Shoreline fires food for thought, algae: Sep 3, 2009
Shoreline burning also kills vegetation and changes the soil structure with the end result being more soil erosion into the lake ... However, forces continue to threaten the system's health, like replacing wildlife habitat along shorelines with walls, rock and lawn up to the water's edge; wetland erosion due to artificially manipulated water levels, fertilizer runoff, bacteria and sediment that continues to degraded water quality; and residential development that causes natural views to... (Chetek Alert, WI)
Police Perception Problems Sep 2, 2009
We're not suggesting a fast rising tide of public opinion against police but rather a gradual if not steady erosion of the public's confidence in law enforcement. Police misconduct fuels those perceptions. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
Changing climate: Part II Sep 1, 2009
On Kaua i, we are already experiencing a coastal erosion rate of -0 ... Chip Fletcher, professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics at University of Hawaii, writes: In Hawaii, as the ocean continues to rise, natural flooding occurs in low-lying regions during rains because storm sewers back up with saltwater, coastal erosion accelerates on our precious beaches, and critical highways shut down due to marine flooding ... Suggested adaptation strategies covered at the Hawai i Conservation... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
For the environment Sep 1, 2009
Available from city Department of Environmental Services, useful for ground cover, moisture retention, weed suppressant, erosion control and soil enhancement; 768-3200. VOLUNTEERS NEEDED TO HELP MAINTAIN NU'UANU STREAM inside Lili'uokalani Botanical Garden; information, 621-5463. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Seeing The Tree From The Forest: Predicting The Future Of Plant Communities Aug 30, 2009
23, 2005) Researchers from Texas A&M University created a model to better understand the impacts of development and coastal erosion on plant communities, including plants that grow in the ever-shrinking. (July 13, 2005) The way aquatic plants respond to plant disease and climate change may have applications for managing land-based agriculture, say plant pathologists with The American Phytopathological Society. (Science Daily)
Tropical weather hits NJ again Aug 30, 2009
But forecasters said the latest storm-Danny, which weakened to a tropical depression early Saturday-would not be as troublesome as Hurricane Bill, which spawned dangerous rip currents, large waves and some beach erosion last weekend. Heavy rains associated with Danny caused some minor- to moderate flooding in the Garden State early Saturday, mostly along small rivers and creeks and in areas with poor drainage. (NJ.com -- News)
After eruption life inching its way back to Kasatochi Aug 30, 2009
During his last day on the island, Sikes nosed into cracks between rocks of a former cliff face now again being exposed by erosion ... Erosion and storms will beat down the plant life for years, and much time will pass before rock outcroppings emerge from the muck to become filled with bird life. (Anchorage Daily News)
RDC honing plans for riverfront projects Aug 29, 2009
After holding two public meetings about the riverfront cobblestone area, the organization received some comments about trying to preserve boat docking at the site and about using riprap, a type of course stone that protects the river bank from erosion, for part of the project. The RDC s initial plans involve a walkway along the west side of the cobblestones along the Mississippi River, connecting Beale Street Landing and Jefferson Davis Park. (Memphis Business Journal, TN)
Rwanda: Banana Wilt Spreads to 17 Districts Aug 28, 2009
"The disease has many ways of spreading and so it has become very difficult to contain. The widespread is a result of sharing farm tools, materials and soil erosion," Niyikiza said. "Though we have been able to contain the disease in Kirehe and Rwamagana, the disease is still present and spreading in areas like Rubavu, Gatsibo and Nyagatare," Niyikiza said. (allAfrica.com)
* Managing disaster risks is feasible Aug 28, 2009
As roads, hydroelectric schemes, fruit farms, recreation areas and many other developments cause extensive environmental degradation, the landscape is responding with increased rates of erosion, mainly in the form of landslides, debris flows and floods, that put the population, buildings and infrastructure at unacceptable levels of risk. I do not believe that the way ahead is for a ban on construction in the mountains in Taiwan, and nor am I advocating that mountain communities are relocated... (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Grant will help conservationists study pollution levels in Mad Creek Aug 28, 2009
