August 2009 Archives
The State Lands Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has just opened the Bear Den Point Loop at the Walls of Jericho Forever Wild Tract in Jackson County. The Bear Den Point Loop adds 4.7 miles to the existing 6-mile hiking trail system. Plans for future trails are in the works including an 11-mile overnight wilderness backpacking experience. Characterized by mountainous terrain and breathtaking views, the Walls of Jericho Tract is a great place for adventure seekers of all levels. Located near Scottsboro the Walls of Jericho was purchased by the Forever Wild Land Trust in February 2004 as a nature preserve, recreational area, and wildlife management area to offer opportunities such as hiking, horseback riding, primitive camping, hunting and fishing to the public. The Walls of Jericho is located in Jackson County about 25 miles northwest of Scottsboro off of Highway 79.
For more information about the Walls of Jericho Tract and its outdoor opportunities visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/public-lands/stateLands/foreverWild/FWTracts/Walls_of_Jericho/. Local accommodations can be sought through Jackson County Tourism. Visit www.jacksoncountychamber.com or contact them at tourjackson@scottsboro.org
For more information about the Walls of Jericho Tract and its outdoor opportunities visit http://www.outdooralabama.com/public-lands/stateLands/foreverWild/FWTracts/Walls_of_Jericho/. Local accommodations can be sought through Jackson County Tourism. Visit www.jacksoncountychamber.com or contact them at tourjackson@scottsboro.org
An independent movie about a talented young singer is the first project to qualify for financial incentives from the Alabama Film Office, Governor Bob Riley announced last week. He signed legislation in March that allows Alabama to grant incentives comparable to those that other states use to attract film productions. "This is a promising start to a thriving motion picture industry in our state," Governor Riley said. "This movie will employ more than 160 Alabama residents in front of and behind the cameras, and it is very clear from the script that the story is set in Birmingham and rural Alabama." Veteran Birmingham filmmakers Alan Hunter and Hugh Hunter, along with senior producer Deborah Del Prete of Coronet Films, began filming Lexi Alexander's script of "Lifted" on Monday. The screenwriter is also directing. It's a heart-warming story about a father who encourages his son to pursue a dream of becoming a singer despite some difficult circumstances.
Alan Hunter expressed his appreciation to Governor Riley for the state's support of the movie industry. "We are grateful to be the first project to receive incentives and help grow the entertainment industry in the state," he said. The Hunter brothers previously worked in Birmingham with writer-director Alexander on "Johnny Flynton," which received an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Short Film. Actor Dash Mihok, who starred as boxer Johnny Flynton, has returned to Birmingham to portray the father in "Lifted." Uriah Shelton, who recently completed a supporting role in producer Lee Faulkner's "Alabama Moon," is cast as Henry, the young singer. Alan Hunter, one of the five original veejays for MTV, has been cast as himself as the emcee of a talent contest. Birmingham's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, is featured as a minister who befriends Henry.
The $675,000 film should qualify for a rebate of approximately $153,750, based on the amount of money producers expect to spend in the state, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, whose agency includes the film office. The new law allows a production to receive a rebate of 35 percent on salaries paid to state residents and 25 percent on other expenses. "Alabama Moon" producer Faulkner and Scott Lumpkin, two independent producers based in Baldwin County, drew on their experiences filming in other states and provided input into Alabama's film regulations, said Sentell. The state's incentive legislation seeks films with budgets under $10 million. "By spreading our incentives among a number of smaller films, we can concentrate on work force development and attract multiple films to give crews more experience," Sentell said. The regulations are temporary until published by the Legislative Reference Service for comment and the film office holds a public hearing. The legal process is expected to take an additional two months, he said. Alabama's new incentive program will support the work of local film officials, including Mark Stricklin of Birmingham and Eva Golson of Mobile, in attracting productions to their communities, he said.
Senator Del Marsh and Representative Richard Lindsey, two architects of the incentive program, are developing a film curriculum that colleges and universities may use to prepare students for work on film crews, officials said. "We are fine tuning the regulations using 'Lifted' as a test case before accepting applications for other projects," Sentell said. The amount of money that Alabama can rebate to movies being filmed during the 12 months starting Oct. 1 will be $7.5 million, he said, growing to $10 million the following year. http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-08-19-01-film_incentive.asp
Alan Hunter expressed his appreciation to Governor Riley for the state's support of the movie industry. "We are grateful to be the first project to receive incentives and help grow the entertainment industry in the state," he said. The Hunter brothers previously worked in Birmingham with writer-director Alexander on "Johnny Flynton," which received an Academy Award nomination in 2003 for Best Short Film. Actor Dash Mihok, who starred as boxer Johnny Flynton, has returned to Birmingham to portray the father in "Lifted." Uriah Shelton, who recently completed a supporting role in producer Lee Faulkner's "Alabama Moon," is cast as Henry, the young singer. Alan Hunter, one of the five original veejays for MTV, has been cast as himself as the emcee of a talent contest. Birmingham's "American Idol" winner Ruben Studdard, is featured as a minister who befriends Henry.
