EVENTS
BLOOMINGTON
THURSDAYS – 11 to 11:30 a.m. “EcoReport.” Tune in to WFHB Community Radio, 98.1 or 91.3, or listen online, wfhb.org.
NEWS
New mobile alert system updates public on beach conditions at public and private beaches in Lake, Porter, LaPorte and Kosciusko counties. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) created the tool to augment the existing online BeachGuard System. Beach goers can get real-time updates on possible E. coli contamination from mid-May to mid-September. The new enhancement augments the existing Lake Michigan beach closure and water quality information available at idem.IN.gov/beaches. For info on the mobile alert system visit IN.gov/beachesalert
Indiana Wildlife Federation offers a free presentation explaining how lawn care relates to water quality and how to incorporate sustainable practices in your community. indianawildlife.org/phosphorus.htm#GET
Improving Kids’ Environment has created a series of fact sheets on children’s environmental health for parents and care-givers of young children. IKE received support from the Indiana State Department of Health’s Sunny Start Initiative. Ten fact sheets are available in English and Spanish by visiting earlychildhoodmeetingplace.org
High levels of blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, at many of Indiana’s reservoirs and lakes can cause health problems for swimmers and boaters. Exposure to a blue-green algae during recreational activities such as swimming, wading, and water-skiing may lead to rashes, skin, eye irritation, and other uncomfortable effects such as nausea, stomach aches, and tingling in fingers and toes. The Indiana Department of Environmental Management has begun monthly cyanobacteria sampling at Indiana Department of Natural Resources and US Fish and Wildlife Service managed areas around the state. For more information on blue-green algae, please contact the Indiana Blue-Green Algae Information Line at 877-650-0033 (toll-free) or 317-233-7181.
The Campaign for a Commercial-Free Childhood has been successful in efforts to rid schools of industry PR and teach honestly about coal and other forms of energy. Recently, Scholastic, the world’s largest educational publisher, announced that it would stop distributing “The United States of Energy,” a controversial fourth-grade curriculum paid for by the American Coal Foundation. commercialfreechildhood.org
Indiana bats have protected habitat in Plainfield’s Sodalis Nature Park. The park encompasses 209.5 acres of land that were previously closed to the public and that serve as a refuge for more than 100 species of wildlife, including the Indiana bat. The park was the result of a collaboration between the Indianapolis Airport Authority, Hendricks County Parks and Recreation and the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Visitor amenities include trails, picnic areas, year-round educational programs, and a 5.5-acre pond with fishing pier. hendrickscountyparks.org/aboutSodalis
Hoosier Interfaith Power & Light seeks to inspire and equip Hoosiers of faith to act as stewards of creation in order to promote energy conservation, energy efficiency, renewable energy and related sustainable practices. Details: hoosieripl.org
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Schoolyard Habitat program guidebook outlines the steps to create a successful project where students go outside to experience nature on school grounds. Students observe, draw, write, think, question and learn. Download the guide at fws.gov/cno/conservation/schoolyard.cfm. To request a copy of the project guide by mail, send your complete mailing address here.
Mercury is a toxin produced from burning coal. It can cause life-threatening health problems for all — especially children and seniors. Sign up for information on getting your mercury levels tested by visiting sc.org/mercurytest
Curious about food sovereignty? The National Family Farm Coalition and Grassroots International have collaborated on a new fact sheet to defend the right of all people to decide what they eat and to ensure that food in their community is healthy and accessible for everyone. The booklet outlines how the current food and farm system is broken and provides strategies for a revitalized local food system that supports small farmers. Download your copy from grassrootsonline.org.
The 2011 College Sustainability Report Card provides sustainability profiles of more than 300 U.S. colleges. Find out how Hoosier colleges fared by visiting greenreportcard.org.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention post data tables for the National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals. This is part of an ongoing survey of the U.S. population’s exposure to environmental chemicals using laboratory technology known as biomonitoring. Details at cdc.gov/exposurereport/
A U.S. Geological Survey study found that one in eight fish taken from Indiana waterways and analyzed over a five-year period was tainted with the potent neurotoxin mercury. The study also found that mercury contamination in both surface water and fish across Indiana routinely exceeds levels established to protect humans and animals. According to USGS, mercury released by coal-fired plants, metals industries and other sources enters the food chain and can accumulate in fish species that humans eat. Women who eat tainted fish during pregnancy or while breast-feeding can unknowingly lower their child’s intelligence because mercury is a potent neurotoxin that harms the developing brain and can cause other problems. Download the report from pubs.usgs.gov/pp/pp1780/.
