News
1. American Rivers Petitions to Keep Sewage Out of Our Waters
2. Rules for Outdoor Water Use Proposed
3. River Network Encourages You to Vote
Group Spotlight
4. Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
Workshops/Conferences/Calendar Items
5. GRN Fundraiser: Wine Tasting in Athens, May 19
6. IRS Workshops for Exempt Organizations
7. Oceans: Blue Vision Conference, Washington, DC
8. DNR Sea Turtle Naming Contest – May 15 Deadline
9. Water Quality Monitoring Conference – Chattanooga, TN
10. Georgia Center for Law in the Public Interest Honors Ogden Doremus
11. River Lobby Day – Washington, DC
12. Energy From Biomass Workshop
13. Chestatee River Watershed Meeting
Resources
14. Successful Advocacy: Meeting With Public Officials
15. Successful Marketing: Characteristics of a First-Rate Marketing Approach
16. EPA Launches Website for Water Program
Fundraising
17. Bird-A-Thon A Success
18. Article: Are You Making Fundraising Mistakes?
19. Fundraising Deadlines
20. Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop at Georgia Tech
Join Georgia River Network!
**********************************************************************
1. American Rivers Petitions to Keep Sewage Out of Our Waters
America's overburdened sewage treatment plants dump an estimated 1.3 trillion
gallons of untreated sewage and industrial waste into our rivers each year.
In 2001, there were approximately 40,000 sanitary sewer overflows and 400,000
cases of sewage backed up into basements. EPA estimates that each year Americans
suffer about 3.5 million illnesses from contact with sewage-contaminated water.
The major solution to this contamination is increased funding for sewage treatment.
But the Bush administration has proposed instead to cut funding and loosen
regulation, endorsing a policy called "sewage blending" - mixing
partially treated sewage with fully treated sewage after rainstorms and dumping
the resulting brew into public waters. Congress should instead provide adequate
funding and reject the proposed sewage blending policy. The problem of sewage
overflows is compounded by the fact that many Americans do not become aware
of sewage leaks until they arrive at a closed beach - or worse yet are made
ill - because many sewer systems do not routinely detect sewer overflows or
report them to environmental or public health agencies. Congress can solve
this problem by passing the Raw Sewage Overflow Community Right-to-Know Act,
HR. 2215, which would require community notification of sewage overflow events.
Please sign a petition to Members of Congress asking them to support increased
funding for sewage treatment, oppose "sewage blending" after rain
events, and endorse community notification of sewage overflows. To sign the
petition, visit the American Rivers homepage at www.americanrivers.org.
2. New Rules for Outdoor Water Use Proposed
The Georgia Environmental Protection Division is proposing new rules for Outdoor
Water Use (391-3-30). They include clarification of terms and applicability,
the outdoor water use schedule during non-drought and declared drought periods,
exemptions and local and regional options. Expect to see these rules on the
DNR Board’s May agenda. Meanwhile, visit http://environet.dnr.state.ga.us/30
to see the proposed rules and the related public notice. A public hearing
will be help at 10:00 a.m. on May 17, 2004, at 4244 International Parkway,
Suite 116 (the EPD Training Center), Atlanta, GA 30354. Written comments
can be submitted to wateruse@dnr.state.ga.us; or by fax or mail to: David
Word, Assistant Director, EPD, 2 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Atlanta, GA
30334. Fax number is 404-651-5778.
3. River Network Encourages You to Vote (the national River Network)
Democracy is not a spectator sport. This year, River Network is strongly encouraging everyone to get involved in the democratic process. There are many relatively simple things we can all do that will make a real difference. One of easiest is also one of the most important. We should all help register people to vote. Please make sure that you are registered to vote. And please encourage every potential voter you know to do the same. Registration has never been easier. In fact, you can now complete your registration forms and make updates to your current registration information online in just a few moments. River Network and Working Assets are now working together to increase voter registration. Working Assets will make a donation to River Network for each person who registers or updates his or her registration by using the unique link on our web site. River Network will use 100% of the Working Assets donations for programs and grants to support watershed protection groups across America. (Neither River Network nor Working Assets will ever share or sell your name and contact information for any commercial purposes whatsoever.) Just think: We can now increase voter registration and raise money for watershed protection at the same time. Please forward this e-mail to others in your organization and to anyone else you think should see it. Please also consider the many new possibilities this creates. For example, if you know of someone turning 18 this year, simply forward this note, urging him or her to register now and to forward the note to other voting-age friends. With simple actions like this, we can significantly increase voter registration and eventual turnout this year. There has never been an easier way to make such an important difference. Please visit www.rivernetwork.org and click on the “Register to Vote” icon on our home page to find information, instructions, and the on-line voter registration form. Thanks. Together we can improve the way our democracy works. Don Elder, President, River Network
4. Spotlight on Chattahoochee Riverkeeper (GRN Organizational Member Group)
Chattahoochee Riverkeeper was founded in Columbus,GA in 1992. At that time
the river and the communities within the Chattahoochee River Valley , ie
West Point, GA,Valley, AL, Columbus, P henixCity ,AL, and Eufaula, AL were
upset and concerned about frequent and massive sewage spills into the river
in Atlanta. Health and environmental consequences downstream were potentially
quite harmful. Today, while some improvements have been made, events and
potential harm to the river corridor downstream remain a major concern. The
organization acts as an advocate for protecting the river from not only sewage
spills, but massive sediment releases due to unparalleled growth in the upstream
metro area. Sound water policy, sound environmental regulatory, enforcement
and protection of healthy flow rates are needed as growth and development
upstream continues virtually unchecked. The organization has taken a lead
role in restoring a 2 1/2 mile stretch of the river as it crosses the Fall
Line on the city front between Columbus and Phenix City. This restoration
will necessitate the removal of two dams. Water quality improvements, aquatic
species restoration and recreational opportunity will result as these dams
are removed. The river as it flows over the Fall Line will display it's natural
whitewater which has been submerged since the mid 1800's. By restoring this
natural flow, positive attention will only reinforce the value of the river
to the community and region.
