RochesterEnvironment.com’s Newsletter

November 2006

Go to: News - What's New?- Events of the Month - Actions to take - Site of the Month

NEWS SUMMARY: Many of the news links below may already be out of date because these online news sources do not archive their stories.  To get the full articles, you can contact the news service and ask them for a copy. 

News for November 2006:

• Ending Years of Dispute, New York Buys the Final Piece of Sterling Forest - New York Times Years of controversy over a privately owned 575-acre tract of Orange County woodland within Sterling Forest ended yesterday when New York State bought the land for $13.5 million from a developer who had wanted to build 107 mini-estates on it. The long battle over the land parcel in the town of Tuxedo pitted local residents and preservationists against the proposed subdivision, Sterling Forge, in the heart of the 20,400-acre Sterling Forest. In 1998, Sterling Forest was the largest acquisition by the state’s park system in 50 years. (November 29, 2006) The New York Times - Breaking News, World News & Multimedia
• New York warned of disease carried by fish - News - MSNBC.com The Department of Environmental Conservation is issuing new rules to prevent the spread of a deadly fish disease. Officials have issued a regulation against taking bait from many New York waterways, including Lake Ontario and Conesus Lake.(November 29, 2006)  MSNBC - WHEC-TV
• Coast Guard's live-fire plan still roils lakes— Opponents are still making waves about a Coast Guard plan for live-fire ranges at 34 Great Lakes sites, including one off Irondequoit Bay. Since the Coast Guard announced plans to create live-fire zones — all at least five miles offshore — in the Federal Register on Aug. 1, boaters, environmentalists and politicians have been in an uproar.  (November 29, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• TheStar.com - Great Lakes a giant `toilet,' study finds Billions of litres of untreated urban sewage and toxic effluents that flow into the Great Lakes each year are threatening a critical ecosystem that supplies drinking water to millions of people, a landmark study to be released Wednesday concludes. Even though municipalities in the Great Lakes region have spent vast sums of money in recent decades upgrading their waste-water plants, the situation remains appalling, says the report by the Sierra Legal Defence Fund. (November 29, 2006) TheStar.com - News/News
• Asian carp could threaten Great Lakes  CADILLAC - Two electronic barriers separate Lake Michigan from the Chicago ship canal. If the barriers are breached, it could prove devastating to the Great Lakes region. The effort is underway to control the movement of two species of Asian carp, which are “knocking on the door,” according to Department of Natural Resources Fisheries Supervisor Tom Rozich. (November 29, 2006) Cadillac News
• State Health Department Marks National Influenza Vaccination Week ALBANY, NY, November 27, 2006 – New York State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr.P.H., today kicked off National Influenza Vaccination Week and encouraged those New Yorkers who have not already been vaccinated to get their annual flu shots. "Flu season is here and it's not too late for those New Yorkers who still need to be vaccinated to contact their healthcare provider and make an appointment," said Commissioner Novello. "Especially if you are a healthcare worker, caretaker, have a chronic medical condition or live with someone who has a chronic medical condition, I strongly urge you to get vaccinated for the flu. Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get vaccinated."Those at higher risk for flu include: Anyone with chronic illnesses such as heart, lung or kidney disease or diabetes; Pregnant women and infants aged 24 months to 59 months; Residents of long term care facilities; People aged 50 years or older; and, Health care workers and caregivers of high risk persons. New York State Department of Health
• Great Lakes Groups Take Aim at Coast Guard "Live Fire" Proposal  the Coast Guard proposes to establish 34 "live fire" practice zones on the Great Lakes. More than a dozen environmental organizations have joined the Allliance for the Great Lakes in calling on the U.S. Coast Guard to postpone implementation of its live firing plan over the Great Lakes until more research is done. In a Nov. 13 letter to Coast Guard Cmdr. Gustav Wulfkuhle, the organizations also call for substantial changes to the Coast Guard's controversial proposal to establish 34 live fire practice zones on the Great Lakes. --FROM Alliance For The Great Lakes
• New Water Diversion Would Derail Great Lakes Protection - More than a dozen lake advocates have joined the Alliance for the Great Lakes in urging the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to reject a Lake Michigan diversion request until adoption of a critical interstate compact that would protect Great Lakes water. New Berlin, a Milwaukee suburb straddling the western boundary of the Great Lakes basin, seeks DNR approval to pump Lake Michigan water to its residents living outside the watershed. --FROM Alliance For The Great Lakes
• Energy choice is due soon - Options on electricity rate, supplier offered By 7 p.m. Dec. 29, the last business day of the year, customers are being asked to choose which company they will buy electricity from and how they wish to pay for it — either a fixed or variable monthly price per kilowatt hour. Voice Your Choice, now in its third year, is an outgrowth of the state's efforts to deregulate the market for power in New York and save consumers and businesses money by providing more choices. In a deregulated world, utilities such as RG&E and New York State Electric and Gas Corp. face competition from energy services companies. (November 26, 2006)  Democrat and Chronicle
