Missouri Department of Conservation News Release:

Schools trash litter while having fun through No MOre Trash! contest

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NMT 3-5 and Grand Prize Winner Ozarks Christian Academy

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Statewide

Published on: Mar. 31, 2014

Posted by Joe Jerek

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Ozarks Christian Academy, Smithville Primary Elementary School, and Glasgow R-2 were winners of the 2014 “Yes You CAN Make Missouri Litter Free” trashcan-decorating contest. They were among 29 entries from Missouri elementary, middle, and home schools involving more than 360 students who helped fight litter by participating in the annual contest.

The Missouri Departments of Conservation (MDC) and Transportation (MoDOT) sponsor the contest as part of Missouri’s “No MOre Trash!” campaign to raise awareness about litter and discourage littering. The contest encourages classes from kindergarten through eighth grade to join the fight against litter by decorating and displaying a large trash can with the “No MOre Trash!” logo and a litter prevention message using a variety of creative mediums.

The winning school from each of three competition categories (grades K-2, grades 3-5, and grades 6-8) receives a $200 award. First-place winners are then eligible for a $600 grand prize and a trophy. Entries are judged by a group of creative staff and No MOreTrash! staff at MDC and MoDOT.

Ozarks Christian Academy in West Plains won the 3-5-Grade Category and Grand Prize for its “Get a Heart… Recycle! Tin Man” entry created by 11 grammar school students of teachers Angela Littlejohn and Denise Estes.

According to their entry, “The spring play at Ozarks Christian Academy in West Plains is The Wizard of Oz. The students decided to keep with that theme and do a Tin Man trashcan. Since the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz is longing for a heart, they decided ‘Get a Heart...Recycle!’ was a perfect logo for their Trash Can Tin Man. He has been placed in the cafeteria and will encourage and remind students and faculty to recycle plastic drink bottles and soda cans that have been going into the regular trash until now. The Tin Man is made of recycled tin cans, a large water cooler bottle, and a playground ball that was ready for retirement. The students had a lot of fun and creativity flowed as they figured out how to make the eyes, nose, mouth, bow tie, ax, and even his oil can. The teachers helped with the spray paint and the actual hot glue gun as the students assembled their Tin Man. He is a cheery and very useful addition to OCA!”

Smithville Primary Elementary School won the K-2-Grade Category for its “Save a Critter, Please Don’t Litter” entry created by seven students in Girl Scout Troop 1919 of teacher Sara Freeman.

According to their entry of a large rabbit, “This contest is our culminating project for our journey ‘Between Earth and Sky’ where we learn to care for the environment, plants, and animals. We decorated our trash can using paint, chicken wire and tissue-paper pomps, felt, foam, and a balloon for the tail. The girls decided to name the rabbit Cutie.”

Glasgow R-2 won the 6-8-Grade Category for its “Missouri Can’t Bear Any Trash (but this bear can)” entry created by 19 students in teacher Jill Flinn’s sixth grade art class.

According to their entry of a large bear, "Grizzly the Garbage Gobbler just stepped off the Missouri State Flag to join in the Litter Pledge. Students worked for weeks during and after school to complete their reclaimed chicken wire sculpture surrounding a 30-gallon trash can. Thousands of recyclable plastic bags were brought in by students, faculty, and staff. These bags were used to create his thick, textural coat. Having a bear in the school has generated much interest. All of the students are thrilled to throw away their trash in a proper place, especially since they're feeding a grizzly -- safely!”

All entries, including participating schools, groups, and images, are available online at nomoretrash.org/trash-can-contest.

Bash Trash in April!

All Missourians can help clean up litter through the annual No MOre Trash! April Trash Bash. The month-long event encourages schools, individuals, families, groups, organizations and communities to pick up litter, educate others about litter, conduct litter-free activities and encourage friends and families to participate. For more information, visitnomoretrash.org/trash-bash.