Neighbors Against Bad Bugs (NABB) is a program developed by Purdue University to help communities prepare for emerald ash borer before the trees in their communities are beyond the point of repair. Details at eabindiana.info or contact Jodie Ellis or Melissa Shepson.
The United Nations General Assembly has designated 2011 as International Year of Forests to raise awareness on sustainable management, conservation and sustainable development of all types of forests. UN observances are used to promote awareness of and action for important political, social, cultural or human rights issues. The Forests 2011 Web site is a global platform to celebrate people’s action to sustainably manage the world’s forests: un.org/en/events/iyof2011/index.shtml
It’s Common Sense—Stop I-69 is a taxpayer group emphasizing that money spent on unneeded new highways is delaying work on schools, bridge and road repairs, and other seriously needed infrastructure. Join the group’s Listserv or send ideas for the group here.
The Indiana Clean Lakes Program provides a database of lakes around the state, fact sheets to help manage riparian areas near lakes and streams, and five simple things you can do to protect a lake near you. Available at indiana.edu/~clp/
Find out where Indiana’s senators fall on the National Wildlife Federation’s American Power All-Stars Scorecard. The list ranks senators as members of the “Big Oil Team” or the “Clean Energy Team.” NWF is promoting energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy sources as a solution to widespread pollution and over reliance on foreign energy. nwf.org
Wood-Land-Lakes RC&D received the largest conservation easement donation in its history: 7,634 acres in White County. The farmland easement was donated through Juanita K. Waugh’s Trust. The purpose of the conservation easement is to enable the protected property to remain in agriculture and wind energy production. This farm will be permanently restricted from development and subdivision, maintaining the rural character of White County. The farmland will be gifted by Ms. Waugh’s Trust to Saint Joseph’s College (SJC) in Rensselaer, Indiana. Currently, there are 19 operational wind turbines, with an additional 13 to be constructed, for a total of 32 wind turbines that will operate within the White County-based Meadow Lake Wind Farm. Collectively, the 32 wind turbines, once operational, will make SJC the largest private landowner with the most wind turbines east of the Mississippi River.
The Alliance for Great Lakes has created the Adopt-a-Beach™ Program so schools, families, businesses and community groups can adopt beaches and shoreline areas in their local community to conduct litter removal and monitoring and water quality testing. Adopters work with the Alliance to locate a beach to adopt, log the information they gather into our online database and use it for pollution prevention and educational purposes. Email Adopt-a-Beach.
According to the U.S. EPA, a traditional gas-powered lawn mower produces as much air pollution as 43 new cars driven 12,000 miles apiece. Learn more about the benefits of reducing lawn size from the Lawn Reform Coalition, lawnreform.org.
Nearly 43,000 acres along the Wabash River and Sugar Creek in west central Indiana will be converted into two separate conservation areas. Funding for the $30 million project will come from the Lifetime License Trust and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Potential recreational uses include boating, fishing and bird watching. Gov. Mitch Daniels says that “Our goal is to make this a landmark era for conservation of natural beauty in our state and make Indiana a leader in wetlands and wildlife protection.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Region 5 has posted its final report based on the school air toxics monitoring data from Pittsboro Elementary School in Pittsboro. Because no concentrations of concern for risk of health problems from short-term or long-term exposures to manganese and other air toxics were found, monitoring has been discontinued at the school. Other Indiana schools in the Schools Air Toxics Monitoring Initiative include Lincoln Elementary School, Warsaw; Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, East Chicago; and Jefferson Elementary School, Gary. Read the report at epa.gov/schoolair/schools.html.
The Green Business Network provides Indiana green businesses with information about current green news and events in the state. GBN strives to make Indiana a sustainable and healthy place to live for the future generations. myhomegreenpages.com
Bald Eagles thrive in Indiana. A state-record 119 nests were recently identified by the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. The previous record was 101 territories found in 2008 and 94 in 2009. For most of the 20th century, bald eagles were absent as a nesting species in Indiana. The first recent nesting attempt was noted in 1989, and the first successful nests were observed in 1991. A total of 73 young eagles were released in Indiana from 1985–89, to reestablish a breeding population. Bald eagles were removed from the Federal Endangered Species list in 2007 and the Indiana list in 2008. They are considered a Species of Special Concern in Indiana. Restoration and monitoring of bald eagles in Indiana is funded by donations from the DNR’s Nongame Fund and federal State Wildlife Grants. To donate to the DNR Nongame Fund, print the form at in.gov/dnr/fishwild/files/donation.pdf and send it with a check or money order to Nongame Fund, 402 W. Washington St. Rm. W273, Indianapolis, IN 46204.
