SEMINAR: Climate Change and Land Use
Global warming impacts on land use planning and project approvals
May 5-6, 2008, in Tarrytown, N.Y.
Who Should Attend
Attorneys, local governments attorneys, planners, engineers, consultants and developers
Why Attend
To date, most of the efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions in response to climate change, have focused on electric power generation and transportation. As those efforts mature, more and more attention is being paid to land use planning and project review at the local level.
California, Washington, Oregon and Massachusetts have all passed legislation seeking to regulate GHG emissions in private development and environmentally sensitive projects through their environmental review process. California has passed a landmark statute, AB 32, which requires local governments to consider global warming impacts as part of their planning processes. The settlement agreement between the state and San Bernardino County sheds some light on how the state plans to implement that policy. There is a growing list of other pioneering efforts by local governments that we will address.
For this first-of-its-kind conference, we have assembled experts from early adopter jurisdictions around the country, as well as leading New York land use professionals, to provide insights for the local governments attorneys, planners, consultants and developers. Hear about the factors that go into a successful regulatory program, the appropriate scope of local review in the Hudson River Valley and surrounding regions, and the best way for developers to respond to the concerns leading to these new regulations.
You Will Learn About
- Federal policies and the gaps state and local governments are seeking to fill
- Policy initiatives in other leading states and sources of regulatory authority
- Policy priorities at the new Office of Climate Change
- Local government authority in New York
- Establishing baselines and modeling impacts
- Analyzing transportation and impacts analysis
- Critical components of project design and materials selection
- Developing regional action plans
- Stakeholder perspectives of the most effective and workable approaches moving forward
Click here for complete details, agenda and to register.
 The Rockland Community College Science Lecture Series:
Alien Invasion: Invasive Species in the Lower Hudson Valley
Wednesday, April 23rd at 7 PM in
The Rockland Community College Student Union Building,
Room 3214,
1145 College Road,
Suffern, NY
More details...
Cell phone tower balloon test
On Wednesday, April 16, 2008, from 8-11 AM or so, weather permitting, there will be a balloon test for the 280 ft. cell phone tower proposed for Tice Road, in Spring Glen, in the Town of Wawarsing. It is believed that this will be visible from many views along the Shawangunk Ridge. Please make every effort to get up onto the Ridge and look for a large red balloon in the south, in the Spring Glen area. Encourage others to do the same. In case of inclement weather or strong winds the test will be postponed to the 17th; it will be postponed another day if the 17th is unsuitable, and so on. Please report sightings and sighting locations to Catherine Abate at 212-283-3790.
County Legislature to Discuss Open Space Funding for 2008
Dear Friend of Open Space:
This is a critical time for land protection. Our elected officials need to know the value we place on continuing to protect the county's scenic vistas, biologically sensitive areas, working farmland and diverse woodlands.
The full County Legislature will be having an open public meeting on Friday, April 11th at 10 a.m at its Legislative Chambers at the Orange County Government Center in Goshen to discuss the continuation of funding for open space in 2008. A vote by the legislature will be held shortly thereafter.
The Orange County Land Trust is encouraging all who would like to show their support for funding for the open space program, to please attend Friday's legislative session. Anyone wishing to speak will be allotted two minutes to address the legislature.
This is a critical time for land protection. Our elected officials need to know the value we place on continuing to protect the county's scenic vistas, biologically sensitive areas, working farmland and diverse woodlands.
Please join us next Friday and show your support for continuing your open space program. If you have any questions, please call us at 845-343-0840 x15.
You can also register your opinion by calling the legislature at 845-291-4800 or emailing legislature@co.orange.ny.us. If you prefer to contact your individual legislator please click on this link for their phone #.
Monday, April 7
State budget bulletin — $95 million to go to state parks revitalization
Parks & Trails New York's year-long advocacy effort results in largest capital infusion ever for State Parks
The enacted budget for parks, completed late last week, includes $95 million for parks revitalization -- the largest capital infusion in the history of the State Park system! The $95 million will be invested in nearly 300 park capital projects -- to rehabilitate aging buildings and infrastructure, create new recreational opportunities, address health and safety concerns, and conserve natural and historic resources in 100 state parks and historic sites. Read the complete list of projects.
