RENewsletter April 8, 2012

RENewsletter | April 8, 2012

The Free environmental newsletter from RochesterEnvironment.com

“Our Environment is changing: Keep up with the Change.”

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[04/01/2012 – 04/08/2012]

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Opening Salvo: “Earth Day 2012 – A continual State of Denial”

Many think that because they can say ‘Climate Change’ in polite company that we have come a long way on addressing Climate Change. Is it true, and should we celebrate? Not so much. A more realistic view is that although more folks, and even some governmental officials, can finally admit that Climate Change is happening, this Earth Day is foremost a reminder that for all the talk little has been done to stop and reverse manmade greenhouse gases (GHG) going into our atmosphere. As a matter of fact, GHG’s have risen steadily through this Great Recession we are still struggling to overcome, which purportedly kept a lot of folks out of jobs and money for gas-fueled vacations.

A couple of days ago the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) published a major report Water-Ready Map: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources that says New York is among only a handful of states that have made substantial progress in addressing the causes and effects of climate change and its challenges to water management. Read it to understand the scope of Likely Changes coming to our region and how our state authorities plan to address them. However, the report is also a reminder that the road to perdition is paved with good intensions that don’t have a chance in hell of getting accomplished.

Why not? Answer: Climate Change Denial. It comes in many forms. Denial is when the President of the US fails to mention Climate Change in his State of the Union Address, as he didn’t do in 2011 and only begrudging did so this year. Climate Change denial is when mainstream media views Climate Change as ‘too toxic’ to question those running for the highest office in this country—the Decider. Climate Change denial is the actual sowing of doubt on the science of Climate Change by scientists getting paid to do so. (See Merchants of Doubt) Denial is when gas prices go up in an election year, and, despite the science of Climate Change and the fact that the US president can do little about gas prices, you vote for the other guy hoping to get a better price. Climate Change denial is when our media notes extreme weather events and fails to connect the dots to the predictions of Climate Change. Climate Change denial is thinking you understand it and yet fail to get alarmed.

This isn’t alarmist, it’s alarming:

“Natural variations in climate are clearly substantial, but one critical comparison is between short-term variability and the long-term changes that have occurred since the last ice age. During the past 20,000 years, the climate of the Great Lakes area has changed enough to alter the regional distribution of forests, prairies, and other vegetation types dramatically, and this change was driven by a 9 to 11°F (5 to 6°C) change in temperature. Put in these terms, the current projections for a 5 to 20°F (3 to 11°C) warming in the region in less than 100 years should ring bells of alarm.” (Page 13) From the Union of Concerned Scientists & Ecological Society of America Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region |Impacts on Our Communities and Ecosystems (2003)

Earth Day was first observed on March 21, 1970, and for most of the span between then and now (42 years) many climate scientists and increasingly more of the public has understood that Climate Change can and is happening. Because of the efforts of Dr. James Hansen, Bill McKibben, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)and many more, a profound idea, perhaps as profound as the Copernican Revolution, monotheism, and evolution, has dawned: Mankind is changing the planet.

It sounds trite to repeat this but I will because it is a paradigm shift in the way we must now view the word. Mankind is changing the planet. In our 5 million year existence on this planet, none of us, not even our philosophers or scientists, ever imagined that our puny little species could, in a concrete way, actually screw up the forces that run our planet and make human life possible.

Now, 42 years from the original Earth Day, even as the consequences of Climate Change are in our face (read Public Perception of Climate Change and the New Climate Dice), we are dragging our feet. The truth is that we are doing almost nothing to plan and execute actions to adapt to and mitigate Climate Change, including our governor: “Since the inauguration of Governor Andrew Cuomo in January 2011, the [New York State Climate Action] council has not reconvened, nor has state agency staff been directed to complete a climate action plan.” - From the New York page of Water-Ready Map: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources

It’s denial. It’s the belief that educating the public on the fact that our climate is warming is too politically ‘toxic’ to mention. Denial is the belief that the best way to handle Climate Change is to act on things you think might help us adapt to and mitigate Climate Change like encouraging recycling, fighting Fracking, and changing your light bulbs, while remaining too timid to use the word. (This is becoming a favorite tactic of environmental groups who think the public is becoming tired of ‘Climate Change’ and using the phrase might turn their audiences off.)

This Earth Day, rather than another 42 years down the road, would be a good time to stop Climate Change denial in its tracks. Go to 350.org’s Connect the Dots to learn how to do that. (In Rochester, NY go to the 14 Annual Sierra Club Forum "Our Water's Fragile Future: Hydrofracking, Climate Change, & Privatization" on April 19^th to learn what you can do.) Because if we continue the business-as-usual trend we are on now, those highest emissions scenarios in most Climate Change studies will be our future—not the lower ones where we got our act together.

I think another aspect of Climate Change denial is that future we think we will take action on Climate Change at some more convenient point in the global crisis. It’s like thinking someday you’ll never take another puff on a cigarette. But while people have stopped smoking, there’s not even a hint that we can collectively act to stop or even reduce our emission of greenhouse gases.

We are a species in denial:

“Social and cultural barriers: High adaptive capacity, as in most of North America, should be an asset for coping with or benefiting from climate change. Capacity, however, does not ensure positive action or any action at all. Societal values, perceptions and levels of cognition shape adaptive behaviour Schneider, 2004). In North America, information about climate change is usually not ‘mainstreamed’ or explicitly considered (Dougherty and Osaman Elasha, 2004) in the overall decision-making process (Slovic, 2000; Leiss, 2001). This can lead to actions that are maladapted, for example, development near floodplains or coastal areas known to be vulnerable to climate change. Water managers are unlikely to use climate forecasts, even when they recognise the vulnerability, unless the forecast information can fit directly into their everyday management decisions (Dow et al., 2007). –from Field, C.B., L.D. Mortsch,, M. Brklacich, D.L. Forbes, P. Kovacs, J.A. Patz, S.W. Running and M.J. Scott, 2007: North America. Climate Change 2007: Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Fourth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, M.L. Parry, O.F. Canziani, J.P. Palutikof, P.J. van der Linden and C.E. Hanson, Eds., Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 617-652. (Page 638)

FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com (Click on my email for feedback)

* Got news? | Go to my blog: Environmental Thoughts - Rochester, NY or Tweet me @ http://twitter.com/#!/FrankRrrr On Twitter and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/RochesterEnvironment and Examiner/RochesterEnvironment, I post local environmental events, news, and commentary as soon as it happens. If you think this newsletter, which continually informs our community on our local environmental news, events, actions, is worthwhile, please encourage others to sign up. We who care about our environment and future need to ‘Occupy’ the Rochester media to change how the public views environmental news.

