Thursday, July 9, 2009
Land-use and Green Infrastructure committee brings together wise heads on Thursday July 9, 2009
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Fayetteville residents planning efforts of green-infrastructure and land-use committee of the Fayetteville Forward summit on July 9, 2009.
Green-infrastructure and Land-Use Committee to meet at 7 p.m. today in Fayetteville City Hall
THE NEXT MEETING OF THE FAYETTEVILLE FORWARD ECONOMIC ACCOUNTABILITY COUNCIL'S LAND USE PLANNING AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE COMMITTEE WILL BE:
THURSDAY---JULY 9-----7 PM-----ROOM 111 ------ CITY HALL
GOAL SETTING: This meeting will briefly review the "What We Have" and "What We Need" of each category and determine short term goals in order to take our information and needs to the next level. Committees have been formed and objectives outlined:
Define and Identify: Land Use Planning and Green Infrastructure
Develop: Policy-- To make Land Use and Green Infrastructure Plan
Describe: Economic Impacts with or without LU & GI Planning
The Committee will review discussion at the June 4 meeting summarized below::
Bob Caulk of the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association presented a power point program outlining the organizations work to date including maps of green areas within and surrounding Fayetteville. He also described the group’s ongoing effort to present infrastructure planning into the small towns on Fayetteville’s borders -- Johnson, Greenland, Farmington, and the Lake Wedington area---as well as plans to bring their project to Fayetteville.
Three poster boards were available for recording WHAT WE HAVE and WHAT WE NEED in each of the three categories for attendees to suggest where the community should be putting green infrastructure/land use planning into the working policies of our community and area.
IDENTIFY: LAND USE PLANNING AND GREEN RASTRUCTURE
What We Have---
--Maps/work/contacts generated by Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association
--School grounds, parks, trails, green spaces –private and public
--Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
--“will”
What We Need----
--Geologic map of city
--Inventory of old growth forest remnants
--Outreach to neighborhoods, individuals, businesses, and other communities to explain and garner support for green infrastructure
DEVELOP: POLICIES –TO MAKE LAND USE & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE A REALITY
What we have----
Stormwater Issues & Actions
--Developing Stormwater Feasability Study—by Council Directive
--Stormwater infrastructure
--Planning Ordinances & Policies
--Field staff for storm water maintenance
--Nutrient Reduction Plan
Trees---Tree Preservation Ordinance and Landscape Manual
Green Teams---in schools
What we need-----
Storm Water--Complete Storm Water Feasibility Study
--Develop way to move forward—
--Identify ordinances, structure, philosophy, changes
Trees & Habitat
--Conduct Ecological analysis to see if Tree Ordinance working
--Establish a Wildlife Habitat Preservation Ordinance as part of Green Infrastructure
--Conduct a UFORE study to establish data on what trees contribute from an economic point of view
--Encourage use of native plant species
Other----
--Establish a Riparian Zone Ordinance
--Improve/strengthen the Hillside Ordinance
--Transfer Development Rights---get state enabling legislation passed
--Underground Utility policy for public construction projects
--Habitat or conservation zoning
--Education about structural designs that support roof gardens, etc.
--Bees throughout city –attention to insects and pollination needs they provide as well as the ecological system links between insects and bird and bat populations
--Educate children and adults
ECONOMICS ---IMPACTS OF LAND USE PLANNING & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
What we have----
--Websites & Links
* Robert Costanza/ Gund Institute Website: http://www.uvm.edu/giee/?Page=about/Robert_Costanza.html&SM=about/about_menu.html
“The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics (GIEE) is an environmental institute housed at The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Its primary mission is the study of the relationships between ecological and economic systems through the collaborative work of experts, educators, students, and others from around the world and across a wide variety of academic and environmental disciplines related to ecological economics."
:
THURSDAY---JULY 9-----7 PM-----ROOM 111 ------ CITY HALL
GOAL SETTING: This meeting will briefly review the "What We Have" and "What We Need" of each category and determine short term goals in order to take our information and needs to the next level. Committees have been formed and objectives outlined:
Define and Identify: Land Use Planning and Green Infrastructure
Develop: Policy-- To make Land Use and Green Infrastructure Plan
Describe: Economic Impacts with or without LU & GI Planning
The Committee will review discussion at the June 4 meeting summarized below::
Bob Caulk of the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association presented a power point program outlining the organizations work to date including maps of green areas within and surrounding Fayetteville. He also described the group’s ongoing effort to present infrastructure planning into the small towns on Fayetteville’s borders -- Johnson, Greenland, Farmington, and the Lake Wedington area---as well as plans to bring their project to Fayetteville.
Three poster boards were available for recording WHAT WE HAVE and WHAT WE NEED in each of the three categories for attendees to suggest where the community should be putting green infrastructure/land use planning into the working policies of our community and area.
IDENTIFY: LAND USE PLANNING AND GREEN RASTRUCTURE
What We Have---
--Maps/work/contacts generated by Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association
--School grounds, parks, trails, green spaces –private and public
--Botanical Garden of the Ozarks
--“will”
What We Need----
--Geologic map of city
--Inventory of old growth forest remnants
--Outreach to neighborhoods, individuals, businesses, and other communities to explain and garner support for green infrastructure
DEVELOP: POLICIES –TO MAKE LAND USE & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE A REALITY
What we have----
Stormwater Issues & Actions
--Developing Stormwater Feasability Study—by Council Directive
--Stormwater infrastructure
--Planning Ordinances & Policies
--Field staff for storm water maintenance
--Nutrient Reduction Plan
Trees---Tree Preservation Ordinance and Landscape Manual
Green Teams---in schools
What we need-----
Storm Water--Complete Storm Water Feasibility Study
--Develop way to move forward—
--Identify ordinances, structure, philosophy, changes
Trees & Habitat
--Conduct Ecological analysis to see if Tree Ordinance working
--Establish a Wildlife Habitat Preservation Ordinance as part of Green Infrastructure
--Conduct a UFORE study to establish data on what trees contribute from an economic point of view
--Encourage use of native plant species
Other----
--Establish a Riparian Zone Ordinance
--Improve/strengthen the Hillside Ordinance
--Transfer Development Rights---get state enabling legislation passed
--Underground Utility policy for public construction projects
--Habitat or conservation zoning
--Education about structural designs that support roof gardens, etc.
--Bees throughout city –attention to insects and pollination needs they provide as well as the ecological system links between insects and bird and bat populations
--Educate children and adults
ECONOMICS ---IMPACTS OF LAND USE PLANNING & GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
What we have----
--Websites & Links
* Robert Costanza/ Gund Institute Website: http://www.uvm.edu/giee/?Page=about/Robert_Costanza.html&SM=about/about_menu.html
“The Gund Institute for Ecological Economics (GIEE) is an environmental institute housed at The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont. Its primary mission is the study of the relationships between ecological and economic systems through the collaborative work of experts, educators, students, and others from around the world and across a wide variety of academic and environmental disciplines related to ecological economics."
:
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Joe Neal's new book now for sale
Please click on images to ENLARGE
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society has published a new book, BIRDS in northwestern Arkansas, an ecological perspective. This venture is part of the ongoing re-launch of NWAAS. It narrates and summarizes a mass of
bird data from 9 counties in the NW corner of the state -- Breeding Bird Surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, records in Arkansas Audubon Society bird records database by many observers, Forest Service landbird point counts, field research by graduate students, etc. The book is $12.95 and is available at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville (205 W. Dickson). It is also available by mail by contacting our immediate past president, Joan Reynolds (joanreynolds@gmail.com)-- cost, 12.95 plus 3.00 postage. The book will also be available while they last (small press run) at society
functions, including the upcoming July 12 field trip to Chesney Prairie Natural Area -- bring the correct amount (if by check, make it out to NWAAS). Finally, if we sell 5 or more copies in one transaction, the price is $10 each (so get together & save more; this price would not include
postage, if the books are to be mailed). This is a not-for-profit venture. Hopefully, this will widen understanding of bird occurrences in this part of Arkansas and stimulate more birding!
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society has published a new book, BIRDS in northwestern Arkansas, an ecological perspective. This venture is part of the ongoing re-launch of NWAAS. It narrates and summarizes a mass of
bird data from 9 counties in the NW corner of the state -- Breeding Bird Surveys, Christmas Bird Counts, records in Arkansas Audubon Society bird records database by many observers, Forest Service landbird point counts, field research by graduate students, etc. The book is $12.95 and is available at Nightbird Books in Fayetteville (205 W. Dickson). It is also available by mail by contacting our immediate past president, Joan Reynolds (joanreynolds@gmail.com)-- cost, 12.95 plus 3.00 postage. The book will also be available while they last (small press run) at society
functions, including the upcoming July 12 field trip to Chesney Prairie Natural Area -- bring the correct amount (if by check, make it out to NWAAS). Finally, if we sell 5 or more copies in one transaction, the price is $10 each (so get together & save more; this price would not include
postage, if the books are to be mailed). This is a not-for-profit venture. Hopefully, this will widen understanding of bird occurrences in this part of Arkansas and stimulate more birding!
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Honeybee on butterfly milkweed on June 30, 2009
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of honeybee on milkweed on June 30, 2009, at World Peace Wetland Prairie.
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hill Place contractor's machine compacting street base, water added, water carries limestone silt into Town Branch of Beaver Lake Watershed
Please click on image to see where limestone-dust siltation orginates and where it is going.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Butterfly gardens easy to grow in Northwest Arkansas
Butterfly gardens can be grown throughout the
United States. There is a wide variety of both butterfly
attracting (nectar) plants and host (food) plants cover-
ing climates zones throughout the country.
Creating a Garden
Gardens can range in size from containers to sever-
al acres. Butterflies like sunny sites and areas sheltered
from high winds and predators. Warm, sheltered sites
are most needed in the spring and fall. Butterflies are
cold-blooded insects that can only fly well when their
body temperatures are above 70 F. They are often seen
resting on rocks, which reflect the heat of the sun help-
ing to raise their body temperatures, so be sure to
include some rocks in your garden. It’s also beneficial
to have partly shady areas, like trees or shrubs, so they
can hide when it’s cloudy or cool off if it’s very hot.
Plants that attract butterflies are usually classified
as those that are a food source,anectar source or both.
Butterflies require food plants for their larval stages and
nectar plants for the adult stage. Some larvae feed on
specifichost plants, while others will feed on a variety
of plants. If possible, include both larval host plants
and adult nectar plants in your butterfly garden.
Butterflies also like puddles. Males of several
species congregate at small rain pools, forming “puddle
clubs”. Permanent puddles are very easy to make by
buryingabucket to therim, filling it with gravel or
sand, and then pouring in liquids such as stale beer,
sweet drinks or water. Overripe fruit, allowed to sit for
afew days is a very attractive substance to butterflies
as well!
Life Cycle of A Butterfly
Butterflies go through a four-stage developmental
process known as metamorphosis (egg, larva or caterpil-
lar, pupa or chrysalis and adult). Understanding a but-
terfly’s life cycle can make butterfly watching more
enjoyable, andthis knowledge is an important asset to
those who want to understand the principles of attract-
ingbutterflies to their gardens.
Butterflies begin their life as an egg, laid either
singly or in clusters depending on the species. A very
tiny caterpillar emerges and, after consuming its egg
shell, begins feeding on its host plant. Caterpillars must
crawl out of their skin or molt, usually around five times,
before changing into a pupa. Finally, an adult butterfly
emerges, spreads its wings and flies away.
Butterflies typically lay their eggs in late spring and
hatch 3 to 6 days after they are laid. It takes 3 to 4
weeks for a caterpillar to pupate and 9 to 14 days to
emerge as an adult.
Host Plants
Adult female butterflies spend time searching for
food plants required by the immature caterpillar stage.
Most butterflies have specific host plants on which they
develop. For example, caterpillars of the monarch but-
terfly develop only on milkweed, while the black swal-
lowtail feeds only on parsley, dill and closely related
plants. Planting an adequate supply of the proper host
plants gives butterflies a place to lay their eggs, which
will successfully hatch and result in butterflies that will
continue to visit thegarden. Providing the necessary
food plants for the developing caterpillars also allows
production of a “native” population that can be
observed in all stages ofdevelopment.
To enjoy adult butterflies, you have to be willing to
allow their caterpillars to feed on foliage in your garden.
Food source plants that support caterpillars include the
annual marigold, snapdragon and violet; the perennial
butterfly milkweed, daisy and various herbs; the ash,
birch, cherry, dogwood, poplar and willow trees; lilac
shrubs; juniper evergreens and more.
The weediness of some host plants makes them less
than desirable for a space within your more attractive
garden beds, but they serve the same function if you
place them away in a corner of the yard. To keep them
from becoming invasive, remember to remove their
spentblooms before they go to seed.
Plants to Attract Butterflies
To attract the most butterflies, design a garden
that provides a long season of flowers (nectar plants).
The time of flowering, duration of bloom, flower color
and plant size are all important considerations when
selecting plants to attract butterflies. A wide variety of
food plants will give the greatest diversity of visitors.
Choose a mixture of annuals and perennials.
Annuals bloom all summer but must be replanted every
spring (after the last frost). Perennials bloom year after
year from the same roots but their blooming periods are
typically limited to a few weeks or months. To ensure
the availability of nectar sources throughout the sum-
mer, long-blooming annuals should be planted between
the perennials.
Try staggering wild and cultivated plants, as well as
blooming times of the day and year. Planting in mass
(several plants of the same kind) will usually attract
more butterflies, as there is more nectar available to
them at a single stop. Plants with clusters of flowers
are often better than plants with small, single flowers
because it is easier for butterflies to landon clustered
and/or larger flowers.
Many plants which attract butterflies, especially
trees and shrubs, may already be present in a specific
area. Shrubs include azalea, spirea, butterfly bush and
lilacs. Although weeds andsomenative plants are gen-
erally not welcomein a garden, allowingthem to grow
under supervision may be an option, as these plants
help attract butterflies. Try to avoid plants that readily
reseed and may take over and dominate garden sites.
Perennials, such as chives, dianthus, beebalm, but-
terfly weed, mints, black-eyed susan and purple cone-
flower offer a succession of blooms, other perennials
include coreopsis, lavender, phlox, sedum and yarrow.
Add annuals that flower all season, such as cosmos, lan-
tana, pentas,petunias, phlox, salvia and zinnias. Select
flowers with manysmall tubular flowers or florets like
liatris, goldenrod and verbena. Or chose those with sin-
gle flowers, such as marigold, daisy and sunflower.
Butterflies are attracted to flowers with strong
scents and bright colors, where they drink sweet energy-
rich nectar. Planting a variety of nectar sources will
encourage more butterflies to visit the garden.
For better butterfly viewing, plant the tallest
plants in the rear of the garden and work smaller or
shorter towardthefront.
Butterfly
Gardens
Creating, Growing and Enjoying
EARLMAYSEED&NURSERY
www.earlmay.com
SHENANDOAH, IOWA51603
Butterfly Host Plants(continued)
Trees Herbs
Ash Dill
Birch Parsley
Cherry Sweet Fennel
Dogwood
Linden
Poplar
Willow
Butterfly Attracting Plants
Annuals Perennials
Ageratum Aster
Cosmos Beebalm
Gomphrena Blanket Flower
Heliotrope Butterfly Milkweed
Lantana Coreopsis
Marigold Daisy
Nasturtium Dame’s Rocket
Nicotiana Daylily
Pentas Dianthus
Petunia Liatris
Phlox Phlox
Salvia Purple Coneflower
Snapdragon Rudbeckia
Statice Russian Sage
Sunflower Salvia
Sweet Alyssum Scabiosa
Verbena Sedum
Zinnia Veronica
Yarrow
Shrubs Herbs
Azalea Catnip
Butterfly Bush Chives
Lilacs Lavender
Mock Orange Mint
Potentilla
Viburnun
Cut Back on Insecticides
It’s difficult to have a successful butterfly garden
inalocation where insecticides are used. Pesticides,
specifically insecticides, kill not only the insects you
want to get rid of – they also kill the insects you want
tokeep, such as monarch caterpillars. Even biological
controls such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) will kill but-
terfly larvae. When treating for insect pests, always
consider non-chemical methods of pest control before
turning to pesticides.
Let Your Garden Grow
Most butterfly species over-winter nearby. This
means that their eggs, chrysalises, or larvae are likely to
be in or near your yard during the non-gardening
months. Some will even hibernate as adults. Do not
mow weed sites, cut down dead plants or dismantle
woodpiles which provide them safe shelter in the off-
season until the weather warms up.
Enjoying Your Butterfly Garden
Butterfly gardens are a great source of enjoyment
for everyone. Visiting butterflies include a variety of
different species and names, depending upon the region
of the country in which you live. To learn more about
which plants help in attracting butterflies get your copy
of National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds,
Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife by David
Mizejewski or the Earl May Perennial Guideavailable at
your local Earl May Nursery & Garden Center.
Butterfly Host Plants
Annuals Perennials
Marigold Butterfly Milkweed
Snapdragon Daisy
Violet
Shrubs Evergreens
Lilacs Juniper
IBM# 912600 750 4/08
Copyright Earl May Seed & Nursery L.C. ©
United States. There is a wide variety of both butterfly
attracting (nectar) plants and host (food) plants cover-
ing climates zones throughout the country.
Creating a Garden
Gardens can range in size from containers to sever-
al acres. Butterflies like sunny sites and areas sheltered
from high winds and predators. Warm, sheltered sites
are most needed in the spring and fall. Butterflies are
cold-blooded insects that can only fly well when their
body temperatures are above 70 F. They are often seen
resting on rocks, which reflect the heat of the sun help-
ing to raise their body temperatures, so be sure to
include some rocks in your garden. It’s also beneficial
to have partly shady areas, like trees or shrubs, so they
can hide when it’s cloudy or cool off if it’s very hot.
Plants that attract butterflies are usually classified
as those that are a food source,anectar source or both.
Butterflies require food plants for their larval stages and
nectar plants for the adult stage. Some larvae feed on
specifichost plants, while others will feed on a variety
of plants. If possible, include both larval host plants
and adult nectar plants in your butterfly garden.
Butterflies also like puddles. Males of several
species congregate at small rain pools, forming “puddle
clubs”. Permanent puddles are very easy to make by
buryingabucket to therim, filling it with gravel or
sand, and then pouring in liquids such as stale beer,
sweet drinks or water. Overripe fruit, allowed to sit for
afew days is a very attractive substance to butterflies
as well!
Life Cycle of A Butterfly
Butterflies go through a four-stage developmental
process known as metamorphosis (egg, larva or caterpil-
lar, pupa or chrysalis and adult). Understanding a but-
terfly’s life cycle can make butterfly watching more
enjoyable, andthis knowledge is an important asset to
those who want to understand the principles of attract-
ingbutterflies to their gardens.
Butterflies begin their life as an egg, laid either
singly or in clusters depending on the species. A very
tiny caterpillar emerges and, after consuming its egg
shell, begins feeding on its host plant. Caterpillars must
crawl out of their skin or molt, usually around five times,
before changing into a pupa. Finally, an adult butterfly
emerges, spreads its wings and flies away.
Butterflies typically lay their eggs in late spring and
hatch 3 to 6 days after they are laid. It takes 3 to 4
weeks for a caterpillar to pupate and 9 to 14 days to
emerge as an adult.
Host Plants
Adult female butterflies spend time searching for
food plants required by the immature caterpillar stage.
Most butterflies have specific host plants on which they
develop. For example, caterpillars of the monarch but-
terfly develop only on milkweed, while the black swal-
lowtail feeds only on parsley, dill and closely related
plants. Planting an adequate supply of the proper host
plants gives butterflies a place to lay their eggs, which
will successfully hatch and result in butterflies that will
continue to visit thegarden. Providing the necessary
food plants for the developing caterpillars also allows
production of a “native” population that can be
observed in all stages ofdevelopment.
To enjoy adult butterflies, you have to be willing to
allow their caterpillars to feed on foliage in your garden.
Food source plants that support caterpillars include the
annual marigold, snapdragon and violet; the perennial
butterfly milkweed, daisy and various herbs; the ash,
birch, cherry, dogwood, poplar and willow trees; lilac
shrubs; juniper evergreens and more.
The weediness of some host plants makes them less
than desirable for a space within your more attractive
garden beds, but they serve the same function if you
place them away in a corner of the yard. To keep them
from becoming invasive, remember to remove their
spentblooms before they go to seed.
Plants to Attract Butterflies
To attract the most butterflies, design a garden
that provides a long season of flowers (nectar plants).
The time of flowering, duration of bloom, flower color
and plant size are all important considerations when
selecting plants to attract butterflies. A wide variety of
food plants will give the greatest diversity of visitors.
Choose a mixture of annuals and perennials.
Annuals bloom all summer but must be replanted every
spring (after the last frost). Perennials bloom year after
year from the same roots but their blooming periods are
typically limited to a few weeks or months. To ensure
the availability of nectar sources throughout the sum-
mer, long-blooming annuals should be planted between
the perennials.
Try staggering wild and cultivated plants, as well as
blooming times of the day and year. Planting in mass
(several plants of the same kind) will usually attract
more butterflies, as there is more nectar available to
them at a single stop. Plants with clusters of flowers
are often better than plants with small, single flowers
because it is easier for butterflies to landon clustered
and/or larger flowers.
Many plants which attract butterflies, especially
trees and shrubs, may already be present in a specific
area. Shrubs include azalea, spirea, butterfly bush and
lilacs. Although weeds andsomenative plants are gen-
erally not welcomein a garden, allowingthem to grow
under supervision may be an option, as these plants
help attract butterflies. Try to avoid plants that readily
reseed and may take over and dominate garden sites.
Perennials, such as chives, dianthus, beebalm, but-
terfly weed, mints, black-eyed susan and purple cone-
flower offer a succession of blooms, other perennials
include coreopsis, lavender, phlox, sedum and yarrow.
Add annuals that flower all season, such as cosmos, lan-
tana, pentas,petunias, phlox, salvia and zinnias. Select
flowers with manysmall tubular flowers or florets like
liatris, goldenrod and verbena. Or chose those with sin-
gle flowers, such as marigold, daisy and sunflower.
Butterflies are attracted to flowers with strong
scents and bright colors, where they drink sweet energy-
rich nectar. Planting a variety of nectar sources will
encourage more butterflies to visit the garden.
For better butterfly viewing, plant the tallest
plants in the rear of the garden and work smaller or
shorter towardthefront.
Butterfly
Gardens
Creating, Growing and Enjoying
EARLMAYSEED&NURSERY
www.earlmay.com
SHENANDOAH, IOWA51603
Butterfly Host Plants(continued)
Trees Herbs
Ash Dill
Birch Parsley
Cherry Sweet Fennel
Dogwood
Linden
Poplar
Willow
Butterfly Attracting Plants
Annuals Perennials
Ageratum Aster
Cosmos Beebalm
Gomphrena Blanket Flower
Heliotrope Butterfly Milkweed
Lantana Coreopsis
Marigold Daisy
Nasturtium Dame’s Rocket
Nicotiana Daylily
Pentas Dianthus
Petunia Liatris
Phlox Phlox
Salvia Purple Coneflower
Snapdragon Rudbeckia
Statice Russian Sage
Sunflower Salvia
Sweet Alyssum Scabiosa
Verbena Sedum
Zinnia Veronica
Yarrow
Shrubs Herbs
Azalea Catnip
Butterfly Bush Chives
Lilacs Lavender
Mock Orange Mint
Potentilla
Viburnun
Cut Back on Insecticides
It’s difficult to have a successful butterfly garden
inalocation where insecticides are used. Pesticides,
specifically insecticides, kill not only the insects you
want to get rid of – they also kill the insects you want
tokeep, such as monarch caterpillars. Even biological
controls such as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) will kill but-
terfly larvae. When treating for insect pests, always
consider non-chemical methods of pest control before
turning to pesticides.
Let Your Garden Grow
Most butterfly species over-winter nearby. This
means that their eggs, chrysalises, or larvae are likely to
be in or near your yard during the non-gardening
months. Some will even hibernate as adults. Do not
mow weed sites, cut down dead plants or dismantle
woodpiles which provide them safe shelter in the off-
season until the weather warms up.
Enjoying Your Butterfly Garden
Butterfly gardens are a great source of enjoyment
for everyone. Visiting butterflies include a variety of
different species and names, depending upon the region
of the country in which you live. To learn more about
which plants help in attracting butterflies get your copy
of National Wildlife Federation Attracting Birds,
Butterflies and Other Backyard Wildlife by David
Mizejewski or the Earl May Perennial Guideavailable at
your local Earl May Nursery & Garden Center.
Butterfly Host Plants
Annuals Perennials
Marigold Butterfly Milkweed
Snapdragon Daisy
Violet
Shrubs Evergreens
Lilacs Juniper
IBM# 912600 750 4/08
Copyright Earl May Seed & Nursery L.C. ©
Friday, June 19, 2009
Arkansas Highway Department scrapes soil out of swale and hauls it to a dump
Please click on start button to view video of AHTD machine scraping topsoil, grass and wildflower from vegetated swale and loading it all into a truck to haul away and dump.
The district highway engineer in Fort Smith office says practice of scraping out "ditches" pleases landowners. He believes it also helps protect base of roadway, even though it actually speeds runoff and encourages erosion.
I wonder what the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's stream team would advise if consulted?
Sometimes it seems that information about how best to manage streams and the ditches that replace streams in so many places is everywhere.
But the people with the big tonka toys never seem to get it. The water that enters this ditch flows to the Cato Springs Branch of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River before entering Beaver Lake, the region's primary source of drinking water. It enters Fayetteville through the Fayette Junction neighborhood and joins the west arm of the Town Branch at Levi Park.
The district highway engineer in Fort Smith office says practice of scraping out "ditches" pleases landowners. He believes it also helps protect base of roadway, even though it actually speeds runoff and encourages erosion.
I wonder what the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission's stream team would advise if consulted?
Sometimes it seems that information about how best to manage streams and the ditches that replace streams in so many places is everywhere.
But the people with the big tonka toys never seem to get it. The water that enters this ditch flows to the Cato Springs Branch of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River before entering Beaver Lake, the region's primary source of drinking water. It enters Fayetteville through the Fayette Junction neighborhood and joins the west arm of the Town Branch at Levi Park.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Washington County found innocent. Watershed degradation being done by state highway department
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department machine digging rich, dark well-vegetated soil out of a ditch on the west side of Arkansas 265 south of Fayetteville. An earlier post quoting a commuting motorist's email contained an error. Washington County is not to blame for this misguided work that threatens to increase the silt load of Cato Springs Branch, the lower Town Branch and the West Fork of the White River entering Beaver Lake. The soil being eroded is typical high-quality prairie topsoil that has washed into the ditch but should be back on farm or pasture or natural prairie land. This soil is hauled away and dumped, allowing more to erode away.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Northwest Arkansas Times says neighbors, veterans oppose apartments next to National Cemetery
The Morning News
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/16/news/061709fzcouncil.txt
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
New Water Tank Gets Approval; neighbors, veterans disapprove powerfully of sale-barn rezoning next to National Cemetery
By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE — It took a week, but a decision among the city and residents has been reached to locate a half-million-gallon water tank on the hilltop neighborhood of Hyland Park.
A 143-foot water tank will be built on a .66-acre secluded site on Lovers Lane. The site is one of the four sites originally explored, but it was generally viewed as too expensive, in terms of land cost and needed infrastructure. This site will add about $220,000 to the cost of the project, said Dave Jurgens, Fayetteville utility director.
However, city officials have negotiated a deal with Hyland Park resident Jim Waselues for him to pay the city $75,000 for the original lot intended for the tank — known as Lot 22. In turn, Gary Combs, owner of the Lovers Lane site will donate his site to the city.
"Although I'm not crazy about spending $200,000 more, I think it shows that the city is willing to be flexible and work with people," said Bobby Ferrell a council member.
"Maybe everyone's not totally satisfied, but this is probably the best solution," said Adella Gray a council member from Ward 1.
The project was opposed by the Hyland Park Homeowner's Association that did not want a water tank in their backyards, saying it will negatively impact views, property value and the general aesthetic nature of the neighborhood.
What did not move forward was any decision regarding rezoning the old Washington County Sale Barn site. The barn intends to hold its last sale June 25, said Steve Bartholemew, one of the sale barn's owners.
A 192-unit student housing apartment development is proposed for the nine-acre site. Some 50 people showed up for the council meeting Tuesday to oppose not only the rezoning, but more largely, the development.
It wasn't just residents from the area petitioning the council to deny the downtown general rezoning, but numerous veterans from across Northwest Arkansas. A national military cemetery — the final resting place for 7,963 deceased veterans — sits adjacent to the site. Veterans would like to expand the cemetery into the sale barn site. However, no deal has been reached say veterans and Bartholemew.
"If we can just stave off this rezoning at this time, it will give us that time," said Jim Buckner, a retired lieutenant colonel and a representative of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
"There are private resources," Buckner added, and who said student housing would be "a terrible neighbor."
"In fact it would only be a beer can throw away from our veterans buried there," he continued.
"There has been no contact with us on a dollar amount," said Bartholomew. "I do know that they have talked, but there has never been a dollar amount."
Wanda Peterson, who's lived in the neighborhood since 1938 and has family buried in the cemetery, was passionate in her plea to stop the rezoning.
"I just can't bear an apartment building shadowing those graves," Peterson told the council.
Others reminded the council the current zoning is light industrial and a number of undesirable land uses could move in without the rezoning.
"The rezoning tonight is a downzoing from industrial to a downtown general," said Dustin Bartholomew, grandson to Billy Joe Bartholomew, co-owner of the Washington County Sale Barn.
"The things that could be built there at this time could be a lot more damaging than what's being proposed," Dustin Bartholomew said.
What Comes Next?
Washington County Sale Barn Rezoning
• The ordinance was left on its first reading.
• It will be considered again at the next council meeting.
For government channel schedule of reruns of the council meeting on City 16 on Cox Cable, please see
http://fayettevillearkgovernmentchannel.blogspot.com
The first rebroadcast of the June 16 city council meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. today and the second is at 7:30 p.m. today.
Rebroadcasts of the June 8 meeting of the Town Branch neighbors with the developers who want the sale barn rezoned for student apartments are set for CAT 18 on cox cable at 11 a.m. Wednesday, 3 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
I am uncertain how this affects the short takes normally run at those times. Some weeks, few short takes are recorded. In fact, the one I recorded for those time slots is mostly about the same issue! I apologize to anyone who did a short take and is bumped by this very timely production.
When all equipment is running properly, the shows run on CAT 18 are run simultaneously on the Internet from the CAT Web site for those with access to the Web but no cable television.
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/16/news/061709fzcouncil.txt
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
New Water Tank Gets Approval; neighbors, veterans disapprove powerfully of sale-barn rezoning next to National Cemetery
By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE — It took a week, but a decision among the city and residents has been reached to locate a half-million-gallon water tank on the hilltop neighborhood of Hyland Park.
A 143-foot water tank will be built on a .66-acre secluded site on Lovers Lane. The site is one of the four sites originally explored, but it was generally viewed as too expensive, in terms of land cost and needed infrastructure. This site will add about $220,000 to the cost of the project, said Dave Jurgens, Fayetteville utility director.
However, city officials have negotiated a deal with Hyland Park resident Jim Waselues for him to pay the city $75,000 for the original lot intended for the tank — known as Lot 22. In turn, Gary Combs, owner of the Lovers Lane site will donate his site to the city.
"Although I'm not crazy about spending $200,000 more, I think it shows that the city is willing to be flexible and work with people," said Bobby Ferrell a council member.
"Maybe everyone's not totally satisfied, but this is probably the best solution," said Adella Gray a council member from Ward 1.
The project was opposed by the Hyland Park Homeowner's Association that did not want a water tank in their backyards, saying it will negatively impact views, property value and the general aesthetic nature of the neighborhood.
What did not move forward was any decision regarding rezoning the old Washington County Sale Barn site. The barn intends to hold its last sale June 25, said Steve Bartholemew, one of the sale barn's owners.
A 192-unit student housing apartment development is proposed for the nine-acre site. Some 50 people showed up for the council meeting Tuesday to oppose not only the rezoning, but more largely, the development.
It wasn't just residents from the area petitioning the council to deny the downtown general rezoning, but numerous veterans from across Northwest Arkansas. A national military cemetery — the final resting place for 7,963 deceased veterans — sits adjacent to the site. Veterans would like to expand the cemetery into the sale barn site. However, no deal has been reached say veterans and Bartholemew.
"If we can just stave off this rezoning at this time, it will give us that time," said Jim Buckner, a retired lieutenant colonel and a representative of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
"There are private resources," Buckner added, and who said student housing would be "a terrible neighbor."
"In fact it would only be a beer can throw away from our veterans buried there," he continued.
"There has been no contact with us on a dollar amount," said Bartholomew. "I do know that they have talked, but there has never been a dollar amount."
Wanda Peterson, who's lived in the neighborhood since 1938 and has family buried in the cemetery, was passionate in her plea to stop the rezoning.
"I just can't bear an apartment building shadowing those graves," Peterson told the council.
Others reminded the council the current zoning is light industrial and a number of undesirable land uses could move in without the rezoning.
"The rezoning tonight is a downzoing from industrial to a downtown general," said Dustin Bartholomew, grandson to Billy Joe Bartholomew, co-owner of the Washington County Sale Barn.
"The things that could be built there at this time could be a lot more damaging than what's being proposed," Dustin Bartholomew said.
What Comes Next?
Washington County Sale Barn Rezoning
• The ordinance was left on its first reading.
• It will be considered again at the next council meeting.
For government channel schedule of reruns of the council meeting on City 16 on Cox Cable, please see
http://fayettevillearkgovernmentchannel.blogspot.com
The first rebroadcast of the June 16 city council meeting begins at 1:30 p.m. today and the second is at 7:30 p.m. today.
Rebroadcasts of the June 8 meeting of the Town Branch neighbors with the developers who want the sale barn rezoned for student apartments are set for CAT 18 on cox cable at 11 a.m. Wednesday, 3 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m. Friday and 10 a.m. Saturday.
I am uncertain how this affects the short takes normally run at those times. Some weeks, few short takes are recorded. In fact, the one I recorded for those time slots is mostly about the same issue! I apologize to anyone who did a short take and is bumped by this very timely production.
When all equipment is running properly, the shows run on CAT 18 are run simultaneously on the Internet from the CAT Web site for those with access to the Web but no cable television.
Sunday, June 14, 2009
Peace-garden tour photos from Saturday June 13, 2009
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Marie Riley's Julia Ward Howe Peace Garden with OMNI sign, great spangled fritillary at Ed Laningham's Glendale Garden and Amanda Bancroft at World Peace Wetland Prairie.
The great spangled fritillary, formally known as Speryeria cybele, was sighted at all six garden sites on Saturday. While the great spangled frit nectars on many species of flower, its caterpillers must have violets as host plants in order to mature.
The great spangled fritillary, formally known as Speryeria cybele, was sighted at all six garden sites on Saturday. While the great spangled frit nectars on many species of flower, its caterpillers must have violets as host plants in order to mature.
Friday, June 12, 2009
Peace-garden tour from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday June 13, 2009
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of OMNI Peace Garden Tour Poster.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Legality of quarry questioned by attorney
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/10/news/061009fzwashcoquarry.prt
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Quarry's Legality Questioned
By Dan Craft
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE — A limestone quarry west of Fayetteville that owners want to expand may never have been legal in the first place, according to an attorney representing upset neighbors.
The Rogers Group seeks county planners' approval to expand their 45-acre quarry into an adjacent 98-acre red dirt pit off Hamestring Road. Neighbors have been opposed to the plan, and Jay Edwards, a lawyer representing some of the surrounding landowners, says even the existing quarry isn't properly permitted.
Rogers Group was blasting and crushing rock, but never had a limestone permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality certifying them as a quarry, when Washington County zoned the area agricultural in 2006, Edwards said. The existing quarry should never have been allowed to continue operating under a grandfather clause, let alone be allowed to expand, Edwards said.
The confusion is a result of changing state mining regulations just as the county was implementing zoning regulations in 2006, and all parties agreed the quarry was legal and could continue operations, said Terry Sossong of Rogers Group.
The existing Rogers Group quarry has seven to 10 years worth of material left, Sossong said. The neighboring Stephens Red Dirt Pit has already extracted most of the dirt, leaving behind a mineable seam of limestone, Sossong said.
Traffic, noise, a nearby creek and effects from blasting are all reasons to deny the request for the quarry, neighbors said.
About 30 residents protested outside the quarry last month as members of the Washington County Planning Board toured the facility. The tour was coordinated to occur the same day as a planned explosion to loosen more material from the quarry walls. Neighbors say the explosion was small compared to what they normally experience. Quarry owners characterized the blast a a typical size, using 450 pounds of explosives to shear limestone walls into piles of smaller rocks.
