tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19382186243151118922024-03-14T04:38:35.690-04:00Sustainable EsopusThis is the place to find out what's happening with and what is of interest to the members and friends of the Town of Esopus Environmental Board.
We meet at the Esopus Town Hall, 284 Broadway (Route 9W), Port Ewen, New York in the Community Room (downstairs, entrance on north side) at 7 PM on the third Wednesday of each month. Please join us!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger78125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-48207416499046487572011-07-27T14:47:00.003-04:002011-07-27T14:59:39.461-04:00GASLAND at 6:30 PM tonight at Rhinebeck Town Hall<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZvYehaqMnLK4AcymM9ov9POG-6hdt01XKE-tdiWzkmLQlxtbSg9DYXGuvXMdaTx7IQJufsT_HxSWJZFBasSeAitxlIxbNdA5R57IDvr-xrw5VjPiSbj8NlkI295sEmh1G9GOsnhiVIF/s200/gasland1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659708903434786" border="0" /></a>If you haven't seen <a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a>, get thee to Rhinebeck <span style="font-weight: bold;">tonight!</span> --<br /><br /><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:130%;" >Wednesday, July 27<br />6:30pm - 9:00pm<br />Rhinebeck Town Hall<br />80 East Market Street<br />Rhinebeck, NY<br /><br />Presented by the<a href="http://www.realmajorityproject.blogspot.com/"> Real Majority Project</a><br />and the <a href="http://www.dutchesspeace.org/">Dutchess Peace Coalition</a><br /><br />Contacts: <a href="mailto:joeltyner@earthlink.net">Joel Tyner</a>,<a href="mailto:fnagel@earthlink.net"> Fred Nagel</a> (845-876-7906)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=186098904787208">Event link on Facebook</a><br /><br />Susan H.<br /><br /></span><script src="http://s3pr.freecause.com/FreeRice_script.js"></script><script src="http://s3toolbar.freecause.com/0RewardsMarker/bro_utils_js.js"></script><script src="http://s3toolbar.freecause.com/0RewardsMarker/bro_lm_js.js"></script><script> var fctb_tool=null; function FCTB_Init_316641614aa348f5b3059f84a00479db(t) { fctb_tool=t; start(fctb_tool); } FCTB_Init_316641614aa348f5b3059f84a00479db(document['FCTB_Init_5d0c9632020241e48ee8e6461ec0b5f5']); delete document['FCTB_Init_5d0c9632020241e48ee8e6461ec0b5f5']</script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-13485489825704463062011-04-25T15:33:00.004-04:002011-04-25T15:40:58.342-04:00Sustainable Action Week at SUNY New Paltz<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://npsustainability.blogspot.com/"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 281px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3emOSOBYiF4uuKuzEBRJIqP75cKzk4LnDn_fCZH0K3Ry5PfG_0ulqCjmveF-z_cBCBD5BnmyRKnQ-n4nkTjDbRwsam17d7lUuepM5ZAT8Nqo74K_ADI1F8K0BKedtlepZGHrpmpK9wFOw/s400/saw2011.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5599606929306386418" border="0" /></a><br /></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">April 25 to May 1</span><br /><br />There's a lot of great stuff happening in New Paltz this week - <a href="http://npsustainability.blogspot.com/">check it out</a>!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168741406514925">RSVP on Facebook</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-11324127762997167302011-04-20T15:46:00.005-04:002011-04-20T15:56:40.390-04:00Field biologist Marc van Roosmalen to speak at SUNY Ulster<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.sunyulster.edu/events_news/events_details.jsp?eventID=5137"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGwTRPN6OhQdjJOZOqzxqOYE20Fbn6fv-ouXxKLugn0YGiV7_BqJz7_EHlzLjtES5bqLzRpbWW4A0Bb5ENCIwGP0iDOecSLHafWJJiQKIe-K0I7peijk1zVqOcYk152sIADmwAxsChboDP/s400/mvr.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5597755404913454546" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Cultural Diversity Day with<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Marc van Roosmalen </span><br />World-renowned field biologist and Amazon researcher<br />Wed., 4/20, 7 PM<br />Student Lounge<br />Vanderlyn Hall<br />SUNY Ulster<br />491 Cottekill Road<br />Stone RidgeUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-57035244903855102942011-04-18T14:33:00.000-04:002011-04-18T14:34:03.850-04:004/19/11: Carbon Nation @ BSP<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.carbonnationmovie.com/"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVMNfeTAvaMs5q7YtnFTaEYLmne4ccvEGttc4H9lUGItQOExXoxnlUDr1y95VPS2ZpNFgfneEUO3ID8vEAqun-CPhvHAVRncDnfGl7O8owDCyZbRGmMYyglREpwZD6UECllUZ5v7pnZXo/s400/Cliff_Etheredge_Roscoe_TX_Windfarmer_credit_Peter_Byck.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5596992220272524962" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />For event details, click <a href="http://kingstonaauw.blogspot.com/2011/04/41911-public-policy-filmdiscussion-bsp.html">here</a>.<br /><br />Photo: Peter ByckUnknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-36676137771195648162011-03-26T20:37:00.000-04:002011-03-26T20:37:43.565-04:00Cents of Balance: Spring Is Sprunging<a href="http://centsofbalance.blogspot.com/2011/03/spring-is-sprunging.html?spref=bl">Cents of Balance: Spring Is Sprunging</a>: "Time to get ready. With the beautiful weather we had this weekend, you should have gotten your yard ready, and your fruit trees trimmed.&nbs..."Laura Petithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13010554815362284947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-13540367384169479872011-02-15T09:11:00.002-05:002011-02-15T09:14:05.814-05:00Coke's Recycling Grants are OpenHere's the press release, unedited:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Coca-Cola and Keep America Beautiful Announce 2011 Recycling Bin Grant Program</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Grants Provide Recycling Bins and Consultation for Parks, Schools, Offices, and Special Events</span><br /><br />STAMFORD, Conn. (Feb. 14, 2011) — The Coca-Cola Company and Keep America Beautiful, Inc. (KAB) today announced the Coca-Cola/KAB Recycling Bin Grant Program, an effort designed to promote and support community recycling.