Ducks Unlimited Campaign for Wetlands and Waterfowl Habitat Conservation
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is supporting Double Up for the Ducks -  a new campaign by Ducks Unlimited encouraging duck hunters and all persons who would like to make a difference for wildlife conservation to purchase two federal Duck Stamps this year to help conserve habitat for wild ducks, geese and other waterfowl.

"The Service certainly appreciates this effort being undertaken by Ducks Unlimited to further waterfowl and wetlands conservation across the country," said Service Director Dan Ashe. "The Duck Stamp program has been one of the most successful conservation programs in history and buying not one but two duck stamps is one of the best ways around to protect wildlife and waterfowl habitat."

"The Federal Duck Stamp has been an important tool in waterfowl habitat conservation for 77 years, but its ability to purchase and conserve important waterfowl habitat has been greatly diminished by inflation and rising land prices," Ducks Unlimited CEO Dale Hall said.
Since 1934, sales from the Federal Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, commonly known as the Federal Duck Stamp, have helped to acquire more than 5.3 million acres of waterfowl habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System.  Ninety-eight cents out of every dollar is spent to acquire land and protect waterfowl habitat.  Stamp revenues benefit waterfowl and countless other wildlife species as well as people by expanding opportunities and access for wildlife dependent recreation.

The cost of the Duck Stamp has remained the same since 1991. Based on the Consumer Price Index, the stamp would need to cost more than $24 today to have the same buying power that $15 had in 1991. In 1991, revenue from the Duck Stamp enabled the Service to acquire 89,000 acres of habitat for the National Wildlife Refuge System at an average cost of $306 an acre. In 2010, the Service was able to acquire only 32,000 acres because land values had tripled to an average of $1,091 an acre.

There are many easy and convenient ways to buy Duck Stamps:

•       Call or order online from the United States Postal Service at 1-800 STAMP-24 (1-800-782-6724) or online at http://shop.usps.com

•       Visit your local post office

•       Call or order online from Amplex Corporation at 1-800-852-4897 or online at www.duckstamp.com

•       Contact the Federal Duck Stamp Office at 703-358-1784 or duckstamps@fws.gov

•       Duck Stamps can also be purchased at most major sporting goods stores that sell hunting licenses.

Review the Service's Federal Duck Stamp video: http://www.fws.gov/video/flash/ds_promo.html

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov. Connect with our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/usfws, follow our tweets at www.twitter.com/usfwshq, watch our YouTube Channel at http://www.youtube.com/usfws and download photos from our Flickr page at http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfwshq.

(Kansas City, Kan., Sept. 19, 2011) - Entries are now being sought for the 2011 President's Environmental Youth Awards (PEYA), which recognize individuals, school classes (kindergarten through high school) and youth organizations for protecting our nation's air, water, land and ecology.

The program, which honors a variety of environmental projects developed by students, is open to students in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska through EPA Region 7 in Kansas City, Kan.

The program has two components: the regional certificate program and the regional award winner.  Regional certificates are awarded by each of the regional offices of the EPA. Each regional office also selects one first-place project as its regional award winner.

Projects must be postmarked by December 31, 2011. Program guidelines, eligibility information and applications are available online at http://www.epa.gov/enviroed/peya/index.html or by contacting Denise Morrison, 1-800-223-0425. Regional award winners will be notified in February 2012.

The PEYA program promotes awareness of our nation's natural resources and encourages positive community involvement. It is one of the most important ways EPA and the Administration demonstrate commitment to environmental stewardship efforts created and conducted by our nation's young people. Winning projects in the past include environmental science projects, recycling programs in school and communities, construction of nature preserves and major tree planting programs.

 

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Mission Complete, Troops Heading Home

SPRINGFIELD - September 2, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the Illinois Army National Guard members assisting with Vermont flood relief operations have completed their mission and are heading home. Earlier this week Governor Quinn ordered Illinois National Guard helicopters and troops to active duty in Vermont after receiving a request for assistance from the state.

