our future? These questions are sorely in need of public discourse and debate. We do not have the complete answers to these important questions, but Endangered Agency is meant to stimulate this debate. We seek to highlight some recent developments and practices at the DEC, and to point out the environmental harm that may arise if these practices are allowed to continue.
•  9/22/04 --**EVENT** Interested in how storm water runoff (one of the main conduits for pollution into our waters is handled?  A morning workshop to review the importance of Stormwater pollution prevention  and discuss roadway operations & maintenance BMPs for drainage systems, winter work and non-winter work. This workshop is designed to provide training and materials for municipal representatives to take back to their towns & villages and train additional staff members. A Train the Trainer Workshop for Municipal Road Maintenance Staff - PRESENTED BY THE MONROE COUNTY STORMWATER COALITION - Managing Stormwater on Roadways - Operations & Maintenance BMPs A morning workshop to review the importance of stormwater pollution prevention and  discuss roadway operations & maintenance BMPs for drainage systems, winter work and non-winter work. This workshop is designed to provide training and materials for municipal representatives to take back to their towns & villages and train additional staff members. Speakers from the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, Monroe County Soil and Water Conservation District, and the Monroe County Public Health Department will present information. This Train the Trainer workshop is designed to help Stormwater Coalition members comply with the Federal Phase II Stormwater Regulations. These regulations require municipalities to implement an operations and maintenance program that is designed to reduce and prevent the discharge of pollutants from municipal activities including road and right-of-way maintenance. Each municipality's program is required to include employee training on pollution prevention measures and techniques. Attendance at this workshop may be included in your municipality's annual report to fulfill minimum requirements. Date/Time: Wednesday, October 13, 2004 - 8:00 – 10:30 AM - Location: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Monroe County - Auditorium 249 Highland Avenue, Rochester Registration: The workshop is free. Please register in advance with Karen Paris Tuori at 274-6397. Light refreshments will be provided. Who should attend: Those municipal and Dept. of Transportation staff members that are responsible for roadway maintenance training, i.e. Municipal Highway Superintendents, Deputy Superintendents and Highway Dept. Foremen. Others that are interested are welcome to attend.
•  9/24/04 --Got Brownfields? We have lots of them in Monroe County. Maybe we can get the EPA to help us clean them up. EPA - Proposal Guidelines for Brownfields Training, Research, and Technical Assistance Grants and Cooperative Agreements Program EPA Solicits Proposals for Up to $800,000 in Brownfields Grants for Low-Income Communities Throughout the Country - EPA is now accepting proposals for training, research, technical assistance and cooperative agreement grants focusing on health and environmental conditions in low-income and socio-economically disadvantaged communities unable to get alternative sources of funding for Brownfields cleanups. EPA hopes these grants will stimulate redevelopment, economic revitalization, and other beneficial reuse of land. The deadline for proposals is Nov. 16, 2004. The winners are expected to be named in February 2005.
•  9/23/04 --Important Report, which includes Great Lakes info: Ocean Commission report now available - U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy - Released by the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy on September 20, 2004, "An Ocean Blueprint for the 21st Century" contains 212 recommendations for a new, comprehensive national ocean policy to include the Great Lakes.--from Great Lakes Information Network
•  **GOOD/BAD IDEAS**  Now, here's a great recycling idea.  On a large scale, finding recycling opportunities, instead of throwing trash into the ground would really help the environment.  Democrat & Chronicle: School recycles old roof Discarded slate pieces get decorative makeover for sale. — IRONDEQUOIT — Last year, they sold the windows. This year, they're selling the roof. In keeping with the tradition of recycling pieces taken from West Irondequoit schools during the district's recent $56.8 million expansion and renovation projects, the West Irondequoit Foundation is selling engraved pieces of slate taken from the roof of Dake Junior High School. The building's 75-year-old slate roof was replaced during the renovations, and about 250 pieces of the old roof were saved. (September 22, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  9/22/04 --**EVENT**  - Politics of Food - HARVEST JAMBOREE & ORGANIC DAY - at the ROCHESTER PUBLIC MARKET - SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 26TH - 12 – 6PM - STOP BY OUR POLITICS OF FOOD’S ROCHESTER ROOTS SCHOOL-COMMUNITY GARDEN TABLE, WHERE WE’LL BE SELLING…SPRING BULBS ~PETAL POWER AND GREEN POWER - SKIN SALVES AND LIP BALMS ~ ORGANIC PRODUCE - From the Bethany House Garden - At the peak of the harvest season the Market will be transformed into an old-fashioned country fair featuring a variety of farm related children's activities including butter churning, cider pressing, pumpkin decorating, a petting zoo and pony rides. For the adults, bands and entertainers on two stages, beer and a large variety of the freshest produce available including an entire shed devoted to organic produce. The North East Organic Farmers Association and Urban Rural Gardens will present presentations on organic gardening. Country crafts will also be available for purchase. --from Jan McDonald - Program Director
•  9/16/04 --**ACTION** Take Action: Save Great Lakes Water In June, 2001 the eight governors and their Canadian counterparts met in Niagara Falls, New York and signed a document called Annex 2001 - an outline for amending the Great Lakes Charter, the international agreement that regulates water issues in the basin. This past July, they released draft documents for binding agreements that would protect the waters of the Great Lakes for future generations. We need your help during the public comment period to make sure these agreements stay strong.-- from Environmental Advocates of New York
•  9/16/04 -- Don't forget to read one of this state's most important environmental newspaper: The Environmental Advocates of New York - September Green Sheet.