Support Indiana’s proposed ban of phosphorus in lawn fertilizers. Research reports that a single pound of phosphorus can produce 10,000 pounds of wet weeds and algae. Blue-green algae can produce a variety of toxins that can be dangerous to animals and humans. Large blue-green algal blooms can make water unsafe to drink. To get more facts on why Indiana should support a phosphorus ban, view the Indiana Wildlife Federation’s fact sheet at indianawildlife.org/phosphorus.htm.
White Nose Syndrome update: In 2009, the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) announced a management decision to close all caves on IDNR properties from through April 30, 2010, as a precaution against the spread of the fungus causing White Nose Syndrome (WNS), a fatal disease of cave dwelling bats. DNR will submit an evaluation of this management decision to Region 3 White Nose Syndrome Coordinator U.S. Department of the Interior.
The Wabash River Habitat Protection project received a $1 million grant to acquire and/or restore 3,980 acres of wetlands and grasslands. The. U.S. Department of Interior’s Migratory Bird Conservation Commission issued the grant under the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA). An additional $2,353,417 in partner contributions will augment the grant. Details: fws.gov/birdhabitat/grants/NAWCA/index.shtm
U.S. EPA cleanup of lead contamination in Evansville’s Jacobsville neighborhood is under way. The work on more than 300 properties is being funded through at least $5 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. There is no cost to residents. See how every dollar is being invested at www.Recovery.gov. For details on the Jacobsville Neighborhood Soil Contamination Superfund site go to epa.gov/region5/sites/jacobsville/index.htm.
The National Wildlife Federation has created a fact sheet about the effects of Global warming on Indiana weather, wildlife, health and economy. Download your copy from nwf.org/Global-Warming/In-Your-State.aspx
Asian Carp infiltration poses severe threats to the Great Lakes according to environmental groups Great Lakes United and Healing Our Waters. The fishing industry would be affected and the voracious species could collapse the ecosystem. Details at glu.org and Healing Our Waters: healthylakes.org/category/policy/asian-carp-barrier-act
Indiana’s Wildlife Diversity report, which documents the 2009 projects of the Wildlife Diversity Section of the Indiana Department of Natural Resources Division of Fish and Wildlife, is now online. The publication also documents an ongoing study on the role Interstate highways may serve as a potential barrier to the maintenance of genetic diversity in some wildlife species. in.gov/dnr/fishwild/3347.htm
Prepare for the Post-Peak Life by utilizing the resources at postpeakliving.com/
Conservation, efficiency and clean renewables are all we need for a sustainable energy policy, according to the Energy Justice Network. Details: energyjustice.net/
Physicians for Social Responsibility have published a medical report on the detrimental health effects of burning coal. Download “Coal’s Assault on Human Health” from psr.org/resources/coals-assault-on-human-health.html
Wood-Land-Lakes RC&D offers more than 50 free educational and informative DVDs and CD-ROMs. wood-land-lakes.org/
The American Public Health Association recently announced its opposition to rBGH (rBST) (recombinant bovine growth hormone.) APHA is the world’s oldest professional public health organization. The group also opposes the use of nontherapeutic hormones in beef cattle, citing “clear evidence that hormones originating outside the body can interfere with our own hormone function.” Read the entire policy statement: apha.org/advocacy/policy/policysearch/default.htm?id=1379
A coalition of environmental groups has petitioned the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take back authority for enforcing the Clean Water Act from the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM). The Hoosier Environmental Council, the Sierra Club Hoosier Chapter and the Environmental Law & Policy Center asked EPA to withdraw the state’s authority to implement the Clean Water Act unless the state corrects numerous flaws in its water program. “Protecting our natural resources is crucial to economic growth,” said Rae Schnapp, Wabash Riverkeeper with the Hoosier Environmental Council. “But Indiana also has many waterways with documented pollution problems. The practice of issuing water pollution permits that exacerbate these impairments is contrary to the Clean Water Act — and it is a threat to public health and future economic development.” The federal Clean Water Act is implemented by state agencies, but EPA has the authority to step in when states don’t meet federal standards.