The great conundrum of our times is that in a time of rapidly occurring Climate Change and a rapid disintegration of the environment that we need to thrive and survive, mainstream media still marginalizes environmental concerns. [Check often for this continually updated list on the possible consequences of Climate Change in our region--supported by facts.] If there isn’t a quick and substantial change in how environmental concerns are reported, edited, and chosen in mainstream media, the public will continue to believe that environmental concerns are merely special interest matters, issues they can avoid if they choose. How can we inform the public and monitor our environment without abridging our Freedoms--in enough time to safe ourselves?

Anything else you're interested in is not going to happen if you can't breathe the air and drink the water. Don't sit this one out. Do something. You are by accident of fate alive at an absolutely critical moment in the history of our planet. -- Carl Sagan

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NewsLinks – Environmental NewsLinks – [Highlights of major environmental stories concerning our area from the past week]

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Updates – Daily Updates – [Connecting the dots on Rochester’s environment. Find out what’s going on environmentally in our area—and why you should care? Clicking on -DISCUSSION – will take you to my blog “Environmental Thoughts, NY, where you can add your comments.]

4/07/2012 - Don't Forget to take ACTION: Curb Your Car Week, May 13-19, 2012 *Find one or more trips to leave your car home that week: to school, work, piano lessons, grocery store, or anywhere. *Bike, Walk, Bus, Carpool, Telecommute, Combine Trips *Register for free at ColorBrightonGreen.org, and then report your miles saved after May19. (All by email) *Open to all, don’t need to live in Brighton. *We will calculate total miles, gallons of gas, and pounds of CO2 saved, and announce the grand total. (By Email) *Prizes will be awarded to high mileage savers, and randomly to participants. *Cut Global Warming: Cut Air Pollution: Increase Energy Independence! Have fun! Enjoy a community of bikers and walkers all over Rochester for one week. Then, find out how fun it is, and how much money you save in gas and parking, and keep on doing it! Media Contact: Cheryl Frank 241-3078 730-1719 cell cherylmfrank@yahoo.com info@colorbrightonGreen.org Prizes may include environmental books for children and adults, energy saving small appliances such as lighting, donated by area businesses. Last fall, we saw 113 participants save 8000 miles, 303 gallons of gas, and over 5,700 pounds of CO2! All Brighton public schools, and many other schools and employers are participating by reporting their families' miles saved and their school or employer name online, to see how much we can save altogether. Join with your school, employer, or just on your own to be counted in the savings! Coincides with National Bike to Work Week. For more info contact info@ColorBrightonGreen.org
4/07/2012 - Important event coming up at Montezuma: Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival Will Soar on Saturday May 5: Celebrating Important Bird Areas There will something for everyone at the Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival in Savannah, NY on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friends with Feathers and The Institute for Environmental Learning will conduct live birds of prey programs throughout the day with a variety of owls, hawks, and “Liberty the Bald Eagle”. The non-releasable animals will be on display during the programs that will focus on birds of prey characteristics, rehabilitation and conservation. Everyone will get a chance to have a picture taken with “Liberty”. Another highlight of the festival will be the Children’s Theater and Activity Tent where Lois Sprague will entertain festive goers with animal balloons and Andrea Whitcomb-May will perform conservation-related puppet shows that are sure to inspire. Everyone can also enjoy the bounce house, dunk booth, sing a-longs and the drum circle, making bird crafts and stained glass art, wildlife trivia on the big board, and building a bluebird box. Wildlife enthusiasts can fish their way to the backyard bass game and then fly over to see the dragons from the pond. The festival will celebrate Important Bird Areas throughout the Finger Lakes Region and the conservation organizations that are working to identify and conserve these areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. The festival schedule also includes: Dan the Snake Man programs, guided nature walks and canoeing excursions, a garlic mustard pull contest, a GPS treasure hunt, music from the Tom Barnes and Chuck & Paul, delicious food, local vendors, a native plant sale, wildlife exhibitors and much more! The cost to attend the festival is $3/adult, $1/school-aged child, FREE for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 315.365.3588, visit http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.htm or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah, NY, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah.
4/7/2012 - From our friends over at the Genesee Transportation Council (GTC) comes a transportation program long awaited to help reduce GHG’s. Check this out and more to come on this long anticipated aid for helping active transportation in our area and reducing greenhouse gases. Harrah for GTC!Roc Easy Ride, a new online service to plan your trip via bicycling, public transportation, and other travel choices | Rochester Cycling Alliance

Today the Genesee Transportation Council announces a new online service that provides information on bicycling, public transportation, and other travel choices. roceasyride is a free-to-use rideshare solution allowing you to create a commute profile to find carpool matches and smart commute options specifically for you. Online tools allow you to track the money you save and the environmental benefits that result. roceasyride provides information on bicycling, public transportation, and other travel choices that can help you save money while improving our environment. (April 6, 2012) Rochester Cycling Alliance [more on Transportation in our area]