Missouri Department of Conservation News Release:

Commitment to fishery conservation and hunter education earn MDC staff honors

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CFM honors MDC's James Civiello

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News from the Southwest region

Published on: Mar. 31, 2014

Posted by Francis Skalicky

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – James Civiello’s and Craig Fuller’s long-time dedication to improving the state’s fishing opportunities and aquatic resources, and Dwayne Bowden’s work with hunter education, have earned the three southwest Missouri individuals recognition from the Conservation Federation of Missouri.

The trio were honored at the Conservation Federation’s awards banquet on March 21 at the Capital Plaza Hotel in Jefferson City. Each year, the Federation recognizes conservation volunteers and professionals for their efforts to improve and protect our natural resources.

Civiello received the Federation’s Professional Conservationist of the Year award, Fuller was named the Water Conservationist of the Year and Bowden received the Hunter Education Instructor of the Year award.

Civiello is the Missouri Department of Conservation’s hatchery systems manager and is officed at Shepherd of the Hills Hatchery near Branson. He oversees operation of the state’s five cold-water and four warm-water hatcheries. During his 28 years with the Department, Civiello has been heavily involved in the advancement of Missouri’s trout management. He helped develop a seasonal trout production schedule at Shepherd of the Hills and has provided oversight for hatchery renovation projects statewide. He also developed a computer program to track trout production and feed use at cold-water hatcheries, and coordinated with Department research staff to improve the nutritional content of trout feed. In addition to his work with trout and other sportfish, Civiello also pioneered culturing techniques for Ozark and eastern hellbenders -- techniques that have helped in the recovery effort of these state-endangered amphibians at the St. Louis Zoo.

Working with endangered species has also been a key emphasis for Fuller, a Department of Conservation fisheries management biologist at the Department’s Lebanon office. Fuller is the Federal Recovery Team Leader for the Niangua darter, a federally threatened and state-endangered fish. (The only place in the world this small fish is found is in a few tributaries of the Osage River in south-central Missouri.)

Since 2004, Fuller has worked with county governments to coordinate the replacement of 16 low-water crossings in the Niangua darter’s range that were identified aquatic organism passage barriers. The design of these new bridge crossings allows greater movement for Niangua darters and other aquatic organisms in the stream channels. Fuller was instrumental in securing funding from state and federal sources for the construction of these crossings. He also coordinated in-kind contributions from county commissions and road districts. Fuller has provided consultation on several other low-water crossings and his work has been viewed as the “gold standard” example for these types of projects in Missouri and elsewhere in the U.S.

In addition to his work with the Niangua darter, Fuller also works with private landowners on stream and riparian issues and oversees management of sportfish species in the streams in the three-county area he oversees. Fuller also manages Pomme de Terre reservoir and has focused on improving that lake’s muskellunge habitat.

Springfield resident Bowden was deeply involved in the transition of the Department's new hunter education format in the southwest part of Missouri. His skills with computer technology and audio visual equipment are a valuable asset to hunter education teams in Greene and Webster counties. His efforts were integral in Seymour, where he set up the skills session portion of the hunter education curriculum and a lecture area with AV equipment and learning stations so individuals in that area could be certified.

In 2013, Bowden assisted with 17 hunter education programs, an effort that reached 626 Missourians. In doing so, he volunteered 103 hours and logged 561 miles on his personal vehicle.

Missouri Department of Conservation News Release:

Stone County Couple Receives Tree Farm Recognition

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Johnsons Receive Silver Tree Farm Certificate

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Please Credit "Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation"

News from the Southwest region

Published on: Mar. 31, 2014

Posted by Francis Skalicky

GALENA, Mo. – For more than a quarter-century, John and Connie Johnson have worked to improve the forests on their 850-acre Horsecreek Tree Farm near Galena. Their commitment to forest management has earned them the American Forest Foundation’s Silver Tree Farm Certificate.

The Silver Tree Farm Certificate recognizes 25 years of outstanding membership in the Missouri Tree Farm Program as well as having managed their land in accordance with proper forest management practices approved by the Missouri Tree Farm committee and the American Forest Foundation.

