News

1. Georgia River Network – New Address
2. EPA Celebrates World Monitoring Day
3. Perdue Announces Implementation of Georgia Land Conservation Partnership
4. Terry DeMeo King Appointed Governor Perdue’s Environmental Advisor
5. Branch Chiefs Named at EPD / New Georgia Forestry Commission Director
6. Rivers Alive Leadership Award – Now Accepting Nominations
7. Altamaha Riverkeeper Works to Keep Plastic Out of Oconee River

Group Spotlight
8. Satilla Riverwatch Alliance

Workshops/Conferences/Calendar Items
9. Save the Date: GRN Annual Conference - Milledgeville
10. DNR Board Meeting – Brunswick
11. Celebrate Etowah
12. Citizen Environmental Monitoring in Appalachia - Bristol, VA
13. Workshop: Advancing Asset Management in Your Utility Training - Lawrenceville
14. Freshwater Leadership Initiative: Shared Leadership in Challenging Times I - Atlanta
15. Dot.org Conference - Atlanta
16. Non-Sediment Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Management on Construction Sites - Atlanta
17. Porous Pavement Workshop - Athens
18. Workshop on Hydrological Change and Ecological Response – Herdon, VA
19. Growth, Development & the Future of SE Water Supplies Conference – TN
20. Sierra Club Citizen’s Summit - Atlanta

Policy
21. SB 460 Proposed Rules Out for Comment, Deadline October 21

Resources
22. Environmental Education Works
23. Wetlands 101 Online Course
24. CAFO Technical Guidance Available
25. AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program

Fundraising
26. Fundraising Deadlines

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1. Georgia River Network Has Moved
Please note our new street address. We have moved to 126 South Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605.

2. EPA Celebrates World Monitoring Day
World Water Monitoring Day, an annual event commemorating the anniversary of the Clean Water Act, affords youth and families the opportunity to get involved in local watershed activities and learn about water quality issues and water monitoring. Between Sept. 18 and Oct. 18th, citizens from all across the globe will be going out to their nearby stream, lake, bay or wetland and testing their waters for a few basic characteristics--dissolved oxygen, temperature, turbidity (water clarity) and pH. Results can then be entered into an international on-line database. For more information on World Water Monitoring Day, visit www.worldwatermonitoringday.org.

3. Perdue Announces Implementation of Georgia Land Conservation Partnership (News Thanks to GEC News to Use) Governor Sonny Perdue announced during the 5th Annual Governor’s Environmental Address hosted by Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful that he will “implement the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Initiative,” resulting from recommendations submitted to him by the Advisory Council of the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership. He announced two initial actions: He intends to appoint a new Land Conservation Council which will work with the Governor’s office, DNR, the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority (GEFA) and other public and private entities to oversee the plan’s implementation. Emphasizing conservation at the local level through partnership, he noted that such groups as Gwinnett Clean & Beautiful might be involved. Perdue also announced that a Land Conservation Fund would be established, comprising public and private funding sources; it will be administered by the Georgia Environmental Facilities Authority. He noted it could involve a revolving loan fund. Concerning development of the statewide comprehensive water plan, he observed that enabling legislation from the 2004 General Assembly requires the plan to be completed by July 1, 2007. However, “if we can move that date up, we will,” he added. Also noteworthy: Perdue announced he will reconvene the Governor’s Environmental Advisory Council to provide “long range thinking and develop long term vision” about environmental issues in Georgia. The Council is comprised of individuals appointed by the Governor.

4. Terry DeMeo King Appointed as Governor Perdue’s Environmental Advisor
As Governor Perdue and his staff are considering the recommendations in the Georgia Land Conservation Partnership Plan, a new staff member familiar with land trusts has joined his environmental advisory staff: Terry DeMeo King. Terry comes to her post from the Carl Vincent Institute of Government at the University of Georgia, where she worked with Dr. Jim Kundell on a variety of environmental policy studies (e.g., water management policy, trout stream buffers, land conservation). Before that, she was with UGA’s Institute of Community and Area Development. While there, Terry became a founding board member and officer of the Oconee River Land Trust. She also wrote “Conservation Projects,” a comprehensive project selection manual to help land trusts prioritize, organize, assess and make decisions about acquiring land. Terry lives in Fayette County with her husband, Ross King, who is Associate Director of the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia (ACCG). – Thanks to Hans Neuhauser of the Georgia Environmental Policy Institute for this item from Network News for Georgia land trusts.