• www.ny.gov - GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TO REDUCE HARMFUL EMISSIONS FROM HEAVY-DUTY DIESEL VEHICLES New Law Requires Use of Ultra Low Sulfur Fuel, Retrofitting of Vehicle Exhaust Systems Corning Incorporated Efforts Illustrate Economic Potential of Clean Energy Technologies Governor George E. Pataki today announced that he has signed legislation that will require the use of ultra low sulfur diesel fuel and emissions control technologies in heavy-duty diesel vehicles owned, operated or leased by the State. This new law will help to improve air quality and protect the health of New Yorkers. Click here for large scale picture The Governor was joined by Congressman John R. “Randy” Kuhl, State Senator George H. Winner, and State and local business officials at the bill signing event, which was held at the headquarters of Corning Incorporated in Steuben County. The company is a leading manufacturer of particulate filters, which are critical components of emission control systems that reduce pollutants in diesel exhaust. (11/01/06) http://www.ny.gov/
• TheStar.com - Ontario takes wind out of turbines Private wind developers looking to erect wind turbines in Lake Ontario and other major lakes have been told by the Ministry of Natural Resources to put their plans on hold. The provincial ministry, in a note sent this week to prospective developers, said new applications for offshore wind projects are no longer being accepted and all existing proposals are being deferred until offshore energy resources and potential environmental impacts are more thoroughly studied. http://www.thestar.com/
• WATER PLANT HEARINGS SET - The state Department of Environmental Conservation will hold two public hearings on November 30 on the Monroe County Water Authority's controversial plan for a new plant in Webster. Technically, the principal issues have to do with the water the plant would suck in from LakeOntario: an average of 35 million gallons a day. That intake, the quality of that water, the more than 1 million gallons of backwash from the plant's filtering system that'll go back into the lake each day: all those are subject to public comment. So is possible effect on coastal erosion. There are even two small patches of wetland --- together totaling a little less than 7 acres --- that will be disturbed if the project is approved. http://www.rochester-citynews.com/
• delawareonline ¦ The News Journal ¦ Salt remains the road de-icer of choice in Northeast MOUNT MORRIS, N.Y. -- American Rock Salt mine and its predecessors have supplied the salt used to de-ice roads in much of the Northeastern United States. This mine alone produces 18,000 tons of salt each day, and the company sells about 3 million tons per year. delawareonline ¦ The News Journal, Wilmington, Del.
• From Welcome to the City of Rochester - Mayor Robert J. Duffy is sending City Forestry Technicians John Steinberg and Rick Rebar to the Buffalo area to assess hazardous trees resulting from the largest Fall snowstorm in that city's history that dropped up to two feet of snow and left more than 380,000 homes and businesses without power and closing some schools for more than a week. The Oct. 12-13 storm had a death toll of 12 people, including one person hit by a falling tree limb. The certified arborists have been commuting almost daily to southern Buffalo since late Oct. to inspect and identify dangerous trees for removal. After the storm, Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown issued a plea to area leaders requesting much-needed items, volunteers, arborists and construction equipment. In addition to offering services of the City's Forestry Division, City Hall employees responded by holding a donation drive to collect non-perishable food items, baby formula, baby diapers, bottled water, blankets, carbon monoxide detectors, batteries and other items. The items that were collected will be delivered to Buffalo by Steinberg and Rebar this week. "We remember the 1991 ice storm vividly and we know what it's like to be working around-the-clock and cleaning up to restore power as quickly as possible. These efforts are the least we could do to help our upstate neighbors." said Mayor Duffy. News Media: For more information, contact Dept. of Environmental Services Commissioner Paul Holahan at 428-6855.
• PSC staff schedules consumer energy fairs for RG&E electric customers - The New York State Public Service Commission staff has scheduled three energy fairs to provide residential electric customers of Rochester Gas and Electric Corporation opportunities to meet representatives of energy service companies and RG&E and obtain information about electric supply choices being offered in RG&E’s service territory. The energy fairs are in response to requests by consumers that the Commission assemble ESCO and RG&E representatives in a common setting so that consumers can ask the representatives questions on a one-on-one basis. The consumer energy fairs sponsored by Commission Staff in partnership with RG&E are designed to assist customers in making a decision about their energy supplier under RG&E’s “Voice Your Choice” program. RG&E customers will be able to obtain printed information at the fairs and directly with ESCO and RG&E representatives. Commission staff will be available to provide details about customer choice in energy providers, green power and energy efficiency.   -from New York State News on the Net!
  • Tuesday, November 28, 2006 Courtyard by Marriott East Penfield 1000 Linden Park Rochester, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Wednesday, November 29, 2006 Holiday Inn Rochester Airport 911 Brooks Avenue Rochester, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
  • Thursday, November 30, 2006 The Renaissance Del Monte Lodge 41 North Main Street Pittsford, NY 1:00 - 7:00 PM
• State Biodiversity Research Institute grants announced - The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute has awarded $526,000 in grant funds for biodiversity research, conservation and education efforts in New York State. These grants support research projects that will improve the basic understanding of New York State plants and animals, from fungi and insects to turtles and bats. They also will increase the importance of the state’s invaluable natural history collections. With this support, scientists and educators will examine how different species, such as clams, birds, and plants, interact in their natural environments and identify how species and communities react to potential threats, such as non-native invasive species. New York State News on the Net!