•  9/16/04 -- Hunting season begins soon: Get all the information on hunting this year from the  New York State Department of Environmental Conservation - Protecting New York's Environment and Managing Its Natural Resources:   NYS DEC DFWMR - Hunting
•  9/15/04 -- Progress on the Great Lakes from the EPA.  Progress report on Great Lakes Executive Order -Administrator Mike Leavitt told the Great Lakes Mayors there is progress on both aspects of the recently issued Great Lakes Executive Order. The Order calls for the federal government, which administers some 140 programs that impact the Great Lakes, to coordinate its efforts. It also calls for a broad-based Regional Collaboration. Leavitt suggested coordinating work behind priorities established by the Great Lakes Governors.
•  9/14/04 --**EVENT** This just in from : Friends Helping Friends' Community Mural Celebration - Contact: - Friends Helping Friends - Andrew Stankevich - (585) 254-5490 - fhf2004@hotmail.com - Friends Helping Friends, a nonprofit organization that specializes in distributing perishable groceries to low-income people, will present a new mural at its warehouse location at 367 Lyell Avenue (near the Lyell & Sherman intersection) at 11am Saturday, September 25th. The mural by artist Krysia Mnick consists of six panels that assemble to create a 34-foot long, 200 sq. ft. painting. Refreshments and activities for kids will be available. The Friends Helping Friends' Community Mural Project has been made possible with a Culture Builds Communities Grant by the Arts & Cultural Council, funded by Citibank and the City of Rochester. Some of Ms. Mnick's public works include murals at FOODLINK, the Rochester Public Market and the Bounty of the West Wind at East Avenue, Winton Road South and the 490 Junction. See pictures of the Friends Helping Friends mural in progress at: www.friendshelpingfriends.cjb.net  under the Community Mural Project heading.
•  9/14/04 --**ACTION** From Greenpeace USA -Get Tested For Mercury Contamination -We invite mothers, children, and families to take part in the Greenpeace National Mercury Testing Program. One out of every six children born in America has elevated levels of mercury in their body. It's time to demand protection of our health from mercury pollution emitted by coal fired power plants and to promote renewable energy for America. Find out how you can be part of our program by determining your own mercury level. Learn about our upcoming events in Florida. In an effort to raise awareness about human health hazards associated with dirty energy, we are sponsoring a nationwide mercury testing project. Through these tests, volunteers will help pressure the Bush administration to make the switch from polluting fossil fuels, to healthier, renewable energy.
•  9/11/04 --**ACTION** From Greenpeace USA Urge the Forest Service to uphold the Rule, not sacrifice our national heritage to timber interests. TAKE ACTION! Go to: http://prefs.greenpeace.org/mail-links/clicks/2654.1090720.706797
•  9/11/04 -- Something you can do to help monitor our environment from - www.ebird.org . Checklists projects like eBird have proved to be immensely valuable to our understanding of North American birds, particularly when  specific sites are repeatedly visited. To that end, the Cornell Lab of Ornithology has created the eBird Site Survey to archive checklists  collected regularly from specific locations, and we need your help. If you
  have a favorite location where you watch the birds - your yard, a local  park, a nearby refuge - we invite you to participate in the eBird Site
  Survey. It's free, fun, easy to do, and will help track bird populations  across the continent. Read more on the eBird home page:
   http://www.ebird.org  or go directly to the Survey link at  http://www.ebird.org/content/news/essintro.html .