5. Branch Chiefs Named at EPD / New Georgia Forestry Commission Director
(News thanks to GEC News to Use) Environmental Protection Division Director, Carol Couch, announced that Jennifer Kaduck and Mark Smith will swap positions. Kaduck will become Chief of EPD’s Land Protection Branch while Smith becomes Chief of the Hazardous Waste Branch. “It’s a move that strengthens EPD, provides better coordination and brings a new perspective at both programs,” said David Word, Assistant Director. The move is an outcome of an evaluation of EPD’s staffing and organizations instituted by Director Carol Couch and her senior staff. The transition for Kaduck and Smith is underway and should be complete around October 12. Governor Sonny Perdue has named Ken Stewart as the Director of the Georgia Forestry Commission. Most recently Stewart was with UniSource Worldwide, Inc., and earlier held a number of positions with Georgia Pacific. He is a Registered Forester and an attorney. The Commission had been headed by Interim Commissioner Bob Lazenby for over a year.

6. Rivers Alive Leadership Award – Now Accepting Nominations
Rivers Alive is sponsoring its first annual Outstanding Waterway Cleanup and Leadership Awards. The purpose of the Rivers Alive Awards is to honor the efforts of individuals and groups who are working to improve Georgia's waterways one trash bag at a time. The Outstanding Waterway Cleanup Award was established to recognize cleanup groups that have successfully involved their local community to create an awareness of and involvement in the preservation of Georgia's water resources. This award is a competitive award and will be given out in 4 different categories. The Leadership Award was established to recognize the efforts of individuals and sponsors for their hard work and dedication to protecting Georgia's water resources. This award is nomination based and will be given to one individual and business each year. All applications are due December 1st. Winners will be notified by January 15th and will receive their awards at a Rivers Alive recognition event in February. If you have any questions or would like a copy of the guidelines and forms, please contact Kim Morris-Zarneke, Adopt-A-Stream Coordinator, Dept of Natural Resources, Environmental Protection Division at 404-675-1636 or email kimberly_morris-zarneke@mail.dnr.state.ga.us. Visit Rivers Alive on the web at www.riversalive.org.

7. Altamaha Riverkeeper Works to Keep Plastic Out of Oconee River
Recycler says released plastic is legal -
By S. Heather Duncan, Telegraph Staff Writer

DUBLIN - Those who tote old newspapers to recycling bins inside plastic bags, tossing it all in together, are helping pollute the Oconee River. So are recyclers who don't remove newspapers from their plastic rain sleeves. These plastics infiltrate the newspaper recycling process at the Dublin factory owned by SP Newsprint Co., where company officials say six pounds of shredded plastic are released into the Oconee River daily.
SP Newsprint and the Altamaha Riverkeeper advocacy organization have begun negotiations to build on the company's previous efforts to reduce the plastic entering the river. But Riverkeeper representatives say they may still sue if SP Newsprint stops cooperating. Headquartered in Atlanta, SP Newsprint is a general partnership between the Cox Enterprises, Knight Ridder and Media General newspaper companies. Knight Ridder owns The Telegraph.

Thomas Tyler of Dublin first noticed the floating plastic in April when he was fishing with his wife at a spot they call "the mullet hole" near the outflow from the plant. The water began to bubble, foam and stink, he said, and little pieces of plastic about the size of a quarter floated to the surface.

Tyler said he has caught fish with sores on their bodies downstream from the plant. Although he used to go fishing most weekends, now he is hesitant to eat fish from the river, he said. Other members of the nearby Laurens County Sportsmen's Club have also complained about the plastic.

After hearing from fishermen like the Tylers, the Altamaha Riverkeeper notified SP Newsprint in July that the company had 60 days to respond before facing a lawsuit. Representatives of both met Monday and toured the plant. Wednesday, they said the meeting was productive and that they'd rather work together to improve the process than get mired in a lawsuit. "We anticipate having further meetings and a good working relationship with the Riverkeepers," said Pete Labella, SP Newsprint vice president of human resources. "We consider ourselves a very environmentally friendly company."