Seismographic readings from four locations surrounding last month's blast, provided by a third party monitoring company hired by Rogers Group, indicate the sound and vibration levels were well below state maximums. Readings from a permanent seismograph on site, also provided by the third-party monitoring company, show none of the blasts since July 2007 have exceeded state standards.
Residents along Hamestring Road have dealt with two red dirt pits and the quarry for more than a decade, and protested earlier this year when Big Red Dirt Farm applied for a conditional use permit to quarry limestone. That permit was denied, appealed, approved, and is now in litigation.
The Rogers Group proposal generated 144 written or e-mailed public comments, all but one opposed to the quarry expansion, said Juliet Richey, county planning director.
Commissioner James Gallagher, who lives less than a mile from the site, abstained from discussion and voting Tuesday night. Gallagher stepped aside to prevent any appearance of a conflict of interest, he said.
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/10/news/061009fzwashcoquarry.txt
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Quarry's Legality Questioned
By Dan Craft
The Morning News
FAYETTEVILLE — A limestone quarry west of Fayetteville that owners want to expand may never have been legal in the first place, according to an attorney representing upset neighbors.
The Rogers Group seeks county planners' approval to expand their 45-acre quarry into an adjacent 98-acre red dirt pit off Hamestring Road. Neighbors have been opposed to the plan, and Jay Edwards, a lawyer representing some of the surrounding landowners, says even the existing quarry isn't properly permitted.
Rogers Group was blasting and crushing rock, but never had a limestone permit from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality certifying them as a quarry, when Washington County zoned the area agricultural in 2006, Edwards said. The existing quarry should never have been allowed to continue operating under a grandfather clause, let alone be allowed to expand, Edwards said.
The confusion is a result of changing state mining regulations just as the county was implementing zoning regulations in 2006, and all parties agreed the quarry was legal and could continue operations, said Terry Sossong of Rogers Group.
The existing Rogers Group quarry has seven to 10 years worth of material left, Sossong said. The neighboring Stephens Red Dirt Pit has already extracted most of the dirt, leaving behind a mineable seam of limestone, Sossong said.
Traffic, noise, a nearby creek and effects from blasting are all reasons to deny the request for the quarry, neighbors said.
About 30 residents protested outside the quarry last month as members of the Washington County Planning Board toured the facility. The tour was coordinated to occur the same day as a planned explosion to loosen more material from the quarry walls. Neighbors say the explosion was small compared to what they normally experience. Quarry owners characterized the blast a a typical size, using 450 pounds of explosives to shear limestone walls into piles of smaller rocks.
Seismographic readings from four locations surrounding last month's blast, provided by a third party monitoring company hired by Rogers Group, indicate the sound and vibration levels were well below state maximums. Readings from a permanent seismograph on site, also provided by the third-party monitoring company, show none of the blasts since July 2007 have exceeded state standards.
Residents along Hamestring Road have dealt with two red dirt pits and the quarry for more than a decade, and protested earlier this year when Big Red Dirt Farm applied for a conditional use permit to quarry limestone. That permit was denied, appealed, approved, and is now in litigation.
The Rogers Group proposal generated 144 written or e-mailed public comments, all but one opposed to the quarry expansion, said Juliet Richey, county planning director.
Commissioner James Gallagher, who lives less than a mile from the site, abstained from discussion and voting Tuesday night. Gallagher stepped aside to prevent any appearance of a conflict of interest, he said.
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/06/10/news/061009fzwashcoquarry.txt
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Illinois River Watershed Partnership's appreciation Day set for Saturday June 6, 2009, at Lake Fayetteville
This Saturday, June 6, in appreciation of our IRWP sponsors, members, volunteer corps and StreamTeam members...
Illinois River Watershed Appreciation Day, Lake Fayetteville Veteran's Memorial Park
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Canoe races --- canoes and life vests provided by Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center
Geocaching treasure hunts --- GPS units and treasure hunt guides provided by USGS
Make your own Water-cycle beaded bracelets, enjoy Disney's Nemo and Ariel face paintings by local artists
Recycling bean bag toss, fishing and kid's games courtesy of Washington County Environmental Affairs and Benton County Extension Service
Sand volleyball with UA's Dr. Dirk Philipp!
4:30 to 7:00 pm
Scrumptious barbecue brisket and hot-dogs with the trimmings
Country western concert by local artist Marshall T. Mitchell http://www.marshallmitchell.com/
All Activities, Food, and Music are FREE! Come, bring your family and friends, join us for a beautiful day in the Illinois River Watershed! Park entrance located just east of Lowe's on Zion Road.
IRWP NEWS:
Arkansas Urban Forestry Council names the IRWP as it's Outstanding Organization of the Year "in recognition of the effort, dedication and outstanding contribution in the promotion and development of the urban forest." Thank you to our friends at AUFC and this honor in recognition of the work of our sponsors, members and volunteer corps! We truly believe "Trees make better water!" and look forward to working with you in the future, combining our efforts in fulfilling our common missions through education, outreach and partnerships.
Watershed Challenge Winners: May Online Challenge to Arkansas Science and Technology Teachers and Students
1st Place: Hector Elementary School, Hector, AR. Teacher Kathy Brunetti.
Prize: Watershed Model Enviroscape - $800 value
2nd Place: R.E. Baker Elementary School, Bentonville, AR. Teacher Phyllis Abraham.
Prize: Magellan Triton 300 GPS unit - $150 value
3rd Place: Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR. Teacher Robin Buff.
Prize: "Make Your Own Watershed" Model - $50 value
4th Place: Greenland High School, Greenland, AR. Teacher John Diesel.
Prize: Watershed Eco-Puzzle - $30 value
Congratulations to the IRWP Online Watershed Challenge May 2009 Winners!
Dr. Delia Haak
Executive Director
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
PO Box 8506
Fayetteville, AR 72703
www.irwp.org
479-238-4671
Illinois River Watershed Appreciation Day, Lake Fayetteville Veteran's Memorial Park
2:00 to 4:00 pm
Canoe races --- canoes and life vests provided by Lake Fayetteville Environmental Study Center
Geocaching treasure hunts --- GPS units and treasure hunt guides provided by USGS
Make your own Water-cycle beaded bracelets, enjoy Disney's Nemo and Ariel face paintings by local artists
Recycling bean bag toss, fishing and kid's games courtesy of Washington County Environmental Affairs and Benton County Extension Service
Sand volleyball with UA's Dr. Dirk Philipp!
4:30 to 7:00 pm
Scrumptious barbecue brisket and hot-dogs with the trimmings
Country western concert by local artist Marshall T. Mitchell http://www.marshallmitchell.com/
All Activities, Food, and Music are FREE! Come, bring your family and friends, join us for a beautiful day in the Illinois River Watershed! Park entrance located just east of Lowe's on Zion Road.
IRWP NEWS:
Arkansas Urban Forestry Council names the IRWP as it's Outstanding Organization of the Year "in recognition of the effort, dedication and outstanding contribution in the promotion and development of the urban forest." Thank you to our friends at AUFC and this honor in recognition of the work of our sponsors, members and volunteer corps! We truly believe "Trees make better water!" and look forward to working with you in the future, combining our efforts in fulfilling our common missions through education, outreach and partnerships.
Watershed Challenge Winners: May Online Challenge to Arkansas Science and Technology Teachers and Students
1st Place: Hector Elementary School, Hector, AR. Teacher Kathy Brunetti.
Prize: Watershed Model Enviroscape - $800 value
2nd Place: R.E. Baker Elementary School, Bentonville, AR. Teacher Phyllis Abraham.
Prize: Magellan Triton 300 GPS unit - $150 value
3rd Place: Fayetteville High School, Fayetteville, AR. Teacher Robin Buff.
Prize: "Make Your Own Watershed" Model - $50 value
4th Place: Greenland High School, Greenland, AR. Teacher John Diesel.
Prize: Watershed Eco-Puzzle - $30 value
Congratulations to the IRWP Online Watershed Challenge May 2009 Winners!
Dr. Delia Haak
Executive Director
Illinois River Watershed Partnership
PO Box 8506
Fayetteville, AR 72703
www.irwp.org
479-238-4671
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Arkansas officials say 'Don't Do Fescue'
Arkansas “Don't Do Fescue" is theme of AGFC public campaign
JONESBORO - Tall fescue is a widely used forage crop. It is insect resistant, tolerates poor soil and climatic conditions well and has a long growing season. Unfortunately, tall fescue also has a downside.
With approximately four million acres of pasturelands planted in tall fescue, Arkansas has a great deal of this crop. According to David Long, agricultural liaison with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the agency is working diligently to help the public understand the shortcomings of this type of grass.
"The AGFC has developed a new tool in its effort to educate landowners about the toxic and negative effects of Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue to farm wildlife. A new bumper sticker entitled 'Don't Do Fescue' is now being distributed to agency employees and others interested in spreading the word," Long said. Tall fescue is a common forage grass that has been planted across Arkansas for over 40 years.
Estimates are that about 70 percent-95 percent or 4 million acres of the pasturelands planted with tall fescue in Arkansas are infected with an endophyte fungus. The fungus causes declines in bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbits, grassland songbirds and also limited other game populations such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey.
"The fact that the plant is actually toxic to both domestic livestock and farm wildlife species is accepted by agriculture extension specialists and wildlife biologists alike," Long said. "The plant produces chemicals causing the fescue to have very toxic qualities. The alkaloids are found throughout the plant, but are especially concentrated in the seeds and leaves," he explained.
In cattle, the fungus causes excessive body temperatures, elevated respiratory rates, loss of appetite, body weight loss, lowered fertility rates and abortion of fetuses. Dairy cows often show sharp declines in milk production. Horses are affected also with more aborted fetuses, foaling problems, weak foals and reduced or no milk production. The CES estimates that this endopytic toxin cost American beef producers up to $1 billion a year in lost profits.
"It's very important for private landowners who desire viable wildlife populations on their property to know the effects of planting fescue," Long noted. "Many species of wildlife would directly suffer these same negative effects if they were confined to the pasturelands as are livestock. However, since they are free ranging, they simply avoid the fungus infected fescue pastures, but nevertheless, this results in loss of farm wildlife habitat on these acres. You may have deer and turkey travel through tall-fescue pastures, but they rarely find food sources available they can utilize, since the aggressiveness of the fescue usually results in solid stands of the plant," Long concluded.
The grass is a sod-forming turf with thick matted growth that also limits movement of young bobwhite quail, turkey and cottontail rabbits, provides no nesting habitat for wild turkey or quail, and is extremely poor habitat for many declining grassland species of songbirds. "Bottom line, fungus infected tall-fescue pastures offer little food, cover or nesting habitat to a broad range of farm wildlife," he said.
"Tall fescue has been planted in an estimated 4 million acres of the 5.4 million acres of pasture scattered over the state and for all practical purposes is of no value to farm wildlife. With the widespread establishment of tall fescue pastures, a great loss of wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, quail, cottontails and grassland songbirds has occurred.
Many landowners now recognize this problem and are interested in eliminating tall-fescue on some or all of their acreage. However, many landowners continue to plant tall-fescue, not knowing the detrimental effects it will have to wildlife. (There is an endophyte-free variety of tall fescue available for planting but it is less viable and hardy, and still provides very limited habitat for wildlife.)
We want to educate all landowners regarding this fact because there are other planting options to providing livestock forage and wildlife habitat on their farms," Long explained.
Please help spread the word to landowners "Don't Do Fescue!" by requesting a bumper sticker to place on your vehicle. Especially if they have an interest in managing for wildlife on their farm. For more information contact David Long at 877-972-5438 or dlong@agfc.state.ar.us.
JONESBORO - Tall fescue is a widely used forage crop. It is insect resistant, tolerates poor soil and climatic conditions well and has a long growing season. Unfortunately, tall fescue also has a downside.
With approximately four million acres of pasturelands planted in tall fescue, Arkansas has a great deal of this crop. According to David Long, agricultural liaison with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, the agency is working diligently to help the public understand the shortcomings of this type of grass.
"The AGFC has developed a new tool in its effort to educate landowners about the toxic and negative effects of Kentucky 31 Tall Fescue to farm wildlife. A new bumper sticker entitled 'Don't Do Fescue' is now being distributed to agency employees and others interested in spreading the word," Long said. Tall fescue is a common forage grass that has been planted across Arkansas for over 40 years.
Estimates are that about 70 percent-95 percent or 4 million acres of the pasturelands planted with tall fescue in Arkansas are infected with an endophyte fungus. The fungus causes declines in bobwhite quail, cottontail rabbits, grassland songbirds and also limited other game populations such as white-tailed deer and wild turkey.
"The fact that the plant is actually toxic to both domestic livestock and farm wildlife species is accepted by agriculture extension specialists and wildlife biologists alike," Long said. "The plant produces chemicals causing the fescue to have very toxic qualities. The alkaloids are found throughout the plant, but are especially concentrated in the seeds and leaves," he explained.
In cattle, the fungus causes excessive body temperatures, elevated respiratory rates, loss of appetite, body weight loss, lowered fertility rates and abortion of fetuses. Dairy cows often show sharp declines in milk production. Horses are affected also with more aborted fetuses, foaling problems, weak foals and reduced or no milk production. The CES estimates that this endopytic toxin cost American beef producers up to $1 billion a year in lost profits.
"It's very important for private landowners who desire viable wildlife populations on their property to know the effects of planting fescue," Long noted. "Many species of wildlife would directly suffer these same negative effects if they were confined to the pasturelands as are livestock. However, since they are free ranging, they simply avoid the fungus infected fescue pastures, but nevertheless, this results in loss of farm wildlife habitat on these acres. You may have deer and turkey travel through tall-fescue pastures, but they rarely find food sources available they can utilize, since the aggressiveness of the fescue usually results in solid stands of the plant," Long concluded.
The grass is a sod-forming turf with thick matted growth that also limits movement of young bobwhite quail, turkey and cottontail rabbits, provides no nesting habitat for wild turkey or quail, and is extremely poor habitat for many declining grassland species of songbirds. "Bottom line, fungus infected tall-fescue pastures offer little food, cover or nesting habitat to a broad range of farm wildlife," he said.
"Tall fescue has been planted in an estimated 4 million acres of the 5.4 million acres of pasture scattered over the state and for all practical purposes is of no value to farm wildlife. With the widespread establishment of tall fescue pastures, a great loss of wildlife habitat for deer, turkey, quail, cottontails and grassland songbirds has occurred.
Many landowners now recognize this problem and are interested in eliminating tall-fescue on some or all of their acreage. However, many landowners continue to plant tall-fescue, not knowing the detrimental effects it will have to wildlife. (There is an endophyte-free variety of tall fescue available for planting but it is less viable and hardy, and still provides very limited habitat for wildlife.)
We want to educate all landowners regarding this fact because there are other planting options to providing livestock forage and wildlife habitat on their farms," Long explained.
Please help spread the word to landowners "Don't Do Fescue!" by requesting a bumper sticker to place on your vehicle. Especially if they have an interest in managing for wildlife on their farm. For more information contact David Long at 877-972-5438 or dlong@agfc.state.ar.us.
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Land-use and green-infrastructure committee invites public to meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday June 8, 2009
AN INVITATION
Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council
This council has been formed to include as many areas of concern and advocacy as possible that emerged from the Fayetteville Forward Summit held March 31- April 4.
“The Fayetteville Forward Summit was an open, inclusive, participatory event that brought forth the best ideas and heartfelt desires for the community, building on existing work, and connected these efforts to create a compelling vision for the future of our community. The result of this summit has established a foundation for economic development - moving the City of Fayetteville Forward for a sustainable future.” [see www.accessfayetteville.org for more info—click on “Fayetteville Forward” ]
Identified as the main categories under which most issues could be placed were: Economic Incentives; Transportation & Light Rail; Green Economy; Healthcare; Public Education; Creative Economy; Citizen Empowerment & Volunteers; Historic & Heritage; Local Food; Inclusion; and the one I’m writing you about: LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE.
THIS IS AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF THE
COMMITTEE ON LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE,
JUNE 4, (Thursday), 7 PM, Rm 111*
City Hall (113 W. Mountain)
We want your interest, passion, knowledge, input, ideas, etc. in how we can bring together all the ingredients necessary to make land use and green infrastructure policy a reality for our city.
This is an open meeting and anyone interested is invited. Please pass this invitation on to others, who may want to join our discussions.
[Room 111 is on the Mountain St. entry level—go through the door on the left and behind the center staircase and look for a sign to this room.]
Fran Alexander
Land Use & Green Infrastructure Committee Chair
442-5307
frana@nwarktimes.com
(Please call or email if you can not attend but want to be involved or have questions.)
Fayetteville Forward Economic Accountability Council
This council has been formed to include as many areas of concern and advocacy as possible that emerged from the Fayetteville Forward Summit held March 31- April 4.
“The Fayetteville Forward Summit was an open, inclusive, participatory event that brought forth the best ideas and heartfelt desires for the community, building on existing work, and connected these efforts to create a compelling vision for the future of our community. The result of this summit has established a foundation for economic development - moving the City of Fayetteville Forward for a sustainable future.” [see www.accessfayetteville.org for more info—click on “Fayetteville Forward” ]
Identified as the main categories under which most issues could be placed were: Economic Incentives; Transportation & Light Rail; Green Economy; Healthcare; Public Education; Creative Economy; Citizen Empowerment & Volunteers; Historic & Heritage; Local Food; Inclusion; and the one I’m writing you about: LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE.
THIS IS AN INVITATION TO ATTEND THE FIRST MEETING OF THE
COMMITTEE ON LAND USE AND GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE,
JUNE 4, (Thursday), 7 PM, Rm 111*
City Hall (113 W. Mountain)
We want your interest, passion, knowledge, input, ideas, etc. in how we can bring together all the ingredients necessary to make land use and green infrastructure policy a reality for our city.
This is an open meeting and anyone interested is invited. Please pass this invitation on to others, who may want to join our discussions.
[Room 111 is on the Mountain St. entry level—go through the door on the left and behind the center staircase and look for a sign to this room.]
Fran Alexander
Land Use & Green Infrastructure Committee Chair
442-5307
frana@nwarktimes.com
(Please call or email if you can not attend but want to be involved or have questions.)
Illinois River Watershed Partnership's appreciation Day set for Saturday June 6, 2009, at Lake Fayetteville
Illinois River Watershed Appreciation Day
Enjoy our watershed, meet new friends, greet old friends ... Bring the Family!
WHEN: June 6 from 2 pm to 7 pm.
WHERE: Lake Fayetteville Veteran’s Pavilion entrance on Zion Rd just east of Lowe's
* Geocaching GIS treasure hunt with USGS water quality experts 2 pm – 4 pm
* Family games, canoe races, volleyball tournament 2 pm – 4 pm
* Free delicious barbecue dinner 4:30 pm
* Recognition of IRWP StreamTeam Volunteers 5 pm
* Free family folk music concert by local artist Marshall T. Mitchell 5:30 pm
Co-sponsors USGS, AWRC, Washington County Environmental Affairs, UA Cooperative Extension Service
www.irwp.org
Friday, May 22, 2009
Public hearing at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday to consider rezoning sale-barn property to allow Multistory apartment buildings next to National Cemetery
Please click on images to ENLARGE and read.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Joyce Hale to present program on rainwater storage and use at 9:30 a.m. Saturday
Joyce Hale of Fayetteville, a long-time environmental activist and leader in the League of Women Voters, will present a program on use of cisterns and other methods to store and use rainwater at homes and businesses at 9:30 a.m. Saturday at the Northwest Technical Institute
www.nti.tec.ar.us
709 S Old Missouri Rd
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 751-8824
View Larger Map
www.nti.tec.ar.us
709 S Old Missouri Rd
Springdale, AR 72764
(479) 751-8824
View Larger Map
Annual War Eagle celebration Saturday near Huntsville
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Audubon Arkansas invitation to the third annual War Eagle celebration tomorrow at Withrow Springs State Park.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
New York Times article on a true watershed warrior
RONALD GATTO is an unlikely environmental hero. A former power-lifter, he once bench-pressed 595 pounds and his left biceps bears a tattoo of a police bulldog with handcuffs and a nightstick. He loves cars, and has two vintage Chevrolets in his garage, a green 1960 Impala and a bright red 1971 Chevelle Supersport.
But to many environmentalists, Mr. Gatto is a prophet crying out in the wilderness of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where he works as a police captain, charged with protecting the reservoirs that serve New York City and Westchester.
For the rest of the story, please click on
New York Times article on a true watershed warrior
and follow the links at the bottom of each page online to read the next one.
But to many environmentalists, Mr. Gatto is a prophet crying out in the wilderness of the New York City Department of Environmental Protection, where he works as a police captain, charged with protecting the reservoirs that serve New York City and Westchester.
For the rest of the story, please click on
New York Times article on a true watershed warrior
and follow the links at the bottom of each page online to read the next one.
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Watershed groups meet separately tonight in ROGERS
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of construction site mud being washed down S. Hill Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on May 11, 2009. Construction machines and dumptrucks put a lot of silt in Northwest Arkansas Streams. Watershed groups must combine forces to increase pressure on all jurisdictions in the region to enforce stormwater regulations to prevent flooding and to protect water quality.
The annual member's meeting of the Association for Beaver Lake Environment is at 6:30 p.m. TODAY (Tuesday, May 12th), at the Rogers Public Library.
We will be electing members for our Board of Directors. Hope to see you there.
IRWP Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 6pm – 9pm
Rogers, Nabholz Construction Headquarters
The annual member's meeting of the Association for Beaver Lake Environment is at 6:30 p.m. TODAY (Tuesday, May 12th), at the Rogers Public Library.
We will be electing members for our Board of Directors. Hope to see you there.
IRWP Board of Directors Meeting
Tuesday, May 12, 6pm – 9pm
Rogers, Nabholz Construction Headquarters
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Frog songs from Pinnacle Prairie adjacent to World Peace Wetland Prairie
Please click start arrow beneath window to watch video and hear frog sounds at about 10 p.m. May 5, 2009, in the watershed of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River, a tributary of Beaver Lake.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Third annual War Eagle Appreciation Day May 16th at Withrow Springs State Park
Kathy Cole & 4 Guys Named Moe Play May 16th at War Eagle Appreciation Day
Kathy Cole and 4 Guys Named Moe will be the headliner entertainment for the 3rd Annual War Eagle Appreciation Day. The event is Saturday, May 16th, at Crossbow Pavilion at Withrow Springs State Park. The park is located about 5 miles north of Huntsville off of Hwy. 23. The band will play from 2-4 p.m.
The band features Buddy Shute on guitar, Kathy Cole on vocals, Jim StClair on percussion, Mark McGee playing harmonica, and Bud Shaver on bass.
“We’re real excited to be a part of this event,” Cole said, noting that she moved here from New Hampshire this past June.
Cole said the band’s name is a variation on the Louis Jordan song “Five Guys Named Moe.” The band plays some tunes by Jordan, as well as Louis Prima jazz tunes, along with lots of numbers from the 1940s to about 1975. They cover a wide range of musical styles including rhythm and blues, jazz and doo-wop.
Admission is free. Organizers suggest members of the public bring their own lawn chairs. Activities also include a family friendly educational float on the War Eagle, with canoes launching from 9 to 11 a.m. Those wishing to participate may bring their own canoes. The 5-mile float will begin at the Hwy. 412 bridge (across from Ma and Pa’s Bent & Dent) and end at Withrow Springs State Park. Shuttle service for canoeists will be available from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The public is invited to join festivities at Crossbow Pavilion, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where there will be a cookout, sponsored by Arvest Bank of Huntsville, for the first 400 people. In addition, there will be live music and educational exhibits focusing on topics such as water quality, history of the area, environmental issues, agriculture, and safety. For additional information, contact the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce at 479-738-6000 or chamber@madisoncounty.net or Withrow Springs State Park at 479-559-2593.
Event partners include the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Arvest Bank, Ozark Natural Science Center, Arkansas State Parks (Withrow Springs State Park, Hobbs State Park), U.S. Geological Survey, Madison County Search and Rescue, Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling, Madison County Record, Kiwanis Club, Madison Coffee House & Wine Hill Bakery, Wal-Mart, Ma and Pa’s Bent & Dent, Huntsville Insurance, Audubon Arkansas, Huntsville Masonic Lodge, and Beaver Water District.
War Eagle is a sub-watershed of Beaver Lake Watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains water, sediment, and dissolved materials to a common receiving body or outlet, which in this case is Beaver Lake, the primary source of drinking water for most of Northwest Arkansas. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the rich history of War Eagle and the many benefits that War Eagle Creek brings to Madison County and Northwest Arkansans.
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Kathy Cole and 4 Guys Named Moe will be the headliner entertainment for the 3rd Annual War Eagle Appreciation Day. The event is Saturday, May 16th, at Crossbow Pavilion at Withrow Springs State Park. The park is located about 5 miles north of Huntsville off of Hwy. 23. The band will play from 2-4 p.m.
The band features Buddy Shute on guitar, Kathy Cole on vocals, Jim StClair on percussion, Mark McGee playing harmonica, and Bud Shaver on bass.
“We’re real excited to be a part of this event,” Cole said, noting that she moved here from New Hampshire this past June.
Cole said the band’s name is a variation on the Louis Jordan song “Five Guys Named Moe.” The band plays some tunes by Jordan, as well as Louis Prima jazz tunes, along with lots of numbers from the 1940s to about 1975. They cover a wide range of musical styles including rhythm and blues, jazz and doo-wop.
Admission is free. Organizers suggest members of the public bring their own lawn chairs. Activities also include a family friendly educational float on the War Eagle, with canoes launching from 9 to 11 a.m. Those wishing to participate may bring their own canoes. The 5-mile float will begin at the Hwy. 412 bridge (across from Ma and Pa’s Bent & Dent) and end at Withrow Springs State Park. Shuttle service for canoeists will be available from 8:30-10:30 a.m. The public is invited to join festivities at Crossbow Pavilion, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., where there will be a cookout, sponsored by Arvest Bank of Huntsville, for the first 400 people. In addition, there will be live music and educational exhibits focusing on topics such as water quality, history of the area, environmental issues, agriculture, and safety. For additional information, contact the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce at 479-738-6000 or chamber@madisoncounty.net or Withrow Springs State Park at 479-559-2593.
Event partners include the Huntsville Chamber of Commerce, Arvest Bank, Ozark Natural Science Center, Arkansas State Parks (Withrow Springs State Park, Hobbs State Park), U.S. Geological Survey, Madison County Search and Rescue, Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling, Madison County Record, Kiwanis Club, Madison Coffee House & Wine Hill Bakery, Wal-Mart, Ma and Pa’s Bent & Dent, Huntsville Insurance, Audubon Arkansas, Huntsville Masonic Lodge, and Beaver Water District.
War Eagle is a sub-watershed of Beaver Lake Watershed. A watershed is an area of land that drains water, sediment, and dissolved materials to a common receiving body or outlet, which in this case is Beaver Lake, the primary source of drinking water for most of Northwest Arkansas. The purpose of the event is to draw attention to the rich history of War Eagle and the many benefits that War Eagle Creek brings to Madison County and Northwest Arkansans.
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Saturday, May 2, 2009
FarmToTable theme of today's program in the Rose Garden of the Walton Art Center with renewable-energy lecture at Night Bird bookstore at 2 p.m.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of OMNI Springfest poster.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of poster.
Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of poster.
Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Why are the contractors trenching near the oak trees inside the dedicated park land on the development site northwest of So. Duncan Ave. and 11th St.?
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of digging machine inside park at Hill Place apartment development.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Beaver Water District honored for public-relations work
Beaver Water District Receives Award for Watershed Report
April 29, 2009
On April 29, Beaver Water District took home a 2009 APEX Award for Beaver Lake And Its Watershed 2008 from the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in the printed material-publication category. The APEX awards recognize excellence in the public relations profession, particularly the use of exemplary communication practices in the general business community. Amy Wilson, Director of Public Affairs for Beaver Water District, attended the award luncheon and received the award on the District’s behalf.
Since 1947, the Public Relations Society of America has advanced the standards of the public-relations profession and provided members with professional-development opportunities through continuing education, information exchange, and research projects conducted on the national and local level. More than 20,000 members strong, organized in 114 chapters, PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public-relations professionals. The Northwest Arkansas PRSA chapter is one of the fastest-growing chapters in the nation: a dynamic assembly of seasoned veterans, spokespeople and communication specialists from major corporations, recent graduates new to careers, private consultants, agency representatives, researchers and nonprofit leaders. For more about PRSA, visit www.nwaprsa.org. To download and read a copy of Beaver Lake And Its Watershed 2008, visit www.bwdh2o.org.
Beaver Water District supplies drinking water to more than 250,000 people and industries in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and surrounding areas. These cities then resell the water to surrounding towns and communities. The District’s mission is to serve our customers in the Benton and Washington County area by providing high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds all federal and state regulatory requirements in such quantities as meets their demands and is economically priced consistent with our quality standards.
Amy Wilson
Director of Public Affairs, Beaver Water District
P.O. Box 400, Lowell, AR 72745
479-756-3651/awilson@bwdh2o.org
www.bwdh2o.org
April 29, 2009
On April 29, Beaver Water District took home a 2009 APEX Award for Beaver Lake And Its Watershed 2008 from the Northwest Arkansas Chapter of the Public Relations Society of America in the printed material-publication category. The APEX awards recognize excellence in the public relations profession, particularly the use of exemplary communication practices in the general business community. Amy Wilson, Director of Public Affairs for Beaver Water District, attended the award luncheon and received the award on the District’s behalf.
Since 1947, the Public Relations Society of America has advanced the standards of the public-relations profession and provided members with professional-development opportunities through continuing education, information exchange, and research projects conducted on the national and local level. More than 20,000 members strong, organized in 114 chapters, PRSA is the world’s largest organization for public-relations professionals. The Northwest Arkansas PRSA chapter is one of the fastest-growing chapters in the nation: a dynamic assembly of seasoned veterans, spokespeople and communication specialists from major corporations, recent graduates new to careers, private consultants, agency representatives, researchers and nonprofit leaders. For more about PRSA, visit www.nwaprsa.org. To download and read a copy of Beaver Lake And Its Watershed 2008, visit www.bwdh2o.org.
Beaver Water District supplies drinking water to more than 250,000 people and industries in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers, Bentonville and surrounding areas. These cities then resell the water to surrounding towns and communities. The District’s mission is to serve our customers in the Benton and Washington County area by providing high-quality drinking water that meets or exceeds all federal and state regulatory requirements in such quantities as meets their demands and is economically priced consistent with our quality standards.
Amy Wilson
Director of Public Affairs, Beaver Water District
P.O. Box 400, Lowell, AR 72745
479-756-3651/awilson@bwdh2o.org
www.bwdh2o.org
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
The struggle for the solar future subject of program Saturday afternoon at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of poster.
Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.
Solar Power Struggle
Professor Richard Hutchinson of Louisiana Tech University in Ruston will speak on "The Struggle for the Solar Future" at 2 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, at Nightbird Books on Dickson Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
An inquiry into environmental change and the obstacles and opportunities in the path of the renewable energy transition.
Sponsored by OMNI Center for Peace, Justice, and Ecology.
Fran Alexander says DUH to ADEQ's weak-kneed response to polluters
ADEQ Study: Drilling Fluid Disposal Done Improperly by Many
By Arkansas Business Staff - 4/20/2009 4:21:00 PM
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Monday announced that a recent study it conducted determined that fluids used in natural gas drilling have been "improperly applied by landfarms operating in the state, thus endangering the environment."
Drilling fluids are used in the fracturing process that breaks apart shale, allowing trapped natural gas to seep out. The practice is used in the Fayetteville Shale Play in north-central Arkansas.
Of 11 sites studied, all had improperly discharged the fluids, according to a department release. The department has taken actions against the 11 sites and has sought to revoke permits for two sites. The discharges resulted in improper runoff and chloride concentrations in soil that were abnormally high. The department began the study in November, after halting consideration for new landfarm permits.
"With the increase in the number of landfarms and applications for landfarms due to expanded drilling activity in the state, concerns about the resulting environmental impact warranted a closer look at these operations," Marks said.
The study supports new enforcement standards, including that routine soil and water sampling be conducted in front of an ADEQ inspector and fencing be erected around all on-site ponds.
Scientists in the department's environmental preservation and water divisions prepared the report and visited the 11 landfarms between November and January.
During several visits, inspectors discovered chloride concentrations downstream and other contaminants in higher concentration downstream than were present upstream. Four facilities also had chloride levels in fluids above the acceptable limit - 3,000 milligrams per liter.
Copyright © 2009, Arkansas Business Limited Partnership. All Rights Reserved.
By Arkansas Business Staff - 4/20/2009 4:21:00 PM
The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality Monday announced that a recent study it conducted determined that fluids used in natural gas drilling have been "improperly applied by landfarms operating in the state, thus endangering the environment."
Drilling fluids are used in the fracturing process that breaks apart shale, allowing trapped natural gas to seep out. The practice is used in the Fayetteville Shale Play in north-central Arkansas.
Of 11 sites studied, all had improperly discharged the fluids, according to a department release. The department has taken actions against the 11 sites and has sought to revoke permits for two sites. The discharges resulted in improper runoff and chloride concentrations in soil that were abnormally high. The department began the study in November, after halting consideration for new landfarm permits.
"With the increase in the number of landfarms and applications for landfarms due to expanded drilling activity in the state, concerns about the resulting environmental impact warranted a closer look at these operations," Marks said.
The study supports new enforcement standards, including that routine soil and water sampling be conducted in front of an ADEQ inspector and fencing be erected around all on-site ponds.
Scientists in the department's environmental preservation and water divisions prepared the report and visited the 11 landfarms between November and January.
During several visits, inspectors discovered chloride concentrations downstream and other contaminants in higher concentration downstream than were present upstream. Four facilities also had chloride levels in fluids above the acceptable limit - 3,000 milligrams per liter.
Copyright © 2009, Arkansas Business Limited Partnership. All Rights Reserved.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Lake Fayetteville outdoor festival excites thousands on April 25, 2009
Please click on image to ENLARGE photo from the April 25, 2009, Lake Fayetteville Outdoor Festival.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Blue-gray Gnat-catchers active at WPWP on April 23, 2009
Please click on images to ENLARGE and please hit comment button below and identify the Polioptila caerulea on World Peace Wetland Prairie on April 23, 2009. Several were spotted flitting about. Thanks to Joe Neal for identifying the bird.
South Dakota Birds and Birding
Devoted to birds, birding, and photography
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Length: 4.5 inches Wingspan: 6 inches Seasonality: Summer
ID Keys: Blue-gray upperparts, white underparts, bold white eyering, white outer tail feathers
While still an uncommon sight in most of South Dakota, the range of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has been steadily expanding throughout the 20th century. Very small birds normally found in woodlands, they can sometimes be difficult to observe as they flit about the tree tops.
Habitat: Varies by region, preferring deciduous forests in the East, pine forests with a deciduous understory in the South, and shrubby habitat in the West.
Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on insects and spiders.
Behavior: Extremely active, foraging actively among trees and shrubs in search of insects. Will take prey while perched, hovering, or by flycatching and catching insects in mid-air.
Nesting: May and June
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Song
Migration: Summers throughout much of the United States except for the Pacific Northwest and the northern tier of states. Winters in the extreme southern United States and southward.
Similar Species: Similar to the other Gnatcatchers, but these other species (Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, California Gnatcatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher) all have normal ranges well to the south of South Dakota and have never been seen in this state.
Status: They have expanded in numbers and in range in the 20th century, an expansion that probably is still continuing.
South Dakota "Hotspot": Most common in the extreme southeastern part of the state, I've had very good luck finding them at both Newton Hills State Park, and the Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher"
3) eNature.com: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Photo Information: July 1st, 2006 - Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photos.
South Dakota Status: Uncommon summer breeder in the extreme southeastern part of the state. Casual breeder and visitor in the Black Hills.
Additional Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Photos
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHTED. Click below if you have interest in any of these photos for:
Commercial Use Fine Art Print Personal Usage
SOUTH DAKOTA BIRDS AND BIRDING - LOCATIONS OF WEBSITE VISITORS
Please mail all comments/suggestions/gripes/complaints to: Terry L. Sohl
Click here for other references used to compile this page
South Dakota Birds and Birding
Devoted to birds, birding, and photography
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Length: 4.5 inches Wingspan: 6 inches Seasonality: Summer
ID Keys: Blue-gray upperparts, white underparts, bold white eyering, white outer tail feathers
While still an uncommon sight in most of South Dakota, the range of the Blue-gray Gnatcatcher has been steadily expanding throughout the 20th century. Very small birds normally found in woodlands, they can sometimes be difficult to observe as they flit about the tree tops.