The $675,000 film should qualify for a rebate of approximately $153,750, based on the amount of money producers expect to spend in the state, said Alabama Tourism Director Lee Sentell, whose agency includes the film office. The new law allows a production to receive a rebate of 35 percent on salaries paid to state residents and 25 percent on other expenses. "Alabama Moon" producer Faulkner and Scott Lumpkin, two independent producers based in Baldwin County, drew on their experiences filming in other states and provided input into Alabama's film regulations, said Sentell. The state's incentive legislation seeks films with budgets under $10 million. "By spreading our incentives among a number of smaller films, we can concentrate on work force development and attract multiple films to give crews more experience," Sentell said. The regulations are temporary until published by the Legislative Reference Service for comment and the film office holds a public hearing. The legal process is expected to take an additional two months, he said. Alabama's new incentive program will support the work of local film officials, including Mark Stricklin of Birmingham and Eva Golson of Mobile, in attracting productions to their communities, he said.
Senator Del Marsh and Representative Richard Lindsey, two architects of the incentive program, are developing a film curriculum that colleges and universities may use to prepare students for work on film crews, officials said. "We are fine tuning the regulations using 'Lifted' as a test case before accepting applications for other projects," Sentell said. The amount of money that Alabama can rebate to movies being filmed during the 12 months starting Oct. 1 will be $7.5 million, he said, growing to $10 million the following year. http://governorpress.alabama.gov/pr/pr-2009-08-19-01-film_incentive.asp
The Surdna Arts Teachers Fellowship Program supports the artistic revitalization of outstanding teachers from public arts high schools throughout the United States. Eligible schools include specialized public arts high schools, as well as arts-focused, magnet, and charter high schools. The program offers arts teachers the opportunity to immerse themselves in their own creative work, interact with other professional artists, and stay current with new practices. All fellows will be invited to convene during the fall of 2010 in New York City to share experiences and discuss relevant issues and concerns.
Online applications for the program are due November 13, 2009. Visit the Surdna website for program details and application guidelines. http://www.surdna.org/programs/programs_show.htm?doc_id=326426&attrib_id=12040
Online applications for the program are due November 13, 2009. Visit the Surdna website for program details and application guidelines. http://www.surdna.org/programs/programs_show.htm?doc_id=326426&attrib_id=12040
Nickelodeon's Big Green Grants Program provide support to schools and community-based organizations throughout the U.S. for environmentally friendly projects. Green Grants of $2,500 and $5,000 encourage projects that inspire kids to take care of the environment, be active and live healthier, and engage in community service. Applicants must participate in Worldwide Day of Play (September 26, 2009) or host a Big Green Help environmental project. Public and private elementary and middle schools as well as nonprofit community-based after-school organizations are eligible to apply. Applications from urban and rural/suburban areas as well as small and large community-based organizations serving all ethnicities are encouraged to apply.
Requests must be submitted by December 31, 2009. Visit the program's website for application guidelines and forms.
http://bghevent.com/grant/index.htm
Requests must be submitted by December 31, 2009. Visit the program's website for application guidelines and forms.
http://bghevent.com/grant/index.htm
WHAT: Alabama Corps of Engineers Partnering Workshop, hosted by the Mobile and Nashville Districts
WHEN: 14 - 15 OCTOBER 2009
WHERE: MARRIOTT CONVENTION CENTER, PRATTVILLE, AL
WHY: Water resource issues are of great interest to stakeholders across the State of Alabama. This two-day Partnering Workshop will bring city, state, and county governments, non-profit organizations, regional planners, engineering firms, and other interested parties together in an interactive and "interest" focused collaborative environment. This workshop focuses on the interests within the State of Alabama, while providing information on the various "tools" the Corps of Engineers has in providing assistance for solving their water resource issues. The operation of Corps reservoirs is not a topic for this conference, but all other opportunities will be explained and the participants immersed in both information and the personal contacts of key Corps District staff to pursue the opportunities realized from this event. This is a MUST ATTEND EVENT for water resource professionals in the State of Alabama or adjoining states who seek to find partners who can effectively bring their "visions to reality".
