30 Jun 2011

Flooding and Stored Grain

By Joy Venhorst

AMES, Iowa -- Iowa is facing its third significant flooding situation in five years, which again raises the possibility of stored grain being inundated with floodwater. With only a few exceptions, flood soaked grain is not useable for feed or food. Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey reminded farmers in a June 21 news release that grain impacted by flood waters, whether in the field or in a bin, is considered adulterated and cannot be used for feed or food.

The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship warning states, "The grain impacted by flood should be destroyed and not blended with uncontaminated grain. This warning does not apply to immature crops that have been flooded before producing grain."

Northey said there is the potential for a wide variety of contaminants to enter grain through flood waters, so any corn or soybeans that have been submerged are considered adulterated and must be destroyed. "It appears that most of the stored grain has been moved out of areas threatened by flooding, but we wanted to alert farmers and elevators so they can still move grain if necessary," he said.

Before being sold, the grain must be reconditioned with the written consent of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The Missouri River flood waters are considered contaminated and not likely to create situations where grain can be salvaged.

Flood damaged grain is considered adulterated under Chapter 198.7 of the Iowa Code. The Code prohibits the manufacturing or distribution of any food or feed from ingredients that are adulterated.

Charles Hurburgh, Iowa State University professor in charge of the Iowa Grain Quality Initiative, reminds farmers that flooding affects both the stored grain and the storage structures. The best option is to move the grain before the flood reaches the bin, and stop using underfloor conveyors and legs once the water starts entering the pits.

"Water coming up from tiles and pits is just as suspect because storm and sanitary sewers are usually compromised in floods," Hurburgh said. "Even field tile water may contain high chemical levels and other contaminants."

A short fact sheet further outlining the handling of flood damaged grain prepared by Hurburgh and Dan Loy, ISU Extension livestock nutrition specialist, is available with other crop and livestock fact sheets on the ISU Extension Dealing with Disasters Web page at www.extension.iastate.edu/topic/recovering-disasters. These resources are updated to meet the immediate needs of Iowans coping with flooding.

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22 Jun 2011

Yard and Garden: Trees

By Joy Venhorst

Trees are one of the most valuable assets in a landscape. All properties enjoy the benefits of having healthy and beautiful trees. In addition to the aesthetic appeal, a healthy tree can add value to a property. Home gardeners with questions about the management of other tree diseases may contact the experts by emailing or calling the ISU Extension horticulture hotline at hortline@iastate.edu or 515-294-3108.

My crabapple has begun to drop some of its leaves. Why?
The leaf drop is probably due to apple scab. Apple scab is a fungal disease caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis.Cool, wet weather in spring favors apple scab development. Crabapple varieties differ in their susceptibility to apple scab. Some varieties are very susceptible to the disease, while others are resistant to apple scab.

Apple scab appears as velvety, olive-green to black spots on the crabapple leaves. Heavily infected leaves turn yellow and fall from the tree. Highly susceptible crabapple varieties may lose a large percentage of their leaves by mid-summer. Fortunately, apple scab does not kill affected trees. The damage is mainly aesthetic.

Apple scab can be prevented by applying fungicides from bud break through mid-June. For most home gardeners, however, controlling apple scab with fungicides is not practical. Sanitation also plays a role in controlling apple scab. Raking and destroying the leaves as soon as they fall should help reduce the severity of the infection next season. However, the best way to prevent apple scab is to plant scab-resistant crabapple varieties.

Why are the leaves on my pin oak yellow-green?
In Iowa, the foliage of the pin oak (Quercus palustris) often turns a sickly yellow-green. The yellow-green foliage isdue to a deficiency of iron. The problem is referred to as iron chlorosis. (A close examination of chlorotic leaves will show that while most of the leaf is yellow-green, the tissue around the major veins is a darker green.) Most soils in Iowa contain sufficient amounts of iron. However, in alkaline soils (those with a pH above 7.0), the pin oak is unable to absorb adequate amounts of iron because much of it is in an insoluble form. Since many soils in Iowa are alkaline, chlorotic pinoaks are common in Iowa. Wet soil conditions make absorption of iron even more difficult.

Correcting an iron chlorosis problem is difficult. Applying additional iron to the soil usually doesn't help. The soil already contains sufficient amounts of iron. Adding more iron doesn't overcome the problem. Lowering the soil pH to 6.0 to 6.5 would allow the roots of the pin oak to more readily absorb iron in the soil. Unfortunately, lowering the soil pH isextremely difficult, if not impossible. As a result, homeowner efforts to treat iron chlorosis are often unsuccessful.