The company has already taken steps to reduce its plastic releases and is expected to make further progress with a major equipment replacement in 2006, according to the company and the Environmental Protection Division. But Deborah Sheppard, Riverkeeper executive director, said her organization is likely to present a list of suggestions, probably next week, for creating more immediate reductions.

"They are doing a very good thing, recycling newspapers," Sheppard said. "However, doing something good does not allow them to do something very bad."

Among the likely suggestions: Invest in more public education. "People who recycle are not people who want to see their recycling effort result in plastic going into the river," she said. SP Newsprint maintains that it is meeting the conditions of its state permit to discharge water into the Oconee. State regulators back them up.

Jeff Larson, EPD manager of water permit enforcement and compliance, said the permit contains no limits on plastic, and the state doesn't require the company to report the amount of plastic it releases.

"We've identified (the plastic) as an operation and maintenance need," he said. "If we see the need to put a plastics limit in the permit, we can. ... A lot of it is a judgment call." Sheppard questioned that judgment. "The Altamaha Riverkeeper will not concede it is legal to discharge plastic into the river," she said.

Alan Leake, an EPD environmental engineer who deals with the Dublin plant, said the EPD has been monitoring the escaped plastic for two years and has asked for reductions.

Mark Rawlings, SP Newsprint senior vice president of operations, said the company has focused on removing plastic during the initial sorting phase, cleaning screens in the wastewater process more often to remove plastic, and reducing the amount of contamination it will accept in loads from suppliers.

By 2006, the company will install new pulpers that will leave larger pieces of plastic, which are easier to catch in the screens. "This will definitely make a major improvement in what escapes," Leake said. Leake said the company has reduced its plastic output, although it hasn't provided any objective measurement of the reduction.

"We feel very strongly that we're in compliance with our permit, but we're willing to work with (the Riverkeeper) to go beyond compliance to improve," Rawlings said. "We don't have any evidence that we're harming fish life in the river."

Sheppard said she appreciates the company's openness, but she disagrees about the effect of the plastic. "We know fish and organisms eat things floating on the water," Sheppard said, noting that plastic is a petroleum by-product. "Any organism that consumes plastic is eating something that can damage its biological function. Common sense would tell you it's not a good idea."

8. Group Spotlight: Satilla Alliance Launches Membership Drive, Hires Riverkeeper®
After gaining national accreditation and hiring its first staff, the Satilla Riverwatch Alliance evolves from a concerned citizens’ group to a non-profit membership organization, dedicated to protecting the watershed of South Georgia’s famed “black-water” river. The Alliance gained approval and licensing in July from the Waterkeeper® Alliance, an organization in Tarrytown, New York, that champions water-quality and ecosystem issues and requires strict compliance with guidelines for its member groups. On September 1, the Board of the Alliance hired Gordon Rogers of Waynesville as its executive director and Riverkeeper®. With the help of the Board and other volunteers, Rogers plans to initiate a membership drive, recruit additional volunteers, begin patrols on the river, and coordinate efforts to resolve pollution, land-disturbance and water-supply issues facing the watershed. General problems already identified by the Alliance’s Board include noncompliance with state and federal permits for treated discharges such as waste treatment plants, storm water and other non-point source runoff issues, invasive species such as Chinese Tallow Tree and flathead catfish, and direct dumping of refuse in the river’s watershed. Rogers and Chip Sasser, a Board member from Waycross, have commented that while the rafts of floating trash sometimes present in the middle reaches of the river are an eyesore and a source of contamination in and of themselves, “its what you don’t see” that is frequently a deeper problem.

A comprehensive assessment of the conditions in the Satilla basin is a top priority for the Alliance, and will include cooperative efforts with state and federal agencies like the Department of Natural Resources, the University System, local governments, local school systems, and non-governmental organizations dedicated to conservation and improvement of water quality and supply. “Researchers at the University of Georgia and other units in the System have made several advances in recent years on our knowledge of the Satilla”, said Rogers, “but more work is necessary, a need recognized by folks from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just academicians and concerned environmentalists. I have heard comments from many different people in the last few weeks on their concerns for the river. We intend to begin to pull things together and make a difference”.

