Maumee River Basin Partnership of Local Governments Conference

The Maumee River Basin Partnership of Local Governments is planning a one-day conference focused on the regional river basin and issues that affect local governments and watershed groups in the basin. The conference, held on October 15, 2009 at the Findlay Inn and Conference Center in Findlay, Ohio, will provide an effective way of sharing information and networking among stakeholders in this large region. Break-out sessions will feature presentations and discussions on economic benefits of municipal stormwater programs, current point and non-point source water pollution issues, water quality implementation projects, funding of stormwater programs, and MRBPLG’s new Municipal Stormwater Stewards Program. More information as well as registration forms can be found here.

11th Annual Watershed Celebration Day

The WV Watershed Network invites the state’s watershed stewards to a day of seminars and a celebration of the Mountain State’s hard-working volunteers. Watershed and Project tours are being held on Friday, November 13th and Celebration Day will take place Saturday the 14th. The final registration deadline is October 15th. Scholarships are available to watershed groups to help pay for attending the event. More information can be found at the West Virginia Watershed Network website.

Abstracts due Sept. 19 for National Monitoring Conference

Volunteer monitoring abstracts are needed for the Seventh National Water Monitoring Conference in Denver, CO, April 25-29, 2010.

About 90 volunteer monitoring program representatives attended the last conference in Atlantic City.

Abstracts are due September 19, 2009.

Check out the Call for Abstracts at
http://acwi.gov/monitoring/conference/2010/2010_CFA_final.pdf.

Several volunteer monitoring folks are working with the Conference Steering Committee to ensure a lively and useful conference for the volunteer community. We’d like to see many abstracts submitted on volunteer monitoring topics, and would also appreciate suggestions regarding workshops, panel discussions, and networking opportunities.
We expect that some volunteer monitoring-related abstracts will be integrated into "mainstream" monitoring sessions, and others might be part of volunteer monitoring-only sessions.

Some suggested topics for abstracts (if we get enough, we can create sessions around them):

different models for organizing volunteer monitoring programs
volunteer monitoring and watershed restoration
recruiting and retaining volunteers
working with under-served communities
the role of volunteers in monitoring climate change
adapting methods and equipment for volunteer use
taking action
communicating results
other – add topics you’d like to learn more about or want to share
information on

Please let us know if you are planning to send in an abstract on these or other topics.

This conference is sponsored by the National Water Quality Monitoring Council.

thanks!

-- The volunteer monitoring subcommittee folks

Alice Mayio (mayio.alice@epa.gov)
Linda Green (lgreen2uri.edu)
Danielle Donkersloot (Danielle.Donkersloot@dep.state.nj.us)
Barb Horn (Barb.Horn@state.co.us)
Jason Pinchback (jp30@txstate.edu)

Sustaining and Enhancing Volunteer Monitoring Efforts October 19-20, 2009

The 2009 Mid-Atlantic Volunteer Monitoring conference will provide a forum for volunteer monitors, environmental organizations, and agencies to meet, present, and promote volunteer monitoring efforts. The conference includes plenary session, workshops, and breakout sessions on topics such as sustaining volunteer organizations, data use, watershed issues, and monitoring techniques.

The conference will be held at Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA, 17013.

Conference registration is free for the first 150 people to sign up; after that, the cost is $35.

Clean Water Conference

Time is running out to register for the 2009 Clean Water Conference. Registration ends Sept. 18th

http://www.theoec.org/CWC09.htm
2009 Clean Water Conference-Fresh ideas for fishable, swimmable water
Training sessions include capacity building, organizational development, and water quality monitoring.
October 2-3, 2009
Deer Creek Resort & Conference Center
22300 State Park Road 20
Mt. Sterling, OH, 43143

All registrations received before 5pm Monday Sept .14th will be entered into a drawing to win one of two free tickets to Ohio Environmental Council’s Green Gala Nov. 14th
http://www.theoec.org/greengala09.htm

Join NALGEP and the BCN for Public Health Improvement Opportunities in Redevelopment Web Cast

On Thursday, September 24th from 2:00-3:30 PM Eastern, NALGEP and the Brownfield Communities Network will host a free web cast featuring a discussion of public health improvement opportunities in redevelopment.

