Recently in Environment Category

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced 15 research and deployment partnerships to help dramatically improve the energy efficiency of American homes. These highly-qualified, multidisciplinary teams will receive a total of up to $30 million for the initial 18 months of the projects to deliver innovative energy-efficiency strategies to the residential market and address barriers to bringing high-efficiency homes within reach for all Americans.

A total of up to $20 million per year will also be made available for the partnerships for three potential one-year extensions. These research and deployment partnerships will provide technical assistance to retrofit projects and will leverage industry expertise and funding to support DOE's energy efficiency retrofit programs. This effort will support the Department's Retrofit Ramp-Up initiative, announced by Vice President Joe Biden in April, which brings communities, governments, private sector companies and non-profit organizations together to deliver energy-efficiency upgrades--or retrofits--to whole neighborhoods and cities.

''Home energy efficiency is one of the easiest, most immediate and most cost-effective ways to reduce carbon pollution and save money on energy bills, while creating new jobs,'' said Secretary of Energy Steven Chu. ''By developing and using tools to reduce residential energy use, we will spur economic growth here in America and help homeowners make cost-cutting improvements in their homes.''   7/20/2010

Resource(s): http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/

The state's Forever Wild program has recently acquired hundreds of acres of biologically important forest in Jackson County, Ala. The 535-acre Sims, Swaim and Johnson addition to the Walls of Jericho Forever Wild tract was purchased in May 2010 from the Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy with support from a $640,000 Forest Legacy grant from the USDA Forest Service. The land is located along the Estill Fork tributary to the Paint Rock River and isadjacent to the James D. Martin-Skyline Wildlife Management Area. The Sims, Swaim and Johnson addition will be used for public recreation and conservation efforts, and will increase public access to the popular Walls of Jericho trail system located near the communities of Skyline and Hytop. State lands managers have documented more than 15,000 hiking and horse trail users annually on the growing trail system. New land acquisitions such as this ensure the public's access to the property and enhance the quality of life that state lands afford Alabamians. Considered one of the most biologically diverse and important regions in the United States, the Walls of Jericho Tract supports several species of birds, mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians and plants recognized under the Alabama Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation  Strategy as species of highest conservation concern. As part of the Paint Rock River watershed, this area contains several springs and more than 3,000 feet of perennial stream habitat along Estill Fork Creek. The habitats within and along the Estill Fork waterway support some of the last remaining populations of several species of fish and mussels protected under the federal Endangered Species Act.
 
The plan to purchase the land was developed in 2008 through a partnership formed by the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources' Forever Wild Program, the Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC), the Alabama Forest Resources Center (AFRC), the Alabama Chapter of The Nature Conservancy, and the State of Tennessee's Wildlife Resources Agency. Working cooperatively with the AFC to administer the Forest Legacy Program, the AFRC helped direct the project grant towards this purchase. For more information about the Forest Legacy Program, visit either the AFRC website, www.alfrc.org or the AFC website, www.forestry.alabama.gov. Forever Wild has secured more than 210,000 acres for public use and conservation efforts since its inception in 1992. The program also provides affordable and accessible hunting opportunities for all Alabamians, and helps to generate $1.4 billion of annual economic impact throughout the state. To learn more about the Forever Wild Program, visit www.alabamaforeverwild.com. 

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources promotes wise stewardship, management and enjoyment of Alabama's natural resources through five divisions:  Marine Police, Marine Resources, State Lands, State Parks, and Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries. For more information please see www.outdooralabama.com.

from the Regional Planning Commission of Greater Birmingham:
On May 21st, a bicycle convoy of nearly 50 cyclists rode through Birmingham's City Center from Five Points South to Regions Center Plaza at the corner of 20th and 5th South to promote Bike-to-Work Day.  The ride concluded with a Green Eggs & Ham Breakfast  hosted by the Green Resource Center of Alabama.
 
The ride highlights the benefits of cycling, which acts as an emission-free form of "active transportation" that is good for both air quality and public health.  The riders were treated to a police escort throughout the ride and live music at the finish.

Tom Maxwell, Senior Environmental Planner at the RPCGB,  was able to get over Red Mountain with little effort thanks to Cahaba Cycles. Tom rode their new electric-assisted demo bike called the Ride+ manufactured by Trek.

"I was very impressed with the Ride+. It delivers a turbo-charge that is soundless and emission-free," Maxwell said.  "Electric-assisted bikes such as this will become increasingly popular for some commuters, law enforcement officials and recreational cyclists."