Rogers, a Georgia native and former marine scientist who worked for the state, brings a deep commitment to natural resources and ample technical knowledge to the job. “He’s a perfect fit for the Satilla effort,” said Frank Quinby, Board president. Gloria Taylor, a Board member and founder of Save Our Satilla, said she is “overjoyed to announce that we have a Riverkeeper. Gordon shares our love and vision for the river and will challenge us to do our best.” Two years of hard work by volunteers, Save Our Satilla, the Sierra Club, Altamaha Riverkeeper®, and the Center for a Sustainable Coast resulted in the forming of the Alliance during 2003. Its board includes eight members, and several who live on or have property along the Satilla. During the last year, the board has sought to increase efforts at raising awareness about the river and its watershed.

The Satilla watershed, with headwaters near Fitzgerald, flows a sinuous path joined by several large tributaries draining ground situated between the Altamaha and Okefenokee basins. The watershed drains 15 counties in the coastal plain, and has been loved and heralded for its ice-tea-colored black water and its “sugar-sand” sandbars by generations of Georgians. Tributaries with evocative and mysterious names such as Kneeknocker Swamp, Duck Pond Drain, Buffalo Creek, and Hurricane Creek contribute to its flow and the culture of South Georgia. Interconnected and isolated wetlands in the basin provide cleansing action for millions of gallons of water annually and help recharge underground water supplies.

The river supports a world-class redbreast sunfish fishery, good bass fishing, and provides picturesque canoeing and camping opportunities. The surrounding basin shelters deer, turkey, bear, small game and waterfowl, also hosting productive agriculture, light industry, and timber operations. Downriver, where the Satilla joins the saltier bays and the ocean, its estuary harbors spotted seatrout, red drum, tarpon, flounder, blue crabs, shrimp, clam and oyster beds, several species of sea turtles, and a myriad of other marine and estuarine species. The “green water” where the tides of St. Andrews sound mixes the waters of the Big and Little Satillas with the Atlantic Ocean is seasonally patrolled by king and Spanish mackerel, sharks of all sizes and many species, cobia, sailfish, barracuda, and jack crevalle. These productive waters are also an important calving and overwintering ground for the Atlantic right whale, Georgia’s official marine mammal. This powerful biological engine also attracts tremendous migrations of shorebirds and ocean-going birds, along with huge rafts of several species of ducks. For more information about the Satilla River Alliance, contact Gordon Rogers at 912-778-3126 or email riverkeeper@satillariverkeeper.org. For information on the Waterkeeper Alliance, visit www.waterkeeper.org.

9. Save the Date: GRN Annual Conference
Mark Your Calendars! The 2005 Georgia River Network Conference will be held February 18 -20 at Georgia College and State University. Watch the website at www.garivers.org for more details.

10. DNR Board Meeting
The regular October DNR Board meeting of committees and meeting of the whole both will occur on Wednesday, October 27, 2004. The meeting of committees begins at 10 a.m. while the meeting of the whole convenes at 1 p.m. Both meetings will take place in the Stellar Conference Center, 125 Venture Drive, Brunswick, GA, located at Exit 38 on I-95. (The Center’s number is 912-264-6767) PLEASE NOTE THIS CHANGE IN SCHEDULE. Expected items for the October agenda:EPD briefing on proposed amendments to Stream Buffer Variance Rules (Erosion and Sedimentation) and the public comment process.
Action on Water Quality Rules concerning regulation of waste originators, transporters, processors and disposal facilities; and revolving loan fund.
EPA diesel school bus retrofit selection criteria
Action on a blue crab recreation fishing float rule
DNR Strategic Plan update
Appointment of Nominating Committee for 2005 Officers
Rock Howard Award Nomination
This agenda list is preliminary only and could change before the meetings. For details on DNR Board Meetings, visit http://www.gadnr.org/. For an archive of the Georgia Environmental Council’s reports on board meetings, visit www.garivers.org and click on advocacy.

11. Celebrate Etowah!
Several local organizations are collaborating to create an annual calendar of events called Celebrate Etowah. The goal of the celebration is to educate the public about the treasure that is the Etowah watershed and to inspire local communities to come together to protect this globally significant aquatic resource. The Etowah watershed provides not only drinking water for families and businesses, but also a wide variety of recreational opportunities. Forests and wetlands in the Etowah are home for a wide variety of wildlife, and healthy streams provide habitat for an incredible array of aquatic biodiversity. Celebrate Etowah is a chance for the public to learn more about the Etowah basin, the threats facing the watershed, and all the great opportunities to protect the river and her streams. Events will occur until November 7 and include river clean-ups, hikes, canoe trips, Adopt-A-Stream classes, workshops and seminars. All participants will receive a Celebrate Etowah T-shirt! For more information on specific events, go to the Celebrate Etowah web site: www.celebrate-etowah.org.

