Happy Holidays!
News
1. American Rivers Asks You to Take Action to Stop Sewage Dumping
2. John Sibley to Retire in 2005 from Georgia Conservancy
3. AJC Article on Hazardous Waste Trust Fund
4. Georgia Water Coalition Recruiting New Members – Join Now / Next Meeting Set
Workshops/Conferences/Calendar Items
5. GRN Annual Conference - Milledgeville
6. DNR Board Meeting in January - Atlanta
7. ICL Offers Leadership Workshop – Norcross
8. GEC Legislative Reception - Atlanta
Policy
9. SB 460 Update
Fundraising
10. Fundraising Deadlines
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1. American Rivers Asks You to Take Action to Stop Sewage Dumping
There are two things you can do today to protect waters in our communities
from the dangers of sewage dumping: 1) Call your Senators and urge them to
sign Senator Jeffords’ (I-VT) letter to the Environmental Protection
Agency (EPA) opposing the EPA’s sewage dumping/blending guidance 2)
Send a letter to the EPA Administrator urging him to end consideration of
this policy. In the fall of 2003, the EPA proposed a "sewage blending" policy.
It is more accurately called a "sewage dumping" policy, because
it allows sewage treatment plants to bypass an important treatment phase
after rainfalls. They would be allowed to mix partially treated waste with
fully treated waste and dump that mixture into our rivers and drinking water
sources. This policy not only poses a serious threat to human health and
the environment but also violates the Clean Water Act, which requires sewage
to be treated. The EPA has received nearly 100,000 comments in opposition
to its proposed sewage dumping policy. However, the EPA continues to bow
to industry pressure and is preparing to finalize this policy guidance. On
December 9, Senator Jeffords circulated a letter to EPA Administrator Mike
Leavitt opposing the sewage dumping/blending guidance, seeking signatures
from his fellow Senators. Senator Jeffords is asking other Senators to support
citizens' right to health by opposing the guidance. Please act today in the
interest of public health, our environment, and our clean drinking water
sources and call your Senators, urging them to sign-on to Senator Jeffords’ letter.
To find out who your Senators are and how to contact them, please visit http://amriversaction.ctsg.com/action/index.asp.
When you call your Senator’s office, simply tell whoever answers the
phone where you are from and that you urge the Senator to sign on to Senator
Jefffords’ letter to the EPA opposing EPA’s sewage dumping policy.
Please consider emailing outreach@americanrivers.org to let us know that
you have called your Senators. This will enable us to keep track of the numbers
of calls generated to the Senate on this issue and do a better job when we
follow up with your Senators.
2. John Sibley to Retire in 2005 from the Georgia Conservancy
John Sibley, Director of the Georgia Conservancy, announced, “After much deliberation, I have come to a decision that 2005 will mark a year of transition for me and the Conservancy. As I turn 60 years old, I have been reflecting on my work here, which has been the most rewarding job of my life, and on what the future holds for me and the Conservancy. My commitment to the Conservancy has been and remains unwavering, and I think it is time to shift gears into a less demanding but equally fulfilling role. I am especially grateful to have worked with the wonderful people of this organization and the conservation community. At my request, Ray Anderson has appointed a search committee to work on a plan of succession. Korn Ferry International has been engaged on a pro bono basis to help with a search. I am honored that the committee has asked me to remain as president until a successor takes office, and to consider an ongoing role as a member of the Board of Trustees and as an interim consultant to assist with the transition of the new president. I remain committed to the Conservancy and to the conservation movement and will look forward to filling these roles, as I relinquish the presidency.”
3. Atlanta Journal Constitution 11/17/04, Our Opinion: Hazardous Practice
Perdue, state Legislature can't continue to use environmental trust funds to
plug budget gaps
Most people who take money from unsuspecting victims under false pretenses
and then use it in ways contrary to what was promised would be accused of theft.