•  9/11/04 --  **QUESTIONS & ANSWERS** - Here's a question that just came in: "I am inquiring about any possible job opportunities with the Rochester region. I am particularly interested in environmental type issues." Answer: I don’t know of any specific openings for environmental jobs in the Rochester area.  Monroe County is continually offering jobs, some environmental, at http://www.monroecounty.gov/org188.asp?orgID=188&storytypeid=&storyID=&   My web site has a page that might help: http://66.227.37.127/RochesterEnvironment/eco-empl.htm  Also, our community has a large concentration of institutions of higher learning.  Many have environmental programs, studies, and, of course, they are an excellent source for online information..   Finger Lakes Community College Here you can find specific information on FLCC: Environmental Science Professions - Nazareth College US News and World Report's College Survey for the year 2000 ranks Nazareth among the top 25 colleges and universities in the North Region (covering 11 states and the District of Columbia). If you'd like to know more about Nazareth, browse through the "fast facts" on this page.  Nazareth College Environment-Related Programs --    SUNY Geneseo -- SUNY Geneseo Environment-Related Programs -  SUNY College at Brockport -    Environmental Science Major Environmental problems are among the most urgent issues facing our civilization. In order to manage Earth's environment effectively, we must understand the processes that shape the Earth's surface, control the chemistry of our air and water, and produce the resources on which we depend. -    Roberts Wesleyan College -       SUNY Empire State College  -   Rochester Institute Of Technology -  The University of Rochester -    Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Rochester. Educational and research programs in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are integrated, allowing undergraduate and graduate students to conduct research in all phases of their studies. -  Genesee Community College -    Monroe County Community College -  Cornell University Center for the Environment Learn all about getting an environmental degree.  This site provides extensive information.  You can even find about about the Cornell's Environmental Film Festival here. -  SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry: The mission of the College of Environmental Science and Forestry is to be a world leader in instruction, research, and public service related to the understanding of the structure and functional dynamics of world ecosystems; the development, management, and use of renewable natural resources; and the maintenance and enhancement of biological diversity, natural resource options, and environmental quality. -   St. John Fisher College -  Monroe BOCES 2 -  Hobart & William Smith Colleges -   Monroe 2 Orleans BOCES Elementary Science Program
•  9/09/04 --  **ACTION** Send Our Kids Back to School on Clean Buses - As our nation's children head back for another school year, many of them will still be riding on aging, dirty, diesel school buses. Diesel exhaust from school buses is especially dangerous to developing lungs and can cause significant respiratory ailments including bronchitis and asthma. The Environmental Protection Agency's program to clean up buses is currently underfunded, providing insufficient investment for schools across the nation that seek cleaner buses. Please tell your senators to send our kids back to school on better buses by supporting a comprehensive federal grant program and fully funding the administration's $65 million request for 2005 clean school bus grants. TAKE ACTION:To automatically send the letter below to your Senators, hit "Reply" and then "Send", in your email program. To customize your letter, learn more about the issue, or if this message was forwarded to you visit, http://www.ucsaction.org/ctt.asp?u=2229243&l=53421
•  9/05/04  -- How is the EPA doing on our Acid Rain Problem?   EPA's Clean Air Markets - Acid Rain Program The overall goal of the Acid Rain Program is to achieve significant environmental and public health benefits through reductions in emissions of sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx), the primary causes of acid rain. To achieve this goal at the lowest cost to society, the program employs both traditional and innovative, market-based approaches for controlling air pollution. In addition, the program encourages energy efficiency and pollution prevention.
•   9/03/04  --It's out:  Footprint Press Outdoor Newsletter (September 2004) -- from Hike, Bike, Cross Country Ski, Snowshoe and Birding Trail Guide Books  - What's Inside this issue:  Aldrich Change Bridge Project Completed - The Woods Are Alive With The Sound Of Music - The Beauty of Our Region Captured in Photography - Whitetail Deer Lecture Presentation - Are you “yurting” for a peaceful vacation in the Adirondacks? - Visit an Outdoor Club in September - Need any outdoor recreation gear or equipment? - Scarecrow Safe Journey 5K Run/Walk - Lake Erie "Beach Sweep" Clean-Up - September Presentations
•   9/03/04  --**EVENT** From New York :: The Nature Conservancy of New York - Penfield: Hike at the Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary - Date/Time:  Saturday, Oct. 2, 2004 - 10:00 AM - Overview: Brush Hour - A fall foliage tour of the swamp. Enjoy autumn's show of color and add to your knowledge of trees and shrubs. - Registration/Fee: All hikes are offered as a public service by volunteers for the Thousand Acre Swamp Sanctuary. They are free and open to the public. For information, contact Shirley Shaw at (585) 385-3907.