12. Citizen Environmental Monitoring in Appalachia: Building Environmental Monitoring Programs for Validity, Impact and Sustainability in Bristol, Virginia
This conference is to be held November 4 – 6, 2004 and is sponsored by Appalachian Forest Resource Center, Little Tennessee Land Trust, Rural Action, National Forest Foundation, Southern Appalachian Man and the Biosphere, and Citizen Environmental Monitoring (CEM). The purpose is to engage communities in conservation, provide useful data for land management and policy decisions, and educate students and adults about the environment. This 3 day conference will involve 33 sessions including panels, field trips and discussions. This event will focus on building programs for validity, impact and sustainability. Focus areas include water quality, invasive species, forest health and sustainability. Speakers come from a wide variety of specialties and backgrounds including soil science, non-timber forest products, aquatic insects, water chemistry, plant biology, forestry, public relations, volunteer management, philanthropy and fundraising. Please visit www.appalachianforest.org to register. On-line registration is limited to credit cards. To register using other forms of payment or to receive a summit brochure contact Rachel Orwan or Caitlin Cusack at 740-767-2090.

13. Workshop: Advancing Asset Management in Your Utility Training
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in partnership with Georgia Water and Pollution Control Association and the Gwinnett County Department of Public Utilities is pleased to present a hands-on workshop for senior utility managers entitled "Advancing Asset Management In Your Utility." The workshop will be held on Nov. 16-17 at the Gwinnett County Central Facility in Lawrenceville, GA. This is a top-notch program with internationally renowned experts. Seating will be limited to the first 80 registrants. Register now to reserve your spot. To register, visit at www.gwpca.org.

14. Freshwater Leadership Initiative: Shared Leadership in Challenging Times I
February 3-6, 2005 in Norcross, GA. In this three-day workshop, leaders from a diverse set of environmental and natural resource conservation organizations and agencies interact, share experiences, and learn how to better handle the leadership challenges of an increasingly complex time. Teams of three participants from each organization will be able to address their unique organizational challenges. Participating organizations will receive follow-up support and coaching. Contact: peter@icl.org. For a description, see: http://www.icl.org.

15. Dot.org: The SE Nonprofit Technology Conference
The Georgia Center for Nonprofits invites you to learn more about bringing the power of technology to support your organization's mission at the Nov. 17, 2004 Dot Org conference. Whether you're trying to raise money for technology, or use technology to raise money, you won't want to miss this important event! For more information, visit http://www.nonprofitgeorgia.org.

16. Non-Sediment Stormwater Pollution Prevention and Management on Construction Sites
The State Soil and Water Conservation District of Fulton County has designed a full day course that addresses non-sediment pollution on construction sites. Partners in the execution of this course are: Georgia EPD Non Point Source Program; Georgia Tech; USEPA, Region 4; P2AD; City of Roswell; AEC, Inc; Ed Castro Landscape; Weston Solutions Inc. and New Pig Corporation. The course purpose is to provide informational tools that will ultimately increase the protection of water and soil resources affected by construction. Compliance with many laws that have some authority over what happens to soil and water on a development site is essential to protecting these resources and to avoiding violations and fines. The target groups for this course are: engineers; architects, including landscape; local government plan reviewers and inspectors; construction personnel: managers, people on-site charged with risk management, project consultants, builders, developers, contractors; Georgia Soil & Water Conservation Districts. The course will be conducted in Atlanta at the Georgia Tech Global Learning and Conference Center. For more information, contact Dee West at (770) 587-4838 or email dee.west@ga.usda.gov.

17. Porous Pavement Workshop
November 5-6, 2004 at the University of Georgia Continuing Education Center – Athens. The course is being taught by:

· Bruce Ferguson – professor of landscape architecture and director of the School of Environmental Design at UGA

· David Smith – technical director of the Interlocking Concrete Pavement Institute (ICPI) in Washington, DC

For more information, visit http://www.gactr.uga.edu/conferences/conferences.html.