Following the Bike-to-Work Day group ride, approximately 30 members of the Birmingham MPO's Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee, the Jefferson County Greenways Commission and the Community Foundation's new Active Transportation Task Force convened for a bikeways and walkways route planning workshop at the RPCGB. The workshop focused on identifying existing and proposed pedestrian activity centers and regional bikeways. Information derived from this workshop will be utilized to update the Birmingham MPO's Bicycle, Pedestrian and Greenway Plan and expand upon the Active Transportation Program in the 2035 Regional Transportation Plan for Jefferson and Shelby Counties.

If you are interested in riding in this fun event, be on the lookout for Bike-to-Work Day in May, 2011.  If you are interested in the benefits of riding a bike to work, visit the CommuteSmart website.

 National Trails Day June 5:

WASHINGTON, DC - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced the designation of 31 trails in 15 states as national recreation trails, adding more than 716 miles of trails to the National Trails System.  The announcement comes in anticipation of National Trails Day on June 5, when trail dedications and other activities will take place at new and existing trails.

"From coast to coast, the National Trails System helps connect American families with the wonders of the great outdoors," said Salazar. "These new national recreation trails, built through partnerships with local communities and stakeholders, will create new opportunities for fitness and stewardship while creating a lasting legacy for our children and grandchildren."

In announcing the new designations, Salazar highlighted two important initiatives established by President Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to encourage Americans to enjoy the great outdoors as part of a healthier lifestyle.

Last month, President Obama launched the "America's Great Outdoors Initiative" to protect special places and to help Americans reconnect to the outdoors. Under his leadership, the administration is reaching out to communities across the country to hear good ideas about conservation and to learn about the efforts that ordinary Americans are making to conserve our land, water, and wildlife. More information on the initiative can be found at http://www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors.

Meanwhile, the First Lady's "Let's Move" initiative is promoting a healthier lifestyle for children by encouraging them to eat healthier foods and become more physically active.

"I hope that millions of Americans will take advantage of the opportunities provided by our national trails to embrace a fuller, healthier lifestyle,"
Salazar said.

Every national park will waive entrance fees on the weekend of June 5-6 to help encourage people of all ages to get outside and use trails for exercise and exploration. In addition, hundreds of organized activities including hikes, educational programs, bike rides, trail rehabilitation projects, festivals, paddle trips, and trail dedications will take place. A listing of activities is available at http://www.americanhiking.org/Get-Involved/National-Trails-Day/.

The national recreation trail designation recognizes existing trails and trail systems that link communities to recreational opportunities on public lands and in local parks across the nation. The first ones were established in 1971.

Each of the trails will receive a certificate of designation, a letter of congratulations from Secretary Salazar, and national recreation trail markers. The trails join a network of more than 1,000 previously designated trails that total more than 12,500 miles.

The national recreation trail program is jointly administered by the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service in conjunction with a number of other federal and nonprofit partners, notably American Trails, which hosts the national recreation trails website at http://www.americantrails.org/nationalrecreationtrails.

The following trails have been designated as national recreation trails in Alabama:

Canoe and Kayak Trail Limestone County Alabama The beautiful Elk River is the perfect place for canoeing and kayaking in Limestone County. It is a Class-1 stream, with views of forests, towering bluffs, and rolling meadows. The water is challenging and the scenery is beautiful. The Canoe and Kayak Trail begins at Elkmont and ends at Wilson Lake at Joe Wheeler State Park. The route is 21.9 miles along scenic Elk River with five easy in-and-out points. Since the creation of the water trail, small businesses have emerged to support this recreational resource and increase economic opportunities in surrounding communities.

Doc Hilt Trails Doc Hilt Trails is a private off road recreational trails area and camping facility located just north of Lineville, Alabama, on the eastern edge of the Talladega National Forest. The Doc Hilt Trails system consists of approximately 15 miles of continuous trails for ATVs, dirt bikes and OHV enthusiasts. The area includes hilly and mountainous terrain with trailside primitive camping. Doc Hilt Trails is dedicated to affordable, rustic and responsible recreational family-oriented trail riding for 4 wheelers and off-road motorcycles. The trail system was created by collaborative efforts between private land owners and the Cheaha Trail Riders Association.

The Eastern Shore Trail The Eastern Shore Trail is a 36-mile multi-purpose trail for pedestrian and non-motorized vehicle use along the eastern shore of Mobile Bay in Baldwin County, Alabama. The trail traverses waterfront, historic, wilderness and small town areas, both off- road and paralleling roads. Because of the wide variation in grade, elevated boardwalks and high-rise bridges, both wooden and metal, are common components. The most significant product of this trail effort is the demonstrated support garnered by Baldwin County volunteers. As one trailside resident says, "The trail is our front porch... where we connect with friends and neighbors."

