News

1. Nominations for Most Endangered Rivers Due Oct. 1

2. Altamaha Riverkeeper Protects Oconee River

3. Online Survey – Georgia River Network Conference 2006

Workshops/Conferences/Calendar Items

4. August DNR Board Meeting

5. Georgia Conservancy’s Common Ground Conference – Atlanta

6. Workshop on Advocating for A Healthy Environment – Covington

7. Watershed Academy – Clemson, SC

8. River Lobby Day – Washington, DC

9. Southeastern Lakes Management Conference - Columbus

10. Clean Water Campaign Workshops – Metro Atlanta

11. P2AD Conference - Atlanta

12. Water Summit – Atlanta

13. GWF – Meeting on the Okefenokee-Covington

14. Alien Invaders in Our Forests and Watersheds Symposium- Columbus

15. Stormwater Conference – Peachtree City

Resources

16. Environmental Leadership Program Fellowships

17. Free Guide on Using the Internet for Grassroots Advocacy

18. Second Edition of Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual Available

19. EPA Office of Water Launches Watershed Discussion Board

Fundraising

20. Fundraising Deadlines

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1. Nominations For America’s Most Endangered Rivers Due October 1
Does your river face an uncertain future? Will its fate be determined sometime in the coming year? If so, nominate your river for the 2006 America’s Most Endangered Rivers report, to be released in April 2006. Each year, the America’s Most Endangered Rivers report shines a national spotlight on local rivers most poised to take a turn for the worse in the coming year. The deadline for nominations is October 1, 2005. For more information contact Jamie Mierau at 202-347-7550 or jmierau@americanrivers.org. For more details or to read the 2005 report, visit http://www.americanrivers.org/.

2. Altamaha Riverkeeper Protects Oconee River
After a year of negotiation, Altamaha Riverkeeper and S P Newsprint have reached an agreement that will reduce discharges of plastic in the Oconee River. The recycled newsprint company, located in Dublin, has agreed to construct and install new technology to reduce the plastic in its effluent. Operation of the new equipment is expected by December 31, 2005. To view the whole story, visit the Hot News section of Altamaha Riverkeepers website at www.altamahariverkeeper.org.

3. Online Survey – Georgia River Network Conference 2006
Georgia River Network is busy planning for Conference 2006. Please give us your ideas and let us know what you would like to learn about at the upcoming conference which is tentatively scheduled to be held in February. Visit our homepage at www.garivers.org to link to the survey or click here .

4. August DNR Board Meeting
The regular August 2005 DNR Board meeting of committees is scheduled to occur on Tuesday, August 23, beginning at 1:00 p.m. with the meeting of the whole on Wednesday, August 24, 2005, beginning at 10 a.m. Both meetings will take place in the DNR Board Room, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Suite 1252 East, Atlanta 30334. The August agenda is likely to be a full one. As of now, possible items include: 1) Briefing on proposed amendments to Rules for Water Quality Enhancement -Anti-degradation Rules (391-3-6-.03(2)). An opportunity for public comment should be expected. 2) Proposed amendments to Fishing Regulations (391-4-3-.03) and Seasons and Trout Water Designation (391-4-3-.05). For details on DNR Board Meetings, visit http://www.gadnr.org/ (bottom left corner of home page). For an archive of the Georgia Environmental Council’s reports on board meetings, visit www.garivers.org and click on advocacy.

5. Georgia Conservancy’s Common Ground Conference - Atlanta
The Georgia Conservancy will host Georgia’s Common Ground on Friday, September 9 at the Emory Conference Center from 8 – 5:30. If you are interested in issues affecting Georgia’s natural resources and how government, business, conservation, and community action partnerships can protect these resources, this is a day for you. Keynote speakers include Amory Lovins, Paul Hawken and Ray Anderson. Register by August 19 to take advantage of the early bird registration rate of $75 (member) and $90 (nonmember). Conference rate includes continental breakfast, lunch, snacks, all keynotes, and all concurrent sessions. Learn more and register at http://www.georgiaconservancy.org/.

6. Workshop on Advocating for a Healthy Environment - Covington
Georgia Wildlife Federation, Georgia River Network, and Georgia Conservation Voters Education Fund will sponsor a workshop entitled, “Speak Up! Use Your Voice for Your Community's Rivers, Forests and Wildlife” on August 30 from 6:30 - 8:30 PM at Georgia Wildlife Federation’s Alcovy Conservation Center located at 11600 Hazelbrand Road in Covington. The workshop is designed to teach citizens how to effectively use their voice to speak up and make an impact on the environmental issues they care about the most. Examples of concerns include clean, abundant drinking water; increased flooding, erosion, and sedimentation from development; fish consumption advisories; and landfills that want to bring in garbage from other counties and states. Workshop participants will learn how to build a relationship with decision makers; how to keep informed about decision-making at the federal, state, and local level; and how to influence decision-making at all levels. The workshop is free of charge. To register, visit www.garivers.org or call 706-549-4508.

7. Watershed Academy – Clemson, SC
Participants of the Watershed Academy: Principles of Water Quality Monitoring, Planning, and Restoration will learn how to apply water quality and watershed management principles to understand and solve complex water resource problems. The Academy will mix classroom lectures and field work with free time to enjoy autumn in the foothills of South Carolina. The Watershed Academy is September 13-15, 2005. More information is available at http://www.aces.edu/waterquality/streams/academy4.htm.

8. River Lobby Day 2005- September 12-13 in Washington, DC
Join American Rivers for River Lobby Day when activists from across the country will descend on Capitol Hill to tell their elected officials the story of a broad movement of people who care deeply about the health of rivers in their communities. This is your chance to keep your elected officials accountable for protecting river health. Never lobbied before? Not a problem. American Rivers provides lobby training on Monday, September 12. There's no charge to participate. For more information contact Jamie Mierau at (202) 347-7550 or jmierau@americanrivers.org or visit the River Lobby Day website at http://www.riverlobbyday.org/.

9. Southeastern Lakes Management Conference – Columbus
Mark your calendar for March 8-10, 2006 for the 15th Annual Southeastern Lakes Management Conference in historic Columbus, Georgia. This year’s theme is "Integrating Science, Technology and Citizens for Sustainable Lake and Watershed Environments".

10. Clean Water Campaign Workshops – Metro Atlanta
There are many free workshops scheduled for the months of August, September, October and November. Workshop topics include lawn care, xeriscape, composting, rain gardens, septic tanks and tree planting. Register online at www.cleanwatercampaign.com or via phone at 404-463-3259.

11. P2AD Conference – Atlanta
Natural Leaders: Achieving Sustainability in the 21st Century - What will lead us to sustainability in the 21st century? How are Georgia companies embracing this challenge, at home and around the world? How do we evaluate progress? What role do performance-based programs play? Join P2AD Sept. 19-20 in Atlanta to look for answers to these questions and recognize and award P2AD Partners who are Georgia's Natural Leaders. Visit http://www.p2ad.org/Assets/Documents/conference.htm for more information and to register. Co-sponsored by the Multi-State Working Group.

12. Water Summit – Atlanta
The Metropolitan North Georgia Water Planning District will hold a water summit on “Critical Issues Facing the Metro Region”, September 23 from 9-12 at the Loudermilk Center in downtown Atlanta. For more information, visit www.northgeorgiawater.org.

13. GWF Meeting on the Okefenokee
Georgia Wildlife Federation invites you to meet George Constantino, the new manager of the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge. Hear George, and his staff, talk about the draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan (CCP) and environmental assessment for the Okefenokee, which was released in July. This event takes place Monday, August 22nd from 5:00 until 8:00 p.m.at the GWF Alcovy Conservation Center in Covington. Schedule: 5 - 6pm - The Staff of the Okefenokee will set up stations on public services, biology, forestry fire, wilderness, and administration as it relates to the draft CCP. They will have maps and will be available to answer questions. You may visit every station or just the ones that interest you most. 6 - 7pm - Cook-out at the pavilion for everyone. 7 - 8pm - George will give an overview of the CCP and will answer questions. Please RSVP to Shirl Parsons at sparsons@gwf.org.

14. Alien Invaders In Our Forests and Watersheds Symposium – Columbus
This free symposium is to be held August 31 from 12:30 – 5:00 at Columbus State University’s Cunningham Center. Information on Sudden Oak Death and other threats to our forests will be provided. Email champion_becky@colstate.edu for more information and to register.

15. Stormwater Conference – Peachtree City
The Joint Southeastern Stormwater Management and Erosion and Sediment Control Conference is being hosted by the Southeast Chapter of the International Erosion Control Association and the University of Georgia. The conference is being held at the Wyndham Peachtree Hotel and Conference Center in Peachtree City, Georgia from October 2-6, 2005. Local governments, watershed organizations, industry professionals and consultants will share methods and strategies for involving and educating communities for improving stormwater quality. Better stormwater and erosion control programs will provide cleaner water and healthier streams raising the quality of life for all. New programs and technologies addressing stormwater quality, erosion and sediment control will be presented through speakers, tours, workshops, and industry exhibits. The focus will be on sharing ideas for successful local programs to meet the various requirements of EPA’s NPDES Phase II program. Anyone in the nonprofit arena can register for $150. This price includes meals. Visit http://www.griffin.uga.edu/grf/events/smescc/.

16. Environmental Leadership Program Fellowships
The Environmental Leadership Program (ELP) seeks to transform public understanding of environmental issues by supporting a network of visionary, action-oriented emerging leaders. The ELP Fellowship provides training, project support and a vibrant peer network to 20-25 talented and diverse individuals each year from all sectors of the environmental field, including nonprofits, business, government, and higher education. The Fellowship targets newly established environmental and social change practitioners eager to connect their specialized work to larger environmental and social concerns. Fellows receive travel and accommodations for four fellowship retreats, access to funding for leadership-building projects, and national recognition through the program. The application deadline is October 1, annually. For application information, visit the website http://www.elpnet.org/fellowship.html.

17. Free Guide on Using the Internet for Effective Grassroots Advocacy
Convio, Inc. is offering a new, updated guide, "Using the Internet for Effective Grassroots Advocacy: Strategies, Tools and Approaches for Inspiring Constituents to Take Action," to help nonprofits strategically leverage the Internet for waging high impact grassroots advocacy programs. The free, downloadable guide provides best practices and practical advice for nonprofits, associations and other organizations on utilizing the Internet to drive more effective advocacy, fundraising, marketing, event participation and more. To download the guide, visit www.garivers.org and click on Advocacy.

18. 2nd Edition of Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual Available
The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual, 2nd Edition is now available from River Network. This straightforward, plain-English guide of the Clean Water Act focuses on public involvement opportunities. It is a valuable resource for anyone involved in any aspect of water work. The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual is a great way to say “thank you” to a valuable volunteer, board member or other supporter. Keep in mind that bulk discounts are available for orders over 14, 24 and 99 books! Visit River Network’s Marketplace to place your order for The Clean Water Act Owner’s Manual 2nd Edition (http://www.rivernetwork.org/marketplace/cwa.cfm).

19. EPA Office of Water Launches New Watershed Discussion Board
EPA's Office of Water recently launched a new on-line Watershed Discussion Board. This forum offers watershed protection practitioners and citizens a platform to exchange ideas, so that innovative solutions and ideas can be easily shared in real-time cyberspace. EPA hopes to engage watershed leaders from around the country in these interactive, on-line discussions. Share your expertise so that others can learn from your experiences. The Forum currently includes the following six categories: Community Involvement, Smart Growth/Low Impact Development, Source Water Protection, Stormwater Best Management Practices, Sustainable Financing and Watershed Planning Tools. Visit http://www.epa.gov/owow/watershed/forum/forum.html to join in!

20. 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”.

Patagonia
Patagonia funds projects that are action oriented, build public support and involvement, are strategic and accomplish specific goals and objectives. Patagonia supports small, grassroots activist organizations with provocative direct-action agendas. They look for innovative groups that produce measurable results, and like to support efforts to force the government to abide by its own - our own - laws. Patagonia helps local groups working to protect local habitat. Most grants are in the range of $3,000 to $8,000. Proposals must be postmarked no later than April 30 and August 31 each year. For more information, visit http://www.patagonia.com/enviro/enviro_grants.shtml. You can also apply for grants from the Atlanta Patagonia store which gives grants in the amount of $1,000 - $4000 with applications due each May. Contact Leigh Bost at 404.266.8182 or leigh_bost@patagonia.com for more information.

Tourism Cares for Tomorrow is a nonprofit organization that benefits society by promoting the responsible use of the world's natural, cultural and historic treasures and supporting education and research to help secure the positive future of travel and tourism worldwide. As part of its mission, Tourism Cares for Tomorrow distributes grants to nonprofit organizations worldwide with one or more of the following goals: to protect, restore, and conserve sites of exceptional natural, cultural, or historic significance; to increase the traveling public’s awareness of and involvement in conservation efforts; and/or to promote conservation education within local host communities and to the traveling public. The remaining deadlines for 2005 are September 1 and December 1. Application guidelines are available on the website at http://www.tourismcaresfortomorrow.org/TourismCares/Programs/Grants.htm.

Bring Back the Natives: Restoring Populations of Native Aquatic Species
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is pleased to request pre-proposals from nonprofit organizations, universities, Native American tribes, and local, state, and federal agencies interested in restoring native populations of sensitive or listed aquatic species. This funding requires a $2 non-federal match for each federal dollar requested by applicants. The BBN program seeks projects that initiate partnerships with private landowners, demonstrate successful collaborative efforts, address watershed health issues that would lead to restoring habitats and are key to restoring native aquatic species and their migration corridors, promote stewardship on private lands, and that can demonstrate a 2:1 non-federal to federal match. Pre-proposals should be submitted electronically through the online application form available on the website by December 2, 2005. Be sure to indicate that you are applying for the BBN program. Pre-proposals will be evaluated by members of the BBN Review Committee. If a pre-proposal is successful, a request for a full proposal from the applicant will be invited by December 23, 2005, with further instructions and must be received by February 3, 2006. Full proposals should also be submitted electronically using the full proposal template which will be available on the NFWF website. For more information or questions about the application process, please contact Corey Grace, NFWF Southwest Office, 415-778-0999, corey.grace@nfwf.org. Visit the website at http://www.nfwf.org/programs/bbn.htm.

Charles Stewart Mott Foundation The mission of the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation is to support efforts that promote a just, equitable, and sustainable society. The Foundation's grant programs focus on the following areas: poverty, civil society, the environment, and Flint, MI. Organizations seeking grants should begin the application process at least four months before the start of the proposed grant period. Foundation staff must finalize grant recommendations for any given calendar year by August 31 of that year. Proposals received between September 1 and December 31 will be considered in the following calendar year. Visit http://www.mott.org for more information.

The Fund for Southern Communities is a publicly supported foundation established in 1981 to provide grants and technical assistance to progressive grassroots social change organizations working in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. The Fund invites applications from organizations fighting discrimination based on race, sex, age, religion, economic status, sexual orientation, ethnic background, or physical and mental disabilities; struggling for the rights of workers; promoting self-determination in low-income and disenfranchised communities; protecting the environment; promoting and/or creating non-traditional arts and media; promoting peace. Regular grant deadlines are April 1 and October 1. Further information is available at the foundation’s website www.fund4south.org.

The Laura Jane Musser Fund supports nonprofit organizations nationally in the areas of solving environmental problems/encouraging environmental stewardship and promoting intercultural harmony. Support in all three categories is generally provided for projects that are new, or within the first three years of operation. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $35,000. The application deadline for the environment category is September 30, 2005. Visit the Fund's website for detailed information on each funding category at http://www.musserfund.org/environmental.htm.

Sapelo Foundation's Environmental Protection Program addresses such issues as water and air quality, sprawl and sustainable development, corporate effects on rural communities, and the protection and management of natural resources. Currently, the primary focus is a strategic campaign addressing water resource management and policy in Georgia. The Trustees meet to consider grants twice each year. Deadlines for submission of proposals are September 1 and March 1. Grants range from $1,000 to $75,000. The average award is between $10,000 and $25,000. Visit http://www.sapelofoundation.org for more details.

The Starbucks Foundation funds local programs that serve low-income, at- risk youth (ages 6-18) through its Youth Leadership Grant Program. Grants range from $5,000-$20,000 and are given in two areas: Power of Literacy - programs that stimulate personal development and a commitment to social equity, justice, and environmental awareness through writing, literacy and expression in public forums; and, Leaders in Diversity - programs that teach the value of societal diversity and develop youth leadership skills to foster understanding between individuals, groups and communities. Grant applications are reviewed twice yearly, April 1st and October 1st. Visit http://www.starbucks.com/aboutus/grantinfo.asp.

Town Creek Foundation supports programs that engage citizens in challenging the unsustainable use of natural resources and in protecting biological diversity. Strategies supported are grassroots activism, monitoring the enforcement of environmental laws, public policy advocacy, collaborative opportunities, media outreach, and model or demonstration projects fostering sustainable policies and practices. Deadlines are January 15, May 15, and September 15. Visit www.towncreekfdn.org.

Temper of the Times Foundation provides funds to underwrite advertising designed to promote the conservation and restoration of native wildlife, plants, and ecosystems in the United States. The application deadline is October 15. For more information, visit http://www.temperfund.org.

Woodruff Foundation is an independent private foundation with a broad charter to support charitable, scientific and educational activities. Principal giving interests include conservation of natural resources and environmental education among other categories. Organizations which seek Foundation support are invited to make an informal inquiry before submitting a proposal. Grant proposals may be submitted at any time during the year. Proposals received by February 1 are considered at an April meeting of the Board of Trustees. Proposals received by September 1 are considered at the November meeting. Visit www.woodruff.org for details.

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