4/07/2012 - Why won’t Governor Cuomo reconvene the New York State Climate Action Council and complete a climate action plan? This inaction on Governor Cuomo’s part on denying Climate Change says volumes about our state’s position on Climate Change and all our authorities’ ability to act on what many studies have told us we need to do in New York State to prepare for more flooding, more public health risks from more heat waves, and many of our state’s infrastructure due to the increase in extreme weather. Read NY section from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) major report Water-Ready Map: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources that was just released: "In August 2009, then-governor David Paterson issued Executive Order No. 24, which established a statewide greenhouse gas emissions reduction goal of 80 percent below 1990 levels by 2050. It also established the New York State Climate Action Council to develop a climate action plan that contains both short- and long-term actions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.70 In November 2010, the council released an interim report containing reduction strategies for a variety of sectors including residential, industrial, commercial, transportation, and power supply and delivery.71 The council was composed primarily of the heads of various state agencies, many of whom resigned at the end of Governor Paterson’s administration. Since the inauguration of Governor Andrew Cuomo in January 2011, the council has not reconvened, nor has state agency staff been directed to complete a climate action plan.72 " - From the New York page of Water-Ready Map: Impacts of Climate Change on Water Resources
4/07/2012 - Even as Earth Day 2012 approaches many mainstream media are still spinning their ideology on Climate Change instead of informing the public adequately on the most critical issue of this century. How will mainstream media cover Climate Change on a planet that is warming up? Hopefully, not like this: How Murdoch's Aussie Papers Cover Climate Change "During my time in Australia, journalists said the Murdoch papers, to varying degrees, are receptive to those who question the science underlying projections of climate change. That holds true from the populist tabloids to the respected, if combative, national newspaper The Australian — even if the Oz, as it's commonly called, has more nuanced and extensive coverage. (News Limited's paper in the Tasmanian state capital of Hobart, where residents are more liberal, is seen to take a more pro-environmental tack.) " April 6, 2012) NCPR: North Country Public Radio
4/06/2012 - Fracking forum coming up: "On Wednesday, April 11, the Town of York, NY will sponsor a Fracking Forum at 7:00 PM. It will be held in the York Central School Auditorium, 2578 Genesee Street, Retsof, NY 14539. Presentations will be given by the Independent Oil and Gas Association of NY and Frack Free Genesee. There will be question, answer, and comment periods after each presentation. This will be open and free to the public. For questions contact Dave Nagel at DGNagel@rochester.rr.com or 585-243-3409 "
4/06/2012 - E-waste Recycling Event: Don’t miss this opportunity to get rid of that old computer and other E-waste. Free computer & Electronics Recycling Collection, Sunday, May 6th from 9AM – 12:30PM at Temple B'rith Kodesh 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY "Electronic waste accepted here • Computer Equipment • oMonitors, Terminals • oComputers • oScanners, Ink Cartridges • oPrinters, Fax Machines • oNetwork Equipment • oKeyboards, mice and • oComputer Accessories • Miscellaneous Electronics • oCircuit Boards, Cabling & Wiring • oTypewriters • oTelecommunications Equipment • oAudio/Visual Equipment • oVideo Game Systems • oCell Phones, PDAs, IPODs • oUniversal Power Supplies • Television Sets • Batteries * Compact Fluorescent Lamps- Additional .35 cents each * Straight Fluorescent Lamps– Additional .40 cents each "
4/06/2012 - Climate Change as most reasonable folks now know is happening. Yet, should the public be able to see signs of warming? Read this authorities report by Dr. James Hansen and others on whether these extreme events, like a very warm March, are indications of normal weather fluctuations or Climate Change? Apr. 5, 2012: "New Climate Dice" paper posted on arXiv (PDF). Comments about the paper and enlarged version of the principal figure also available. from Dr. James E. Hansen
4/06/2012 - Trash, the other side of consumerism: This 45 minute video on what happens to your trash when it leaves your control is a thought provoking film about the other end of consumerism. As we learned in Stop Trashing the Climate, among the myriad problems our waste presents to our environment is also the specter of Climate Change. Here in our region this month there will be many events to recycle your e-waste, help PickUpTheParks for Monroe County and the City of Rochester’s Clean Sweep program. Check this short film out and you’ll be galvanized to do all you can to prevent trash and recycle instead: Trash Inc: The Secret Life of Garbage - CNBC "Garbage. It's everywhere — even in the middle of the oceans — and it's pure gold for companies like Waste Management and Republic Services who dominate this $52 billion-a-year industry. From curbside collection by trucks costing $250,000 each, to per-ton tipping fees at landfills, there's money to be made at every point as more than half of the 250 million tons of trash created in the United States each year reaches its final resting place. "
4/05/2012 - Great Lakes biologists to fire underwater cannon to combat goby | GoErie.com/Erie Times-News Scientists will fire an underwater cannon in parts of Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay this summer, hoping to scatter the nuisance fish that eat native trout and herring eggs. If it works, the cannon also could be used here. The target fish -- the round goby -- has upended the food web in Lake Erie. (April 4, 2012) GoErie.com: Erie's #1 Source for News and Information [more on Invasive Species in our area]
4/05/2012 - Learn about Mountain Top Removal and the price many pay for coal. "All are invited to the upcoming Living in Harmony meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 7 - 9 pm, Henrietta United Church of Christ, 1400 Lehigh Station Road. We are very pleased to have Paul Ciavarri come and speak on the topic "Heroes of Appalachia and recent events related to mountaintop removal." Paul is co-founder of Save America's Mountains and also serves as a board member of New York Loves Mountains (based in NYC). Mountaintop removal has become the most common way coal is removed and it creates wide devastation for the people living in the affected areas. Paul Ciavarri has visited Appalachia and has first hand information on the topic. He will discuss the issue of mountain top removal from the stories of people like Maria Gunnoe, Larry Gibson, Bo Webb, and others who have taken on the coal industry. This promises to be a very informative evening. Please join us and bring a friend. For more information, contact Elizabeth Pixley, convener (334-0977 or epixley@rochester.rr.com)."
4/04/2012 - How far out of your comfort zone would you go to highlight the Climate Change crisis? Gage & Gage Productions | Bidder 70 "BIDDER 70 tells the story of Tim DeChristopher and his stunning act of civil disobedience in a time of global climate chaos. BIDDER 70 is a personal story surrounded by a wider context of citizen action, our American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience, and grass roots movements demanding government and industry accountability. "
4/04/2012 - Bike sharing, more active transportation, less greenhouse gases into our Rochester, NY air. Might be a fit, check it out: "PBIC Announces Free Webinar on Bike Sharing Programs in the U.S. CHAPEL HILL, NC — The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center (PBIC) announces the next free Webinar in its Livable Communities Webinar Series: Bike Sharing in the United States: State of the Practice and Guide to Implementation Thursday, April 26, 2012 3:00 p.m. — 4:30 p.m. EDT To register for the webinar, visit Bike Sharing in the United States: State of the Practice and Guide to Implementation. --from bicyclinginfo.org
4/04/2012 - Looks like this year, Greentopia is going to be bigger and better and bigger: Greentopia 2012 Has Expanded! "Following the success of Greentopia 2011, this year's festival has been greatly expanded! Running from September 10th - September 16th, 2012, Greentopia 2012 is a week-long interactive experience showcasing sustainability in the Northeast. Featuring four primiere events including Greentopia|FILM, Greentopia|MUSIC, Greentopia|ECOFEST and Greentopia|INNOVATION, Greentopia 2012 will have something for everybody. Greentopia|FILM will challenge individuals to reevaluate how they interact with their surrounding environment. Greentopia|MUSIC will bridge the gap between musicians and fans in a joint celebration of sustainability. Greentopia|ECOFEST will be an opportunity for attendees to explore the latest products and programs from businesses and organizations that will help restore the planet, promote sustainable living and foster new, innovative ideas. Greentopia|INNOVATION is a business to business conference that will explore the newest in innovation, technology and sustainable business. From each these four vantage points, every aspect of the festival will touch on how we as individuals and businesses can live and work in a more sustainable manner. "
4/04/2012 - Indeed, what is the state of our Air Quality in Rochester, NY and the rest of the US? Check here: "American Lung Association Clean Air Survey March 2012 The American Lung Association conducted a nationwide, bipartisan survey to examine voters’ views of the Clean Air Act and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) efforts to update and enforce lifesaving clean air standards, including carbon and mercury pollution from power plants. The polling information has national data and state data for Maine, Pennsylvania and Ohio. The results show broad support for strengthening air pollution standards. American Lung Association Clean Air Survey March 2012 American Lung Association Clean Air Memo March 2012 American Lung Association Clean Air Survey Presentation March 2012 --from American Lung Association
4/04/2012 - World scientists believe we should begin addressing Climate Change: Under pressure | Living Planet | DW.DE | "'Planet under Pressure' greets Anthropocene This week more than 2,800 experts from around the world gathered in London for yet another large environmental conference. The Planet under Pressure meeting aired a slew of proposals and warnings all aimed at steering the direction of this year's 20-year follow-up to the Rio Earth Summit. Listen to the report from Planet under Pressure " more on this topic: First State of the Planet Declaration published Scientists issue first “State of the Planet” declaration at the world’s largest gathering of experts on global environmental and social issues in advance of the major UN Summit Rio+20 in June Download declaration.Homepage ::: Planet Under Pressure