"The Illinois National Guard has again responded when the state and country has called on them," Governor Quinn said. "Our servicemembers are some of the greatest this nation has to offer.  Time and again, they show their dedication by answering the call to duty and we are proud of them."

"We are grateful for the opportunity to help another state in need," said Maj. Gen. William Enyart, Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. "This shows we are prepared to assist, not just in Illinois, but throughout our country."

Approximately 95 members of the Illinois National Guard set up an operating base in Rome, N.Y., while their helicopters flew into Burlington, Vt. The Illinois Army National Guard assisted delivering food, water and other supplies to several towns in Vermont that were isolated by flooding.

"The Illinois National Guard has done amazing work here in Vermont. The towns I visited today that have been cut off by road for days were cheering when the helicopters started to arrive on Wednesday," said Maj. Gen. Michael D. Dubie, Adjutant General of the Vermont National Guard. "We have stocked up the isolated towns and established rough road access to many that will soon support civilian vehicle traffic. A huge thank you to the entire Illinois team that made this happen."

During operations in Vermont, the Illinois National Guard provided the following air movements of critically needed supplies:

  • 58 pallets of water
  • 63 pallets of food
  • 4 pallets of blankets
  • 3 pallets of cots
  • 3 pallets of tarps
  • 1 generator
  • 16 passengers

The six UH-60 Blackhawk helicopters, two CH-47 Chinook helicopters, pilots and crew, ground support vehicles, and command and control staff were prepositioned in New York Aug. 29 to 30.  After completing needed operations today, they will head home and arrive in Illinois over the weekend.

Units that provided hurricane relief in Vermont include : Headquarters and Headquarters Company; 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria and elements of Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur; Company B, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Chicago; Company C and Company D, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Peoria; and 2nd Battalion, 238th General Support Aviation Battalion in Peoria.

"These Soldiers put aside their daily lives and commitments in a moment's notice to come to the aide of residents more than 1,100 miles from them on the East Coast," Enyart said.  "We also owe their families and employers a thank you for their support."This is the fifth time this year the Illinois National Guard has responded to assist others in need. More than 500 Soldiers were activated for the February winter storms. Approximately 500 Soldiers responded to the southern Illinois flooding this spring. The Illinois National Guard also sent one CH-47 Chinook helicopter with five crew members from Company B, 2nd Battalion 238th Aviation based in Peoria to help the South Dakota National Guard battle flood waters on June 3.  A UH-60 Blackhawk and four crew members with Company A, 1st Battalion, 106th Aviation Regiment in Decatur, deployed to Omaha, Neb., in support of flood relief efforts June 21.

For video: http://www.dvidshub.net/video/124512/106th-avn-vermont-b-roll-and-interviews

Davenport, IA/ August 31st, 2011  - 12 fourth year carpenter apprentices and one instructor have just finished their 5 day stay aboard Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) new floating classroom last Thursday. These skilled workers are volunteers from the Carpenter Training Center of the Quad Cities and are among a group of 40 plus skilled craftsmen affiliated with Local Union 4 who have generously given their time and talent in the building of the newest barge in the LL&W fleet.

This new 150-foot long barge features a handicapped-accessible classroom, which can host up to 60 students at a time, as well as sleeping quarters for an 8 person LL&W crew. The new classroom will bring high school students on board for day long workshops on a number of different topics ranging from History to Biology to the Navigation of our waterways.  Living Lands & Waters has been conducting educational workshops since 2003, but this day long hands on experience could only be attended by teachers and instructors.  "We developed these workshops to give teachers a hands on look at our river environment with lessons they could take back to their students.  The instructors who attended were so engaged, but all said this would have much more of an impact if their kids could be on the barge for something like this," says Tammy Becker, coordinator of the LL&W's Educational Workshops.  Over the years, LL&W held 92 teacher workshops for more than 1,700 teachers and educators. There were over a 100 different presenters in these presentations and over 60 different topics covered. 