• Clinton named chair of Subcommittee on Superfund and Environmental Health - Senator Hillary Clinton Friday was appointed to chair the Subcommittee on Superfund and Environmental Health. As chairwoman, the senator will have jurisdiction over a significant portfolio of environmental laws and programs. The subcommittee’s purview includes the Superfund hazardous waste cleanup program, the brownfields redevelopment program, and environmental health issues such as exposure to toxic chemicals. The subcommittee is part of the Environment and Public Works Committee, on which the senator has served for six years. The full Environment and Public Works Committee has jurisdiction over most environmental issues and oversees the work of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The full committee also has jurisdiction over the nation’s highway system and the water infrastructure work of the Corps of Engineers. New York State News on the Net!
• Flood of criticism delays facility - DEC to hold two hearings on proposed Webster water plant — Even before a single statement has been made at upcoming hearings on the Monroe County Water Authority's proposed east side water plant, the hearings have had an impact: The authority has had to put off construction of the facility by at least a year. The public hearings, scheduled for Nov. 30 in Penfield and Webster, are open to anyone offering an opinion on the authority's $128 million plant, which would draw water from Lake Ontario. The hearings are expected to draw some noteworthy critics of the proposed plant, including Rochester city officials and the local Sierra Club chapter. (November 20, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• County committee endorses sustainability program for Tompkins County government - An employee-based effort to develop sustainable practices in Tompkins County government has gained key support from a committee of the county legislature. The Legislature’s Government Operations Committee, meeting on Wednesday, endorsed the program by unanimous vote, recommending that the County Administrator formally appoint the Tompkins County Sustainability Team and that the team be charged with developing an action plan to promote sustainable practices by Tompkins County government. New York State News on the Net!
• Canada wants Coast Guard to keep the lead out of Great Lakes  - The U.S. Coast Guard's plan to conduct weapons training on the Great Lakes with lead bullets may violate an international agreement designed to reduce toxic chemicals in the lakes, according to the Canadian government. The government of Canada sent a letter to the Coast Guard this week expressing a number of concerns about a proposal to conduct live-fire weapons training at 34 sites on the Great Lakes, 14 of which are on Lake Michigan. Canada's top concern: The Coast Guard's plan to fire as many as 430,000 bullets containing lead, copper and other heavy metals annually, which would deposit about 6,900 pounds of lead and 2,800 pounds of copper in the Great Lakes each year. MLive.com: Everything Michigan
• 2006 state open space conservation plan announced - Governor George Pataki Wednesday announced the release of the 2006 New York State Open Space Conservation Plan, which provides an outline for protecting environmentally-sensitive lands and waters throughout the state. The first State Open Space Conservation Plan was adopted in 1992, and updated versions were released in 1995, 1998, 2002, and 2006. The plan sets the framework to protect some of the most environmentally important lands and waters in the state, and has been instrumental in efforts to expand public parklands, preserve working landscapes for forestry and farming, and create new opportunities for residents and visitors to access the beauty and natural resources of the Empire State. (11/16/06) New York State News on the Net!
• DEC announces second round of Habitat/Access funding grant applications - New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Denise Sheehan Tuesday announced that the agency is again requesting proposals for grants that will fund projects aimed at improving fish and wildlife habitat and public access for hunting, fishing, trapping and other fish and wildlife related recreation and study. "DEC is committed to protecting New York's unique habitats and enhancing outdoor recreational activities for all ages," Commissioner Sheehan said. "This grant program, funded with the help of the State's most dedicated environmental stewards, will ensure continued protection of our sensitive ecosystems and essential wildlife habitat while further enriching outdoor experiences for sportsmen and women across the Empire State." (11/16/06)  New York State News on the Net!
• Canal 'clean sweep' completed The Adopt-A-Trail program for the Town of Sweden completed its fifth season on October 28 with an end-of–season sweep of the Erie Canal towpath in the town. The volunteers do litter control and light maintenance of the trail. Eight organizations each are responsible for one section of the trail; the same organizations have served all five years. (November 5, 2006) Westside News Inc.
• Monday is deadline to comment on Lake Ontario gun range — Monday is the deadline for members of the public to submit comments on the U.S. Coast Guard's plan to create a safety zone for live gunfire training about six miles north of Irondequoit Bay. The proposed safety zone is one of 34 gun ranges planned on the Great Lakes for Coast Guard members to shoot at floating targets with a machine gun. (November 11, 2006) Democrat and Chronicle
• WXXI: State Says Bird Flu Found in Niagara County Ducks (2006-11-02) TONAWANDA, NY (2006-11-02) The State Department of Environmental Conservation says a form of bird flu has been found in wild ducks in Niagara County. But it says the birds had what they call a "low pathogenic" form of the virus which poses no risk to humans. The ducks came from the Tonawanda Wildlife Refuge. Two of 26 tested had the infection. It's a form of the H5N1 virus that has caused concern around the world -- but it's a form that typically causes only minor sickness in birds and has never made people sick. (November 11, 2006) Public NewsRoom