5. GRN Fundraiser: Wine Tasting in Athens, May 19
Join Georgia River Network for Happy Hour! 6:00 - 7:30pm
Sample a variety of wines at Aromas, a new coffee, wine and dessert café in Athens.
Tickets - $30 ($15 of the ticket price is tax deductible), includes a one year membership to GRN. Call 706-549-4508 or send a check to 1090 S. Milledge Avenue, Athens, GA 30605. Aromas is located at 235 S. Milledge Ave. at the intersection of Lumpkin Avenue and Milledge next to Charbons Outfitters.
6. IRS Workshop for Exempt Organizations
The IRS will host a one day workshop for small and mid-sized tax-exempt organizations in the Atlanta Area May 25, 26, and 27 from 9am – 4pm. The cost is $25 per person. The workshop will explain what 501c3 organizations must do to keep their tax-exempt status and comply with tax obligations. This introductiory workshop is designed for administrators or volunteers who are responsible for the organization’s tax compliance. To register online, visit www.sylvestermanagment.com/irs or call 800-826-1076.
7. Oceans: Blue Vision Conference – Washington, DC
Blue Frontier Campaign (www.bluefront.org) and approximately 20 other marine
conservation NGO's are sponsoring a 'Blue Vision' Conference, July 11-13,
2004 in Washington D.C. Hundreds of marine activists and other professionals
from throughout the US will gather for three exciting days of meetings and
lobbying Congress for the enactment of a new Oceans Policy Act, adopting
many of the recommendations of the Pew Oceans Commission Report, as well
as many of the recommendations contained in the US Oceans Commission Report
(released 4/20/04). Please see www.bluevizmeet.org for more information.
8. DNR Sea Turtle Naming Contest, Grades K-5
DNR's Wildlife Resources Division has a sea turtle project this summer in which
they are putting radio transmitters on the turtles. Researchers and the public
will be able to track turtle movements at www.seaturtle.org. Since the turtles
are nesting at the same time the G8 Summit will be on the coast, the Governor's
G8 Communications Team decided it would be fun to name the turtles something
in relation to one of the eight countries attending the meeting this summer.
We're hoping that teachers and students will get excited about this contest
and also be interested in learning more about sea turtle conservation. DNR
is sending information packets to all the schools; however, if you wish to
receive a packet, contact Beth Brown. Additional entry forms are available
on line at www.georgiawildlife.com. Click on "nongame animals and plants".
Entries must be postmarked by May 15. Beth Brown, Public Affairs Program
Manager, (770) 918-6400, beth_brown@dnr.state.ga.us
9. National Water Quality Conference in Chattanooga May 17-20
The National Water Quality Monitoring Council will hold its biennial conference
in Chattanooga, May 17-20. The council promotes partnerships to foster collaboration,
advance the science, and improve management within the water monitoring community.
In 2002, the council introduced its Framework for Monitoring that illustrates
a process to produce and convey the information necessary to understand,
protect and restore water resources. This year's conference will explore
five themes related to each element of the council's framework and critical
to building and sustaining successful monitoring programs. The conference
begins Monday evening with a plenary session that includes presentations
by Diane Regan, Director of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency's Office
of Wetlands, Oceans and Watersheds; and Bridgette Ellis, TVA's Vice President
of Resource Stewardship. The plenary session will be followed by an exhibition
and poster reception at the new Chattanooga Convention Center. Participants
can arrive early and take advantage of three field trips on Sunday, May 16:
rafting on the Ocoee River, touring TVA's Raccoon Mountain Pumped-Storage
Plant or riding on a riverboat dinner cruise. To register or obtain more
information go to www.nwqmc.org. The conference is sponsored by the National
Water Quality Monitoring Network, the Environmental Protection Agency, the
United States Geological Survey and TVA..
10. Georgia Center For Law In the Public Interest Honors Ogden Doremus
Georgia Center for Law in the Public Interest will recognize the Honorable
Ogden Doremus for a lifetime of dedication and accomplishment protecting
Georgia’s environment. The event will be Thursday, June 17th, from
6:00 to 8:30 p.m. at the home of John and Midge Sweet. Contact Executive
Director Justine Thompson at jthompson@cleangeorgia.org or call 404-659-3122
for more details.