Habitat: Varies by region, preferring deciduous forests in the East, pine forests with a deciduous understory in the South, and shrubby habitat in the West.
Diet: Feeds almost exclusively on insects and spiders.
Behavior: Extremely active, foraging actively among trees and shrubs in search of insects. Will take prey while perched, hovering, or by flycatching and catching insects in mid-air.
Nesting: May and June
Breeding Map: Breeding Bird Survey map
Song: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Song
Migration: Summers throughout much of the United States except for the Pacific Northwest and the northern tier of states. Winters in the extreme southern United States and southward.
Similar Species: Similar to the other Gnatcatchers, but these other species (Black-tailed Gnatcatcher, California Gnatcatcher, Black-capped Gnatcatcher) all have normal ranges well to the south of South Dakota and have never been seen in this state.
Status: They have expanded in numbers and in range in the 20th century, an expansion that probably is still continuing.
South Dakota "Hotspot": Most common in the extreme southeastern part of the state, I've had very good luck finding them at both Newton Hills State Park, and the Big Sioux Recreation Area.
Further Information: 1) Patuxent Bird Identification InfoCenter, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
2) Cornell University's "All About Birds - Blue-gray Gnatcatcher"
3) eNature.com: Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Photo Information: July 1st, 2006 - Big Sioux Recreation Area near Brandon - Terry Sohl
Additional Photos: Click on the image chips or text links below for additional, higher-resolution Blue-gray Gnatcatcher photos.
South Dakota Status: Uncommon summer breeder in the extreme southeastern part of the state. Casual breeder and visitor in the Black Hills.
Additional Blue-gray Gnatcatcher Photos
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 1
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 2
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 4
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 5 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 6 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 7 Blue-gray Gnatcatcher 8
ALL PHOTOS COPYRIGHTED. Click below if you have interest in any of these photos for:
Commercial Use Fine Art Print Personal Usage
SOUTH DAKOTA BIRDS AND BIRDING - LOCATIONS OF WEBSITE VISITORS
Please mail all comments/suggestions/gripes/complaints to: Terry L. Sohl
Click here for other references used to compile this page
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Cleanup of campus tributary of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River successful
Please click on images to ENLARGE views of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River south of Martin Luther King Boulevard on Aril 22, 2009.
Earth Day a great day for cleaning up urban streams
Please click on images to ENLARGE views of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River south of Martin Luther King Boulevard on Aril 22, 2009.
Benton County officials may have written a good plan but don't expect compliance
Please click on images of typical Benton County stormwater protection efforts along the Osage Creek in the Illinois River watershed on Oct. 15, 2007.
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Stormwater violations so common in Benton County that this headline sounds like a really bad joke. The lead sentence is misleading.
Benton County Meets Stormwater Requirements
By THE MORNING NEWS
Benton County has met all state and federal stormwater requirements, said Aaron Sadler, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality spokesman.
The agency sent County Judge Dave Bisbee a letter April 13 that shows the county's 2008 annual report has been reviewed and is compliant. The county is required to submit a stormwater plan report annually but had not done so since 2006, according to state records. Sadler said the plan submitted this year appears to be complete.
The county adopted an "enforcement mechanism" as part of its stormwater plan Jan. 30, according to county reports. Bisbee signed a court order just before the Feb. 1 state deadline.
The stormwater regulations are meant to curb sediment runoff from construction sites in the county's designated area. That area is 3 square miles of the most densely populated unincorporated areas, including Monte Ne and Prairie Creek. Federal regulations already apply to all construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more, and those that are smaller and part of a larger development, stormwater officials have said. However, the county must enforce regulations in the designated area.
The stormwater regulations mostly affect builders.
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Stormwater violations so common in Benton County that this headline sounds like a really bad joke. The lead sentence is misleading.
Benton County Meets Stormwater Requirements
By THE MORNING NEWS
Benton County has met all state and federal stormwater requirements, said Aaron Sadler, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality spokesman.
The agency sent County Judge Dave Bisbee a letter April 13 that shows the county's 2008 annual report has been reviewed and is compliant. The county is required to submit a stormwater plan report annually but had not done so since 2006, according to state records. Sadler said the plan submitted this year appears to be complete.
The county adopted an "enforcement mechanism" as part of its stormwater plan Jan. 30, according to county reports. Bisbee signed a court order just before the Feb. 1 state deadline.
The stormwater regulations are meant to curb sediment runoff from construction sites in the county's designated area. That area is 3 square miles of the most densely populated unincorporated areas, including Monte Ne and Prairie Creek. Federal regulations already apply to all construction sites disturbing 1 acre or more, and those that are smaller and part of a larger development, stormwater officials have said. However, the county must enforce regulations in the designated area.
The stormwater regulations mostly affect builders.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Video explains how drilling and production of natural gas pollute without regulation and who let the problem develop
Friday, April 17, 2009
Brown thrashers may be spotted at World Peace Wetland Prairie during Sunday's Earth Day celebration
Please click on image to Enlarge view of one of the many species of birds feeding and picking nesting sites on World Peace Wetland Prairie on April 17, 2009. The elusive brown thrasher is often able to slip into the thickets before a camera can capture its image. But the attraction of scattered brush piles and the excitement of mating season can make them a bit careless.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Students, residents of Fayetteville meeting to unify environmental efforts
Subject Attention UofA RSOs and Fellow Fayettevillians
What: An All-School, All-RSO Meeting!
When: Wednesday, April 15th @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: In Memorial Hall Inside the Landscape Architecture Studios (Come in the Main Entrance and its behind the glass partition).
Why: To Organize and Focus the Efforts of All of the Like-Minded, Hard-Working RSOs on Campus
In conjunction with Maggie Bailey of the NWA Audubon Society, Campus Sustainability Coordinator Nick Brown, members of the Fayetteville City Government, and many others, we are in the process of coordinating the efforts of all environmentally, culturally, and community-focused RSOs to help streamline projects and allow for inter-group collaboration on projects of all size and relevance.
We are striving to create this 'campus coalition' because often times our groups just aren't large enough on their own to tackle some of the lofty goals we often set for ourselves. This way, students from CSES, Hort Club, ASLA, SIFE, etc. can intermingle and help out on projects they wouldn't otherwise know about, without feeling bad for being unable to help out their department's group.
Some of you may know that have already had one meeting regarding this subject, but many of you were unable to attend. If you were not at the last meeting, here is a short summary of what was discussed:
1) A Mullins Creek (Town Branch on the UA campus) Cleanup/Redevelopment: Nick Brown discussed the need for student help in cleaning this stream of waste, invasive species, etc. Earth Day, April 22, will be the first such opportunity and we will be finalizing plans for this at the upcoming meeting.
2) We spent time discussing the benefits that the Obama's new Victory Garden at the White House can have on our community. If ever there was a time to stress urban/community agriculture, this is it!
2) Maggie Bailey of NWA Audubon brought up the need for broader goals that these projects can fit into. Her primary goal at this point is raising awareness regarding CO2 emissions and some of the rediculous Power Plant activities courtesy of SWEPCO. We will be looking at formulating some tangible, sweeping missions/goals for this 'campus coalition' at our next meeting.
3) We also spent time focusing on providing an index of RSOs, within which we could list each group's goals, projects, members, etc. to encourage both new membership and inter-RSO collaboration. We need all of you to attend our upcoming meeting for this to work!
And finally, if you plan on attending our upcoming meeting, please RSVP to me via email NLT Monday evening, April 13. If you have any questions, please email me and I'll be glad to help!
We need your help, could you use ours?
Respectfully,
Billy Fleming
Student ASLA President - Arkansas Chapter
What: An All-School, All-RSO Meeting!
When: Wednesday, April 15th @ 5:30 p.m.
Where: In Memorial Hall Inside the Landscape Architecture Studios (Come in the Main Entrance and its behind the glass partition).
Why: To Organize and Focus the Efforts of All of the Like-Minded, Hard-Working RSOs on Campus
In conjunction with Maggie Bailey of the NWA Audubon Society, Campus Sustainability Coordinator Nick Brown, members of the Fayetteville City Government, and many others, we are in the process of coordinating the efforts of all environmentally, culturally, and community-focused RSOs to help streamline projects and allow for inter-group collaboration on projects of all size and relevance.
We are striving to create this 'campus coalition' because often times our groups just aren't large enough on their own to tackle some of the lofty goals we often set for ourselves. This way, students from CSES, Hort Club, ASLA, SIFE, etc. can intermingle and help out on projects they wouldn't otherwise know about, without feeling bad for being unable to help out their department's group.
Some of you may know that have already had one meeting regarding this subject, but many of you were unable to attend. If you were not at the last meeting, here is a short summary of what was discussed:
1) A Mullins Creek (Town Branch on the UA campus) Cleanup/Redevelopment: Nick Brown discussed the need for student help in cleaning this stream of waste, invasive species, etc. Earth Day, April 22, will be the first such opportunity and we will be finalizing plans for this at the upcoming meeting.
2) We spent time discussing the benefits that the Obama's new Victory Garden at the White House can have on our community. If ever there was a time to stress urban/community agriculture, this is it!
2) Maggie Bailey of NWA Audubon brought up the need for broader goals that these projects can fit into. Her primary goal at this point is raising awareness regarding CO2 emissions and some of the rediculous Power Plant activities courtesy of SWEPCO. We will be looking at formulating some tangible, sweeping missions/goals for this 'campus coalition' at our next meeting.
3) We also spent time focusing on providing an index of RSOs, within which we could list each group's goals, projects, members, etc. to encourage both new membership and inter-RSO collaboration. We need all of you to attend our upcoming meeting for this to work!
And finally, if you plan on attending our upcoming meeting, please RSVP to me via email NLT Monday evening, April 13. If you have any questions, please email me and I'll be glad to help!
We need your help, could you use ours?
Respectfully,
Billy Fleming
Student ASLA President - Arkansas Chapter
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Honeybees and all pollinators threatened by pesticides
Please click on images to ENLARGE view in top photo of honeybee on redbud and bumblebee in second photo on redbud in a chemical-free area around World Peace Wetland Prairie on April 8, 2009.
Honeybees in Danger
Sunday 12 April 2009
by: Evaggelos Vallianatos, t r u t h o u t | Perspective
When I was teaching at Humboldt State University in northern California 20 years ago, I invited a beekeeper to talk to my students. He said that each time he took his bees to southern California to pollinate other farmers' crops, he would lose a third of his bees to sprays. In 2009, the loss ranges all the way to 60 percent.
Honeybees have been in terrible straits.
A little history explains this tragedy.
For millennia, honeybees lived in symbiotic relationship with societies all over the world.
The Greeks loved them. In the eighth century BCE, the epic poet Hesiod considered them gifts of the gods to just farmers. And in the fourth century of our era, the Greek mathematician Pappos admired their hexagonal cells, crediting them with "geometrical forethought."\
However, industrialized agriculture is not friendly to honeybees.
In 1974, the US Environmental Protection Agency licensed the nerve gas parathion trapped into nylon bubbles the size of pollen particles.
What makes this microencapsulated formulation more dangerous to bees than the technical material is the very technology of the "time release" microcapsule.\
This acutely toxic insecticide, born of chemical warfare, would be on the surface of the flower for several days. The foraging bee, if alive after its visit to the beautiful white flowers of almonds, for example, laden with invisible spheres of asphyxiating gas, would be bringing back to its home pollen and nectar mixed with parathion.
It is possible that the nectar, which the bee makes into honey, and the pollen, might end up in some food store to be bought and eaten by human beings.
Beekeepers are well aware of what is happening to their bees, including the potential that their honey may not be fit for humans.
Moreover, many beekeepers do not throw away the honey, pollen and wax of colonies destroyed by encapsulated parathion or other poisons. They melt the wax for new combs: And they sell both honey and pollen to the public.
Government "regulators" know about this danger.
An academic expert, Carl Johansen, professor of entomology at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, called the microencapsulated methyl parathion "the most destructive bee poisoning insecticide ever developed."
In 1976, the US Department of Agriculture published a report by one of its former employees, S. E. McGregor, a honeybee expert who documented that about a third of what we eat benefits from honeybee pollination. This includes vegetables, oilseeds and domesticated animals eating bee-pollinated hay.
In 2007, the value of food dependent on honeybees was $15 billion in the United States.
McGregor also pointed out that insect-pollinated legumes collect nitrogen from the air, storing it in their roots and enriching the soil. In addition, insect pollination makes the crops more wholesome and abundant. He advised the farmer he should never forget that "no cultural practice will cause fruit or seed to set if its pollination is neglected."\
In addition, McGregor blamed the chemical industry for seducing the farmers to its potent toxins. He said:
"[P]esticides are like dope drugs. The more they are used the more powerful the next one must be to give satisfaction" and therein develops the spiraling effect, the pesticide treadmill. The chemical salesman, in pressuring the grower to use his product, practically assumes the role of the "dope pusher." Once the victim, the grower, is "hooked," he becomes a steady and an ever-increasing user.
No government agency listened to McGregor.
The result of America's pesticide treadmill is that now, in 2009, honeybees and other pollinators are moving towards extinction.
In October 2006, the US National Research Council warned of the" "demonstrably downward" trends in the populations of pollinators. For the first time since 1922, American farmers are renting imported bees for their crops. They are even buying bees from Australia.
Honeybees, the National Academies report said, pollinate more than 90 crops in America, but have declined by 30 percent in the last 20 years alone. The scientists who wrote the report expressed alarm at the precipitous decline of the pollinators. Unfortunately, this made no difference to EPA, which failed to ban the microencapsulated parathion that is so deadly to honeybees.
Bee experts know that insecticides cause brain damage to the bees, disorienting them, making it often impossible for them to find their way home.
This is a consequence of decades of agribusiness warfare against nature and, in time, honeybees. In addition, beekeepers truck billions of bees all over the country for pollination, depriving them of good food, stressing them enormously, and, very possibly, injuring their health.
-------
Evaggelos Vallianatos, former EPA analyst, is the author of "This Land Is Their Land" and "The Passion of the Greeks.
Honeybees in Danger
Sunday 12 April 2009
by: Evaggelos Vallianatos, t r u t h o u t | Perspective
When I was teaching at Humboldt State University in northern California 20 years ago, I invited a beekeeper to talk to my students. He said that each time he took his bees to southern California to pollinate other farmers' crops, he would lose a third of his bees to sprays. In 2009, the loss ranges all the way to 60 percent.
Honeybees have been in terrible straits.
A little history explains this tragedy.
For millennia, honeybees lived in symbiotic relationship with societies all over the world.
The Greeks loved them. In the eighth century BCE, the epic poet Hesiod considered them gifts of the gods to just farmers. And in the fourth century of our era, the Greek mathematician Pappos admired their hexagonal cells, crediting them with "geometrical forethought."\
However, industrialized agriculture is not friendly to honeybees.
In 1974, the US Environmental Protection Agency licensed the nerve gas parathion trapped into nylon bubbles the size of pollen particles.
What makes this microencapsulated formulation more dangerous to bees than the technical material is the very technology of the "time release" microcapsule.\
This acutely toxic insecticide, born of chemical warfare, would be on the surface of the flower for several days. The foraging bee, if alive after its visit to the beautiful white flowers of almonds, for example, laden with invisible spheres of asphyxiating gas, would be bringing back to its home pollen and nectar mixed with parathion.
It is possible that the nectar, which the bee makes into honey, and the pollen, might end up in some food store to be bought and eaten by human beings.
Beekeepers are well aware of what is happening to their bees, including the potential that their honey may not be fit for humans.
Moreover, many beekeepers do not throw away the honey, pollen and wax of colonies destroyed by encapsulated parathion or other poisons. They melt the wax for new combs: And they sell both honey and pollen to the public.
Government "regulators" know about this danger.
An academic expert, Carl Johansen, professor of entomology at Washington State University in Pullman, Washington, called the microencapsulated methyl parathion "the most destructive bee poisoning insecticide ever developed."
In 1976, the US Department of Agriculture published a report by one of its former employees, S. E. McGregor, a honeybee expert who documented that about a third of what we eat benefits from honeybee pollination. This includes vegetables, oilseeds and domesticated animals eating bee-pollinated hay.
In 2007, the value of food dependent on honeybees was $15 billion in the United States.
McGregor also pointed out that insect-pollinated legumes collect nitrogen from the air, storing it in their roots and enriching the soil. In addition, insect pollination makes the crops more wholesome and abundant. He advised the farmer he should never forget that "no cultural practice will cause fruit or seed to set if its pollination is neglected."\
In addition, McGregor blamed the chemical industry for seducing the farmers to its potent toxins. He said:
"[P]esticides are like dope drugs. The more they are used the more powerful the next one must be to give satisfaction" and therein develops the spiraling effect, the pesticide treadmill. The chemical salesman, in pressuring the grower to use his product, practically assumes the role of the "dope pusher." Once the victim, the grower, is "hooked," he becomes a steady and an ever-increasing user.
No government agency listened to McGregor.
The result of America's pesticide treadmill is that now, in 2009, honeybees and other pollinators are moving towards extinction.
In October 2006, the US National Research Council warned of the" "demonstrably downward" trends in the populations of pollinators. For the first time since 1922, American farmers are renting imported bees for their crops. They are even buying bees from Australia.
Honeybees, the National Academies report said, pollinate more than 90 crops in America, but have declined by 30 percent in the last 20 years alone. The scientists who wrote the report expressed alarm at the precipitous decline of the pollinators. Unfortunately, this made no difference to EPA, which failed to ban the microencapsulated parathion that is so deadly to honeybees.
Bee experts know that insecticides cause brain damage to the bees, disorienting them, making it often impossible for them to find their way home.
This is a consequence of decades of agribusiness warfare against nature and, in time, honeybees. In addition, beekeepers truck billions of bees all over the country for pollination, depriving them of good food, stressing them enormously, and, very possibly, injuring their health.
-------
Evaggelos Vallianatos, former EPA analyst, is the author of "This Land Is Their Land" and "The Passion of the Greeks.
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association's green-infrastructure project offers first major report online
Friday, April 10, 2009
Earth Day celebration on April 19, 2009, at World Peace Wetland Prairie
Please click on image to ENLARGE to read details of the poster.
Bird-watchers welcome every day from dawn to dusk!
Bird-watchers welcome every day from dawn to dusk!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Article in The Morning News confirms worst signs of lack of thought behind Benton County decisions
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Ordinance To Burn Old Buildings Moves Forward
By Scarlet Sims
THE MORNING NEWS
BENTONVILLE — The Benton County Environmental Committee approved Tuesday an ordinance to set up a process for property owners to burn old structures. The proposed ordinance did not include a requested provision to allow state environmental officials the final say over burns.
The weird thing is that a high percentage of Benton County is made up of people who have come from more progressive parts of the United States to work for Walmart vendors, but they apparently don't vote in local elections or comment at Quorum Court meetings.
TMN reports:
County justices of the peace want to create an easy and affordable way for property owners to get rid of unsightly chicken houses and barns built of untreated lumber. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality wants to authorize any structure to be burned, spokesman Aaron Sadler said.
"The Department of Environmental Quality looks forward to working with Benton County officials as they develop an ordinance that complies with state regulations regarding open burning and asbestos removal," Sadler wrote in e-mail.
State law discourages open burning of yard waste, according to its Web site. The state has a regulation allowing government officials to permit fires to prevent a fire hazards, but another regulation says only the state should issue burn permits after an applicant demonstrates there are no "practicable, safe, and lawful alternative methods of disposal."
"Because it's a regulation and not a law, I don't know how they can hold us to it," said Justice of the Peace Douglas, R-Bentonville.
Creating a process to burn old buildings is meant to help residents because the county requires the cleaning of buildings that could pose a danger to children or be a fire hazard, Douglas said previously. The county approved enforcing state law at the county level in 2007. The law includes "unsightly" property.
If the county pursues an ordinance, residents would pay about $25 for a permit. That money is to cover costs for the fire marshal or his designee to inspect the building before burning for harmful chemicals or trash and again after the burn. No treated lumber can be burned.
Fire Marshal Will Hanna agreed with the process last month.
Douglas said he worried that adding the state's suggested provision would deter people from burning unsound structures. Going through the department for a permit could create a backlog and slow the process, he said.
"It just adds more red tape and more harassment," Douglas said. "People don't want to deal with ADEQ in Little Rock because most of the time (ADEQ officials) don't act like they have good sense."
Interim County Attorney George Spence said he plans to follow up with the state before bringing the burn ordinance before the Committee of 13.
In other business, the committee approved an ordinance to dispose of unclaimed and indigent dead.
END of TMN story.
The Morning News didn't have enough space to report details of the body-disposal process. Will they just dump the bodies in a chicken house and burn the place without following state regulations?
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Ordinance To Burn Old Buildings Moves Forward
By Scarlet Sims
THE MORNING NEWS
BENTONVILLE — The Benton County Environmental Committee approved Tuesday an ordinance to set up a process for property owners to burn old structures. The proposed ordinance did not include a requested provision to allow state environmental officials the final say over burns.
The weird thing is that a high percentage of Benton County is made up of people who have come from more progressive parts of the United States to work for Walmart vendors, but they apparently don't vote in local elections or comment at Quorum Court meetings.
TMN reports:
County justices of the peace want to create an easy and affordable way for property owners to get rid of unsightly chicken houses and barns built of untreated lumber. The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality wants to authorize any structure to be burned, spokesman Aaron Sadler said.
"The Department of Environmental Quality looks forward to working with Benton County officials as they develop an ordinance that complies with state regulations regarding open burning and asbestos removal," Sadler wrote in e-mail.
State law discourages open burning of yard waste, according to its Web site. The state has a regulation allowing government officials to permit fires to prevent a fire hazards, but another regulation says only the state should issue burn permits after an applicant demonstrates there are no "practicable, safe, and lawful alternative methods of disposal."
"Because it's a regulation and not a law, I don't know how they can hold us to it," said Justice of the Peace Douglas, R-Bentonville.
Creating a process to burn old buildings is meant to help residents because the county requires the cleaning of buildings that could pose a danger to children or be a fire hazard, Douglas said previously. The county approved enforcing state law at the county level in 2007. The law includes "unsightly" property.
If the county pursues an ordinance, residents would pay about $25 for a permit. That money is to cover costs for the fire marshal or his designee to inspect the building before burning for harmful chemicals or trash and again after the burn. No treated lumber can be burned.
Fire Marshal Will Hanna agreed with the process last month.
Douglas said he worried that adding the state's suggested provision would deter people from burning unsound structures. Going through the department for a permit could create a backlog and slow the process, he said.
"It just adds more red tape and more harassment," Douglas said. "People don't want to deal with ADEQ in Little Rock because most of the time (ADEQ officials) don't act like they have good sense."
Interim County Attorney George Spence said he plans to follow up with the state before bringing the burn ordinance before the Committee of 13.
In other business, the committee approved an ordinance to dispose of unclaimed and indigent dead.
END of TMN story.
The Morning News didn't have enough space to report details of the body-disposal process. Will they just dump the bodies in a chicken house and burn the place without following state regulations?
Monday, April 6, 2009
Would student apartments be more appropriate than a livestock auction barn next to National Cemetery for veterans? Not likely
Everyone is welcom at today's 5:30 p.m. meeting of Ward One residents and the Town Branch Neighborhood at the S. Hill Avenue Church of Christ near the intersection of 11th Street and S. Hill Avenue to hear and discuss a proposal to rezone the Washington County Livestock Auction Barn for student apartments. The area is shown on Google Maps below.
View Larger Map
The sale barn in the view below is at right and the national cemetery is at left. WOULD STUDENT APARTMENTS be any more appropriate next to the National Cemetery than a sale barn? The cemetery was created in 1867 and the sale barn in 1937.
View Larger Map
Please share information about the 5:30 p.m. April 5 (TODAY) meeting of Ward One residents at the Church of Christ on South Hill Avenue in Fayetteville.
Attorney Bob Estes is to present a proposal to have the Washington County Sale Barn rezoned so that student apartments may be built on the land in the Town Branch Neighborhood. If the rezoning is accepted, then a North Carolina company will buy the land and build the apartments.
The cattle-auction facility was constructed in 1937 by the grandfather of the current owner.
Cattle are brought in early each week and auctioned on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. There is no permanent housing of a large group of animals.
Because of the north slope's being well vegetated, stormwater runoff to streams in each direction is relatively clean, much cleaner than the runoff from the Hill Place Apartment complex being constructed three blocks to the west.
Closing the sale barn in south Fayetteville would greatly inconvenience ranchers and farmers in south Washington County. In fact, having to travel to Springdale to buy and sell cattle could be final factor in some landowners deciding to sell out and stop farming.
All this would come at a time when encouraging local production of food and protecting the rich soil on the prairies in the river valleys is high on the agenda of many people and many conservation organizations.
Closing the sale barn could affect the local farm economy and several other businesses in south Fayetteville that rely on local farming. It would encourage more unneeded housing to be built in rural areas while allowing more unneeded apartments to be built in a city where empty apartments and condominiums are plentiful.
Anything that damages the agricultural economy of Northwest Arkansas will reduce the effectiveness of such ongoing efforts as the FNHA's green-infrastructure project, the Beaver Lake and Illinois River watershed-protection efforts and the efforts of OMNI Center, the Sierra Club, Audubon Arkansas, the League of Women voters, the Ozark Society, the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited and many other conservation organizations to protect and improve our environment and counter the threat of global climate change.
Town Branch Neighborhood Association meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday April 6, 2009
Ward One City Council members, members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the public will hear a presentation from a developer seeking to rezone the Washington County Sale Barn property to allow construction of student apartments. Everyone is welcome to the meeting in the church at 1136 S Ellis Avenue south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.
For details, please call 479-444-6072 or visit http://townbranchneighborhood.blogspot.com
View Larger Map
The sale barn in the view below is at right and the national cemetery is at left. WOULD STUDENT APARTMENTS be any more appropriate next to the National Cemetery than a sale barn? The cemetery was created in 1867 and the sale barn in 1937.
View Larger Map
Please share information about the 5:30 p.m. April 5 (TODAY) meeting of Ward One residents at the Church of Christ on South Hill Avenue in Fayetteville.
Attorney Bob Estes is to present a proposal to have the Washington County Sale Barn rezoned so that student apartments may be built on the land in the Town Branch Neighborhood. If the rezoning is accepted, then a North Carolina company will buy the land and build the apartments.
The cattle-auction facility was constructed in 1937 by the grandfather of the current owner.
Cattle are brought in early each week and auctioned on Wednesday afternoon and Thursday. There is no permanent housing of a large group of animals.
Because of the north slope's being well vegetated, stormwater runoff to streams in each direction is relatively clean, much cleaner than the runoff from the Hill Place Apartment complex being constructed three blocks to the west.
Closing the sale barn in south Fayetteville would greatly inconvenience ranchers and farmers in south Washington County. In fact, having to travel to Springdale to buy and sell cattle could be final factor in some landowners deciding to sell out and stop farming.
All this would come at a time when encouraging local production of food and protecting the rich soil on the prairies in the river valleys is high on the agenda of many people and many conservation organizations.
Closing the sale barn could affect the local farm economy and several other businesses in south Fayetteville that rely on local farming. It would encourage more unneeded housing to be built in rural areas while allowing more unneeded apartments to be built in a city where empty apartments and condominiums are plentiful.
Anything that damages the agricultural economy of Northwest Arkansas will reduce the effectiveness of such ongoing efforts as the FNHA's green-infrastructure project, the Beaver Lake and Illinois River watershed-protection efforts and the efforts of OMNI Center, the Sierra Club, Audubon Arkansas, the League of Women voters, the Ozark Society, the Arkansas Wildlife Federation, Ducks Unlimited and many other conservation organizations to protect and improve our environment and counter the threat of global climate change.
Town Branch Neighborhood Association meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday April 6, 2009
Ward One City Council members, members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the public will hear a presentation from a developer seeking to rezone the Washington County Sale Barn property to allow construction of student apartments. Everyone is welcome to the meeting in the church at 1136 S Ellis Avenue south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.
For details, please call 479-444-6072 or visit http://townbranchneighborhood.blogspot.com
Friday, April 3, 2009
Town Branch Neighborhood Association meeting at 5:30 p.m. Monday April 6, 2009
Ward One City Council members, members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the public will hear a presentation from a developer seeking to rezone the Washington County Sale Barn property to allow construction of student apartments. Everyone is welcome to the meeting in the church at 1136 S Ellis Avenue south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.
For details, please call 479-444-6072 or visit http://townbranchneighborhood.blogspot.com
The construction phase of this proposed project would send silty runoff to both Tanglewood Branch and the main Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River because it sits on the ridge between the two. Current runoff from that sale-barn area actually is very minimal because of the vegetated pasture land protected there for a few cattle to graze on for only two days a week.
Earth Day at World Peace Wetland Prairie from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday April 19, 2009
Members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology present the fifth-annual Earth Day celebration with activities for kids and adults. Wildflowers will be planted in the butterfly garden and peace-circle garden on the east portion of the city-owned nature park by children and adult volunteers. Ice-storm damaged limbs will be removed by those who wish to help. Volunteers may dig out fescue grass or remove Japanese honeysuckle that is suppressing native plants in parts of the western 2 acres.
Musicians and poets will be invited to play, sing or read in a pleasant outdoor setting.
Still on the Hill and Emily Kaitz are the headliners.
Several activities for youngsters will be provided by volunteers.
Parking is free from 1 to 5 p.m. at the the Hill Avenue Church of Christ south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street, and street parking is legal in much of the neighborhood.
Everyone is welcome. For details, call 444-6072
or visit http://worldpeacewetlandprairie.blogspot.com
World Peace Wetland Prairie is at 1121 South Duncan Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Ward One City Council members, members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the public will hear a presentation from a developer seeking to rezone the Washington County Sale Barn property to allow construction of student apartments. Everyone is welcome to the meeting in the church at 1136 S Ellis Avenue south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street at 5:30 p.m. Monday, April 6.
For details, please call 479-444-6072 or visit http://townbranchneighborhood.blogspot.com
The construction phase of this proposed project would send silty runoff to both Tanglewood Branch and the main Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River because it sits on the ridge between the two. Current runoff from that sale-barn area actually is very minimal because of the vegetated pasture land protected there for a few cattle to graze on for only two days a week.
Earth Day at World Peace Wetland Prairie from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday April 19, 2009
Members of the Town Branch neighborhood association and the OMNI Center for Peace, Justice and Ecology present the fifth-annual Earth Day celebration with activities for kids and adults. Wildflowers will be planted in the butterfly garden and peace-circle garden on the east portion of the city-owned nature park by children and adult volunteers. Ice-storm damaged limbs will be removed by those who wish to help. Volunteers may dig out fescue grass or remove Japanese honeysuckle that is suppressing native plants in parts of the western 2 acres.
Musicians and poets will be invited to play, sing or read in a pleasant outdoor setting.
Still on the Hill and Emily Kaitz are the headliners.
Several activities for youngsters will be provided by volunteers.
Parking is free from 1 to 5 p.m. at the the Hill Avenue Church of Christ south of the intersection of S. Hill Avenue and Eleventh Street, and street parking is legal in much of the neighborhood.
Everyone is welcome. For details, call 444-6072
or visit http://worldpeacewetlandprairie.blogspot.com
World Peace Wetland Prairie is at 1121 South Duncan Avenue in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Reagan family farm north of Arkansas 16 exemplifies the kind of land that must be protected in the cities of Northwest Arkansas to save Beaver Lake
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of Bill Reagan pointing to the line of trees along the fence on the south edge of his family farm along the north edge of East Fifteenth Street.
The Reagan family has owned the land for many years and Bill said that he has bought it from his mother and will keep it in the family. The farm is prairie that has been used for cattle grazing and other agriculture over the decades. It is an example of a heritage farm of the sort identified in the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association's Green Infrastructure plan. Its rich soil captures water where falls and does not cause flooding downstream with its limited stormwater runoff entering the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River without causing siltation or pollution. See Google map with view of Fifteenth Street area in a preceding post on this subject.
Democrat-Gazette on widening of Arkansas 16
View Larger Map
Please use controls and cursor to move the image, zoom in or out and trace the whole route discussed at the meeting yesterday. The Reagan property is near the middle left part of the image above.
If you use your cursor to travel north of the open Reagan property between Washington Avenue and Wood Avenue from 11th Street up to near 9th Street you can see the 7 wooded wetland acres that the Partners for Better housing board is trying to buy to dredge and fill for a low-income housing development. Water drains from north of Jefferson School, all the way from north of MLK Boulevard (former 6th St.) down to 15th St. and into the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River and is slowed and purified by the moist-soil area where the tiny branch overflows.
This portion of the Beaver Lake watershed is under extreme threat. Thanks to the Reagan family and others for keeping a bit of green infrastructure intact and allowing a small part of the rainwater to stay it falls.
The Reagan family has owned the land for many years and Bill said that he has bought it from his mother and will keep it in the family. The farm is prairie that has been used for cattle grazing and other agriculture over the decades. It is an example of a heritage farm of the sort identified in the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association's Green Infrastructure plan. Its rich soil captures water where falls and does not cause flooding downstream with its limited stormwater runoff entering the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River without causing siltation or pollution. See Google map with view of Fifteenth Street area in a preceding post on this subject.
Democrat-Gazette on widening of Arkansas 16
View Larger Map
Please use controls and cursor to move the image, zoom in or out and trace the whole route discussed at the meeting yesterday. The Reagan property is near the middle left part of the image above.
If you use your cursor to travel north of the open Reagan property between Washington Avenue and Wood Avenue from 11th Street up to near 9th Street you can see the 7 wooded wetland acres that the Partners for Better housing board is trying to buy to dredge and fill for a low-income housing development. Water drains from north of Jefferson School, all the way from north of MLK Boulevard (former 6th St.) down to 15th St. and into the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River and is slowed and purified by the moist-soil area where the tiny branch overflows.
This portion of the Beaver Lake watershed is under extreme threat. Thanks to the Reagan family and others for keeping a bit of green infrastructure intact and allowing a small part of the rainwater to stay it falls.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Public invited to view plan for widening portions of Huntsville Road and Fifteenth Street from 4 to 7 p.m. today
People interested in protecting Northwest Arkansas' two major watersheds, in this case, the watershed of the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River and Beaver Lake, need to turn out and make sure that the planners are taking into account the potential affect of this project on water quality and the need for stormwater retention to avoid increasing the flooding and erosion threat downstream.
View Larger Map
Please use controls and cursor to move the image, zoom in or out and trace the whole route to be discussed this afternoon.
Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department officials will reveal the first phase of design for widening a 2.7-mile stretch of Arkansas 16 between S. College Avenue and Stonebridge Road to four lanes and installing a traffic light at the Stonebridge intersection, east of Crossover Road from 4 to 7 p.m. in the activity center of Fayetteville First Assembly of God at 550 E. 15th St. There won't be a presentation; residents can look at displays, ask questions and give feedback verbally or on survey forms, The Northwest Arkansas Times reported in its March 31, 2009, edition.
View Larger Map
Please use controls and cursor to move the image, zoom in or out and trace the whole route to be discussed this afternoon.
Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department officials will reveal the first phase of design for widening a 2.7-mile stretch of Arkansas 16 between S. College Avenue and Stonebridge Road to four lanes and installing a traffic light at the Stonebridge intersection, east of Crossover Road from 4 to 7 p.m. in the activity center of Fayetteville First Assembly of God at 550 E. 15th St. There won't be a presentation; residents can look at displays, ask questions and give feedback verbally or on survey forms, The Northwest Arkansas Times reported in its March 31, 2009, edition.
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Caring for Creation Conference a great success
United Methodist Church not the only demonination concerned about the environment. For examples, see a brief online Bibliography of Christian Environmentalism
Please click on images to enlarge of some of the tenets of the United Methodist Church in relation to global climate change.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of one of the slides in the presentation with a quote from the one whose commands mean the most:
Please click on images to enlarge of some of the tenets of the United Methodist Church in relation to global climate change.
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of one of the slides in the presentation with a quote from the one whose commands mean the most:
Friday, March 27, 2009
Severed limb budding at end. Birds and squirrels and rabbits may eat them
Here is the caption with the photo of limbs burning in Benton County:
Up in smoke:
Benton County employee Harvey Johnson watched a fire at 10791 Stoney Point Road near Lowell on Thursday. The county is burning limbs and trees broken by this winter’s ice storm. Other burn sites are at 9900 Marchant Road in Elm Springs, 21447 Waukesha Road in Siloam Springs and 19941 Bettis Hill Road near War Eagle. Washington County is also burning ice-storm debris on North 40th Street in Springdale. DAVID FRANK DEMPSEY / Benton County Daily Record
If no one in either county had a fireplace or a wood stove, this might seem slightly less ridiculous.
I hope a lot of people who can use firewood or who would collect it and sell it will be at those sites before more is burned and load it up and take it away.