•  9/03/04 -**MY THOUGHTS** - Why aren't we 'Getting it?"  Maybe, it's because our media does not know what unbiased news is. What is the media's jobon the environment? What does balanced coverage mean if the end result is a public that does not adequately understand the environmental dangers they face? --"HE SAID, SHE SAID -- EXCEPT HE'S RIGHT - Study Shows Systematic Deficiency in Climate-Change Reporting - An analysis of climate-change coverage in four major U.S. newspapers from 1988 to 2002 confirms what many enviros have long charged: Media coverage of global warming is woefully deficient. A growing chorus of media critics says that the journalistic convention of "balance," which dictates that in order to remain "fair" a reporter must give equal space to two opposing viewpoints, can distort public understanding of issues on which there is in fact broad consensus. So it goes for climate change: "We respect the need to represent multiple viewpoints, but when generally agreed-upon scientific findings are presented side-by-side with the viewpoints of a handful of skeptics, readers are poorly served," said Jules M. Boykoff, coauthor of the analysis, which appeared in the latest version of the journal Global Environmental Change. The analysis also took note of the success of heavily funded industry efforts to generate a cadre of climate-change skeptics able to provide quotes to an eager and credulous press. straight to the source: EV World, 26 Aug 2004 < http://www.gristmagazine.com/cgi-bin/forward.pl?forward_id=2928 >
•  8/25/04 -- **MY THOUGHTS**  It's difficult to learn much about our environment on the media lately because our media thinks that if the candidates are not talking about it, then it must not be news.  But, the environment, because it is our support system, is the most important news of the day.  So, until a major catastrophe strikes, or until the environment gets back on the major media's radar, go online to find excellent environmental audio or video programming: ENN Radio Info Page *  Living On Earth Tune into this great environmental program on WXXI's 1370 AM radio each Saturday at 4PM. Or, get the entire audio program from the Internet. - National Public Radio: Far more than any of the other major news media, NPR consistently airs important environmental stories. For archived stories from NPR Hourly News - All Things Considered - Morning Edition -Talk of the Nation * Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) The Great Lakes Information Network (GLIN) is a partnership that provides one place online for people to find information relating to the binational Great Lakes-St. Lawrence region of North America. GLIN offers a wealth of data and information about the region’s environment, economy, tourism, education and more. Thanks to its strong network of state, provincial, federal and regional partner agencies and organizations, GLIN has become a necessary component of informed decision-making, and a trusted and reliable source of information for those who live, work or have an interest in the Great Lakes region. -beachnet - browse the beachnet archives - Seeks to facilitate communication and networking between people interested in the improvement of recreational beach water quality in the Great Lakes basin. The e-mail list is coordinated by the Great Lakes Beaches Association. Both the Association and listserv membership are open to the public. * ENews -from Green Solitaire.org -- Complete online resource for helping individuals help our environment.  --including Multimedia and alternate ways to get Environmental News through the Internet * Icicle Networks Where Can You Listen? at Icicle Networks...The Next Generation of Talk Radio -Earthnews Radio A nationally-syndicated radio program focusing on science and the environment.
•  8/25//04 --**EVENT** The 40th Anniversary National Wilderness Conference is taking place in Lake George from October 10 - 13. This conference promises to educate, inspire and empower people to protect the unique qualities and values of Wilderness, now and into the future. It will involve people from around the country, and be a great way to network and meet new friends.  It includes many break-out sessions and workshops, including one on Monday October 11 called "Reaching Out: How can we be more effective in reaching out to more diverse people and organizations to expand support for Wilderness?" This workshop is being led by Melanie Griffin, director of Sierra Club's Partnership Program. Another workshop on October 11 is "Wilderness and Native American Cultural Values".  The conference will be held at the Ft. William Henry Hotel and Conference Center, off I-87 Exit 21 in Lake George Village.  Program and Registration information can be found at www.wilderness40th.org  . The Conference begins with a series of Adirondack field trips on Sunday -October 10.
•  8/25/04 -- **MY THOUGHTS**  I applaud our scientists for their success in producing new elephants in captivity, but without the ecology of which the elephant helped create and was created by its ecology--what is an elephant?  The goal of having a natural breeding population in North America is a ludicrous goal if there is no reciprocal effort to save the elephants ecology in Africa.  Elephants without their land--of which they are an integral part of-- are but big moving toys for humans. WXXI: Seneca Park Zoo's (2004-08-26) One of two endangered African Elephants at Rochester's Seneca Park Zoo is pregnant. Zoo officials say 27-year-old "Genny C" will give birth in March of 2006 if all goes well. The Zoo's Director of Health and Conservation -- Doctor Jeff Wyatt -- led the team that artificially inseminated Genny C. This was their third try over three years under a program overseen by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association to preserve African elephants. (August 29, 2004) Public NewsRoom