11. River Lobby Day – Washington, DC
Frustrated by our elected officials’ failure to protect and restore rivers?
Join your fellow paddlers, anglers, waterkeepers, activists, and river enthusiasts
in doing something about it. American Rivers is organizing a River Lobby Day
on Tuesday, May 25 in Washington, DC to deliver the message of river conservation
to Congress. On River Lobby Day, advocates nationwide will come together to
educate Congress about key threats facing rivers today and practical solutions
to these threats. To register for River Lobby Day, visit: http://www.RiverLobbyDay.org.
River Lobby Day is being coordinated with the annual River Rally, hosted by
River Network. This year’s River Rally will be held from May 21-25 in
Wintergreen, Virginia - just three hours from Washington, DC. At the River
Rally, Lobby Day participants will be trained on effective lobbying and communications
strategies and given fact sheets and other materials to prepare them for meetings
with Congressional staff. To register for the River Rally, please visit: http://www.rivernetwork.org.
12. Workshop: Energy from Biomass
The University Of Georgia, Southface Energy Institute and the U.S. Department of Energy will co-sponsor one-day workshops titled Energy from Agricultural Biomass, highlighting the ways agricultural residues can be applied to power generation technologies to cost-effectively produce electricity. The workshops will be held in Tifton on May 25th and in Athens on May 26. Workshop fee is $25, including lunch. For more information, call 404-872-3548, ext. 114.
13. Chestatee River Watershed Meeting – May 18 at 6pm
Due to increasing public concern about water quality in the Chestatee River
Watershed (located in Lumpkin and White Counties), the Georgia Mountains
Regional Development Center, the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, and Lumpkin
County Environmental Compliance are teaming up to assist in the creation
of a citizens-based Chestatee River Watershed Association. Location: Lumpkin
County Community Center on Riley Rd. in Dahlonega. If you have any questions,
please call Tiffannie Hill at (770) 538-2626 or the Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper
at (770)531-1064. If you want to attend, please R.S.V.P.
14. Successful Advocacy: Meeting With Public Officials
Click this link to view a factsheet on meeting with public officials.
15. Successful Marketing: Characteristics of a First-Rate Marketing Approach
Click this link to view an article describing the a successful approach to
social marketing.
16. EPA Launches Website for Water Program
The EPA Office of Water announces the opening of a new website providing in
one place access to a range of key information about the water program strategic
plan and supporting materials (www.epa.gov/water/waterplan). This is a convenient,
one stop access point to:
-- the new EPA Strategic Plan,
-- the draft National water program guidance document,
-- Water Subjective Implementation Plans and
-- Regional Plans from each EPA region.
17. Bird-A-Thon a Success
Chris Skelton participated in Bird-a-thon on April 26 to benefit Georgia River
Network. Visit our homepage at www.garivers.org for the report.
18. Article: Are You Making Fundraising Mistakes?
This article from River Network offer examples of the most common fundraising
pitfalls not-for-profits encounter. Click this link to read.
19. Fundraising Deadlines
To view grantmakers that give throughout the year, visit our website at www.garivers.org
and click on Grants.
20. Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop – GA Tech
The Grant Institute's Grants 101: Professional Grant Proposal Writing Workshop
will be held at the Georgia Technical Institute, June 1 - 3, 2004, from 8am – 5pm.
All participants will receive certification in professional grant writing
from the Institute. For more information call (888) 824 - 4424 or visit The
Grant Institute website at http://www.thegrantinstitute.com. The Grant Institute’s
Grants 101 Course is an intensive and detailed introduction to the process,
structure, and skill of professional proposal writing. This course is characterized
by its ability to act as a thorough overview, introduction, and refresher
at the same time. In this course, participants will learn the entire proposal
writing process and complete the course with a solid understanding of not
only the ideal proposal structure, but a holistic understanding of the essential
factors, which determine whether or not a program gets funded. Through the
completion of interactive exercises and activities, participants will complement
expert lectures by putting proven techniques into practice. This course is
designed for both the beginner looking for a thorough introduction and the
intermediate looking for a refresher course that will strengthen their grant
acquisition skills. This class, simply put, is designed to get results by
creating professional grant proposal writers. Participants will become competent
program planning and proposal writing professionals after successful completion
of the Grants 101 course. In three active and informative days, students
will be exposed to the art of successful grant writing practices, and led
on a journey that ends with a masterful grant proposal. REGISTRATION $597.00
tuition includes all materials and certificates. Visit www.thegrantinstitute.com.
Join Georgia River Network
If you find news stream and other information and services provided by Georgia
River Network useful, we would appreciate your financial support! Visit www.garivers.org
and join today!
Dana Skelton
Director of Administration and Outreach
Georgia River Network
1090 S. Milledge Avenue
Athens, GA 30605
Voice: 706-549-4508
Fax: 706-549-7791
www.garivers.org