One strategy that sometimes works is to have an arborist or other tree care professional inject an iron containing compound directly into the trunks of chlorotic pin oak trees. The effects of a trunk injection may last three or four years.

Why is my sycamore tree dropping its leaves?
The leaf drop is likely due to anthracnose. Anthracnose is a common fungal disease of sycamore, ash, maple, oak and other trees. Anthracnose is most severe in years with cool, wet spring weather. While anthracnose may cause extensive defoliation, it does not cause serious harm to healthy, well-established trees.

Symptoms of anthracnose on sycamores include brown blotches on the leaves, death of young buds and shoots, and leaf drop. In cool, wet springs, affected sycamores may lose most of their initial foliage.

Fortunately, the sycamore trees will continue to produce additional leaves and shoots through early summer. Foliage that develops in late spring and early summer shouldn't become infected as warmer, drier weather suppresses anthracnose. Most sycamores should have a good canopy of leaves by late June or early July. 

Since anthracnose does not cause serious harm to sycamores, fungicide treatments are rarely warranted.

The leaves on my peach tree are puckered and reddish in color. What is the problem?
The symptoms are those of peach leaf curl. Peach leaf curl is a fungal disease. The disease is caused by the fungusTaphrina deformans. Infections occur as the peach tree buds begin to swell in spring.

A single fungicide application will control peach leaf curl. Fungicides, such as lime sulfur, Bordeaux mixture or chlorothalonil, should be applied in fall after leaf drop or in late March before the buds begin to swell. To achieve control, all branches and twigs must be thoroughly sprayed.

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16 Jun 2011

Interior Secretary Announces Nearly $27 Million for Wetlands Grants for Migratory Birds, $3 Million for Wildlife Refuge Acquisitions

By Kim Betton
WASHINGTON, DC -  Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar announced today that the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission approved spending more than $3 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund to protect an estimated 1,600 acres of waterfowl habitat on  3 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System.  The Commission also approved $23.5 million in federal funding for grants to conserve more than 139,000 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in Canada through the North American Wetlands Conservation Act (NAWCA).

"Protecting North America's wetlands - which provide so many ecological, economic, and social benefits - is crucial," said Salazar, who chairs the Commission. "Besides providing habitat for fish, wildlife, and a variety of plants, wetlands are nurseries for many saltwater and freshwater fish and shellfish of commercial and recreational importance, and they provide hunting, fishing and other wildlife viewing opportunities for millions of Americans."

The NAWCA Standard Grants awarded today will support six Canadian projects to benefit ducks, geese, and other migratory birds on more than 139,000 acres in 12 provinces and territories. Partners will contribute more than $23.5 million in matching non-federal dollars toward these projects.
A presentation summarizing 45 projects that were previously approved for funding by the North American Wetlands Conservation Council under the NAWCA

U.S. Small Grants Program was given to the Commission.  These grant awards total more than $3 million in federal funds.  Partners will contribute more than $12 million in matching funds toward these projects, which will protect and enhance 26,050 acres of wetlands and associated habitats in 24 states from Maine to California.

Each year, the Commission pre-approves the total amount of funding to be distributed to Small Grants projects in the next fiscal year. Final project selection authority is delegated to the Council, which then reports its selections back to the Commission.  For fiscal year 2011, the Commission authorized up to $5 million to fund projects under the Small Grants program.

Examples of projects funded with NAWCA Small Grants in fiscal year 2011 include :

Arkansas: Arkansas River Valley Wetlands Restoration Phase I
Grantee: Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
This project will restore two highly degraded bottomland hardwood forests totaling 1,412 acres within the Arkansas River Valley.  Partners will restore a 411-acre bottomland hardwood forest block in the Galla Creek Wildlife Management Area in Pope County, and 1,001 acres of bottomland hardwood forest in the Nimrod Lloyd Millwood WMA in Yell County.  This project will benefit species such as mallard, wood duck, prothonotary and Kentucky warblers, and American woodcock.

California: Grasslands Wetland Enhancement
Grantee: Ducks Unlimited, Inc.
This grant project will enhance 397 previously restored acres and an additional 123 acres of seasonal wetlands by installing a water delivery pipeline that will allow habitat managers to independently flood certain wetlands while conserving water.  Species that use this habitat include mallard, northern pintail, green-winged teal, great blue heron, great egret, black-crowned night heron, and marbled godwit.