•  8/29/04 --  **ACTION** Using our public parks for lights display.  Voice your opinion!  Democrat & Chronicle: Seneca Park lights show proposed — The president of an Irondequoit advertising agency hopes to stage a holiday lights show in Seneca Park, but he must overcome a tight schedule and skepticism from some of the park's neighbors. If you go - What: A public meeting to discuss bringing a holiday lights show to Seneca Park. - Where: In Seneca Park, by the Longhouse Pavilion. Bring chairs. - When: 7 p.m. Wednesday. - On the Web: To register your opinion for or against a holiday lights show in Seneca Park, or to learn more about the plan, visit www.rochestersbest.com  -(August 29, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  8/29/04 --  **ACTION** A chance to influence your environment - Make your voice heard.  Is putting chemicals into our lakes a good way to control weeds? Democrat & Chronicle: Weedy Conesus mulls 'quick fix' — At Conesus Lake, an hour south of Rochester, you can see miles of water, neat cottages, forested hillsides and distant farms. If you go - What: Hearing on a draft environmental impact statement on the use of alum in Conesus Lake to reduce algae. Deadline for comments is Sept. 30. - When: 2 and 7 p.m. Tuesday.- Where: Room 205, Livingston County Government Center, 6 Court St., Geneseo. - For more: Call David Woods, Livingston County planning director, at (585) 243-7550. On the Web: For a copy of the draft impact statement, go to www.co.livingston.state.ny.us/pdfs/deis.pdf . -(August 29, 2004) Democrat and Chronicle
•  8/26/04 -- **MY THOUGHTS** Now that Rochester is considering a second Fast Ferry, have we addressed the environmental concerns they might bring up?  Are Fast Ferries for Rochester Environmentally Sound? The benefits of Rochester’s proposed fast ferry transportation system are several: Rochester would become an international gateway, commerce would be stimulated between Canada and the US. It would also—as mentioned in the news—encourage more cooperation between regional governments, businesses, and cultures. However, amidst the fervor and enchantment a fast ferry service would bring to our city, very little public attention has been paid to the potential environmental problems the boats themselves might cause. -- Second fast ferry may be built in U.S. - NEWS 10NBC has learned more details about a possible second fast ferry for Lake Ontario. Last week CATS, the company that runs the ferry, confirmed it wants a $100 million loan from the federal government for a second ship. The Breeze is an 86-meter ship, built by a company called Austal. (August 26, 2004) 10NBC / WHEC TV-10
•  8/26/04 -- Update on the Great Lakes from the Nature Conservancy:--Great Lakes :: Great Lakes Update: August 2004 - The Great Lakes continue to capture headlines, and the Conservancy's Great Lakes Program continues to engage in protecting this national treasure along with the many leaders ¾ from the halls of the U.S. Congress and the White House to state capitols and the offices of city mayors. As importantly, we are engaged with leaders in science, conservation and industry. Our role is to bring scientific integrity, analytical tools and conservation resources to the plans and actions of protecting and restoring our natural resources. The following is a brief update of our activities:
•  8/26/04 -- RAMP Info: lots of information in Rochesterians Against The Misuse of Pesticides (RAMP) newsletter: Gardens instead of lawns, Fixing Conesus, Kellogg mercury, Liberated Lunches, and an update on West Nile Virus this summer. You can join RAMP, one of the most effective environmental organizations in Rochester, by writing to 10 Landing Road South, Rochester, NY 14610.  RAMP is a certified non-profit 501(c) (3) organization under Section 4930 of the Internal Revenue Code.  Contributions to RAMP are fully tax deductible.  Donations, both large and small, are gratefully received. Each one helps support RAMP in its work to enhance public awareness of toxic chemicals and other health hazards.  Donations can also be given to honor friend and relatives on occasions such as weddings, graduations, bar mitzvahs, bat mitzvahs, and memorials.
•  8/25/04 -- **MY THOUGHTS**  I don't want to make a lot of this, but this incident should make us aware that if our government is thinking of transporting dangerous chemicals and even nuclear waste by trucks, accidents are going to happen.  Tanker Spill Mess In Geneva - (Geneva, NY) 08/25/04 -- Forge Avenue in Geneva, Ontario County remains closed Wednesday morning as firefighters clean up thousands of gallons of gasoline that spilled after a tanker truck flipped over Tuesday night. (August 25, 2004) WOKR-TV 13 || ROCHESTER
•  8/25//04 --**EVENT**   Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club's- Global Warming and Rochester - Monday, Nov. 15th, 7:00-9:30 PM Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave., Rochester. How will Global Warming affect Rochester and what can we do about it? There will be a one-hour presentation on the specific ramifications of Global Warming on our area. The speaker will be David W. Wolfe from Cornell University. There will be time for questions and answers.
•  8/25/04 -- **ACTION** The Bush administration has announced plans to open 60 million acres of America's last pristine wild forests to logging, drilling, and mining.  It's the biggest single giveaway to the timber industry in the history  of our national forests.  It's time to speak up -- the official comment period on Bush's proposal is now open. Let the Bush administration know you want them to protect  our last remaining wild forests, at:  http://www.moveon.org/roadless/
•  8/25//04 --**EVENT**  Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club's  Rochester’s Toxic Legacy - A Sierra Club Program - 7:15 PM, Monday, September 27th Brighton Town Hall, 2300 Elmwood Ave. Americans are an optimistic and forward looking people. We do not like to focus on the past. But unfortunately when it comes to the bad old manufacturing processes of past Rochester history, we have to look at the toxic waste dumps which threaten our health today. One such site is 'Air Force Plant 51’ which produced landing barges and other war equipment in the 1940’s & 50’s and then left a toxic legacy of large and poisonous proportions. We have secured a grant from the Atlantic Chapter of the Sierra Club to fund an in-depth investigative report by Jack Bradigan Spula on the dangerous wastes left at this huge World War II plant at the end of Dewey Avenue. Jack will present his research findings at a Sierra Club meeting and we will have a panel of respondents to further reveal some of the secrets we may not want to know about on Rochester's toxic legacy. Free and open to the public.