HOW TO REGISTER: A registration website will be available soon and may be accessed through the Mobile District homepage at http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/.
COST: $100 registration fee for early bird registration through September 13th. $120 from September 14th up to the day of the event.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Engineering consulting firms, environmental contractors, etc. who wish to participate as Sponsors should contact Rick Darnell at 251- 690- 3240. A cash donation toward this event directly payable to the Convention Center in advance of the conference is the primary means to participate as a Sponsor. Target sponsorship based on previous efforts is $1,500.00 and will go toward breaks, social, meals, etc. to offset the cost and make this workshop as affordable as possible for the participants. Sponsors will be recognized by the Corps in the registration materials and are welcome to set up information tables at the event.
Please join us for this "MUST ATTEND EVENT".
WHEN: 14 - 15 OCTOBER 2009
WHERE: MARRIOTT CONVENTION CENTER, PRATTVILLE, AL
WHY: Water resource issues are of great interest to stakeholders across the State of Alabama. This two-day Partnering Workshop will bring city, state, and county governments, non-profit organizations, regional planners, engineering firms, and other interested parties together in an interactive and "interest" focused collaborative environment. This workshop focuses on the interests within the State of Alabama, while providing information on the various "tools" the Corps of Engineers has in providing assistance for solving their water resource issues. The operation of Corps reservoirs is not a topic for this conference, but all other opportunities will be explained and the participants immersed in both information and the personal contacts of key Corps District staff to pursue the opportunities realized from this event. This is a MUST ATTEND EVENT for water resource professionals in the State of Alabama or adjoining states who seek to find partners who can effectively bring their "visions to reality".
HOW TO REGISTER: A registration website will be available soon and may be accessed through the Mobile District homepage at http://www.sam.usace.army.mil/.
COST: $100 registration fee for early bird registration through September 13th. $120 from September 14th up to the day of the event.
SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE: Engineering consulting firms, environmental contractors, etc. who wish to participate as Sponsors should contact Rick Darnell at 251- 690- 3240. A cash donation toward this event directly payable to the Convention Center in advance of the conference is the primary means to participate as a Sponsor. Target sponsorship based on previous efforts is $1,500.00 and will go toward breaks, social, meals, etc. to offset the cost and make this workshop as affordable as possible for the participants. Sponsors will be recognized by the Corps in the registration materials and are welcome to set up information tables at the event.
Please join us for this "MUST ATTEND EVENT".
Imagine standing on the beach alongside historic Fort Morgan where Admiral Farragut uttered those immortal words, "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead!", the sun rising over the Gulf of Mexico, a backpack clamped tight to your back, and the promise of a 380-mile long adventure before you. That is what members of the Alabama Hiking Trail Society hope to bring to the state - a brand new backpacking trail, the Alabama Trail.
The Alabama Trail has been a dream of the non-profit organization since its inception in 2001. The path would stretch from Fort Morgan on the Alabama Gulf Coast to the Natchez Trace Trail near Florence, a trek of over 380-miles. The path would join two other long trails in the state - the Great Eastern Trail (that runs from Alabama to New York State) and the Eastern Continental Trail (that runs from Key West, FL, to Cape Gaspe', Canada.)
Until recently getting the project off the ground seemed like a distant vision but now pieces of the puzzle are coming together and in the most unlikely of places - the heavily populated Alabama Gulf Coast.
Hiking author and Gulf Coast AHTS member Joe Cuhaj says some unique hiking opportunities already exist in south Alabama.
"Currently hikers can walk the trails of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, the many trails of Gulf State Park including the new Backcountry National Recreational Trail, and trails at Little River State Forest north of Atmore."
But Cuhaj says that more hiking adventures will be coming soon.
"AHTS members are just now beginning to scope out a new trail in the state's Forever Wild tract along the Perdido River that borders Alabama and Florida and eventually add new trails at Lillian Swamp and Splinter Hill Bog near Perdido."
In the meantime, the group will be looking at connecting several areas of interest on the Fort Morgan peninsula including historic Fort Morgan, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf State Park. Then they will "connect the dots", linking all of these properties and tracts together to create the beginning of the Alabama Trail by contacting state, county, and city officials for permission to use easements for a possible trail route.
"Not only will this project create amazing day hikes in all across the state but will eventually create an exciting extended backpacking adventure."
The Gulf Coast Chapter will be responsible for the trail from Fort Morgan to Monroe County. From there other AHTS chapters will begin putting the remaining pieces together to take the remainder of the Alabama Trail to Florence.