[more on Climate Change in our area]

4/03/2012 - Focusing on small cities like Rochester, NY for sustainability sounds like a good idea: Catherine Tumber talks about the future of upstate's "Small, Gritty, and Green" cities | Innovation Trail Catherine Tumber is a big believer that small cities matter. "Cities like Rochester and Syracuse have been gradually dropped out of the urban conversation," Tumber says. "I wrote this book to address that oversight." Tumber's new book, Small, Gritty, and Green: The Promise of America's Smaller Industrial Cities in a Low-Carbon World, documents examples of small- and medium-sized cities charging toward a sustainable future. (April 2, 2012) Innovation Trail
4/03/2012 - On Wind Power many argue that wind power companies just plunk those wind turbines anywhere—just inconveniencing and besmirching the waterscape. How about a great wind map to see where the wind actually blows across our country? Let’s put some facts into the argument. Wind map of America Or, what Martin and Fernanda did next. See how the founders of Many Eyes made something beautiful and useful Share18 reddit this Comments (3) The Wind map of the US by Hint When Fernanda B. Viégas and Martin Wattenberg, founders of Many Eyes do a visualisation, they do it properly. Latest US news, world news, sport and comment from the Guardian | guardiannews.com | The Guardian
4/03/2012 - Excellent article on the importance of water in our region and how to preserve our water quality: Water, Water, Everywhere | Happenings "Water is an important and ever-to-be-managed resource for any community—urban, suburban, and rural. As many communities witnessed last year, water is a powerful force, and needs to be planned for when we develop and redevelop land, when we build and maintain roads, and when we create impervious or compacted spaces. " (April 1, 2012) Happenings | the monthly newsletter of the Finger Lakes Institute [more on Water Quality in our area]
4/02/2012) - How can the US put in a Climate Change denier for president when even our military understands Climate Change? Military sees threats, worry in climate change — The Daily Climate Climate policy may be a minefield in U.S. politics, but the Pentagon sees liabilities of a different kind and is forging ahead with plans to reduce the military's carbon footprint and prepare for climate impacts. 'It's about returning more of our brave sailors and Marines.' The U.S. military's elite forces have always pushed the envelope. And this summer will be no exception, as the Navy deploys SEALs with $2 million of new gear on missions to save hostages, combat pirates, and counter terrorism around the world. What sort of next-generation weaponry, armor, or transportation will the funds provide? None. (April 2, 2012) The Daily Climate [more on Climate Change in our area]
Fracking, or drilling for natural gas by means of hydrofracking, is not usually all that funny. But this is: Mark Ruffalo on Colbert Report | Grist Mark Ruffalo went on The Colbert Report to talk about fracking, and Stephen yelled at him — even though he acknowledged later that it’s probably a bad idea to yell at the Hulk. (March 29, 2012) Grist | Environmental News, Commentary, Advice
4/02/2012 - Great weather now but a lousy climate coming for the Rochester, NY region When I wrote this essay it was the first day of spring and eighty-four degrees outside. This year’s warm winter has finally convinced a lot of people that Climate Change is happening, but they seem OK with it. I heard some folks saying that they love this warm March and many are out running around playing Frisbee—those who would otherwise be huddled inside at this time of the year. Showing some exuberance, but not too much, our local news tells us to plan our gardens, but don’t plant anything just yet. It’s hot, but is it Climate Change? Some say it is: more,,,
4/02/2012 - GOP can be green, but they’re probably going to have to go back to high school and learn science, especially Climate Change science. GOP Enviro Activist: “Republicans Are Green, Too” NEW YORK - Support for many environmental causes seems to run strictly along party lines, but a group of Republicans is trying to change that in Congress. Republicans for Environmental Protection (REP) is asking House Speaker John Boehner to help push 19 bills through the House, legislation that would designate new wilderness areas, conserve wetlands and fight invasive species in 14 states. REP spokesman Jim DiPeso says it is not easy being "green" and Republican, too - these days - but that was not always the case. (April 2, 2012) Public News Service

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Events – Rochester Environmental Events Calendar – [The most complete listing of all environmental events around the Rochester, New York area.] If you don’t see your event, or know of a local environmental event, please send me the info: FrankRegan@RochesterEnvironment.com with (EV event) in the subject line. Also, be sure to check other calendars and environmental series for multi-day events.