•  8/25//04 --**EVENT** Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club's Fifth Annual Fall Festival - Satisfy Your Senses - Saturday, Oct. 16, Brighton Town Park Lodge, 777 Westfall Rd. this year the Annual Sierra Club Fall Festival offers a package of delights: a hike/bike tour to get your appetite going, followed by a homemade pasta dinner, a brief presentation on local environmental progress, and a concert by a favorite local folk artist, Maria Gillard. It’s hard to predict which will delight your senses more: the exercise, the tasty feast, or Maria’s music. Brighton Town Park abuts the Erie Canal Heritage Trail, and the Festival begins at 5:00 with an informative hike/bike tour along parts of this trail. It will include comments by experts about a proposal to build a trail connecting this trail with Highland Park. (See our web page for more details.) At 5:30 guests are welcome for appetizers. Dinner begins at 6:00. this year, Genevieve Russo returns to whip up her outstanding Italian pasta sauces (meat and vegetarian, of course) served over penne – a huge hit at the 2002 festival! (If you’re lucky, Genevieve may share her recipe.) Dinner also includes Greek salad, garlic bread, dessert (lots of chocolate) and soft drinks, coffee, or tea. Following dinner, there will be a brief talk about local urban trails, past and (hopefully) future. Entertainment - Finally, the evening peaks with Rochester’s own Maria Gillard. Maria’s guitar work is a mix of folk, blues, and swingy jazz propelled by her rich alto voice. Her original songs invoke universal themes of life, love, and family through story and humor. As Jeff Spevak of the D&C notes, her “easy going style is a trap, drawing the listener into lyrics that stare straight into the sun.” If you’ve seen her on stage or heard her on the radio, you know that her energy is engaging and contagious. Maria has opened for such folk heroes as Loudon Wainwright III, John McCutcheon, Cheryl Wheeler, and others. Come enjoy October’s splendor in the beautiful Brighton Town Park, and help support your club at the same time. Tickets Tickets are available through the mail or from the Executive Committee: Club Members, in advance: Adults: $20 Children: $10Members at the door, & non-members: Adults: $25 Children: $15Please mail a check to David Ruekberg, 3558 Oatka Creek Rd., Leroy, NY, 14482. Please note which kind of tickets you’d like, and be sure to include your return address. Questions? Call David at 538-6463, E-mail SierraRochTix@hotmail.com , or visit our web page. See you there!
•  8/24//04 --**EVENT** September 18, 2004– Annual Coastal Clean Up Event along the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, and streams - Great Family Event! Join hundreds of volunteers in an effort to clean up the shorelines of the Genesee River, Lake Ontario, and numerous streams and ponds. Clean up locations include Genesee Valley Park, Durand Eastman Beach, Seth Green fishing site, Turning Point Park and more. Brunch and some supplies are included---games, prizes and raffles are also a part of this great day! Clean up starts at 8:30 a.m. with a free brunch at 11:00 a.m. at the Genesee Valley Park Roundhouse Lodge. For additional information, call (585) 271-4552 x. 324, or register on-line. --from the Water Education Collaborative
•  8/24//04 --**EVENT** --from  League of Women Voters Rochester Metropolitan Area  AIR QUALITY IN MONROE COUNTY will be discussed September 23rd at a League of Women Voters meeting, 11:45 AM -1:15PM at the AAUW house, 494 East Ave., Rochester. Presenters from the NYDEC, The Monroe County Dept. of Public Health, and the U.R. School of Medicine's Dept. of Environmental Health will discuss the regulation of certain chemicals, how they are measured, and their health effects. There will be time for questions from the audience. The meeting is free and open to the public. Bring your own lunch. Coffee and tea will be available. For more information, call 262-3730. The speakers are: Tom Marriot, NYDEC - Ed Yurkstas, MCDPH - Mark Utell, MD, U.R.
•  8/21/04 -- Looking for an environmental job in our area? Department of Human Resources Energy Program Evaluator, OC-66965 -- from Department of Human Resources
•  8/21/04 -- This looks interesting: NativeEnergy: Helping Fight Climate Change Back in August 2000, we started talking about a new kind of renewable energy business. Our all-consuming passion was - and still is - to figure out how to get more wind turbines and other renewable energy systems built. To help us, we talked with environmental organizations, car companies, private investors, would-be customers, wind farm developers, green businesses and a utility or two. We selected NativeEnergy as our name to reflect our desire to help develop domestic renewable energy resources and to feature Native American projects, which create social, economic and environmental benefits. We launched this web site in the Fall of 2001, and in April 2002, we took a major step forward by joining forces with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, to help them build the first large-scale Native American owned and operated wind turbine. Now that that turbine is up and running with significant help from our first group of WindBuilderssm members, we’re helping the Tribe build Phase 2 – a 10MW wind farm on their Reservation. In addition, we are actively developing support for other Native American and farmer-owned wind, solar and methane projects around the country, and more and more individuals, organizations and businesses are joining WindBuilderssm to fight global warming.