We're thrilled that our advocacy efforts resulted in such an historic parks budget. And we applaud the Governor and Legislature for commitment to revitalize New York's magnificent but deteriorating state park system, especially in this difficult budget climate. However, our job is just beginning — we must ensure that this is but the first phase of a multi-year effort to meet the $650 million backlog of infrastructure repairs and rehabilitation.
Overall parks budget holds strong, includes 32 new positions
Total budget appropriations for the Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (OPRHP) in the enacted state budget total $381.6 million, a 2.6 percent increase over last year. This includes funds for new facilities, including 32 positions. It also includes $8 million for the Walkway Over the Hudson, a project to transform the abandoned Poughkeepsie railroad bridge into the world's longest pedestrian bridge and eventually a new State Park.
Environmental Protection Fund approved at record $255 million — parks and trails grant program nixed
The Environmental Protection Fund (EPF), which funds many diverse environmental programs in New York, was approved at $255 million, a $5 million increase over last year. While the EPF holds much good news for park advocates — including $21.2 million for the popular municipal park grant program and nearly $66.6 million for open space acquisition — a $500,000 million grants program for park, historic site, and trail non-profit groups, to be administered by Parks & Trails New York, did not make the final cut.
Of course, we're very disappointed and so are parks and trails organizations across the state, but we pledge to work tirelessly to ensure that the program is included next year when the EPF will by law increase from this year's $255 million to $300 million.
Unfortunately, a $125 million EPF "sweep", or transfer of EPF funds to the General Fund, proposed by the Executive to bolster the state budget bottom line this year remained intact.
Friday, March 7
Hall Asks for Extension of Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge Public Comment Period
Goshen, NY — Today U.S. Rep. John Hall (D-NY19) called on the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) to extend for 90 days the public comment period on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge (WRNWR). USFWS granted Congressman Hall's request for a public hearing at the Warwick Town Hall on the Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmental Assessment for the WRNWR, which was held yesterday, Thursday March 6. The public comment period is set to close Monday, March 10.
"I am glad the Fish and Wildlife Service was willing to listen to the concerns of residents and area farmers at the public hearing," said Congressman Hall. "People who were unable to attend the hearing or who have additional comments deserve to be heard as well and need more than a few days to respond."
A significant expansion of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge has been proposed throughout the New York and New Jersey portions of the refuge. While two public hearings were scheduled in New Jersey as part of the USFWS's study process, none were originally scheduled in New York.
The USFWS has identified additional areas surrounding the current boundaries of the Wallkill River National Wildlife Refuge as "biologically significant land" in its Land Protection Plan. In Orange County, parts of Minisink and the Black Dirt Region of Warwick have been proposed for acquisition
Friday, March 7: 8:00am — 4:00 pm
Landscaping in a Changing Climate
Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension Hudson Valley.
Climate Change is affecting many aspects of our lives including our
horticultural and landscaping practices. This conference will enlighten
you about the predicted climate changes and how you can adapt your
practices to improve water use and energy efficiency. By understanding
stormwater and drainage issues, you can better design landscapes to
improve the success of your plantings. Plants in stressed environments
need good soils to be healthy and resist pests and diseases. Selecting
plants that are adapted to site microclimates will also increase their
survival rate. Fee: $95.00; Five (5) Landscaping Architects Continuing Education Credits and three (3) NYSDEC Pesticide Recertification credits have been applied for and are pending.
For more information, please contact Rose Baglia at 845-344-1234 or e-mail rsb22@cornell.edu.
Location: Rockland Community College
Tuesday, March 11: 7:00 pm
Curbing Biodiversity Loss
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is offering a special public lecture by world-renowned conservation biologist, Dr. Stuart Pimm. A Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University, Dr. Pimm is an expert on endangered species, conservation, biodiversity, species extinctions and habitat loss. His talk will explore the role that carbon offsets can play in protecting land and curbing biodiversity loss. Free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Pamela Freeman (845) 677-7600 x 121 or email freemanp@ecostudies.org.
Location: Cary Institute Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpk., Millbrook, NY.