April 2012

Monday, April 9, 2012 7:00 PM | Rochester Institute of Technology Building 76 – Chester F. Carlson Image Science Center Carlson Auditorium Room 1125 | Please park in Lot F

Rochester Committee for Scientific Information Annual Meeting focusing on Invasive Species Monday, April 9, 2012 7:00 PM Invasive Species: By Land and By Sea “Invasive Non-native Forest Pests: Game Changers in a Changing Environment?” Presented by Dr. Mark Whitmore Forest Entomologist Department of Natural Resources, Cornell University “Aquatic Invasive Species: A Threat to the Great Lakes and the Finger Lakes” Presented by Dr. Joe Makarewicz Distinguished Service Professor Department of Environmental Science and Biology, SUNY Brockport Rochester Institute of Technology Building 76 – Chester F. Carlson Image Science Center Carlson Auditorium Room 1125 (See map on reverse side) Co-sponsored by the Rochester Institute of Technology College of Liberal Arts Free – open to the public Please park in Lot F

Tuesday, April 10, 7 - 9 pm, Henrietta United Church of Christ, 1400 Lehigh Station Road.

Learn about Mountain Top Removal and the price many pay for coal. "All are invited to the upcoming Living in Harmony meeting on Tuesday, April 10, 7 - 9 pm, Henrietta United Church of Christ, 1400 Lehigh Station Road. We are very pleased to have Paul Ciavarri come and speak on the topic "Heroes of Appalachia and recent events related to mountaintop removal." Paul is co-founder of Save America's Mountains and also serves as a board member of New York Loves Mountains (based in NYC). Mountaintop removal has become the most common way coal is removed and it creates wide devastation for the people living in the affected areas. Paul Ciavarri has visited Appalachia and has first hand information on the topic. He will discuss the issue of mountain top removal from the stories of people like Maria Gunnoe, Larry Gibson, Bo Webb, and others who have taken on the coal industry. This promises to be a very informative evening. Please join us and bring a friend. For more information, contact Elizabeth Pixley, convener (334-0977 or epixley@rochester.rr.com)."

April 14, 2012,10 AM to 2PM | Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, New York

Wildlife Educators Coalition at Cool Kids Ecofest, Where: Genesee Community College, One College Road, Batavia, New York, When: April 14, 2012,10 AM to 2PM, FREE and open to the public | Looking for a fabulous fun way to spend a day with the family? Look no further! Come visit us at the Cool Kids Ecofest: WILDLIFE EDUCATORS COALITION + we are being joined by APEX WILDLIFE EDUCATION with Snakeman Jake and his cold blooded critters. We will have our animals that you know and love And some new friends, too. Get a sneak preview of our very first book THE FOX & THE RABBIT: Brothers of the Heart And meet the star characters of the book Get your picture taken, play Beanie Baby Toss Commune with the Critters Be COOL! BE GREEN! Recycle! TODAY MARK YOUR CALENDAR and RIGHT AWAY-START SAVING YOUR: · -OLD ELECTRONICS for the E-scrap Drive! · -OLD SNEAKERS (only--no metal!) for Nike-Reuse-A-Shoe Drive! · -Paperback BOOKS! --for Operation Paperback! (no hardcovers or Romance novels) Featuring a massive green menu of over SIXTY COOL, LOCAL GREEN displays and ACTIVITY TABLES!! with make it and take it’s-and LOADS of HIGH ENERGY FUN to keep you/the family busy with GREEN! GAMES! WILDLIFE! Hands-on COOL for 4 GREEN-POWER packed HOURS!!! A mountain bike raffle for participating in recycling your E-Scrap! Sneakers! Books! And TONS more!!!! Including: OUTSIDE in Parking Lot and Plaza!! 10 AM - 2 PM

Wednesday, April 11 at 7PM | York Central School Auditorium, 2578 Genesee Street, Retsof, NY 14539

Fracking forum coming up: "On Wednesday, April 11, the Town of York, NY will sponsor a Fracking Forum at 7:00 PM. It will be held in the York Central School Auditorium, 2578 Genesee Street, Retsof, NY 14539. Presentations will be given by the Independent Oil and Gas Association of NY and Frack Free Genesee. There will be question, answer, and comment periods after each presentation. This will be open and free to the public. For questions contact Dave Nagel at DGNagel@rochester.rr.com or 585-243-3409 "

Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at the Brighton Highway Department Operations Center, 1941 Elmwood Avenue.

Electronics and Paper Recycling Event Brighton Electronics and Paper Recycling Event March 23, 2012 Brighton, NY – Brighton’s Fifth Electronics Recycling and Paper Recycling (Shredding) Events will be held on Saturday, April 14 from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 noon at the Brighton Highway Department Operations Center, 1941 Elmwood Avenue. Bring your old electronic equipment and/or your old documents to Brighton's Electronics Recycling and Paper Recycling events (provided by Mavin Technologies and Cornerstone Records Management.) (rain or shine). There is no charge for either service. We have collected a total of 12-1/4 tons of electronics and 20-1/2 tons of paper during the last four events! Those who are unable to participate on Saturdays, arrangements are being made to accept your recycling material separately. Please call Louise at 244-3533 for further information. For more information, or to volunteer to help, email or call Councilmember Louise Novros at ljnovros@aol.com or (585) 244-3533

Thursday, April 19, 2012 5:30pm: Doors open | First Unitarian Church of Rochester 220 Winton Road South, Rochester, NY

14 Annual Sierra Club Forum "Our Water's Fragile Future" [Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club} Where will all the water for fracking come from? What’s happening to Great Lake levels? Will our children have the same access to clean water that we do? We welcome Jim Olson, the environmental attorney who helped citizens in Michigan win a battle against Nestle’s bottling operation. Jim will share his expertise on protecting fresh water for the “common good” and how it pertains to our Great Lakes and Finger Lakes. Water! Our fresh water! Here in upstate New York, clean potable water is one of the most abundant and important of our resources. We live in the Great Lakes Basin, on the shore of bountiful Lake Ontario and near the beautiful Finger Lakes. We use these lakes as sources of drinking water and are fortunate to be able to do so. But along with the rest of the world, we may soon face challenges that end easy access to abundant fresh water for all. New York State may begin this year to permit hydrofracking for natural gas. Hydrofracking uses 3 to 9 million gallons of fresh water each time a well is “fracked” (USGS). Many thousands of wells could be drilled in New York State and fracked on multiple occasions. Where will all of that fresh water come from? How and where will the toxic wastewater be processed? more...