When Georgia politicians do it, it's called "balancing the budget." The
latter is legal, but it still stinks. There's just no polite way to describe
how Gov. Sonny Perdue and the General Assembly have diverted $13 million in
fees collected from some Georgia companies and local governments in the guise
of contributing to a revolving hazardous waste trust fund. The fund was established
by the Legislature 12 years ago to clean up toxic waste sites that pose a direct
threat to the environment or public health. It was also intended to reimburse
cities and counties that have undertaken such cleanups. But in recent years,
as the economy slumped and tax revenues shrank, the governor and state lawmakers
have repeatedly raided the trust fund to use the money for other purposes,
a practice that has left many financially strapped local communities holding
the bag. About 50 hazardous waste sites around the state are slated for immediate
cleanup using money from the trust fund. But as a consequence of the budgetary
sleight-of-hand, work at eight sites has been stopped and at 26 other projects
has been delayed indefinitely. Dozens of cities and counties are waiting for
money to help pay for $11 million in cleanups, but only $1.2 million will be
reimbursed because the trust fund has mostly been drained. In the past two
years, more than $20 million has been diverted from the fund, and there's a
$162 million gap between what will be collected in fees and the amount needed
to finish work that's already under way. In the meantime, a toxic stew of chemicals
endangers water supplies and poisons the soil all over the state. One in every
six Georgians lives within two miles of a leaking landfill that is contaminating
the groundwater around it. Perdue and lawmakers have also broken the faith
over a second trust fund that was created to pay for county litter programs,
recycling centers and the cleanup of illegal dumps. About $6.1 million is raised
annually for the state's Solid Waste Trust Fund, mostly through a $1 fee on
every old tire disposed of at a gas station or tire store. Those funds are
also running out because they have been used like a piggy bank to help shore
up the budget. The governor says he supports the trust funds in principle,
and he has promised to restore the money when the state's economic outlook
improves. But that empty gesture is no more comforting than a pickpocket who
insists the money lifted from your wallet is only a temporary loan. During
the last session of the General Assembly, the House Natural Resources and Environment
Committee passed a constitutional amendment that, if endorsed by a two-thirds
majority of legislators and then approved by voters, would have barred the
Legislature from dipping into the trust funds. The measure stalled in the Senate.
Granted, state officials have to make difficult choices with limited resources.
That's still no excuse for this bait-and-switch con game being played on Georgians
who are paying a hefty price for environmental protection they deserve but
are not getting.
4. Georgia Water Coalition Recruiting New Members – Join Now / Next
Meeting
The Georgia Water Coalition would like to increase and diversify its list of
93 member organizations. The Coalition especially needs representation from
the Ochlocknee, St. Mary’s, Suwannee and Tallapoosa. It is easy to join.
There is no fee. Participation in coalition activities takes only as much time
as your group wants to give. All you have to do to join is sign the participation
statement that says your group agrees with the principles of the Coalition.
Visit http://www.georgiawater.org. The next GWC Partner Meeting will be held
on January 19, 2005 at the Carl Sanders Fireplace Room in the Capitol Education
Center (180 Central Way, SW), Atlanta, Georgia. A continental breakfast and
lunch will keep you energized to learn more about 3 upcoming events.
5. GRN Annual Conference – “The Land-Water Connection”
The 2005 Georgia River Network Conference will be held February 18 -20 at Georgia
College and State University. Early registration now available.
The conference will feature:
Keynote Speakers
American Rivers
Dr. Judy Meyer, University of Georgia
Three informative tracks:
Organizations That Make An Impact
Understanding Your Watershed - Track Chaired by Georgia Adopt-A-Stream
The Land Connection
A Friday Night Pizza Social at the Lake Laurel Lodge, featuring a presentation
by Brad Sanders, author of "Guide to William Bartram's Travels"
A Saturday night party featuring a live and silent auction, River Celebration
Awards, River Jam, food and drinks
Field Trips - Conservation Flights by Southwings (details TBA)
Networking opportunities
"
Office Hours" with Resource Providers
Exhibits
For more information or to register, visit www.garivers.org and click on the
conference link on our homepage.