Wednesday, March 12: 1:00-3:00 pm; OR 7:00-9:00 pm
Resident Canada Geese Population Stabilization Training
(Egg Oiling)
NYS DEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve will be hosting a training by officials from GeesePeace on the basics of Canada goose egg oiling and management. Egg oiling is a Human Society approved protocol that does not allow eggs to hatch. GeesePeace officials will also be discussing the new US Fish and Wildlife Service regulations and reporting forms. An average adult goose produces 2 lbs of waste daily, posing a potential health hazard and creating nutrient pollution which when washed into local streams causes degradation of water quality and aquatic habitats. Attend one of two identical, free trainings at the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Mills-Norrie State Park.
Registration required and can be done online at eehauser@gw.dec.state.ny.us or (845) 889-4745 x112.
Thursday, March 13: 8:00-9:30 am
Hudson River Watershed Alliance Omelette Series:
Climate Change and the Hudson Valley: What can we expect?
Featured speaker: Kristin Marcell of the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program. Scientists predict that climates around the world will undergo dramatic change in the coming decades as the earth responds to global warming. How much warming are scientists predicting for our region? How will rising temperatures affect our weather and our communities? In this session, we will review evidence of climate change, what this change will mean for the Hudson Valley, and what we can do to prepare. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own breakfast off the menu.
Please RSVP, as space is limited, to Katy Dunlap, HRWA Coordinator, to mailto:katy@clearwater.org or 845-454-7673 x116
Location: Plaza Diner, in New Paltz
Events
Friday, March 7: 8:00am — 4:00 pm
Landscaping in a Changing Climate
Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension Hudson Valley.
Climate Change is affecting many aspects of our lives including our
horticultural and landscaping practices. This conference will enlighten
you about the predicted climate changes and how you can adapt your
practices to improve water use and energy efficiency. By understanding
stormwater and drainage issues, you can better design landscapes to
improve the success of your plantings. Plants in stressed environments
need good soils to be healthy and resist pests and diseases. Selecting
plants that are adapted to site microclimates will also increase their
survival rate. Fee: $95.00; Five (5) Landscaping Architects Continuing Education Credits and three (3) NYSDEC Pesticide Recertification credits have been applied for and are pending.
For more information, please contact Rose Baglia at 845-344-1234 or e-mail rsb22@cornell.edu.
Location: Rockland Community College
Tuesday, March 11: 7:00 pm
Curbing Biodiversity Loss
The Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies is offering a special public lecture by world-renowned conservation biologist, Dr. Stuart Pimm. A Doris Duke Professor of Conservation Ecology at Duke University, Dr. Pimm is an expert on endangered species, conservation, biodiversity, species extinctions and habitat loss. His talk will explore the role that carbon offsets can play in protecting land and curbing biodiversity loss. Free and open to the public.
For more information, please contact Pamela Freeman (845) 677-7600 x 121 or email freemanp@ecostudies.org.
Location: Cary Institute Auditorium, 2801 Sharon Tpk., Millbrook, NY.
Wednesday, March 12: 1:00-3:00 pm; OR 7:00-9:00 pm
Resident Canada Geese Population Stabilization Training (Egg Oiling)
NYS DEC Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve will be hosting a training by officials from GeesePeace on the basics of Canada goose egg oiling and management. Egg oiling is a Human Society approved protocol that does not allow eggs to hatch. GeesePeace officials will also be discussing the new US Fish and Wildlife Service regulations and reporting forms. An average adult goose produces 2 lbs of waste daily, posing a potential health hazard and creating nutrient pollution which when washed into local streams causes degradation of water quality and aquatic habitats. Attend one of two identical, free trainings at the Hudson River National Estuarine Research Reserve Mills-Norrie State Park.
Registration required and can be done online at eehauser@gw.dec.state.ny.us or (845) 889-4745 x112.
Thursday, March 13: 8:00-9:30 am
Hudson River Watershed Alliance Omelette Series:
Climate Change and the Hudson Valley: What can we expect?
Featured speaker: Kristin Marcell of the NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program. Scientists predict that climates around the world will undergo dramatic change in the coming decades as the earth responds to global warming. How much warming are scientists predicting for our region? How will rising temperatures affect our weather and our communities? In this session, we will review evidence of climate change, what this change will mean for the Hudson Valley, and what we can do to prepare. Participants are responsible for purchasing their own breakfast off the menu.