Thursday, April 19, 7:00 pm-9:00 pm, Hobart and William Smith Colleges Stern Hall Room 103

Hydrofracking: What the Frack Is It? Panel Discussion Do you really know what hydrofracking is, or its effects on the local economy, environment, and society? If not, join us for a panel discussion of the topic. In an attempt to be an informative discussion, the panel will consist of a wide range of view points including both the reasons for opposition and promotion of fracking. Parking available in the Pulteney St. Medbery Lot. http://flihappenings.wordpress.com/

April 20-22, 2012 Braddock Bay Park, East Manitou Road, Greece, NY

Braddock Bay Raptor Research presents BIRD OF PREY DAYS 2012 April 20-22, 2012 Braddock Bay Park, East Manitou Road, Greece Braddock Bay Raptor Research (BBRR) is proud to present our 24th annual Bird of Prey Days to be held at Braddock Bay Park, on East Manitou Road in Greece. If you have ever wanted to see a hawk, owl or eagle up close and personal, attend one of the many educational programs offered to families and individuals of all ages. Braddock Bay Raptor Research celebrates the spring migration with programs all weekend long, which focus on the raptors and the spectacular migration that is witnessed each year. One entry fee for entire weekend: $3 per adult (suggested donation), Kids are FREE. Program highlights will include: · Live Birds of Prey with Paul Schnell featuring Liberty the bald eagle, Friday, April 20th. · Live Birds of Prey with Ron Walker and Friends with Feathers– Saturday, April 21st. · Live Animal Presentations with Seneca Park Zoo’s Wegmans Zoomobile · Live Raptor Program with the Institute for Environmental Learning · Visit the Hawkwatch all weekend or go on a tour of the Hawk Banding Station · Owl Prowls – Saturday & Sunday morning at 7:30 am · Raptor Banding Demonstrations both Saturday & Sunday · Plus plenty of other interactive, educational opportunities & presentations, and a chance to meet BBRR’s own Incredible Hawk! A full detailed schedule of events is posted on our website www.bbrr.org. For more information contact: Braddock Bay Raptor Research 585-BOP-LIVE information@bbrr.org

Sat. April 21st from 9 -3 at Hamlin Beach State Park Area 3., Hamlin, NY

The 5th Annual HAMLIN EARTH DAY AT THE PARK will be held Sat. April 21st from 9 -3 at Hamlin Beach State Park Area 3. Hosted by Hamlin Beach S.P., the Town of Hamlin, SUNY Brockport Dept. of Environmental Sciences, the Hamlin and Hilton Lions Clubs, and Friends of Hamlin Beach State Park, the event will feature numerous environmental information booths, craft and eco-friendly vendors and a display of fuel efficient vehicles. Activities include an organized beach clean-up from 10:30 - 12:00, guided marsh walking tour at 12:00, music by The Dady Brothers at 1:00, and guided tour of historic CCC/POW camp at 3:00. The Lions are accepting used eyeglasses, hearing aids and keys for metal recycling. Food and refreshments will be on hand and participants are urged to bring their own travel mugs as a gesture of sustainability. Admission is free, including park admission.

April 23rd, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Victor Junior High School 953 High Street, Victor, NY

"The Victor Earth Day Celebration on April 23rd, from 6 - 8 p.m. at Victor Junior High School 953 High Street will focus is on "Obtainable Sustainable Solutions" for families and individuals looking for ways to make positive changes to increase the health and wellness of their lives and the earth we inhabit. Local businesses, farms, restaurants, bakeries, salons, and community groups will be joining in this evening to raise awareness, and assist families in making those "earth-friendly" choices that impact us all. We hope to have you be a part of this important evening. Demonstrations, green give-aways, natural organic locavore food tastings, interactive booths, movies, and presentations will be a part of the evening. A sample of some businesses that will be a part of the evening are: Points of Harmony Acupuncture Mud Creek Farm Organic Agriculture Nature,Spirit Healing Sierra Club Small World Collective Seven Bridges Farms The Whole Herb Salon Brio Smugtown Mushrooms Natural Alternatives Integrated Broccolo Landscaping Fingerlakes Zero Waste Coalition LEAD Poison Control Detection Victor Sustainabilty Committee Barefoot Permaculture Young Living Essential Oils Imagine It Recycling GM Alternative Vehicle Demonstration Red Bird Market "

Friday, April 27, 2012 At "The Links" in East Syracuse, New York

Eighth Annual Symposium on Energy in the 21st Century | DescriptionofSymposium A Division of Synapse Sustainability Trust Inc. Looking Ahead to a Future in Renewable Energy A Local & Global Perspective Friday, April 27, 2012 At "The Links" in East Syracuse, New York Symposium on April 27, 2012. Registration opens today. This Symposium is noted as one of the most important energy conferences in the Northeast. This will be a very well attended Symposium and I encourage you to register ASAP. Last year we closed registration early at 360 attendees. This year we are going global, and including successful models of energy sustainability from other countries. Ruggero Schleicher-Tappeser, will be flying in from Berlin exclusively for this Symposium to speak Germany's success in using renewable energy, particularly solar voltaic. Willett Kempton, Ph.D, Visiting Professor at Denmarks Tekniske Universitet, will be speaking on Denmark's model, particularly in wind energy. Other esteemed speakers include Garry Brown, Chairman PSC, Laura Morton, Senior Advisor for Renewable Energy, U.S.D.O.E, Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, Paul Tonko, Congressman, Nathanael Green, Director of Renewable Energy Policy, NRDC, Michael Gerrard, Director Climate Center, Columbia Law School, and Kit Kennedy, Counsel to Air & Energy Program, NRDC, who will be the moderator. Our keynote will be Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. Included in the program is greetings from Frank Murray, President & CEO NYSERDA, and Joe Martens and, Commisioner DEC. We are giving a special award to Joanie Mahoney, County Executive of Onondaga County for her exceptional work. This will be a landmark Symposium!!