Minnesota: Madrena WMA Addition
Grantee: Pheasants Forever, Inc.
The purpose of this project is to protect key wetland-grassland complexes and provide waterfowl and grassland birds with high-quality nesting cover.  Pheasants Forever will acquire 160 acres and subsequently donate the property to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for enrollment in the DNR's Wildlife Management Area System.  This area provides critical staging and migratory habitats for lesser scaup, canvasbacks, ring-necked ducks, and other waterfowl.

New Hampshire: Pawtuckaway River Greenway, Phase II
Grantee: Southeast Land Trust of New Hampshire
This project will expand a block of conservation land along the Pawtuckaway River by acquiring and protecting a large, unfragmented parcel of land.  Protecting this parcel will preserve important wetland resources; protect diverse habitat for waterfowl, wetland birds, and other migratory birds; and provide public access for outdoor recreation, including hiking, skiing, fishing, and hunting.  These shallow marsh wetlands and associated uplands provide nesting, foraging, and migratory habitat for mallard and wood duck and migrating American woodcock, among other species.

Examples of projects funded with NAWCA Standard Grants in Canada in fiscal year 2011 include :

Canadian Prairie/Parkland and Western Boreal Habitat Program
Grantee: Ducks Unlimited Canada

This proposal is the next step in a multi-year commitment by Ducks Unlimited Canada to contribute to achieving the goals and objectives of the Prairie Habitat Joint Venture.  This proposal will secure 122,951 acres, enhance 7,411 acres of wetland and associated upland habitat, and influence another 4,637,887 acres through extension activities.

NCC Quebec & Atlantic: Protecting Wetland and Upland Habitat, Eastern Habitat Joint Venture
Grantee: Nature Conservancy Canada
Project activities will focus on preserving important breeding and migratory habitat, staging and molting habitat, and wintering habitat for waterfowl, shorebirds, grassland, and colonial bird species. Priority waterfowl species directly benefiting from these activities include American black duck, green-winged teal and Canada goose.

The Commission approved the purchase of wetland habitat that will be added to 6 units of the National Wildlife Refuge System to secure breeding, resting, and feeding habitat. These acquisitions are funded with proceeds from sales of the Migratory Bird Hunting and Conservation Stamp, otherwise known as the Federal
Duck Stamp. These acquisitions include :

NEW REFUGE BOUNDARY AND PRICE APPROVAL
Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Oregon - This is the first time that Nestucca Bay NWR is coming to the Commission.  Proposal is for boundary approval of 3,435 acres containing a mix of fee and easement acquisitions with 54 owners.  Price approval request is for 21 acres in fee from one owner.

BOUNDARY ADDITION AND PRICE APPROVAL
San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, Texas - Proposal is for boundary addition and price approval of 1,544 acres in fee from two owners.

PRICE APPROVAL
Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, West Virginia - Proposal is for price approval of 73 acres in fee from one owner.
For every dollar spent on Federal Duck Stamps, ninety-eight cents goes directly to purchase vital habitat for protection in the National Wildlife Refuge System.

The Migratory Bird Conservation Commission oversees the use of Federal Duck Stamp funds for the purchase and lease of these wetland habitats for national wildlife refuges. To date, more than 5.3 million acres of wetlands have been purchased using more than $750 million in Duck Stamp revenue.
More information about the approved NAWCA grant programs and projects is available on the Web at: http://www.fws.gov/birdhabitat/Grants/NAWCA/index.shtm.

The Commission includes Senators Thad Cochran of Mississippi and Mark Pryor of Arkansas, Representatives John Dingell of Michigan and Robert Wittman of Virginia, Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack and Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, as well as state representatives serving as ex-officio members who vote on projects located within their respective states.

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.
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10 Jun 2011

Sustainable Clinton public forum

By Sisters of St. Francis

Sunday afternoon, June 12

From 2:00–3:00 pm at The Canticle

843 Thirteenth Avenue North, Clinton, Iowa

During the past year, the Clinton Franciscan Center for Active Nonviolence & Peacemaking has sponsored a series of programs exploring how to achieve a Sustainable Clinton. Now we are planning an open, public forum that will enable our neighbors to unite and work together to make our community a healthier place for all.

We invite you to join us as we listen and learn what environmental issues are of concern to each other and then determine ways we can make a difference together.