Newbrough said some of the improvements to be considered include constructing ponds or erosion-controlling buffer strips in rural areas ... Other solutions could include installing structures on banks where erosion is occurring and placing permeable pavement around drainages to slow and filter water. (Muscatine Journal, IO)
Agriculture self-sufficiency Aug 27, 2009
Our next big push in Kekaha is to develop a master plan for erosion control in the area. Although the agriculture industry is an intrinsic part of Hawai i s history, its viability is not a foregone conclusion. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Unique Acacia Tree's Promise To Revive African Soils Aug 26, 2009
With its nitrogen-fixing qualities, the tall, long-lived acacia tree, Faidherbia albida (Mgunga in Swahili) could limit the use of fertilizers; provide fodder for livestock, wood for construction and fuel wood, and medicine through its bark, as well as windbreaks and erosion control to farmers across sub-Saharan Africa ... With its nitrogen-fixing qualities, the tall, long-lived acacia tree, Faidherbia albida (Mgunga in Swahili) could limit the use of fertilizers; provide fodder for livestock,... (Science Daily)
The business of bones Aug 26, 2009
Erosion has worn away the rock, revealing the bones. The result: "There's just no other place anywhere on the planet where they're just so beautifully exposed for the public to see. It's the most famous place to see dinosaurs still in their host rock anywhere in the world," said Jim Kirkland, the Utah state paleontologist, who works for the Utah Geological Survey. (MSNBC -- Travel)
As Farmland Grows, the Trees Fight Back Aug 26, 2009
And even if a stand of trees doesn't produce anything worth selling or eating, it still creates shade, protects against erosion and preserves water quality. Trees are present more among farmlands in the dense tropical areas of Southeast Asia and Central America, along with much of South America. (Time.com)
Whats the holdup? (1038) Aug 25, 2009
The contractor mobilized their equipment to the project site on or about the 20th of June, he said, and erosion control and sign installation work was reportedly completed by the end of June. The June 3 article in The Garden Island entitled Road repairs cause summer traffic notes that some of the equipment for the road work near Princeville had already arrived. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Program aims to control soil erosion Aug 25, 2009
WAIMANALO A $400,000 program to reduce erosion from agriculture land is seeking growers who can benefit from expert advice that will lead to cleaner streams ... But with the help of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service previously known as the Soil Conservation Service a series of drainage swales and erosion control through plantings has resulted in only clean water flowing from his seven-acre nursery, Sekiya said ... "I didn't have any knowledge of soil conservation and erosion... (Honolulu Advertiser)
Dust to dust Aug 25, 2009
Their lands were destroyed by drought and soil erosion. It was called the Dust Bowl. (BBC News -- Americas)
Kenya: Govt to Pay Heavily for Failure to Tackle Climate Change Aug 25, 2009
"The problem is that policy makers and planners have been slow to recognise this phenomenon and take advantage of the beneficial effect of planting trees on farms." ICRAF is working with partners to encourage agroforestry to help lessen effects of climate change and provide farmers with food, windbreaks and erosion control, fuel for heating and timber for housing. Be the first to. (allAfrica.com)
Malawi: Activists Look Askance At New Mine [analysis] Aug 24, 2009
Rather than moving the tailings back into the mine-pit at closure, as would be required in Australia, Paladin plans to leave them in the tailings dam exposed to erosion and extreme weather conditions. On the ground. (allAfrica.com)
New research shows half of farmlands globally have tree cover Aug 24, 2009
"The problem is that policymakers and planners have been slow to recognize this phenomenon and take advantage of the beneficial effect of planting trees on farms. Trees are providing farmers with everything from carbon sequestration, to nuts and fruits, to windbreaks and erosion control, to fuel for heating and timber for housing." ... As equally important on the service side are uses such as erosion control, water quality and biodiversity. (Xinhuanet, China)
Research finds higher acidity in Alaska waters Aug 24, 2009
ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Erosion threatens to topple coastal Alaskan villages ... Alaska has already seen more than its share of global warming effects: shrinking glaciers, coastal erosion, the march north of destructive forest beetles formerly held in check by cold winters, melting Arctic Ocean ice that also threatens walrus and other marine mammals. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Bill Weakens After Two Die on East Coast Aug 24, 2009
He said strong rip tides and beach erosion were the biggest concerns Sunday. Dozens of people showed up at South Beach on Martha's Vineyard with their cameras and camcorders to watch the big waves and churning Atlantic. (Time.com)
Gardening: Native plants easy to care for Aug 22, 2009
Sunshine mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa): Ground cover, to 1-inch tall and 4- to 8-foot spread, full sun to partial shade, tolerates wide range of pH, can tolerate wet or dry soils, turf alternative that can be mowed, great for soil erosion control. Considering exotic plants (or non-natives) need amended soil whereas natives don't, you could consider growing natives as a form of low-impact gardening. (Florida Today)
More of this story Aug 22, 2009
Some of the highest erosion rates are related to man-made interruptions in sand transport along the shore, writes Jim O Connell, a coastal geologist for the University of Hawai i Sea Grant on Kaua i, in a document pertaining to shoreline setbacks. Approximately 72 percent of the sandy shores of Kaua i are eroding, while approximately 28 percent are accreting (building up sand), according to a study conducted by the University of Hawaii s School of Ocean and Earth Science and Technology. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
America's Food Crisis and How to Fix It Aug 21, 2009
Those hidden prices are the creeping erosion of our fertile farmland, cages for egg-laying chickens so packed that the birds can't even raise their wings and the scary rise of antibiotic-resistant bacteria among farm animals. Add to the price tag the acceleration of global warming our energy-intensive food system uses 19% of U.S. fossil fuels, more than any other sector of the economy. (Time.com)
NASA researcher nets first measure of Africa's coastal forests Aug 21, 2009
The large, dense root systems are a natural obstacle that helps protect shorelines against debris and erosion. Mangroves are often the first line of defense against severe storms, tempering the impact of strong winds and floods. (EurekAlert!)
La Brea crews get closer to full containment Aug 20, 2009
Eight Hotshot crews worked on a 3- to 4-mile section in the center of the steep and rugged terrain of the San Rafael Wilderness throughout the day to reduce the risk of erosion from fire suppression work by building water bars, a series of shallow channel or ridges, and placing dead vegetation back on indirect fire lines with backup support from heavy-lift helicopters, according to David Olson, a U.S. Forest Service information officer. Although the blaze about 21 miles east of Santa Maria is... (Santa Maria Times)
CSP Signup Under Way Aug 20, 2009
The priority resource concerns identified for Ag land in South Dakota are; water quality, soil erosion, soil quality, and plants. Priority resource concerns for nonindustrial private forestland include water quality, animals, and plants. (Marshall County Journal, SD)
Vegetative Reproduction in Flowerin... Aug 19, 2009
The rapidity with which some plants spread by this method enables us to use perennial grasses, legumes, and other plants in the control of erosion on sloping lands, in gullies, and on sand dunes. The masses of roots and subterranean stems, along with the aerial parts of the plants, stabilize the soil against the destructive action of water and wind. (Suite101.com)
Daylily passion: Gardeners bewitched by lovely, durable and oh, so user-friendly flower Aug 19, 2009
Try to breed daylilies that can "hold the hill," he coaxed, meaning ones that spread in ways that prevent soil erosion. Not long after soaking up the gospel according to Apps, Daugherty was back at it in his garden. (Herald Online, SC -- Lifestyles)
Construction Erosion and Sediment C... Aug 19, 2009
Construction Erosion and Sediment Control. Construction Erosion and Sediment Control ... Prior to 1991, erosion from construction sites was common. (Suite101.com)
* US consumer morale declines Aug 16, 2009
The erosion in confidence, coming a day after a government report showed an unexpected drop in retail sales added to fears that consumers would not drive the anticipated recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression, leaving the economy vulnerable to a double dip. Even though economic output is probably increasing again, consumers certainly appear to still be in a funk. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World Business)
Consumer gloom raises recovery doubts Aug 15, 2009
The erosion in confidence, coming a day after a government report showed an unexpected drop in retail sales added to fears that consumers would not drive the anticipated recovery from the worst recession since the Great Depression, leaving the economy vulnerable to a double dip. "Even though economic output is probably increasing again, consumers certainly appear to still be in a funk. This is not entirely surprising given how many jobs are still being lost," said Abiel Reinhart, an economist at... (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Economy seems to be coming back; consumers not so sure Aug 15, 2009
The erosion in consumer confidence supports the belief that the economic recovery is going to be weak. Consumers fuel about 70% of economic activity but are fearful about their futures. (USA Today -- Money)
Alien Invasion? An Ecologist Doubts the Impact of Exotic Species Aug 15, 2009
Initially introduced in the U.S. Southwest for erosion control, the salt cedar rapidly established itself along desert waterways and was soon vilified for displacing native vegetation, sucking up scarce water resources, and releasing salt into the soil. 1. (Scientific American)
Roxbury Wetlands Panel Refers Complaint to Town Attorney Aug 12, 2009
At its June 23 meeting, the Inland Wetland Commission upheld the cease and desist order and required: a temporary stabilization erosion plan with silt fencing and hay bales be in place by July 1; the mitigation plan be reviewed by the Northwest Conservation District; a mitigation plan be presented at the Inland Wetland Commission meeting on Tuesday, July 28 ... Mr. Moeller reported he sketched the total area of exposed soil and found no evidence of soil erosion or sedimentation from that area to... (Voices, CT)
Catching the Cape in restless motion Aug 12, 2009
But the topic is more than sand dunes: It s erosion ... Wit, wear, and tear Like Peretz, sculptor Varujan Boghosian is interested in erosion. (Boston Globe)
The (green) holy grail Aug 10, 2009
The green jobs created at plants like this have been hailed as both the future and the saviour of the so-called rust belt, which has been decimated by the recent collapse of the auto industry and the decades-long erosion of America's manufacturing might. Michigan - which as home to the Big Three US automakers has been hardest hit by their collapse - is determined to capture as many of those green jobs as possible. (iAfrica.com)
N.D. appeals ruling on anti-corporate farming law Aug 8, 2009
Bekken decided the nonprofit could keep wetlands, farmland vulnerable to erosion and property that offers nesting cover for ducks and other wildlife. The state's appeal argues Crosslands should be required to sell all its property in Griggs County. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
MARSHFIELD NATURE, HUMAN AND OTHERWISE: Saquish and the Gurnet Aug 6, 2009
Cannonballs, fire and erosion each plagued the lighthouse over the years, and thus it was rebuilt several times and moved back from the edge of the cliff ... Champlain s map shows Saquish Head as an island, but by 1774, it was connected to the Gurnet by a sandy barrier beach, created as a natural consequence of tides, storms and shoreline erosion farther north. (Marshfield Mariner, MA)
Are Organic Veggies Better for You? Aug 6, 2009
Likewise, the environmental virtues of organic agriculture are conspicuously (and deservedly) touted, but the glowing reports rarely note that most organic food comes from large corporate operations, that some organic farmers rely heavily on natural pesticides that are toxic in high doses, that organic compost can than conventional fertilizer, and that soil erosion can be as bad or worse on organic farms. There is no standard "organic" or "conventional" farm, so any broad comparison is little... (Slate)
Ghana launches Agric Sustainable Land Management Strategy Aug 6, 2009
He said currently the productivity of most agricultural lands in Ghana were below average and there were indications that the situation would continue to deteriorate due to increasing land degradation including soil fertility decline and erosion. Speaking at the launch of the Agricultural Sustainable Land Management Strategy (SLM) and Action Plan to be implemented within the period of 2009 and 2010, Mr Ahwoi said whilst land degradation in Ghana could be due to the fragility of sub-Saharan... (Ghana Web, Ghana)
In the Garden: Using ground cover plants in your garden Aug 6, 2009
They can conquer challenges you may have with erosion, dense shaded areas, or poor soil conditions. Ground cover can also create an attractive carpet of color and texture where grass will not grow or it can be planted under trees and shrubs where mulch would otherwise be needed. (Hamilton Wenham Chronicle, MA)
* Island nations will pay dearly for other polluters: PM Rudd Aug 6, 2009
Speaking alongside Climate Change Minister Penny Wong and Vanuatu Prime Minister Edward Natapei, Rudd said climate change could lead to storm surges, flooding and erosion, which could have severe economic impacts in sectors like agriculture, fishing and tourism. He called for concerted action from world leaders to commit to aggressively cutting carbon emissions at the international conference on climate change in Copenhagen in December. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- World)
Will Tree Plantations Spur the Release of Carbon Locked in Soil? Aug 6, 2009
To minimize carbon and nutrient loss, Berthrong recommends foresters leave woody debris on the site after harvest as well as reduce plowing, which increases erosion and decomposition of buried organic matter. He also says that any program that provides for afforestation projects take soil carbon into account. (Scientific American)
Mom & Pop warn: watch out for mile-a-minute vine Aug 5, 2009
Someone planted it down South for use as animal fodder, and to control erosion. Unfortunately, it was incredibly prolific and soon spread with the thrust of an invading army. (Weymouth News, MA)
Permafrost: At the thaw point Aug 5, 2009
Elsewhere in the state, a combination of melting sea ice and thawing permafrost has exacerbated the erosion of several coastal villages, which will have to be relocated at a considerable cost. Whether anything short of reversing climate change can be done about all this is a moot question. (The Economist)
Oil falls below $71 after big rally Aug 4, 2009
"Improving demand amid continued supply tightness should accelerate the pace of erosion of the inventory overhang, lending support to prices," Barclays Capital said in a report. In other Nymex trading, gasoline for August delivery was steady at $2. (Fresno Bee -- Business)
Planning Dept. defends shoreline bill Aug 3, 2009
Aiu said there are instances where activities that would be allowed in the shoreline setback area anyway are being required to obtain a certified shoreline at considerable expense even though it is apparent to experts, like Jim O Connell, a coastal geologist with the University of Hawai i s Sea Grant Program, that the activity will not be impacted by erosion or by the ocean and is not beyond the shoreline and on state land. Draft Bill No. 2319 would waive the requirement to certify the shoreline... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Central Oregon businesses explore expansion opportunities Aug 3, 2009
For example, the watershed council is working on a project to restore Whychus Creek as it flows through Sisters and for that, employees need to understand flooding and erosion aspects, as well as how the state manages floodplains, private property rights and city planning regulations. Those folks who are most creative about crossing disciplines are the ones who are going to lead us out of these real tough challenges, Houston said. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Townie Turnbull’s bridle waltz Aug 3, 2009
Search brisbanetimes. Townie Turnbull;s bridle waltz. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Opinion)
Kauai in a changing climate Aug 2, 2009
Future articles will further detail the multiple impacts of sea level rise, including erosion of beaches and bluffs, increased flooding and storm damage, marine inundation of low-lying areas, and higher water tables. There is widespread consensus amongst scientists that climate change is upon us. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Land conservation plans given $3.1M Aug 2, 2009
The fund also can be used to protect significant habitats or ecosystems, reduce erosion or flooding, and improve public access to public land. For more information, visit online. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Should the Military Be Called in for Natural Disasters? Aug 2, 2009
Skeptics of the military mission at home question whether this signals a "creeping militarism" into our civilian culture and the erosion of the Posse Comitatus Act, a 130-year-old law that specifically bars the President from using the military for law enforcement in the United States. "The founding fathers had a fear of standing armies," says Stephen Dycus, who teaches national security law at Vermont Law School and co-authored a book on the subject, National Security Law. (Time.com)
Lack of budgeting skills Aug 1, 2009
Through 2018, Generic Erosion of Key Statins Such as Lipitor and Crestor Will Reduce the Dyslipidemia Drug Market by $4 Billion. Decision Resources, one of the world's leading research and advisory firms for pharmaceutical and healthcare issues, finds that, through 2018, generic erosion of key statins such as Pfizer's Lipitor/Tahor/Sortis/Cardyl (atorvastatin) and AstraZeneca's Crestor (rosuvastatin) will reduce the dyslipidemia drug market by $4 billion in the United States, France, Germany,... (Fresno Bee -- Opinion)
Cemetery vaults ahead Aug 1, 2009
FitzSimmons said grant money would be used to help fix erosion problems and to restore some old fencing. He expects to hear back from the by January. (Dayton Business Journal, OH)
Oniontown notes, July 30, 2009 Jul 31, 2009
Now, because of erosion, some basic maintenance is required, wrote Engineer Richard Rodgers to the abutters. The consultants hired by the town will be flagging the brook area in some cases, and Rodgers asked residents not to remove the flags. (Danvers Herald, MA)
'Green goo' revealed toxic leak at WV zinc plant Jul 30, 2009
When she saw what looked like a green-tinged erosion, she turned to the Internet and contacted the DEP, engineering companies and professors to examine her photos. She filed a Freedom of Information Act request for trace elements in the river and was given "complex spread sheets that I don't even pretend to understand.". (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Andean Salars: Reflections Of Earth And Climate History Jul 30, 2009
This unexpected composition is the result of eolian erosion of sulphur deposits associated with volcanic activity in the neighbouring areas. The salars are moreover invaluable water supply resources, for both Andean populations and large-scale mining in the region, especially for copper mines. (Science Daily)
Dams in China Turn the Mekong Into a River of Discord Jul 29, 2009
But China contends controlling the water flow will prevent the adverse effects of erosion caused by the Mekongs flooding cycle and will supply renewable energy ... They say that by holding some water back in the wet season, the dams will help control flooding and river bank erosion downstream. (YaleGlobal Online Magazine, CT)
USDA funds $1 million MSU perennial wheat study Jul 28, 2009
Snapp says perennial wheat also could reduce erosion and retain soil moisture. Have something to say about this story. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Pacific Islanders cry for help Jul 27, 2009
Oxfam's executive director, Andrew Hewett, said yesterday Fijians were testing salt-resistant varieties of staple foods, planting mangroves and native grasses to halt coastal erosion in order to protect wells from salt water intrusion, and moving homes and community buildings away from vulnerable coastlines. In the Solomon Islands officials were looking for land to resettle people from low-lying outer atolls, and those living in the outer atolls of the Federated States of Micronesia were facing... (Sydney Morning Herald -- World)
Stamps Honor Lighthouses That Stood Defiant to Gulf Coast Hurricanes Jul 24, 2009
In addition, the land along the coast is swampy and marshy in many places and given to erosion, making it doubly difficult for lighthouses to withstand heavy rains and winds ... Damaged during the Civil War and threatened by erosion, the tower was soon dismantled ... Pounding waves and erosion have reduced the island's mass to less than one acre. (PR Newswire)
Completion in sight for Oakland Ravine project Jul 24, 2009
Friday July 24, 2009. Although the undertaking has wended its way from Bayside to Douglaston over a six-year period, the initial goal of preventing flooding in the Bayside Hills neighborhood was completed in 2005 and has been called a success. (Queens Chronicle, NY)