This is not the first time the Johnsons have been recognized for forestry stewardship. In 1991, they were named Missouri’s Outstanding Tree Farmers. In 1992, they were named Outstanding Tree Farmers for the North Central Region of the U.S. In 1998, they again received the Outstanding Tree Farmer of the Year award for Missouri.

The Johnsons have worked with Missouri Department of Conservation foresters to manage their forest in a sustainable manner. Thinning upland hardwood stands to remove poor quality and diseased trees and removing trees in young stands to increase quality and growth of remaining trees are examples of management practices the Johnsons have used. John and Connie have also planted many trees and established shortleaf pine and walnut stands. Besides forest management, they have improved wildlife habitat on their land by restoring native grasses and planting foodplots.

John and Connie have held office, served on committees, or been active members of the Missouri Tree Farm Committee, the Missouri Forest Products Association, the Missouri Farm Bureau, the Missouri Walnut Council, the Conservation Federation of Missouri, Drury College Alumni Association, and other forestry and conservation organizations.

As if all this wasn’t enough, the Johnsons have also taught others about good stewardship of the land. They have conducted educational field trips on their property for all ages of students. They have hosted workshops and Tree Farm tours to teach other landowners about proper forest and wildlife management practices.

Island Night Lizard Removed from Endangered Species List Due to Recovery

U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Press Release:

For Release: March 31, 2014

Island Night Lizard Removed from Endangered Species List Due to Recovery

Federal Partnerships Are Critical to Saving America’s Wildlife

Carlsbad, CA –The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the removal of the island night lizard (Xantusia riversiana), a soft-skinned lizard found on three Channel Islands off the southern California coast, from the protection of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The lizard’s recovery is due primarily to the successful habitat conservation and restoration actions of the U.S. Navy and National Park Service. The final rule delisting the species will officially publish in the Federal Register on April 1, 2014.

“The removal of the island night lizard from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife is testament to the power of working hand-in-hand with our partners to recover an endangered or threatened species,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “This success story, more than three decades in the making, would not have been possible without the dedicated and persistent efforts of the U.S. Navy and National Park Service to bring the species back to health.” 

Island night lizards are found on three of the Channel Islands off the southern California coast: San Clemente Island, San Nicolas Island and Santa Barbara Island. A very small number of lizards are also found on Sutil Island, situated several thousand yards from Santa Barbara Island.

“We are pleased that protection by the Endangered Species Act along with our ecological restoration efforts are paying dividends with the recovery of unique species like the island night lizard,” said Channel Islands National Park Superintendent, Russell Galipeau. 

The island night lizard was listed as threatened under the ESA in 1977 due to severe habitat loss caused by ranching, grazing and the introduction of non-native goats, pigs and rabbits. These non-native herbivores stripped the islands of much of their vegetation and caused significant erosion. Cats introduced to San Clemente and San Nicolas islands also posed a predation threat.

The U.S. Navy and National Park Service removed the non-native species, and by the mid-1990s all goats, sheep and rabbits were removed from the islands. Feral cats were successfully removed from San Nicolas Island in 2010. Although there are still cats on San Clemente Island, they do not pose a significant threat to the island night lizard.

"It is a proud moment for the Navy to be part of the successful recovery of the island night lizard and its removal from the Federal List of Threatened and Endangered Wildlife. The incredibly high number of lizards on San Clemente Island shows that unique island species can thrive alongside high-tempo Navy operations through proactive management. We will continue to manage the island night lizard at San Clemente Island through our Integrated Natural Resources Management Plan, ensuring its existence for generations to come," said Capt. Christopher Sund, commanding officer of Naval Base Coronado.

"The Navy works tirelessly to ensure that we are good stewards of the resources entrusted to our care, including the sensitive habitat and wildlife found in places like San Nicolas Island. The delisting of the Island Night Lizard is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Navy's environmental professionals and all the partner organizations with whom they work," said Capt. Larry Vasquez, commanding officer of Naval Base Ventura County, of which San Nicolas Island is a part.

Both the U.S. Navy and National Park Service are cultivating native plants to further habitat restoration on the islands. To ensure lizard populations remain secure, the species and its habitat will be monitored for nine years following the delisting.