The Environmental Protection Agency will re-evaluate the health effects of the popular weed killer atrazine. The move was prompted by EPA’s monitoring of drinking water supplies in the Midwest, including Indiana, where use of the chemical is widespread. EPA said recent studies have found that low levels of atrazine in drinking water can cause low birth weights, birth defects and reproductive problems. Furthermore, Ball State University researchers found that in addition to atrazine, water in the White River watershed includes caffeine, pharmaceuticals and antibacterial agents from soaps. Read the EPA report: epa.gov/pesticides/reregistration/atrazine/
Working with the Danish government and others, Google has established a site full of tools to explore potential effects of climate change on the planet: googleblog.blogspot.com/2009/09/google-climate-change-tools-for-cop15.html
Sustainable Indiana 2016 is a grassroots movement to promote and support organizations and projects that embody principles of sustainability within Indiana. An online wiki has lots of resources: sustindy2016.wetpaint.com/
IU School of Medicine pediatrician Dr. Paul Winchester has studied the connection between birth defects and levels of pesticides in water during months of conception and found a statistically significant correlation. The study suggests that further research should be done. Details at homepages.indiana.edu/web/page/normal/10531.html.
According to Purdue University forestry professor Douglass Jacobs, a new hybrid American Chestnut could not only reintroduce this nearly extinct species but also could help fight global warming by sequestering carbon. The species was nearly obliterated at the beginning of the last century by chestnut blight. Jacobs hopes the new blight-resistant hybrid could bring this fast growing hardwood back into America’s parks, forests and woodlots. news.uns.purdue.edu/hp/JacobsChestnuts.html
Lake Michigan Watchdogs is a citizen advocacy group devoted to bringing prosperity through sustainability by monitoring Indiana’s unique environmental habitat in the northwest part of the state. Learn more at lakemichiganwatchdogs.com/home.html
The American Human Development Project has created a series of interactive maps that display health, education, income and environmental data on the regional, state and national level. map.measureofamerica.org/maps.aspx
The Environmental Protection Agency has established Watershed Central online to help disseminate information on protecting and restoring watersheds. epa.gov/watershedcentral
A brochure describing volunteer opportunities at DNR properties is at in.gov/dnr/parklake/2443.htm .
Earth911.com is a comprehensive search engine for finding a recycling center near you by city, ZIP code, and/or type of item you want to recycle.
Indiana Tobacco Prevention and Cessation wants you to celebrate the Earth by living Tobacco-Free. Tobacco is cured by burning wood. For every 300 cigarettes manufactured, one tree is cut down to fuel the fire of curing. A pack-a-day smoker smokes the equivalent of one tree in just two weeks. whitelies.tv
Green Sanctuary is a growing movement among faith communities of many denominations to recognize the importance of environmental stewardship in all aspects of life — at home, at church and at work. Improving Kids’ Environment is working with local congregations to help them understand the importance of this effort and to provide practical tools to help them on their journey. IKE’s helpful resource list is posted at: ikecoalition.org/Green_Sanctuary
The U.S. Forest Service reports that urban trees increase home prices, improve air quality, and reduce household energy use and the effects of climate change.“Trees in urban areas beautify neighborhoods and provide great economic benefits,” said Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell. “Aside from enhancing neighborhood aesthetics they filter the air, reduce storm runoff and absorb carbon dioxide.” Indiana’s annualbenefits from urban trees include sequestration of 247,000 metric tons of carbon (worth $5.6 million) and the removal of 6,500 metric tons of air pollutants (valued at $53.5 million.) Details: nrs.fs.fed.us/data/urban/
Trees Indiana was launched in 2006 to inspire and educate Indiana youths to become stewards who plant, protect and maintain their community forests. Dedicated to educating and engaging young environmental stewards, TreeKeeper shows participants first-hand how their positive actions produce positive results. More at treesindiana.org.