 WHAT'S NEW?  Each day RochesterEnvironment.com scours the Internet for all environmental articles, events, actions and issues pertaining to Rochester, New York.

 Updates in RochesterEnvironment.com for November 2006:

• 11/25/06 -- Studying The Great Lakes: Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit | University of Minnesota Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit The Great Lakes-Northern Forest Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit (GLNF-CESU) is a network of faculty and staff from 19 leading academic programs, specialists from eight organizations, and resource managers from six federal land management and natural resource research organizations. The GLNF-CESU biogeographic region includes all or parts of 12 states, over 30 percent of the nation's total population, several of the nation's largest metropolitan areas, and some of the nations most significant water resources and forestlands. The GLNF-CESU is the 12th unit to join a national network of CESUs.
• 11/24/06 --  Take another look: One of the best environmental organizations in the Rochester, NY area now has one of the sharpest web sites—up-to-date and easy to get around. CEI: Center for Environmental Information The Center for Environmental Information (CEI) is a private, nonprofit, educational organization, founded in Rochester, New York, in 1974. CEI provides information and communication services, publications, and educational programs in order to: Advance public understanding of environmental issues; Act as a communication link among scientists, educators, decision makers and the public; Advocate informed action based on the free exchange of information and ideas.
• 11/24/06 -- Interested in taking on the challenges of Rochester’s environmental issues? Here’s an opportunity:  The Rochester Environment Meetup Group (Rochester, NY) - Meetup.com We are concerned with a set of problems we recognize as affecting how environmental changes we desire become stymied. We started with a concern about Global Warming. And now have our focus on trying to reticulate possible, real paths toward solutions. My particular issue is the illegal use of DU. I have shared this with the Group. And Kathy Kittel is going to essay the information as she finds it. Hank Stone's particular concern is the effect of "peak oil": our whole manner of living and thinking seems destined to be changed. Please join the discussion. Hank Stone's "Problems and Solutions", scribed from our February and January Meetings is a "must read". Request it.
• 11/22/06 -- Check out Rochester, NY's LEAD HAZARD REDUCTION PROGRAM (LHRP)
• 11/22/06 -- Wondering how you can change your energy status online? Choosing your electricity in Rochester: RG&E: <i>Voice Your Choice</i> for Your Electricity Supply The RG&E Voice Your Choice program is required by New York State Public Service Commission policy to further customer choice. As a RG&E electric customer, you may purchase your electricity supply from RG&E or an energy services company (ESCO). You can select either a fixed or variable price option for your electricity supply. The RG&E delivery charge is a fixed price per kilowatt-hour (kwh) and will be the same regardless of the supplier or pricing option you choose. Just 3 steps to choosing your electricity supply
• 11/21/06 -- Studies like the one mentioned in this report is a fundamental goal of RochesterEnvironment.com. In order to assess the health of our environment, we need to do many studies like this to find out how our environment is reacting to man’s most recent footprints. One of my goals of this site and my book –We Don’t Get It! – is to increase greatly these kinds of studies. State Biodiversity Research Institute grants announced - The New York State Biodiversity Research Institute has awarded $526,000 in grant funds for biodiversity research, conservation and education efforts in New York State. These grants support research projects that will improve the basic understanding of New York State plants and animals, from fungi and insects to turtles and bats. They also will increase the importance of the state’s invaluable natural history collections. With this support, scientists and educators will examine how different species, such as clams, birds, and plants, interact in their natural environments and identify how species and communities react to potential threats, such as non-native invasive species. New York State News on the Net!
• 11/21/06 -- From News in the Great Lakes Region: Sixth Annual Great Lakes Water Conference University of Toledo The sixth annual Great Lakes Water Conference, Dec 1, at the University of Toledo College of Law, will feature speakers to talk about climate change, wetlands regulation and the most recent developments in the effort to unite the Great Lakes region on a common water policy. View the brochure.
• 11/21/06 -- From Rochester Museum and Science Center: RMSC's Micrecycle: Computer Recycling for Education program has computers available from $30-$200! (Micrecycle is a volunteer-based Microsoft Authorized Refurbished computer access program that has distributed more than 6,000 computers to non-profits and families since 1996.) All Computer Model Options include: A Keyboard, Mouse, Monitor, Power Cord, Network Card, CD ROM, Open Office Software, and Microsoft Windows 98 SE or Windows 2000 Licenses. Upgrade Options include: Modems, DVD ROM Drives, and CD Burners. Holiday Orders are due Friday, December 8th. Computer pick up and FREE one-on-one training will be offered Saturday, December 16th, for all holiday customers, at Micrecycle—98 College Avenue, off Goodman Street. To take advantage of the Holiday promotion, or to spread the word to those you know who could benefit, please contact Alex Johnson at the RMSC to request an order form (Phone 256-3170 or email Alex_Johnson@rmsc.org ). Or pick up an order form by visiting: - RMSC Welcome Center in the museum lobby at 657 East Ave. 14607 (corner of Goodman St.) - Micrecycle at 98 College Ave. 14607 (off Goodman Street) - Foodlink Gifts In Kind Shopping Center at 936 Exchange Street 14608 - www.rmsc.org  or www.foodlinkny.org You may want to purchase computers for individuals as gifts or as incentives or awards for program participation. OR you may just want to distribute information to enable individuals and families to take advantage of this offer. Customers will receive 1 RMSC Admission Pass for each computer purchased. Thank you for your part in helping to close the “digital divide." Happy Holidays!
• 11/19/06 -- from Latest from GLIN Daily News "The Great Lakes region delivered results on Election Day that were very similar to the rest of the country. This page gives a brief overview on the outcomes of Nov. 7, 2006, concerning the 8 Great Lakes states." U.S. General Election 2006: Overview for the Great Lakes