Sponsors:
Georgia College and State University: Department of Biological Sciences, School of Education and Office of Academic Outreach
Party and River Celebration Award Sponsors:
Georgia Water Coalition
Bron Cleveland Associates
6. DNR Board Meeting
The next regularly scheduled DNR Board meetings are expected to be held on
Tuesday, January 25, beginning at 1 p.m., and Wednesday, January 26, beginning
at 10 a.m., in the DNR Boardroom, Suite 1252, East Tower, 2 Martin Luther
King Jr. Drive, Atlanta (Sloppy Floyd Building). A decision to consolidate
the meetings into a single day will continue to be made on a month-to-month
basis. 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.
7. ICL Offers Leadership Workshop - Norcross
Shared Leadership in Challenging Times, Feb. 3-6, 2005 in Norcross, GA
This is a program for a team of staff and board leaders who want to strengthen their organization and set a course for bringing their organization to the next level in its development. Preference given to staff and board teams from organizations in the Great Lakes region and the Southeast U.S. This program helps leaders build effective organizations in a changing world, engage new people with diverse perspectives and create successful partnerships. During the workshop, leaders will develop the abilities they need to effectively lead and govern their groups. Participants in this three-day Shared Leadership I Workshop will: *Enhance their personal leadership skills *Work with their leadership team to assess and strengthen their organization *Use tools for understanding difference in perspective or approach as a resource for their organizations. Each participating organization will receive consulting and coaching support in implementing their action plan. To download an application or find out more, visit www.icl.org or contact Peter Lane at 301-270-2900 ext. 5 or peter@icl.org.
8. GEC 2005 Legislative Reception - Atlanta
The GEC 2005 Legislative Reception will be held Wednesday, January 26, 2005
from 6:00 – 8:30pm at Southface in Atlanta. Mark your calendars. For
more information, contact chassell@mindspring.com.
9. SB 460 Proposed Rules - A Conservation Setback But A Public Testimony Success! (News from the GA Water Coalition)
(For background information on this issue, visit Georgia River Network’s homepage at www.garivers.org.) Although some of Georgia’s streams will no longer be protected due to the December 7 vote (11-5) by the DNR Board to pass the SB 460 Rules, the Board meeting was a success for public testimony on protecting downstream water quality. A total of 25 different speakers, representing such groups as fisherman, engineers, and homeowner associations, testified against the Rules while 11 speakers testified for the Rules. All of those who spoke against the Rules were eloquent and heartfelt. Although the vote did not go the way we hoped, the Board heard our concerns loud and clear. Equally important were Sally Bethea’s comments to the Board in which she gave an historical perspective on the continual decrease in stream protection measures over the last few years. Board member Sara Clark was also eloquent in her opposition to the Rules, saying that they would put the cart before the horse in placing additional burdens on EPD without any assurance EPD would have additional staff. Board Member Jim Butler was succinct in his assessment that either the Board could vote with developers or they could vote with the Georgia Wildlife Federation, the Georgia Conservancy, the Riverkeepers, the fishermen, and people downstream. Given that the Board is supposed to protect Georgia’s natural resources, he said it was clear how he ought to vote. The Rules will prove to be a setback because they allow developers to fill-in, pave-over, and pipe streams that do not have groundwater or base flow at some point during the year. Depending on the interpretation in the field, both ephemeral and intermittent streams will be impacted. These small streams provide functional services in filtering pollutants, absorbing rainwater, and reducing flooding. To quote environmental engineer Glynn Groszmann, these streams “are the first and most important line of defense for water quality”.
What can we do now? We urge you to send a personal letter to each of the five Board members who opposed the Rules, thanking them for their vote against the Proposed Rules and their efforts to protect downstream water quality and downstream property. The Board Members and addresses are as follows:
1) Sally S. Bethea, 3 Puritan Mill, 916 Joseph Lowery Blvd., Atlanta, GA 30318
2) Jim E. Butler, Jr., P.O. Box 2766, Columbus, Georgia 31902
3) Ralph W. Callaway, P.O. Box 2000, Pine Mountain, Georgia 31822
4) Sara S. Clark, 230 Dapplegate Way, Alpharetta, Georgia 30022
5) Reese J. Thompson, P.O. Box 796, Vidalia, Georgia 30474
10. 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 Safe Boating Council: Local Recreational Boating Safety Grant Program
The goal of the National Safe Boating Council's Local Recreational Boating
Safety Grant Program is to reduce boating accidents and enhance the boating
experience by distributing grants for local recreational boating safety programs.