April 28th, 2012

Reserve this date for this year’s Monroe County PickUpTheParks, more details as we learn them. "Please plan to join us on Saturday, April 28th, from 9am-noon for the cleanup, and again from 1-3pm for a "Thank You" Picnic that will include an e-scrap recycling event, as well as an Eco-Fair with information booths from some local environmental and recreation groups. "

May 2012

May 4 & 5, 2012 | 2222 St Paul St Rochester, NY 14617

Our Fragile World Environmental Fair May 4 & 5, 2012 The goal of Our Fragile World is to engage, inspire and empower the community to act on behalf of wildlife, nature and our environment. Each year, this event features a variety of local environmentally-conscious businesses, nature organizations and government agencies that are working to improve the health of our local environment. Seneca Park Zoo | The Natural Place for Families | Zoo Rochester NY The formal school program (held on Friday, May 4) meets curriculum standards in science as well as social studies. This is a great day to book your field trip to the Zoo as your students can learn about local conservation efforts as well as visit with our Zoo animals! We hope you will join us and learn how to make our world a healthier place for wildlife, your children and generations to come. If you're a teacher and would like to bring your class to the event on Friday, May 4, please fill out a field trip request form. If you have questions about this event or would like to be a presenter this year, please contact Tina Crandall-Gommel at (585) 295-7394 or e-mail tcrandall@senecazoo.org.

Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. | The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah, NY, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah.

Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival Will Soar on Saturday May 5: Celebrating Important Bird Areas There will something for everyone at the Montezuma Audubon Center’s 6th Annual Wildlife Festival in Savannah, NY on Saturday, May 5th from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friends with Feathers and The Institute for Environmental Learning will conduct live birds of prey programs throughout the day with a variety of owls, hawks, and “Liberty the Bald Eagle”. The non-releasable animals will be on display during the programs that will focus on birds of prey characteristics, rehabilitation and conservation. Everyone will get a chance to have a picture taken with “Liberty”. Another highlight of the festival will be the Children’s Theater and Activity Tent where Lois Sprague will entertain festive goers with animal balloons and Andrea Whitcomb-May will perform conservation-related puppet shows that are sure to inspire. Everyone can also enjoy the bounce house, dunk booth, sing a-longs and the drum circle, making bird crafts and stained glass art, wildlife trivia on the big board, and building a bluebird box. Wildlife enthusiasts can fish their way to the backyard bass game and then fly over to see the dragons from the pond. The festival will celebrate Important Bird Areas throughout the Finger Lakes Region and the conservation organizations that are working to identify and conserve these areas that are vital to birds and other biodiversity. The festival schedule also includes: Dan the Snake Man programs, guided nature walks and canoeing excursions, a garlic mustard pull contest, a GPS treasure hunt, music from the Tom Barnes and Chuck & Paul, delicious food, local vendors, a native plant sale, wildlife exhibitors and much more! The cost to attend the festival is $3/adult, $1/school-aged child, FREE for children 4 and younger. For more information, call 315.365.3588, visit http://ny.audubon.org/montezuma.htm or e-mail montezuma@audubon.org The Montezuma Audubon Center is located at 2295 State Route 89 in Savannah, NY, approximately 1.5 miles north of the Hamlet of Savannah.

May 5th | Find an event and register today

Got something to do on May 5th? If not why not love our NYS Parks: Parks & Trails New York - I Love My Park Day "Show NYS Parks and Historic Sites Some Love Volunteer on Saturday, May 5th for the first-ever I Love My Park Day! Online registration is now open! Find an event and register today. I Love My Park Day is an exciting new statewide event organized by Parks & Trails New York to improve and enhance New York’s parks and historic sites and bring visibility to the entire park system and its needs. Volunteers from across the state will participate in cleanup, improvement, and beautification events at New York State parks and historic sites. Volunteers will celebrate New York’s park system by cleaning up park lands and beaches, planting trees and gardens, restoring trails and wildlife habitat, removing invasive species, and working on various site improvement projects. Join us Saturday, May 5th and show our parks and historic sites some love! " Parks & Trails New York

Sunday, May 6th from 9AM – 12:30PM at Temple B'rith Kodesh 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY

E-waste Recycling Event: Don’t miss this opportunity to get rid of that old computer and other E-waste. Free computer & Electronics Recycling Collection, Sunday, May 6th from 9AM – 12:30PM at 2131 Elmwood Ave., Rochester, NY "Electronic waste accepted here • Computer Equipment • oMonitors, Terminals • oComputers • oScanners, Ink Cartridges • oPrinters, Fax Machines • oNetwork Equipment • oKeyboards, mice and • oComputer Accessories • Miscellaneous Electronics • oCircuit Boards, Cabling & Wiring • oTypewriters • oTelecommunications Equipment • oAudio/Visual Equipment • oVideo Game Systems • oCell Phones, PDAs, IPODs • oUniversal Power Supplies • Television Sets • Batteries * Compact Fluorescent Lamps- Additional .35 cents each * Straight Fluorescent Lamps– Additional .40 cents each "

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Action – Take Action - Often, I receive request to pass on alerts, petitions, Public Comments on local developments, and environmental items needing action by the Rochester Community and around the world. I’ll keep Actions posted until their due date.

ACTION: Due Date: Now

for active transportation: It’s not too lake to make comment on active transportation (biking and walking) in Brighton, NY. Complete this simple survey and help those constructing the Brighton Bicycle Master plan do the best job of making Brighton a community that easily accommodates active transportation, which is good for you and our environment, and the other kinds. Welcome to BIKE WALK brighton : Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan "The Town of Brighton is currently in the early stages of developing a Bicycle and Pedestrian Master Plan. This survey is designed to gather information reflecting Brighton residents' current levels of bicycling and walking activity, their attitudes toward bicycling and walking, and their insight into barriers that presently exist. Please allot about 5-10 minutes to complete the survey. Thank you for helping shape Brighton's efforts to become a more accommodating place to walk and ride! " Welcome to BIKE WALK brighton : Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan

ACTION: Curb Your Car Week, May 13-19, 2012

*Find one or more trips to leave your car home that week: to school, work, piano lessons, grocery store, or anywhere. *Bike, Walk, Bus, Carpool, Telecommute, Combine Trips *Register for free at ColorBrightonGreen.org, and then report your miles saved after May19. (All by email) *Open to all, don’t need to live in Brighton. *We will calculate total miles, gallons of gas, and pounds of CO2 saved, and announce the grand total. (By Email) *Prizes will be awarded to high mileage savers, and randomly to participants. *Cut Global Warming: Cut Air Pollution: Increase Energy Independence! Have fun! Enjoy a community of bikers and walkers all over Rochester for one week. Then, find out how fun it is, and how much money you save in gas and parking, and keep on doing it! Media Contact: Cheryl Frank 241-3078 730-1719 cell cherylmfrank@yahoo.com info@colorbrightonGreen.org Prizes may include environmental books for children and adults, energy saving small appliances such as lighting, donated by area businesses. Last fall, we saw 113 participants save 8000 miles, 303 gallons of gas, and over 5,700 pounds of CO2! All Brighton public schools, and many other schools and employers are participating by reporting their families' miles saved and their school or employer name online, to see how much we can save altogether. Join with your school, employer, or just on your own to be counted in the savings! Coincides with National Bike to Work Week. For more info contact info@ColorBrightonGreen.org