Minooka Park Trail System Located in central Alabama, Minooka Park features 25 miles of trails. Some are specifically designed and constructed for ATV's and off road motorcycles. The dirt bike enthusiast looking for more technical trails can check out miles of single track. Horseback riders can choose from trails featuring beautiful views, creeks, and the opportunity to see wildlife.
Hikers have wooded nature trails and a one mile walking trail around Lake Minooka. The walking trail around the lake, along with five fishing piers and a large deck overlooking the lake, is handicap accessible.

The Richard Martin Trail Richard Martin led a 25-year effort with volunteers and various community organizations to establish a continuous 10.2 mile, rails-to-trails bicycle, equestrian, and pedestrian trail in Limestone County, Alabama. The Richard Martin Trail accesses outstanding natural, cultural, and historic resources. Natural features include beautiful wetlands and flora and fauna that are indigenous to the Tennessee Valley. A historic site on the trail marks the bloodiest Civil War battle on Alabama soil, the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle.

Smith Lake Park Walking/Bike Trails Smith Lake Park is a 150-acre park owned and operated by the Cullman County Commission. The park's 3.5 miles of walking and biking trails give campers, day-visitors, and residents an opportunity to exercise while viewing forested areas and the lake. Single track bike trails are one way to enjoy exercising with safety in mind. A special, short bike trail for children near the main playground allows younger children to ride their bikes while still remaining completely within view of their parents.

Sportsman Lake Trails Sportsman Lake Park is a scenic destination located in downtown Cullman, Alabama. The shady 5 miles of bike/walking trails provide opportunities for walkers, novice bike riders, in-line skaters, mountain bikers, and participants in bike and cross country events to enjoy the park and its 28-acre lake.

Stony Lonesome OHV Park Trail System Stony Lonesome OHV Park, located in Cullman County, Alabama, offers 150 miles of trails for hiking, mountain bikes, dirt bikes, ATVs, Rock Crawlers, and horseback riding. The 1500-acre park's topography includes rolling hills, steep inclines, wetlands, and flowing streams. The trail system has attracted tremendous interest and support from trail enthusiasts. It is the culmination of efforts by the County and community leaders in planning, land acquisition, and trail development.

Veterans Park Trail The 4.8-mile Veterans Park Trail in the City of Hoover connects a middle school, high school, community college, a 2-acre lake, park amenities, recreation areas, two playgrounds, and a large veteran's memorial which is the focal point of the 82-acre park. The multi-use nature, running, and boardwalk trail winds though diverse open fields, wetlands and forested areas. A connector tunnel allows use of the full length of the trail without having to cross a road. The trail provides many opportunities for individual fitness programs for all ages and is used as a cross-country running course for major events.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is awarding two communities in Alabama with $400,000 in brownfields grants to help revitalize former industrial and commercial sites, turning them from problem properties to productive community use. Brownfields are sites where expansion, redevelopment, or reuse may be complicated by the presence or potential presence of a hazardous substance, pollutant, or contaminant. The communities in Alabama receiving brownfields assessment grants include:
Alabama Department of Environmental Management (for use in the following counties - Montgomery, Lowndes, Dallas, and Perry) - $200,000 assessment grants
Freshwater Land Trust (Jefferson County) - $200,000 assessment grants

In the Southeast, 30 communities have been selected to receive brownfields grants to assess, cleanup and redevelop properties. Nationally, 40 states, four tribes and one U.S. Territory will share more than $78 million in brownfields grants. In total, EPA is selecting 304 grants through the Brownfields Assessment, Revolving Loan Fund, and Cleanup Grants programs:

• 188 assessment grants, totaling $42.56 million, will conduct site assessment and planning for cleanup at one or more brownfields sites as part of a community-wide effort.
• 17 revolving loan fund grants, totaling $17 million, will provide loans and subgrants for communities to begin cleanup activities at brownfields sites. Revolving loan funds are generally used to provide low interest loans for brownfields cleanups.
• 99 cleanup grants, totaling $19.36 million, will provide funding for grant recipients to carryout cleanup activities at brownfield sites they own.