• 11/19/06 -- A reminder to Recycle: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reminds us that November 15 is America Recycles Day | Wastes | EPA America Recycles Day - November 15 - Our country produces on average over 4 pounds of waste per person per day, most of which can be recycled. When we recycle we save energy and natural resources, and cut pollution on land, water, and air.
• 11/19/06 -- This idea by the EPA of using SmartWay Upgrade Kits and thus reducing emissions of soot and nitrogen oxides seems like a good energy policy. Loans To Help Truckers Save Money, Reduce Emissions | Newsroom | US EPA (Washington, D.C. - Nov. 14, 2006) Small trucking companies can make sure the rubber meets the road while saving money and reducing pollution with a new loan initiative that will help pay for fuel-saving technologies. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is partnering with the Small Business Administration to make loans available to purchase SmartWay Upgrade Kits. "This new loan initiative is another step forward in our nation's efforts to conserve resources, achieve energy independence, and reduce the emissions that contribute to soot and smog," said Bill Wehrum, EPA's acting assistant administrator for the Office of Air and Radiation. "By taking these actions and making advanced truck technologies more affordable, we are responding to the president's call for greater fuel efficiency."  --by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• 11/19/06 -- This article points to why just conservation in fuel efficiency is not enough. We have to increase use of public transportation because the population is increasing and if they stay with car pollution and sprawl will result: More than a billion cars to hit the road. A new study predicts that the number of private cars on the world's roads will skyrocket from just over 600 million today to between 1.4 and 2.7 billion by 2050, doubling or quadrupling their carbon dioxide emissions. news @ nature.com -  - latest science news & features
• 11/17/06 --  On Recycling: It’s good to see our local newspapers give information to the young on how to best recycle. Here’s a good quick article on how to recycle things you don’t usually think about when recycling. environment: think outside the (recycling) box  -from Insider: Rochester Remixed "You're throwing out that old cell phone charger? That busted recliner? That '87 Chevy Celebrity? And you call yourself "Earth friendly?" Mother Nature guffaws and kicks you in the shin. Everyone knows you can recycle glass, paper and aluminum cans. But a true environmentalist thinks "recycle" over "throw out" in nearly every possible situation." And, of course, you can go our RochesterEnvironment.com’s Recycling Page.
• 11/17/06 -- Of course you have heard about our oceans being polluted, but have you heard of the “Trash Vortex”? Check it out and find out what you can do: Trashing our oceans | Defending our Oceans United States — The Greenpeace ship Esperanza is currently cruising into one of world's largest trash vortexes, in the middle of the Pacific Ocean. Sometimes referred to as the North Pacific garbage patch, this vortex is the epicenter of a system currents and winds covering most of the North Pacific. It has become home to a familiar substance – plastic. Every year, about 300 billion pounds of plastic is produced around the world, and only a fraction is recycled. Where does the rest end up? Well, the majority ends up in landfills, but some finds its way into our oceans. Plastic is valued for its resistance to degradation, so its life span can be hundreds of years. When plastic reaches our oceans, it eventually breaks down due to the action of the sun, wind, and currents, into small, literally bite sized pieces that wildlife confuse with food. It’s an easy mistake to make.  --from GreenPeace
• 11/17/06 -- Could this county resolution by Tompkins County be a model for our area? County committee endorses sustainability program for Tompkins County government - An employee-based effort to develop sustainable practices in Tompkins County government has gained key support from a committee of the county legislature. The Legislature’s Government Operations Committee, meeting on Wednesday, endorsed the program by unanimous vote, recommending that the County Administrator formally appoint the Tompkins County Sustainability Team and that the team be charged with developing an action plan to promote sustainable practices by Tompkins County government. New York State News on the Net!
• 11/17/06 -- A growing concern in this area is the increase in Canadian Geese population. What does the New York State Department of Conservation recommend?   When Geese Become a Problem New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Division of Fish, Wildlife and Marine Resources and U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
• 11/17/06 -- How will Global Warming affect our area? A good place to go to find out and take action is the Union of Concerned Scientists' web page:  Climate Choices for the Northeast "IMPACTS Rising Temperatures -The Northeast is already experiencing rising temperatures consistent with global warming, and dramatic warming is expected later this century. Just how high temperatures rise depends on our heat-trapping emissions. The thermometers below show projected increases in regional average annual temperatures for three time periods: early, mid-, and late twenty-first century. Temperature ranges for each emission scenario represent results from three different climate models."
• 11/16/06 -- Interested in Food and our environment? Here’s an interesting site that helps you learn about the relationship to food and our environment and also how to find local sustainable markets for you to shop.  Sustainable Table "Hormones in milk, food poisoning, mad cow disease, antibiotic resistant bacteria in meat – what’s happened to our food? And to make matters worse, the United States is now the fattest nation in the world. Sustainable Table is an introduction to issues surrounding today’s agricultural system and what is happening with our food, in particular, the meat supply. Our goal is to help you understand the issues, offer suggestions on what you can do, direct you to more in-depth information, and introduce you to the exciting and hugely popular sustainable food movement exploding around the world."
• 11/16/06 -- The midterm elections are over and what does it all mean for our environment? One interesting assessment comes from the radio program Living On Earth:  Living On Earth - The Election and the Environment - Voters said they want change and they got it. But will that change the country’s direction on energy and the environment? Democrats are poised to take control of both houses of Congress and they say they have an ambitious agenda for a clean path to energy independence. Living on Earth looks at the election results-- who’s in, who’s out, and what it means for environmental policy.