Please RSVP, as space is limited, to Katy Dunlap, HRWA Coordinator, to mailto:katy@clearwater.org or 845-454-7673 x116
Location: Plaza Diner, in New Paltz
Sunday, April 6: 7:00 pm
Clearwater's second annual SPRING SPLASH
Come celebrate the changing of the seasons with an evening of diverse music and talent at the Beacon High School Auditorium. Featuring Pete Seeger, Odetta, David Amram, Roland Mousaa, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely, and the Beacon High School Steppers.
Tickets are $25, $35, and $50 each with a limited number of special sponsor tickets available. Sponsor tickets are $150 and include a pre-concert reception with the performers and the best seats in the house! Tickets available 24/7 at 800-838-3006, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information call the Clearwater office at 845-454-7673.
$80 of each Sponsor ticket purchase is a tax-deductible donation to Clearwater.
Location: Beacon High School Auditorium, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY.
Sunday, April 6: 7:00 pm
Clearwater's second annual SPRING SPLASH
Come celebrate the changing of the seasons with an evening of diverse music and talent at the Beacon High School Auditorium. Featuring Pete Seeger, Odetta, David Amram, Roland Mousaa, Toshi Reagon and BIGLovely, and the Beacon High School Steppers.
Tickets are $25, $35, and $50 each with a limited number of special sponsor tickets available. Sponsor tickets are $150 and include a pre-concert reception with the performers and the best seats in the house! Tickets available 24/7 at 800-838-3006, or online at Brown Paper Tickets. For more information call the Clearwater office at 845-454-7673.
$80 of each Sponsor ticket purchase is a tax-deductible donation to Clearwater.
Location: Beacon High School Auditorium, 101 Matteawan Road, Beacon, NY.
February 28, 2008
Upstate Congressmen Ask PSC to Reject NYRI Filing
Arcuri, Hinchey and Hall Blast NYRI's Thruway Claims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representatives John Hall (D-Dover Plains), Michael A. Arcuri (D-Utica), and Maurice Hinchey (D-Hurley) urged the New York Public Service Commission (PSC) today to rule that New York Regional Interconnection's (NYRI) recent application re-filling is incomplete because it lacks a thorough examination of the Thruway alternative.
"As NYRI has not fully complied with the PSC's order of November 10, 2006 directing the filing of supplemental information, we respectfully request that the PSC rule that NYRI's application is not complete at this time," Arcuri, Hall, and Hinchey wrote to PSC Chairman Garry Brown. "We are deeply concerned by NYRI's repeated refusals to consider alternatives to its proposed route in good faith. We remain committed to ensuring that the PSC and New York State retain the ultimate authority in the approval and siting of electric transmission projects within New York."
In their letter, the Congressmen contend that NYRI's filing of February 21, 2008 is not in compliance with the PSC's November 10, 2006 order requiring NYRI "to perform a study of the Thruway and Marcy South alternate routes."
They point out that NYRI's claim that the Thruway route "is precluded by federal and state laws and regulations," is based solely on NYRI's own assumption that it has put forth a "feasible alternative," a determination that in fact can only made by the federal Department of Transportation.
"NYRI's claim that their proposed route is 'feasible' does not, in itself, preclude the possibility of siting the project along the Thruway as NYRI has alleged."
Biodiversity Short Course
Presented by Hudsonia Ltd. and NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program
May 20-22 (9-5 pm each day)
Hudsonia Ltd. and the Hudson River Estuary Program announce a continuing education opportunity in Biodiversity Assessment. This 3-day intensive course will teach the methods outlined in Hudsonia's Biodiversity Assessment Manual for the Hudson River Estuary Corridor/. Through hands-on exercises in remote sensing, participants in this Short Course will learn to interpret topographic, geologic, and wetland maps; soil surveys; and aerial photos to predict the presence of ecologically significant habitats in the landscape. Outdoor exercises will help participants learn field indicators of habitats that may support rare species or provide other important ecological services. Discussions of land use planning for biodiversity conservation will cover many issues and scenarios relevant to the work of town agencies, land trusts, and conservation NGOs. Space is limited, and preference is give to members of town boards, planning boards, advisory councils, watershed councils, and land trusts. Pre-registration is required.