The adult island night lizard averages between 2.6 to 4.3 inches in length from snout to vent. Their coloration varies from pale ash gray and beige to shades of brown and black with varying uniform, mottled and striped patterns. The species lives about 11 to 13 years, although some individuals have been estimated to live as long as 30 years.

A copy of the final rule is on public inspection at the Federal Register today. It will officially publish on April 1, 2014.

A photo of the lizard is available on Flickr. Images of Santa Barbara Island, courtesy of the National Park Service, are online at SBI Images. Additional information about the species is available on the Service’s Environmental Conservation Online System 

(ECOS): http://ecos.fws.gov/speciesProfile/profile/speciesProfile.action?spcode=C01M

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/cno. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page. 

-FWS-

TOMORROW: EPA Administrator to Testify on Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Budget Before House Committee on Energy and Commerce

EPA News Release:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEApril 1, 2014
TOMORROW: EPA Administrator to Testify on Fiscal Year 2015 Proposed Budget Before House Committee on Energy and Commerce

WASHINGTON – U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Gina McCarthy will testify before the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce tomorrow at 10 a.m. EDT at a hearing to discuss EPA’s proposed FY 2015 budget.

Hearing details:
WHO: EPA Administrator Gina McCarthy

WHAT: Testimony before the Subcommittee on Energy and Power and the Subcommittee on Environment and the Economy of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce

WHEN: 10 a.m. EDT, Wednesday, April 2, 2014

WHERE: 2123 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C.

More information on EPA’s proposed FY 2015 budget: http://www2.epa.gov/planandbudget/fy2015
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Scientists Discover New Fish Species in the Upper Columbia River Basin

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Carita Chan, Research and Development, U.S. Forest Service, on April 1, 2014 at 11:00 AM

Cedar sculpin (Cottus schitsuumsh). (Emily Harrington/E.H. Illustration)

U.S. Forest Service scientists at the Rocky Mountain Research Station in Missoula, Mont., have identified a new species of fish—the cedar sculpin (Cottus schitsuumsh). Although thousands of new species are described by scientists each year, only a small percentage of them are animal species, and even fewer are found in the United States, underscoring the importance of this discovery.

Freshwater sculpins, with their characteristic large heads and fins, are bottom dwellers that can be found in cold, fast-moving streams throughout North America. Biologists have long suspected that there were undescribed species of sculpins in the Upper Columbia River Basin, but lacked the tools to recognize them. Cedar sculpin populations were previously thought to be shorthead sculpin (Cottus confusus), an understandable misidentification given that sculpins are notoriously difficult to identify based on their physical features.

“Through our collaboration with the University of Montana, we uncovered morphological and genetic evidence demonstrating that two species have been masquerading under a single name for over 50 years,” said Michael Young, a Forest Service research fisheries biologist.

The new species of sculpin was discovered in the Coeur d’Alene and St. Joe River basins in Idaho and part of the Clark Fork River Basin in Montana. In naming the species, the scientists consulted with elders of the Coeur d’Alene Tribe, whose historical homeland overlaps with the current range of this fish.  The scientific name for the species, Cottus schitsuumsh, is derived from the name for the Tribe, Schitsu’umsh, which means “those who were found here.” The common name refers to the western redcedar, a tree often found along streams in this region.

While not commercially valuable in and of themselves, sculpins are well-known to anglers as a food source for big trout—a famous fly pattern, the muddler minnow, is designed to resemble a sculpin—and as indicators of water quality. The cedar sculpin is abundant in tributaries that also support westslope cutthroat trout and bull trout.

Forest Service scientists and their partners believe that much hidden diversity remains among sculpin populations throughout the Western U.S., with additional species waiting to be identified. They are dedicated to helping unravel these mysteries in order to conserve and sustainably manage our natural resources.

Top, side and bottom view of a male cedar sculpin. (Zachary Randall) Used with permission.

Renewable Energy from Waste

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), along with the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality and the State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR), recently held a workshop in El Paso, Texas, to help increase tire recycling on the U.S./Mexico border.



Renewable Energy from Waste