<br /><br />Grant recipients receive both donated recycling bins and expertise on how to set up recycling programs from Keep America Beautiful. This Bin Grant program is part of KAB’s larger Public Space initiative, an effort among KAB and its sponsors, such as Coca-Cola, to enhance the access to and convenience of recycling away from home. The grant program is also part of a $60 million investment by The Coca-Cola Company in recycling initiatives in the U.S.<br /><br />“The great demand for recycling bins in public spaces reflects a growing interest in, and need for, expanded recycling access away from home,” said Matthew M. McKenna, president and CEO of Keep America Beautiful, Inc. “We’re thankful to The Coca-Cola Company for its support of this bin grant program, and the company's commitment to community recycling nationwide.”<br /><br />The spring 2011 grant cycle opens today, Monday, Feb. 14. Interested parties may visit <a href="http://bingrant.org">http://bingrant.org</a> and submit an online grant application through March 18, 2011. Eligible grant recipients include government agencies, civic organizations, schools and nonprofit groups. Successful applicants will be notified on or before April 15.<br /><br />Since its inception in the fall of 2007, the Bin Grant program has placed more than 16,000 recycling bins in 320 communities in 48 states and the District of Columbia. Recipients have included municipalities, colleges, Native American tribes, and community- based NGOs.<br /><br />“The entire recycling process begins when a consumer chooses to put their empty beverage container in a recycle bin instead of the trash,” said John Burgess, president of Coca-Cola Recycling LLC. “Through our work with KAB to provide bins to community-based organizations, we can help raise recycling rates by making recycling more accessible to more consumers.”Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-32918273143502605472011-01-28T08:23:00.003-05:002011-01-28T08:29:23.120-05:00Single Family Homes, Senior Housing, Hotel? What's the Future of 600 Acres on the Hudson?With the intended abandonment by Cabrini of their 600-acre West Park property on the Hudson River, the future of a huge tract of riverfront land adjacent to the Marist Bros. property and the Burroughs' Riverby house, and across from Vanderbilt, is up in the air.<br /><br />The three ideas that have become public are 1. single-family housing, 2. senior housing or 3. a hotel. That's according to Supervisor Coutant's <a href="http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2011/01/28/news/doc4d422c6cea273235807147.txt">quote in the Freeman</a>.<br /><br />The Record and the <a href="http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/article/20110126/NEWS01/101260329/St-Cabrini-Home-to-end-treatment-care-program-for-girls">Journal</a> are also following the story, and the Watershed Post is <a href="http://www.watershedpost.com/2011/st-cabrini-home-close">aggregating the news</a>.Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-23055668420618840632011-01-14T22:42:00.001-05:002011-01-14T22:48:05.270-05:00FEMA Implements Flood Insurance ProvisionsAs of January 1, 2011, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)began implementing a flood insurance provision to the National FloodInsurance Program (NFIP) to help reduce the financial burden placed onproperty owners whose buildings are newly mapped into a high-riskflood area. The NFIP’s Preferred Risk Policy (PRP) offers low-costflood insurance to owners and tenants of eligible residential and non-residential buildings located in moderate- to low-risk areas.<br /><br />Before 2003, more than 70 percent of the nation’s flood maps were atleast ten years old. Congress passed a law and appropriated funds in2003 directing FEMA to create the five-year Flood Map Modernizationprogram, which used more current data and the latest technology toupdate the maps. Consequently, many property owners are finding theirbuildings have been accurately mapped into higher risk areas. Agingflood control infrastructure, including levees, dams, and otherstructures have also resulted in large numbers of properties beingdesignated within Special Flood Hazard Areas (SFHAs) where they arerequired by lenders to purchase flood insurance.<br /><br />For more information and links to fact sheets and answers toFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please see:http://www.semo.state.ny.us/programs/mitigation/federal_flood_insuran...<br />Rick Lord<br />Chief of Mitigation Programs & Agency Preservation Officer<br />NYS Division of Homeland Security & Emergency Services<br />NYS OEM Office of Emergency Management<br />1220 Washington Avenue Albany, NY 12226-2251<br />518.292.2370 landline 518.322.4983 fax 518.867.9482 cell<br /><a href="http://www.dhses.ny.gov/">www.dhses.ny.gov</a><br />P Please don't print if you don't have to<br />New York State Warning PointNew York State Office of Emergency Management<br />Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services24/7 Phone: (518) 292-220024/7 fax: (518) 322-498224/7 Email: <a href="mailto:ny...@dhses.ny.gov">ny...