Events of the month:  Each Month I will post all up and coming environmental events until they are over.  Be sure to check the list often as events come and go and I only post this newsletter once a month. 

Events for December 2006 and beyond:  

When	What	Where
Click here for full Schedule: WXXI: Public Flu Clinic Schedule Released (2006-09-26)	**EVENT** / **ACTION**  WXXI: Public Flu Clinic Schedule Released (2006-09-26) ROCHESTER, NY (2006-09-26) Public flu shot clinics in Monroe County start next week with an afternoon clinic at the Dome Center in Henrietta. The University of Rochester School of Nursing says it plans to hold about two dozen public flu clinics and 100 clinics at Rochester-area companies over the next few months. They say there's a solid supply of the flu vaccine on hand this year. Health authorities are advising all eligible people to get a flu shot. That's especially true for people 50 and over, young children and pregnant women. The same holds true for people with medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Public NewsRoom
	The Monroe County Department of Public Health Immunization Program will offer a free flu shot clinic at the Rochester Public Market Office, 280 North Union Street, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Dec. 7. Sibley Nursing will also offer free flu shots at the market office 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., Sat., Nov. 18 and Sat., Dec. 9. Service will be offered on a first come, first served basis. Those who are most vulnerable during the flu season are encouraged to participate. Please call the Rochester Public Market Office (428-6907) for more information.
March 15-18, 2007	-from Rochester Gardening The Gardenscape Professionals Association http://www.gardenscapepros.com/  announced that advance tickets for GardenScape 2007, Rochester's Flower Show, are on sale now until the end of 2006. These tickets offer a $2 savings on adult admissions to the March 15-18, 2007 event. Sounds like a gift idea for your favorite gardener - or yourself! http://www.RochesterFlowerShow.com/
every Saturday	Current Events with the Land Trust - Land Trust. Nature walks, cruises, birdwatching, luncheons and more go on throughout the year in the beautiful Finger Lakes Region. --from Finger Lakes Land Trust  Get the Summer Talks & Treks 2006 Schedule: (requires .pdf)
Fri., Dec 1, 6 – 10pm; Sat., Dec. 2, 9am – 3pm,	Don’t forget one of Rochester’s important yearly events, from Metro Justice, Rochester's leading progressive grassroots social change organization Metro Justice's 25th Annual ALTERNATIVE FAIR - Friday, December 1st, 6-10pm - Saturday, December 2nd, 9am-3pm - First Unitarian Church, 220 South Winton Road - $3 suggested donation - GIVE THE GIFT OF A BETTER WORLD….support social justice when purchasing holiday gifts! For the past 25 years the Metro Justice Alternative Fair has provided an alternative to the mall, providing a holiday shopping event for the whole family. You'll find over 50 vendors offering hundreds of gift items that are fairly traded imports, locally made, earth-friendly, and supporting a just and sustainable world. Please join us in celebrating 25 years of providing Rochester’s conscious consumers with wonderful holiday options and an opportunity to catch up with old friends and meet new ones. Clothing, toys, non-competitive games, pottery, jewelry and more Entertainment “Green” gift wrapping service Homemade vegetarian food Free child care Information tables by local progressive organizations For more information, call Metro Justice at 325-2560. Please forward to friends, family, neighbors and coworkers	First Unitarian Church, 220 Winton Road South.
	ASES National Solar Tour The American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour opens thousands of homes and buildings throughout the country to provide the public with an opportunity to experience solar power, solar heating, cooling, and hot-water, wind power, daylighting, and green building technologies. Visit a tour and learn energy efficiency strategies and methods, speak with homeowners and experts, and learn how the technology works, what it costs, and why it makes sense. These are “Real Places for Real People” that show real solutions for energy independence, places contributing to a sustainable energy economy. Read more about the tour and ASES. >>> Find a Tour Near You  - 2006 Tour Information 2006 tour information is posted by state. Updates may be provided until the tour date. ASES National Solar Tour	Find a Tour Near You  - 2006 Tour Information 2006 tour information is posted by state. Updates may be provided until the tour date. ASES National Solar Tour