More information on the FY 2010 grant recipients: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/
Brownfields success stories: http://www.epa.gov/brownfields/success/index.htm

FY 2011 Competitive Grant Program
Legacy provides environmental education grants annually through the Competitive Grants Program. Funds for this program are allocated specifically to assist with helping to create environmentally responsible citizens through education. Any non-profit Alabama organization planning a community based environmental program is encouraged to apply. Competitive grants are available for up to $10,000.
Application at weblink:
http://www.legacyenved.org/pdf/2011%20Competitive%20Grant%20Application.pdf

FY 2011 Environmental Education Mini-Grant Program Mini-Grants
The Environmental Education Mini-Grant program provides funding for hands-on environmental education programs to communities in Alabama. Mini-grants assist Alabama citizens with local environmental projects. Although teachers make up the majority of applicants, any non-profit organization wishing to pursue a community-based environmental project in Alabama is encouraged to apply. Applicants may apply for up to $2,500. Application: http://www.legacyenved.org/pdf/2011%20Mini-Grant%20Application.pdf

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Alabama farmers transitioning to organic agriculture -- or those already certified organic -- may apply for assistance under the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) Organic Initiative through March 12, according to the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service.

While the program offers continuous sign-up, applications for 2010 funding must be received by the cut-off date.

To be eligible, producers are required to develop and carry out an Organic System Plan of conservation practices. Approved applicants may receive up to $20,000 per year, not to exceed $80,000 in a six-year period.

The NRCS offers conservation practices to assist organic producers address resource concerns related to soil condition, soil erosion, domestic animals, plant conditions, water quality and fish and wildlife.

This year the program includes funds for seasonal high tunnels, also known as ―hoop houses.

High tunnels provide significant advantages to owners of small farms, limited resource farmers and organic producers,‖ says Dr. William Puckett, Alabama State Conservationist.
Growers are given the opportunity to address existing resource concerns, such as soil and plant conditions, while providing the added benefit of expanding the growing season for locally grown crops.

Interested producers should visit their nearest USDA Service Center to determine eligibility.
Individuals are not eligible for EQIP until they have completed the Farm Bill eligibility requirements, and are urged to contact their local NRCS or Farm Service Agency Office to begin this process.

NRCS field offices are listed in the telephone directory under U.S. Department of Agriculture or on-line at offices.sc.egov.usda.gov.

The Alabama Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries Division (WFF) is currently accepting Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) applications from landowners interested in longleaf pine restoration and/or enhancement. The LIP cost-share grants are being made available to Alabama landowners thanks to a $300,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant awarded to WFF through a partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Through the cost-share grants, landowners can receive assistance with site preparation, seedlings, planting, native grass restoration and/or exotic control costs. For landowners to be considered eligible to receive funding, the property must be within the historic range of longleaf pine in Alabama or contain suitable soils to support longleaf pine.

Program details include: cost share at 50 percent, no minimum acreage is required, cutover sites and agricultural sites are eligible and 435 trees per acre is the maximum amount that can be planted under the program.

For application information, contact Traci George at (334) 353-0503, or
Traci.George@dcnr.alabama.gov

FEBRUARY COMMUNITY MEETING PLANNED IN TRUSSVILLE
Our next Friends of Red Mountain Park Community Meeting (Birmingham/Jefferson County area) is scheduled for February 8th at the Trussville Public Library. Please join us at 6 pm to hear about all the plans we've made for 2010. We will be presenting the newest developments with the park and our various volunteer opportunities, and we will be available for any questions you might have. Bring a friend!

From The Associated Press article "Alabama Urged to Extend Land Preservation Program" by Bob Johnson:

Conservation leaders in Alabama urged the Legislature on Monday to continue the Forever Wild program that in 18 years has preserved about 200,000 acres of wilderness in the state. Forever Wild uses money from oil and gas revenues to purchase private land. It will expire during the 2012-2013 fiscal year unless the Legislature votes to continue it. Conservation Commissioner Barnett Lawley joined tourism, hunting and fishing group officials and other outdoor enthusiasts at a Statehouse news conference to push for renewal of Forever Wild for another 20 years. Lawley said areas preserved by Forever Wild include the rugged wilderness area along the Alabama-Tennessee line known as the "Walls of Jericho" and the swampy Tensaw Delta north of Mobile.

Rep. John Robinson, D-Scottsboro, said he's "100 percent" for continuing the Forever Wild program. His district is adjacent to the "Walls of Jericho," an unusual rock formation that is a popular destination for wilderness hikers. "I've hiked it several times and it's a great place. We have people come from everywhere to see it," Robinson said. Alabama Tourism Department director Lee Sentell said preserving land through Forever Wild has given people a chance to explore "unpolluted, untrashed" areas of Alabama. "I have people say to me that they had no idea that Alabama was such a beautiful state," Sentell said.

For the complete article please see http://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory?id=9535436

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

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
 

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". 

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.
 

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

$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

The Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) has been awarded a $6.28 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act grant to aid in the battle against cogongrass, a non-native invasive species.  