This wood would save people money, reduce air pollution now and save the carbon in these limbs for actual home heating and reduce global climate change (because people with wood stoves and fire places will be buying wood next fall and reducing the tree cover even more in Northwest Arkansas).
Additionally, birds and squirrels are eating buds on those limbs where they are lying. In fact, many large limbs or trunks lying separated from the main trunk for nearly two months are budding right now! So wildlife are having to search a bit more for food, which may be tough for birds facing nesting season.
Burning material with this much value is WRONG.
It is even worse than chipping it all. This is incredibly wasteful and inconsiderate of people and other living things. I am proud to live in Fayetteville where an effort is being made to separate potential firewood for sharing and where the rest is being chipped rather than burned.
This is an example of the need for cross-training and keeping all environmental enforcement under one big umbrella. Apparently, it would be the responsibility of the EPA to see that FEMA's requirements for subsidizing "cleanup" efforts meet environmental guidelines. But I would bet that the EPA has had no input in the cleanup efforts. Otherwise, they would have required sound environmental use of the downed trees and limbs.
And, if there were any budgetary control of FEMA, their pet contractors would be required to compact and compress the loads of loose limbs in their trailers and trucks before claiming a load is full and counting it on the basis of cubic yards.
If you take waste metal to a steel yard or aluminum-recycling facility, you will have your vehicle weighed and then weighed again after the workers pull off what can be recycled. They don't pay more for half-empty truckloads or uncrushed cans that fill a big bag. The scales tell the story.
Should the taxpayers support a system that rewards only selected contractors and ignores the value of the material being destroyed in the pretense of "cleaning up" after a disaster? And requires the hiring of "inspectors" or whatever from different pet companies to make sure the trucks aren't overfilled?
My questions aren't original. I have heard these questions from residents of Fayetteville who are offended by the appearance of poor management and waste.
The city can't ask these questions because the EPA MIGHT look into the problem and FEMA MIGHT delay reimbursement of the city for the work that took a big chunk out of the city's reserve fund.
But somebody has to ask why they don't just weigh the loads and pay and reimburse on the results. My neighbors have asked.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Group meets today in Springdale to focus on draft of management plan for watershed of Beaver Lake
Mike Malone wrote:
This is a reminder about the Wednesday, March 25, focus group meeting with Tetratech to discuss the status of the Beaver Lake Watershed Management Plan that they have been helping facilitate. This follow-up focus group meeting with conservation and recreational representatives will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 3 pm in the Chicago Room (room 220) of the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. They want to gather feedback on some of the management options that they have been developing for the watershed.
Mike Malone
387-5590
This is a reminder about the Wednesday, March 25, focus group meeting with Tetratech to discuss the status of the Beaver Lake Watershed Management Plan that they have been helping facilitate. This follow-up focus group meeting with conservation and recreational representatives will take place on Wednesday, March 25 at 3 pm in the Chicago Room (room 220) of the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. They want to gather feedback on some of the management options that they have been developing for the watershed.
Mike Malone
387-5590
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Focus group to discuss plan for Beaver Lake
On Wednesday, March 25th, you are invited to a focus group meeting with Tetratech to discuss the status of the Beaver Lake Watershed Management Plan that they have been helping facilitate. This follow-up focus group meeting with conservation and environmental representatives will take place on Wednesday, March 25th at 3pm in the Chicago Room (room #220) at the Jones Center for Families in Springdale. They want to gather your feedback on some of the management options that they have been developing for the watershed.
I believe each of you participated in the first focus group meeting Tetratech convened a few months back. If you have suggestions for other folks who should be included in this focus group, please let me know or pass this invitation along to them.
Tetratech has put together a series of newsletters to update you and other focus group members on the status of the project. I will distribute some of the newsletters attached to this message and others attached to another message early next week.
Please let me know if you have any questions and whether you will be able to attend the meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 3pm.
Thank you!
Mike Malone
387-5590 (cell)
I believe each of you participated in the first focus group meeting Tetratech convened a few months back. If you have suggestions for other folks who should be included in this focus group, please let me know or pass this invitation along to them.
Tetratech has put together a series of newsletters to update you and other focus group members on the status of the project. I will distribute some of the newsletters attached to this message and others attached to another message early next week.
Please let me know if you have any questions and whether you will be able to attend the meeting on Wednesday, March 25th at 3pm.
Thank you!
Mike Malone
387-5590 (cell)
Friday, March 6, 2009
Butterflies showing up on World Peace Wetland Prairie on March 6, 2009, before time for wildflowers to bloom in northwest Arkansas
Please click on images to ENLARGE view from different angles of orange butterfly on World Peace Wetland Prairie on March 6,2008.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette says Oklahoma claims that Arkansas pollution has damaged scenic Illinois River to the tune of more than $600 million
Privit-berry bandits remain at World Peace Wetland Prairie
Please click on images to Enlarge view of cedar waxwing enjoying privit berries on March 5, 2009, at World Peace Wetland Prairie in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Obama Restoring Endangered Species Act Provision.
Obama Restoring Endangered Species Act Provision
Tuesday 03 March 2009
»
by: Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post
In an address to the employees of the Department of Interior, President Barack Obama moved to restore the Endangered Species Act. (Photo: Getty Images)
Today President Obama will restore rules requiring U.S. agencies consult with independent federal experts to determine if their actions might harm threatened and endangered species, according to an administration official who asked not to be identified, marking yet another reversal of President Bush's environmental legacy.
In December 2008, the Bush administration changed a longstanding practice under the Endangered Species Act by issuing rules that allowed agencies to move ahead with projects and programs without seeking an independent review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Environmentalists and scientists said this shift could allow agencies to press ahead with plans that could hurt already-vulnerable species across the country.
Today Obama will issue a presidential memorandum, an administration official said, that will direct departments to yet again consult with the two agencies on decisions that could affect imperiled plants and animals "while the Interior and Commerce Departments review the Bush rulemaking."
The move, the official said, "will restore the status quo ante and allow the Interior and Commerce Departments to determine whether a new rule should be promulgated that will again codify the longstanding consultation practice under the" Endangered Species Act.
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-W.V.), who had decried the Bush rule and had been trying to reverse it through the legislative process, hailed Obama's decision.
"I wholeheartedly support the president's proposal to restore the protections for endangered species that the Bush administration spent so many years trying to undermine," Rahall said in an interview. "It is one more indication that the new administration truly represents change for the better and is committed to the protection of our natural resources and our environment. I think we know who would have been the winner in this fox guarding the hen house scenario advanced by the Bush administration, and it would not be the hens."
Obama is scheduled to visit the Interior Department this afternoon, to commemorate the agency's 160th anniversary.
Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said the memorandum would have a tremendous impact.
"Endangered species are breathing a deep sigh of relief today," Suckling said. "The consultation process is the heart of the Endangered Species Act power. By reversing Bush's attempt to deregulate the consultation process, Obama restored oversight and balance and has given endangered species a good fighting chance of survival."
»
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 17 U.S.C. SECTION 107, THIS MATERIAL IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PROFIT TO THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED A PRIOR INTEREST IN RECEIVING THE INCLUDED INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. TRUTHOUT HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER WITH THE ORIGINATOR OF THIS ARTICLE NOR IS TRUTHOUT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE ORIGINATOR.
"VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS A CONVENIENCE TO OUR READERS AND ALLOW FOR VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY. HOWEVER, AS ORIGINATING PAGES ARE OFTEN UPDATED BY THEIR ORIGINATING HOST SITES, THE VERSIONS POSTED ON TO MAY NOT MATCH THE VERSIONS OUR READERS VIEW WHEN CLICKING THE "VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS.
COMMENTS
This is a moderated forum. It may take a little while for comments to go live.
Change I can believe in!
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 01:01 — Uppity Woman (not verified)
Change I can believe in! This is one of the reasons I voted for you Mr. President!
Hopefully this will stop
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:41 — troutprof (not verified)
Hopefully this will stop Idaho FWP from killing 100 of the 140 wolves in the Selway Mountains in the name of maximixing elk herds.
Now if there were just some
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:08 — Tom Camfield (not verified)
Now if there were just some way to toughen the penalties for the everyday instances of cruelty to animals, mostly domesticated--starved horses, dogs tied up and abandoned or left locked in abandoned homes, puppy mills . . . We need something more like "an eye for an eye" meted out by our justice system.
Tuesday 03 March 2009
»
by: Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post
In an address to the employees of the Department of Interior, President Barack Obama moved to restore the Endangered Species Act. (Photo: Getty Images)
Today President Obama will restore rules requiring U.S. agencies consult with independent federal experts to determine if their actions might harm threatened and endangered species, according to an administration official who asked not to be identified, marking yet another reversal of President Bush's environmental legacy.
In December 2008, the Bush administration changed a longstanding practice under the Endangered Species Act by issuing rules that allowed agencies to move ahead with projects and programs without seeking an independent review by either the Fish and Wildlife Service or the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Environmentalists and scientists said this shift could allow agencies to press ahead with plans that could hurt already-vulnerable species across the country.
Today Obama will issue a presidential memorandum, an administration official said, that will direct departments to yet again consult with the two agencies on decisions that could affect imperiled plants and animals "while the Interior and Commerce Departments review the Bush rulemaking."
The move, the official said, "will restore the status quo ante and allow the Interior and Commerce Departments to determine whether a new rule should be promulgated that will again codify the longstanding consultation practice under the" Endangered Species Act.
House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Nick J. Rahall (D-W.V.), who had decried the Bush rule and had been trying to reverse it through the legislative process, hailed Obama's decision.
"I wholeheartedly support the president's proposal to restore the protections for endangered species that the Bush administration spent so many years trying to undermine," Rahall said in an interview. "It is one more indication that the new administration truly represents change for the better and is committed to the protection of our natural resources and our environment. I think we know who would have been the winner in this fox guarding the hen house scenario advanced by the Bush administration, and it would not be the hens."
Obama is scheduled to visit the Interior Department this afternoon, to commemorate the agency's 160th anniversary.
Kieran Suckling, executive director of the Center for Biological Diversity, said the memorandum would have a tremendous impact.
"Endangered species are breathing a deep sigh of relief today," Suckling said. "The consultation process is the heart of the Endangered Species Act power. By reversing Bush's attempt to deregulate the consultation process, Obama restored oversight and balance and has given endangered species a good fighting chance of survival."
»
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 17 U.S.C. SECTION 107, THIS MATERIAL IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PROFIT TO THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED A PRIOR INTEREST IN RECEIVING THE INCLUDED INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. TRUTHOUT HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER WITH THE ORIGINATOR OF THIS ARTICLE NOR IS TRUTHOUT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE ORIGINATOR.
"VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS A CONVENIENCE TO OUR READERS AND ALLOW FOR VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY. HOWEVER, AS ORIGINATING PAGES ARE OFTEN UPDATED BY THEIR ORIGINATING HOST SITES, THE VERSIONS POSTED ON TO MAY NOT MATCH THE VERSIONS OUR READERS VIEW WHEN CLICKING THE "VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS.
COMMENTS
This is a moderated forum. It may take a little while for comments to go live.
Change I can believe in!
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 01:01 — Uppity Woman (not verified)
Change I can believe in! This is one of the reasons I voted for you Mr. President!
Hopefully this will stop
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:41 — troutprof (not verified)
Hopefully this will stop Idaho FWP from killing 100 of the 140 wolves in the Selway Mountains in the name of maximixing elk herds.
Now if there were just some
Wed, 03/04/2009 - 00:08 — Tom Camfield (not verified)
Now if there were just some way to toughen the penalties for the everyday instances of cruelty to animals, mostly domesticated--starved horses, dogs tied up and abandoned or left locked in abandoned homes, puppy mills . . . We need something more like "an eye for an eye" meted out by our justice system.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Stream riparian zones, wetland bill clears committee
Please click on images to view a relatively natural rural riparian zone on a snowing day in 2009 and a contrasting urban riparian zone that has been almost completely paved over with a silt fence that has failed even to protect the very edge of the stream.
Doug Thompson report on stream-preservation bill in The Morning News
Larry Woodall suggests that, "If you don't read the bill keep in mind Doug has a mistake in his column. There's a total of up to
$50,000 state income tax credit for riparian stream preservation per project. You can take up to $5,000 per year Ark
Income Tax credit for doing it. Then you may carryover the balance and get credits for
up to nine years. Those are it's major provisions. Now on to the senate."
Larry
Joe Neal provides report on workday at Wilson Spring nature area
Joe Neal's report on February 28, 2009, workday at Wilson Spring nature area
Joe explains why Fayetteville's original map shows it in Prairie Township, not "woodland township"!
I wasn't there to make photos of the work of the volunteers onsite but chose some photos from a short distance downstream to illustrate what is happening far too rapidly to such land as that on the Audubon property. Joe and the volunteers were trying to restore and maintain the historic character of the land while developers have been trying to turn it all into sterile subdivisions.
Downstream from Wilson Spring along Clabber Creek developments have been planned and approved on much of the wetland prairie but, mercifully, the economic situation has brought a hiatus to construction. In the photos, one can see a wetland-mitigation sign in the riparian zone of the Clabber Creek and a developer's sign touting the nearby Audubon property as a selling point for lots to be built on fill dirt placed in the wetland. The pause in construction and the necessity of new owners going to the Fayetteville Planning Commission with new plans offers a chance to protect more of the valuable fertile and natural water-retaining soil by requiring homes to be built on piers rather than red-dirt and concrete foundations and making many changes for the good of all. As it exists now, this is area can easily meet the prime flood-prevention rule of "keeping the water where it falls."
Joe Neal's report on February 28, 2009, workday at Wilson Spring nature area
Joe explains why Fayetteville's original map shows it in Prairie Township, not woodland township!
Joe explains why Fayetteville's original map shows it in Prairie Township, not "woodland township"!
I wasn't there to make photos of the work of the volunteers onsite but chose some photos from a short distance downstream to illustrate what is happening far too rapidly to such land as that on the Audubon property. Joe and the volunteers were trying to restore and maintain the historic character of the land while developers have been trying to turn it all into sterile subdivisions.
Downstream from Wilson Spring along Clabber Creek developments have been planned and approved on much of the wetland prairie but, mercifully, the economic situation has brought a hiatus to construction. In the photos, one can see a wetland-mitigation sign in the riparian zone of the Clabber Creek and a developer's sign touting the nearby Audubon property as a selling point for lots to be built on fill dirt placed in the wetland. The pause in construction and the necessity of new owners going to the Fayetteville Planning Commission with new plans offers a chance to protect more of the valuable fertile and natural water-retaining soil by requiring homes to be built on piers rather than red-dirt and concrete foundations and making many changes for the good of all. As it exists now, this is area can easily meet the prime flood-prevention rule of "keeping the water where it falls."
Joe Neal's report on February 28, 2009, workday at Wilson Spring nature area
Joe explains why Fayetteville's original map shows it in Prairie Township, not woodland township!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Lowest wetland portion of Hill Place (former Aspen Ridge) property being dredged and filled for parking lot in former overflow area of Town Branch
Please click on images to ENLARGE photos of dredging and filling of Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River west of South Hill Avenue and north of 11th Street in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on February 26, 2009. Rich, absorbent soil being hauled away to make space for truckloads of non-absorbent, non-organic red dirt to provide parking spaces for Hill Place student apartments.
Don't let the contractors take all your brushpiles; the birds won't forgive you
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of mockingbird on brushpile at World Peace Wetland Prairie on February 25, 2009,
The more buds you spot on the ends of small limbs the more likely these limbs are the ones to keep on your property if you want plenty of song birds to be in your neighborhood when spring comes. You might also try to convince your neighbors to preserve some similar brushpiles on their property. And urging neighbors to preserve ice-damaged trees on their property also will help.
Many won't understand. But every property owner who keeps a brush pile or resists pressure to cut down a damaged tree can make a difference in the reproductive success of song birds in the coming spring.
The more buds you spot on the ends of small limbs the more likely these limbs are the ones to keep on your property if you want plenty of song birds to be in your neighborhood when spring comes. You might also try to convince your neighbors to preserve some similar brushpiles on their property. And urging neighbors to preserve ice-damaged trees on their property also will help.
Many won't understand. But every property owner who keeps a brush pile or resists pressure to cut down a damaged tree can make a difference in the reproductive success of song birds in the coming spring.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Joyce Hale pushing major legislation into legislative mix to protect wetland and riparian zones in Arkansas
Please click on image of stream-bed dredging and adjacent riparian-zone damage. The bill in the Arkansas General Assembly described below has a chance of preventing such madness.
Dear Friends,
Most of you know that I have been spending the better part of the last two years in an effort to preserve water and land resources in Arkansas with state tax credit incentives enjoyed by twelve other states. It has been a long road to today, but I am proud to announce that HB1577 was birthed shortly after noon today and is ready to run the legislative gauntlet on its way to passage. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Bills/HB1577.pdf. You may or may not be interested in reading all that is attached, but I just wanted you know that this small demonstration project has a chance of showing how important it is to protect Arkansas's water quality. The original bill that is being amended, would only offer credits to repair damaged wetlands and riparian areas. This amendment provides tax credits to landowners for protecting quality wetlands and riparian areas before they are damaged by development. If you are an Arkansan and inclined to speak positively about this to your state representative, I would be grateful for your support. These are challenging times economically and ecologically. This small program is only a first step to bring a full fledged conservation tax credit program to life. If it goes well, we will move to Plan B for something with real conservation potential. There is much to protect and your support might be just the amount to tip the balance in the final vote.
Regards,
Joyce Hale
HB-1577 – CREATION OF A CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM AND TAX CREDIT
WHAT THE BILL DOES: Creates a new conservation easement program within the existing Wetland and Riparian Zones Tax Credit Program (Section 26-51-1501) under the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission; and establishes a new state income tax credit which can be granted under certain conditions to Arkansas landowners who voluntarily set aside land for the protection and enhancement of the water quality of our streams, rivers and lakes.
KEY POINTS:
• Stream Bank Protection Works: It’s well known that setting aside land along our streams, rivers and lakes for the restoration of natural ground cover helps reduce erosion, sedimentation run-off, and stream-bank deterioration, thereby improving water quality. In addition, wetland and riparian zones provide habitats for fish and wildlife; help groundwater recharge; provide more opportunities for hunting, fishing and hiking; and encourage the restoration of timber and grasslands. We believe protecting the quality of Arkansas waters is crucial to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all Arkansans.
• Existing Law: Currently, ANRC’s Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation and Restoration Tax Credit allows landowners to claim a tax credit for 100% of the costs associated with creating or restoring a wetland and/or riparian area – presuming they maintain the area for at least 10 years.
• What’s Proposed: Under this bill, landowners wishing to donate a wetland or riparian area conservation easement or full real property interest would be able to apply for a state income tax credit of up to 50% of the fair market value (but no more than $50,000) of the wetland and riparian land they donate to a land trust or governmental entity in perpetuity. We’ve named this a “Wetland and Riparian Zone Conservation Tax Credit”.
• Caps on Tax Credits: The draft legislation would make any approved conservation tax credit donation subject to the same $5,000 annual tax credit cap for each donation and the same 9 year carryover that currently applies to the existing Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation and Restoration Tax Credit program. Both the proposed and existing tax credits are non-transferable and limited to the existing $500,000 programmatic cap.
• No General Revenue Impact: DF&A says that the proposed conservation tax credit program has NO fiscal impact to the state since it uses existing and under-utilized funding within the existing ANRC budget.
• Who Approves? Conservation tax credit applications would be reviewed by the same Committee that reviews ANRC’s current program, with approval by the Natural Resources Commission. Members of the Committee are the directors of the Forestry Commission, the Game and Fish Commission, the Department of Finance & Administration, the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with two members with expertise in wetlands and riparian zone ecology appointed by the Commission.
• Cost Effective: We believe the cost of protection will be much less than the cost of fixing the problem. Cleaning up dirty water, and restoring eroded stream banks is expensive. Building a natural system to protect water quality helps our environment and our economy, and it’s a cost effective use of taxpayer dollars.
• Access to Federal Tax Deductions: The proposed legislation includes language that meets IRS criteria for accessing federal income tax deductions for the granting of conservation easements or full real property interests.
• Oversight and Accountability: Valuation of the donation is determined by strict professional appraisal standards; stacking of tax credits is prohibited; ANRC sets the rules and keeps the records to ensure performance; DF&A would review to prevent abuse, and DF&A will report the total cumulative use of the tax credits.
Dear Friends,
Most of you know that I have been spending the better part of the last two years in an effort to preserve water and land resources in Arkansas with state tax credit incentives enjoyed by twelve other states. It has been a long road to today, but I am proud to announce that HB1577 was birthed shortly after noon today and is ready to run the legislative gauntlet on its way to passage. http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us/assembly/2009/R/Bills/HB1577.pdf. You may or may not be interested in reading all that is attached, but I just wanted you know that this small demonstration project has a chance of showing how important it is to protect Arkansas's water quality. The original bill that is being amended, would only offer credits to repair damaged wetlands and riparian areas. This amendment provides tax credits to landowners for protecting quality wetlands and riparian areas before they are damaged by development. If you are an Arkansan and inclined to speak positively about this to your state representative, I would be grateful for your support. These are challenging times economically and ecologically. This small program is only a first step to bring a full fledged conservation tax credit program to life. If it goes well, we will move to Plan B for something with real conservation potential. There is much to protect and your support might be just the amount to tip the balance in the final vote.
Regards,
Joyce Hale
HB-1577 – CREATION OF A CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM AND TAX CREDIT
WHAT THE BILL DOES: Creates a new conservation easement program within the existing Wetland and Riparian Zones Tax Credit Program (Section 26-51-1501) under the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission; and establishes a new state income tax credit which can be granted under certain conditions to Arkansas landowners who voluntarily set aside land for the protection and enhancement of the water quality of our streams, rivers and lakes.
KEY POINTS:
• Stream Bank Protection Works: It’s well known that setting aside land along our streams, rivers and lakes for the restoration of natural ground cover helps reduce erosion, sedimentation run-off, and stream-bank deterioration, thereby improving water quality. In addition, wetland and riparian zones provide habitats for fish and wildlife; help groundwater recharge; provide more opportunities for hunting, fishing and hiking; and encourage the restoration of timber and grasslands. We believe protecting the quality of Arkansas waters is crucial to maintaining and enhancing the quality of life for all Arkansans.
• Existing Law: Currently, ANRC’s Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation and Restoration Tax Credit allows landowners to claim a tax credit for 100% of the costs associated with creating or restoring a wetland and/or riparian area – presuming they maintain the area for at least 10 years.
• What’s Proposed: Under this bill, landowners wishing to donate a wetland or riparian area conservation easement or full real property interest would be able to apply for a state income tax credit of up to 50% of the fair market value (but no more than $50,000) of the wetland and riparian land they donate to a land trust or governmental entity in perpetuity. We’ve named this a “Wetland and Riparian Zone Conservation Tax Credit”.
• Caps on Tax Credits: The draft legislation would make any approved conservation tax credit donation subject to the same $5,000 annual tax credit cap for each donation and the same 9 year carryover that currently applies to the existing Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation and Restoration Tax Credit program. Both the proposed and existing tax credits are non-transferable and limited to the existing $500,000 programmatic cap.
• No General Revenue Impact: DF&A says that the proposed conservation tax credit program has NO fiscal impact to the state since it uses existing and under-utilized funding within the existing ANRC budget.
• Who Approves? Conservation tax credit applications would be reviewed by the same Committee that reviews ANRC’s current program, with approval by the Natural Resources Commission. Members of the Committee are the directors of the Forestry Commission, the Game and Fish Commission, the Department of Finance & Administration, the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the Department of Environmental Quality, along with two members with expertise in wetlands and riparian zone ecology appointed by the Commission.
• Cost Effective: We believe the cost of protection will be much less than the cost of fixing the problem. Cleaning up dirty water, and restoring eroded stream banks is expensive. Building a natural system to protect water quality helps our environment and our economy, and it’s a cost effective use of taxpayer dollars.
• Access to Federal Tax Deductions: The proposed legislation includes language that meets IRS criteria for accessing federal income tax deductions for the granting of conservation easements or full real property interests.
• Oversight and Accountability: Valuation of the donation is determined by strict professional appraisal standards; stacking of tax credits is prohibited; ANRC sets the rules and keeps the records to ensure performance; DF&A would review to prevent abuse, and DF&A will report the total cumulative use of the tax credits.
Sierra Club to meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday Feb. 24, 2009, for presentation on environmental bills in legislature
The Ozark Headwaters Group of the Sierra Club will be meeting
tomorrow, Tuesday Feb. 24th, at 7 pm at U.S. Pizza Company on Dixon
Street in Fayetteville. The Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks has a fun
and informative presentation planned. Also Bill Kopsky of the Arkansas
Public Policy Panel will be discussing the environmental bills that
will be coming before the Arkansas Legislature this year and the
upcoming rally day at the Capitol building. You do not have to be a
member to attend!
For more information contact Molly at mollyrawn@gmail.com or at 479 527 9499
tomorrow, Tuesday Feb. 24th, at 7 pm at U.S. Pizza Company on Dixon
Street in Fayetteville. The Bicycle Coalition of the Ozarks has a fun
and informative presentation planned. Also Bill Kopsky of the Arkansas
Public Policy Panel will be discussing the environmental bills that
will be coming before the Arkansas Legislature this year and the
upcoming rally day at the Capitol building. You do not have to be a
member to attend!
For more information contact Molly at mollyrawn@gmail.com or at 479 527 9499
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Daffodils approaching peak bloom in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on Feb. 21, 2009
Please click on image to enlarge view of daffodil on February 21, 2009, in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Caring for Creation Conference set for March 27-29 in Fayetteville, Arkansas
March 27-29, 2009, Mount Sequoyah is holding the second annual Caring for Creation Conference in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The conference will make people aware of environmental issues and offer creative solutions, and will also help them recognize how to fulfill their responsibilities for stewardship of the environment in their churches and communities.
The keynote speaker will be, Ray C. Anderson, Founder and Chairman of Interface, Inc. Ray is a sought-after international speaker who gives nearly 100 talks each year to audiences hungry for a message about the company that is proving the business model for sustainability works. “Ray Anderson is an incredibly hope-filled business person” states Pat Watkins, a workshop leader from Richmond, VA.
Leaders from Interfaith Power and Light, the Creation Care Movement, and other professionals will lead twelve different workshops and discussions with topics covering a wide variety of environmental issues such as Going Green from the Ground Up, The Ethic of Sustainability, Growing Food and Neighborhoods in Community Gardens, and Consumerism, How to Link Consumer Habits with Our Faith Journey.
Early discounted registration deadline is March 7. For more information call 800-760-8126, email programs@mountsequoyah.org, or go to www.mountsequoyah.org and click on events.
Marilyn Braswell
Mount Sequoyah Conference & Retreat Center
150 N. W. Skyline Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-443-4531or 800-760-8126
programs@mountsequoyah.org
The keynote speaker will be, Ray C. Anderson, Founder and Chairman of Interface, Inc. Ray is a sought-after international speaker who gives nearly 100 talks each year to audiences hungry for a message about the company that is proving the business model for sustainability works. “Ray Anderson is an incredibly hope-filled business person” states Pat Watkins, a workshop leader from Richmond, VA.
Leaders from Interfaith Power and Light, the Creation Care Movement, and other professionals will lead twelve different workshops and discussions with topics covering a wide variety of environmental issues such as Going Green from the Ground Up, The Ethic of Sustainability, Growing Food and Neighborhoods in Community Gardens, and Consumerism, How to Link Consumer Habits with Our Faith Journey.
Early discounted registration deadline is March 7. For more information call 800-760-8126, email programs@mountsequoyah.org, or go to www.mountsequoyah.org and click on events.
Marilyn Braswell
Mount Sequoyah Conference & Retreat Center
150 N. W. Skyline Drive
Fayetteville, AR 72701
479-443-4531or 800-760-8126
programs@mountsequoyah.org
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Another wasted resource: Oiling goose eggs about as foolish an idea as one can imagine
The best thing would be for Bella Vista residents to learn to value and enjoy having wildlife around. But, if the lack of understanding of nature and natural resources can't be overcome, then there is an accepted and humane and sustainable way to deal with the perceived overpopulation of Canada geese on Bella Vista Lakes:
Eat the eggs. Forget the oiling. Think about that on your next visit to egg counter at the grocery store. A dozen goose eggs is equivalent to more than two dozen extra-large chicken eggs and the flavor is at least as good!
Actually getting close enough to a pair of geese to rob the nest likely will give a person a lot more respect for the geese, which not only do not abort their young but will fight to protect them and mate for life!
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/02/17/news/021809bzgeese.txt
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Group To Oil Goose Eggs
By Anna Fry
THE MORNING NEWS
BELLA VISTA -- The Bella Vista Property Owners Association will start oiling Canada goose eggs this year in an attempt to slow population growth, the association's general manager said.
GeesePeace, a nonprofit group that promotes nonlethal methods to control problem goose populations, visited the community last fall. Representatives provided a suggested plan that included egg oiling and chasing the geese with a border collie. The feces of Bella Vista's estimated 1,000 resident geese fouls lakes and golf courses.
Oiling means coating eggs with corn oil to seal pores so oxygen can't get in and biological processes stop. That's only done to eggs in which the embryos haven't developed lungs.
Association officials hope to set up a volunteer program where a team adopts a designated area, Bailey said. People who spot goose nests could report them to team members. The members could map the nests and later oil them.
Egg oiling is the best way to stop reproduction, said Darrell Bowman, the association's lake ecology and fisheries manager. The problem is the geese imprint in the area they are born and will stay rather than migrating.
The association will start at least trying to stop reproduction and hope over time the goose population will decline, Bowman said.
GeesePeace's report suggested oiling eggs in April. The report then suggested "site aversion" between mid-May and early June. Site aversion is making areas inhospitable to geese.
The report recommended using a border collie to flush geese from parks, lakes and golf courses. The border collie would cost $4,500, according to the report.
The association's board would have to discuss whether to use a collie in the future because that'll cost the association more, Bailey said.
He thinks it's unlikely the association will get enough volunteers to house the dog and take it out to flush all the lakes and golf courses. If not enough people volunteer, the association would have to add staff, Bailey said.
"The best world would be that volunteers would run the program and we would just coordinate," Bailey said.
Bella Vista has about 1,000 acres of lakes. GeesePeace's program has been used at smaller locations, Bailey said.
GeesePeace Director David Feld said that Bella Vista's size wouldn't make flushing the birds problematic. The program has seen success at larger locations including some that are countywide, he said.
"You're small," Feld said. "You're easy, probably one of the easiest places we're dealing with."
Bella Vista would be pretty successful controlling the goose population through egg oiling and no site aversion, Feld said. Many GeesePeace-assisted areas solely do egg oiling, which is sufficient for them, Feld said.
Without goslings, the geese won't be tied to the area. But a site aversion program would be helpful in the first year because the birds would think they need to find another place to molt, he said. Geese can't fly during molting season.
The association's board will discuss the report at a meeting Thursday.
Meeting Information
Bella Vista Property Owners Association Board
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Country Club board meeting room, 98 Clubhouse Drive
On The Agenda: GeesePeace report
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Mud Creek Cleanup set for Saturday, February 21, 2009
Please click on image to Enlarge view of Illinois River. Mud Creek is an urban tributary of Clear Creek, which is a tributary of the Illinois River.
.jpg)
IRWP Mud Creek Clean up Sat. Feb. 21
From: Contact IRWP (contact@irwp.org)
Sent: Thu 2/12/09 12:54 PM
Join the IRWP on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 am till 12 noon to learn more about water quality, trees and conservation management from the Arkansas Forestry Commission and help us clean up Mud Creek and enjoy our natural resources!
Meet at the Mud Creek Trail entrance on Front Street just east of College Avenue, south of Joyce Blvd and north of Panera Bread Co. in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Plastic trash bags and gloves will be provided by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Dept.
For details, please email or call 479-238-4671
.jpg)
IRWP Mud Creek Clean up Sat. Feb. 21
From: Contact IRWP (contact@irwp.org)
Sent: Thu 2/12/09 12:54 PM
Join the IRWP on Saturday, Feb. 21, from 9 am till 12 noon to learn more about water quality, trees and conservation management from the Arkansas Forestry Commission and help us clean up Mud Creek and enjoy our natural resources!
Meet at the Mud Creek Trail entrance on Front Street just east of College Avenue, south of Joyce Blvd and north of Panera Bread Co. in Fayetteville, Arkansas.
Plastic trash bags and gloves will be provided by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Dept.
For details, please email or call 479-238-4671
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Fayette Junction Master Plan to be presented at 6 p.m. Thursday
Please click on image to ENLARGE one of the slides found at the link below.
All,
The Fayette Junction Master Plan Community Presentation has been rescheduled
for Thursday, Feb. 5 at BioBased Companies, which is located at the SE corner of Razorback Road and Cato Springs Road. Over 100 stakeholders contributed to the vision that will be presented, and a draft of the vision document and Illustrative Plan are now available at http://cityplan2025.accessfayetteville.org.
Please paste in address above or go directly to the information at the link below:
Access Fayetteville drawings and photos from Fayette Junction planning session
Please join us on the 5th for tours at 6:00 p.m., the presentation at 6:30 p.m., and light
refreshments following the presentation.
Best,
Karen Minkel
Karen Minkel
Interim Director of Long Range Planning
City of Fayetteville
(479) 575-8271
All,
The Fayette Junction Master Plan Community Presentation has been rescheduled
for Thursday, Feb. 5 at BioBased Companies, which is located at the SE corner of Razorback Road and Cato Springs Road. Over 100 stakeholders contributed to the vision that will be presented, and a draft of the vision document and Illustrative Plan are now available at http://cityplan2025.accessfayetteville.org.
Please paste in address above or go directly to the information at the link below:
Access Fayetteville drawings and photos from Fayette Junction planning session
Please join us on the 5th for tours at 6:00 p.m., the presentation at 6:30 p.m., and light
refreshments following the presentation.
Best,
Karen Minkel
Karen Minkel
Interim Director of Long Range Planning
City of Fayetteville
(479) 575-8271
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Working Together;
Meeting the Challenges
Mayor Lioneld Jordan
January 30, 2009
My central message today is this: No one in Fayetteville should have to suffer unduly from the effects of this ice storm. It doesn't matter whether you're poor or unemployed, a renter or homeless, a student or a corporate executive- you should be able to stay safe and warm, and the City is doing and will continue to do everything in its power to help you.
I want to recognize the outstanding work of our city employees in all divisions and departments. It is an honor for me to work with such dedicated people who are committed to serving our citizens at all times and under such difficult conditions. I also appreciate the work of the Red Cross to establish an emergency shelter and the ongoing efforts of the private utility companies –SWEPCO and Ozarks Electric Cooperative – to restore electrical power to our homes and businesses.
Our citizens have responded with compassion and concern. Many have called my office to report conditions and alert us to the needs of their neighbors, and the number offering to volunteer to help has been heartwarming. I thank you for everything you do for our community.
I am grateful that President Barack Obama has issued an emergency disaster declaration allowing us to avail ourselves of federal resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and funding, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act. Governor Mike Beebe has declared a state of emergency allowing state agencies to more easily coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
Meeting the Challenges
Mayor Lioneld Jordan
January 30, 2009
My central message today is this: No one in Fayetteville should have to suffer unduly from the effects of this ice storm. It doesn't matter whether you're poor or unemployed, a renter or homeless, a student or a corporate executive- you should be able to stay safe and warm, and the City is doing and will continue to do everything in its power to help you.
I want to recognize the outstanding work of our city employees in all divisions and departments. It is an honor for me to work with such dedicated people who are committed to serving our citizens at all times and under such difficult conditions. I also appreciate the work of the Red Cross to establish an emergency shelter and the ongoing efforts of the private utility companies –SWEPCO and Ozarks Electric Cooperative – to restore electrical power to our homes and businesses.
Our citizens have responded with compassion and concern. Many have called my office to report conditions and alert us to the needs of their neighbors, and the number offering to volunteer to help has been heartwarming. I thank you for everything you do for our community.
I am grateful that President Barack Obama has issued an emergency disaster declaration allowing us to avail ourselves of federal resources from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and funding, authorized under Title V of the Stafford Act. Governor Mike Beebe has declared a state of emergency allowing state agencies to more easily coordinate with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Woodpeckers can have a great year in Fayetteville if people will keep the damaged trees that die later from the ice storm
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of woodpecker on World Peace Wetland Prairie at about sunset on January 29, 2009.
Ducks know how to cope with ice. Walk on it!
