Recommended Reading-Creek Clips

Below I have posted the contents of the latest edition of Creek Clips put out by the Eastern Coal Region Roundtable. It is an excellent publication I highly recommend. You can subscribe to Creek Clips on the website at www.easterncoal.org Happy Reading!

Federal Grants

Funding for AMD Projects Available
By Dave Hamilton, Program Specialist, OSM, Harrisburg, PA and Andy McAllister, Watershed Coordinator, WPCAMR
-The Watershed Cooperative Agreement Program (WCAP), an initiative of the US Dept of Interior Office of Surface Mining (OSM), received $1.5 million for federal fiscal year 2008 beginning October 1, 2007. The WCAP was started in 1998 to promote clean-up of streams and watersheds impacted by Abandoned Mine Drainage (AMD) by encouraging partnerships among funding agencies and other individuals and organizations.
-Awards are made to not-for-profit organizations (501(c)(3)), especially small watershed groups, that undertake local acid mine drainage (AMD) reclamation projects. The maximum award amount for each cooperative agreement is $100,000, in order to assist as many groups as possible to undertake actual construction projects to clean up streams impacted by acid mine drainage. Normally, the WCAP participation level cannot exceed 30% of the total project cost.
Some of the eligibility criteria include:
• Projects to be considered must address land or water that has been adversely affected by coal mining activities that happened prior to 1977.
• The state's Abandoned Mine Program must not be opposed to the project
• The project must be able to show tangible results.
• An operation and maintenance plan must be developed.
• There must be demonstrated public support for the project.
-Eligible projects in the following states will be considered for funding: Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia.
-The WCAP has been a vital part of AMD remediation throughout the coal regions of Appalachia and could be considered as matching funds depending on which other funding source is tapped. Check with your primary funding agency to find out if they will accept WCAP funds as match.
OSM is looking for eligible, good quality, technically feasible projects that will fully obligate the available funds by the end of the fiscal year (September 30, 2008).
For more information on the particulars of WCAP, contact:
In Pennsylvania:
David Hamilton - OSM office Harrisburg, 717- 782-4036 dhamil@osmre.gov
In Ohio:
Max Leuhrs - OSM office Columbus, 614-416-2238 ext. 110 mluehrs@osmre.gov
In West Virginia:
Nancy Roberts - OSM office Charleston, 304-347-7162 ext. 3043 nroberts@osmre.gov

EPA Water Quality Cooperative Agreements
Description
Region 3 is soliciting proposals from eligible applicants interested in applying for Federal assistance for Water Quality Cooperative Agreements (WQCA) under the Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 104(b)(3) for unique and innovative projects to be conducted within the states of Delaware (DE), District of Columbia (DC), Maryland (MD), Pennsylvania (PA), Virginia (VA), and West Virginia (WV) that address the requirements of the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Program. Specifically, the Region is requesting projects that will advance NPDES program strategies to implement watershed-based efforts, reduce impacts of wet weatherflows, demonstrate collaborative innovative approaches to control or reduce pollution to protect and restore water quality on a watershed basis, etc. Projects awarded assistance under this announcement may involve geospatial information.
Closing Date: Feb 19, 2008
Expected Number of Awards: 2
Estimated Total Program Funding: $136,044
Award Ceiling:$136,044
Award Floor: $50,000
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement: No
more info here

EPA ANNOUNCES $3 MILLION IN "CARE" GRANTS FOR COMMUNITIES TO REDUCE POLLUTION IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS
EPA has made available $3 million in CARE grants (Community Action for Renewed Environment program grants) for communities to reduce pollution in their neighborhoods. The CARE program is a competitive grant program giving local communities a way to organize and take action to reduce the toxic pollutants in their air, land and water. Proposals are due by March 17. EPA will conduct three conference calls on Jan. 18, Feb. 11, and Feb. 27, for prospective applicants. To apply, go here.
To learn more about the CARE program, go here.

NRCS Conservation Innovation Grants
Description
The purpose of CIG is to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies while leveraging the Federal investment in environmental enhancement and protection, in conjunction with agricultural production. CIG projects are expected to lead to the transfer of conservation technologies, management systems, and innovative approaches (such as market-based systems) into NRCS technical manuals, guides, and references, or to the private sector. CIG does not fund research projects. Instead, it is a vehicle to stimulate the development and adoption of conservation approaches or technologies that have been studied sufficiently to indicate a likelihood of success and to be candidates for eventual technology transfer or institutionalization. CIG funds projects targeting innovative on-the-ground conservation, including pilot projects and field demonstrations. Applications are accepted from all 50 States. There are eight review groups for FY 2008 applications: Water Quality- Livestock; Water Quality-Not Livestock; Water Quantity; Soils; Atmospheric; Grazing Land and Forest Health; Wildlife; and Energy. Applicants may indicate which of these review groups should review the application.
Original Closing Date for Applications:
Feb 20, 2008
Expected Number of Awards:
60
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$20,000,000
Award Ceiling:
$1,000,000
Award Floor:
$0
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
Yes
More info Here.

Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands
This solicitation is for proposals for fiscal year 2008 funding through the Alternative Transportation in Parks and Public Lands program, administered by the Federal Transit Administration in partnership with the Department of the Interior and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Forest Service. The purpose of the program is to enhance the protection of national parks and Federal lands, and increase the enjoyment of those visiting them. The program funds capital and planning expenses for alternative transportation systems in parks and public lands. Alternative transportation is "transportation by bus, rail, or any other publicly or privately owned conveyance that provides to the public general or special service on a regular basis, including sightseeing service. Such term also includes a non-motorized transportation system (including the provision of facilities for pedestrians, bicycles, and non-motorized watercraft)." Federal land management agencies and State, tribal and local governments acting with the consent of a Federal land management agency are eligible to apply. For more information on project eligibility and how to apply, please follow the link below for the federal register notice. For additional information, please visit their website.
Original Closing Date for Applications:
Feb 29, 2008
Expected Number of Awards:
50
Estimated Total Program Funding:
$23,780,000
Award Ceiling:
$5,945,000
Award Floor:
$0
Cost Sharing or Matching Requirement:
No
more info Here.



Non-Federal Grants

Small Watershed Grants Deadline Approaching
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation is soliciting proposals for organizations and local governments for the Chesapeake Bay Small Watersheds Grant Program.
Proposal deadline: Feb. 29, 2008
Go Here for More information: Brian Kittler at (202) 857-0166 or brian.kittler@nfwf.org

Free Computers
Mylan has used computers that are given away to Non-profit organizations.
All the non-profit organization needs to do is scan/email, fax or mail
a request on the organization's Letterhead making sure to include
contact information and with a signature, requesting computers. Please
specify the number of computers you need and state why you need them.
After you receive your computers please send a thank you letter on
letterhead using the same contact information.
Please send the request to Jacqueline via the fax at 304-554-6950 or
email at
Jacqueline.Loud@mylanlabs.com
You can also snail mail you letter to:
Jacqueline Loud
Mylan Pharms R & D Division
3711 Collins Ferry Rd
Morgantown, WV 26505

Please remember that it may take a few months for the paperwork to be
finished.

Shade Trees for Rural Communities
The Rural Maryland Council and the TREE-MENDOUS MARYLAND Program of
the Department of Natural Resources Forest Service are undertaking a
pilot project to identify rural communities that want to plant shade
trees. These trees can:
Provide shade in a public parking lot
Add greenery and shade along a town street
Re-green a local park
Trees must be planted on public property
One to ten 1"- 1 ¼" caliper trees per community will be provided
They are only taking the first
10 projects submitted. 1-10 trees per community. Must be on public
land. Please visit here for more info.

Apply by February 14, 2008 for consideration for a spring planting
project. As this is a Pilot Project, only the first 10 projects will
be considered. For an application or information,
tgalloway@dnr.state.md.us
or call 410-260-8510.

NiSource Challenges Company Communities
NiSource is currently accepting applications for the Environmental Challenge Fund. The Fund provides support for local natural resources and wildlife enhancement projects in company communities in Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia. The Fund is interested in a wide variety of well-planned, concrete environmental projects, from wetland restoration and watershed projects to exotic species control and reforestation.
Grants generally range between $500 and $5,000.
Applications must be submitted (preferably online) by February 28, 2008.
Visit here for more info.

WV Promise mini-grants
West Virginia's Promise mini-grants are awarded to assist communities/organizations who are committed to building bigger and better community collaborations for children and youth.

The mini-grants will focus on Promise 2 Safe Places
Applications are due May 1, 2008
For information about West Virginia's Promise contact Pamela Dugan, phone, 304-661-1460. Email: pdugan@froniternet.net


Trainings and Meetings


Hope and Hard Work Trainings
The Eastern Coal Regional Round Table is seeking determined citizens' groups or organizations that are concerned with cleaning up their local watershed, improving their community and learning how to find the money to make improvement possible. The ECRR is offering the opportunity to participate in a three-part training program called Hope and Hard Work.