Grants of up to $1,000 are available for projects including, but not limited
to, improving the quality or quantity of essential safe boating services
or materials; building on and supporting the North American Safe Boating
Campaign to enhance safe boating at the local level; developing innovative
ideas that can be replicated by groups in other areas to improve boating
safety; providing an opportunity to improve boating safety for specialized
activities; and developing children's programs or adaptive boating for the
disabled. Nonprofit organizations, noncommercial organizations, volunteer
boating groups, and local government agencies throughout the U.S. are eligible
to apply. The application deadline is January 25, 2005. Visit http://www.safeboatingcouncil.org/rbs.htm.
BoatU.S. Foundation Makes Funding Available For Clean Water Grants
The BoatU.S. Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is seeking nonprofit groups to help educate mariners about good environmental habits with grants of up to $4,000 for clean boating projects. Clean Water grants are designed to educate boaters on issues such as petroleum pollution prevention, pumpout education, and littering prevention. Although all clean boating education proposals will be considered, the 2005 "focus topic" is on reducing the spread of aquatic nuisance species - with extra consideration given to proposals that address the issue. Last year's grant program received 62 proposals; of these, 19 projects in 15 states were selected for funding. To view previous grant projects, learn more about aquatic nuisance species, or download a 2005 application, please visit http://www.BoatUS.com/Cleanwater/grants. Applications must be e-mailed or postmarked by midnight February 1, 2005.
The Abelard Foundation, a member of the Common Counsel consortium of foundations and donors, is committed to social change activities that reflect the communities in which they are based; expand community control over economic, social and environmental decisions affecting the communities' well-being; and build a strong informed voice on public policy issues. The Foundation's eastern office reviews applications for organizations east of the Mississippi. The eastern office accepts proposals throughout the year. Visit the following website for more information: http://www.commoncounsel.org/pages/foundation.html.
Office of Water Announces Request for Proposals Supporting the Biological Criteria Program OW’s Biological Criteria Program has announced the availability of funds and requested proposals to support research to support the development and implementation of biological assessments and criteria. State water pollution control agencies, Federally recognized Indian Tribal Governments, institutions of higher education, interstate agencies, and other public or nonprofit private agencies, institutions, organizations and individuals are eligible to apply. EPA will accept proposals until January 1, 2005. You can learn more about this Request for Proposals by visiting EPA’s web site at www.epa.gov/waterscience/biocriteria/rfp.pdf.
Captain Planet Foundation provides grants to organizations that promote an understanding of the environment and involve youth ages 6-18. Grants range from $250 - $2,500. Deadlines for submitting grant applications are March 31, June 30, September 30, and December 31. Visit www.captainplanetfdn.org to learn about Captain Planet Foundation guidelines.
The Community Foundation funds projects in the 23 county Metro Atlanta area. Visit www.atlcf.org. Grant deadlines are July 16, 2004 and January 28, 2005.
Town Creek Foundation - The 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.
Tom's of Maine Corporate Giving Program provides support for nonprofit organizations nationally and internationally, with priority given to organizations impacting Maine. The company's areas of interest are the environment, human needs, the arts, and education. They are shifting their grant focus away from project-based grants (although they will still fund some projects) towards core mission and leadership grants. Proposals will be accepted between February 1 and April 1, 2005. Visit http://www.tomsofmaine.com/about/grant_guidelines.asp for more information.
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.
Norcross Wildlife Foundation primarily supports the environmental conservation efforts of local grassroots organizations throughout the U.S. The Foundation makes restricted grants for land protection, program-related office and field equipment, and public education/outreach materials. Applications are accepted year-round. Visit http://www.norcrossws.org for more information.
Fish and Wildlife Foundation General Matching Grants The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation operates a conservation grants program that awards matching grants to eligible grant recipients, including federal, tribal, state, and local governments, educational institutions, and nonprofit conservation organizations. Proposals due January 7, 2005. Visit http://www.nfwf.org/programs/guidelines.htm.