Location: The Farm and Home Center, Millbrook, Dutchess County, NY
Contact Information: Andrew Meyer, Biodiversity Educator 845-758-0600 or ameyer@bard.edu
Herring Monitoring Program
NYSDEC Hudson River Estuary Program and Hudson Rivers Fisheries Unit
are initiating a volunteer-based river herring monitoring program, and are looking for local groups and watershed organizations to partner with to conduct the monitoring on six different tributaries. The monitoring will take place between 4/1 — 5/31 and will involve looking to see if, where, and when herring spawning runs exist on these tributaries. Each volunteer will conduct visual observations for signs of herring, at least twice a week for 15 minutes.
Herring are very important to the Hudson both ecologically and commercially. Unfortunately, herring stocks are declining all along the East coast. The program goal is to gather as much information as possible about this essential fishery. Although the monitoring program will not be able to determine exact numbers of herring, by monitoring streams in the upper, mid, and lower sections of the Hudson River, DEC will learn more about the timing and location of the runs.
For more information, please contact Leah Abuza, Riparian Buffer Specialist
Intern, 845-256-3815 or leabuza@gw.dec.state.ny.us
Trees for Tribs Initiative
Deadline for Spring 2008: March 1
NYS DEC Hudson River Estuary Program's Trees for Tribs Initiative
is offering free native trees and shrubs for qualifying projects in the
Hudson River Estuary watershed within the State of New York from the
Verrazano Narrows Bridge to the Troy Dam. The Estuary Program's
Riparian Buffer Coordinator can assist with plant selection, designing a
planting plan, and other technical information to improve the odds of
success for your project.
Riparian (streamside) buffers are a major component to maintaining
healthy streams and water, consisting of trees, shrubs,
and grasses help to reduce pollution entering waterways by slowing down
and filtering runoff, thus extending retention time. Buffers also help
to reduce flooding and erosion by stabilizing shorelines and absorbing
high velocity flows. In addition, they serve an important role for
wildlife as a shoreline transition zone and travel corridor, not to
mention increasing overall biodiversity and improving in-stream health.
For more information on the Trees for Tribs program, please contact Kevin Grieser,
Riparian Buffer Coordinator, at 845-256-3145 or
kagriese@gw.dec.state.ny.us.
A Call Out For Harriman State Park Phragmites Survey Volunteers
Pre-survey workshop/meeting on Feb. 9th at 3pm @the Highlands Environmental Research Institute
(across the street from the Sterling Forest Visitor Center)
See link for more details & rsvp.
Designate Kittatinny-Shawangunk Ridge and Corridor
 as National Raptor Migration Corridor
Don Heintzelman of Zionsville, PA, professional ornithologist and writer of 22 books on hawk watching and raptor migration science is spearheading a campaign to designate the Shawangunk Ridge as the Kittatinny-Shawangunk National Raptor Migration Corridor. This corridor consists of the ridge plus land five miles from the north and south bases of the ridge. This 256 mile long area is internationally famous and important as a raptor migration flight-lines and corridor — part of the Appalachian Raptor Migration Flyway. Mr. Heintzelman has spent more than 50 years engaged in research on the ridge.
More than 101 organizations, businesses and persons worldwide have signed on to the raptor corridor effort. The ridge has been under threat for many years and while important parts have been preserved in Ulster county such as Sam's Point, Minnewaska, Mohonk Preserve and very recently Awosting, there is concern about the areas near Wurtsboro and many areas in Orange County and Pennsylvania. For example, a sports car race track may be constructed on the north slope of the ridge near the Appalachian Trail some miles upridge from Hawk Mountain and Bake Oven Knob. There is concern about the proposed Mushroom plant near the Basha Kill on the Sullivan and Orange county borders.
Currently there are no National Raptor Migration Corridors in the USA. Federal designation would be innovative and create new conservation and land use planning precedents. It will be a unique model for the creation of similar migration corridors at appropriate locations elsewhere in the USA and abroad.