•  8/21/04 -- **ACTION** From Greenpeace: Act Now to Protect Our Priceless National Forests - On July 16, 2004, the Bush administration took another strike at our last remaining wild and roadless national forests by moving to replace the popular Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Forest Service’s proposal requires governors to petition the Forest Service to have roadless areas in their states protected from logging, road-building and other industrial activities. The final decision is left to top-level Department of Agriculture staff, including ex-timber lobbyist, Undersecretary Mark Rey. Moreover, it appears that governors could even ask that some or all of the roadless areas in their state receive less protection than existed before the Roadless Rule. If adopted, these changes would eviscerate the landmark Roadless Rule, rendering it useless. More than 2 million people turned in comments in support of the Roadless Rule. Once again, we need to take action immediately to stop Bush’s forest-destroying proposal. Send comments before September 14, 2004, and encourage others to do so as well.  
•  8/21/04 -- All about birds in your city: Urban Bird Studies What is URBAN BIRD STUDIES?  A group of projects to help us learn more about birds in cities.  Data are collected by citizen scientists across North America and in many other countries. Scientists at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology use the data to answer scientific questions about urban birds.
•  8/15/04 -- All about Deer: NYS DEC Deer Management Program --Find out all information pertaining to our area's deer situation.
•  8/15/04 -- Major Environmental Concern - Are fundamental changes occurring in our ocean?  - CNN.com - Tracking return of Dead Zone in Pacific - Aug 13, 2004"What I think we are seeing is a tipping of the balance of the ecosystem," said Jack Barth, a professor of oceanography at Oregon State University. "We don't fully understand what the cause of that is. We have some good ideas that it is related to some fundamental changes in circulation and the source of water for the Oregon Continental Shelf."
•  8/14/04 - Beyond politics - Regardless of what side of the isle you are on politics, there is no side on Nature --you either have an accurate model of reality or you don't: Read what the Union of Concerned Scientists have to say about scientists and the environment:  http://www.ucsusa.org/global_environment/rsi/page.cfm?pageID=1449
•  8/14/04 **ACTION** " Online petition to get politicians to come clean on our environment - The League of Conservation Voters : Please Sign our Petition Today! Dear Bush–Cheney Campaign, Americans care deeply about their air, land, and water and have a right to know where the candidates for president stand on major environmental issues. Earlier this month, Senator Kerry challenged President Bush to a series of debates, including one focused on our environmental future. I am writing to ask the President to accept this challenge and defend his environmental record before the American people. If you believe he has fulfilled his obligation to put the public health and public interest first, he should have no hesitation in discussing his policies in an open forum with Senator Kerry. Rather than hiding behind millions in negative television ads that ignore or evade the issues, this will be an opportunity for President Bush and Senator Kerry to discuss their records and views before all Americans. The voters have a right to know how both candidates plan to protect our priceless natural heritage and create a sustainable future for all. Sincerely,
•  8/14/04 -- **EVENT** Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer! (CRAAB!) is sponsoring an evening with Cheryl Osimo of the Silent Spring Institute, entitled “Breast Cancer and the Environment,” on Thursday, September 2, 2004, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The event will be held at The Crossings of Colonie town park, 580 Albany Shaker Road, ½ mile east of Wolf Road, and is free and open to the public. Ms. Osimo will discuss research being conducted by the Silent Spring Institute to identify links between the environment and women’s health, especially breast cancer. She will also talk about her personal experiences, including how, as a breast cancer survivor, she channeled her energy into breast cancer and health care advocacy. Please call CRAAB! at 435-1055 to register. Cay McEneny, Program Coordinator, Capital Region Action Against Breast Cancer! - CRAAB! 435-1055
•  8/14/04 -- Where do you get alternative energy products for your home?  I've come across this site and it looks interesting: Alternative Energy Store - Your store for the best prices and services for solar panels, wind turbines, gas refrigerators, inverters, composting toilets, solar water pumps, windmills and other renewable energy equipment 
•  8/11/04 -- EPA Grant opportunity... Description - EPA is seeking proposals from eligible organizations to translate local efforts to prevent and redevelop vacant properties to state, regional, and/or national level applications-- to make those lessons available and
  applicable to a large number of localities, states, trades, and other relevant organizations. EPA has previously provided funding to support the National Vacant Properties Campaign, an effort to prevent abandonment, redevelop vacant properties and revitalize existing communities. This RFIP seeks to support and further the work of the National Vacant Properties Campaign. Collaboration with the National Vacant Properties Campaign and with organizations seeking to implement smart growth by returning vacant properties to productive use are encouraged. http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth/sgvac.htm  The deadline for proposal submission has been extended. Proposals must be submitted to EPA by October 4, 2004. -- From Environmental Justice [ej@gw.dec.state.ny.us]