Anheuser-Busch and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation are seeking applications for the 2005 Budweiser Conservation Scholarship Program. This competitive scholarship program supports and promotes innovative research or study that seeks to respond to today’s most pressing conservation issues. The Conservation Scholarship Program is designed to respond to many of the most significant challenges in fish, wildlife and plant conservation in the United States, whether it is the sustainable use of natural resources, including sportfish and game, recovery of an endangered species, or control of invasive exotic species, by providing scholarships to eligible graduate and undergraduate students who are poised to make a significant contribution to the field of conservation. Under the 2005 Budweiser Conservation Scholarship Program, a minimum of ten scholarships of up to $10,000 each will be awarded to cover students’ expenses for tuition, fees, books, room and board and other direct expenses related to their studies. Awards will be made based on merit and will take into consideration the student’s academic achievements and their ability and commitment to develop innovative solutions that are designed to address real and pressing issues affecting fish, wildlife and plant conservation efforts. The Foundation welcomes applications from all qualified students. The complete application package must be submitted to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and be postmarked no later than January 14, 2005. An announcement of the successful scholarship recipients will be made in May 2005. Visit http://www.nfwf.org/budscholarship/.
The Nathan Cummings Foundation is rooted in the Jewish tradition and committed to democratic values and social justice, including fairness, diversity, and community. The Foundation seeks to build a socially and economically just society that values nature and protects the ecological balance for future generations; promotes humane health care; and fosters arts and culture that enriches communities. The Foundation makes grants in the areas of arts and culture, environment, health, Jewish life, and inter-program initiatives for social and economic justice. Nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. are eligible to apply. Funding priority will be given to projects having impacts at the state, multi-state, or national level. Letters of inquiry are accepted year-round. Our staff will review your Letter of Inquiry and respond promptly. Organizations whose projects fit most closely with the Foundation guidelines will be asked to submit a full application. There are two Board of Trustees grants meetings per year--one in the Spring and one in the Fall. Most grant decisions are made during these board meetings. Visit http://www.nathancummings.org/about/index.html for more information.
The Surdna Foundation supports catalytic, entrepreneurial programs that offer viable solutions to difficult systemic problems, as well as high quality, direct service programs. The Foundation's program areas are community revitalization, the environment, effective citizenry, arts programs focused on arts and education, nonprofit sector support, and capacity building. Nonprofit organizations throughout the U.S. are eligible to apply. Applications are accepted throughout the year. Visit http://www.surdna.org for more information.
The ExxonMobil Foundation supports nonprofit organizations that contribute to the well-being of the communities where the company operates worldwide. The Foundation's three priority areas of interest are education, health, and the environment. Support is also provided for public policy research, civic and community services, and arts and culture. Preference is given to nonprofit organizations in local communities where ExxonMobil has a strong presence (Lagrange, GA). Nonprofit organizations with national or international scope are also eligible to apply. Applications from U.S. organizations are accepted throughout the year. Visit http://www.exxonmobil.com/corporate/Citizenship/Corp_citizenship_Com_foundation for more information.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation: Five-Star Restoration Matching Grants Program The Five-Star Restoration Program, administered by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, supports community-based wetland, riparian, and coastal habitat restoration projects throughout the U.S. that build diverse partnerships and foster local natural resource stewardship through education, outreach and training activities. Projects must involve partnerships of five organizations that contribute funding, land, technical assistance, workforce support, and/or other in-kind services. Project partners should include schools or youth organizations, local or tribal government, local business or corporations, conservation organizations or local citizen groups, state and federal resource management agencies, and foundations or other funders. The application deadline is March 1, 2005. Visit http://www.nfwf.org/programs/5star-rfp.htm for more information
The Lowe's Charitable and Educational Foundation supports community-based, grassroots organizations in the local communities where Lowe's operates stores and distribution centers, including communities in all states except New Hampshire, Vermont, and Wisconsin. The Foundation supports K-12 public education including playground enhancements, landscaping and painting, and outdoor learning environments such as educational gardening programs; community improvement, including park and neighborhood beautification and clean-up and neighborhood revitalization; and vocational trade scholarships. The next application deadlines are January 15 and April 15, 2005. Visit www.lowes.com, scroll down and click Company, click community.
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