The plan has already attracted the attention of the state's ADECA program, being incorporated into their "Alabama Trail Plan". The state sees such a project as a way to enhance eco-tourism in one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse regions of the country.
When completed, AHTS would like to see the Alabama Trail take hikers through such beautiful landscapes as the Sipsey Wilderness with its deep canyons and bountiful waterfalls, Moundville Archeological Park with its rich Native American history, and Bankhead National Forest.
"This is far from an overnight project," Cuhaj admits. "We are just in the early stages of getting the path built. There is much work to do and completing the entire trail will take years, but this is a huge start."
The Alabama Hiking Trail Society is a statewide hiking and trail organization. Made up of members from across the state and nation, AHTS partners with many federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations to build and maintain safe hiking trails for all to enjoy. The organization also provides speakers and workshops on various topics to help educate the public about the environment, hiking, and the health benefits of hiking. The Gulf Coast Chapter (LA Hikers) hold regular meetings that are free and open to the public the first Tuesday of each month at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort.
For more information about the Alabama Trail and other trail projects throughout the state, contact Joe Cuhaj at 251-533-1812 or visit AHTS online at www.hikealabama.org. You can also visit the Gulf Coast Chapter website at lahiker.blogspot.com.
# # #
For more information or interviews, contact Joe Cuhaj with AHTS at 251-533-1812 or by email at jcuhaj@gmail.com.
Photos of Alabama hiking destinations, trail work, and the Alabama Trail are available upon request from AHTS by contacting Joe Cuhaj.
The Alabama Trail has been a dream of the non-profit organization since its inception in 2001. The path would stretch from Fort Morgan on the Alabama Gulf Coast to the Natchez Trace Trail near Florence, a trek of over 380-miles. The path would join two other long trails in the state - the Great Eastern Trail (that runs from Alabama to New York State) and the Eastern Continental Trail (that runs from Key West, FL, to Cape Gaspe', Canada.)
Until recently getting the project off the ground seemed like a distant vision but now pieces of the puzzle are coming together and in the most unlikely of places - the heavily populated Alabama Gulf Coast.
Hiking author and Gulf Coast AHTS member Joe Cuhaj says some unique hiking opportunities already exist in south Alabama.
"Currently hikers can walk the trails of Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, the many trails of Gulf State Park including the new Backcountry National Recreational Trail, and trails at Little River State Forest north of Atmore."
But Cuhaj says that more hiking adventures will be coming soon.
"AHTS members are just now beginning to scope out a new trail in the state's Forever Wild tract along the Perdido River that borders Alabama and Florida and eventually add new trails at Lillian Swamp and Splinter Hill Bog near Perdido."
In the meantime, the group will be looking at connecting several areas of interest on the Fort Morgan peninsula including historic Fort Morgan, Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, and Gulf State Park. Then they will "connect the dots", linking all of these properties and tracts together to create the beginning of the Alabama Trail by contacting state, county, and city officials for permission to use easements for a possible trail route.
"Not only will this project create amazing day hikes in all across the state but will eventually create an exciting extended backpacking adventure."
The Gulf Coast Chapter will be responsible for the trail from Fort Morgan to Monroe County. From there other AHTS chapters will begin putting the remaining pieces together to take the remainder of the Alabama Trail to Florence.
The plan has already attracted the attention of the state's ADECA program, being incorporated into their "Alabama Trail Plan". The state sees such a project as a way to enhance eco-tourism in one of the most ecologically and geologically diverse regions of the country.
When completed, AHTS would like to see the Alabama Trail take hikers through such beautiful landscapes as the Sipsey Wilderness with its deep canyons and bountiful waterfalls, Moundville Archeological Park with its rich Native American history, and Bankhead National Forest.
"This is far from an overnight project," Cuhaj admits. "We are just in the early stages of getting the path built. There is much work to do and completing the entire trail will take years, but this is a huge start."
The Alabama Hiking Trail Society is a statewide hiking and trail organization. Made up of members from across the state and nation, AHTS partners with many federal, state, local, and non-profit organizations to build and maintain safe hiking trails for all to enjoy. The organization also provides speakers and workshops on various topics to help educate the public about the environment, hiking, and the health benefits of hiking. The Gulf Coast Chapter (LA Hikers) hold regular meetings that are free and open to the public the first Tuesday of each month at the 5 Rivers Delta Resource Center in Spanish Fort.