"This grant will be administered by the AFC, working in cooperation with the Alabama Task Force on Cogongrass," said Bill Baisden, Assistant State Forester. "The $6.28 million will allow the task force to organize an effective campaign against cogongrass, one of the world's most aggressive invasive species." 

These funds will be used to suppress and control cogongrass, as well as provide for restoring forestlands and rangelands damaged by this invasive weed. Invasive species affect the health of ecosystems by stressing the naturally occurring species and competing with them for resources.  

At the sixth annual conference of the Alabama Invasive Plant Council in Columbiana last May, the Alabama Farmers Federation was among 22 stakeholders who signed an agreement to help combat cogongrass.  

The stakeholders -- federal and state agencies as well as private entities -- officially entered into a "Memorandum of Understanding" (MOU) to team up in the fight against the non-native invasive plant.  
In the announcement made by U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, a total of 19 projects addressing forest health issues were funded nationwide at over $38 million by the ARRA.

Shoals Earth Day Fest takes place on April 25 at Wilson Park in Florence from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and will feature children-specific activities, educational speakers, art exhibits, information booths, and live demonstrations. It is the featured event of Earth Month in the Shoals.  "The City of Florence is excited about the full slate of activities planned for the 2nd Annual Earth Day Festival in beautiful Wilson Park.  With our bio-diesel program and our long commitment to recycling we look forward to participating with the many partners in this festival," said Florence Mayor Booby Irons.
 
For more information see www.ShoalsEarth.com
 

For the second straight month, Lucy Buffett and her Gulf Coast restaurant, LuLu's, have been recognized for a take-charge approach to going green. On April 3, Smart Coast awarded Buffett with the "Giraffe" Award, which in this case, recognizes Buffett for "sticking her neck out" for sustainability. Smart Coast is a non-profit organization for responsible growth along the gulf coast. The group presented Buffett with the award at the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce monthly First Friday Forum. "I'm all about sticking my neck out," said Lucy Buffett.  "But doing the right thing for the environment isn't such a big stretch. LuLu's is a fun place for people to see that green isn't just for fried green tomatoes." LuLu's is part of the Clean Coast Partnership, a partnership between the cities of Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and the Alabama Gulf Coast Chamber of Commerce. LuLu's sets the bar in green initiatives by operating a wind turbine to help generate electricity, using biodegradable cups for drinks and by using grass-fed Alabama beef for its Cheeseburgers in Paradise.
 
In March, LuLu's was awarded the first Dauphin Island Sea Lab "Seventh Generation Award," which is given to a person or business in recognition of sustainability, stewardship and pro-active practice in considering our natural resources for the seventh generation. The Dauphin Island Sea Lab's Seventh Generation Award will be awarded at the Sea Lab's Discovery Day Open House on Saturday, April 18.  The Award presentation to owner Lucy Buffet and General Manager Johnny Fisher will be at 11:00 a.m.

For more information on LuLu's at Homeport Marina see www.lulusathomeport.com

Washington, D.C. - Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today released the first ever comprehensive report on bird populations in the United States, showing that nearly a third of the nation's 800 bird species are endangered, threatened or in significant decline due to habitat loss, invasive species, and other threats.

At the same time, the report highlights examples, including many species of waterfowl, where habitat restoration and conservation have reversed previous declines, offering hope that it is not too late to take action to save declining populations.

"Just as they were when Rachel Carson published Silent Spring nearly 50 years ago, birds today are a bellwether of the health of land, water and ecosystems," Salazar said. "From shorebirds in New England to warblers in Michigan to songbirds in Hawaii, we are seeing disturbing downward population trends that should set off environmental alarm bells. We must work together now to ensure we never hear the deafening silence in our forests, fields and backyards that Rachel Carson warned us about."

The report, The U.S. State of the Birds, synthesizes data from three long-running bird censuses conducted by thousands of citizen scientists and professional biologists.

Cawaco RC&D is hosting a workshop to address basic streamside management techniques. Park officials, municipal employees, landscape maintenance personnel, and landowners concerned about streams on their property are encouraged to attend.
Topics Include:
• Protecting your stream from erosion
• Floodplain function and buffers
• Plant selection
• Restricting access
• Economic benefits
• Wildlife interactions
• Maintaining aesthetics
• Local sources for native plants
Registration is $25.00. Register online @ http://cawaco.org/registration.html
Partners include: Black Warrior Clean Water Partnership, Cahaba Clean Water Partnership, Walker County SWCD, Alabama Cooperative Extension System, North Carolina State University and the City of Jasper.