18. Workshop on "Linking hydrological change and ecological response in streams and rivers of the eastern United States" – Herndon, VA
Sponsored by the USGS Eastern Region, 8-10 February 2005
Although scientists have made significant progress in assessing and explaining various components of riverine systems, resource managers require specific information on ecosystem responses to hydrologic alteration and enhanced decision-support tools to resolve issues related to water use and habitat protection. Multi-component, integrated approaches are required to address questions related to how quantity of flow and timing of flow (seasonality) shape and control the integrity - and normal variability - of lotic systems. The effects of water extraction on fundamental biological and hydrological processes must be quantified and evaluated holistically. Management strategies must be developed to mitigate impacts. The purpose of the workshop is to provide information, improve communication, and promote collaboration among scientists and aquatic resource managers. The focus is on stream and river systems in the eastern United States, but participants may describe related examples and experiences from central and western States. Information will be exchanged through written materials, oral and poster presentations, and a panel session. Issues and information needs, case studies, current investigations, synthesis papers, and strategic research designs will be described and discussed. For further information: Contact Gary Brewer (304.724.4507; gary_brewer@usgs.gov), Martin Gurtz (703.648.5113; megurtz@usgs.gov) or William Lellis (570.724.3322; wlellis@usgs.gov)

19. Growth, Development & the Future of Southeast Water Supplies Conference
The Southeast Watershed Roundtable and the Tennessee State Watershed Roundtable will host over 40 speakers at this major regional conference being held at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel in Nashville, Tennessee on October 28-29, 2004. Speakers will cover sessions on Growing Greener Communities, Natural Context Highway Design, Farmland Protection & Rural Issues, and Saving Aquatic Habitat & Open Space. In addition, a Southeast Developers’ Symposium will be held on October 29. Five pre-conference workshops will be held on October 27th: Community Liability & Property Rights, Managing Floodplains for Watershed Protection, Changing Development Rules in Your Community, EPA Grants Management Workshop, Introduction to Stream Corridor Restoration Principles, and Fundraising in Difficult Times. Registration is $100 and pre-conference workshops are $25 each. A special hotel rate of $82/night is available to attendees until October 12. See the agenda for more details at www.southeastwaterforum.org/roundtables.

20. Sierra Club Citizen’s Summit - Atlanta
What: Citizen’s Summit for Environmental Living and Sustainable Communities

When: Saturday November 13, 2004, 8am-4pm,

Where: Decatur Holiday Inn

How Much: $30 fee includes lunch (discounts available to students)

Who: Anyone interested in better managing growth, protecting the environment or sustainable living.

Also, Please attend the Community Awards Reception November 13, 4-6pm, in Decatur, Free.

The Sierra Club and Southface Energy Institute jointly sponsor this annual conference for the general public. The Citizen’s Summit is an opportunity to learn about key environmental, growth and development issues as well as the nuts and bolts of more environmentally sustainable living. The Citizen’s Summit/Environmental Living Conference will bring together everyday citizens, community activists, planning, energy and building professionals to make the connections, gain the knowledge and tools and create the vision for a more sustainable Georgia. Check the web regularly for updates on the Citizen's Summit and solutions to Metro Atlanta's growth and development problems at http://georgia.sierraclub.org/conservation/sprawl/.

21. SB 460 Proposed Rules Out for Comment, Deadline October 21
You can find the public notice and proposed buffer rules at http://www.ganet.org/dnr/environ/. Click on Senate Bill 460 Rules Development (erosion and sedimentation). Then you will see and can click on the 1) Proposed Rule, 2) Synopsis and/or 3) Public Notice and Comment Info. The first public notice is Sept 21 - Oct 21. Comments due by Oct 21. On Wednesday, October 27, Dr. Carol Couch will brief the DNR Board on the results of the Public Comments and provide a briefing and the status of the proposed rules to the DNR BD. In November, there will be another round of Public Comments and Public Hearings. The DNR Board will have final adoption of the Buffer Rules at the Dec. 8 Board meeting. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that everyone and/or organizations write a comment letter and attend the public meetings and hearing if possible. If you need assistance with the content of your comment letter, email Alice Champagne at achampagne@ucriverkeeper.org.