Monday, December 13, from 7-9	Sierra Club Book Study Group  "The next meeting of the Sierra Club Book Study group is on Monday, December 11, from 7-9 at the Brighton Public Library. The purpose of the group is to broaden our understanding of environmental problems and solutions based on our reading of current books on these issues." The next book to be considered is "The Meaning of the 21st Century"	Brighton Library, 2300 Elmwood Avenue (In large public room off of magazine room) Map of 2300 Elmwood Ave Rochester, NY 14618-2145
Wind Events Many Dates and locations	Wind Power Events and Events Around NYS. --from New York Wind Power Education Project. "To: NYS community, civic, and community organizations — There are many opportunities to learn about and discuss wind power in the next several weeks. Please consider attending these events and publicizing them to your membership. Also: The various regional planning councils in New York State have launched a program to help municipalities address wind power development. This effort, coordinated by the Genesee/Finger Lakes Regional Planning Council, is described at: http://www.gflrpc.org/AboutTheCouncil/Newsletter/fall06.pdf -- About The NY Wind Power Education Project The NY Wind Power Education Project is a collaborative effort of the Pace Law School Energy Project, Citizens Campaign for the Environment, and NYPIRG to increase the public's understanding of wind power issues, including its environmental benefits, in the belief that a better informed public can participate more meaningfully in the environmental review process and other public discussions surrounding proposed wind facilities. Twice per month, the NY Wind Power Education Project will distribute this email bulletin on wind energy issues and events around New York State. If you would like to forward announcements for possible inclusion in the WPEP Bulletins, simply email Anne Reynolds, areynolds@law.pace.edu . (The same address should be used if you wish to be added or removed from the list.)
	The latest Parks, Recreation and Human Services Calendar Update is available on the City of Rochester's web site. Click on the link below (or copy and paste the link into your browser) to view the document. http://www.cityofrochester.gov/prhs/updates/30JUNE06update.pdf
	AT CUMMING NATURE CENTER: 6472 Gulick Road, Naples, NY 14512 (585)374-6160 www.rmsc.org - Hiking trails and visitors center with restrooms, drinks and snacks (from vending machines), and a wildlife viewing area. Open Weekends Only Hours: Visitors Center 9am–5pm; Trails 9am–4:30pm. Admission: RMSC members free; Non-members: donation welcome—$3/person; $10/family. NOTE: The Nature Center will close from November 13 through December 29, 2006. It will re-open on Saturday, December 30, for the cross-country ski season.
Second Monday of every month at 7 PM	From Green Party of Monroe County, New York --  Check out their blog: Green Pages Newspaper    This Monday is the Green Party of Monroe County's Monthly Meeting. Our speaker this month is Elizabeth Henderson of Peaceworks Farms and Genesee Valley Organic Community Supported Agriculture (GVOCSA). Elizabeth will be talking about organic agriculture at the family level. Mothers & Fathers can learn how to help their children as well as themselves go organic. Also in attendance at this month's shindig will be Rachel Treichler, who has just been elected as the Western NY representative to the NYS Green Party Executive Committee. Come and give her feedback on the Greens at a state level. As if that weren't enough, we'll be voting on a platform plank, planning for upcoming events, elections and more. As always the meeting starts at 7pm at 179 Atlantic Avenue. It's handicap accessible and the meeting is free and open to the public so bring your friends!	179 Atlantic Avenue.