Ann Carroll, MPH, of the Office of Brownfields & Land Revitalization, US Environmental Protection Agency will present and moderate discussion with several guests on a wide range of public health issues that can be linked to brownfields, their redevelopment and community revitalization. Examples will touch on needs for access to health care and how redevelopment can support those efforts to considering ways to reduce injuries through complete street design and better consideration of the needs of population, whether aging residents or low income communities in food deserts.

Please join NALGEP and the BCN for a free web cast that will showcase the important work being done throughout the United States to address the correlation between public health and brownfields redevelopment. This will be the first in a series of web casts hosted by NALGEP and the BCN about this topic.

Title: Public Health Improvement Opportunities in Redevelopment

Date: Thursday, September 24, 2009

Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM EDT

Space is limited.
Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/800225737



After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Free Sept. 10th Watershed Academy Webcast on Clean Water Act

Still Time to Register!
Free September Watershed Academy Webcast -- Second in Clean Water Act Series

Join us on Thursday, September 10th at 1-3pm Eastern for an "Introduction to Water Quality Standards," a second in series of Webcasts on the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the United States and it sets broad goals for restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's water. Water quality standards (WQS) are aimed at translating the broad goals of the CWA into waterbody-specific objectives.

Tune into this Webcast to learn about WQS, which are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated by the CWA.The Webcast will highlight the three major components of state and tribal water quality standards e.g., designated uses, water quality criteria, antidegradation, and will include a case study of how one state is working to strengthen its WQS program. Future Webcasts will highlight other aspects of the CWA including monitoring and assessment, total maximum daily loads, programs for managing point sources and nonpoint sources, and wetland protection.

Speakers:

Dr. Thomas Gardner, Environmental Scientist, U.S. EPA's National Water Quality Standards Branch; Heather Goss, Physical Scientist, U.S.EPA's National Water Quality Standards Branch; and William (Bill) Cole, Research Scientist, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Water Quality
Standards Unit

To register, visit http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.

Ohio's 2009 Coastweeks Cleanups Begin!

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 9, 2009


Coastweeks Cleanups Will Improve Waterway Health, Beautify Erie Shore
Cleanups Kick Off Saturday, September 12, including International Coastal Clean-Up Day September 19

TOLEDO, OH - During the 2009 Coastweeks observance, Ohioans will focus on the preservation and protection of Lake Erie and its watershed through a variety of cleanup events along the shoreline and throughout its watershed. Many clean-ups are scheduled for International Coastal Clean-Up Day, September 19, when people around the world will remove trash and debris to promote waterway health and improve the natural beauty of the shoreline.

Coastweeks is a celebration of Lake Erie’s diverse coastal region and the cultural and economic resources that contribute to the quality of life and vitality of the region. Lake Erie has influenced the growth of Ohio through productive agricultural lands, industries, international harbors and as a recreational destination.

This year, Coastweeks focuses on the theme, "I Can Help Lake Erie.” The program encourages people to give back by recognizing and advocating resource protection while balancing economic, cultural and environmental interests.

Special Coastweeks cleanups include:

September 12 - 13th Annual Clean Your Streams Day, 8 a.m. www.PartnersForCleanStreams.org.
• Highland Park Shelter House, Toledo
• Olander Park Shelter House, Sylvania
• University of Toledo Library, Toledo
• St. Frances DeSales High School, Toledo
• International Park, Toledo
• Lake Township Friendship Park Shelter House, Millbury
• Oregon Municipal Building, Oregon
• Washington Twp. Fire Station, Toledo

September 12 - Walnut Beach Cleanup in Ashtabula, 9 a.m. Contact: zarap@earthlink.net.

September 12 - Brunswick Area Stream Cleanup in Brunswick, 9 a.m. Contact: Ed Kelly, edkelly2005@msn.com or Andy Hudak, 330-558-6835.

September 12 - Maumee Bay State Park in Oregon, 10 a.m. RSVP 419-836-9117. Contact: dkbollin@accesstoledo.com.