Power Past Coal is an effort to unite environmental and human rights groups that have been working on coal issues for decades. Power Past Coal is working to amplify the message: The United States needs to move past coal power. See what regional and national actions are planned for the 100 Days of Action by going to powerpastcoal.org
“The Organic Green Revolution” is a recent research study from the Rodale Institute. The paper reviews current scientific research on organic agriculture and finds that contrary to assertions by agribusiness, organic and sustainable agricultural practices not only can feed the world but also offer affordable, immediately usable and universally accessible ways to improve yields and access to nutritional food in developing countries. Read for yourself by downloading the report from rodaleinstitute.org
Improving Kids’ Environment (IKE) and the Indiana Lead-Safe Task Force publish a free electronic newsletter for anyone interested in lead poisoning prevention and healthy homes in Indiana. To subscribe, call 317-902-3610. All back issues are available online: ikecoalition.org
Improving Kids’ Environment and WFYI have produced a documentary on lead poisoning in Indiana. Lead paint in older homes is the hidden culprit. According to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention,13,000 Indiana children suffer from lead poisoning — primarily from ingesting lead paint in their own homes. The 30-minute documentary, Lead Paint: Indiana’s Poisoned Children, tells the stories of four Indiana families who dealt with the effects of lead poisoning in their children. The film also gives tips so parents can protect their families. The documentary is available for screening at other Indiana public broadcast stations or government access channels. DVD copies also will be available for distribution to local health departments and child care centers. To obtain a copy of the DVD or to learn how you can help air it in your community, contact Julie Zimmer.
Inside the Bottle is a campaign to create awareness of the environmental and social impacts of the bottled water industry. insidethebottle.org.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has launched a Climate Time Machine Web site with graphic depictions of climate change in Earth’s recent history. climate.jpl.nasa.gov/ClimateTimeMachine/climateTimeMachine.cfm
The Indiana Recycling Coalition (IRC) has launched DefendRecycling.org to keep the public informed about efforts by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management that might change the definition of recycling to include incineration. The IRC is concerned that such a change would undermine existing community recycling programs and eliminate funding for legitimate recycling industries and businesses.
Citizens from around the state who are opposed to Confined Animal Feeding Operations have compiled resources to help inform the public about the many problems associated with such facilities.
grist.org/news/muck/2005/01/24/factory_farms/
msu.edu/~howardp/infographics.html
mythinglinks.org/FactoryFarms.html
Bloomington’s Center for Sustainable Living is a storehouse of information about services, projects and networking opportunities for people interested in exploring ecologically sustainable ways of thinking, living and interacting. For more information, contact CSL President Lucille Bertuccio, lbertucc@indiana.edu, call 812-332-8796, or visit simplycsl.org.
Lake Michigan Watchdogs let you know who’s polluting Indiana’s waterfront in northwest Indiana. Get the details at lakemichiganwatchdogs.com/home.htm
Evansville-based Valley Watch has created a valuable Web-based resource featuring an impressive selection of environmental and health links. A special section called PM Comments Tool Kit (in the “library”) gives readers everything they need to file formal comments on EPA’s proposed new standards on particulate matter. The site also tracks ongoing efforts to clear the air in Vanderburgh and surrounding counties. Visit valleywatch.net.
A “Citizens Guide to Protecting Your National Forests” has been posted online for free download. The document was created by members of Heartwood, the Bloomington-based grassroots coalition of forest protection advocates. heartwood.org/Guide.pdf
Humanity’s ecological footprint exceeds the Earth’s biological capacity by nearly 40 percent, according to a new “Footprint of Nations” report by Redefining Progress, an Oakland, Calif.-based policy institute. The ecological footprint is a measure of the amount of natural resources it takes to sustain a given population over the course of a year. By comparing a population’s footprint with its biological capacity, ecological footprint analysis suggests whether that population is living within its ecological means. If a population’s footprint exceeds its biological capacity, that population is said to be engaging in unsustainable ecological overshoot. According to the report, humanity’s footprint is 57 acres per person, while the Earth’s biological capacity is just 41. Read the full report at ecologicalfootprint.org.
Environmentalists are embracing the green cemeteries movement, an alternative to the hidden toxins and wasted resources of traditional cremations and burials. Long practiced by non-Christian cultures, natural burial is rapidly becoming popular among people looking for burial methods that won’t degrade local resources with formaldehyde, mercury and metals. Natural burial options can include no embalming; biodegradable boxes without liners or crypts; shrouds and no markers; caskets made of fiber or paper; or trees planted as monuments instead of costly headstones. While Britain has more than 200 green cemeteries, the United States has only half a dozen so far. AlternativeFuneralMonitor.com and FuneralResources.net.