"We were approached by Living Lands & Waters to assist if we were interested. We never hesitated to volunteer, as a majority of our members enjoy time on the river hunting, fishing, boating, etc. Everyone already knew of   Chad   and what good things Living Lands & Waters are doing on our rivers. I think every person who has had a chance to see and hear about what this group does; be it river clean-ups to the tree planting projects to the educational seminars really got their eyes opened up to the magnitude and scope of what the organization is trying to accomplish, and is all about," said local union member Steve Flogel.

Over the past month, the local carpenters union has donated up to 750 man hours of free labor to LL&W. They have done the entire vapor barrier on the roof and the walls of the exterior, and helped with the siding, windows, doors, interior walls, exterior upper deck, sleepers and floor insulation. This week the trim and finish class has been doing the trim for the doors and windows, finishing the ceiling board installation, and starting the installation of the bamboo floor.  "We can't express how thankful we are for the  Union 's help.  Without them, this new barge would not be possible," expressed Chad Pregracke, founder of Living Lands & Waters.    

Chad Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters in 1998 as a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the beautification and restoration of America's major rivers and to the education of people about environmental issues. From his single boat beginning, LL&W has grown to an internationally known organization with a fleet of barges and workboats.  LL&W engages thousands of volunteers each year in river cleanups, hands-on environmental education workshops, the Great Mississippi River Cleanup, Adopt-a- River-Mile programs and the Million Trees Project. 

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Foreclosure protection offered to displaced families in two counties

WASHINGTON - U.S. Housing and Urban Development Secretary Shaun Donovan today announced HUD will speed federal disaster assistance to the State of Iowa and provide support to homeowners and low-income renters forced from their homes following last month's severe storms and flooding.

Yesterday, President Obama issued a disaster declaration for Dubuque and Jackson Counties. The President's declaration allows HUD to offer foreclosure relief and other assistance to certain families living in these counties.

"Families who may have been forced from their homes need to know that help is available to begin the rebuilding process," said Donovan. "Whether it's foreclosure relief for FHA-insured families or helping these counties to recover, HUD stands ready to help in any way we can."

HUD is:

Ø  Offering the State of Iowa and other entitlement communities the ability to re-allocate existing federal resources toward disaster relief - HUD's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs give  the State and communities  the flexibility to redirect millions of dollars to address critical needs, including housing and services for disaster  victims. HUD is currently contacting State and local officials to explore streamlining the Department's CDBG and HOME programs in order to expedite the repair and replacement of damaged housing;

Ø  Granting immediate foreclosure relief - HUD granted a 90-day moratorium on foreclosures and forbearance on foreclosures of Federal Housing Administration (FHA)-insured home mortgages; 

Ø  Making mortgage insurance available - HUD's Section 203(h) program provides FHA insurance to disaster victims who have lost their homes and are facing the daunting task of rebuilding or buying another home. Borrowers from participating FHA-approved lenders are eligible for 100 percent financing, including closing costs;

Ø  Making insurance available for both mortgages and home rehabilitation - HUD's Section 203(k) loan program enables those who have lost their homes to finance the purchase or refinance of a house along with its repair through a single mortgage. It also allows homeowners who have damaged houses to finance the rehabilitation of their existing single-family home; and

Ø  Offering Section 108 loan guarantee assistance - HUD will offer state and local governments federally guaranteed loans for housing rehabilitation, economic development and repair of public infrastructure.

Information on housing providers and HUD programs -The Department will share information with FEMA and the State on housing providers that may have available units in the impacted counties.  This includes Public Housing Agencies and Multi-Family owners.  The Department will also connect FEMA and the State to subject matter experts to provide information on HUD programs and providers.

Read about these and other HUD programs designed to assist disaster victims.