September 12 - Euclid Creek Cleanup in Cleveland, 10 a.m. Event co-sponsored by Cuyahoga County SWCD. Contact Carol: clsp.naturalist@dnr.state.oh.us or 216-881-8141 x 3001.

September 12 - Magee Marsh Beach Cleanup in Oak Harbor, 10 a.m. Lunch sponsored by Friends of Magee Marsh. Contact Mary Warren at mary.warren@dnr.state.oh.us or 419-898-0960 ext. 31.

September 19 – Euclid Beach Cleanup organized by Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Crew in Euclid, 9 a.m. Contact D’Edra: det@clevelandmetroparks.com or call 216-661-6500 x 4009. This cleanup will also feature the Adopt-A-Beach Monitoring Program with the Alliance for the Great Lakes.

September 19 - Mentor Marsh Trails Cleanup in Mentor, 8 a.m. Contact Becky: rdonalds@cmnh.org or call 440-257-0777.

September 19 - Keep Mentor Beautiful in Mentor, 8:30 a.m. Contact Bonnie: rice@cityofmentor.com or 440-974-5780.

September 19 - Old Woman Creek and Erie County Streams Cleanup in Huron at 9 a.m. Contact Phoebe: phoebe.vanzoest@dnr.state.oh.us or 419-433-4601.

September 19 - Rockefeller Lagoon Cleanup in Cleveland, 10 a.m. Contact Victoria: mills@shakerlakes.org or 216-321-5935 x 234.

September 19 - Sheldon Marsh Beach Cleanup in Huron, 10 a.m. Contact John
McFadden, 440-839-1561

September 19 - Beach Blitz-2009 in Lakeside, 10 a.m. Contact Dave: dave.ferguson@dnr.state.oh.us.

September 21 - Put-in-Bay Clean-Up at 9 a.m. Wanted: Scuba Divers and Land Volunteers. Additional info at: http://www.diveputinbay.com or call Samantha at 330-819-4696.

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission coordinates Ohio’s observance of International Coastal Clean-Up Day and Coastweeks 2009. Through these programs, thousands of Ohioans find solutions for litter that pollutes beaches, streams and tributaries.

Environmental organizations, schools, scout groups, clubs, community groups and individuals throughout Ohio’s Lake Erie watershed are encouraged to get involved in this year’s Coastweeks by participating in or organizing an event.

Visit the OLEC Web site or call 419-245-2514 to learn more about the 2009 Coastweeks program and how you and your community can get involved.

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established for the purpose of preserving Lake Erie's natural resources, protecting the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic development in the region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the commission's chairman. Additional members include the directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.

-30-

For further information, contact:
Edwin Hammett, Ohio Lake Erie Commission
419.245.2514

9/11 Presentation (MD)

The George's Creek Watershed Association (GCWA) has been assembling a last minute presentation to give on September 11th at 6 PM and we wanted to let everyone know in case you are near Westernport, MD. The presentation will be on energy conservation and how residents can become more active. We hope to give away rain barrels, energy efficient light bulbs and reusable bags.

As everyone knows 9/11 is being pushed by President Obama as a national service day as part of the United We Serve Initiative. The GCWA has aligned itself with the Green the Block National Day of Service (http://service.greentheblock.net/). Green The Block launched a campaign 'to educate and mobilize low-income communities and communities of color to ensure a voice and stake in the clean-energy economy.' If anyone wants more information contact:

Adrian Uzunian, OSM/VISTA
George's Creek Watershed Association
(914) 720-0843
auzunian@Gmail.com

Extended Early Registration for "Making Connections: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Ohio River" Conference

The Ohio River Basin Consortium for Research and Education (ORBCRE) is holding a conference entitled "Making Connections: Interdisciplinary Perspectives on the Ohio River." The conference will take place October 18-20 at Hanover College in Hanover, IN. Early registration for the conference only ends Sept. 18 and costs $100; early registration for the conference and dinner costs $130.