@dhses.ny.gov</a> (Note New EMAIL Address)Laura Petithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13010554815362284947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-53149825481644900922011-01-02T13:11:00.002-05:002011-01-02T13:16:48.048-05:00Supporting the Removal of PCBs from the HudsonAt the December 20th meeting of the Environmental Subcommittee a resolution was brought forward supporting the continued removal of PCBs from the Hudson. Despite lobbying from GE representatives, and an early letter from the County Chairman, Clearwater spokesperson Manna Jo Greene presented information that moving forward with removal of PCBs was necessary.Laura Petithttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13010554815362284947noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-22182662966827140512010-12-01T10:05:00.004-05:002010-12-01T10:18:55.060-05:00DEC: Hudson River Communities Must Prepare for Sea Level Rise<p>I haven't read the whole report, but I jumped to drinking water treatment because that's the first and most important impact I would expect Esopus will deal with. Here's what the report said:</p><br /><br /><blockquote><p>Salt water intrusion...threatens the Hudson River, which is a primary water supply source for many communities.... Saltwater intrusion could affect freshwater intakes at the Chelsea Pumping Station, Castle Point Medical Center, Poughkeepsie, <b>Port Ewen</b>, Highland/Town of Lloyd, Dutchess County Water Authority, and Rhinebeck.</p><br /><br /><p>In addition, flooding and other sea level rise impacts pose many of the same risks to drinking water treatment facilities as those that threaten other infrastructure types: corrosion, erosion and deterioration.</p><br /><br /><p>Water treatment plants in the coastal zone are at risk from flooding and the associated corrosion caused by salt water infiltraion. In addition to the treatment facilities themselves, the substrate for distribution pipes could be damaged by erosion and a rising groundwater table....</p><br /><br /><p>Costs of necessary repairs, placements and updates to New York State's water infrastructure over the next 20 years have been estimated at $38.7 billion, although estimates of the costs of modifications to respond to climate change specifically have not been developed. <b>These costs will, however, be significant</b>.</p></blockquote><br /><br /><p>In my mind, the Port Ewen water treatment plant has already likely been damaged by climate change, in combination with poor runoff management. Why? Climate change is expected to produce more frequent strong storms, and it's very strong storms on the order of 100-year storms that have repeatedly caused erosion that damaged the water treatment plant.</p>Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-758638497152068612010-10-19T12:03:00.000-04:002010-10-19T12:04:18.109-04:0010/19/10: GASLAND at UUCC Kingston<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZvYehaqMnLK4AcymM9ov9POG-6hdt01XKE-tdiWzkmLQlxtbSg9DYXGuvXMdaTx7IQJufsT_HxSWJZFBasSeAitxlIxbNdA5R57IDvr-xrw5VjPiSbj8NlkI295sEmh1G9GOsnhiVIF/s200/gasland1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659708903434786" border="0" /></a>If you haven't seen <a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a> yet,<br />get thee to the UUCC <span style="font-weight: bold;">tonight!</span> --<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">7 PM </span>on<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tuesday, October 19</span><br />Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Catskills<br />320 Sawkill Road<br />Kingston, NY<br /><br />Sponsored by the Social Action Committee of UUCC<br />as part of its Issues Of Our Times series. Free admission.<br />For more information, call Paula at 845-679-2821.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-50030074175124092282010-10-18T14:40:00.000-04:002010-10-18T14:41:35.007-04:0010/18/10: NYS Gubernatorial Debate<a href="http://www.hofstra.edu/home/news/ur/2010debate/2010debate_100710debate.html"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 101px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xr1ITBSLo6LxKRav9W_YPEXvipIlLKPql5bjXV2ggLoaPe3WAbXaFIPI6qTEaBZL_cGs00J8NBuHeBq_EFYMyMX6YjHrrSSOTIDqj9z436IzTIPuQkS7qyQCCOLLz4znTqNfaljBYuhr/s400/2010debate_guv.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5529455490618714882" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Tonight at 7 PM:</span><br />Watch the first-ever <a href="http://www.hofstra.edu/home/news/ur/2010debate/2010debate_100710debate.html">NYS Gubernatorial Debate</a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">live</span> — on your TV or online.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-83147687911498221142010-10-15T17:35:00.001-04:002010-10-15T17:37:23.835-04:00Water, water everywhere....<img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWZ1Gge0DCTD_ga21e2woKmRNDMsFeTrOh8NDAiWVPvVOKSbB9J1-Yita_wo7wFQiLZHToftljAJnxsmUgyYm9xw4iWsclFP4fXhETDv1-Mh6uqih5wgIFjKOWwkyrXGQPAyDbv8CXp_dl/s400/hudson_river_valley.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5528385521166775682" border="0" />Today is <a href="http://blogactionday.change.org/">Blog Action Day 2010</a>. The topic is <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">water</span>.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-36135158614180089352010-10-05T16:05:00.008-04:002010-10-05T16:22:47.679-04:00Now showing: GASLAND at Upstate Films<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 174px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYjZvYehaqMnLK4AcymM9ov9POG-6hdt01XKE-tdiWzkmLQlxtbSg9DYXGuvXMdaTx7IQJufsT_HxSWJZFBasSeAitxlIxbNdA5R57IDvr-xrw5VjPiSbj8NlkI295sEmh1G9GOsnhiVIF/s200/gasland1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5524659708903434786" border="0" /></a>If you haven't seen <a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a> yet, here's your chance! It's showing <em><strong></strong></em> this week - Tues (10/5), Wed. (10/6), and Thurs. (10/7) at 5:45 PM and 8 PM - at <a href="http://upstatefilms.org/now-showing/gasland">Upstate Films</a> in Rhinebeck, NY. <strong></strong><br /><strong></strong><br />When Catskill/Pocono filmmaker <strong>Josh Fox</strong> is asked to lease his land for natural gas drilling, he embarks on a cross-country odyssey uncovering a trail of secrets, lies, and contamination. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Fox</span> encounters <a href="http://www.epa.gov/">EPA</a> whistleblowers, congressmen, world-recognized scientists, and some of the most incredibly inspiring and heart-wrenching stories of ordinary Americans fighting against fossil fuel giants for environmental justice.<br /><br /><strong>Fox</strong><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> "Right now the Marcellus Shale is under attack by natural gas drillers. Nowhere is it more important for citizens to see <em><strong><a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a></strong></em><strong><em> </em></strong>and get engaged in fighting unregulated hydro-fracking than in the Catskills. "<br /><br /><a href="http://hinchey.house.gov/"><strong>Congressman Maurice Hinchey</strong></a><span style="font-weight: bold;">:</span> "<em><strong><a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a></strong></em> is a very important film about the risks posed by hydraulic fracturing - a method of drilling for natural gas that currently lacks proper oversight. We've seen what happens when energy companies are granted unfettered access to our precious natural resources without that oversight. In the wake of one of the largest environmental disasters in our nation's history, as millions of gallons of oil spew into the Gulf of Mexico, it is abundantly clear that we simply cannot rely on the promises made by those who have everything to gain and nothing to lose from drilling. We cannot allow drilling to move forward without rules in place to protect drinking water and our overall environment."<br /><br />An important and timely exposé, <em><strong><a href="http://www.gaslandthemovie.com/"><em><strong>GASLAND</strong></em></a></strong></em> reveals the practices of the largest domestic natural gas drilling boom in history. Developed by Halliburton, hydraulic fracturing, or "fracking," has swept across the United States, opening up new territory in 34 states to extensive drilling, including the Marcellus Shale, a vast formation that underlies most of New York and Pennsylvania, as well as the New York watershed and the Catskills/Poconos.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Take Action:</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1.</span> Submit written comments on NYS DEC's <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html"><span style="font-style: italic;">Draft Strategic Plan for State Forest Management</span></a><span> by <span style="font-weight: bold;">10/29</span></span>. L<span class="text_exposed_show">et's ask DEC to remove the entire Mineral Resources section </span><span class="text_exposed_show">(pages 225 to 242)</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> from this document, and ask that our state forests never be leased to the gas industry.</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2.</span> Visit these sites for more action items:<br /><a href="http://dontfrackwithny.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">http://dontfrackwithny.com/</a><br /><a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://frackaction.com/</span></a><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><a href="http://gaslandthemovie.com/">http://gaslandthemovie.com/ </a></span><br /><a href="http://www.riverkeeper.org/">http://www.riverkeeper.org/</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-2225579872454497342010-09-23T15:22:00.007-04:002010-09-23T15:58:36.456-04:009/23/10: Public hearing on NYS DEC's State Forest Management Plan<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_54stc-7gLIjH43x4t7yY06eMlIJ_wCDQuWx8-JISW3fyacuPVlREnOmjeoe92YQ-CU0EgFosoFFUrhHyzmE2Rw-hCEr_K6I-0TY6YyUzO76KWmW_lbuJzgjPa1eraoLb3NGhcAlqpNL/s1600/dec.bmp"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0_54stc-7gLIjH43x4t7yY06eMlIJ_wCDQuWx8-JISW3fyacuPVlREnOmjeoe92YQ-CU0EgFosoFFUrhHyzmE2Rw-hCEr_K6I-0TY6YyUzO76KWmW_lbuJzgjPa1eraoLb3NGhcAlqpNL/s400/dec.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5520200382304819314" border="0" /></a><br /><span class="text_exposed_show"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Public hearing tonight (9/23):</span><br />6:30 to 9:30 PM<br /></span>DEC Region 3 Headquarters<br />Main Conference Room<br />21 South Putt Corners Road<br /><strong style="font-weight: normal;">New Paltz</strong><span class="text_exposed_show"> </span><br /><br />The NYS DEC's <span style="font-style: italic;">Draft Strategic Plan for State Forest Management</span> includes information about how DEC will proceed with leasing our state forests* for natural gas exploration and use of water for gas extraction once the DEC's SGEIS on hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") is finalized.<br /><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Meeting agenda: </span><br />6:30 to 7 PM - Sign in (and sign up if you want to speak)<br />You can also speak "one-on-one" with DEC personnel at this time<br />7 PM - Welcome<br />7:10 PM - Presentation about the draft plan (20 to 30 minutes)<br />7:40 to 9:30 PM - Public comments on all aspects of the draft plan<br /><span class="text_exposed_show"><br />Let's ask DEC to remove the entire Mineral Resources section </span><span class="text_exposed_show">(pages 225 to 242)</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> from this document, and ask that our state forests never be leased to the gas industry.<br /><br /></span>For the <span class="text_exposed_hide"></span><span class="text_exposed_show">full plan and information about the public hearings, go to:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://www.dec.ny.gov/land</span><span class="word_break"></span>s/64567.html</a><br /><br /></span>Written comments will be accepted through October 29.