Please click on image to ENLARGE photos of mallards on ice on January 29, 2009.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Joe Neal reports encounter of a redneck's bass boat and a flock of waterfowl on Beaver Lake
I had a disagreeable experience birding today and wanted to share it,
mainly to just vent...the locale is Beaver Lake in NWA. I was up there
with Amy Edie & wanting to show her the Western Grebe I had seen
several times recently from Slate Gap Road near Lost Bridge. I had
excitedly counted up to 162 Horned Grebes (and anticipated other water
bird species as I scanned & counted). A bass boat came barreling up on
the flock, never slowed, and seemed to deliberately target rafting
grebes. After putting them in flight (yee-haw!), the boat slowed...I
saw a mangled grebe. The boat turned, pulled up next to it, and buba
fished it out of the water...I heard laughter and saw them grinning
through my spotting scope, then tossing the bloody grebe back, like it
was trash. I honked and yelled. They probably thought I was saluting
their manhood.
Things like this make me despair of the human race, since I assume
from the obvious insensitivity that it probably applies to more than
birds. I wondered what these two guys in their $20,000 rig would think
if it were grebes in the boat, barreling down purposely on them, a
rafting flock of humans...
I had a call at home last night about a planned "crow shoot" in a
small community just southeast of Fayetteville. I wondered how the
crow shooters would feel if the tables were turned. That is, if crows
ran the world -- or at least thought they did -- and planned a "people
shoot." You know, got to get rid of those people -- there's just too
many of them and they're eating up all of our crops, etc etc.
I grew up as a Southern Baptist. I am fond of reminding my fellow
Arkansas natives that there is no guarantee that when they get up
there to the pearly gates god will necessarily be a buba. Maybe god
will be a grebe, or perhaps a crow, or perhaps...any of a number of
undervalued and despised creatures.
JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas
mainly to just vent...the locale is Beaver Lake in NWA. I was up there
with Amy Edie & wanting to show her the Western Grebe I had seen
several times recently from Slate Gap Road near Lost Bridge. I had
excitedly counted up to 162 Horned Grebes (and anticipated other water
bird species as I scanned & counted). A bass boat came barreling up on
the flock, never slowed, and seemed to deliberately target rafting
grebes. After putting them in flight (yee-haw!), the boat slowed...I
saw a mangled grebe. The boat turned, pulled up next to it, and buba
fished it out of the water...I heard laughter and saw them grinning
through my spotting scope, then tossing the bloody grebe back, like it
was trash. I honked and yelled. They probably thought I was saluting
their manhood.
Things like this make me despair of the human race, since I assume
from the obvious insensitivity that it probably applies to more than
birds. I wondered what these two guys in their $20,000 rig would think
if it were grebes in the boat, barreling down purposely on them, a
rafting flock of humans...
I had a call at home last night about a planned "crow shoot" in a
small community just southeast of Fayetteville. I wondered how the
crow shooters would feel if the tables were turned. That is, if crows
ran the world -- or at least thought they did -- and planned a "people
shoot." You know, got to get rid of those people -- there's just too
many of them and they're eating up all of our crops, etc etc.
I grew up as a Southern Baptist. I am fond of reminding my fellow
Arkansas natives that there is no guarantee that when they get up
there to the pearly gates god will necessarily be a buba. Maybe god
will be a grebe, or perhaps a crow, or perhaps...any of a number of
undervalued and despised creatures.
JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas
Arkansas darter and Wilson Spring report from a couple of decades ago still important
INTRODUCTION
On May 4, 1990, Mr. Richard Shewmaker, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, contacted the AFS subchapter to look into the possible environmental impacts of developing an industrial park in northwest Fayetteville. The Little Rock Army Corps of Engineers locates the site in T.17 N., R.30 W., Washington County, Arkansas (Corps letter dated 4/17/90 to Mayor William Martin, City of Fayetteville). That letter also states that an on site investigation on March 30, 1990 found approximately 7.3 acres of wetland in Section 33 of the proposed industrial park. The wetland is of special interest to the City due to the need of a Corps 404 permit to fill wetlands. Another interest to the City is a small, un named spring that arises from a culvert under U.S. Highway 71 By Pass west access road, and a small fish, the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) known to inhabit that spring and its spring run. Mr. Shewmaker requested we investigate the distribution of the Arkansas darter and determine if the proposed industrial park and especially the proposed widening and deepening of Clabber Creek (into which the spring stream flows) might affect the darter.
The Arkansas darter is listed as a Category 2 species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review (USFWS 1989). Category 2 comprises taxa for which information now in possession of the Service indicates that proposing to list as endangered or threatened is possibly appropriate, but for which conclusive data on biological vulnerability and threat are not currently available to support proposed rules. The Service emphasizes that these taxa are not being proposed for listing, and that there are not specific plans for such proposals unless additional information becomes available. Further biological research and field study may be needed to ascertain the status of taxa in this category, and it is likely that many will be found not to warrant listing. The Service hopes that this notice will encourage investigation of the status and vulnerability of these taxa, and consideration of them in the course of environmental planning.
Arkansas darters are found within the Arkansas River drainage in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, where they inhabit spring runs or small creeks with an abundance of watercress or other aquatic vegetation (Lee, et al. 1980). The species is rare in the southeastern Ozarks, where it may be less common than before 1900 (Pflieger 1975). It is protected by state law in Colorado and Kansas (Johnson 1987), and "is definitely a rare species in the state, and, because of the limited habitat, is of special concern" (Robison and Buchanan 1988). The American Fisheries Society included the Arkansas darter in its recent listing of fishes of Special Concern (Williams, et al. 1989), listing present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range, as the reason for its inclusion.
Arkansas darters are known from only five localities in the State of Arkansas, all in the extreme northwestern portion of the State (Robison and Buchanan 1988). The first collection in Arkansas was in 1979, within the Fayetteville City Limits, by Steve Wilson, present Director of Arkansas Game and Fish commission. That collection site was the spring run within the proposed industrial park. The original collection was made in conjunction with construction of U.S. Highway 71 By Pass around Fayetteville, which eventually completely covered the springhead. During construction it was necessary to extend the spring beneath the highway to its present outflow in Section 33.
DISCUSSION
During the sampling period (May 7 10, 1990), Clabber Creek flowed about 2 cubic feet/second (cfs) and the spring run flowed about 0.3 cfs above and 0.6 cfs below the second spring. Clabber Creek averaged about one meter in width and about 0.7 meters deep, with a maximum width of 2.5 m and maximum depth of 1.5 m. Visibility was good in the spring run and poor in Clabber Creek. High, turbid waters always make fish collecting more difficult. Spring rains during April and early May, 1990, resulted in flood conditions across much of northwestern Arkansas; Fayetteville recorded more than twice the normal rainfall of 13 inches through April (Arkansas Agricultural Statistician) and two floods approaching the 100 year level during the last of April and first of May. High water marks along Clabber Creek indicate water levels were at least 0.75 meter higher during recent flooding. Flooding also occurred along the spring run from waters passing under the Highway through a culvert that empties into the stream adjacent to the spring outflow.
As it crosses Deane Solomon Road, Clabber Creek maintains a fairly stable, mud gravel substrate, but this changes upstream to a soft, mud/silt substrate. The low banks of Clabber Creek are also composed of soft mud and the stream is incised approximately 1 meter as it flows through open farm fields that will make up the proposed industrial park. Cattail (Typha sp.) is the only emergent vegetation.
The spring run has a soft mud bottom, with small pockets of gravel; the banks are all mud/silt. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is common and arrowweed (Sagittaria latifolia) is rare from the springhead to a second spring entering the run about 230 meters from the headspring. A varied riparian community exists along the spring run and wetland, that appears to be a modified old field community of perhaps 30 years of age, judging by the diameters of the largest elm and sycamore trees. Hydrophilic plants mark the boundary of the
wetland, and grade into grasses and annuals in higher portions of the proposed industrial park.
The entire reach of Clabber Creek from Deane Solomon Road to its confluence with the spring run was electrofished and seined. The spring run was electrofished from its confluence with Clabber Creek to the springhead at U.S. Highway 71 By Pass. Electrofishing equipment consisted of a Coffelt DC backpack electrofisher set at 300 500 volts, depending upon water depth, and a pulsed current of 30 cycles per second. Over 5900 seconds of electrofishing time were spent on this project. Table 1 lists the fish species found and the numbers captured.
Steve Wilson, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, was questioned on 5/10/90 about the 1979 population of Arkansas darters in the spring run. Director Wilson was working for the Arkansas Highway Commission at that time, and was asked identify the fish accumulating in a ditch that had been dug to channel water away from the spring. He estimated there was over 100 Arkansas darters in the ditch, and dip netted a few to identify; specimens were later sent to Tom Buchanan in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
TABLE 1. Fishes captured in Clabber Creek and its associated spring run, Washington Co., Arkansas, May 7 10, 1990.
NUMBER OF FISH CAPTURED
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CLABBER CREEK SPRING RUN
Yellow bullhead Ictalurus natalis 9 not found
Central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum 1 not found
Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus 54 3
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 1 not found
Blackspotted
Topminnow Fundulus notatus 41 not found
Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis 7 not found
Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini not found 10
CONCLUSIONS
In the few hours we were in the proposed industrial park wetland collecting fish, we noted many animals, including three toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina), snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), bullfrogs (Rana catsbeiana), crayfish (Oronectes neglectus), a water snake (Nerodia sp.), many bird species, and the tracks of raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), and whitetail deer (0docoileus virginianus). This diversity of wildlife seems unusually high for a small area within the City Limits of Fayetteville, and only a few hundred meters from busy U.S. Highway 71 By Pass.
Fish diversity and numbers, on the other hand, were quite low in both streams. The six species in Clabber Creek are the likely result of prolonged periods of no flow, with only the most resistant species able to survive in isolated pools. Two fish species in the spring run and their distribution also indicates that stream probably undergoes periods of no flow, with aquatic organisms concentrating around the two spring sources that continue to retain water. Arkansas darters find the environmental conditions of this spring run suitable to their survival, however, as they have been able to maintain their population there.
The biogeographical pattern of a species found in widespread but disjunct habitats is indicative of an organism that once dispersed throughout its range, but is now restricted to isolated "pockets" of suitable habitat surrounded by a hostile environment that prevents dispersal. Each isolated population is vulnerable to habitat modifications on a very limited scale. Contiguous populations are able to repopulate a habitat that has been temporarily altered, but there is no source of resupply for disjunct populations; either a few breeding individuals survive the perturbation or the population is extirpated.
The present disjunct distribution of Arkansas darters suggests they were once dispersed throughout the Arkansas River basin. Their present confinement to smaller springs and spring streams indicates they can no longer live in the larger streams and rivers of this system, but have retreated to the relatively constant conditions of springs to make their last stand. These isolated populations are totally dependent upon the unchanging nature of their habitat, and while they may be able to withstand some short time alterations, they exist within a very narrow survival range.
We conclude the following from our one-week study of the proposed Fayetteville industrial park wetland and spring run:
1. The two springs and connected spring run provide suitable habitat for all of the necessary life history needs of the Arkansas darters. This suitable habitat centers around each of the two springheads, but at times is found throughout the uppermost 250 meters of the spring run. Of special note, this reach also maintains the highest concentration of watercress with which the species may associate.
2. The truncated fish species diversity of Clabber Creek and the spring run indicates both streams frequently cease to flow. Isolated pools in Clabber Creek and the two springs in the spring run allow a few species to maintain small populations. The channeled reach of the spring run below the second spring and Clabber Creek do not provide suitable habitat for Arkansas darters.
3. Electrofishing does not sample all of the fish in a stream, and a single "pass" through the area may sample fewer than 10% of the population. Even though the spring run is rather complex, with cover under the water cress for fish to hide, it is also quite small, and does not allow fish to escape collection by swimming into deeper water or under rocks or roots. Arkansas darters are reported to dive into the mud when disturbed (Robison and Buchanan 1988), making them difficult to collect even if the electricity has stunned them. Thus, a population estimate backed by so little data must be questioned, but our estimate of Arkansas darters for the spring run within the boundaries of the proposed industrial park is between 10 50 fish.
4. This population of Arkansas darters has declined since its 1979 estimated level of more than 100 fish, to its present estimated level of 10 50 fish. Construction on U.S. Highway 71 By Pass must have impacted the species, but the population should have recovered within 1 2 years if the resulting habitat was suitable. The present low population of Arkansas darters indicates the existing habitat is marginal, resulting in a population that is at the lowest limit of survival (Frankel and Soule 1981); further impacts on this habitat will surely extirpate the species.
RECOMMMENDATIONS
It seems likely that the Arkansas darter population in the proposed Fayetteville industrial park will be extirpated as the area is developed unless certain measures are followed to protect the spring run upon which they depend. The following recommendations are made to reduce the impacts of that proposed development. No one can guarantee that if all of the recommendations are followed, the population will survive, just as there is no guarantee that the population will survive if the industrial park is not constructed. The area is rapidly being developed, and at this point a conscientious developer willing to provide protective measures for the fish and its habitat allow the fish a better chance of survival than unrestricted development.
1. Flows from the springhead issuing from beneath U.S. Highway 71 Bypass access road, and from Spring 2, must be protected. Flows cannot fall below their present annual levels.
2. Neither of the springs nor spring run can be polluted, either from contaminated groundwater or surface runoff (road salt, fertilizers, parking lots, etc.).
3. Recharge areas for the two springs are unknown. They may, however, be within the City Limits of Fayetteville and thus fall under provisions of the park developer. We recommend that the City of Fayetteville investigate the hydrology of the two springs in the near future and work with landowners to protect the recharge areas from contamination.
4. All drainage except for spring flows should be moved away from the wetland and enter directly into Clabber Creek. If surface waters must flow into the spring run, they should be directed into the channelized portion of the stream no less than 50 meters below Spring 2.
5. The 7.3 acre wetland holds water during much of the year. When constructing drainage channels, pipelines, footings, etc., care should be taken not to break through the existing aquifer or facilitate drainage of the area.
6. The wetland buffers the spring run and its associated springs from improper public use and surface contaminants, and in fact may be a part of the local spring recharge system. This area should be surveyed to insure that all hydrophilic soils are included within the protected boundaries. The area should then be adequately fenced and posted to protect it from improper use (off road driving, littering, dumping, etc.).
7. Move the northern boundary of the wetland to the property line adjacent to the trucking company. This will provide additional buffering for the spring run.
8. Livestock should be immediately removed from the wetland and associated springs/ and kept out of the area.
9. Periodic monitoring of the wetland and associated springs and spring run should be made to determine if above protective measures are adequate. If not, additional efforts must be initiated to protect the delicate area.
10. Post public information around the wetland and spring run explaining why the area has been preserved.
SUMMARY
It is our belief that the industrial park can be constructed and successfully coexist with the wetland and spring system, but it is imperative that strict guidelines be followed in order to achieve this goal. Even a "clean" industrial park is likely to discharge potentially toxic materials (insecticides, cleaning fluids, gasoline, fertilizers, etc.), and silt during construction or operational phases. In this aquatic system, even a small amount of toxic material may result in the extirpation of the Arkansas darter. By diverting surface flow from the industrial park, these impacts should be prevented.
LITERATURE CITED
Frankel, O.H. and M.E. Soule. 1981. Conservation and Evolution. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, England.
Johnson, J.E. 1987. Protected fishes of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Behtesda, Maryland.
Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister, and J.R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North
American freshwater fishes. NC State Mus Nat. Hist, Raleigh.
Pflieger, W.L. The Fishes of Missouri. 1975. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Jefferson City.
Robison, H. W. and T. M. Buchanan. 1988. Fishes of Arkansas. Univ. of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville.
USFWS. 1989. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Register Vol. 54(4):554 579.
Williams, J.E., J.E. Johnson, D.A. Herdrickson, S. Conteras Balderas, J.D. Williams, M. Navarro Mendoza, D.E. McAllister, and J.E. Deacon. 1989. Fishes of North America, endangered, threatened, or of special concern: 1989. Fisheries 14(6):2 38.
On May 4, 1990, Mr. Richard Shewmaker, Economic Development Coordinator for the City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, contacted the AFS subchapter to look into the possible environmental impacts of developing an industrial park in northwest Fayetteville. The Little Rock Army Corps of Engineers locates the site in T.17 N., R.30 W., Washington County, Arkansas (Corps letter dated 4/17/90 to Mayor William Martin, City of Fayetteville). That letter also states that an on site investigation on March 30, 1990 found approximately 7.3 acres of wetland in Section 33 of the proposed industrial park. The wetland is of special interest to the City due to the need of a Corps 404 permit to fill wetlands. Another interest to the City is a small, un named spring that arises from a culvert under U.S. Highway 71 By Pass west access road, and a small fish, the Arkansas darter (Etheostoma cragini) known to inhabit that spring and its spring run. Mr. Shewmaker requested we investigate the distribution of the Arkansas darter and determine if the proposed industrial park and especially the proposed widening and deepening of Clabber Creek (into which the spring stream flows) might affect the darter.
The Arkansas darter is listed as a Category 2 species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review (USFWS 1989). Category 2 comprises taxa for which information now in possession of the Service indicates that proposing to list as endangered or threatened is possibly appropriate, but for which conclusive data on biological vulnerability and threat are not currently available to support proposed rules. The Service emphasizes that these taxa are not being proposed for listing, and that there are not specific plans for such proposals unless additional information becomes available. Further biological research and field study may be needed to ascertain the status of taxa in this category, and it is likely that many will be found not to warrant listing. The Service hopes that this notice will encourage investigation of the status and vulnerability of these taxa, and consideration of them in the course of environmental planning.
Arkansas darters are found within the Arkansas River drainage in Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, where they inhabit spring runs or small creeks with an abundance of watercress or other aquatic vegetation (Lee, et al. 1980). The species is rare in the southeastern Ozarks, where it may be less common than before 1900 (Pflieger 1975). It is protected by state law in Colorado and Kansas (Johnson 1987), and "is definitely a rare species in the state, and, because of the limited habitat, is of special concern" (Robison and Buchanan 1988). The American Fisheries Society included the Arkansas darter in its recent listing of fishes of Special Concern (Williams, et al. 1989), listing present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of its habitat or range, as the reason for its inclusion.
Arkansas darters are known from only five localities in the State of Arkansas, all in the extreme northwestern portion of the State (Robison and Buchanan 1988). The first collection in Arkansas was in 1979, within the Fayetteville City Limits, by Steve Wilson, present Director of Arkansas Game and Fish commission. That collection site was the spring run within the proposed industrial park. The original collection was made in conjunction with construction of U.S. Highway 71 By Pass around Fayetteville, which eventually completely covered the springhead. During construction it was necessary to extend the spring beneath the highway to its present outflow in Section 33.
DISCUSSION
During the sampling period (May 7 10, 1990), Clabber Creek flowed about 2 cubic feet/second (cfs) and the spring run flowed about 0.3 cfs above and 0.6 cfs below the second spring. Clabber Creek averaged about one meter in width and about 0.7 meters deep, with a maximum width of 2.5 m and maximum depth of 1.5 m. Visibility was good in the spring run and poor in Clabber Creek. High, turbid waters always make fish collecting more difficult. Spring rains during April and early May, 1990, resulted in flood conditions across much of northwestern Arkansas; Fayetteville recorded more than twice the normal rainfall of 13 inches through April (Arkansas Agricultural Statistician) and two floods approaching the 100 year level during the last of April and first of May. High water marks along Clabber Creek indicate water levels were at least 0.75 meter higher during recent flooding. Flooding also occurred along the spring run from waters passing under the Highway through a culvert that empties into the stream adjacent to the spring outflow.
As it crosses Deane Solomon Road, Clabber Creek maintains a fairly stable, mud gravel substrate, but this changes upstream to a soft, mud/silt substrate. The low banks of Clabber Creek are also composed of soft mud and the stream is incised approximately 1 meter as it flows through open farm fields that will make up the proposed industrial park. Cattail (Typha sp.) is the only emergent vegetation.
The spring run has a soft mud bottom, with small pockets of gravel; the banks are all mud/silt. Watercress (Nasturtium officinale) is common and arrowweed (Sagittaria latifolia) is rare from the springhead to a second spring entering the run about 230 meters from the headspring. A varied riparian community exists along the spring run and wetland, that appears to be a modified old field community of perhaps 30 years of age, judging by the diameters of the largest elm and sycamore trees. Hydrophilic plants mark the boundary of the
wetland, and grade into grasses and annuals in higher portions of the proposed industrial park.
The entire reach of Clabber Creek from Deane Solomon Road to its confluence with the spring run was electrofished and seined. The spring run was electrofished from its confluence with Clabber Creek to the springhead at U.S. Highway 71 By Pass. Electrofishing equipment consisted of a Coffelt DC backpack electrofisher set at 300 500 volts, depending upon water depth, and a pulsed current of 30 cycles per second. Over 5900 seconds of electrofishing time were spent on this project. Table 1 lists the fish species found and the numbers captured.
Steve Wilson, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, was questioned on 5/10/90 about the 1979 population of Arkansas darters in the spring run. Director Wilson was working for the Arkansas Highway Commission at that time, and was asked identify the fish accumulating in a ditch that had been dug to channel water away from the spring. He estimated there was over 100 Arkansas darters in the ditch, and dip netted a few to identify; specimens were later sent to Tom Buchanan in Ft. Smith, Arkansas.
TABLE 1. Fishes captured in Clabber Creek and its associated spring run, Washington Co., Arkansas, May 7 10, 1990.
NUMBER OF FISH CAPTURED
COMMON NAME SCIENTIFIC NAME CLABBER CREEK SPRING RUN
Yellow bullhead Ictalurus natalis 9 not found
Central stoneroller Campostoma anomalum 1 not found
Green sunfish Lepomis cyanellus 54 3
Bluegill Lepomis macrochirus 1 not found
Blackspotted
Topminnow Fundulus notatus 41 not found
Mosquitofish Gambusia affinis 7 not found
Arkansas darter Etheostoma cragini not found 10
CONCLUSIONS
In the few hours we were in the proposed industrial park wetland collecting fish, we noted many animals, including three toed box turtles (Terrapene carolina), snapping turtles (Chelydra serpentina), bullfrogs (Rana catsbeiana), crayfish (Oronectes neglectus), a water snake (Nerodia sp.), many bird species, and the tracks of raccoon (Procyon lotor), opossum (Didelphis marsupialis), and whitetail deer (0docoileus virginianus). This diversity of wildlife seems unusually high for a small area within the City Limits of Fayetteville, and only a few hundred meters from busy U.S. Highway 71 By Pass.
Fish diversity and numbers, on the other hand, were quite low in both streams. The six species in Clabber Creek are the likely result of prolonged periods of no flow, with only the most resistant species able to survive in isolated pools. Two fish species in the spring run and their distribution also indicates that stream probably undergoes periods of no flow, with aquatic organisms concentrating around the two spring sources that continue to retain water. Arkansas darters find the environmental conditions of this spring run suitable to their survival, however, as they have been able to maintain their population there.
The biogeographical pattern of a species found in widespread but disjunct habitats is indicative of an organism that once dispersed throughout its range, but is now restricted to isolated "pockets" of suitable habitat surrounded by a hostile environment that prevents dispersal. Each isolated population is vulnerable to habitat modifications on a very limited scale. Contiguous populations are able to repopulate a habitat that has been temporarily altered, but there is no source of resupply for disjunct populations; either a few breeding individuals survive the perturbation or the population is extirpated.
The present disjunct distribution of Arkansas darters suggests they were once dispersed throughout the Arkansas River basin. Their present confinement to smaller springs and spring streams indicates they can no longer live in the larger streams and rivers of this system, but have retreated to the relatively constant conditions of springs to make their last stand. These isolated populations are totally dependent upon the unchanging nature of their habitat, and while they may be able to withstand some short time alterations, they exist within a very narrow survival range.
We conclude the following from our one-week study of the proposed Fayetteville industrial park wetland and spring run:
1. The two springs and connected spring run provide suitable habitat for all of the necessary life history needs of the Arkansas darters. This suitable habitat centers around each of the two springheads, but at times is found throughout the uppermost 250 meters of the spring run. Of special note, this reach also maintains the highest concentration of watercress with which the species may associate.
2. The truncated fish species diversity of Clabber Creek and the spring run indicates both streams frequently cease to flow. Isolated pools in Clabber Creek and the two springs in the spring run allow a few species to maintain small populations. The channeled reach of the spring run below the second spring and Clabber Creek do not provide suitable habitat for Arkansas darters.
3. Electrofishing does not sample all of the fish in a stream, and a single "pass" through the area may sample fewer than 10% of the population. Even though the spring run is rather complex, with cover under the water cress for fish to hide, it is also quite small, and does not allow fish to escape collection by swimming into deeper water or under rocks or roots. Arkansas darters are reported to dive into the mud when disturbed (Robison and Buchanan 1988), making them difficult to collect even if the electricity has stunned them. Thus, a population estimate backed by so little data must be questioned, but our estimate of Arkansas darters for the spring run within the boundaries of the proposed industrial park is between 10 50 fish.
4. This population of Arkansas darters has declined since its 1979 estimated level of more than 100 fish, to its present estimated level of 10 50 fish. Construction on U.S. Highway 71 By Pass must have impacted the species, but the population should have recovered within 1 2 years if the resulting habitat was suitable. The present low population of Arkansas darters indicates the existing habitat is marginal, resulting in a population that is at the lowest limit of survival (Frankel and Soule 1981); further impacts on this habitat will surely extirpate the species.
RECOMMMENDATIONS
It seems likely that the Arkansas darter population in the proposed Fayetteville industrial park will be extirpated as the area is developed unless certain measures are followed to protect the spring run upon which they depend. The following recommendations are made to reduce the impacts of that proposed development. No one can guarantee that if all of the recommendations are followed, the population will survive, just as there is no guarantee that the population will survive if the industrial park is not constructed. The area is rapidly being developed, and at this point a conscientious developer willing to provide protective measures for the fish and its habitat allow the fish a better chance of survival than unrestricted development.
1. Flows from the springhead issuing from beneath U.S. Highway 71 Bypass access road, and from Spring 2, must be protected. Flows cannot fall below their present annual levels.
2. Neither of the springs nor spring run can be polluted, either from contaminated groundwater or surface runoff (road salt, fertilizers, parking lots, etc.).
3. Recharge areas for the two springs are unknown. They may, however, be within the City Limits of Fayetteville and thus fall under provisions of the park developer. We recommend that the City of Fayetteville investigate the hydrology of the two springs in the near future and work with landowners to protect the recharge areas from contamination.
4. All drainage except for spring flows should be moved away from the wetland and enter directly into Clabber Creek. If surface waters must flow into the spring run, they should be directed into the channelized portion of the stream no less than 50 meters below Spring 2.
5. The 7.3 acre wetland holds water during much of the year. When constructing drainage channels, pipelines, footings, etc., care should be taken not to break through the existing aquifer or facilitate drainage of the area.
6. The wetland buffers the spring run and its associated springs from improper public use and surface contaminants, and in fact may be a part of the local spring recharge system. This area should be surveyed to insure that all hydrophilic soils are included within the protected boundaries. The area should then be adequately fenced and posted to protect it from improper use (off road driving, littering, dumping, etc.).
7. Move the northern boundary of the wetland to the property line adjacent to the trucking company. This will provide additional buffering for the spring run.
8. Livestock should be immediately removed from the wetland and associated springs/ and kept out of the area.
9. Periodic monitoring of the wetland and associated springs and spring run should be made to determine if above protective measures are adequate. If not, additional efforts must be initiated to protect the delicate area.
10. Post public information around the wetland and spring run explaining why the area has been preserved.
SUMMARY
It is our belief that the industrial park can be constructed and successfully coexist with the wetland and spring system, but it is imperative that strict guidelines be followed in order to achieve this goal. Even a "clean" industrial park is likely to discharge potentially toxic materials (insecticides, cleaning fluids, gasoline, fertilizers, etc.), and silt during construction or operational phases. In this aquatic system, even a small amount of toxic material may result in the extirpation of the Arkansas darter. By diverting surface flow from the industrial park, these impacts should be prevented.
LITERATURE CITED
Frankel, O.H. and M.E. Soule. 1981. Conservation and Evolution. Cambridge Univ. Press, Cambridge, England.
Johnson, J.E. 1987. Protected fishes of the United States and Canada. American Fisheries Society, Behtesda, Maryland.
Lee, D.S., C.R. Gilbert, C.H. Hocutt, R.E. Jenkins, D.E. McAllister, and J.R. Stauffer, Jr. 1980. Atlas of North
American freshwater fishes. NC State Mus Nat. Hist, Raleigh.
Pflieger, W.L. The Fishes of Missouri. 1975. Missouri Dept. of Conservation, Jefferson City.
Robison, H. W. and T. M. Buchanan. 1988. Fishes of Arkansas. Univ. of Arkansas Press, Fayetteville.
USFWS. 1989. Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Animal Notice of Review. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Register Vol. 54(4):554 579.
Williams, J.E., J.E. Johnson, D.A. Herdrickson, S. Conteras Balderas, J.D. Williams, M. Navarro Mendoza, D.E. McAllister, and J.E. Deacon. 1989. Fishes of North America, endangered, threatened, or of special concern: 1989. Fisheries 14(6):2 38.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
January 25, 2009, annual meeting of FNHA features water-quality presentations
"Troubled Water: Preserving and Restoring Arkansas' Most Valuable Resource"
will be the program theme for FNHA’s annual meeting at 2:00 pm on January 25, 2009,
in the Walker meeting room of the Fayetteville Public Library.
Two leading experts on water issues in Arkansas, Martin Maner and Marty Matlock, will discuss Arkansas’ persistent water concerns and will talk with us about what they are doing and what we, as citizens, can do to protect the quality of our water and to help restore water quality where it has deteriorated.
Martin Maner is Director of Watershed Management with Central Arkansas Water, a metropolitan system which traces its history to the springs and wells of the early 1800s and which currently provides water to nearly 400,000 users. Central Arkansas Water, which is publicly owned, emphasizes a regional approach to water needs and has won numerous EPA awards for its commitment to water quality. Before becoming Director of Watershed Management for the utility, Maner was chief of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Division.
Marty Matlock is Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Arkansas and has conducted research on a variety of ecological issues. One groundbreaking project which has drawn national attention combines urban stream ecological services restoration with outdoor classrooms, greenway trails and park development. Matlock's ecological engineering group collaborates closely with the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, in the School of Architecture, as well as with city and state officials to demonstrate more natural designs for stormwater systems. Among other activities, he will be working with the Springdale water utility in 2009 on the Clear Creek stream restoration project.
Please plan to join us the afternoon of January 25, and encourage your friends and neighbors to come along. Refreshments will be served. The annual business meeting will be brief, and there will be opportunities to learn more about an essential resource on which we and all living things depend.
Barbara Elaine Boland
Green Infrastructure Planning, Project Coordinator
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association
148 E Spring Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 521-2801 home
(479) 387-6724 cell
barbaraboland@hotmail.com
"Green Infrastructure is our nation's life support system - an interconnected network of waterways, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas; greenways, parks and other conservation lands; working farms, ranches and forests; and wilderness and other open spaces that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, sustain air and water resources and contribute to the health and quality of life for America's communities and people." USDA Forest Service, Green Infrastructure Working Group's definition of Green Infrastructure.
will be the program theme for FNHA’s annual meeting at 2:00 pm on January 25, 2009,
in the Walker meeting room of the Fayetteville Public Library.
Two leading experts on water issues in Arkansas, Martin Maner and Marty Matlock, will discuss Arkansas’ persistent water concerns and will talk with us about what they are doing and what we, as citizens, can do to protect the quality of our water and to help restore water quality where it has deteriorated.
Martin Maner is Director of Watershed Management with Central Arkansas Water, a metropolitan system which traces its history to the springs and wells of the early 1800s and which currently provides water to nearly 400,000 users. Central Arkansas Water, which is publicly owned, emphasizes a regional approach to water needs and has won numerous EPA awards for its commitment to water quality. Before becoming Director of Watershed Management for the utility, Maner was chief of the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Division.
Marty Matlock is Associate Professor of Agricultural and Biological Engineering at the University of Arkansas and has conducted research on a variety of ecological issues. One groundbreaking project which has drawn national attention combines urban stream ecological services restoration with outdoor classrooms, greenway trails and park development. Matlock's ecological engineering group collaborates closely with the University of Arkansas Community Design Center, in the School of Architecture, as well as with city and state officials to demonstrate more natural designs for stormwater systems. Among other activities, he will be working with the Springdale water utility in 2009 on the Clear Creek stream restoration project.
Please plan to join us the afternoon of January 25, and encourage your friends and neighbors to come along. Refreshments will be served. The annual business meeting will be brief, and there will be opportunities to learn more about an essential resource on which we and all living things depend.
Barbara Elaine Boland
Green Infrastructure Planning, Project Coordinator
Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association
148 E Spring Street
Fayetteville, AR 72701
(479) 521-2801 home
(479) 387-6724 cell
barbaraboland@hotmail.com
"Green Infrastructure is our nation's life support system - an interconnected network of waterways, wetlands, woodlands, wildlife habitats, and other natural areas; greenways, parks and other conservation lands; working farms, ranches and forests; and wilderness and other open spaces that support native species, maintain natural ecological processes, sustain air and water resources and contribute to the health and quality of life for America's communities and people." USDA Forest Service, Green Infrastructure Working Group's definition of Green Infrastructure.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
Mayor Lioneld Jordan's 2009 state-of-the-city address to the city council
http://www.accessfayetteville.org/government/mayor/documents/sotc/State_of_the_City_2009.pdf
Partners in Progress
Mayor Lioneld Jordan
State of the City
January 20, 2009
I am privileged to serve as Mayor of our wonderful city, and I am humbled by the
responsibility that the people have entrusted to me. I am honored to be your servant, and I
will work every day to make our community better for every citizen. That is my solemn
pledge to you.
Thanks to the vision of Mayor Dan Coody, the dedicated effort of our fine Aldermen, the
hard work of our outstanding city employees, and the contributions of many individual
residents who share our civic concerns, I am pleased to report to the City Council and to
my fellow citizens that the State of our City is sound.
We begin the year with a balanced city budget, solid progress on improving our
infrastructure, dedicated police officers and fire fighters who assure our safety, and a
commitment to institutional and individual partnerships to nurture and sustain the things
we love about this great community.
We also begin the year facing many new challenges and we must be prepared to face
those together with resolve. We are not immune from the problems of a faltering national
economy, and we must anticipate and be prepared for the consequences of any revenue
shortfall. We must be responsible stewards of our tax dollars, and we must maintain
essential city services for our citizens. Toward that end, I have already begun to identify
potential cost savings and have implemented a more effective management structure to
improve efficiency and control costs. Our staff already has offered many good solutions,
and we will institute an ongoing, frequent, consistent review of cost/benefit analysis of
operations and projects to assure the services and quality of life that our citizens expect
and deserve.
I believe in leadership by example, and I have proposed to cut the mayor’s salary and roll
it back to last year’s level. I have signed an affidavit that I will not avail myself of the
special lifetime retirement plan funded from general revenues. I have asked to return the
2
$5,000 annual car allowance formerly paid to the mayor and instead, to use a vehicle
from the city fleet when necessary to travel on city business. We have already achieved
some savings in the salaries of top staff, and I will continue to look for savings in all
areas of city operations. My staff and I are partners in this effort.
Even in uncertain economic times, we must be bold in our efforts to develop and
implement a strategic economic development plan for our city. Not only can this lead to
increased revenues without a tax increase, but more importantly, it can help assure green
jobs, good jobs that pay a living wage, allowing individuals and working families to have
the basic necessities and a better life. We already know that we need greater efficiency in
the development approval process, a workforce trained for the jobs of the future, and
better methods to accurately measure the results of our efforts. We can draw on the
suggestions of recent studies and the work of my outstanding Transition Team to craft a
plan that is consistent with Governor Mike Beebe’s long-term strategic plan to help
achieve economic improvement for our state through collaboration and cooperation.
To that end, know that I am serious, and within six weeks I will host a Community
Summit on the Future of Fayetteville that will be open to every citizen and I will consider
all views in forging our own economic and community development strategy. We must
have the participation of the business community and advocates for working families,
students and retirees, public institutions and private citizens, as partners in our shared
progress. We will have, within 90 days, an economic and community development
strategy that considers support for existing small businesses as well as nurturing new
opportunities, and together we will work to make it a reality. A slow national economy is
no excuse for inaction but an opportunity for us to move quickly and prepare now for our
shared future.
My first and immediate goal will be to do everything possible to secure and support the
establishment of a Satellite Campus of the University of Arkansas Medical School and a
Regional Trauma Center in Fayetteville. In the longer view, we should also develop a
close relationship with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and seek a regional presence for that
institution. This commitment clearly illustrates the close connection between economic
development and our quality of life.
The University of Arkansas is a priceless resource, and it is one that helps define
Fayetteville. We must be active partners in progress with the University, drawing on the
vast local resources of knowledge and expertise as we grow together and achieve our
mutual goals. From the development of knowledge-based industry, to community design
plans, to solving social service needs, to collaborating on support for a vibrant arts
culture, the possibilities are limitless. I will actively reach out and pursue this partnership.
The economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of Fayetteville’s advancement are
deeply interconnected. For example, any consideration of transportation policy must
consider getting to work, moving goods, access to cultural resources, and environmental
impact, requiring an integrated and connected system of streets, mass transit, multi-use
trails, bike lanes, sidewalks, and parking, along with a revised transportation impact fee
3
to help growth pay for itself. We will pursue the development of each of these elements,
and we will urge the Regional Mobility Authority to support a feasibility study and
planning for a future light rail system.
As we consider infrastructure development, we must seize the same opportunities. My
administration will go beyond the current recycling program to implementation of a
comprehensive waste minimization program for our entire community. We are pursuing
the idea of solar greenhouses to kill pathogens and reduce the volume of bio-solids now
going to landfills. We are investigating an effective Hillside Development Ordinance and
a storm water utility to better control the primary transmitter of pollutants into our water
supply, and we will implement and enforce a better plan for the protection of riparian
zones. We will be active partners with the “Green Infrastructure” project being developed
with the help of the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association, Arkansas Forestry
Commission, the city’s Urban Forestry program, the Tree and Landscape Committee, and
citizen volunteers. Our ongoing city sustainability efforts can also be expanded and
shared to benefit the entire community, evidenced by our new initiative to provide and
exchange CFL light bulbs in the apartments at Hillcrest Towers. In each instance, we will
be partners in progress.
One major change that will be implemented is a reorganization of our Parks and
Recreation Department. While much attention in the past has been focused on sports
playing fields, we know that our outdoor public spaces can serve other essential
functions. I will propose a new division, to be implemented without additional costs, that
emphasizes our community heritage and citizen participation. Examples to be considered
will be increasing the number of way-finding signs and local historical markers, planting
of native trees and grasses in portions of the parks, establishing a community garden
program in appropriate neighborhood parks, opening a convenient dog park, and
partnering with the University, the County, the Fayetteville School District, the
Washington County Historical Society, and private citizens to identify, preserve, and
promote our historic buildings and other cultural resources. In conjunction with these
changes, I will appoint a volunteer citizen task force on Festivals and Community Events
to seek a closer partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to identify needs
and opportunities, and we will promote the “creative economy” in Fayetteville by
developing a comprehensive Cultural Plan, in partnership with the Fayetteville Arts
Council, the University, local artists, entertainment businesses, and concerned local
citizens.
Finally, I want to reiterate and make clear my unwavering commitment to Open
Government. This administration is dedicated to access, transparency, inclusion, timely
responses, personal recognition, and exceptional customer service for our citizens, and
we will be held accountable to those we serve. From Town Hall Meetings to an improved
interactive city website to information on civic literacy to empowered Neighborhood
Associations, we are preparing to implement real changes to better provide information to
our citizens and, more importantly, to seek and consider ways for citizens to
communicate their ideas, arguments, suggestions, and problems to their city government.
My Transition Team has listened to your ideas and has made a series of steps we will be
4
implementing to assure an effective community conversation. We must be partners in the
progress of our community, and every citizen must have a voice and be treated with the
respect and dignity that they deserve. You have heard my ideas, I now ask our City
Council to help me work toward these goals and I look forward to hearing their input and
the input of citizens, especially how I can be a better mayor and do a better job for our
city.
Thank you for your patience in listening as I share my plans and thank you for the
opportunity to serve you and our city.
Partners in Progress
Mayor Lioneld Jordan
State of the City
January 20, 2009
I am privileged to serve as Mayor of our wonderful city, and I am humbled by the
responsibility that the people have entrusted to me. I am honored to be your servant, and I
will work every day to make our community better for every citizen. That is my solemn
pledge to you.
Thanks to the vision of Mayor Dan Coody, the dedicated effort of our fine Aldermen, the
hard work of our outstanding city employees, and the contributions of many individual
residents who share our civic concerns, I am pleased to report to the City Council and to
my fellow citizens that the State of our City is sound.
We begin the year with a balanced city budget, solid progress on improving our
infrastructure, dedicated police officers and fire fighters who assure our safety, and a
commitment to institutional and individual partnerships to nurture and sustain the things
we love about this great community.
We also begin the year facing many new challenges and we must be prepared to face
those together with resolve. We are not immune from the problems of a faltering national
economy, and we must anticipate and be prepared for the consequences of any revenue
shortfall. We must be responsible stewards of our tax dollars, and we must maintain
essential city services for our citizens. Toward that end, I have already begun to identify
potential cost savings and have implemented a more effective management structure to
improve efficiency and control costs. Our staff already has offered many good solutions,
and we will institute an ongoing, frequent, consistent review of cost/benefit analysis of
operations and projects to assure the services and quality of life that our citizens expect
and deserve.
I believe in leadership by example, and I have proposed to cut the mayor’s salary and roll
it back to last year’s level. I have signed an affidavit that I will not avail myself of the
special lifetime retirement plan funded from general revenues. I have asked to return the
2
$5,000 annual car allowance formerly paid to the mayor and instead, to use a vehicle
from the city fleet when necessary to travel on city business. We have already achieved
some savings in the salaries of top staff, and I will continue to look for savings in all
areas of city operations. My staff and I are partners in this effort.
Even in uncertain economic times, we must be bold in our efforts to develop and
implement a strategic economic development plan for our city. Not only can this lead to
increased revenues without a tax increase, but more importantly, it can help assure green
jobs, good jobs that pay a living wage, allowing individuals and working families to have
the basic necessities and a better life. We already know that we need greater efficiency in
the development approval process, a workforce trained for the jobs of the future, and
better methods to accurately measure the results of our efforts. We can draw on the
suggestions of recent studies and the work of my outstanding Transition Team to craft a
plan that is consistent with Governor Mike Beebe’s long-term strategic plan to help
achieve economic improvement for our state through collaboration and cooperation.
To that end, know that I am serious, and within six weeks I will host a Community
Summit on the Future of Fayetteville that will be open to every citizen and I will consider
all views in forging our own economic and community development strategy. We must
have the participation of the business community and advocates for working families,
students and retirees, public institutions and private citizens, as partners in our shared
progress. We will have, within 90 days, an economic and community development
strategy that considers support for existing small businesses as well as nurturing new
opportunities, and together we will work to make it a reality. A slow national economy is
no excuse for inaction but an opportunity for us to move quickly and prepare now for our
shared future.
My first and immediate goal will be to do everything possible to secure and support the
establishment of a Satellite Campus of the University of Arkansas Medical School and a
Regional Trauma Center in Fayetteville. In the longer view, we should also develop a
close relationship with Arkansas Children’s Hospital and seek a regional presence for that
institution. This commitment clearly illustrates the close connection between economic
development and our quality of life.
The University of Arkansas is a priceless resource, and it is one that helps define
Fayetteville. We must be active partners in progress with the University, drawing on the
vast local resources of knowledge and expertise as we grow together and achieve our
mutual goals. From the development of knowledge-based industry, to community design
plans, to solving social service needs, to collaborating on support for a vibrant arts
culture, the possibilities are limitless. I will actively reach out and pursue this partnership.
The economic, environmental, and cultural aspects of Fayetteville’s advancement are
deeply interconnected. For example, any consideration of transportation policy must
consider getting to work, moving goods, access to cultural resources, and environmental
impact, requiring an integrated and connected system of streets, mass transit, multi-use
trails, bike lanes, sidewalks, and parking, along with a revised transportation impact fee
3
to help growth pay for itself. We will pursue the development of each of these elements,
and we will urge the Regional Mobility Authority to support a feasibility study and
planning for a future light rail system.
As we consider infrastructure development, we must seize the same opportunities. My
administration will go beyond the current recycling program to implementation of a
comprehensive waste minimization program for our entire community. We are pursuing
the idea of solar greenhouses to kill pathogens and reduce the volume of bio-solids now
going to landfills. We are investigating an effective Hillside Development Ordinance and
a storm water utility to better control the primary transmitter of pollutants into our water
supply, and we will implement and enforce a better plan for the protection of riparian
zones. We will be active partners with the “Green Infrastructure” project being developed
with the help of the Fayetteville Natural Heritage Association, Arkansas Forestry
Commission, the city’s Urban Forestry program, the Tree and Landscape Committee, and
citizen volunteers. Our ongoing city sustainability efforts can also be expanded and
shared to benefit the entire community, evidenced by our new initiative to provide and
exchange CFL light bulbs in the apartments at Hillcrest Towers. In each instance, we will
be partners in progress.
One major change that will be implemented is a reorganization of our Parks and
Recreation Department. While much attention in the past has been focused on sports
playing fields, we know that our outdoor public spaces can serve other essential
functions. I will propose a new division, to be implemented without additional costs, that
emphasizes our community heritage and citizen participation. Examples to be considered
will be increasing the number of way-finding signs and local historical markers, planting
of native trees and grasses in portions of the parks, establishing a community garden
program in appropriate neighborhood parks, opening a convenient dog park, and
partnering with the University, the County, the Fayetteville School District, the
Washington County Historical Society, and private citizens to identify, preserve, and
promote our historic buildings and other cultural resources. In conjunction with these
changes, I will appoint a volunteer citizen task force on Festivals and Community Events
to seek a closer partnership with the Convention and Visitors Bureau to identify needs
and opportunities, and we will promote the “creative economy” in Fayetteville by
developing a comprehensive Cultural Plan, in partnership with the Fayetteville Arts
Council, the University, local artists, entertainment businesses, and concerned local
citizens.
Finally, I want to reiterate and make clear my unwavering commitment to Open
Government. This administration is dedicated to access, transparency, inclusion, timely
responses, personal recognition, and exceptional customer service for our citizens, and
we will be held accountable to those we serve. From Town Hall Meetings to an improved
interactive city website to information on civic literacy to empowered Neighborhood
Associations, we are preparing to implement real changes to better provide information to
our citizens and, more importantly, to seek and consider ways for citizens to
communicate their ideas, arguments, suggestions, and problems to their city government.
My Transition Team has listened to your ideas and has made a series of steps we will be
4
implementing to assure an effective community conversation. We must be partners in the
progress of our community, and every citizen must have a voice and be treated with the
respect and dignity that they deserve. You have heard my ideas, I now ask our City
Council to help me work toward these goals and I look forward to hearing their input and
the input of citizens, especially how I can be a better mayor and do a better job for our
city.
Thank you for your patience in listening as I share my plans and thank you for the
opportunity to serve you and our city.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Skeptical member of commission attacks global-warming commission's report in meeting with legislators
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Member Criticizes Global Warming Commission
By John Lyon
THE MORNING NEWS
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/01/14/legislature/011509lrlegglblwrm.prt
LITTLE ROCK -- A member of the state Governor's Commission on Global Warming told lawmakers Wednesday they should be skeptical of the panel's recommendations for combating climate change.
Richard Ford, a professor of economics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, spoke at an informal meeting requested by Sen. Percy Malone, D-Arkadelphia, former Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Energy.
"I don't think we followed the law as given," Ford said.
Ford said the 2007 law that created the commission directed the body to "study the scientific data, literature and research on global warming to determine whether global warming is an immediate threat to the citizens in the state of Arkansas." He said that never happened.
"It was implicitly assumed that global warming is a pending catastrophe, that it had to be addressed, basically by limiting (carbon) emissions," he said.
The commission presented to the governor late last year a report containing 54 recommendations for reducing the state's contributions to climate change, including a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants until pollution-control technology improves.
"I would ask you to be skeptical of many of the recommendations -- most of them," Ford said. "Be skeptical of the cost numbers. I several times pointed out that they were estimates on the low side because they just flat did not include everything."
The commission's report includes analysis of the costs to implement 29 of its recommendations. It estimates the net cost at $3.7 billion between 2009 and 2025.
Lawmakers also heard presentations by others with skeptical views of global warming.
Art Hobson, professor emeritus of physics at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and also a commission member, said in an interview Wednesday he believed the commission did follow the law.
Hobson noted the title of the legislation creating the commission states in part that its purpose is "to establish a global warming pollution reduction goal and comprehensive strategic plan."
"It didn't seem to me that we were really directed to study the underlying science," Hobson said, though he said as a scientist he would have been happy to discuss the scientific evidence of global warming.
Hobson also said he disagreed with Ford's assertion that the commission's cost estimates were inadequate.
"A lot of these policy options that we recommended would save money for Arkansas, and some would cost money. Those were very carefully worked out by CCS (the Center for Climate Strategies)," he said.
CCS, a nonprofit group based in Harrisburg, Pa., provided consulting services to the commission while it was preparing its report. Hobson said he has heard complaints that the group "roped Arkansas into doing this and into hiring CCS," but he said in fact it was the other way around.
"The commission was appointed, and then we looked around at each other and said, 'Well, what do we do now? How are we going to develop these ideas?' Then some of the people who were supporting the idea of the commission looked around and found CCS," he said.
Malone said he had hoped Ford and the other speakers could address an official meeting of the Joint Committee on Energy, but the scheduling of Wednesday's meeting conflicted with committee rules, so an informal meeting was held instead.
Malone encouraged people with other points of view to contact the committee's new Senate chairman, Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, and ask to make a presentation.
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Member Criticizes Global Warming Commission
By John Lyon
THE MORNING NEWS
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2009/01/14/legislature/011509lrlegglblwrm.prt
LITTLE ROCK -- A member of the state Governor's Commission on Global Warming told lawmakers Wednesday they should be skeptical of the panel's recommendations for combating climate change.
Richard Ford, a professor of economics at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, spoke at an informal meeting requested by Sen. Percy Malone, D-Arkadelphia, former Senate chairman of the Joint Committee on Energy.
"I don't think we followed the law as given," Ford said.
Ford said the 2007 law that created the commission directed the body to "study the scientific data, literature and research on global warming to determine whether global warming is an immediate threat to the citizens in the state of Arkansas." He said that never happened.
"It was implicitly assumed that global warming is a pending catastrophe, that it had to be addressed, basically by limiting (carbon) emissions," he said.
The commission presented to the governor late last year a report containing 54 recommendations for reducing the state's contributions to climate change, including a moratorium on new coal-fired power plants until pollution-control technology improves.
"I would ask you to be skeptical of many of the recommendations -- most of them," Ford said. "Be skeptical of the cost numbers. I several times pointed out that they were estimates on the low side because they just flat did not include everything."
The commission's report includes analysis of the costs to implement 29 of its recommendations. It estimates the net cost at $3.7 billion between 2009 and 2025.
Lawmakers also heard presentations by others with skeptical views of global warming.
Art Hobson, professor emeritus of physics at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and also a commission member, said in an interview Wednesday he believed the commission did follow the law.
Hobson noted the title of the legislation creating the commission states in part that its purpose is "to establish a global warming pollution reduction goal and comprehensive strategic plan."
"It didn't seem to me that we were really directed to study the underlying science," Hobson said, though he said as a scientist he would have been happy to discuss the scientific evidence of global warming.
Hobson also said he disagreed with Ford's assertion that the commission's cost estimates were inadequate.
"A lot of these policy options that we recommended would save money for Arkansas, and some would cost money. Those were very carefully worked out by CCS (the Center for Climate Strategies)," he said.
CCS, a nonprofit group based in Harrisburg, Pa., provided consulting services to the commission while it was preparing its report. Hobson said he has heard complaints that the group "roped Arkansas into doing this and into hiring CCS," but he said in fact it was the other way around.
"The commission was appointed, and then we looked around at each other and said, 'Well, what do we do now? How are we going to develop these ideas?' Then some of the people who were supporting the idea of the commission looked around and found CCS," he said.
Malone said he had hoped Ford and the other speakers could address an official meeting of the Joint Committee on Energy, but the scheduling of Wednesday's meeting conflicted with committee rules, so an informal meeting was held instead.
Malone encouraged people with other points of view to contact the committee's new Senate chairman, Sen. Kim Hendren, R-Gravette, and ask to make a presentation.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Illinois River Watershed Partnership plans Jan. 31 stream cleanup with Webelos from Cub Scout Pack 46
IRWP volunteers and Webelos from Cub Scout Pack 46 are teaming up on Saturday, Jan. 31, from 9 am till 12 noon to practice "World Conservation" in northwest Arkansas.
(Webelos earn points toward their World Conservation badge!)
We'll meet at 9 am. at the Mud Creek Trail entrance on Front Street just east of College Avenue and south of Joyce Blvd.
(On the attached map, find Front Street just south of Joyce Blvd intersection.)
Be sure to wear warm socks and rubber boots! Plastic trash bags and gloves will be provided by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Dept.
Join us to learn more about water quality and conservation management with our friends from USGS and help clean up and enjoy our natural resources!
For more information, please email or call 479-238-4671.
(Webelos earn points toward their World Conservation badge!)
We'll meet at 9 am. at the Mud Creek Trail entrance on Front Street just east of College Avenue and south of Joyce Blvd.
(On the attached map, find Front Street just south of Joyce Blvd intersection.)
Be sure to wear warm socks and rubber boots! Plastic trash bags and gloves will be provided by the Fayetteville Parks and Recreation Dept.
Join us to learn more about water quality and conservation management with our friends from USGS and help clean up and enjoy our natural resources!
For more information, please email or call 479-238-4671.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
New Year's Day debacle on HIll Place construction site
Please click on images to ENLARGE photos from the Hill Place student-apartment development site on New Year's Day 2009.
A person who lives adjacent to a construction site has to wonder why a crew is working every day through the holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day. Obviously, the answer is simple: The project is on a dangereously short deadline.
But, when a few guys are out on a holiday missing two or three bowl games, some suspect they may be doing something they don't want to have reported to the authorities and assume it can not happen on a holiday when all city, county, state and federal offices are closed.
The top photo shows what I could see this morning through a zoom lens from my own yard. A big trackhoe is busily digging out and piling up dirt near the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River on New Year's Day.
The second photo shows the machine from the the east along with the deep trench it is digging for a sewer line.
The third photo shows a pump bringing water out of the trench and sending it eastward downhill to the Town Branch.
The fourth photo shows the end of the plastic pipe with muddy, silt-laden water pouring into the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River in a blatant violation of water-quality regulations. This water is headed to Beaver Lake, the drinking-water reservoir for four counties in Northwest Arkansas.
A person who lives adjacent to a construction site has to wonder why a crew is working every day through the holidays, including Christmas and New Year's Day. Obviously, the answer is simple: The project is on a dangereously short deadline.
But, when a few guys are out on a holiday missing two or three bowl games, some suspect they may be doing something they don't want to have reported to the authorities and assume it can not happen on a holiday when all city, county, state and federal offices are closed.
The top photo shows what I could see this morning through a zoom lens from my own yard. A big trackhoe is busily digging out and piling up dirt near the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River on New Year's Day.
The second photo shows the machine from the the east along with the deep trench it is digging for a sewer line.
The third photo shows a pump bringing water out of the trench and sending it eastward downhill to the Town Branch.
The fourth photo shows the end of the plastic pipe with muddy, silt-laden water pouring into the Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River in a blatant violation of water-quality regulations. This water is headed to Beaver Lake, the drinking-water reservoir for four counties in Northwest Arkansas.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Northwest Arkansas environmental problems still the same after all these years
Compare the column item from nearly 35 years ago with some things you can read online and in newspapers today.
"Tuesday, May 14 about noon there was a stream of
silt-laden, muddy water running across Razorbaek
Road at the corner of Nettleship Street. The mud was
coming from a construction site west of Razorbaek and
south of Nettleship.
A witness asserted that the muddy stream was
two feet deep for a time a little before noon. The
water was substantially deeper than one foot at 12:15
p.m. When the heavy rain ended, a coating of slick
mud and gravel was left across most of the street.
Water from that area drains into a small and
formerly clear and pretty stream which flows south
and east to help form Town Branch, which runs even-
tually into the West Fork of White River, near High-
way 16. Town Branch has provided many generations
of children a place to get their toes wet and to catch
crayfish and small fish. In fact, an occasional adult
angler may be seen stubbornly seeking catfish, bass,
or perch from its water. "
This is the second part of a column that began on preceding page of the Northwest Arkansas Times.
Arkansas Ponds, Stream of Mud Page 9C of Northwest Arkansas Times May 26, 1974, with second part of Aubrey Shepherd outdoor column from Page 8. First column about the Town Branch and muddy runoff.
"Tuesday, May 14 about noon there was a stream of
silt-laden, muddy water running across Razorbaek
Road at the corner of Nettleship Street. The mud was
coming from a construction site west of Razorbaek and
south of Nettleship.
A witness asserted that the muddy stream was
two feet deep for a time a little before noon. The
water was substantially deeper than one foot at 12:15
p.m. When the heavy rain ended, a coating of slick
mud and gravel was left across most of the street.
Water from that area drains into a small and
formerly clear and pretty stream which flows south
and east to help form Town Branch, which runs even-
tually into the West Fork of White River, near High-
way 16. Town Branch has provided many generations
of children a place to get their toes wet and to catch
crayfish and small fish. In fact, an occasional adult
angler may be seen stubbornly seeking catfish, bass,
or perch from its water. "
This is the second part of a column that began on preceding page of the Northwest Arkansas Times.
Arkansas Ponds, Stream of Mud Page 9C of Northwest Arkansas Times May 26, 1974, with second part of Aubrey Shepherd outdoor column from Page 8. First column about the Town Branch and muddy runoff.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Strange raccoon behavior may not be rabies. Distemper likely, reports The Morning News
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
'Rabid' Raccoons Probably Not Rabid
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/12/29/news/122908bzraccoons.txt
http://www.healthyarkansas.com/services/rabies_main.htm
By Anna Fry
The Morning News
BELLA VISTA -- Callers have been reporting suspected rabid raccoons to the Bella Vista Police Department, but instead the animals likely have a potentially fatal disease that doesn't harm humans.
"It's extremely, extremely rare to see rabies in raccoons here in Arkansas," said Blake Sasse, a biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The raccoons probably instead have canine distemper, a virus that causes them to sneeze, cough, have diarrhea and lose weight, he said. It can affect and kill many animals in an area at once because they spread it to each other.
Canine distemper doesn't affect humans, Sasse said. It's transmitted through close contact such as the transfer of saliva, pus or breath.
The virus can spread to foxes, coyotes and bats, said Merle Weaver, the city's animal control officer. Dogs can get the virus if they're not vaccinated.
No treatment is available and the affected raccoons have to be killed, Weaver said. It doesn't seem like the amount of raccoon calls the Police Department is getting is much higher than normal, he said.
Bella Vista's raccoons had a problem with the virus two years ago in March, Weaver said. Forty-three raccoons had to be killed. He's seen scattered cases since then, he said.
The Police Department received 40 calls related to raccoons between the beginning of September and Dec. 23. The majority of those calls regarded sick raccoons.
During the same period last year, the department received seven raccoon-related calls.
While rabid raccoons become aggressive, raccoons with distemper become approachable, Weaver said.
When people see a raccoon acting abnormally, they should stay away from it and keep their pets from having contact with it, Sasse said. Those who feed raccoons should stop.
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
'Rabid' Raccoons Probably Not Rabid
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/12/29/news/122908bzraccoons.txt
http://www.healthyarkansas.com/services/rabies_main.htm
By Anna Fry
The Morning News
BELLA VISTA -- Callers have been reporting suspected rabid raccoons to the Bella Vista Police Department, but instead the animals likely have a potentially fatal disease that doesn't harm humans.
"It's extremely, extremely rare to see rabies in raccoons here in Arkansas," said Blake Sasse, a biologist with the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.
The raccoons probably instead have canine distemper, a virus that causes them to sneeze, cough, have diarrhea and lose weight, he said. It can affect and kill many animals in an area at once because they spread it to each other.
Canine distemper doesn't affect humans, Sasse said. It's transmitted through close contact such as the transfer of saliva, pus or breath.
The virus can spread to foxes, coyotes and bats, said Merle Weaver, the city's animal control officer. Dogs can get the virus if they're not vaccinated.
No treatment is available and the affected raccoons have to be killed, Weaver said. It doesn't seem like the amount of raccoon calls the Police Department is getting is much higher than normal, he said.
Bella Vista's raccoons had a problem with the virus two years ago in March, Weaver said. Forty-three raccoons had to be killed. He's seen scattered cases since then, he said.
The Police Department received 40 calls related to raccoons between the beginning of September and Dec. 23. The majority of those calls regarded sick raccoons.
During the same period last year, the department received seven raccoon-related calls.
While rabid raccoons become aggressive, raccoons with distemper become approachable, Weaver said.
When people see a raccoon acting abnormally, they should stay away from it and keep their pets from having contact with it, Sasse said. Those who feed raccoons should stop.
Friday, December 26, 2008
December 29, 1975, Eco-Logue by Peggy Treiber Frizzell on EPA seeking public comment and AP article on wetland loss
Ozark Society cleanup float report in Eco-Logue column of Northwest Arkansas Times on Sept. 15, 1975
Thursday, December 25, 2008
Peggy Frizzell (nee Treiber) Eco-logue column on septic tanks and alternatives in Northwest Arkansas Times 9/8/1975
Peggy Frizzell (nee Treiber) Eco-logue column on septic tanks and alternatives in Northwest Arkansas Times 9/1/1975
Peggy Frizzell (nee Treiber) Eco-logue column in Northwest Arkansas Times on Lake Wedington sewage system
Another old Eco-logue column by Peggy Frizzell (nee Treiber) in Northwest Arkansas Times on Clivus Multrum
Old Eco-logue column by Peggy Frizzell (nee Treiber) in the Northwest Arkansas Times plus interviews with Fayetteville city board candidates
Saturday, December 13, 2008
President Clinton joins Governor Beebe to announce plan to bring energy-efficiency to state government
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Clinton, State Announce Energy Efficiency Plan
By Peggy Harris
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK -- Former President Bill Clinton announced a partnership Saturday between his foundation and Arkansas to retrofit state buildings and adopt energy-efficient practices, part of what he said was the country’s “greatest opportunity” to rejuvenate its economy and create a safer, cleaner world.
Clinton joined Gov. Mike Beebe and state Rep. Kathy Webb, co-chair of the Arkansas Governor’s Commission on Global Warming, in announcing the partnership and urging state and business leaders to join them in bigger task of creating “green jobs,” reducing dependence on foreign oil, and stopping the advance of global warming.
Clinton said the foundation’s Clinton Climate Initiative, created in 2006, has been working with 1,100 cities, including New York, where the housing authority is upgrading residences with energy-efficient windows and lighting along with “green roofs” to reduce energy costs. He said a loan for the work will be paid off with money saved in utility costs.
In Pennsylvania, he said, the foundation was helping find ways to sequester carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. He said the Clinton Climate Initiative provides the technical expertise and the purchasing power for its partners to secure materials and environmental technologies at discounted costs.
“No one is proposing to do anything in Arkansas that is not good business, that doesn’t make sense, that doesn’t create jobs and save money over the long run,” Clinton told an audience of hundreds at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
He said six countries, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, will be able to meet international goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because they shifted to “a new energy economy” and realized great energy savings and job creation.
“This is the greatest opportunity we’ve had since we mobilized since World War II to completely redo our economy,” he said. “And if we do this right, I think you’ll have more growth than we did when I was president, and more jobs.”
Both the former president and Beebe recognized J.D. Lowery of Maumelle, a graduate student at the Clinton School of Public Service, for suggesting a partnership between the foundation and the state after Lowery worked on a Clinton Climate Initiative in Australia.
Beebe said the partnership coincides with strides the state has already made to reduce energy consumption and do less harm to the environment. He said Pennsylvania has been working with the foundation on a limited basis, but Arkansas will be the first state to join forces with the foundation on a larger scale.
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Clinton, State Announce Energy Efficiency Plan
By Peggy Harris
The Associated Press
LITTLE ROCK -- Former President Bill Clinton announced a partnership Saturday between his foundation and Arkansas to retrofit state buildings and adopt energy-efficient practices, part of what he said was the country’s “greatest opportunity” to rejuvenate its economy and create a safer, cleaner world.
Clinton joined Gov. Mike Beebe and state Rep. Kathy Webb, co-chair of the Arkansas Governor’s Commission on Global Warming, in announcing the partnership and urging state and business leaders to join them in bigger task of creating “green jobs,” reducing dependence on foreign oil, and stopping the advance of global warming.
Clinton said the foundation’s Clinton Climate Initiative, created in 2006, has been working with 1,100 cities, including New York, where the housing authority is upgrading residences with energy-efficient windows and lighting along with “green roofs” to reduce energy costs. He said a loan for the work will be paid off with money saved in utility costs.
In Pennsylvania, he said, the foundation was helping find ways to sequester carbon emissions from coal-fired power plants. He said the Clinton Climate Initiative provides the technical expertise and the purchasing power for its partners to secure materials and environmental technologies at discounted costs.
“No one is proposing to do anything in Arkansas that is not good business, that doesn’t make sense, that doesn’t create jobs and save money over the long run,” Clinton told an audience of hundreds at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum.
He said six countries, including Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Sweden, will be able to meet international goals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions because they shifted to “a new energy economy” and realized great energy savings and job creation.
“This is the greatest opportunity we’ve had since we mobilized since World War II to completely redo our economy,” he said. “And if we do this right, I think you’ll have more growth than we did when I was president, and more jobs.”
Both the former president and Beebe recognized J.D. Lowery of Maumelle, a graduate student at the Clinton School of Public Service, for suggesting a partnership between the foundation and the state after Lowery worked on a Clinton Climate Initiative in Australia.
Beebe said the partnership coincides with strides the state has already made to reduce energy consumption and do less harm to the environment. He said Pennsylvania has been working with the foundation on a limited basis, but Arkansas will be the first state to join forces with the foundation on a larger scale.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Ozark Society hikes set for Saturday and Sunday
On Saturday, the Highlands chapter of the Ozark Society will bushwhack into Dismal Hollow in Newton County, visiting an abundance of waterfalls, bluffs and deep gorges. Although the distance is less than 5 miles, the route is rated difficult because of steep slopes.
Participants are to meet at 8 a.m. at FirstCare Medical in Fayetteville or at 9:30 a.m. at the country store in Deer.
For details, call Bob Cross at (479) 587-8757.
On Sunday, the group will explore the trails at Pea Ridge National Military Park. The trail is nine miles long and is rated easy. Participants are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at Root Elementary School in Fayetteville or at 10 a.m. at the park's visitors center in Pea Ridge. E-mail martykerns@juno. com for details.
Participants are to meet at 8 a.m. at FirstCare Medical in Fayetteville or at 9:30 a.m. at the country store in Deer.
For details, call Bob Cross at (479) 587-8757.
On Sunday, the group will explore the trails at Pea Ridge National Military Park. The trail is nine miles long and is rated easy. Participants are asked to meet at 9 a.m. at Root Elementary School in Fayetteville or at 10 a.m. at the park's visitors center in Pea Ridge. E-mail martykerns@juno. com for details.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society to meet at 6 p.m. Wednesday December 17, 2008
Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society (NWAAS) will have an important
meeting Dec 17, 6-7:45, in the Williard & Pat Walker meeting room of
the Fayetteville Public Library. Because of the short time available,
please come a little early. The only business of this meeting will be
whether or not NWAAS will continue to function. I urge anyone with an
interest in the outcome -- whether or not you are currently an Audubon
member -- to come. If you think NWAAS should dissolve, your voice will
be welcome. If you wish to see NWAAS continue into the future, your
voice will also be welcome.
Joe Neal
Fayetteville
meeting Dec 17, 6-7:45, in the Williard & Pat Walker meeting room of
the Fayetteville Public Library. Because of the short time available,
please come a little early. The only business of this meeting will be
whether or not NWAAS will continue to function. I urge anyone with an
interest in the outcome -- whether or not you are currently an Audubon
member -- to come. If you think NWAAS should dissolve, your voice will
be welcome. If you wish to see NWAAS continue into the future, your
voice will also be welcome.
Joe Neal
Fayetteville
Monday, December 8, 2008
Joe Neal's report on Dec. 7, 2008, birding expedition
I spent part of Pearl Harbor Day (December 7, 1941, for the younger
set) on a safari. Well, actually, north of Decatur in Benton County,
at the "Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari." No kidding. It's within
one of our favorite winter birding areas (former Benton County
prairies). Te county road provides a partial look at the place
(there's a fee if you wish to experience the entire safari).
I've been seeing lots (100s) of Great-tailed Grackles there and have
come to the tentative conclusion that the extensive feeding operation
for so many grazers (bison, zebras, cattle, water buffalo, etc) must
be a big draw for the grackles, just as dairy operations are elsewhere
in Benton County. There's also a prairie dog "town" around a big pond
along the road -- the only one I know of in our former tallgrass
prairies. OK, it's not natural, but it does provide insight into our
past, even if these dogs don't remember their ancestors. I looked for
Burrowing Owls among them = 0. There were Least Sandpipers, a flock of
Ringed-billed Gulls, and a single Mute Swan around/on the pond. It's
the only place I know where you must slow & stop for peacocks or the
grackles, with views of the white (or dun-colored) buffalo, among
other attractions, in the surrounding former prairie fields.
Safari is near the Eagle Watch Nature Area at Gentry, adjacent the
SWEPCO power plant. There were Bald Eagles there, soaring. I spent
most of my time looking at a Red-headed Woodpecker. Big energy demands
have caused the lake to go down, exposing mudflats. I looked hopefully
for a winter Spotted Sandpiper; settled with pleasure for close looks
at a few American Pipits and a fascinating 2nd or 3rd year eagle
perched along the shoreline.
JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "I have great faith in a
seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to
expect wonders." -- HD Thoreau
set) on a safari. Well, actually, north of Decatur in Benton County,
at the "Wild Wilderness Drive Through Safari." No kidding. It's within
one of our favorite winter birding areas (former Benton County
prairies). Te county road provides a partial look at the place
(there's a fee if you wish to experience the entire safari).
I've been seeing lots (100s) of Great-tailed Grackles there and have
come to the tentative conclusion that the extensive feeding operation
for so many grazers (bison, zebras, cattle, water buffalo, etc) must
be a big draw for the grackles, just as dairy operations are elsewhere
in Benton County. There's also a prairie dog "town" around a big pond
along the road -- the only one I know of in our former tallgrass
prairies. OK, it's not natural, but it does provide insight into our
past, even if these dogs don't remember their ancestors. I looked for
Burrowing Owls among them = 0. There were Least Sandpipers, a flock of
Ringed-billed Gulls, and a single Mute Swan around/on the pond. It's
the only place I know where you must slow & stop for peacocks or the
grackles, with views of the white (or dun-colored) buffalo, among
other attractions, in the surrounding former prairie fields.
Safari is near the Eagle Watch Nature Area at Gentry, adjacent the
SWEPCO power plant. There were Bald Eagles there, soaring. I spent
most of my time looking at a Red-headed Woodpecker. Big energy demands
have caused the lake to go down, exposing mudflats. I looked hopefully
for a winter Spotted Sandpiper; settled with pleasure for close looks
at a few American Pipits and a fascinating 2nd or 3rd year eagle
perched along the shoreline.
JOSEPH C. NEAL in Fayetteville, Arkansas. "I have great faith in a
seed. Convince me that you have a seed there, and I am prepared to
expect wonders." -- HD Thoreau
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Mallard drake swimming after two hens on December 6, 2008
Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of mallard drake swimming after two hens on December 6, 2008
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Southpass, budget pass, Hoskins freeway subsidy delayed
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
SouthPass, Budget Move Forward
By Skip Descant
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/12/02/news/120308fzcitycouncil.txt
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody cast the deciding vote Tuesday night to extend a sewer line to the SouthPass regional park. The council tied 4-4, with Nancy Allen, Shirley Lucas, Bobby Ferrell and mayor-elect Lioneld Jordan voting against.
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Fayetteville, Arkansas, city council on December 2, 2008
Because of many issues, such as cost and concern about developing on Mount Kessler, the SouthPass project has been controversial. The move Tuesday night was just another step in its slow march forward. Should the city kill the project -- a large mixed-use residential and park project in southeast Fayetteville -- it has been suggested by the city attorney that Fayetteville could be sued for not following through on contact obligations.
"I don't have any choice but to vote 'yes,' because I don't want to see the city end up in a lawsuit," Coody said.
The cost-share approved Tuesday night means the city will pay roughly $745,000 as its half of the cost of bringing sewer service to the project. The money will come from water and sewer impact fees.
The council also unanimously approved its $119.5 million 2009 city budget.
Jordan, who will be Fayetteville's next mayor and campaigned for cost-of-living raises, said the city could revisit raises in the first quarter of next year when officials know exactly how much surplus money the city finished 2008 with.
A 2 percent cost-of-living raise would cost roughly $800,000, said Paul Becker, Fayetteville's finance director.
Chickens can now legally cluck, scratch and lay eggs in Fayetteville backyards.