Here is a link to a sample letter that you can use as a reference to write your own.
Mail or email your letter supporting this campaign to:
Don Heintzelman
6345 Ridge Road, Apt. 2
Zionsville, PA 18092
donsh@enter.net
MYSTERIOUS ILLNESS KILLING BATS IN NORTHEAST PROMPTS PRECAUTIONS AS WILDLIFE
RESEARCHERS SEARCH FOR ANSWERS
Feb. 4, 2008
TRENTON — Amid mounting concern over the unexplained deaths of
thousands of hibernating bats in New York and Vermont, Department of
Environmental Protection Commissioner Lisa P. Jackson today advised the
public to avoid entering any caves and mines that might harbor the creatures
until wildlife experts know more about the problem.
"We have not yet found any evidence of disease among New Jersey's wintering
bat populations," Commissioner Jackson said. "But until experts fully
understand how and why bats in other states are dying, and whether it's
possible for people to carry this mysterious illness from one cave to
another, it is best to take precautions and keep out of places in which they
hibernate."
Hikers, photographers and spelunkers are among those who frequent abandoned
mines, caves and other locations that likely shelter hibernating bats.
Wildlife officials are calling the illness "white nose syndrome" because the
most obvious symptom is a white fungus that forms around the noses of some,
but not all, of the afflicted bats. Researchers do not yet know if the
fungus actually causes death, but they have observed that bats with white
nose syndrome deplete their fat reserves months before they would normally
emerge from hibernation, and die as a result.
In the coming weeks, New Jersey biologists will survey the state's largest
known hibernaculum to look for bats exhibiting symptoms of the disease. To
date, there is no information showing people have been affected after
exposure to the white fungus, so human-health implications remain unknown.
Last year, in several caves near Albany, N.Y., up to 11,000 bats — more than
half of that area's wintering population — were found dead, and many showed
symptoms of the mysterious disease. Biologists this year are again seeing
the white fungus on bats hibernating in New York and southwest Vermont.
Because bats migrate hundreds of miles to their summer range, impacts to
hibernating bats can have significant implications for the species
throughout the Northeast.
Bat biologists across the country are evaluating strategies to monitor the
presence of the disease and collect specimens for laboratory analysis. To
avoid the possibility of spreading the disease, biologists are taking
precautions, using sanitary clothing and respirators when entering caves.
The affected species include the Indiana bat, listed as endangered in New
Jersey and nationwide. Wildlife experts report that little brown bats are
sustaining the largest number of deaths, along with northern long-eared,
eastern pipistrelle and other bat species using the same caves.
Hibernating bats are particularly vulnerable to disease or disturbance
because they congregate in large numbers in caves and mines, forming tight
clusters of 300 per square foot in some locations. Of the tens of thousands
of bats known to hibernate in New Jersey, most occupy a handful of abandoned
mines.
Conservation.org
New Jersey Regional Highlands
Contact: Darlene Yuhas (609) 984-1795
Elaine Makatura (609) 292-2994
January 15, 2008 The New Tax Incentive has Expired BUT...
The conservation easement incentive passed in the 2006 Pension Protection Act (PPA) expired on December 31st — but the Land Trust Alliance is very hopeful that the incentive will be made permanent in the Farm Bill in the coming months.
The Farm Bill the Senate passed in December includes a permanent extension of the new tax incentive for conservation easement donations and bargain sales, which expired on January 1st. The House Farm Bill doesn't have a similar provision. A House-Senate conference to work out a final Farm Bill could start in late January, but the House and Senate bills are big (1,500 pages), complex, and very different — so a final agreement will probably take weeks to finalize.
What you can do: Every bit of extra support for making the conservation easement incentive permanent in the House will help, and here is an easy way for House members to show that support.
Both Congressman Hinchey and Hall HAVE cosponsored, thank them — and ask them to please write House Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel (if they are Democrats) or Ranking Member Jim McCrery (if they are Republicans) to ask them to help ensure that the extension of the incentive for conservation easement donations in section 12203 of the Senate's Farm Bill — which is identical to HR 1576 — is included in the final Farm Bill.