<br /><br /><span class="text_exposed_show">For more information about fracking, go to:<br /></span><span class="text_exposed_show"></span><a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/64567.html" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span>http://frackaction.com/</span></a><span class="text_exposed_show"><br /><a href="http://gaslandthemovie.com/">http://gaslandthemovie.com/ </a><br /><br /></span>* These forests include 786,000 acres, but not do not include the Adirondack or Catskill Forest Preserves.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-2058027844810716392010-07-22T16:35:00.005-04:002010-07-22T16:43:45.037-04:00Uh oh. Emerald Ash Borer Found in SaugertiesI don't know off hand how much of Esopus's forest cover is made up of ash trees, but it's very likely threatened now that the ash borer, an invasive species that has been spreading out of the Midwest in recent years (where it has been very destructive), has been found in Saugerties. One of the key strategies employed to stop its spread is to never transport firewood. Now that it's in our area, it's particularly important that people do not transport firewood from here to elsewhere.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.fs.fed.us/fstoday/2008/080822/images/03.0About Us/pests/EmeraldAshBorer_lg.gif" width="384" height="232.5" hspace="10" vspace="10" alt="grocery store shopping" class="img" /><br /><br />Photo: David Cappaert/ US Forest ServiceDan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-84622121838019617212010-07-15T17:36:00.001-04:002010-07-15T17:36:52.147-04:007/17/10: GASLAND at Onteora HS with Josh Fox & Maurice Hinchey<a href="http://kingstonaauw.blogspot.com/2010/07/71710-gasland-at-onteora-hs-with-josh.html"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5494249609616802754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 292px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRRT56QVIWaelBFKiXc1srO9A2LGFBJ4EQ6pZxwLX7D3xvIUZxo_EYcuZkGyyp-ih_jpukMdV9DzMtVmZ0WFZQUHhCH_4hHljay8KCAXTDyJq3XH72vmbwukiPPtVQOebjEmeEkv4O7qQ/s400/gasland.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-77047973729353322922010-04-29T16:12:00.007-04:002010-04-29T16:43:14.619-04:00Ulster County Recycles 40% (Yay!) Esopus Recycles Less than 20% (Boo!)The <span style="font-style: italic;">Freeman </span>had an article this week with good news: Ulster County has met a goal of recycling <a href="http://www.dailyfreeman.com/articles/2010/04/28/news/doc4bd7bcd192621739013476.txt">40% of municipal waste</a>. Though one factor for the county's success was the bad economy (less stuff bought by individuals and fewer buildings built, resulted in less waste and less construction debris), it's still a positive sign.<br /><br />Unfortunately, Esopus recycled just 18.6 percent of its waste in 2009, according to Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency data -- among the worst in Ulster County:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2009 Ulster County Recycling Rates</span><br /><ol><li>New Paltz - 62.0 %<br /></li><li>Hurley - 58.7 %</li><li>Shawangunk - 45.9 %</li><li>Gardiner - 44.3 %</li><li>Marbletown - 39.9 %</li><li>Rosendale - 36.9 %</li><li>Lloyd - 30.9 %</li><li>Saugerties - 30.0 %</li><li>Ulster - 28.9 %<br /></li><li>Marlborough - 28.1 %</li><li>Plattekill - 24.7 %</li><li>Olive - 23.9 %<br /></li><li style="font-weight: bold;">Esopus - 18.7 %</li><li>Wawarsing - 18.6 %</li><li>Hardenburgh - 18.5%</li><li value="16">Kingston - 17.3 %</li><li>Denning - 16.7 %</li><li>Rochester - 16.7 %</li></ol>Esopus is unique among those low-performing towns (under 20% recycled) in that its recycling rate has dropped consistently over the past three years: from 23.6 percent in 2007 and 22.3 percent in 2008.<br /><br />The Shawangunk, Gardiner and Plattekill transfer stations used to be run by the same contractor that runs Esopus transfer station, but each is now run by town employees. Esopus is the only town in Ulster County to pay a contractor to run its transfer station.<br /><br />In 2008 and 2009 combined, Esopus spent, on average, $15.98 per ton of recyclables and $102.89 on municipal solid waste (ie, landfill). In other words, it cost $0.16 cents to recycle for every dollar it cost to landfill waste.<br /><br />In calendar year 2008 and 2009, the Esopus transfer station ran a $91,000 combined deficit, a loss which is borne by local taxpayers. The cost to landfill waste amounted to 46% of that cost, and the cost of contracting for its operation was 52%.The cost of recycling was just 1.5%.<br /><br />More to come.Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-54881865038265801212010-04-23T11:58:00.005-04:002010-04-23T12:41:24.228-04:004/24/10: Breathe Green Esopus!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7Tk1LN5KXlafrIJmfYTO-9vf4ct8uCdeFr7s4za2nvRMDjH-qmTjYZ42nHQ_Vz3MXreY4aV7EorINiHQIIry0jmpC15VbroY4-yKJGDh01ztRS7m0wYqssv4EZ8_747yPJW9sImRTU_n/s1600/BGEsopus+tree.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463364588677262226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 192px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim7Tk1LN5KXlafrIJmfYTO-9vf4ct8uCdeFr7s4za2nvRMDjH-qmTjYZ42nHQ_Vz3MXreY4aV7EorINiHQIIry0jmpC15VbroY4-yKJGDh01ztRS7m0wYqssv4EZ8_747yPJW9sImRTU_n/s200/BGEsopus+tree.jpg" border="0" /></a> To celebrate Earth Day, the Town of Esopus Environmental Board is holding its fourth annual tree and shrub seedling giveaway for Town of Esopus residents on April 24 at the Town of Esopus Library, 128 Canal Street, Port Ewen. Residents of the Town of Esopus can pick up seedlings from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM during the "Breathe Green Esopus" event.<br /><br />The seedlings are available free of charge. Pre-ordering is not necessary. Residents can just stop by and select seedlings that fit their planting needs.<br /><br />The species of seedlings available include Northern Bayberry, Wild Raisin and Dwarf Sand Cherry. Each resident is entitled to three seedlings of any variety, as supplies last.