By a vote of 7-1 the council approved an ordinance to allow up to four hens per home. Robert Rhoads voted against, saying the ordinance seemed vague. It allows for both the slaughter of chickens, and prevents cruel treatment or killing of the birds.
"What is our business is passing legislation that may be confusing," Rhoads said.
"When it comes to the issue of slaughter, you know, we really haven't addressed it," said Jill Hatfield, superintendent of Fayetteville Animal Services.
A plan to require the chickens be registered with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission did not receive support.
"It would become a permitting process," said Brenda Thiel, a council member. "And I don't think we're really going to have enough chickens to justify that."
By a vote of 5-3, the council voted down an appeal by developers for Amberwood Place, a 40-acre development with 177 dwelling units, some of them slated as attainable housing. Lucas, Jordan and Ferrell supported the project, primarily because it provided homes in the $110,000 to $135,000 range, a house type many say Fayetteville is lacking.
"If we want some (affordable) places -- and we've asked our developers to do this -- we've got a situation right here, and I'm all for it," Ferrell said.
"I really think we need some more homes that people can afford," Lucas added.
Other council members agreed with the city's planning staff and Planning Commission, saying Amberwood Place is contrary to Fayetteville's City Plan 2025. And also, some council members were not in favor of grouping affordable housing as a bloc.
"I have a lot of concern about it being bunched together," Allen said. "I have concerns that today's affordable housing may be tomorrow's slums."
And a move to enter into a $2.16 million cost-share with developer Park West LLC to extend Arkansas 112 into an open field to both encourage and access new development was sent back to the Fayetteville Street Committee for further study.
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
SouthPass, Budget Move Forward
By Skip Descant
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/12/02/news/120308fzcitycouncil.txt
THE MORNING NEWS
FAYETTEVILLE -- Fayetteville Mayor Dan Coody cast the deciding vote Tuesday night to extend a sewer line to the SouthPass regional park. The council tied 4-4, with Nancy Allen, Shirley Lucas, Bobby Ferrell and mayor-elect Lioneld Jordan voting against.
Please click on images to ENLARGE view of Fayetteville, Arkansas, city council on December 2, 2008
Because of many issues, such as cost and concern about developing on Mount Kessler, the SouthPass project has been controversial. The move Tuesday night was just another step in its slow march forward. Should the city kill the project -- a large mixed-use residential and park project in southeast Fayetteville -- it has been suggested by the city attorney that Fayetteville could be sued for not following through on contact obligations.
"I don't have any choice but to vote 'yes,' because I don't want to see the city end up in a lawsuit," Coody said.
The cost-share approved Tuesday night means the city will pay roughly $745,000 as its half of the cost of bringing sewer service to the project. The money will come from water and sewer impact fees.
The council also unanimously approved its $119.5 million 2009 city budget.
Jordan, who will be Fayetteville's next mayor and campaigned for cost-of-living raises, said the city could revisit raises in the first quarter of next year when officials know exactly how much surplus money the city finished 2008 with.
A 2 percent cost-of-living raise would cost roughly $800,000, said Paul Becker, Fayetteville's finance director.
Chickens can now legally cluck, scratch and lay eggs in Fayetteville backyards.
By a vote of 7-1 the council approved an ordinance to allow up to four hens per home. Robert Rhoads voted against, saying the ordinance seemed vague. It allows for both the slaughter of chickens, and prevents cruel treatment or killing of the birds.
"What is our business is passing legislation that may be confusing," Rhoads said.
"When it comes to the issue of slaughter, you know, we really haven't addressed it," said Jill Hatfield, superintendent of Fayetteville Animal Services.
A plan to require the chickens be registered with the Arkansas Livestock and Poultry Commission did not receive support.
"It would become a permitting process," said Brenda Thiel, a council member. "And I don't think we're really going to have enough chickens to justify that."
By a vote of 5-3, the council voted down an appeal by developers for Amberwood Place, a 40-acre development with 177 dwelling units, some of them slated as attainable housing. Lucas, Jordan and Ferrell supported the project, primarily because it provided homes in the $110,000 to $135,000 range, a house type many say Fayetteville is lacking.
"If we want some (affordable) places -- and we've asked our developers to do this -- we've got a situation right here, and I'm all for it," Ferrell said.
"I really think we need some more homes that people can afford," Lucas added.
Other council members agreed with the city's planning staff and Planning Commission, saying Amberwood Place is contrary to Fayetteville's City Plan 2025. And also, some council members were not in favor of grouping affordable housing as a bloc.
"I have a lot of concern about it being bunched together," Allen said. "I have concerns that today's affordable housing may be tomorrow's slums."
And a move to enter into a $2.16 million cost-share with developer Park West LLC to extend Arkansas 112 into an open field to both encourage and access new development was sent back to the Fayetteville Street Committee for further study.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Corps of Engineers ignores needs of migrating waterfowl
Once again, the U.S. Corps of Engineers is planning to open the gates to allow water to drain from Beaver Lake just as the migration of waterfowl from the north occurs.
The conflict among the official purposes of the reservoir and the needs of fish and wildlife often becomes obvious. I wrote about this problem as far back as the early 1970s. The cold front spitting snow on northwest Arkansas today reminds us that duck season is here and that only a few days of good hunting on Beaver Lake are likely before the habitat becomes unattractive for waterfowl to pause to feed. Not many people actually hunt ducks on Beaver, of course, but a lot of waterfowl use the lake when conditions are right and it can be helpful to the birds in their migration.
Spawning fish need high water up in the brush and grass along the shoreline in spring and early fall. Waterfowl need high water up in the brush and grass and live trees along the shoreline in fall and winter. Rain, of course, is unpredictable. The power companies need plenty of water during times when the need for electricity is high. Recreational boaters and such probably want a stable water level that allows them never to have to slow down for logs or hilltops in the White River valley to be too near the surface for safety.
Flood-control problems would require having the lake maintained at as low a level as possible at all times.
Boat-dock owners want the lake perfectly stable.
For fish and wildlife, the water level needs to be lowered during the growing season to keep vegetation alive. Shoreline trees and brush survive winter, spring flooding but die during years when high-water lasts through the growing season.
These and some related problems exist everywhere a dam stands across a river.
And cities continue to grow and demand that more rivers and creeks be dammed to provide water.
Arkansas is fortunate that a few streams such as the Buffalo River have been protected from dams. If population growth doesn't stop, the push to destroy the most productive farm land and wildlife acreage will continue.
Corps ready at last to pull the plug on bulging Beaver Lake
BY BILL BOWDEN
Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/245064
GARFIELD — Over the next two weeks, the water level of Beaver Lake is projected to drop 5 feet, and Wayne Launderville will spend those days easing 40 boat docks out farther into the lake to make sure they don’t become grounded.
Launderville normally checks the docks weekly, but the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to lower the lake to 1, 120 feet by Dec. 13. Such a rapid drop could leave docks on dry ground if they aren’t monitored daily and moved often.
“You have to watch it every day, sometimes twice a day,” said Don Andreasen, owner of Beaver Fever Striper Guide Service in Garfield. “If your dock’s on dry ground, it’s a lot of work to get it back in the water. You’d have to wait until the water comes back up. They ain’t light.”
Boats moored to the docks also can become grounded when the lake level drops.
On Monday, the Corps of Engineers will begin releasing additional water through the turbines at Beaver Dam. The lake has been higher than usual since it was swollen by spring rains. The Corps said conditions at Table Rock and Bull Shoals lakes, which are downstream from Beaver Lake on the White River water system, now can allow the floodwaters being stored in Beaver Lake to be released.
At this time last year, the water level at Beaver Lake was 1, 113 feet — 12 feet lower than its current level of about 1, 125. On April 1, the lake crested at 1, 130 feet.
Water will be released 18 hours a day beginning Monday, according to the Corps. If heavy rains fall during the next two weeks, the release of water could be extended. From about Dec. 10-13, the release will be cut back to 12 hours a day until the lake reaches the top of the conservation pool, which is 1, 120. 4 feet.
Bob and Joyce Bauer, owners of Lost Bridge Marina, said it takes eight hours to push the eight docks at the marina out farther into the lake, where they’ll be safe when the lake level drops. During a prolonged drop in the lake level, like the one scheduled for early December, Bob Bauer said he will move each dock a few feet every other day.
“We just have to keep moving them out,” Joyce Bauer said. “It can be an all-day job. You have to continuously do a little bit at a time.”
The large commercial docks at Lost Bridge Marina have eight to 16 winches per dock so they can be cranked out farther into the lake, then retrieved when the lake level rises. The marina has five docks that are 300 feet long each. About 200 boats can be stored at Lost Bridge Marina. Commercial-dock owners are used to the routine of moving them in and out.
“Private-dock owners need to make sure they’re out as far as they can go so they don’t end up on the ground,” Bob Bauer said.
Launderville said he’s one of several people who works moving docks along Beaver Lake.
“This is my main job,” he said. “I take care of docks.”
Originally from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Launderville moved to Rogers in 1999. His services allow dock owners to rest without having to worry about fluctuations in the level of Beaver Lake. Because the Ozark hills allow much rainwater to drain into the lake, a 1-inch rain can raise the level by a foot, Launderville said.
Launderville said a few of his clients live in Northwest Arkansas and just don’t want the hassle of constantly moving their docks, but 95 percent of them live outside the area, including one in Alaska. In his spare time, Launderville also helped Lost Bridge Village launch a recycling business.
“I’ve never advertised,” he said. “I’ve got too many [docks to maintain ]. I can’t advertise.”
Launderville said he tries to move the docks a small distance at a time — about 3 feet — to avoid big problems later on. Some private docks have cranks and winches, but many require him to pry them out of the mud with a board and physically push them farther into the lake. Launderville makes his rounds by boat to check on the docks.
“You’ve got to go on calm days,” he said while checking a double-slip dock at Horn Cove. “You’ve got to pick your time. You can’t go out when there are whitecaps out here.”
Andreasen said that the lake level began dropping slightly a few days before Thanksgiving and that he’s been pushing his dock out about a foot a day since about Tuesday.
“Always make sure your electrical line has enough slack when you push your dock out,” he said.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
The conflict among the official purposes of the reservoir and the needs of fish and wildlife often becomes obvious. I wrote about this problem as far back as the early 1970s. The cold front spitting snow on northwest Arkansas today reminds us that duck season is here and that only a few days of good hunting on Beaver Lake are likely before the habitat becomes unattractive for waterfowl to pause to feed. Not many people actually hunt ducks on Beaver, of course, but a lot of waterfowl use the lake when conditions are right and it can be helpful to the birds in their migration.
Spawning fish need high water up in the brush and grass along the shoreline in spring and early fall. Waterfowl need high water up in the brush and grass and live trees along the shoreline in fall and winter. Rain, of course, is unpredictable. The power companies need plenty of water during times when the need for electricity is high. Recreational boaters and such probably want a stable water level that allows them never to have to slow down for logs or hilltops in the White River valley to be too near the surface for safety.
Flood-control problems would require having the lake maintained at as low a level as possible at all times.
Boat-dock owners want the lake perfectly stable.
For fish and wildlife, the water level needs to be lowered during the growing season to keep vegetation alive. Shoreline trees and brush survive winter, spring flooding but die during years when high-water lasts through the growing season.
These and some related problems exist everywhere a dam stands across a river.
And cities continue to grow and demand that more rivers and creeks be dammed to provide water.
Arkansas is fortunate that a few streams such as the Buffalo River have been protected from dams. If population growth doesn't stop, the push to destroy the most productive farm land and wildlife acreage will continue.
Corps ready at last to pull the plug on bulging Beaver Lake
BY BILL BOWDEN
Posted on Sunday, November 30, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/News/245064
GARFIELD — Over the next two weeks, the water level of Beaver Lake is projected to drop 5 feet, and Wayne Launderville will spend those days easing 40 boat docks out farther into the lake to make sure they don’t become grounded.
Launderville normally checks the docks weekly, but the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to lower the lake to 1, 120 feet by Dec. 13. Such a rapid drop could leave docks on dry ground if they aren’t monitored daily and moved often.
“You have to watch it every day, sometimes twice a day,” said Don Andreasen, owner of Beaver Fever Striper Guide Service in Garfield. “If your dock’s on dry ground, it’s a lot of work to get it back in the water. You’d have to wait until the water comes back up. They ain’t light.”
Boats moored to the docks also can become grounded when the lake level drops.
On Monday, the Corps of Engineers will begin releasing additional water through the turbines at Beaver Dam. The lake has been higher than usual since it was swollen by spring rains. The Corps said conditions at Table Rock and Bull Shoals lakes, which are downstream from Beaver Lake on the White River water system, now can allow the floodwaters being stored in Beaver Lake to be released.
At this time last year, the water level at Beaver Lake was 1, 113 feet — 12 feet lower than its current level of about 1, 125. On April 1, the lake crested at 1, 130 feet.
Water will be released 18 hours a day beginning Monday, according to the Corps. If heavy rains fall during the next two weeks, the release of water could be extended. From about Dec. 10-13, the release will be cut back to 12 hours a day until the lake reaches the top of the conservation pool, which is 1, 120. 4 feet.
Bob and Joyce Bauer, owners of Lost Bridge Marina, said it takes eight hours to push the eight docks at the marina out farther into the lake, where they’ll be safe when the lake level drops. During a prolonged drop in the lake level, like the one scheduled for early December, Bob Bauer said he will move each dock a few feet every other day.
“We just have to keep moving them out,” Joyce Bauer said. “It can be an all-day job. You have to continuously do a little bit at a time.”
The large commercial docks at Lost Bridge Marina have eight to 16 winches per dock so they can be cranked out farther into the lake, then retrieved when the lake level rises. The marina has five docks that are 300 feet long each. About 200 boats can be stored at Lost Bridge Marina. Commercial-dock owners are used to the routine of moving them in and out.
“Private-dock owners need to make sure they’re out as far as they can go so they don’t end up on the ground,” Bob Bauer said.
Launderville said he’s one of several people who works moving docks along Beaver Lake.
“This is my main job,” he said. “I take care of docks.”
Originally from Minneapolis-St. Paul, Launderville moved to Rogers in 1999. His services allow dock owners to rest without having to worry about fluctuations in the level of Beaver Lake. Because the Ozark hills allow much rainwater to drain into the lake, a 1-inch rain can raise the level by a foot, Launderville said.
Launderville said a few of his clients live in Northwest Arkansas and just don’t want the hassle of constantly moving their docks, but 95 percent of them live outside the area, including one in Alaska. In his spare time, Launderville also helped Lost Bridge Village launch a recycling business.
“I’ve never advertised,” he said. “I’ve got too many [docks to maintain ]. I can’t advertise.”
Launderville said he tries to move the docks a small distance at a time — about 3 feet — to avoid big problems later on. Some private docks have cranks and winches, but many require him to pry them out of the mud with a board and physically push them farther into the lake. Launderville makes his rounds by boat to check on the docks.
“You’ve got to go on calm days,” he said while checking a double-slip dock at Horn Cove. “You’ve got to pick your time. You can’t go out when there are whitecaps out here.”
Andreasen said that the lake level began dropping slightly a few days before Thanksgiving and that he’s been pushing his dock out about a foot a day since about Tuesday.
“Always make sure your electrical line has enough slack when you push your dock out,” he said.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Beetle destroys maple trees in northeast United States and spreads
November 28, 2008
Asian Beetle Spells Death for Maples So Dear
By ARIANA GREEN
WORCESTER, Mass. — People who live in this city’s Greendale neighborhood love the maples that shade their streets in summer and turn beautiful colors in fall. But most of the maples in Greendale are now painted with red dots, indicating that they will be chopped down as early as next month because of an infestation of Asian long-horned beetles that is plaguing thousands of Worcester’s trees.
When a tornado devastated Worcester in 1953, maples were planted as replacement trees. “Norway maples were readily available back then,” said Brian Breveleri, the city’s urban forester. “And they were popular because they could weather the cold.”
But when Worcester plants new trees this time around, it will vary the type. A tree inventory, completed in 2006, showed that 80 percent of its street trees were maples, which the beetles find irresistible. The city should ideally have about half as many maples.
“Tree diversity helps prevent pests from gaining a foothold,” said Mike Bohne, forest health group leader for the United States Forest Service. “It also makes it so that a community does not lose its entire urban canopy if there is an infestation.”
Asian long-horned beetles, native to China, have also turned up in Illinois, New Jersey and New York, where the federal government has spent $268 million to control them over the last 11 years. Worcester will receive about $70 million from the Agriculture Department over the next two years for its eradication efforts. The discovery of the beetle in New England has raised fears about its threat to the region’s fall foliage and the maple syrup industry, if the infestation spreads farther north.
Only about a third of communities in the Northeast have completed tree inventories, according to the estimates of John Parry, a forester with the Urban Forestry Program for New England and New York. Nationally, Mr. Parry said, the figure is probably lower.
Worcester had the foresight to inventory earlier than most — in 1986 — but it stopped short at that time of making the changes the inventory showed were necessary.
“If Worcester had had the money and expertise to diversify plantings after the 1986 inventory showed there were too many maples,” said David Bloniarz, a scientist with the Forest Service, “things wouldn’t have been so bad today.”
Ithaca, N.Y., doubled its tree diversity after completing an inventory in 1997, said its urban forester, Andy Hilman. Ithaca went from having 200 tree varieties to more than 450, he said.
Ithaca has been a testing ground for new technology developed by the Forest Service that helps inventory takers determine whether pests are responsible for a tree’s abnormal appearance. They enter any symptoms they spot, like small holes in a tree, into a hand-held computer and it tells them which pests could be responsible.
A team of professional inventory takers hired by Worcester failed to notice the beetles in 2006, Mr. Bohne said.
“If they’d had that pest detection software when they did the Worcester inventory,” Mr. Hilman said, “and if they had noticed small holes and sawdust piles, then that could have led to earlier detection.”
With the software improving, cities throughout the country look to tree inventories as having the potential to save millions of dollars. And many are recruiting local volunteers to do such inventories, an option that foresters endorse because it means more people are trained to look for signs of pests.
“In most cases the Asian long-horned beetle was first detected by residents,” said Keith Cline, program manager with the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
In Worcester, Donna Massie, a resident of Greendale, first noticed the beetle this summer and reported it to the authorities. Ms. Massie is eager to help with eradication efforts, but other residents are angry that the beetle went undetected for so long.
“It seems to me that Worcester just drags its feet,” said Donald Huard, 58, a handyman who lives on an affected street. “And now look; the problem is so big it’s really going to change our landscape.”
Ms. Massie, 53, is trying to get her neighbors to stay positive and informed through her Web site, asianlonghornedbeetleitems.com, which also sells beetle-themed goods like lacquered frozen beetles in wooden boxes and beetle Christmas ornaments. She plans to give half her proceeds to the city for replanting.
“Some people blame the government for catching the problem after the beetles already had time to spread,” she said. “But, really, it’s the beetle’s fault, and we’re all responsible, so the best thing to do now is to get educated and deal with the situation before it gets even bigger.”
Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company
Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map
Asian Beetle Spells Death for Maples So Dear
By ARIANA GREEN
WORCESTER, Mass. — People who live in this city’s Greendale neighborhood love the maples that shade their streets in summer and turn beautiful colors in fall. But most of the maples in Greendale are now painted with red dots, indicating that they will be chopped down as early as next month because of an infestation of Asian long-horned beetles that is plaguing thousands of Worcester’s trees.
When a tornado devastated Worcester in 1953, maples were planted as replacement trees. “Norway maples were readily available back then,” said Brian Breveleri, the city’s urban forester. “And they were popular because they could weather the cold.”
But when Worcester plants new trees this time around, it will vary the type. A tree inventory, completed in 2006, showed that 80 percent of its street trees were maples, which the beetles find irresistible. The city should ideally have about half as many maples.
“Tree diversity helps prevent pests from gaining a foothold,” said Mike Bohne, forest health group leader for the United States Forest Service. “It also makes it so that a community does not lose its entire urban canopy if there is an infestation.”
Asian long-horned beetles, native to China, have also turned up in Illinois, New Jersey and New York, where the federal government has spent $268 million to control them over the last 11 years. Worcester will receive about $70 million from the Agriculture Department over the next two years for its eradication efforts. The discovery of the beetle in New England has raised fears about its threat to the region’s fall foliage and the maple syrup industry, if the infestation spreads farther north.
Only about a third of communities in the Northeast have completed tree inventories, according to the estimates of John Parry, a forester with the Urban Forestry Program for New England and New York. Nationally, Mr. Parry said, the figure is probably lower.
Worcester had the foresight to inventory earlier than most — in 1986 — but it stopped short at that time of making the changes the inventory showed were necessary.
“If Worcester had had the money and expertise to diversify plantings after the 1986 inventory showed there were too many maples,” said David Bloniarz, a scientist with the Forest Service, “things wouldn’t have been so bad today.”
Ithaca, N.Y., doubled its tree diversity after completing an inventory in 1997, said its urban forester, Andy Hilman. Ithaca went from having 200 tree varieties to more than 450, he said.
Ithaca has been a testing ground for new technology developed by the Forest Service that helps inventory takers determine whether pests are responsible for a tree’s abnormal appearance. They enter any symptoms they spot, like small holes in a tree, into a hand-held computer and it tells them which pests could be responsible.
A team of professional inventory takers hired by Worcester failed to notice the beetles in 2006, Mr. Bohne said.
“If they’d had that pest detection software when they did the Worcester inventory,” Mr. Hilman said, “and if they had noticed small holes and sawdust piles, then that could have led to earlier detection.”
With the software improving, cities throughout the country look to tree inventories as having the potential to save millions of dollars. And many are recruiting local volunteers to do such inventories, an option that foresters endorse because it means more people are trained to look for signs of pests.
“In most cases the Asian long-horned beetle was first detected by residents,” said Keith Cline, program manager with the Urban and Community Forestry Program.
In Worcester, Donna Massie, a resident of Greendale, first noticed the beetle this summer and reported it to the authorities. Ms. Massie is eager to help with eradication efforts, but other residents are angry that the beetle went undetected for so long.
“It seems to me that Worcester just drags its feet,” said Donald Huard, 58, a handyman who lives on an affected street. “And now look; the problem is so big it’s really going to change our landscape.”
Ms. Massie, 53, is trying to get her neighbors to stay positive and informed through her Web site, asianlonghornedbeetleitems.com, which also sells beetle-themed goods like lacquered frozen beetles in wooden boxes and beetle Christmas ornaments. She plans to give half her proceeds to the city for replanting.
“Some people blame the government for catching the problem after the beetles already had time to spread,” she said. “But, really, it’s the beetle’s fault, and we’re all responsible, so the best thing to do now is to get educated and deal with the situation before it gets even bigger.”
Copyright 2008 The New York Times Company
Privacy Policy Search Corrections RSS First Look Help Contact Us Work for Us Site Map
Washington Post says EPA, Interior to be transformed under Obama
EPA, Interior Dept. Chiefs Will Be Busy Erasing Bush's Mark
Friday 28 November 2008
by: Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post
Few federal agencies are expected to undergo as radical a transformation under President-elect Barack Obama as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department, which have been at the epicenter of many of the Bush administration's most intense scientific and environmental controversies.
The agencies have different mandates - the EPA holds sway over air and water pollution, while Interior administers the nation's vast federal land holdings as well as the Endangered Species Act - but both deal with some of the country's most pressing environmental concerns, such as climate change. And over the past eight years, many career employees and rank-and-file scientists have clashed with Bush appointees over a number of those of issues, including whether the federal government should allow California to regulate tailpipe emissions from automobiles and how best to prevent imperiled species from disappearing altogether.
In June 2007, Obama told reporters in Reno, Nev., that he would not hesitate to reverse many of the environmental policies Bush has enacted by executive order.
"I think the slow chipping away against clean air and clean water has been deeply disturbing," Obama added. "Much of it hasn't gone through Congress. It was done by fiat. That is something that can be changed by an administration, in part by reinvigorating the EPA, which has been demoralized."
Global warming policies are expected to mark one of the sharpest breaks between the Obama and the Bush administrations.
EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson overruled his career advisers in deciding to deny California authority to control tailpipe emissions and rejecting their conclusion that global warming poses a threat to public welfare, and Obama is likely to reverse both of those policies shortly after taking office. This month, the president-elect told delegates to the Governors' Global Climate Summit that he would push for a federal cap-and-trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and then to cut them an additional 80 percent by 2050, targets Bush has never embraced.
"Delay is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable response," Obama said in a videotaped message. "The stakes are too high, the consequences too serious."
Jamie Rappaport Clark, executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife, said that together, the two agencies will help shape the government's response to climate change.
Clark, who headed the Fish and Wildlife Service under President Bill Clinton, is not a formal Obama adviser, but many of her former Clinton colleagues are helping the transition team, including David Hayes, a partner at Latham & Watkins; John Leshy, a professor at the University of California's Hastings College of the Law; and Robert Sussman, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress.
"EPA will play the lead role in crafting a regulatory response," Clark said. "Interior has a huge role to play in adaptation" -- the effort to cope with climate changes that are already happening, such as drought and more frequent wildfires.
EPA spokesman Jonathan Shradar said Wednesday that the agency is focused on finalizing policies on coal-fired power plants and other matters, but he would not speculate on the task the next administration faces: "We'll let the next team decide what their priorities will be when they get here."
With escalating responsibilities, both agencies will need more resources after years when their budgets shrank, relatively speaking. The EPA received $7.5 billion from Congress in 2008, down from $7.8 billion in 2001. Interior has fared slightly better, getting $11.1 billion compared with $10.4 billion in 2001, but that represents more than a 10 percent cut in inflation-adjusted dollars.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who as chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has feuded with both Johnson and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne over global warming and other issues, said in an interview that she has high expectations of the people who will take their places.
"I'm expecting President-elect Obama to select people who really care about the issues they're in charge of, someone who believes in their mission and not someone who's going to undermine their mission," she said. "That's a sea change."
There is a long list of Democrats vying to take the helm of both agencies. The two leading contenders for EPA administrator are Mary Nichols, a favorite of Boxer's who chairs the California Air Resources Board, and Lisa Jackson, who is in the midst of switching from heading New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to serving as chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Other possible nominees include Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty; Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles; former Sierra Club president and environmental activist Lisa Renstrom; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Pace University law professor and chairman of the Waterkeeper Alliance, another advocacy group.
The list for Interior is almost as long. Two House Democrats, Raul M. Grijalva (Ariz.) and Mike Thompson (Calif.) are contenders, but Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, former Oregon governor John Kitzhaber, National Trust for Historic Preservation President Richard Moe, as well as three former Interior officials - David Hayes, John Leshy and Clark at Defenders of Wildlife - have all been mentioned.
Regardless of who takes over at the agencies, the new leaders will face impatient scrutiny from green groups eager to change the government's trajectory on the environment. Frank O'Donnell, who heads the advocacy group Clean Air Watch, ticked off 10 initiatives he expects the new EPA administrator to undertake, including changing rules on emissions from coal-fired power plants and monitoring airborne lead pollution more closely.
"The Bush administration has cut so many special deals for industry that it could be a Herculean effort reversing them all," O'Donnell said. "The new team is going to have to muck out the regulatory stables."
--------
Staff researcher Madonna Lebling contributed to this report.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 17 U.S.C. SECTION 107, THIS MATERIAL IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PROFIT TO THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED A PRIOR INTEREST IN RECEIVING THE INCLUDED INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. TRUTHOUT HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER WITH THE ORIGINATOR OF THIS ARTICLE NOR IS TRUTHOUT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE ORIGINATOR.
"VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS A CONVENIENCE TO OUR READERS AND ALLOW FOR VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY. HOWEVER, AS ORIGINATING PAGES ARE OFTEN UPDATED BY THEIR ORIGINATING HOST SITES, THE VERSIONS POSTED ON TO MAY NOT MATCH THE VERSIONS OUR READERS VIEW WHEN CLICKING THE "VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS.
Friday 28 November 2008
by: Juliet Eilperin, The Washington Post
Few federal agencies are expected to undergo as radical a transformation under President-elect Barack Obama as the Environmental Protection Agency and the Interior Department, which have been at the epicenter of many of the Bush administration's most intense scientific and environmental controversies.
The agencies have different mandates - the EPA holds sway over air and water pollution, while Interior administers the nation's vast federal land holdings as well as the Endangered Species Act - but both deal with some of the country's most pressing environmental concerns, such as climate change. And over the past eight years, many career employees and rank-and-file scientists have clashed with Bush appointees over a number of those of issues, including whether the federal government should allow California to regulate tailpipe emissions from automobiles and how best to prevent imperiled species from disappearing altogether.
In June 2007, Obama told reporters in Reno, Nev., that he would not hesitate to reverse many of the environmental policies Bush has enacted by executive order.
"I think the slow chipping away against clean air and clean water has been deeply disturbing," Obama added. "Much of it hasn't gone through Congress. It was done by fiat. That is something that can be changed by an administration, in part by reinvigorating the EPA, which has been demoralized."
Global warming policies are expected to mark one of the sharpest breaks between the Obama and the Bush administrations.
EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson overruled his career advisers in deciding to deny California authority to control tailpipe emissions and rejecting their conclusion that global warming poses a threat to public welfare, and Obama is likely to reverse both of those policies shortly after taking office. This month, the president-elect told delegates to the Governors' Global Climate Summit that he would push for a federal cap-and-trade system designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels by 2020 and then to cut them an additional 80 percent by 2050, targets Bush has never embraced.
"Delay is no longer an option. Denial is no longer an acceptable response," Obama said in a videotaped message. "The stakes are too high, the consequences too serious."
Jamie Rappaport Clark, executive vice president of the advocacy group Defenders of Wildlife, said that together, the two agencies will help shape the government's response to climate change.
Clark, who headed the Fish and Wildlife Service under President Bill Clinton, is not a formal Obama adviser, but many of her former Clinton colleagues are helping the transition team, including David Hayes, a partner at Latham & Watkins; John Leshy, a professor at the University of California's Hastings College of the Law; and Robert Sussman, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress.
"EPA will play the lead role in crafting a regulatory response," Clark said. "Interior has a huge role to play in adaptation" -- the effort to cope with climate changes that are already happening, such as drought and more frequent wildfires.
EPA spokesman Jonathan Shradar said Wednesday that the agency is focused on finalizing policies on coal-fired power plants and other matters, but he would not speculate on the task the next administration faces: "We'll let the next team decide what their priorities will be when they get here."
With escalating responsibilities, both agencies will need more resources after years when their budgets shrank, relatively speaking. The EPA received $7.5 billion from Congress in 2008, down from $7.8 billion in 2001. Interior has fared slightly better, getting $11.1 billion compared with $10.4 billion in 2001, but that represents more than a 10 percent cut in inflation-adjusted dollars.
Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who as chairwoman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee has feuded with both Johnson and Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne over global warming and other issues, said in an interview that she has high expectations of the people who will take their places.
"I'm expecting President-elect Obama to select people who really care about the issues they're in charge of, someone who believes in their mission and not someone who's going to undermine their mission," she said. "That's a sea change."
There is a long list of Democrats vying to take the helm of both agencies. The two leading contenders for EPA administrator are Mary Nichols, a favorite of Boxer's who chairs the California Air Resources Board, and Lisa Jackson, who is in the midst of switching from heading New Jersey's Department of Environmental Protection to serving as chief of staff to New Jersey Gov. Jon S. Corzine. Other possible nominees include Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty; Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles; former Sierra Club president and environmental activist Lisa Renstrom; and Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Pace University law professor and chairman of the Waterkeeper Alliance, another advocacy group.
The list for Interior is almost as long. Two House Democrats, Raul M. Grijalva (Ariz.) and Mike Thompson (Calif.) are contenders, but Rep. Jay Inslee (D-Wash.), Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, former Oregon governor John Kitzhaber, National Trust for Historic Preservation President Richard Moe, as well as three former Interior officials - David Hayes, John Leshy and Clark at Defenders of Wildlife - have all been mentioned.
Regardless of who takes over at the agencies, the new leaders will face impatient scrutiny from green groups eager to change the government's trajectory on the environment. Frank O'Donnell, who heads the advocacy group Clean Air Watch, ticked off 10 initiatives he expects the new EPA administrator to undertake, including changing rules on emissions from coal-fired power plants and monitoring airborne lead pollution more closely.
"The Bush administration has cut so many special deals for industry that it could be a Herculean effort reversing them all," O'Donnell said. "The new team is going to have to muck out the regulatory stables."
--------
Staff researcher Madonna Lebling contributed to this report.
IN ACCORDANCE WITH TITLE 17 U.S.C. SECTION 107, THIS MATERIAL IS DISTRIBUTED WITHOUT PROFIT TO THOSE WHO HAVE EXPRESSED A PRIOR INTEREST IN RECEIVING THE INCLUDED INFORMATION FOR RESEARCH AND EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES. TRUTHOUT HAS NO AFFILIATION WHATSOEVER WITH THE ORIGINATOR OF THIS ARTICLE NOR IS TRUTHOUT ENDORSED OR SPONSORED BY THE ORIGINATOR.
"VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS ARE PROVIDED AS A CONVENIENCE TO OUR READERS AND ALLOW FOR VERIFICATION OF AUTHENTICITY. HOWEVER, AS ORIGINATING PAGES ARE OFTEN UPDATED BY THEIR ORIGINATING HOST SITES, THE VERSIONS POSTED ON TO MAY NOT MATCH THE VERSIONS OUR READERS VIEW WHEN CLICKING THE "VIEW SOURCE ARTICLE" LINKS.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Polls close at 7:30 p.m. Vote for Lioneld Jordan for mayor
Please click on image to Enlarge photo of woman with her grandson holding signs at South School and Martin Luther King Boulevard, formerly Sixth Street.
Time is short to vote. Don't miss the chance to help elect an honest, steadfast mayor with a heart big enough to value everyone.
Time is short to vote. Don't miss the chance to help elect an honest, steadfast mayor with a heart big enough to value everyone.
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Lioneld Jordan demonstrates leadership, says Jennifer Creel
Jordan demonstrates leadership
I support Lioneld Jordan for mayor. Through community involvement as a midwife and active resident of Fayetteville, I have had the opportunity to work with Lioneld on several community projects. He was instrumental in the Town Branch Neighborhood’s successful effort to make the World Peace Wetland Prairie a city nature park. During the process of acquiring the land and making it a park, Lioneld facilitated open and honest communication among concerned citizens, city employees, and other elected officials. Lioneld continues to show support for neighborhood green spaces and the wetland prairie by being an active participant in the restoration of the native plants. Advocating green and responsible development are areas where I have seen Lioneld demonstrate remarkable leadership. He was accessible and worked diligently to maintain the integrity of our neighborhood, voting against environmentally unsustainable development and also helping our neighborhood negotiate with developers to implement more sustainable methods of reducing stormwater runoff to decrease the chance of flooding. As a mother and a concerned citizen, I hope you will join me in electing an honest mayor with the experience and integrity Fayetteville needs. Jennifer Creel
Fayetteville
I support Lioneld Jordan for mayor. Through community involvement as a midwife and active resident of Fayetteville, I have had the opportunity to work with Lioneld on several community projects. He was instrumental in the Town Branch Neighborhood’s successful effort to make the World Peace Wetland Prairie a city nature park. During the process of acquiring the land and making it a park, Lioneld facilitated open and honest communication among concerned citizens, city employees, and other elected officials. Lioneld continues to show support for neighborhood green spaces and the wetland prairie by being an active participant in the restoration of the native plants. Advocating green and responsible development are areas where I have seen Lioneld demonstrate remarkable leadership. He was accessible and worked diligently to maintain the integrity of our neighborhood, voting against environmentally unsustainable development and also helping our neighborhood negotiate with developers to implement more sustainable methods of reducing stormwater runoff to decrease the chance of flooding. As a mother and a concerned citizen, I hope you will join me in electing an honest mayor with the experience and integrity Fayetteville needs. Jennifer Creel
Fayetteville
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Louise Mann says support Lioneld Jordan to support our police and firefighters
Please click on images to ENLARGE photos of Louise Mann supporting Lioneld Jordan.
I'm sure we all want to show support for our fire and police, the people who risk their lives for us, daily.
They have now stood up against the current mayor. The Fire and Police have come together and endorsed Lioneld Jordan for mayor.
Why would they do that, if they did not feel very strongly there was a need for change? This is an endorsement that comes from the guys in the trenches. They have worked with both candidates.
Please think about this next question? Would you have the courage to come out and openly endorse against your boss? Have you ever taken such a courageous stand? It's not a small thing to do. Imagine the consequences.
Both Walt Eilers and Steve Clark have endorsed Lioneld. The Green groups have endorsed Lioneld. And the Unions have endorsed Lioneld.