For more information about the Alabama Trail and other trail projects throughout the state, contact Joe Cuhaj at 251-533-1812 or visit AHTS online at www.hikealabama.org. You can also visit the Gulf Coast Chapter website at lahiker.blogspot.com.
# # #
For more information or interviews, contact Joe Cuhaj with AHTS at 251-533-1812 or by email at jcuhaj@gmail.com.
Photos of Alabama hiking destinations, trail work, and the Alabama Trail are available upon request from AHTS by contacting Joe Cuhaj.
Gulf Coast Regional Director Edith Parten will hold a regional meeting for all Gulf Coast area CVB's, attractions and hospitality representatives on Wednesday, Sept. 2 from 10 a.m. - 11a.m. at the Marriott Grand Hotel in Point Clear. If you are in the Gulf Coast Region this is your opportunity to provide input, find out what's going on at the Alabama Tourism Department, hear about the latest media coverage and discuss Travel Media Showcase which will be held Sept. 8-11 in Montgomery. It's also a chance to promote what's new in your area. If attending please call or email Edith at 334.242.4537, edith.parten@tourism.alabama.gov
From the Associated Press as featured in USA TODAY:
One in every five Americans watches birds, according to a new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis." The report claims that 48 million people birdwatch, remaining at a steady 20% of the U.S. population since 1996. By region, the report found that birdwatching was most popular in the South, with an estimated 33% of the population taking part in the activity. The report is an addendum to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey is the eleventh in a series of surveys conducted about every five years that began in 1955. The survey is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with state wildlife agencies and national conservation organizations.
For the complete U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report see http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/birding_natsurvey06.pdf
One in every five Americans watches birds, according to a new report from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service called "Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis." The report claims that 48 million people birdwatch, remaining at a steady 20% of the U.S. population since 1996. By region, the report found that birdwatching was most popular in the South, with an estimated 33% of the population taking part in the activity. The report is an addendum to the 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting, and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. The survey is the eleventh in a series of surveys conducted about every five years that began in 1955. The survey is conducted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in partnership with state wildlife agencies and national conservation organizations.
For the complete U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service report see http://library.fws.gov/Pubs/birding_natsurvey06.pdf
After 21 months and $12 million in expenditures, the "new" Lakepoint Resort and State Park is open for business. Overlooking Lake Eufaula, one of the best-known fishing lakes in the nation, Lakepoint has maintained its rustic charm while modernizing all the amenities and facilities. "Basically, it was a complete renovation of the facility inside and out," said Mark Easterwood, Director of the State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. "The main lodge, everything in the interior was torn out and we went back in with new floors and new walls. There's a little different design and layouts in the meeting rooms. All the hotel rooms pretty much stayed the same layout, but we put in all new walls and bathrooms with tile and new fixtures, new carpet and different paint.
Longtime park superintendent Jim Royal said the renovation project has maintained the high ceilings and rustic beams in the lodge while thoroughly updating the facility. "There's going to a whole new outlook on Lakepoint," Royal said. "The lodge has been changed quite a bit. There's a beautiful lodge area. The lobby area has really been changed. It's spacious and impressive with natural slate floors. The banquet rooms and meeting rooms have been increased. The ballroom will hold 450. We now have nine meeting rooms for conventions and functions. Three of the meeting rooms will hold from 150 to 200 people and then we have smaller board rooms and breakout rooms. "The dining room has been expanded to the water's edge. The dining room will now hold 235 people, and we have all new kitchen facilities."
Royal said Lakepoint attracts visitors from all over the Southeast, especially Georgia and Florida, and a significant flock of snowbirds from up north visit during the winter. Rates for the 102 rooms will range from the $80s to low $100s. Six executive suites are included in the total. All new furnishings have been installed throughout the facility. Visit http://www.alapark.com/LakePointResort/ to discover more about Lakepoint or to make reservations.
Longtime park superintendent Jim Royal said the renovation project has maintained the high ceilings and rustic beams in the lodge while thoroughly updating the facility. "There's going to a whole new outlook on Lakepoint," Royal said. "The lodge has been changed quite a bit. There's a beautiful lodge area. The lobby area has really been changed. It's spacious and impressive with natural slate floors. The banquet rooms and meeting rooms have been increased. The ballroom will hold 450. We now have nine meeting rooms for conventions and functions. Three of the meeting rooms will hold from 150 to 200 people and then we have smaller board rooms and breakout rooms. "The dining room has been expanded to the water's edge. The dining room will now hold 235 people, and we have all new kitchen facilities."