<br /><br />Planting trees and shrubs reduces erosion, provides food and shelter for wildlife, adds value to properties, filters water pollutants and sequesters carbon dioxide. In addition, planting species native to New York, such as Northern bayberry, wild raisin and sand cherry is preferable to planting invasive foreign plants, which may crowd out native species of not only plants, but the insects, birds and animals that rely on them. The benefits of planting a seedling magnify over the years, and last for a generation or more. The specific attributes associated with the seedlings being offered are as follows:<br /><br /><strong>Northern Bayberry</strong><br />A remarkably versatile shrub, this sun-loving shrub is tolerant of a wide range of soil types, but as one of the few shrubs which can fix nitrogen, Northern Bayberry can grow well on even the poorest sandy soils. The leaves make great potpourri, and the waxy gray berries are the source of fragrant bayberry candles. The berries are held well into winter and are eaten by many bird species. Bayberry makes a fine urban or roadside shrub because of its high tolerance for salt spray and its resistance to insect pests and diseases. It can be pruned as a hedge or allowed to spread as a low maintenance ground cover shrub.<br /><br /><strong>Wild Raisin<br /></strong>Also known as Withe-rod for its long flexible shoots, Wild Raisin is most notable for its clusters of berries, which turn from pink to red to dark blue, often showing multiple colors in a single cluster. When the berries finally turn black, they are fully ripe and can be eaten. The flat-topped clusters of small white flowers are attractive in contrast to the glossy, somewhat leathery, green leaves. In fall, the leaves turn multiple shades of red. Although Wild Raisin grows well on a variety of sites, it is more tolerant of wet conditions than many viburnums, and makes a nice addition to a riparian site.<br /><br /><strong>Dwarf Sand Cherry<br /></strong>One of the few naturally prostrate native shrubs, Dwarf Sand Cherry grows less than 18 inches high, but develops long creeping branches that develop roots where they touch the ground. Its low spreading habit and extensive roots make Dwarf Sand Cherry valuable for stabilizing slopes. It also makes a beautiful shrub for urban planting, especially where its branches can trail from raised beds or across gravel mulch.<br /><br />Residents should plan to plant the bare-root seedlings as soon as possible. Instructions and advice will be available at the event. DEC Community Forester Lou Sebesta will be available to answer questions about tree planting, tree pruning and all other tree-related questions.<br />The Environmental Board is a volunteer advisory board to the Town of Esopus. Board members will be available to discuss energy efficiency, recycling, natural resources and other local environmental issues.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-87393313189188459132010-03-24T19:02:00.002-04:002010-03-24T19:18:11.613-04:00Celebrating Rachel Carson on Ada Lovelace DayIn honor of <strong>Women's History Month</strong> and <strong>Ada Lovelace Day</strong>, check out my <a href="http://kingstonaauw.blogspot.com/2010/03/celebrating-rachel-carson-on-ada.html">blog post </a>on environmental activist <strong>Rachel Carson</strong>, author of <em>Silent Spring</em>...Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-88369497658502724632010-03-23T17:09:00.003-04:002010-03-23T17:13:48.545-04:00Finally, a Place to Proplery Dispose of Drugs in Ulster County<p>The Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event, which is partially funded by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, was created to bring hazardous waste disposal services into the community and to provide a drop off location for Ulster County residents. By offering alternatives for the safe disposal of household hazardous waste, Ulster County is taking a proactive role in protecting the environment by preventing these items from ending up in landfills or contaminating water sources and wastewater treatment plants.</p> <p>This collection provides a free and safe disposal alternative for hazardous pesticides, solvents and household chemicals. Materials being accepted are lead and oil based paint (Note: latex paint will not be accepted as it is not a hazardous material), fertilizers, pesticides, household cleaners, paint solvents, hobby chemicals, etc. Also being accepted at the event are electronics for recycling for a $7 per carload fee: computers and their components, VCRs/DVD players, keyboards, printers, monitors/TVs, etc.</p> <p>In addition to household hazardous waste and electronics, residents will also have the opportunity to discard their unused and/or expired medications at this event. When pills or liquid medicines are poured down the sink or flushed down the toilet they remain diluted in the water supply after treatment and these trace amounts are suspected of causing a range of health problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Bring any prescription or over-the-counter pills, ointments, lotions and liquids for disposal. Liquid medications should be in their original packaging and inside sealable plastic bags. Pet medications are welcome as well. The entire container along with its medicine will be placed into a sealed waste receptacle. </p><p>A Deputy Sherriff of Ulster County will be on site to control the collection of these medications as well as to witness the best means of permanent disposal of medications at the Dutchess County Energy-From-Waste Facility located in Poughkeepsie. There is no charge for this service but registration for an appointment is required. </p> <span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" >An appointment must be scheduled if you are interested in participating in the event. Please visit our website at </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: arial;" href="http://www.ucrra.org/"><span style=""><span style="">www.ucrra.org</span></span></a></span><span style=";font-family:";font-size:100%;" > or call the Recycling Hotline at (845) 336-3336 to request more information or to make an appointment.