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People, Businesses in Carroll, Jo Daviess, Ogle, Stephenson and Winnebago Eligible to Apply for Low-Interest Loans

SPRINGFIELD - August 29, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today announced that the state's request for a U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) disaster declaration has been approved for several counties in Northwest Illinois that were hit by severe storms and flash flooding July 27-28. The declaration makes low-interest loans available to homeowners, renters and businesses in the primary counties of Jo Daviess and Stephenson, as well as the contiguous counties of Carroll, Ogle and Winnebago.

"This SBA declaration will support many people and businesses in these five counties who are recovering from devastating losses from the severe storms and flooding," Governor Quinn said. "The low-interest, long-term loans available through SBA will provide a much-needed helping hand as they repair and rebuild their homes and businesses."

Governor Quinn submitted the request for an SBA disaster declaration on Friday. In that request, Governor Quinn noted that Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties each had at least 25 homes or businesses that sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more.

"This SBA disaster declaration will help many people and businesses with their recovery efforts," said Jonathon Monken, director of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA). "We appreciate the SBA's quick action on Governor Quinn's request."

Also on Friday, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help local governments in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties recoup 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses. That request is still pending with the federal government.

On August 10, Governor Quinn declared the three counties state disaster areas and pledged the state's commitment to helping the area recover from the severe storms and flooding.

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Would Help Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson Counties

CHICAGO - August 26, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today requested federal assistance to help people, businesses and local governments in Carroll, Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties recover from flash flooding in late July. In a letter to President Barack Obama, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help local governments in the three counties recoup 75 percent of their disaster-related expenses. Governor Quinn also requested assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to help people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties that were affected by the 15 inches of rainfall.

"The people in Northwest Illinois have suffered through three major weather-related disasters in the past 12 months," Governor Quinn said. "With many roads washed out and hundreds of homes damaged, federal assistance is needed to help these communities quickly recover."

Earlier this week, representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with local government representatives in the three counties to review flood and storm-related expense information, including costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of government-owned facilities. That review determined that local government expenses related to the flooding total more than $7.5 million.

Representatives from IEMA, FEMA and the SBA also toured the area this week to assess damage to homes and businesses. Governor Quinn used information from the damage assessments to certify that Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties each had at least 25 homes or businesses that have sustained uninsured losses of 40 percent or more, as required for SBA assistance.

If Governor Quinn's request is approved, low-interest loans would be available to people and businesses in Jo Daviess and Stephenson counties, as well as adjacent Carroll County.

On August 10, Governor Quinn declared the three counties state disaster areas and pledged the state's commitment to helping the area recover.

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WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a major disaster declaration for several Iowa counties including Benton, Clay, Dickinson, Marshall, Story and Tama counties.  This declaration triggers the release of federal funds to help communities in this area recover from the severe storms, straight-line winds and flooding which occurred July 9 - 14, 2011.  According to FEMA, additional designations may be made at a later date if requested by the state and it is warranted by the results of further damage assessments.

FEMA will now provide public assistance to Benton, Clay, Dickinson, Marshall, Story and Tama counties through the Public Assistance Program.  The Public Assistance Program assists state and local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations for emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged facilities.

All Iowa counties are also eligible to apply for assistance through the Hazard Mitigation Grant program.  The Hazard Mitigation Grant program assists state and local governments and certain private non-profit organizations for actions taken to prevent or reduce long-term risk to life and property from natural hazards.

Grassley sent a letter to President Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe storms, flooding and tornadoes that began on July 9, 2011.

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New Laws Will Reduce Pharmaceuticals in Drinking Water, 
Allow Recycled Water to be Used for Non-Consumption Purposes

CHICAGO - August 24, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today signed three bills to improve Illinois environment and water systems. The Governor signed House Bills 2056 and 3090 to improve and enhance pharmaceutical collection and disposal programs, as well as House Bill 248, to allow recycled, treated wastewater to be used for non-consumption purposes, such as watering golf courses. 

"Pure and plentiful drinking water is every Illinois citizen's right," Governor Quinn said. "These bills will help Illinois conserve water, protect the safety of our drinking water supplies and ensure that unused medications are disposed of properly."