The Campaign for Sustainable Economics is dedicated to promoting ecological economics in academic thought and as common sense. sustainableeconomics.org, 317-917-1638.
An online air permits search engine lets citizens look at the status of projects in their community. The site was created by the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) and Access Indiana. The search engine sorts air permits by source name, county, permit number, time frame and other criteria. The status and information in the permit will be automatically updated when changes occur. IN.gov/idem
The National Campaign Against Dirty Power has created the Clear the Air Web site, offering facts and figures about the health hazards associated with pollution from coal-burning power plants. View data by state and metropolitan area at cleartheair.org/dirtypower/.
The Worldwatch Institute offers free downloads of articles on sustainability and the environment. Visit worldwatch.org .
A recently revised report, originally released in 2003, finds that Indiana and the entire Great Lakes region may suffer from the effects of a changing climate more than previously thought. A team of leading scientists from Midwest universities and solutions experts at the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) recently found that extreme heat events are occurring more frequently; heavy precipitation events, both rain and snow, are becoming more common; air quality may deteriorate due to harmful gases released during more frequent forest fires; and the number of summer pollution days may be on the rise. These changes will bring challenges to residents in Great Lakes cities as well as in rural areas, highlighting the need for action to forestall many of the most severe impacts. The report, Confronting Climate Change in the Great Lakes Region, can be found at ucsusa.org/greatlakes.
The City of Indianapolis has expanded its Knozone program into a year-round effort to increase public awareness of the effects of poor air quality. The move was prompted in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency declaring Marion and four other counties in central Indiana as being in non-attainment for the fine particle federal health-based standard. Fine particles are released as part of the combustion process when burning fossil fuels such as oil, coal, gasoline and diesel as well as wood. When air pollution levels are predicted to become unhealthy for sensitive groups such as senior citizens and children, the City will declare a Knozone Action Day. On such days, at-risk groups are urged to limit outdoor activities and monitor their health problems. The City also encourages carpooling, mass transit and other strategies to help reduce pollution. Details: knozone.com or 317-327-4AIR.
Has a new power plant been proposed in your community? Evansville-based Valley Watch has prepared a document for citizen activists entitled, “So You Have a New Power Plant Proposed!” It lists a series of questions to ask to determine what kind of strategy can be used to fight the facility. (Additional resources include Web sites such as http://Scorecard.org and www.cleartheair.org/dirtypower/map.html.) For a free copy, contact John Blair at 812-464-5663, or write to Valley Watch, 800 Adams Ave., Evansville, IN 47713.
To help encourage the reuse and recycling of electronics, the Indiana Recycling Coalition has posted its E-Scrap Toolkit online at indianarecycling.org. The toolkit lists current state and federal regulations; makes recommendations on buying “green” and offers contact information to companies and organizations reusing and recycling electronics in Indiana.
The Plant A Million project has the goal of planting a million or more native trees in central Indiana. Plant A Million is a combined effort of Hoosier Heartland Resource Conservation and Development Council and the Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Boone, Brown, Hamilton, Hendricks, Hancock, Johnson, Marion, Monroe, Morgan and Shelby counties. You can become involved by planting a tree or trees in your yard, encouraging your neighbors to do the same or donating trees to be planted at schools, parks or other open spaces. Plant a Million Project Coordinator Bob Eddleman can also arrange an informational program for service and civic clubs and church and other community groups. Details: 317-271-4413.
NETWORKING
The Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society (INPAWS) is a membership based organization that promotes the appreciation, preservation, conservation, utilization and scientific study of flora native to Indiana. inpaws.org
The Indiana Master Naturalist program brings together natural resource specialists with adult learners to foster an understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils, and wildlife and promote volunteer service in local communities. It is a cooperative project of Resource Conservation & Development Councils, Indiana Soil & Water Conservation Districts, Purdue Cooperative Extension Service, Indiana Department of Natural Resources. in.gov/dnr/masternaturalist/index.html
Wood-Land-Lakes Resource Conservation and Development Council is a volunteer organization working for responsible stewardship of natural resources in northeast Indiana. The Council recently updated its long-range area plan that will help guide the Council for the next seven years. The plan shows the Council’s mission, vision, background and structure as well as an overview of the region. This overview includes geographic, natural resource, agriculture, demographic and socioeconomic information and graphs. The Council’s goals, objectives, and strategies revolve around land conservation, water management, community development, and land management. Download a copy at wood-land-lakes.org/adobe/Plans/2008-2014%20Area%20Plan.pdf
The Indiana Forest Alliance meets at 6 p.m. the first and third and Wednesdays of each month at 116 1/2 S. College in Bloomington. Details: Joanna Gras 812-332-4878.