Royal said Lakepoint attracts visitors from all over the Southeast, especially Georgia and Florida, and a significant flock of snowbirds from up north visit during the winter. Rates for the 102 rooms will range from the $80s to low $100s. Six executive suites are included in the total. All new furnishings have been installed throughout the facility. Visit http://www.alapark.com/LakePointResort/ to discover more about Lakepoint or to make reservations.
If this was to become law, the estimate is that Alabama would receive about $7 million dollars per year for Outdoor Recreation projects. In 2008 we received $364,000.
The House of Representatives' Natural Resources Committee is preparing energy legislation and strongly considering full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at the authorized annual level of $900 million. The funding amounts to $450 million for state and local matching grants to acquire and develop recreation parks, forests, and recreation facilities and $450 million to expand and protect national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges as well as other federally managed public lands. The bill will be introduced upon legislators' return in September after the August Recess.
Your support is needed NOW to let your members of Congress know how much you care about the LWCF and the special places that it protects such as parks, refuges, trails, cultural and historic places, public lands, and access to close to home recreation areas in your community. It is important for parks and recreation advocates to connect with legislators during the August recess, through meet and greet events and arranged meetings with district offices. Tell your Representatives that their support is needed to ensure that an LWCF full funding provision is a top priority in the Energy Bill and that you will be counting on them to help get this provision enacted into law. The link below is a briefing paper with key message points on the Land and Water Conservation Fund to bring up while you meet with legislators.
The House of Representatives' Natural Resources Committee is preparing energy legislation and strongly considering full and dedicated funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at the authorized annual level of $900 million. The funding amounts to $450 million for state and local matching grants to acquire and develop recreation parks, forests, and recreation facilities and $450 million to expand and protect national parks, national forests, national wildlife refuges as well as other federally managed public lands. The bill will be introduced upon legislators' return in September after the August Recess.
Your support is needed NOW to let your members of Congress know how much you care about the LWCF and the special places that it protects such as parks, refuges, trails, cultural and historic places, public lands, and access to close to home recreation areas in your community. It is important for parks and recreation advocates to connect with legislators during the August recess, through meet and greet events and arranged meetings with district offices. Tell your Representatives that their support is needed to ensure that an LWCF full funding provision is a top priority in the Energy Bill and that you will be counting on them to help get this provision enacted into law. The link below is a briefing paper with key message points on the Land and Water Conservation Fund to bring up while you meet with legislators.
Deadline: September 15, 2009
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation have announced the 2010 guidelines for the American Heritage Preservation Program. The program is designed to help preserve objects that "that convey the essential character and experience of the United States."
The program will fund the preservation of endangered and fragile art works, rare books, scientific specimens, and historical documents (photographs, maps, deeds, etc.) held in small and medium-sized museums, archives, and libraries. Grants provide up to $3,000 each for stand-alone conservation projects. Funds may be used for treatment of library, museum, and archival collections; improvement of collections storage; or environmental improvement of collections.
Priority will be given to smaller institutions, but all libraries, archives, and museums that meet IMLS institutional eligibility criteria are eligible. Applicants must be either a unit of state or local government or a private not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status, and be located in one of the fifty states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated states of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
Application guidelines and instructions are available at the IMLS Web site. http://www.imls.gov/
The Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Bank of America Charitable Foundation have announced the 2010 guidelines for the American Heritage Preservation Program. The program is designed to help preserve objects that "that convey the essential character and experience of the United States."
The program will fund the preservation of endangered and fragile art works, rare books, scientific specimens, and historical documents (photographs, maps, deeds, etc.) held in small and medium-sized museums, archives, and libraries. Grants provide up to $3,000 each for stand-alone conservation projects. Funds may be used for treatment of library, museum, and archival collections; improvement of collections storage; or environmental improvement of collections.
Priority will be given to smaller institutions, but all libraries, archives, and museums that meet IMLS institutional eligibility criteria are eligible. Applicants must be either a unit of state or local government or a private not-for-profit organization that has tax-exempt status, and be located in one of the fifty states of the United States of America, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Guam, American Samoa, the Virgin Islands, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, the Federated states of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau.