There is a good deal of talk of a Presidential veto of the farm bill. But Senator McConnell, the minority leader, believes there will be a new farm bill, as do other Republican Senators we talk to.
Need help? Want to do even more? E-mail rshay@lta.org.
2008 Northeast Land Trust Conference
April 10-12, 2008
The Thayer Hotel | West Point, NY
Join us at the 16th Annual Northeast Land Trust Conference. Our keynote speaker will be Cheryl Charles, President and Co-Founder of the Children and Nature Network.
The conference provides focused learning experiences through full and half-day seminars that allow for in-depth discussion, as well as educational field trainings. This learning opportunity will prepare you for the conservation challenges and opportunities you will face in your hometown. Reconnect with your neighbors and partners in conservation and share your triumphs and challenges. You and your colleagues will be inspired and recharged!
Registration and program information available in February. For more information, please contact training@lta.org.
Upper Delaware Scenic Byway awarded national grant
Narrowsburg — The Federal Highway Administration has awarded the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. a $12,400 grant to undertake an Invasive Plant Species Educational Campaign and Interpretive Signage Project.
The project will raise awareness of the detrimental effects of Japanese Knotweed on the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway corridor and offer eradication strategies. The aggressive proliferation of this herbaceous perennial threatens the river valley's natural resources and its appeal to the traveling public.
Concurrently, eight outdoor interpretive panels will be installed along New York State Route 97 in the participating communities of the City of Port Jervis, towns of Deerpark, Lumberland, Highland, Tusten, Cochecton, Delaware, and the Village of Hancock. The signs will link the byway municipalities together thematically and aesthetically, featuring a comprehensive map with a "you are here" symbol, the UDSB color logo, and a common narrative description, along with site-specific information.
The $12,400 allocation represents about 80 percent of the total project cost of $15,940. The grant will cover the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc.'s development and distribution of 20,000 copies of a Japanese Knotweed brochure in cooperation with the Delaware River Foundation, Inc. and the National Park Service's Upper Delaware Scenic and Recreational River Resource Management Division.
Mid Hudson News
December 21, 2007
State farmland protection grants announced
Albany — A number of state farmland protection grants were announced Thursday.
In Dutchess County, the county will partner with Dutchess Land Conservancy to protect Sunset Ridge Farm. It will receive over $907,000.
The Town of Minisink will receive $295,000 to partner with the Orange County Land Trust to protect the Kezialain Farm.
The Town of Warwick will receive almost $627,000 to protect Bellvale Farms.
Ulster County will partner with Open Space Conservancy to protect Arrowhead Farm.
The Town of Rochester in Ulster County will partner with the Open Space conservancy to protect the Domino Farm with an almost $694,000 state grant.
Westchester County will receive $2.3 million to partner with Watershed Agricultural council to protect Stuart's Family Farm.
December 19, 2007
Fran Dunwell of the DEC has announced that the Orange County Land Trust was successful in securing a Hudson River Estuary grant. Commissioner Grannis has approved 41 grants totaling about $1.7 million for projects that help implement the Hudson River Estuary Plan and also prepare a legacy of projects to commemorate the upcoming 2009 Hudson-Fulton-Champlain Quadricentennial.
$34,000 Wallkill River Better Site Design
Planning and Implementation project to educate land use decision makers on incorporating Better Site Design Principles into development plans, review local codes in 5 municipalities, and conduct a demonstration project.
$35,000 Wallkill River Riparian Restoration and Erosion Study — This project proposes to support the Wallkill River Task Force Coordinator to implement recommendations of the Wallkill River Watershed Management Plan.
On Friday afternoon, December 14, 2007, the United States Senate passed a Farm Bill that includes a provision making the new tax incentive for conservation donations permanent. This is a great step forward in our campaign for the new incentive.
We are very grateful to the leadership of Senators Max Baucus and Charles Grassley for having moved this forward. This victory was only possible because of the many land trust leaders across the country who weighed in with their Senators on behalf of this conservation milestone.
This is not the end of the process. A final bill will require a House-Senate conference in January of next year. If the conference approves the Senate provision, it will be made retroactive to January 1 of 2008.
Russell Shay
Director of Public Policy
Land Trust Alliance
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