Sessions for the conference will cover a wide range of topics including, but not limited to historical perspectives, water quality and quantity, watershed management, human effects on water quality, water issues in the Ohio River and its tributaries, education and outreach, citizen monitoring and restoration.

Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in fieldtrips, workshops and the conference scientific program. For more information or to register, see http://www.ent.ohiou.edu/~orbcre/

"Groundwater Guardian Showcase: Adult Groundwater Education" Webinar

Learn how Groundwater Guardian teams from across the U.S. are educating adults about groundwater and related resources in their community. The webinar will present case studies of innovative and successful adult education programs, including using movie trailers to share wellhead protection information, providing training for septic system owners, and targeting education efforts at tourists and regional municipal officials.

Presenters: Gabrielle Belfit, Barnstable County, MA; John Paquin, Kalamazoo, MI and Janine Reed, Sequim-Dungeness, WA. Presenters will each share how they are educating adults about groundwater and related sources int their communities through the Groundwater Guardian program.

The Groundwater Foundation is excited to continue its 2009 Webinar Series, and invites you to join us for our next Webinar on Tuesday, September 22 at 2 p.m. CST, featuring three Groundwater Guardian teams. Cost is $35.


We hope you'll join us -- register for this exciting webinar online. For more information, call 1-800-858-4844.

Sept 9 Auglaize County DRAINAGE WATER MANAGEMENT FIELD DAY LAKEVIEW, OHIO

DRAINAGE WATER MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATION DAY

Learn about drainage water management techniques at this demonstration field day.
The free event will take place at the Manchester Farm, 29249 SR 385, Lakeview, Ohio, Wednesday, September 9, 2009, from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Directions are below. Email me or call if you need any additional information.
Thanks, Larry

Directions to Site:

From Bellefountaine, Ohio (Logan County) at the intersection of St Rt 68 and St Rt 33, go northwest on 33 approximately 17.4 miles to the intersection of 33 and SR 385 at New Hampshire, Ohio. Go east on SR 385 approximately 3.3 miles to Manchester Farm on north side of SR 385. The farm has a large stone entrance and the 4'x4' Drainage Water Management sign is 200 to 300' west of the entrance.

From the intersection of I-75 and St Rt 33 just east of Wapakoneta, Ohio, take 33 approximately 11.3 miles to New Hampshire, Ohio, then go east on SDR 385 approximately 3.3 miles to Manchester Farm on north side of SR 385.

L.C. Brown, Professor
Dept Food, Agricultural, and Biological Engineering
Overholt Drainage Education and Research Program
Int'l Program for Water Management in Agriculture
The Ohio State University
590 Woody Hayes Drive
Columbus, OH 43210-1057
614.292.3826
614.292.9448 (fax)
brown.59@osu.edu
Agricultural Water Management Website
www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~agwatmgt/
2010 Overholt Drainage School, March 22-26, Sidney, Shelby County, Ohio

Free September Watershed Academy Webcast -- Second in Clean Water Act Series

Join us on Thursday, September 10th at 1-3pm Eastern for an "Introduction to Water Quality Standards," a second in series of Webcasts on the Clean Water Act (CWA). The CWA is the cornerstone of surface water quality protection in the United States and it sets broad goals for restoring and maintaining the chemical, physical, and biological integrity of the nation's water. Water quality standards (WQS) are aimed at translating the broad goals of the CWA into waterbody-specific objectives.
Tune into this Webcast to learn about WQS, which are the foundation of the water quality-based pollution control program mandated by the CWA. The Webcast will highlight the three major components of state and tribal water quality standards e.g., designated uses, water quality criteria, antidegradation, and will include a case study of how one state is working to strengthen its WQS program. Future Webcasts will highlight other aspects of the CWA including monitoring and assessment, total maximum daily loads, programs for managing point sources and nonpoint sources, and wetland protection.
Speakers:
by Dr. Thomas Gardner, Environmental Scientist, U.S. EPA's National Water Quality Standards Branch, Heather Goss, Physical Scientist, U.S. EPA's National Water Quality Standards Branch, and William (Bill) Cole, Research Scientist, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, Water Quality Standards Unit
To register, visit http://www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts.