Public Meetings for Sunday, June 21, 2009 Jun 22, 2009
Presentation by Dr. Chip Fletcher of the University of Hawai i relative to the Coastal Erosion study prepared for Kaua i County that includes methodology of the data, shoreline movement, global change and sea level rise. Letter from Planning Director Ian Costa requesting the Planning Commission to initiate proceedings to amend the Rules of Practice and Procedures of the Planning Commission Chapter 1, General Provisions, and Chapter 9, Appeals from Actions of the Planning Director, and the... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Nature's Revenge: Dumps Become Parks Jun 21, 2009
A majority of Earth's population now live in metropolitan areas, many of which contain ecologically depleted tracts that can't support the plants, wildlife, and insects that provide what Handel calls "environmental services" -- cleaning air and water, pollinating crops, cooling overheated cities, preventing erosion, and improving the quality of human life. A renewed public awareness of environmental issues has caused many urban planners, scientists, and even city dwellers themselves to recognize... (ABC News)
Open Space Commission conducts annual survey Jun 21, 2009
Conservation of land in order to reduce erosion, floods, landslides and runoff. Improve disabled and public access to, and enjoyment of, public land. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Trail design 101 Jun 20, 2009
A switchback uphill reduces the overall gradient and prevents trail erosion, explains Joe, a mountain biking aficionado and lawyer. Water always finds the path of least resistance. (The Star Online, Malaysia)
New shoreline setback bill moves forward Jun 20, 2009
a current shoreline setback determination or a current certified shoreline survey and coastal erosion information with a clause that the Planning Director may also require that information when evaluating a request. The subtle change, just one of many numerous additions and deletions, seems to nix the legal mandate prescribed in existing legislation. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Hartman: Rock Meadow: Looking good Jun 18, 2009
May 9 A new step down trail was built leading from the parking lot into the meadow, an eroded trail was closed, a small rock wall was built to keep people off of the old trail, and plantings were done to help keep the erosion under control and make the entrance to Rock Meadow more inviting. May 17 Temple Beth El had a mitzvah day where 30 people came to work in Rock Meadow. (Belmont Citizen Herald, MA)
Beetles threaten water, power supplies Jun 18, 2009
Moreover, wildfires can "literally bake the soil," leaving behind a water-repellent surface that sheds rain and leads to severe erosion and debris. The loss of so many trees also will reduce shade in the region, which in turn could reduce water supplies in the hot, dry summer months and accelerate snowmelt in the spring, he said. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Mulch to be considered Jun 18, 2009
It also conserves moisture in the soil, reducing water requirements, and minimizes soil erosion. Most experts say mulch doesn't affect soil pH. Mulch also keeps soil from splashing onto plants during rain showers and helps reduce the spread of disease spores that may be lurking in the soil. (Waterloo Courier, IO)
Australia's carbon farmers in quiet revolution Jun 17, 2009
Seis "pasture crops" his 840 hectare (2,100 acre) farm near Gulgong in eastern Australia, planting cereals amongst native grasses to ensure paddocks are covered all year round to allow plants to constantly absorb carbon and limit erosion. "We do not kill the grasslands, we sow the crop when the grass is in its winter dormant phase. When we harvest, the grass comes back," said Seis. (Scientific American)
Seagrass issues brought center stage Jun 17, 2009
Seagrass beds improve water quality by filtering sediments and nutrients and help prevent erosion by buffering wind and wave action. A comprehensive seagrass conservation plan was adopted 10 years ago to identify problems, designate objectives, and develop long- and short-range strategies and actions to protect and preserve Texas seagrasses. (Rockport Pilot, TX)
Claudette Losier : Body Voyage Return To The Sacred Jun 16, 2009
My water paintings in the pass described metaphorically lifes journey such as: drifting, keeping afloat, Venus, clam digging clan, storms, calmness, travel, mastery, well spring, erosion process, sea shells, etc. In this show I am using my experience of snorkeling to create works that speak specifically of yoga science such as restlessness, light floatation of the body, focus concentration on breath, vibrations, om, and meditative state of being one with the material matter world and beyond. (AbsoluteArts.com)
All trees near levees face Army Corps' ax Jun 16, 2009
Inspectors began an inventory of the levee system and told districts to fill in animal burrows, repair culverts and patch up erosion. If they fail to comply, the agencies risk higher flood insurance premiums and a loss of federal funding. (MSNBC -- Environment)
State says Easton couple can cut down trees Jun 16, 2009
Under conditions set by the state, the Bennetts must limit the use of heavy equipment in the tree-clearing, cannot put wood chips or debris in the wetlands, cannot clear stumps from the land, and must plant fast-growing plants and trees to control erosion. The Bennetts said they would allow the trees to decompose where they fell. (Easton Journal, MA)
Environment and jobs can go togetherMonday, June 15, 2009 Jun 16, 2009
Nancy wrote on Jun 15, 2009 7:47 PM:" Politics make strange bedfellows. I remember when sport fishermen, who used to side with the logging industry, struck up a symbiotic friendship with the environmental communities. Clear cut logging was destroying the fishing in lakes and streams due to erosion and runoff. And, duck fishermen teamed up with environmentalists to save the wetlands around San Francisco. The logging industry will team up with environmentalists when/if coal fired power plants... (Missoulian, MT)
Long-range planning on front burner (499) Jun 16, 2009
Hiranaka said he and his staff are methodically updating numerous planning documents that are between 20 and 30 years old, while also addressing other pressing issues like coastal erosion and identification of important agricultural lands ... The coastal erosion study has produced aerial looks at all of the beaches of Kaua i showing the amounts of beach erosion or accretion over a number of years. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Let’s help you help the economy Jun 16, 2009
The event is a full day for the kids, consisting of multiple stations addressing aspects of natural resources from streambank stabilization, erosion, wildlife rehabilitation, to electricity safety ... While the operations funds continue to be cut, we still do have funds to put conservation on the land such as erosion control, waterways and streambank stabilization ... The district, along with the Natural Resources Conservation Service, have programs to minimize the cost in helping you to prevent... (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Highway shoulders shaggy as states cut back mowing Jun 6, 2009
There could be some environmental benefit, one conservation group said, because the expanded greenery will help clean the air, filter stormwater and reduce erosion along the nation's nearly 4 million miles of roadways. "In short, reduced mowing is good for the transportation agency because it saves them money and time. It also saves energy and reduces emissions: good for all living things," said Trisha White, habitats and highways specialist with the Washington-based conservation group Defenders... (Concord Monitor)
The ranch has recently been certified for its grass-fed beef by Food Alliance. Jun 6, 2009
Benefits of going grass-fed include less soil erosion, improved range grass production and healthier hamburgers, says Scott Exo, executive director for Food Alliance. Healthier hamburgers are also of benefit to consumers, TomKat Ranch Office Administrator Kathy Webster added. (Half Moon Bay Review, CA)
Letters for Friday, June 5, 2009 Jun 6, 2009
I was glad to see the May 27 story in The Garden Island on erosion at Po ipu Beach and elsewhere ... When the last of the tombolo washed out, a destructive and dangerous current appeared between the point and main beach, further accelerating erosion. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
American Society of Mining and Reclamation Honors Peabody's Roy Karo for Environmental Leadership in Colorado Jun 6, 2009
Karo collaborated with engineers, academics, regulators and erosion control experts to advance soil handling, fencing and irrigation techniques to reestablish native woody plants and aspen trees in the region. In the process, he created a model that has been widely replicated. (PR Newswire)
Kalona city administrator to retire Jun 4, 2009
In addition, Morgan stated the city owns the ditch between H and J Avenues and will need to work to reduce the erosion along the banks and clean out the debris. In new business, the council approved the Contract and Agreement for Law Enforcement 2009-10 for $70,218 with Washington County. (Kalona News, IA)
Iowa producer successfully uses manure in reduced till system Jun 4, 2009
Wind and water erosion are not a concern. No matter what you do, you just have to establish perfect stands, he said. (Great Falls Prairie Star, MT)
Phosphorus Famine: The Threat to Our Food Supply Jun 4, 2009
Reducing soil erosion and recycling phosphorus from farm and human waste could help make food production sustainable and prevent algal blooms ... Agriculture also accelerates land erosion because plowing and tilling disturb and expose the soil so more phosphorus drains away with runoff. (Scientific American)
Myths and facts: organic production vs. foods produced via modern agriculture Jun 3, 2009
Because organic production requires more plowing, it uses more fuel, contributes more to greenhouse gas, and results in more erosion than modern agricultural practices like no-till. Since 1996, about 440 million gallons of fuel have been saved through use of biotechnology and no-till practices. (Mattoon Journal-Gazette, IL)
Climate change threatens African farmland: study Jun 3, 2009
"Sea level rise will impact infrastructure, increase coastal erosion and saltwater intrusion into coastal aquifers. Lebanon's narrow coastal strip along the Mediterranean could be susceptible to flooding and erosion as sea levels rise," the report said. Tourism stands to be another loser, due to damaged Red Sea corals and a shorter skiing season in Lebanon, said the study. (Scientific American)
General Motors files for bankruptcy Jun 3, 2009
1 billion in assets, and it likely served as a catalyst for GM and Chrysler s downfall, as it hastened the erosion of credit markets, making it impossible for GM to borrow money and difficult for consumers and dealers to finance new vehicles. Washington Mutual Inc. and WorldCom Inc. are the second and third largest U.S. companies to file for bankruptcy protection. (Columbia Daily Herald, TN)
USW, Members of Congress, Tire Workers Testify at ITC Jun 3, 2009
Since 2004, nearly 5,100 U.S. tire workers have lost their jobs as a result of massive erosion in the domestic market since 2004 that coincides with massive increases in imports of consumer tires from China. About 3,000 more jobs are slated to be lost by year's end as three plants are threatened to close. (PR Newswire)
GM files bankruptcy Jun 2, 2009
1 billion in assets, and likely served as a catalyst for GM - and Chrysler's - downfall, as it hastened the erosion of credit markets, making it more difficult for consumers and dealers to finance new vehicles. Washington Mutual Inc.'s bankruptcy filing 11 days later ranked second with $327. (AZCentral -- News)
GM files for bankruptcy protection Jun 2, 2009
Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc.'s September 2008 bankruptcy filing is the nation's largest with $691 billion in assets, and likely served as a catalyst for GM and Chrysler's downfall, as it hastened the erosion of credit markets, making it more difficult for consumers and dealers to finance new vehicles. lect> Add your comment (max {maxchars} characters) You must be logged in to leave a comment. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Kahala residents won't trim vegetation Jun 2, 2009
Rich Figel, of Beach Access, said he believes the city and state should form a task force to tackle the vegetation issue along with other shoreline management concerns, including erosion ... Kahala homeowners who were asked to cut back the plants had varying reasons for not complying, including concerns about erosion ... But in the meantime, he added, the plants -mostly naupaka will stay because he believes that they're abating erosion. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Massive Online 'Macroscopic Observatory' Of Earth's Biodiversity To Be Created Jun 2, 2009
Biomes, ecosystems, phyla, flora, fauna, hotspots, rarities, genetic erosion, the impact of alien species - none of these can actually be physically "observed"; understanding requires the synthesis of information from extensive primary data. Under construction is an integrated online platform for. (Science Daily)
Somalia: Seeking Alternatives to Charcoal in Somaliland Jun 1, 2009
Deforestation exacerbates soil erosion and reduces rainfall availability. Trees are also important in carbon fixing - reducing the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. (allAfrica.com)
Ancient tradition may be way to save reefs Jun 1, 2009
On the slopes of Haleakala, severe erosion is the result of wild goats eating away grassy ground cover. Leeward Haleakala Watershed Restoration Partnership. (Honolulu Advertiser)
FIGHTING MUCK IN HAWAII Jun 1, 2009
Entire hillsides were denuded by grazing animals, contributing to serious erosion problems that persist today ... Field, the USGS geologist, believes the lack of coral is related to the constant flushing of muddy water from decades of heavy soil erosion ... Chip Fletcher, a UH coastal geology professor, says Hawai'i is the only state without a centralized science office to deal with such issues as coastal erosion. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Iowa Learning Farm to host Woodbury County Field Day May 31, 2009
Adding a cover crop to a rotation has several long-term benefits such as reduction in nutrient losses, reduced soil erosion and improved soil structure. Planting cover crops in the fall after cash crop harvest helps protect the soil and recycles nutrients to subsequent crops. (Sioux City Journal, IO)
QDMA: Paradise II May 30, 2009
Perennial varieties were preferred to reduce the need for replanting and to reduce the likelihood of erosion problems ... The quick-to-establish wheat and cereal grains were important to protect against soil erosion while also serving as a "nurse" crop to better allow the more palatable plant varieties in the mixes to become established ... Our trail followed contours whenever possible to reduce slope and minimize potential soil erosion. (ESPN -- Outdoors)
Council ratifies emergency contract for slope stabilization May 30, 2009
After I saw the significant erosion problem I called Craig Olden, Inc., said Kenneth Griffin, director of engineering and public works. It was my determination that this constituted an emergency situation. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Foods to Eat Before They Vanish (Or Is It Too Late?) May 30, 2009
That's why the resulting book can read almost like a post-mortem, a last look back at authentically regional dishes that could disappear soon, swamped by generic chain food or the slow erosion of regional boundaries, and traditions. For the Sterns, who revisit their favorite threatened dishes state-by-state, the food worth tasting one more time, and trying to preserve, are predictably legion. (Epicurious.com)
Mayor to sign budget May 29, 2009
Budget and Finance Committee Chair Daryl Kaneshiro thanked his colleagues one by one, acknowledging Dickie Chang for his many years in the visitor industry, Furfaro for his hotel management experience, Derek Kawakami for recognizing safety issues involved with budget cuts, Kawahara for going green with sustainability concerns, Bynum for his work on coastal erosion issues and Chair Kaipo Asing for his 26 years of experience working with county budgets. My hat goes off to each and every one of... (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
More of this story May 28, 2009
Erosion deters visitors, creates dangers ... Since 1927 it has averaged a foot a year lost to erosion from storms and what he calls chronic erosion, or erosion that continues year after year ... That erosion has created dangerous swimming and snorkeling conditions for both residents and visitors, as a stretch of sand, known as a spit or tombolo, which used to separate the calm side of Po ipu Beach Park from what is commonly called the Waiohai side, has also been washed away. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Shellfish Face An Uncertain Future In High Carbon Dioxide World May 28, 2009
Larval oysters are thought to be particularly susceptible to acidification since larvae produce shells made of aragonite, a crystalline form of calcium carbonate that is prone to erosion at low pH. Adult oysters continue to build shell but generate calcite, a more durable form of calcium carbonate. In Miller's study, the larvae of Eastern oysters (Crassostrea virginica) and Suminoe oysters (Crassostrea ariakensis) were cultured in estuarine water that was held at four separate CO2... (Science Daily)
Study cites 'slow-motion' threat from permafrost May 28, 2009
This May 24, 2006 file photo shows Stanley Tom, Newtok resident, standing at the airport in Newtok, Alaska, talking about the village's erosion problems. Tom says with the increase in temperature, the permafrost has become extremely delicate and the tundra now is prone to tearing if vehicles run over it in the summer. (USA Today -- Tech)
Staying Green in the Sun May 27, 2009
(Tracing mineral compounds back to sunscreens is more difficult, since it's hard to tell which are naturally occurring and which were synthetically produced; even nano-sized particles may have become so through natural erosion. . (Slate)
CHS classes check effects of bioswale May 26, 2009
The process reduces erosion and also allows plants and other vegetative matter to filter chemicals found in water runoff such as oil from leaky automobile engines, or fertilizer from around lawns. Carole Beedlow has been teaching science at CHS for 20 years. (Corvallis Gazette Times, OR)
Repeated Fire And Drought: A Menace For Mediterranean Forests May 26, 2009
In areas regularly subjected to fire, biological activity in the soil is concentrated in the first centimetres where most of the organic matter is found and is exposed to combustion and erosion. Following a fire, most physico-chemical parameters of forest soils return to their initial levels after 15 to 25 years. (Science Daily)
Alganon Continent of Ard... May 26, 2009
With large stone walls that protect the town against both hostiles and erosion, it offers a wide variety of services to adventurers. Due to its importance to servicing Asharr, it is always under high guard, and right now, the town is locked down. (IGN PC Games)
Green.view: Shellfish, not selfish May 26, 2009
Oyster reefs also provide protection for coastlines by acting as buffers against erosion. But the oyster now seems to be in a dramatic decline. (The Economist)
Perseverance Trail in mid-May May 25, 2009
It seems clear that rockfalls and erosion will be perennial problems on this part of the trail. There were only a few snow patches on the trail as far as the double steel bridges over Gold Creek. (Juneau Empire)
Sandy Springs to fix environmental slip May 25, 2009
City to restore anti-erosion plants that city considered invasive ... The EPD, though, directed the city to include a plan to restore the buffer it had removed, to prevent riverbank erosion. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
Spare a thought for the rural youth too May 23, 2009
Some factors come readily to mind: the comparatively poor education system in rural areas, unequal opportunity for rural and urban residents, lack of proper flow of information from urban to rural areas, gap in income distribution, erosion of traditional values and a highly competitive job market. Irrespective of whether they like or not, youngsters in rural areas have to compete with their peers in other developing countries. (Xinhuanet, China)
Along the Sprague May 23, 2009
Government efforts to straighten the river s path and put levees along the banks to prevent flooding had an adverse effect, hurrying erosion and the river s rush to the sea ... In some spots, too few plants grow along the banks, making them more susceptible to erosion ... The root balls and rocks absorb the impact of fast-moving water, helping to reduce erosion. (Klamath Falls Herald & News, OR)
Protecting sturgeon one shrub at a time May 23, 2009
HT - Chris Engle TOWER -- Black Lake s threatened sturgeon got a helping hand May 9 when Huron Pines AmeriCorps members and volunteers helped protect their Black River spawning habitat through erosion control ... The effort will help keep further erosion from occurring ... This erosion started by dam activity, said Huron Pines Restoration Project Manager Patrick Ertel as he briefed the volunteer crew that morning. (Gaylord Herald Times, MI)
Haiti floods kill 11 people, destroy homes May 23, 2009
Even small amounts of rain can swell rivers and overflow fields in this poor Caribbean nation, which is particularly vulnerable to flooding because of erosion from farming and deforestation. President Rene Preval visited the west-coast town of St. Marc to view flooding Wednesday and urged residents to stop building homes in ravines, Radio Kiskeya reported. (MSNBC -- International)
Area farmers getting back into fields May 22, 2009
Erosion also has been a real concern, even though many farmers use minimum tilling practices, Dodds said. Minimum tillage leaves crop residue on the top of the ground in fields and helps trap soil from washing away. (Keokuk Daily Gate City, IO)
President of Central University College urges ban on plastic sachet water May 22, 2009
The impact of climate change could lead to silting of rivers and lakes due to deforestation and erosion which in the long run affect fish breeding. Besides, the salinization of coastal lagoons may kill the fishes and destroy its habitats and population, he added. (Ghana Web, Ghana)
Project brings precision to Clark Fork floodplain map May 22, 2009
Where we're missing information is in processes like erosion and channel migration. The mapping project looks at a 15-mile reach between western Missoula and Frenchtown. (Missoulian, MT)
Africa: Coastal Populations at Risk as Climate Changes May 21, 2009
In Cotonou, Benin, the continued advance of the sea, coastal erosion and the rise in sea levels are already threatening vulnerable communities and disrupting the least-protected sensitive ecosystems ... Erosion is also being experienced along the coastline, where an increase in building activity has been noted ... Coastal erosion is expected to threaten investment in beach resorts. (allAfrica.com)
Tanzania: Ngorongoro May Be 'Deleted' from World Heritage Sites Listing May 19, 2009
The UN body is also concerned with erosion associated with cattle access into the crater, demanding NCAA in close collaboration with the Maasai people and the local Pastoralists' Council to explore alternatives to limit or stop livestock grazing in the crater. "Although the properties are not in danger, within the context of the World Heritage operation Guidelines, they are certainly facing significant threats," UNESCO's report reads. (allAfrica.com)
Paperwork delays Castle Rock boat launch May 18, 2009
This includes removing invasive plants from Whittle Creek, adjusting the slope of the bank and planting native plants to help prevent soil erosion and improve habitat for fish and wildlife. It s possible Castle Rock High School students will help with the planting as part of an outdoor learning classroom project in the fall, Vorse said. (Longview Daily News, WA)
Sug. Head: Green series to teach rainwater harvesting May 18, 2009
According to an EPA handbook on rainwater harvesting, rainwater can serve as a low-cost supply of water and may decrease storm water pollution and erosion in urban areas. Erin Hoffer, city of Plano environmental educator and rainwater harvesting specialist, will speak and demonstrate how to create a rainwater harvesting system at the seminar. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
Andes Mountains Older Than Previously Believed May 17, 2009
As mountain ranges rise, rainfall and erosion wash minerals like zircon from rocks of volcanic origin into adjacent basins, where they accumulate to form sedimentary rocks. Zircon contains traces of uranium. (Science Daily)
Financial adviser firm changes corporate name May 17, 2009
Erosion and nutrient loss threatens the 100-year-old tree. Comer Elementary School received recycling bins for classrooms and offices and two larger bottle and can recycling containers for the lunchroom, a $400 value, that will be used by all classes and encourage students to recycle. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Soggy conditions: A good time to assess drainage systems May 16, 2009
In addition to the obvious standing water, a lot of soil erosion has occurred in many fields ... These structures must be constructed and maintained carefully to prevent erosion damage. (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Plano: Drip Drop, Waste Not May 15, 2009
It conserves municipal and well water, it is free, it is low in salts, it is good for plants and it can reduce flooding and erosion. Rain water also provides an excellent primary, supplementary or alternative source of water. (McKinney Courier-Gazette, TX)
The new art of landscapes May 15, 2009
Butler created an intricate trenching system to control erosion while alternating rock and mulch beds in the front yard. Plants were placed carefully throughout the property, with attention to scale and wind direction, ensuring they grow into the space while keeping its spare, Zen-like look. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Home & Garden)