The Great Lakes Town Hall is an interactive online forum established to discuss the future of the magnificent bodies that hold 95 percent of all fresh water in North America. Sponsored by the Madison, Wisconsin-based Biodiversity Project, the site features regular guest commentary as well as opportunities to discuss policy initiatives like the Great Lakes Task Force’s recent recommendation of a 15-year program to restore the lakes, which lacks any funding. greatlakestownhall.org
The Great Lakes Information Network is a resource created by the Great Lakes Commission, a bi-national, nonpartisan alliance that takes an ecosystem approach to protecting and sustaining the health of the Great Lakes basin. great-lakes.net/
Check out the latest ongoing activities of Bloomington’s Center for Sustainable Living, including the Bloomington ECO Center the Community Bike Project and the Simply Living Fair: simplycsl.org/cal.html
REMINDERS
The average American uses 24 acres of land to support his or her current lifestyle. In comparison, the average Canadian lives on a footprint 30 percent smaller (17 acres), and the average Italian on a footprint 60 percent smaller (9 acres). Want to see how you compare? Take the survey at redefiningprogress.org. Then download the new Household Ecological Footprint Spreadsheet, to create a more detailed look at your household’s consumption of natural resources.
SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LAND TRUST!
Polls show that 87 percent of Hoosiers feel that more needs to be done to protect Indiana’s natural resources. Yet Indiana ranks 48th in the nation on environmental indicators such as air quality, energy consumption and state spending on the environment. Less than 4 percent of Indiana’s land is set aside for conservation and outdoor recreation, putting us in 46th place in the nation for conservation. And despite Indiana’s long and proud history of agriculture, we are losing our farms at an alarming rate due to commercial and residential development. From 1997 to 2002, we lost 500,000 acres and 6,400 farms, much of it to urban sprawl.
While it is obvious that many Indiana citizens believe something needs to be done to correct the situation, many feel stymied, especially given the current political climate. Our legislators, by failing to take action to secure USDA funds that are available for conservation, are allowing a valuable resource to pass us by. Many also fail to recognize the tremendously positive economic impact that land conservation can have on our economy. Tourism, outdoor recreation and high quality of life can all have a significant impact on local economies.
What can individual citizens do to protect our environment and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come?
One simple answer is to support your local Land Trusts. A Land Trust is a private, community-based, nonprofit organization established to protect land and water resources for the public benefit. Land Trusts, in cooperation with individual property owners, employ the use of conservation easements, which are customized legal documents tailored to the wishes of the landowner and associated with the deed to a property to restrict the range of future uses of the specific parcel of land. By committing a conservation easement to a Land Trust, the property owner may be eligible for certain tax incentives. In turn, the Land Trust commits to monitor the use of that land in order to ensure its future uses comply with the specifications in the easement. If necessary, the Land Trust may employ legal assistance in order to insure the compliance of future owners. Land Trusts also work in partnership with other organizations such as Indiana Heritage Trust and The Nature Conservancy to accomplish their mission of preserving land and improving the environment.
Conservation easements are a valuable means for preserving our environment, yet the congressional Joint Committee on Taxation’s recommendation is threatening those means. The committee has recommended a drastic cut on tax benefits for donations of land, conservation easements and bargain sales to Land Trusts. This year, the U.S. Congress may make major changes to the rules governing conservation donations. It is imperative that concerned citizens let their legislators know how important land conservation is, not only to the environment but also to our local economies.
A person does not need to be a landowner to benefit from or be involved in a Land Trust. Volunteer support preserves natural and agricultural landscape for the future. Natural landscapes can be preserved in urban and rural settings. Athletic fields, municipal parks, stands of trees, farmlands, historic sites, nature preserves and other open lands are valuable community assets that make a place desirable to live and work. The conservation of habitats for wildlife has intrinsic value, enhancing a diverse richness of flora and fauna and adding beauty to people’s lives. Public and privately owned preserves provide a patchwork of open space for migrating species to regain energy. Tourists value preserved natural areas just as much as urban improvements. Homebuyers choose locations adjacent to natural landscapes. Conservation also has a positive impact on air, noise, light, water and land pollution.