These people/groups did not make their endorsements lightly. People are speaking out because they know, from firsthand experience, what kind of leadership would be good for Fayetteville.
I think most of us would agree that our fire and police have been darn good to us over the years.
Let's support our Fire and Police Depts. and give them the leader they have requested, Lioneld Jordan!
Bush moves to destroy wilderness protection
Reply
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What he can destroy in 60 days
From: owner-nw-ar-list@nw-ar.com on behalf of Frances Alexander (fran@deane-alexander.com)
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President for 60 More Days, Bush Tearing Apart Protection for America's Wilderness
Thursday 20 November 2008
by: Suzanne Goldenberg, The Guardian UK
Oil shale mining in Rocky Mountains gets go-ahead. "Midnight regulations" to dismantle safeguards.
Washington - George Bush is working at a breakneck pace to dismantle at least 10 major environmental safeguards protecting America's wildlife, national parks and rivers before he leaves office in January.
With barely 60 days to go until Bush hands over to Barack Obama, his White House is working methodically to weaken or reverse an array of regulations that protect America's wilderness from logging or mining operations, and compel factory farms to clean up dangerous waste.
In the latest such move this week, Bush opened up some 800,000 hectares (2m acres) of land in Rocky Mountain states for the development of oil shale, one of the dirtiest fuels on the planet. The law goes into effect on January 17, three days before Obama takes office.
The timing is crucial. Most regulations take effect 60 days after publication, and Bush wants the new rules in place before he leaves the White House on January 20. That will make it more difficult for Obama to undo them.
"There are probably going to be scores of rules that are issued between now and January 20," said John Walke, a senior attorney at the National Resources Defence Council. "And there are at least a dozen very controversial rules that will weaken public health and environment protection that have no business being adopted and would not be acceptable to the incoming Obama administration, based on stances he has taken as a senator and during the campaign."
The flurry of new rules - known as midnight regulations - is part of a broader campaign by the Bush administration to leave a lasting imprint on environmental policy. Some of the actions have provoked widespread protests such as the Bureau of Land Management's plans to auction off 20,000 hectares of oil and gas parcels within sight of Utah's Delicate Arch natural bridge.
The Bush administration is also accused of engaging in a parallel go-slow on court-ordered actions on the environment. "There are the midnight regulations that they are trying to force out before they leave office, and then there are the other things they are trying not to do before they go. A lot of the climate stuff falls into the category of things they would rather not do," said a career official at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Other presidents have worked up to the final moments of their presidency to impose their legacy on history. But Bush has been particularly organised in his campaign to roll back years of protections - not only on the environment, but workplace safety and employee rights.
"This is Bush trying to leave a legacy that supports his ideology," said Gary Bass, executive director of OMB Watch, an independent Washington thinktank that monitors the White House office of management and budget. "This was very strategic and it was in line of the ideology of the Bush administration which has been to put in place a free market and conservative agenda."
The campaign got under way in May when the White House chief of staff, Joshua Bolten, wrote to government agencies asking them to forward proposals for rule changes. Bolten had initially set a November 1 deadline on rule-making. The White House denies that the flurry of rule changes is politically motivated. "What the chief of staff wanted to avoid was this very charge that we would be trying to, in the dark of night in the last days of the administration, be rushing regulations into place ahead of the incoming, next administration," Tony Fratto, the White House spokesman, told reporters.
But OMB Watch notes that the office of management and budget website shows 83 rules reviewed from September 1 to October 31 this year - about double its workload in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Meanwhile, the Bush administration cut short the timeframe for public comment. In one instance, officials claimed to have reviewed 300,000 comments about changes to wildlife protection within the space of a week.
The new regulations include a provision that would free industrial-scale pig and cattle farms from complying with the Clean Water Act so long as they declare they are not dumping animal waste in lakes and rivers. The rule was finalised on October 31. Mountain-top mining operations will also be exempt from the Clean Water Act, allowing them to dump debris in rivers and lakes. The rule is still under review at the OMB. Coal-fired power plants will no longer be required to install pollution controls or clean up soot and smog pollution.
Yet another of the new rules, which has generated publicity, would allow the Pentagon and other government agencies to embark on new projects without first undertaking studies on the potential dangers to wildlife.
Announcements of further rule changes are expected in the next few days including one that would weaken regulation of perchlorate, a toxin in rocket fuel that can affect brain development in children, in drinking water.
The Bush strategy has prompted a fightback from environmentalists, the Democratic-controlled Congress, and members of the Obama transition team.
John Podesta, who is overseeing the transition, has said that Obama will review the last-minute actions, and will seek to repeal those that are "not in the interests of the country".
Pollute, Baby, Pollute
The last-minute rules passed during the "midnight hours" of the George Bush presidency differ from his predecessors because they are basically a project of deregulation - not regulation. Among the most far-reaching:
Industrial-size pig, cow and chicken farms can disregard the Clean Water Act and air pollution controls.
The interior department can approve development such as mining or logging without consulting wildlife managers about their impact.
Restrictions will be eased so power plants can operate near national parks and wilderness areas.
Pollution controls on new power plants will be downgraded.
Mountain-top mine operators could dump waste into rivers and streams.
2m acres of land in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado opened to development of oil shales, the dirtiest fuel on Earth.
Reply all
Forward
What he can destroy in 60 days
From: owner-nw-ar-list@nw-ar.com on behalf of Frances Alexander (fran@deane-alexander.com)
Sent: Sat 11/22/08 8:35 AM
To:
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President for 60 More Days, Bush Tearing Apart Protection for America's Wilderness
Thursday 20 November 2008
by: Suzanne Goldenberg, The Guardian UK
Oil shale mining in Rocky Mountains gets go-ahead. "Midnight regulations" to dismantle safeguards.
Washington - George Bush is working at a breakneck pace to dismantle at least 10 major environmental safeguards protecting America's wildlife, national parks and rivers before he leaves office in January.
With barely 60 days to go until Bush hands over to Barack Obama, his White House is working methodically to weaken or reverse an array of regulations that protect America's wilderness from logging or mining operations, and compel factory farms to clean up dangerous waste.
In the latest such move this week, Bush opened up some 800,000 hectares (2m acres) of land in Rocky Mountain states for the development of oil shale, one of the dirtiest fuels on the planet. The law goes into effect on January 17, three days before Obama takes office.
The timing is crucial. Most regulations take effect 60 days after publication, and Bush wants the new rules in place before he leaves the White House on January 20. That will make it more difficult for Obama to undo them.
"There are probably going to be scores of rules that are issued between now and January 20," said John Walke, a senior attorney at the National Resources Defence Council. "And there are at least a dozen very controversial rules that will weaken public health and environment protection that have no business being adopted and would not be acceptable to the incoming Obama administration, based on stances he has taken as a senator and during the campaign."
The flurry of new rules - known as midnight regulations - is part of a broader campaign by the Bush administration to leave a lasting imprint on environmental policy. Some of the actions have provoked widespread protests such as the Bureau of Land Management's plans to auction off 20,000 hectares of oil and gas parcels within sight of Utah's Delicate Arch natural bridge.
The Bush administration is also accused of engaging in a parallel go-slow on court-ordered actions on the environment. "There are the midnight regulations that they are trying to force out before they leave office, and then there are the other things they are trying not to do before they go. A lot of the climate stuff falls into the category of things they would rather not do," said a career official at the Environmental Protection Agency.
Other presidents have worked up to the final moments of their presidency to impose their legacy on history. But Bush has been particularly organised in his campaign to roll back years of protections - not only on the environment, but workplace safety and employee rights.
"This is Bush trying to leave a legacy that supports his ideology," said Gary Bass, executive director of OMB Watch, an independent Washington thinktank that monitors the White House office of management and budget. "This was very strategic and it was in line of the ideology of the Bush administration which has been to put in place a free market and conservative agenda."
The campaign got under way in May when the White House chief of staff, Joshua Bolten, wrote to government agencies asking them to forward proposals for rule changes. Bolten had initially set a November 1 deadline on rule-making. The White House denies that the flurry of rule changes is politically motivated. "What the chief of staff wanted to avoid was this very charge that we would be trying to, in the dark of night in the last days of the administration, be rushing regulations into place ahead of the incoming, next administration," Tony Fratto, the White House spokesman, told reporters.
But OMB Watch notes that the office of management and budget website shows 83 rules reviewed from September 1 to October 31 this year - about double its workload in 2007, 2006 and 2005.
Meanwhile, the Bush administration cut short the timeframe for public comment. In one instance, officials claimed to have reviewed 300,000 comments about changes to wildlife protection within the space of a week.
The new regulations include a provision that would free industrial-scale pig and cattle farms from complying with the Clean Water Act so long as they declare they are not dumping animal waste in lakes and rivers. The rule was finalised on October 31. Mountain-top mining operations will also be exempt from the Clean Water Act, allowing them to dump debris in rivers and lakes. The rule is still under review at the OMB. Coal-fired power plants will no longer be required to install pollution controls or clean up soot and smog pollution.
Yet another of the new rules, which has generated publicity, would allow the Pentagon and other government agencies to embark on new projects without first undertaking studies on the potential dangers to wildlife.
Announcements of further rule changes are expected in the next few days including one that would weaken regulation of perchlorate, a toxin in rocket fuel that can affect brain development in children, in drinking water.
The Bush strategy has prompted a fightback from environmentalists, the Democratic-controlled Congress, and members of the Obama transition team.
John Podesta, who is overseeing the transition, has said that Obama will review the last-minute actions, and will seek to repeal those that are "not in the interests of the country".
Pollute, Baby, Pollute
The last-minute rules passed during the "midnight hours" of the George Bush presidency differ from his predecessors because they are basically a project of deregulation - not regulation. Among the most far-reaching:
Industrial-size pig, cow and chicken farms can disregard the Clean Water Act and air pollution controls.
The interior department can approve development such as mining or logging without consulting wildlife managers about their impact.
Restrictions will be eased so power plants can operate near national parks and wilderness areas.
Pollution controls on new power plants will be downgraded.
Mountain-top mine operators could dump waste into rivers and streams.
2m acres of land in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado opened to development of oil shales, the dirtiest fuel on Earth.
Friday, November 21, 2008
Aubrey Shepherd supports Lioneld Jordan in the Nov. 20, 2008, Fayetteville Free Weekly
Lioneld Jordan offers fair and open government
In the general election, Lioneld Jordan got votes from people from all political parties. Independence of thought and freedom from prejudice are two important qualities people admire about Lioneld Jordan.
Some said they follow city-government meetings on Government Channel and respect Lioneld for his work in eight years of City Council, committee and ward meetings.
Several said his work for neighborhoods made them trust him more than any other official.
Others said they met Lioneld years ago and respected his integrity in private life. Some said they had worked with him and recognized his consistently good judgment and kindness as he rose to a supervisory management position.
Some city workers have said privately that after years of interaction with Lioneld they felt more comfortable working with him than with any other elected official.
People who care about the fertile soil, clean air and water, trees, tall-grass prairie, wildlife, streams and all things living in Fayetteville said they voted for Lionel because of his consistent support of trails and parks and especially his voting to protect Wilson Spring and to create World Peace Wetland Prairie.
Some people said they voted for Jordan because of his support of well-planned developments and because he invites developers to his Ward Four meetings to interact with constituents BEFORE developers commit to projects with flaws easily recognized by people who live near the projects.
Most important is that many long-time Fayetteville residents recognize that Lioneld is dedicated to improving life for everyone in our city, regardless of economic status. He is a working man who reads constantly, listens to everyone and learns every day.
Early voting begins November 18 at the Washington County Courthouse. The county Website lists polling places for runoff election day, November 25.
Please vote to elect Lioneld Jordan mayor of Fayetteville.
Aubrey James Shepherd
Fayetteville, Arkansas
In the general election, Lioneld Jordan got votes from people from all political parties. Independence of thought and freedom from prejudice are two important qualities people admire about Lioneld Jordan.
Some said they follow city-government meetings on Government Channel and respect Lioneld for his work in eight years of City Council, committee and ward meetings.
Several said his work for neighborhoods made them trust him more than any other official.
Others said they met Lioneld years ago and respected his integrity in private life. Some said they had worked with him and recognized his consistently good judgment and kindness as he rose to a supervisory management position.
Some city workers have said privately that after years of interaction with Lioneld they felt more comfortable working with him than with any other elected official.
People who care about the fertile soil, clean air and water, trees, tall-grass prairie, wildlife, streams and all things living in Fayetteville said they voted for Lionel because of his consistent support of trails and parks and especially his voting to protect Wilson Spring and to create World Peace Wetland Prairie.
Some people said they voted for Jordan because of his support of well-planned developments and because he invites developers to his Ward Four meetings to interact with constituents BEFORE developers commit to projects with flaws easily recognized by people who live near the projects.
Most important is that many long-time Fayetteville residents recognize that Lioneld is dedicated to improving life for everyone in our city, regardless of economic status. He is a working man who reads constantly, listens to everyone and learns every day.
Early voting begins November 18 at the Washington County Courthouse. The county Website lists polling places for runoff election day, November 25.
Please vote to elect Lioneld Jordan mayor of Fayetteville.
Aubrey James Shepherd
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Marsha Melnichak's passing leaves an empty spot in the hearts of Fayetteville residents
Please click on image to ENLARGE photo of Marsha Melnichak (right) and friends visiting the Fayetteville Farmer's Market on October 25, 2008.
Marsha Melnichak died in her sleep Thursday night November 20, 2008, or early this morning, at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I was told.
Having visited her Wednesday night at the hospital, I knew her time was short. During the meeting of the Telecommunication Board on Tuesday night, several people spoke off camera of their sadness that she would likely never again attend such meetings and report on them with her clear sense of reality and highly developed ability to sort through the chaff and find the significant points of such city meetings. She earned universal respect from city workers, public officials and area residents who read her news stories.
Few people reach Marsha's high level of competence and integrity in reporting the news.
She covered the beginning of the mayoral campaign well, and it was clear in brief conversations in the weeks since she found herself unable to work that one of her concerns was not being able to continue her work and be on hand next Tuesday to report on the final chapter.
Maybe she realized that she would not be with us by this time. Most of us did not.
Her absence should be a reminder that, whatever goals we set, pursuing them with honesty, good humor and grace is as important as the result.
Marsha Melnichak died in her sleep Thursday night November 20, 2008, or early this morning, at Washington Regional Hospital in Fayetteville, Arkansas, I was told.
Having visited her Wednesday night at the hospital, I knew her time was short. During the meeting of the Telecommunication Board on Tuesday night, several people spoke off camera of their sadness that she would likely never again attend such meetings and report on them with her clear sense of reality and highly developed ability to sort through the chaff and find the significant points of such city meetings. She earned universal respect from city workers, public officials and area residents who read her news stories.
Few people reach Marsha's high level of competence and integrity in reporting the news.
She covered the beginning of the mayoral campaign well, and it was clear in brief conversations in the weeks since she found herself unable to work that one of her concerns was not being able to continue her work and be on hand next Tuesday to report on the final chapter.
Maybe she realized that she would not be with us by this time. Most of us did not.
Her absence should be a reminder that, whatever goals we set, pursuing them with honesty, good humor and grace is as important as the result.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Steve Clark's endorsement of Lioneld Jordan on Google video
Please click the "play" arrow to view video of Steve Clark endorsing Lioneld Jordan.
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Steve Clark endorses Lioneld Jordan for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas
Please click image to enlarge view of Steve Clark as he announces his support for Lioneld Jordan and Alderman Jordan applauding.
Former Arkansas Attorney General Clark finished third in the race for mayor in a six-person field of candidates during the general election. Jordan is in a runoff with the incumbent mayor for the highest office in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Early voting has begun at the Washington County Courthouse and is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Monday will be the final day to vote early at the courthouse and runoff election day is Tuesday, November 25 at regular polling places in Fayetteville.
Former Arkansas Attorney General Clark finished third in the race for mayor in a six-person field of candidates during the general election. Jordan is in a runoff with the incumbent mayor for the highest office in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Early voting has begun at the Washington County Courthouse and is available from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays. Monday will be the final day to vote early at the courthouse and runoff election day is Tuesday, November 25 at regular polling places in Fayetteville.
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette endorses Lioneld Jordan in the runoff for mayor of Fayetteville, Arkansas
EDITORIALS : Still for Lioneld Jordan
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Northwest Edition
Posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
URL: http://www.nwanews.com/adg/Editorial/244000
LIONELD JORDAN, the
conscientious alderman, is in a run-off for
mayor of Fayetteville. He’s trying to unseat Dan Coody, the two-term incumbent who’s seeking a third term. Mr. Jordan was our choice in the general election earlier this month. He remains our choice in Tuesday’s run-off.
Lioneld Jordan has much to recommend him. In his eight years as alderman, he’s never missed a city council meeting. He’s held monthly meetings in his ward to stay in touch with those who elected him to the city council. Known for his open approach, he listens to all. Even when he disagrees, he’s straightforward enough to explain why. He takes the time to master the difficult issues that come before a city council, and he’s been willing to admit he was wrong when he’s decided to change his mind.
He’s in a tough runoff. His opponent, Mayor Coody, has been a fixture in Fayetteville politics for many years, long predating his first election as mayor in 2000. And the mayor has got lots of supporters to show for it. But his opponent in this runoff has put together a notable coalition in his campaign to become Fayetteville’s next mayor. Mr. Jordan has won the endorsements of Fayetteville’s police officers and firefighters, as well as that of the Sierra Club and the local Green Party. In addition, three other candidates for mayor in the general election have now offered their support to him.
Mayor Coody has had his share of difficulties over the years. He bears ultimate responsibility for the $ 60-million-plus cost overrun for the expansion of the city’s wastewater system. The project came in three years late and had to be rescued with an increase in the city sales tax. He pushed hard for putting up a big hotelplus-condo at the site of the old Mountain Inn. But it has yet to materialize. Instead, the city has gotten a parking lot on the site.
The mayor has also disappointed with his heavy-handed take-over of the city’s Government Channel, which resulted in the cancellation of its public opinion forums. Those forums had been a popular way to provide non-partisan information about issues of interest to anyone who lives in Fayetteville.
Nobody expects Lioneld Jordan to do everything right if he’s elected mayor. But the city can be confident he’ll approach city government with a willingness to hear all sides and take all opinions into account before making the decision he believes is best for Fayetteville. He’s shown commendable openness in his years as an alderman. Based on his record, voters can expect the same from him as mayor. Which is why we’re endorsing him—again.
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
Monday, November 17, 2008
November 17, 2008, mayoral debate in The Morning News
Please click on image to ENLARGE view of laptop view of video being recorded during the November 17, 2008, debate between Dan Coody and Lioneld Jordan sponsored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce at the UA Continuing Education Center.ñ
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Mayoral Candidates Trade Quips
By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/11/17/news/111808fzmayoral.txt
FAYETTEVILLE -- If elected, Lioneld Jordan aims to have an economic development plan within 90 days of taking office as Fayetteville's next mayor.
"After eight years we still do not have an economic development plan for this city. And that needs to change," Jordan told a nearly packed auditorium Monday night during a mayoral debate between Jordan -- a council member -- and incumbent Mayor Dan Coody. The debate was sponsored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion followed eight topics as diverse as growing collegiality on the council to how to mange building impact fees to how to "Keep Fayetteville Funky."
Coody, in his own calm style, spent much of his time explaining various aspects of the last eight years and the vision he holds for the future.
"We've worked to rebuild infrastructure. We're rebuilding the very basics on what you can build economic development," Coody said.
Jordan, who at times sliced the air with his hand to get his point across, reiterated many past segments of his stump speech, such as growing job training and being a better manager of the public's money.
"I don't plan on bringing a millage increase in 2009," Jordan said. "If I'm elected mayor of this city, we will have a balanced budget."
Coody also did not propose a millage increase, but his proposed budget dips into the city's reserve funds.
But when the evening's final question came up -- how to fund cost of living raises for city staff -- Jordan, a union member, reiterated that he does not plan to unionize the city work force.
"If I wanted to unionize this city, I've had eight years, and I never did it," he told the room flatly.
The issue was raised at the last debate and Coody stoked that fire a little further when he recalled a prior conversation he says he'd had with Jordan.
"He (Jordan) did say that if he had the chance, that he would unionize this city so fast it would make my head spin," Coody said.
Jordan denied the accusation, adding that if he did say something to that effect, it was an off-the-cuff joke.
"Let me tell you, I didn't come to unionize this city," Jordan said, and added, any such move would require City Council approval.
But the two men also quipped back and forth around economic development, even though both want to grow green-tech jobs. But Jordan wants to see less dragging of feet and fewer "outside consultants" brought in.
"I'm ready to hear from the business community of this city," Jordan said, subtly hinting at one the main themes of his campaign -- communication.
"And set down and hammer out an economic plan that will protect the businesses that we have and move this city forward," he added. Though Jordan did not offer any specifics to what that plan might include.
"This city needs to move forward economically, and we have not had a plan in eight years," Jordan continued.
"Sounds easy doesn't it?" said Coody, who then went on to call this approach "unrealistic."
"It is not 'unrealistic,'" Jordan said. "It takes attitude."
Coody then embarked on a his own dossier of his work with the Fayetteville Economic Development Council and the recent economic development strategy planning session the city held jointly with the university by bringing in Eve Klein and Associates, an economic development consulting firm.
And it would be almost impossible in this election to not touch on the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which upon completion, was three years behind schedule and ended up costing some $60 million more than planned. Coody has half-heartedly taken the blame for the debacle, but adds that part of the problem was his office not having all the information regarding how wrongly the project was heading.
"If there's going to be a project going out of whack, I'm going to know about it and the people will know about it," Jordan said. "The buck always stops at the mayor's office, and when I'm mayor, the buck will stop with me."
"The reason the buck stops with me, is because everybody gets to pass it," Coody said.
The Morning News
Local News for Northwest Arkansas
Mayoral Candidates Trade Quips
By Skip Descant
THE MORNING NEWS
http://www.nwaonline.net/articles/2008/11/17/news/111808fzmayoral.txt
FAYETTEVILLE -- If elected, Lioneld Jordan aims to have an economic development plan within 90 days of taking office as Fayetteville's next mayor.
"After eight years we still do not have an economic development plan for this city. And that needs to change," Jordan told a nearly packed auditorium Monday night during a mayoral debate between Jordan -- a council member -- and incumbent Mayor Dan Coody. The debate was sponsored by the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce.
The discussion followed eight topics as diverse as growing collegiality on the council to how to mange building impact fees to how to "Keep Fayetteville Funky."
Coody, in his own calm style, spent much of his time explaining various aspects of the last eight years and the vision he holds for the future.
"We've worked to rebuild infrastructure. We're rebuilding the very basics on what you can build economic development," Coody said.
Jordan, who at times sliced the air with his hand to get his point across, reiterated many past segments of his stump speech, such as growing job training and being a better manager of the public's money.
"I don't plan on bringing a millage increase in 2009," Jordan said. "If I'm elected mayor of this city, we will have a balanced budget."
Coody also did not propose a millage increase, but his proposed budget dips into the city's reserve funds.
But when the evening's final question came up -- how to fund cost of living raises for city staff -- Jordan, a union member, reiterated that he does not plan to unionize the city work force.
"If I wanted to unionize this city, I've had eight years, and I never did it," he told the room flatly.
The issue was raised at the last debate and Coody stoked that fire a little further when he recalled a prior conversation he says he'd had with Jordan.
"He (Jordan) did say that if he had the chance, that he would unionize this city so fast it would make my head spin," Coody said.
Jordan denied the accusation, adding that if he did say something to that effect, it was an off-the-cuff joke.
"Let me tell you, I didn't come to unionize this city," Jordan said, and added, any such move would require City Council approval.
But the two men also quipped back and forth around economic development, even though both want to grow green-tech jobs. But Jordan wants to see less dragging of feet and fewer "outside consultants" brought in.
"I'm ready to hear from the business community of this city," Jordan said, subtly hinting at one the main themes of his campaign -- communication.
"And set down and hammer out an economic plan that will protect the businesses that we have and move this city forward," he added. Though Jordan did not offer any specifics to what that plan might include.
"This city needs to move forward economically, and we have not had a plan in eight years," Jordan continued.
"Sounds easy doesn't it?" said Coody, who then went on to call this approach "unrealistic."
"It is not 'unrealistic,'" Jordan said. "It takes attitude."
Coody then embarked on a his own dossier of his work with the Fayetteville Economic Development Council and the recent economic development strategy planning session the city held jointly with the university by bringing in Eve Klein and Associates, an economic development consulting firm.
And it would be almost impossible in this election to not touch on the Westside Wastewater Treatment Plant, which upon completion, was three years behind schedule and ended up costing some $60 million more than planned. Coody has half-heartedly taken the blame for the debacle, but adds that part of the problem was his office not having all the information regarding how wrongly the project was heading.
"If there's going to be a project going out of whack, I'm going to know about it and the people will know about it," Jordan said. "The buck always stops at the mayor's office, and when I'm mayor, the buck will stop with me."
"The reason the buck stops with me, is because everybody gets to pass it," Coody said.
Sunday, November 16, 2008
Letters to the editor
http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/71174
Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008
Jordan can be trusted
Early voting for the mayoral runoff election begins on Nov. 18, and Election Day is Nov. 25. I urge you to get out and vote and, when you do, to vote for Lioneld Jordan. Here are three of the many reasons why I will be voting for Lioneld: 1. We need a mayor who believes in balancing the city budget and living within our city income. Last year, it fell to Vice Mayor Jordan to lead the City Council through this difficult task while the mayor was off in Europe doing other things. This year, Jordan joined the Council in passing a resolution directing the mayor to submit a balanced budget, which the mayor refused to do. Lioneld will not need that kind of direction. 2. We need a mayor who believes in closely monitoring large multi-million dollar city projects right from the beginning, not after they have fallen years behind schedule and are running millions of dollars over budget. Contrast the initial mismanagement of the sewer and trails projects by the Streets Committee under Lioneld Jordan’s chairmanship. 3. We need a mayor who not only believes in regular two-way communication with the people, but actually practices it. Contrast Lioneld’s 110 face-to-face Ward 4 and other meetings with the number of such appearances by our mayor over the past eight years. Again, please get out and vote during this runoff, and when you do please remember: Lioneld Jordan — Experience You Can Trust !
William A. Moeller
Fayetteville
Incumbent’s campaign disappoints
The Sunday, Nov. 9, Northwest Arkansas Times illustrates strongly why Lioneld Jordan should be Fayetteville’s next mayor. In the article about the runoff race, incumbent Mayor Coody disappoints, but hardly surprises me, by resorting to the politics of fear to down Mr. Jordan. Coody uses the buzzwords “ union, ” the Wal-Mart bogeyman, and “ radical, ” which actually translates as from the roots, to frighten people worried about the city budget. Check the record. Mr. Jordan has certainly had a grassroots campaign, but he has never proposed unionizing city employees. It is Coody who defied the elected city council’s directive to present a balanced budget. Dr. Nick Brown, in a letter the same day, eloquently defines “ sustainability, ” one of Coody’s favorite terms, as including social justice. I believe that if the mayor treats city employees well, they will not need to unionize; the fact that two of the largest, most visible and most depended-upon groups of city employees, namely our firefighters and police, support Lioneld Jordan speaks volumes. As mayor, Lioneld will not throw away money on fancy consultants, when we have plenty of expertise here in town. How difficult can it be for the mayor to put the UAF chancellor on speed-dial ? Lioneld will not direct the city attorney to fight a private howeowner over a sewage mishap, when simply fixing the problem would cost less than 10 percent of the eventual legal bills and settlement. Lioneld has learned that illconceived real estate dealing, such as the Mountain Inn / TIF fiasco, the Wilson Springs purchase, and the Tyson Building saga, are budget drains and not economic salvations. Join with me to return our city to the citizens. Vote for Lioneld Jordan Nov. 25.
Rick Belt
Fayetteville
Regarding the runoff
Although two of Lioneld Jordan’s former mayoral opponents (Eilers, Fire Cat ) have now endorsed Jordan, his runoff opponent informs us that the “ dynamic of the campaign will change as mayoral forums allow more time for two candidates to answer questions than was possible with six. ” (Northwest Arkansas Times, Nov. 6 ) Jordan’s opponent asserts that the more “ in-depth ” answers provided in debates will allow voters to “ delve more deeply into issues and public records and history of leadership ” However, those of us who’ve long appreciated Lioneld Jordan’s leadership in Ward 4 and as vice mayor are sure that Lioneld has already outlined the best long-term approaches for Fayetteville’s future development. His mayoral platform and track record build on proven experience, hard work and accountability, rather than rhetoric. And his strong backing and endorsements by Fayetteville’s police and firemen and the Sierra Club, clearly affirm his competence and leadership skill, as well as his working knowledge of how the city operates. Thus we can agree that debates between the two candidates will allow Fayetteville voters to delve into the deeper needs of our community and to judge the two candidates’ respective track records over the past eight years. And we’re certain that voters will agree with us — and his former opponents — that Lioneld Jordan is our best “ in-depth ” candidate to lead the city staff and City Council toward a sustainable, economically-sound future for all of Fayetteville. His honesty and hard work have earned our trust and yours. Please join us in voting for Lioneld Jordan on Nov. 25 — or better yet, vote early, beginning Nov. 18.
Jim Bemis
Fayetteville
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
http://www.nwanews.com/nwat/Editorial/71174
Northwest Arkansas Times
Posted on Sunday, November 16, 2008
Jordan can be trusted
Early voting for the mayoral runoff election begins on Nov. 18, and Election Day is Nov. 25. I urge you to get out and vote and, when you do, to vote for Lioneld Jordan. Here are three of the many reasons why I will be voting for Lioneld: 1. We need a mayor who believes in balancing the city budget and living within our city income. Last year, it fell to Vice Mayor Jordan to lead the City Council through this difficult task while the mayor was off in Europe doing other things. This year, Jordan joined the Council in passing a resolution directing the mayor to submit a balanced budget, which the mayor refused to do. Lioneld will not need that kind of direction. 2. We need a mayor who believes in closely monitoring large multi-million dollar city projects right from the beginning, not after they have fallen years behind schedule and are running millions of dollars over budget. Contrast the initial mismanagement of the sewer and trails projects by the Streets Committee under Lioneld Jordan’s chairmanship. 3. We need a mayor who not only believes in regular two-way communication with the people, but actually practices it. Contrast Lioneld’s 110 face-to-face Ward 4 and other meetings with the number of such appearances by our mayor over the past eight years. Again, please get out and vote during this runoff, and when you do please remember: Lioneld Jordan — Experience You Can Trust !
William A. Moeller
Fayetteville
Incumbent’s campaign disappoints
The Sunday, Nov. 9, Northwest Arkansas Times illustrates strongly why Lioneld Jordan should be Fayetteville’s next mayor. In the article about the runoff race, incumbent Mayor Coody disappoints, but hardly surprises me, by resorting to the politics of fear to down Mr. Jordan. Coody uses the buzzwords “ union, ” the Wal-Mart bogeyman, and “ radical, ” which actually translates as from the roots, to frighten people worried about the city budget. Check the record. Mr. Jordan has certainly had a grassroots campaign, but he has never proposed unionizing city employees. It is Coody who defied the elected city council’s directive to present a balanced budget. Dr. Nick Brown, in a letter the same day, eloquently defines “ sustainability, ” one of Coody’s favorite terms, as including social justice. I believe that if the mayor treats city employees well, they will not need to unionize; the fact that two of the largest, most visible and most depended-upon groups of city employees, namely our firefighters and police, support Lioneld Jordan speaks volumes. As mayor, Lioneld will not throw away money on fancy consultants, when we have plenty of expertise here in town. How difficult can it be for the mayor to put the UAF chancellor on speed-dial ? Lioneld will not direct the city attorney to fight a private howeowner over a sewage mishap, when simply fixing the problem would cost less than 10 percent of the eventual legal bills and settlement. Lioneld has learned that illconceived real estate dealing, such as the Mountain Inn / TIF fiasco, the Wilson Springs purchase, and the Tyson Building saga, are budget drains and not economic salvations. Join with me to return our city to the citizens. Vote for Lioneld Jordan Nov. 25.
Rick Belt
Fayetteville
Regarding the runoff
Although two of Lioneld Jordan’s former mayoral opponents (Eilers, Fire Cat ) have now endorsed Jordan, his runoff opponent informs us that the “ dynamic of the campaign will change as mayoral forums allow more time for two candidates to answer questions than was possible with six. ” (Northwest Arkansas Times, Nov. 6 ) Jordan’s opponent asserts that the more “ in-depth ” answers provided in debates will allow voters to “ delve more deeply into issues and public records and history of leadership ” However, those of us who’ve long appreciated Lioneld Jordan’s leadership in Ward 4 and as vice mayor are sure that Lioneld has already outlined the best long-term approaches for Fayetteville’s future development. His mayoral platform and track record build on proven experience, hard work and accountability, rather than rhetoric. And his strong backing and endorsements by Fayetteville’s police and firemen and the Sierra Club, clearly affirm his competence and leadership skill, as well as his working knowledge of how the city operates. Thus we can agree that debates between the two candidates will allow Fayetteville voters to delve into the deeper needs of our community and to judge the two candidates’ respective track records over the past eight years. And we’re certain that voters will agree with us — and his former opponents — that Lioneld Jordan is our best “ in-depth ” candidate to lead the city staff and City Council toward a sustainable, economically-sound future for all of Fayetteville. His honesty and hard work have earned our trust and yours. Please join us in voting for Lioneld Jordan on Nov. 25 — or better yet, vote early, beginning Nov. 18.
Jim Bemis
Fayetteville
Copyright © 2001-2008 Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact: webmaster@nwanews.com
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Green infrastructure team meets on Yates/Broyles wetland prairie
Please click on images to ENLARGE.
Joe Neal says saving ancient elms a part of saving green infrastructure.
Members of the green-infrastructure team discuss problems of non-water-tolerant trees that grow in low areas and eventually die from increased flooding that follows developments that don't properly control stormwater and the effects of global warming.
Bob Cross finds giant oak a treasure in low-lying area of Bates/Broyles wetland prairie.
Wetland prairie expert Bruce Shackleford points out buttonbush, a wetland plant that is found only in moist soil or in seasonally flooded riparian areas. Buttonbushes are certain markers of wetland.
Joe Neal says saving ancient elms a part of saving green infrastructure.
Members of the green-infrastructure team discuss problems of non-water-tolerant trees that grow in low areas and eventually die from increased flooding that follows developments that don't properly control stormwater and the effects of global warming.
Bob Cross finds giant oak a treasure in low-lying area of Bates/Broyles wetland prairie.
Wetland prairie expert Bruce Shackleford points out buttonbush, a wetland plant that is found only in moist soil or in seasonally flooded riparian areas. Buttonbushes are certain markers of wetland.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Clean Air Arkansas to meet November 19 in Fayetteville
Clean Air Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR
November 19, 2008 Meeting
Agenda & Notes
Welcome! Introductions
Review Turk Jr. Coal Plant, Hope, AR
Update
No New Coal Rally
What is next?
Shady Point II Plant, Shady Point, OK
Update
Oklahoma City Meeting, Nov. 13, 2008
What is next?
Roles of Organizations
Clean Air Arkansas
Carbon Caps Task Force
Audubon Arkansas
Sierra Club
Ecological Conservation Organization
ARK-OKL Alliance (no name yet)
Repower Arkansas
Statewide No New Coal Day to Beebe?
Meet at City Hall
Dec. 8-15, weekday lunch hour?
EPA Ruling-What does this mean for coal?
League of Women Voters Issues Paper (CAA’s Role)-due Early January
Resources for the Arkansas Voter, Where to go for info on:
• Coal Plants
• GCGW recommendations
• Repower Arkansas
• Carbon Caps Task Force-PLANETwork
WHAT IS THE FATE OF CLEAN AIR ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE?
November 19, 2008 Meeting
Agenda & Notes
Welcome! Introductions
Review Turk Jr. Coal Plant, Hope, AR
Update
No New Coal Rally
What is next?
Shady Point II Plant, Shady Point, OK
Update
Oklahoma City Meeting, Nov. 13, 2008
What is next?
Roles of Organizations
Clean Air Arkansas
Carbon Caps Task Force
Audubon Arkansas
Sierra Club
Ecological Conservation Organization
ARK-OKL Alliance (no name yet)
Repower Arkansas
Statewide No New Coal Day to Beebe?
Meet at City Hall
Dec. 8-15, weekday lunch hour?
EPA Ruling-What does this mean for coal?
League of Women Voters Issues Paper (CAA’s Role)-due Early January
Resources for the Arkansas Voter, Where to go for info on:
• Coal Plants
• GCGW recommendations
• Repower Arkansas
• Carbon Caps Task Force-PLANETwork
WHAT IS THE FATE OF CLEAN AIR ARKANSAS, FAYETTEVILLE?