Large-scale, non-consumption irrigation projects - such as the maintenance of parks and golf courses - use enormous quantities of drinking-quality water. House Bill 248, sponsored by Rep. Karen May (D-Highland Park) and Sen. Susan Garrett, (D-Lake Forest), allows the North Shore Sanitary District to supply sustainable, environmentally-friendly treated wastewater to identified partners. The recycled wastewater will save large volumes of treated drinking water.

House Bill 2056, sponsored by Rep. Joann Osmond (R-Antioch) and Sen. Suzi Schmidt (R-Lake Villa), creates a pharmaceutical collection and disposal program to ensure safe disposal of excess prescription medication. The legislation began as an initiative of students from Pontiac and Antioch High Schools, both of which have been active in efforts to collect and properly dispose of unused pharmaceuticals.  The program is designed as a collaborative effort between communities, local pharmacies, police departments, hospitals, city officials and students to educate the public about the misuse and abuse of pharmaceuticals, as well as discarded pharmaceuticals' impact on the environment. Numerous studies have shown that residue from many pharmaceuticals can be found in both drinking water sources and in finished drinking water.

House Bill 3090, sponsored by Rep. Luis Arroyo, (D-Chicago) and Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago), allows a city, village, or municipality to authorize the use of its city hall or police department to display containers suitable for use as a receptacles for used, expired or unwanted pharmaceuticals.

"Every year families are left with excess prescription drugs that could be harmful if they are accessible to children who may accidently swallow them or youths who may use the drugs to get high," Senator Delgado, Chairman of the Senate Public Health Committee said. "This legislation will allow for additional locations where people can safely dispose of prescription drugs that have expired or are not needed. This initiative addresses a vital public health and safety issue."

House Bill 248 is effective immediately. House Bills 2056 and 3090 take effect Jan. 1.

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WEST BRANCH, IOWA–Visitors to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will have a couple of different opportunities this September to experience the park's 81-acre tallgrass prairie. "September is one of the most brilliant months in the prairie," said park superintendent Pete Swisher. "It's when flocks of monarch butterflies may be found among yellow goldenrods and purple asters. Our ranger-guided walks and volunteer projects are good opportunities for people to bring their questions about the prairie and the park, and to learn in more detail about our natural and cultural resources."

On Labor Day Monday, September 5 at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site national park rangers will lead guided walks of the 81-acre tallgrass prairie. Visitors can discover how and why the National Park Service is restoring this endangered habitat as part of the landscape commemorating Herbert Hoover's life. The walk is less than a mile and lasts about one hour. The walks will start at 9:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Meet at the Gravesite Parking Lot. Bring water, dress for the weather, and wear comfortable
walking shoes. Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and insect repellent are recommended. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.

On Saturday, September 24, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will participate in National Public Lands Day with a volunteer project in the 81-acre tallgrass prairie. Volunteers are needed to help remove trees, shrubs, and weeds from the grassland, or with other projects to improve the park landscape. Volunteers interested in helping on September 24 may contact Adam Prato at (319) 643-7855. Work in the prairie will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Meet at the Visitor Center at 8:30 a.m. for an orientation and to get signed up. Dress for the weather and wear comfortable work clothes. Water, sunscreen, sunglasses, hats, and insect repellent are recommended. Long pants and closed-toe footwear are required.

By the time of Herbert Hoover's birth in 1874, the tallgrass prairie in eastern Iowa was already mostly converted to farmland. The National Park Service began reconstructing the endangered habitat at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site in the 1970s. The deep-rooted native prairie plants help control erosion and runoff in the national park that is the home to Herbert Hoover's birthplace, gravesite, and Presidential Library and Museum. The prairie also provides open space and a natural setting to commemorate Herbert Hoover's contributions conserving public lands. During Hoover's presidency, the size of our national forests expanded by more than two million acres, and the land designated for new national parks and monuments increased by 40 percent.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 off I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. For more information about visiting go online to www.nps.gov/heho or call (319) 643-2541.

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