**Action**  (The Internet makes environmental action easier.) Check out these items and help out ( http://rochesterenvironment.com/action_rochester.htm )   RochesterEnvironment.com has made it easy to act on environmental issue by searching for all online environmental actions pertaining to our area.

Actions you can take for December 2006:

• **EVENT** / **ACTION**  WXXI: Public Flu Clinic Schedule Released (2006-09-26) ROCHESTER, NY (2006-09-26) Public flu shot clinics in Monroe County start next week with an afternoon clinic at the Dome Center in Henrietta. The University of Rochester School of Nursing says it plans to hold about two dozen public flu clinics and 100 clinics at Rochester-area companies over the next few months. They say there's a solid supply of the flu vaccine on hand this year. Health authorities are advising all eligible people to get a flu shot. That's especially true for people 50 and over, young children and pregnant women. The same holds true for people with medical conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Public NewsRoom
• 11/21/06 -- **ACTION**  What can you do to prevent Global Warming? From the recent Rochester Regional Group of the Sierra Club program – Solutions For Global Warming – has come an excellent small brochure that will help you do many things specifically to mitigate the effects of Global Warming in our area. Check out this brochure. (It’s a PDF file and you’ll need Adobe® Reader®. ) to open and print it.  The brochure: What you Can Do About Global Global Warming.   --Please download and distribute this brochure widely.

Rochester-area Website of the Month:  The Rochester area has over 80 environmental groups. Rochester Environmentalists http://rochesterenvironment.com/environmentalists.htm  Each Month, I highlight a Rochester-area website that helps promotes finding environmental information on the web.

• Friends With Feathers A not-for-profit organization dedicated to educating the public about Birds of Prey -The Friends with Feathers aviary is home to birds of prey that can not be released into the wild (due to an injury or defect) and are available for educational programs in ecology and conservation.