22. Environmental Education Works (Thanks to EEinGeorgia Enews)
Does environmental education actually work and how? Does it help young people and adults do a better job of conserving environmental resources and the natural world? And, can human health, one's overall education and even the economy be improved through basic environmental education? Are the effects measurable and significant? The new EE-works web site (www.TheEEWorks.org) contains data, studies and case examples of how environmental education has a measurable impact on environmental protection and improved student learning, including better results on standard tests. The EE-works is a service of the National Environmental Education and Training Foundation (NEETF).

23. Wetlands 101 Online Course (Thanks to EEinGeorgia Enews)
Wetlands 101 is a free new online course covering wetland ecology, types and management. It is the perfect first step for anyone wanting to learn more about wetlands. This resource is offered by Environmental Concern, a public non-profit corporation dedicated to wetland education, restoration, and research. Visit http://www.wetland.org/educ_wetlandinfo.htm.

24. CAFO Technical Guidance Available
EPA has published a technical guidance entitled Managing Manure at Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs). We prepared the guidance for NPDES permit authorities, permittees, and technical service providers who implement EPA’s February 2003 revisions to the permit regulations and effluent guidelines for CAFOs. The 2003 regulations reflected unprecedented cooperation between EPA and USDA (Department of Agriculture) to help livestock and poultry producers meet their own and society's goals for environmental quality and profitability. The detailed information in this guidance will help prevent billions of pounds of pollutants from entering America’s waters. You can find the guidance document on EPA’s web site at www.epa.gov/guide/cafo.

25. AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program
Your chance to recruit and retain qualified employees and no cost - The AARP Senior Community Service Employment Program is a work-training program for persons 55 and older, which is administered through the AARP Foundation and funded by the Department of Labor. It offers a chance to reach workers who are ready, willing and eager to work and who have the skills, experience and work ethic to add value to your organization. If you have a position to fill, contact the project director at 404-292-1330.

26. Fundraising Deadlines
The following foundations are either new to our list of grants or have upcoming deadlines to submit proposals. To view grant makers that give throughout the year, visit our website at www.garivers.org and click on Grants.

National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council: Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program The National Urban and Community Forestry Advisory Council, serving in an advisory capacity to the Secretary of Agriculture, seeks to establish sustainable urban and community forests by encouraging communities of all sizes to manage and protect their natural resources for this and future generations. Through the Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program, the Council supports innovative urban and community forestry projects that have national or widespread impact and applicability. Grants are made in the following categories: urban and community forestry for and with minority and underserved populations; urban forest resource management; projects that communicate the value of urban and community forestry; and urban and community forestry research and technology development. All grants must be matched at least one-to-one with non-federal funds, including in-kind donations, volunteer assistance and monetary contributions. Non-federal organizations operating within the United States or its territories may apply. Pre-proposals are due November 2, 2004. Visit http://www.treelink.org/nucfac/.

The Toyota Tapestry grant program, sponsored by Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc. and administered by the National Science Teachers Association, will award 50 grants of up to $10,000 each and a minimum of 20 "mini-grants" of $2,500 each are available to K-12 teachers of science residing in the United States or U.S. territories. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 19, 2005. Visit http://www.nsta.org/programs/tapestry/program.htm.

EPA Environmental Education Grants EPA’s Office of Environmental Education grant program supports environmental education projects that enhance the public’s awareness, knowledge, and skills to make informed decisions that affect environmental quality. Educational institutions, environmental and educational public agencies, and not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organizations supporting environmental education projects that promote environmental stewardship are be eligible to apply. Georgia grant applications of $50,000 or less should be submitted to EPA's Southeastern Regional (Region 4) Office. Grant applications of more than $50,000 should be submitted to EPA Headquarters in Washington, DC. The deadline for applying for a 2005 grant is November 15, 2004. Complete Details /2005 Solicitation Notice and Application can be found at http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/grantsols.html.

Funding for Art Education and Preservation and Environmental Conservation Tiffany & Co. Foundation The Tiffany & Co. Foundation supports nonprofit organizations dedicated to the arts and the environment. The Foundation's specific focus areas are crafts and arts education, art preservation and conservation, decorative and visual arts, and environmental conservation. Nonprofit organizations throughout the United States are eligible to apply. Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round. The next deadline for submitting full proposals is November 15, 2004. Visit http://www.tiffanyandcofoundation.org/index_home.html.