</span><!--EndFragment-->Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-3504118793835241172010-02-09T10:18:00.003-05:002010-02-09T10:24:25.851-05:00Forum on Innovative New Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Financing Options is Feb. 27<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">The PACE program discussed below is a great option for homeowners, that allows you to invest in certain renewable energy and efficiency projects but pay them off over time. If you sell the house, the remaining payments are the responsibility of the new homeowner, and typically the deals are designed so your monthly energy savings is equal to or greater than the loan payments. The catch: It requires each local municipality to enact legislation creating the program. Here is info on an upcoming conference that includes information about the project and others:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />KEEPING PACE WITH ENERGY OPTIONS:</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:130%;" ><span style="font-family:Arial;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:85%;" ><span style="font-size: 10px;"> </span></span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">A Briefing on New Energy Efficiency and Alternative Energy Initiatives </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">and Funding Strategies for Municipalities</span><br /></div><p><span style="font-family:Arial;"><b><span style="font-size: 12px;"> <br />Sat., Feb. 27, 9 AM - 1 PM<br />SUNY/New Paltz Lecture Center 102<br />(SNOW DATE: Sat., March 13)<br /></span></b><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">This is a forum about new financing strategies for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects, which will build momentum and create markets for green jobs.<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 5px;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;">· PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) programs, just authorized by NY State, enable property owners to upgrade buildings using low-cost loans without out-of-pocket upfront costs then repay the investment on their tax bill with dollars saved from reduced energy consumption. Renewable energy and efficiency upgrades can be designed to yield positive cash flow benefits from day one.<br />· Power Purchase Agreements allowing owners of large buildings to contract for solar installations and pay for installation costs out of energy cost-savings.<br />· NYSERDA's programs for local governments, businesses, and schools; including Green Job/Green NY.<br />· The Ten Percent Challenge, a framework to hasten the implementation of energy efficiency and renewables and draw attention to the Hudson Valley as a clean energy corridor. <br />· Vendor show with sustainable energy-related exhibits and other green businesses, which will showcase products and services with a sustainable lifestyle theme.</span><span style="font-size: 14px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span></span></span> </p><p align="CENTER"> <span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><u>Featured Speakers include:<br /></u><br /><b>Assemblyman Kevin Cahill<br /></b>Representative of the 101st Assembly District and<br />Chair of the Assembly Standing Committee on Energy.<br /><br /><b>Karen E. Villeneuve<br /></b>Director of NYSERDA’s Residential Efficiency and Affordability Program<br /><br /><b>Jackson Morris<br /></b>Senior Policy Advisor, Pace Energy and Climate Center (PECC), representing PECC and the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) in advancing clean energy policies in the State Capitol.<br /><br /><b>David Gabrielson, Councilman,<br /></b>Town of Bedford's case study of a Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) initiative<br /><br /><b>Patrice Courtney Strong<br /></b>Outreach and educational services provider for New York State Energy Research & Development Authority<br />and coordinator of Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities.<br /><br /><b>Michael O'Hara<br /></b>Director of Operations, Sustainable Hudson Valley, organizing the Ten Percent Challenge.<br /> </span></span></span> </p><p> <span style="font-family:Verdana, Helvetica, Arial;"><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><b><u>Sponsors and Collaborators:</u></b> Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp., Hudson River Estuary Training Program, Hudson River Sloop Clearwater, Hudson Valley Regional Council, Hudson Valley Smart Growth Alliance, League of Women Voters of Mid-Hudson Region, Mid-Hudson Energy $mart Communities/NYSERDA , SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education and Outreach (CRREO), and Sustainable Hudson Valley. <br /></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"><br /></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"><br /><b><u>Endorsing Organizations </u></b><u>(Partial List):</u> Ashokan Center, Building Performance Contractors Association/NY State, Dutchess County Association of Supervisors and Mayors, Historic Hudson River Towns, Hudson Valley Climate Change Network, Independent Dutchess Energy Alliance (IDEA), The Nature Conservancy, New Paltz GreenWorks, Pace Energy and Climate Center, S3 Consulting, Ulster County Association of Town Supervisors and Mayors, US Green Building Council-NY Upstate Chapter.<br /><br /><b><u>Registration:</u></b> Please go to <a href="http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/K97DXYP">www.surveymonkey.com/s/K97DXYP</a> to register. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged to facilitate morning check in. Event is free, however tax-deductable donations are welcome; checks should be made payable to League of Women Voters Education Fund.