ACTION: Due Date: May 5th

Take action on Climate Change on May 5th: It’s Time for Us to Connect the Dots « EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement Earlier today, Barack Obama wrapped up his first trip to Oklahoma as President. He arrived just after a week of floods, capping off a winter that never came, which followed the hottest and driest summer Oklahoma had seen in thousands of years, perhaps ever. But he wasn’t in Oklahoma to talk about these climate disasters. He was there to laud his administration’s fast-tracking of the southern leg of the Keystone XL tar sands pipeline. It’s obvious from his speech today that President Obama isn’t connecting the dots between fossil fuel extraction, climate change and the extreme weather that has reshaped so much of the American landscape this past year. (March 22, 2012) EcoWatch: Uniting the Voice of the Grassroots Environmental Movement

ACTION - Due Date: April 2, 2012

One of the things to remember about fish in NYS is that may fish are affected by warm water. Climate Change should be factored in to Proposed Changes to Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations: DEC Announces Proposed Changes to Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Announces Proposed Changes to Freshwater Sport Fishing Regulations Changes to the current freshwater fishing regulations designed to enhance fishing opportunities and protect the state's freshwater fisheries were announced today by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC). DEC will accept public comments on the proposals through April 2, 2012. "New York provides some of the best fishing in the nation and every two years DEC modifies existing freshwater sportfishing regulations and proposes new regulations to help ensure this remains the case," said Assistant Commissioner for Natural Resources Kathleen Moser. "We encourage anglers to review these proposed changes and provide DEC with comments." (February 16, 2012) Fishing - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]

ACTION: Due Date April 27, 2012

Got thoughts on fish and Climate Change and research and resources? Tell it to the NYSDEC Lake Ontario Fisheries Unit before April 27, 2012 DEC Releases Draft Objectives For Lake Ontario's Fish Community - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation DEC Releases Draft Objectives For Lake Ontario's Fish Community Plan to Guide Bi-National Management of Lake's Fisheries Resources The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released its proposed Fish Community Objectives for Lake Ontario for public review and comment. The comment period ends April 27, 2012. Lake Ontario's fisheries are jointly managed by DEC and the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources (OMNR). DEC and OMNR strive to provide sound management of Lake Ontario's fisheries for ecosystem function and recreational benefits. The draft plan is available on the DEC website. (March 14, 2012) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation [more on Wildlife in our area]

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Few actions that we can do to adapt and mitigate Climate Change can have the effect of planting trees. Trees are carbon sinks that work. Plant a tree, lots of them. DEC'S Saratoga Tree Nursery Kicks off Annual Tree and Shrub Seedling Sale and Giveaway - NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation Landowners Can Take Advantage of Low-Cost Native Plants, Schools Can Get Them Free More than 50 species of trees and shrubs are now available to schools and public and private landowners at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation's (DEC) Saratoga Tree Nursery, DEC announced today. The Saratoga Tree Nursery provides trees for erosion control, wildlife habitat, reforestation and other uses. (February 14, 2012) New York State Department of Environmental Conservation

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Tell the NRC: Expand emergency evacuation zones Today, NIRS and 37 other organizations submitted a formal Petition for Rulemaking to the NRC to expand emergency evacuation zones around U.S. nuclear reactors and make other improvements in emergency preparedness. We're calling this the Nuclear 911 campaign. You can join us as a co-petitioner below! The widespread radioactive contamination caused by the Fukushima nuclear disaster (and Chernobyl before it) makes clear that the current 10 mile Emergency Planning Zones in the U.S. are woefully inadequate to protect the American people. "Nuclear Information and Resource Service - NIRS

ACTION:Due Date Now

Request from the DEC for some help on keeping our Great Lakes healthy: "Your Observations Can Help the Health of the Great Lakes! If you spend time around the Great Lakes shoreline, please consider sharing your observations of injured or dead animals, or algal blooms by using the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative - Wildlife Health Event Reporter (http://glri.wher.org/) (GLRI-WHER). Scientists working in state, federal and non-profit agencies are looking for your help to identify events that are important in research of avian botulism and algal bloom outbreaks, in the interest of protecting wildlife from this disease as well as algal neurotoxins. For a healthy Great Lakes ecosystem, do your part and share what you see by setting up a reporter account (http://glri.wher.org/users/add) on the GLRI-WHER website. E-mail any questions regarding reporting to botnet@wdin.org.

ACTION: Due Date: Now

Sewage Pollution - Citizens Campaign for the Environment "Many communities in New York State, Connecticut, and throughout the nation are served by aging and dilapidated sewage infrastructure. When our sewage infrastructure is not properly operated or maintained, billions of gallons of untreated raw sewage can be released in to the environment before reaching a treatment plant. Sewage is primarily discharged into the environment through Sanitary Sewer Overflows (SSO) and Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). Separate sewer systems carry only wastewater such as domestic sanitary waste and commercial and industrial waste to a sewage treatment plant. Separate sewers are not designed or intended to carry water such as storm water. SSOs occur in separate systems. Combined sewer systems are built larger than separate sewers so that they can carry two components: wastewater, carried continuously, and runoff, carried after storms. How you can help: Email your state representatives. Urge them to support a Sewage Pollution Right-to-Know law. Sewage overflows put our environment, economy, and health at risk; and we deserve the right to know when they occur. "

ACTION: Due date: Now

Take action for our Great Lakes "Speak Out Now to Set the U.S.-Canada Strategy for Protecting our Great Lakes The health of our Great Lakes is threatened by new challenges — including invasive species, climate change, habitat loss and emerging contaminants. The United States and Canada are now completing negotiations on an updated version of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement, a binational agreemet to address Great Lakes threats. " from Alliance for the Great Lakes

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Award – Environmental Site of the Month Award – [On the last Sunday of each month, we present an environmental award for the Rochester-area environmental web site or blog that best promotes the need to protect and offers solutions for our area's environmental issues.]