Beldon Fund The Beldon Fund seeks to build a national consensus to achieve and sustain a healthy planet by supporting nonprofit advocacy organizations. The Fund's Human Health and the Environment program supports projects throughout the United States that engage new constituencies in exposing the connection between toxic chemicals and human health and in promoting public policies that prevent or eliminate environmental risks to people's health. Letters of Inquiry will be accepted between September 29 and November 10, 2004 with invited proposals due December 15, 2004. Visit http://www.beldon.org/.

ConAgra Foods Foundation
The mission of the ConAgra Foods Foundation is to improve the quality of life in communities where ConAgra employees work and live. The Foundation focuses its resources in the areas of arts and culture; civic and community betterment; education; health and human services; and hunger, nutrition and food safety. Nonprofit organizations in communities with company facilities throughout the United States are eligible to apply. Consult your local phone directory or contact your Chamber of Commerce to find out if ConAgra Foods operates in your community. The next application deadline is the last working day of October. Visit the above website for more information. Visit http://www.conagrafoods.com/leadership/community_guidelines.jsp.

BoatU.S. Foundation The BoatU.S. Foundation is dedicated to promoting safe and environmentally sensitive boating. Grants of up to $4,000 are provided to local volunteer organizations for the promotion of boating safety education and clean boating education. Visit http://www.boatus.com/foundation/Grants/index.htm. Deadline: November 1.

Fund for Wild Nature
The Fund supports projects premised on effective and intelligent biocentric strategies, that focus on issues not receiving adequate (national) attention, and that may not be fundable through mainstream sources. We seek proposals with visionary, radical, and realistic goals to create tangible change. We always look for opportunities to foster cross-movement alliances and generate ‘ripple effects’ which may lead to other campaigns for long-term, systemic change. All proposals must be highly cost-effective. We rarely fund proposals from organizations with annual budgets greater than US $250,000. The Fund prioritizes efforts to save native species and wild ecosystems. Broader areas we support include: wilderness defense; protecting biodiversity and ecosystem integrity; teaching the action-based ethics of biocentrism; efforts to reduce human population growth and commodity consumption; cultural arts that transform awareness and encourage action; exposing and opposing the anti-ecological, anti-wilderness ‘wise use’ agenda; and indigenous peoples’ activism. Visit http://www.fundwildnature.org/.

Awards for Gardeners that Contribute to Their Communities Scotts Give Back to Grow Awards The Give Back to Grow Awards, a program of The Scotts Company, celebrate and honor individuals who give back to their communities through gardening. The awards provide support for, and promote participation in, gardening that grows community pride. One winner and two finalists will be selected in four categories: Scotts Classroom Gardener of the Year, for K-12 teachers who have integrated school gardening program into their curriculum; Scotts Good Neighbor Gardener of the Year, honoring gardeners who donate produce to feed the hungry in their communities; Scotts Urban Greenup Gardener of the Year, for volunteers who have used community gardening to address challenges in an urban area; and Scotts Community Beautification Gardener of the Year, saluting volunteers who have helped beautify their neighborhood. In each category, one winner will receive $5,000 and two finalists will each receive $2,500. Nominations must be submitted by December 3, 2004. Visit www.scotts.com and click on the button for the awards program.

The Community Foundation funds projects in the 23 county Metro Atlanta area. Visit www.atlcf.org. Grant deadlines is January 28, 2005.

Corps Reform Network Fall 2004 Request for Proposals The deadline for proposals is November 19. Award decisions will be announced by December 17. During this funding cycle, we will be awarding up to $14,000. Of this amount, we are targeting $10,000 for groups working on projects in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast. Our goal is to award at least $10,000 to groups working on projects in those regions. Ultimately, however, funding decisions will be made based on the highest quality proposals. Should you have any questions or require any assistance, please contact Tim Elder at National Wildlife Federation734-769-3351 ext. 25 or email eder@nwf.org. Applicants may download and complete the Application Form from the Corps Reform Network web site (http://corpsreform.amrivers.org). Contact Kelly Miller (kmiller@amrivers.org) if you need assistance accessing the web site or downloading the files.