<br /> <br /><b><u>Parking</u>:</b> Please use Lot 2 for Lecture Center, located on the western edge of the campus off of Fairview Ave. From intersection of Rt. 299/32 and Rt. 208, turn south on Rt. 208, then turn left (east) onto Hasbrouck Ave., turn right onto Tricor Ave., turn left onto Mohonk Ave. and finally right onto Fairview Ave. Alternately, park at Sojourner Truth Library lot. See: <a href="http://www.newpaltz.edu/map/">www.newpaltz.edu/map</a> for campus map<br /></span></span><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-size: 5px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"></span></span><span style="font-size: 12px;"></span></span> <!--EndFragment--></p>Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-87695628518980589262010-02-01T08:50:00.004-05:002010-02-01T09:04:54.932-05:00Volunteers Needed for Herring SurveyThe DEC's Hudson River Estuary Program is seeking volunteers to help with a survey of river herring abundance in the Hudson's tributaries. The <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/animals/9969.html">herring monitoring program</a> runs from April 1 - May 31, at the time when herring would be expected to be spawning. Herring spend their lives in the ocean, but spawn in the tributaries of inland rivers like the Hudson. Up and down the Atlantic coast, herring numbers have been in steep decline, and other states have restricted or banned fishing for herring in order to encourage a recovery. Anecdotal evidence suggests the same decline is happening on the Hudson; however, until this survey began last year, scientists had little recent hard data to measure the abundance of herring in the Hudson (with the exception of American shad, the biggest of the herring, and for hundreds of years the most important food fish caught in the river; commercial fishing for shad is banned, starting in 2010 in an effort to correct historic population declines.) River herring numbers (blueback and alweife herring) may be in decline because they are caught in large numbers as bait for striped bass anglers. Black Creek once had a huge spawning run of herring, but anecdotal evidence suggests it has waned or even disappeared. Black Creek is the only monitoring site in Ulster County.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6WQqb6oO8Zq22ZQD1oGpuIm2IB2UifHMWJxs_d9t4MLjXO4TsEh9NwEGBwfDJxAEhtEgRIMaa_zghLjJlSy2Uo5yyo3ZCBlfU73_D4KPmIUwi99Kp5048D9T8hMNKecUVYJsyTb0n1o/s1600-h/bbherring.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 81px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu6WQqb6oO8Zq22ZQD1oGpuIm2IB2UifHMWJxs_d9t4MLjXO4TsEh9NwEGBwfDJxAEhtEgRIMaa_zghLjJlSy2Uo5yyo3ZCBlfU73_D4KPmIUwi99Kp5048D9T8hMNKecUVYJsyTb0n1o/s200/bbherring.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5433274346751170306" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Volunteers are asked to look for signs of herring, at least twice a week for 15 minutes. Training will be provided and no experience is necessary.<br /><br />For more information, email r3hermon@gw.dec.state.ny.us or call 845-256-3182.<br /><br />The Hudson River Estuary Program is also currently taking public comment on its latest <a href="http://www.dec.ny.gov/lands/5104.html">Action Agenda</a>, the document that guides the public-private effort to restore and protect the Hudson River watershed. You can learn a lot just by reading the plan, but it's also good to comment if you want to support or criticize any aspects of the plan.<br /><!--EndFragment-->Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-70117892018528514732010-01-12T15:06:00.001-05:002010-01-12T15:08:11.123-05:00Winter Fun Day at Esopus Meadows Preserve is Monday, Jan. 18From Scenic Hudson:<br /><br />"Banish cabin fever by letting your kids do something fun, free -- and good for them -- on their day off. Join us on Monday, January 18 at our <a href="http://www.scenichudson.org/winterfunday" title="Esopus Meadows Preserve | Scenic Hudson">Esopus Meadows Preserve</a> for our annual Winter Fun Day. In addition to sledding and ice skating, we'll offer guided snowshoe treks, tips on building snow caves and igloos and Native American fire-making demonstration. <p>"Activities will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Visit the <a href="http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2156/t/2404/p/salsa/event/common/public/index.sjs?event_KEY=55413" title="Scenic Hudson | Events">RSVP page</a> for additional details and a schedule and directions."</p>Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1938218624315111892.post-41202245163066553252010-01-11T10:47:00.004-05:002010-01-11T12:28:26.792-05:00Funding Source for Small Community ProjectsMuseums, afterschool programs, libraries, community centers, and other local organizations are encouraged to apply for mini-grants from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s “Celebrate Urban Birds” project. Grants average $250-$500 and are used to fund neighborhood events that may involve art, gardening, science, community service or other cultural activities. To apply for a mini-grant, visit <a href="http://www.birds.cornell.edu/celebration/community/minigrants/mini-grants-2010/2010-mini-grants-1">www.CelebrateUrbanBirds.org</a>. Organizations working with underserved communities are strongly encouraged to apply. No experience with birds is required.<br /><br />Application deadline is February 15, 2010.<br /><br />Celebrate Urban Birds is a free, year-round citizen science project in which participants watch birds in their neighborhoods and report what they see. This information helps scientists better understand how birds survive in cities and make use of green spaces, including parks and gardens.Dan Shapleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11407133809825049689noreply@blogger.com0