Application guidelines and instructions are available at the IMLS Web site. http://www.imls.gov/
The U.S. Department of Agriculture requests proposals for the Rural Community Development Initiative. This program supports intermediary organizations to develop their capacity to undertake housing, community facilities, and community and economic development projects in rural areas. $6.256 million expected to be available, individual awards NTE $300K. Responses due 9/24/09. For more info, including state-specific contacts, go to: http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/pdf/E9-15128.pdf. Refer to Sol# USDA-RD-HCFP-RCDI-2009. Grants.gov
$100 million for grants to national labor-management organizations and statewide or local nonprofit partnerships to provide training for target populations, with priority given to projects that serve workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, unemployed workers, and veterans or past and present members of reserve components of the Armed Forces. Projects may also serve individuals with a criminal record and populations that have not traditionally been employed in construction and skilled-trade occupations, such as women and minorities. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community. Applicants must propose partnerships that include representatives from labor organizations, local workforce investment boards and One Stop Career Centers, and employers and industry organizations. Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services. Approximately $25 million of the total funds available through this SGA will be reserved for projects in communities impacted by automotive-related restructuring.
http://www.workforcealliance.org/atf/cf/%7B93353952-1DF1-473A-B105-7713F4529EBB%7D/ARRA GJ - ENERGY TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT.PDF
http://www.workforcealliance.org/atf/cf/%7B93353952-1DF1-473A-B105-7713F4529EBB%7D/ARRA GJ - ENERGY TRAINING PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT.PDF
$150 million for grants to national and local nonprofit organizations to provide career pathways for unemployed individuals, high school dropouts, individuals with a criminal record, and disadvantaged individuals living in areas of high poverty. Training must be targeted towards careers in the seven energy efficiency and renewable energy industries identified under the Green Jobs Act (§171(e) of the Workforce Investment Act), or for green occupations in certain other industries if applicants can demonstrate that they are emerging industries producing jobs within the community. Grants may be awarded to national nonprofit entities that deliver services through local affiliates and who propose projects serving 3-7 communities in at least two states, or to local public or private nonprofit organizations proposing projects that serve a single community. Both national and local applicants must implement projects through strategic partnerships that include nonprofit organizations, the public workforce investment system, education and training providers, public and private employers and industry associations, and labor organizations. Grantees may use no more than five percent of grant funds to provide supportive services. http://www.workforcealliance.org/atf/cf/%7B93353952-1DF1-473A-B105-7713F4529EBB%7D/ARRA GJ - PATHWAYS OUT OF POVERTY ANNOUNCEMENT.PDF
Huntsville Preservation Workshop
Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street, South
August 27‐28, 2009
Fee: $35 per day or $70 for both days
Fee includes lunch, snacks and tours.
Come join the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Huntsville Foundation, Alabama Historical Commission, and National Park Service in a special opportunity to learn about the National Register of Historic Places from the expert - LISA DELINE - the National Park Service staff member who reviews all National Register nominations from the state of Alabama. Ms. Deline will discuss how to document and record historic buildings and districts for listing and the many new requirements for submitting digital photographs and maps. Also be ready to put this information to work as we use case studies and participate in activities to determine why properties are eligible. All participants are asked to bring a photo of one building or archaeological site to share with the group and discuss questions related to their National Register status. Please bring the information in a digital format (disc or flash drive) to project image for group participation. Preservation consultants, commission staff and members active in the National Register program are strongly encouraged to attend this session.
The program continues on August 28 with more general training specific to the work of local historic preservation commission members and staff in Huntsville and other Alabama communities. The agenda will include a presentation on the value of documenting the historical significance of properties listed on the National Register and protected with local design guidelines.
Dr. C. VAN WEST, director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University is our featured speaker on the National Register and historic significance on Aug. 28. He is an author and also works with the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Tennessee Historical Quarterly and Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
The program will include discussion of designating landmarks and districts and regulating changes to protect these special places. Presenters will be staff with the Alabama Historical Commission, Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation and Certified Local Government communities. Download the brochure/registration form: historicpreservation-huntsville.pdf
Huntsville Museum of Art
300 Church Street, South
August 27‐28, 2009
Fee: $35 per day or $70 for both days
Fee includes lunch, snacks and tours.
Come join the Huntsville Historic Preservation Commission, Historic Huntsville Foundation, Alabama Historical Commission, and National Park Service in a special opportunity to learn about the National Register of Historic Places from the expert - LISA DELINE - the National Park Service staff member who reviews all National Register nominations from the state of Alabama. Ms. Deline will discuss how to document and record historic buildings and districts for listing and the many new requirements for submitting digital photographs and maps. Also be ready to put this information to work as we use case studies and participate in activities to determine why properties are eligible. All participants are asked to bring a photo of one building or archaeological site to share with the group and discuss questions related to their National Register status. Please bring the information in a digital format (disc or flash drive) to project image for group participation. Preservation consultants, commission staff and members active in the National Register program are strongly encouraged to attend this session.