Become a member of or make other contributions to your local Land Trust. Then tell your elected officials about the importance of land conservation and speak out against the Joint Committee on Taxation’s recommendations to cut tax incentives for land conservation.” —Submitted by members of the Whitewater Valley Land Trust.
| ACRES Land Trust, Inc. 2000 N.Wells St. Fort Wayne, IN 46808 260/422-1004 acres-land-trust.org | Ohio River Conservancy 1020 N. Indiana Bloomington, IN 47408 812/336-5382 cfreitag@indiana.edu |
| Blue Heron Ministries 2955 W. Orland Rd. Angola, IN 46703 260/316-2498 stuartbheron1@hotmail.com | Redtail Conservancy P.O. Box 8 Muncie, IN 47308 765/288-2587 redtail@tmcsmail.com fortheland.com |
| Buffalo Trace Land Trust P.O. Box 2 Mt. St. Francis, IN 47146 | River Fields, Inc. (Ohio River Watershed) 643 W. Main St., Suite 200 Louisville, KY 40202 502/583-3060 riverfields@riverfields.org riverfields.org |
| Central Indiana Land Trust 1500 N. Delaware Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 317/631-LAND info@conservingindiana.org conservingindiana.org/ | Shirley Heinze Land Trust 444 Barker Rd. Michigan City, IN 46360 219/879-4725 land@heinzetrust.org heinzetrust.org |
| Clark’s Valley Land Trust 9608 Hwy. 62 Charlestown, IN 47111 812/256-2330 x 3 cvlt@clarkswcd.org clarkswcd.org/LandTrust/LandTrusthome.htm | Sycamore Land Trust P.O. Box 7801 Bloomington, IN 47407 812/336-5382 sycamore@bloomington.in.us sycamorelandtrust.org |
| Clear Lake Township Land 122 Outer Dr. Clear Lake Fremont, IN 46737 office@clearlakeconservancy.org clearlakeconservancy.org | Sycamore Trails RC&D 1007 Mill Pond Lane, Suite B Greencastle, IN 46135 765/653-9785 strcd@sycamoretrails.org sycamoretrails.org |
| Glacial Ridge Historic Land Trust P.O. Box 627 New Paris, IN 46553 | Trillium Land Trust 1717 E. Lusher Ave. Elkhart, IN 46516 574/293-5070 eecmail@coelkhartindiana.org |
| Indiana Karst Conservancy P.O. Box 2401 Indianapolis, IN 46206 317/882-5420 ikc@caves.org caves.org/conservancy/ikc | Wabash Heritage Land Trust P.O. Box 732 New Harmony, IN 47631 812/851-3288 |
| LaPorte County Conservation Trust 405 Maple Ave. LaPorte, IN 46350 219/778-2810 lpcct.org hawkridg@csinet.net | Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation P.O. Box 548 Syracuse, IN 46567 574/457-4549 info@wacf.com wacf.com |
| Mud Creek Conservancy, Inc. 7399 N. Shadeland Ave. #123 Indianapolis, IN 46250 317/466-2320 frank@mudcreekconservancy.org mudcreekconservancy.org | Whitewater Valley Land Trust 5106 Straightline Pike Richmond, IN 47374 765/962-2427 whitewatervalleylandtrust.org |
| The Nature Conservancy 620 E. Ohio Street Indianapolis, IN 46202 317/951-8818 nature.org/indiana | Wood-Land-Lakes RC&D 1220 N 200 W, Suite J Angola, IN 46703 260/665-3211 x 5 woodland-lakes@in.rcdnet.org wood-land-lakes.org |
| NICHES Land Trust P.O. Box 2790 West Lafayette, IN 47996 765/448-1380 niches@nicheslandtrust.org nicheslandtrust.org | Woodland Savanna Land Conservancy 702 Washington St. Valparaiso, IN 46383 219/462-8129 |
| Oak Heritage Conservancy P.O. Box 335 Hanover, IN 47243 513/404-8268 jvmiller@seidata.com |
Corporate Ownership of Organics
Pattern Map for a Conservation Economy