Spring training sessions will occur during March 26th-28th at Canaan Valley Resort for Northern Coalfields groups and April 9th-11th at Breaks Interstate Park for groups from the Southern Coalfields. The ECRR will cover participants', lodging, food, and registration expenses.

If your group is interested in this opportunity for free training focused specifically on the coal-impacted counties of Appalachia, please contact us by email (info@easterncoal.org) or by phone (304.329.8409).


Bernadette DeBlander and Paul Sturm on Construction Site Runoff and BMPs "The Good, The Bad, and The Illegal: Construction Stormwater and Water Quality in Maryland – What You Can Do to Help Protect The Chesapeake Bay Watershed," February 29, 2008. University of Maryland School of Law, Baltimore, MD. Hosted by The University of Maryland Environmental Law Clinic and Waterkeepers Chesapeake with funding from the Ward Kershaw Environmental Symposium Fund.

Go here for more info.


Leadership Plenty Training

March 4-7, 2008
Ramada Plaza Hotel, South Charleston WV
The West Virginia Commission for National and Community Service is offering all nine modules of the LeadershipPlenty training March 4-7, 2008 at the Ramada Plaza Hotel in South Charleston.
The LeadershipPlenty program is a nine-module skill-building program based on the premise that every person has assets to bring to the community table. The program teaches skills in partnership development, conflict management, and taking action.

This hands-on interactive training will begin promptly at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 4. It will be finished by 4:00pm on Friday, March 7. The registration fee of $165 covers lunches and breaks on all four days. If you or your agency would like to be invoiced for registration and lodging, please indicate this on the registration form. Directions to the Ramada Plaza Hotel will be emailed to each registrant.
Through a grant from the WV Development Office, a limited number of scholarships are available to those who live or work in designated distressed or at-risk counties. Please contact Moya Doneghy at 558-0111 mdoneghy@mail.state.wv.us for an application.


Upcoming Conferences and Workshops- Virginia

Feb. 23, Charlottesville: Virginia Citizens for Water Quality Winter Meeting. More information:
Stacey Brown, (804) 615-5036 or stacey@vasos.org;
Or go to the Web site.


June 9-14, Blacksburg: Beyond Wetlands-Engineering the Landscape. Eighth Annual American Ecological Engineering Society Meeting: More information: Cully Hession, (540) 231-9480 or chession@vt.edu;
Or go to the web site.

June 14-19, Richmond: American Society of Mining and Reclamation Annual Meeting.
More information: Lee Daniels, (540) 231-7175 or wdaniels@vt.edu;

Nov. 3-6, Asheville, N.C.: Biennial Southeast Regional Stream Restoration Conference. Organized by North Carolina State University. More information: Cathy Smith, (919) 515-6780 or cathy_smith@ncsu.edu Or go to the website.

Subscribe to Creek Clips at www.easterncoal.com

WEST VIRGINIA MINE DRAINAGE TASK FORCE SYMPOSIUM
APRIL 22-23, 2008
RAMADA INN MORGANTOWN, WV
Sponsored by WEST VIRGINIA MINE DRAINAGE TASK FORCE
and WV COAL ASSOCIATION
To register and view agenda go here and click on 2008 symposium.
Or Call Jeff Skousen at 304-293-6256.
Email: jskousen@wvu.edu

The West Virginia Environmental Education Association Annual Conference
2nd Annual statewide conference March 18-20, 2008 at WVU Jackson's Mill in Weston, WV. For more information contact Eriks E. Janelsins, Director Schrader Environmental Education Center, Oglebay Institute, Wheeling, WV 26003
304.242.6855, www.OIonline.com

Last Chance to Sign Up For NE Brownfields Development Forum on February 12, 2008
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Present The Northeast Brownfields Development Forum February 12, 2008, Philadelphia Marriott Hotel
For full program details and to register please visit ICSC's website.
If you've got a contaminated property available, here's a great networking/marketing opportunity with developers. There are still a limited number of tables available to reserve for displaying property information (table reservations are free with registration).
If your community has any kind of contaminated properties (e.g.
brownfields, superfund, abandoned gas stations, RCRA, FUDS, etc.) and you are looking for retail reuse options and a superb networking opportunity, this is the event for you.
For more information, please contact Tony Raia at 202-566-2758 or raia.anthony@epa.gov.
For information on US EPA's Brownfields Program, go here.
For full program details and to register please visit ICSC's website.

Could YOU use some training?
ECRR's Hope and Hard Work Training is just the ticket.
(pssst...and it's free...)
send your info:
info@easterncoal.org
1(304)329-8049
********************
ECRR is pleased to announce Adam Webster as its first Executive Director.
Welcome!!--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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