The program continues on August 28 with more general training specific to the work of local historic preservation commission members and staff in Huntsville and other Alabama communities. The agenda will include a presentation on the value of documenting the historical significance of properties listed on the National Register and protected with local design guidelines.
Dr. C. VAN WEST, director of the Center for Historic Preservation at Middle Tennessee State University is our featured speaker on the National Register and historic significance on Aug. 28. He is an author and also works with the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, Tennessee Historical Quarterly and Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture.
The program will include discussion of designating landmarks and districts and regulating changes to protect these special places. Presenters will be staff with the Alabama Historical Commission, Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation and Certified Local Government communities. Download the brochure/registration form: historicpreservation-huntsville.pdf
Register now at http://www.algovernorsconference.com/ for the Alabama Governor's Conference on Tourism being held Aug. 29 - Sept. 2 at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear. The focus of the conference will be on social media, creative marketing and new trends in the travel industry. State tourism director Lee Sentell will present the seminar "Tourism Education 101" - David Griner and David Stutts from Luckie Advertising will cover the latest social media trends with "Everything You Need to Know about Social Media" and "The Brave New World of Traveler2.0"- nationally-known tourism marketing expert Peter Yesawich will present "Surviving 2009-2010" and give advice on new ways of dealing with the current economic climate. Added highlights of the conference are tourism and legislative updates, Trade Show and Silent Auction, and the Alabama Tourism Department Awards Banquet.
The Gulf Shores Public Beach is among the cleanest beaches in the nation according to a report released last week by the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). The environmental group evaluated 200 public beaches from across the nation using data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Gulf Shores was the only beach in the South to earn a five-star rating in the report.
From Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches:
"NRDC's report also provides a 5-star rating guide for 200 of the nation's most popular beaches, based on indicators of beach water quality, monitoring frequency, and public notification of contamination. Five-star beaches included Gulf Shores Public Beach (AL), Laguna Beach-Main Beach (CA), Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach (CA), Newport Beach (CA), Ocean City (MD), Park Point - Community Club Beach in Duluth (MN) and Hampton Beach State Park in Hampton (NH). Some of the lowest ranking beaches (1-star) were Zach's Bay at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh (NY), Ocean Beach Park in New London (CT), Venice Public Beach (FL) and Central Beach in Point Pleasant (NJ)."
For the full report go to www.nrdc.org/beaches
From Testing the Waters: A Guide to Water Quality at Vacation Beaches:
"NRDC's report also provides a 5-star rating guide for 200 of the nation's most popular beaches, based on indicators of beach water quality, monitoring frequency, and public notification of contamination. Five-star beaches included Gulf Shores Public Beach (AL), Laguna Beach-Main Beach (CA), Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach (CA), Newport Beach (CA), Ocean City (MD), Park Point - Community Club Beach in Duluth (MN) and Hampton Beach State Park in Hampton (NH). Some of the lowest ranking beaches (1-star) were Zach's Bay at Jones Beach State Park in Wantagh (NY), Ocean Beach Park in New London (CT), Venice Public Beach (FL) and Central Beach in Point Pleasant (NJ)."
For the full report go to www.nrdc.org/beaches
Creative Capital: Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund
The Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, supports original new work in all disciplines and traditions of the live performing arts. The goal of the MAP Fund is to assist artists who are exploring and challenging the dynamics of live performance within our changing society, thus reflecting our culture's innovation and growing diversity. MAP is especially interested in supporting work early in its development; the touring of completed projects is not eligible for funding. Applications for MAP support must come from U.S. nonprofit organizations; nonprofit artist-services organizations may apply as fiscal sponsors on behalf of artists or ensembles. The online letter of inquiry process opens September 1, 2009 with a due date of October 19, 2009. Invited proposals must be submitted by January 11, 2010. Visit the MAP website for more information. http://www.mapfund.org/
The Multi-Arts Production (MAP) Fund, a program of Creative Capital supported by the Rockefeller Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation, supports original new work in all disciplines and traditions of the live performing arts. The goal of the MAP Fund is to assist artists who are exploring and challenging the dynamics of live performance within our changing society, thus reflecting our culture's innovation and growing diversity. MAP is especially interested in supporting work early in its development; the touring of completed projects is not eligible for funding. Applications for MAP support must come from U.S. nonprofit organizations; nonprofit artist-services organizations may apply as fiscal sponsors on behalf of artists or ensembles. The online letter of inquiry process opens September 1, 2009 with a due date of October 19, 2009. Invited proposals must be submitted by January 11, 2010. Visit the MAP website for more information. http://www.mapfund.org/