•  8/06/04 -- The trouble with Superfund, by Sierra Club:  POLLUTER PAYS? NOT ANY MORE - It used to be that the industries that created toxic  waste also paid to clean it up. That was the principle behind the original Superfund law. But the  Bush administration has abandoned the "polluter pays"  principle and, this year, taxpayers will pick up  virtually the entire bill for the cleanup of orphaned toxic-waste sites.  Superfund works. By June 2004, the program had  cleaned up nearly 900 of the nation's most  contaminated sites. A new Sierra Club report,  "Communities at Risk," uses EPA data to identify  health threats at 111 Superfund sites, and another 158 sites where the EPA has insufficient data about  whether or not a threat still exists. The report  includes a state-by-state breakdown of those 269  sites. One in four Americans lives within four miles  of a Superfund toxic waste site.  http://info.sierraclub.org/ct.html?rtr=on&s=arz,7qiz,o7l,ey8x,ifjb,cq5u,2n1a
•  8/06/04 -- **EVENT** 4th Annual Empire Energy & Environmental Exposition (E4TM)"Clean and Green"  Tuesday, October 12th and Wednesday, October 13th, 2004 Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center Located in the Saratoga Spa State Park in Saratoga Springs, NY "Clean and Green", the 4th Annual Empire Energy and Environmental Exposition (E4TM), will be held on October 12th and October 13th, 2004 at the Gideon Putnam Hotel and Conference Center in Saratoga Springs, NY. E4 will feature programs and businesses engaged in green building, energy efficiency, clean energy, alternative fuels, and high performance schools. This event will leverage the business community's awareness of energy and environmental challenges to help them act in their own interests and, in so doing, improve their operating economics and New York's economic and environmental climate in the process. Click here for an agenda and a schedule of events Additional information and online registration available soon. Please check back. HOSTED BY:Environmental Business Association of New York State, Inc. (EBA/NYS) GREEN SPONSORSEinhorn Yaffee Prescott CONTRIBUTING SPONSORS:NYSERDANYS Public Service Commission Sponsorship opportunities available. For information please contact Ed Parker at (518) 432-6400 x227 or Email to ed@eba-nys.org . Affiliates: AEE New York Capital Region Chapter AIA Eastern New York ChapterASHRAE Northeast ChapterCenter for Economic and Environmental Partnership, Inc. (CEEP)USGBC New York Upstate Chapter 2004 EXHIBITORS:Exhibitor opportunities available. For information please contact Ed Parker at (518) 432-6400 x227 or Email to ed@eba-nys.org . Please click here for hotel information. Please check our website for continuing updates www.eba-nys.org . Thank you,  Donna C. Denley, Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Business Association of New York State, Inc. 126 State Street, 3rd Floor, Albany, NY 12207-1637, (518) 432-6400 x224, (518) 432-1383 - ebanys@aol.com - www.eba-nys.org
•  8/05/04 -- Do you swim a lot?  Maybe you should check the waters first: NRDC: Testing the Waters 2004 - A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches NRDC's annual survey of water quality monitoring and public notification at U.S. beaches finds that there were 51 percent more beach closings and advisories in 2003 than in the previous year. Across the country, pollution caused more than 18,000 days of closings and advisories at ocean and Great Lakes beaches last year -- more than ever recorded in the survey's 14-year history. The 2004 survey is based on information reported for 2003.
•  8/01/04 -- **GOOD/BAD IDEAS** Be afraid, be very afraid: This is not the way to handle the long-term problem of West Nile Virus: SILive.com - Staten Island Advance - City defends anti-mosquito spraying without permits City environmental law attorneys claim the Environmental Protection Agency doesn't require the Health Department to obtain permits before it sprays pesticides to combat mosquitoes that can carry West Nile virus. SILive.com: Everything Staten Island
•  8/01/04 -- **EVENT** Please join the Finger Lakes Land Trust for the next installment in their 2004 Talks and Treks series on Saturday, August 8 at 1 p.m. for a walk at the Stevenson Forest Preserve in Enfield. Led by forester Michael DeMunn and co-sponsored by the Sierra Club Finger Lakes Group. Join us in this majestic old growth forest to learn about the inner workings of these woods. From Rt. 79 west of Ithaca, take Rt. 327 South. At curve, turn right on Trumbull Corners Rd. Stevenson Preserve is about ½ mile from Rt. 327, on right. For more information and directions call (607) 275-9487 or the FLLT website at www.fllt.org . -- Erin Riddle, Chair - Sierra Club Finger Lakes Group - 517 N Tioga St #1 - Ithaca, NY 14850-3647 - Tel: 607-256-9993 - elr@peoplepc.com - http://newyork.sierraclub.org/fingerlakes
•  8/01/04 -- The accumulation of lead bullets is not something you think much about as an environmental problem, but over many years it can become a problem: MSNBC - Bullets going the way of gas — unleaded Training center adopts 'green ammo,' military phasing it in - “One bullet doesn’t contain a lot of lead, but hundreds of thousands if not millions of bullets can be very significant,” said Steve Taylor of the Military Toxics Project, an environmental group. “Lead is a heavy metal that remains in the environment for a very long time.”  -- Think of how many gun clubs there are in our area.