07 Jun 2011

More Than $1 Million to Iowa from FEMA

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Senator Chuck Grassley today said that the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has awarded funding totaling $1,853,527 to Iowa the through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, Iowa will use the funds to upgrade 42.9 miles of electric distribution line, so that it can better withstand severe weather.  This is part of Iowa's Consumers Energy Overhead Electric Retrofit Project.

FEMA obligates funding for these projects directly to the state.  It is the state's responsibility to ensure that the eligible sub-grantees receive these awards.  FEMA contributes 75 percent of the total cost of a project.  State and local entities contribute the other 25 percent.

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07 Jun 2011

Governor Quinn Requests Federal Assistance for Local Governments Affected by Flooding

By Laurel White

Seeks Federal Reimbursement to Help Local Governments in Southern Illinois Recover Costs Related to Floods

CHICAGO - June 6 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today asked President Barack Obama for federal assistance to help local governments in 21 southern Illinois counties recover from major flooding and severe storms this spring. State and local government expenses related to the floods and storms are estimated at more than $20 million.

Counties requested include Alexander, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Jefferson, Lawrence, Marion, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Randolph, Saline, Union, Wabash, Washington, Wayne, White and Williamson.

"Southern Illinois communities came together to fight widespread flooding and severe storms throughout the region," said Governor Quinn. "That response helped save lives, but many communities will be unable to fully recover without federal assistance, which is why we must help them get the tools they need to rebuild."

In late May, representatives from the Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) met with local government representatives in nearly two dozen counties to review flood and storm-related expense information, including costs for emergency protective measures, debris removal and repair or replacement of governmental-owned facilities. Documentation of those expenses, along with costs incurred by the State of Illinois related to flood and storm response, was submitted with Governor Quinn's request.

The counties included in the request all appear to meet or exceed the federal government's $3.27 per capita threshold for eligible expenses.

In late May, Governor Quinn requested federal assistance to help people and businesses recover from flooding and severe storms. The state is awaiting a decision on that request. If approved, people affected by the storms and floods would be eligible to apply for grants and low-interest SBA loans. In addition, affected businesses would be able to apply for low-interest SBA loans.

On April 25, Governor Quinn issued a state disaster proclamation for the flooding and severe storms.  The State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield was activated for more than two weeks to coordinate state support to communities battling flood waters on several rivers in Southern Illinois.

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31 May 2011

Tree Identification Booklet from the Arbor Day Foundation Makes It Easier to Identify Tree Species in Iowa

By Arbor Day Foundation

The Arbor Day Foundation has a booklet that helps people identify trees in a simple, step-by-step process. The booklet, What Tree Is That?, is available for a $5 donation to the nonprofit tree-planting organization.

What Tree Is That? is a fun, easy-to-use tree identification guide that features hand-drawn botanical illustrations highlighting the distinctive characteristics of many tree species.

Nature lovers and professional arborists alike have called this pocket field guide one of the most user-friendly resources to have. Its beautiful, full-color illustrations are in precise detail to depict natural colors, shapes, and textures, so users can make a positive species identification in just a few easy steps.

The Arbor Day Foundation offers this booklet to help people identify trees in Iowa and throughout the Eastern and Central regions of the United States. What Tree Is That? uses a unique step-by-step approach to identify the species of each tree. The booklet explains what to look for in the shape of the leaves and differences in the leaf stems and twig structures, specifics on the fruits and flowers, and the details of buds and bark.

"Our What Tree Is That? pocket brochure is an ideal resource to help people develop a greater appreciation for trees," said John Rosenow, chief executive and founder of the Arbor Day Foundation. "The Arbor Day Foundation strives to help people enjoy and appreciate trees, and we feel our pocket field guide will do just that."

What Tree is That? is also available as an online interactive version at arborday.org. The Arbor Day Foundation offers this unique, one-of-a-kind online tool so people can identify trees using the internet.

To obtain a tree identification guide in full color, send your name and address and $5 for each guide to What Tree Is That?, Arbor Day Foundation, Nebraska City, NE 68410. You can also order the book online at arborday.org.

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09 May 2011

Disaster Aid to Iowa after Severe Storms, Tornadoes and Wind

By Sen Chuck Grassley

WASHINGTON - May 5, 2011 - Senator Chuck Grassley today said President Barack Obama has issued a major disaster declaration for Iowa, triggering the release of FEMA funds to help Iowa recover from the severe storms, tornadoes and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.  Additional designations may be made at a later date after further evaluation.

"The damage caused by the storms and tornadoes warranted this designation and I'm glad the President addressed it quickly," Grassley said.  "These funds will help Iowans clean up the damage."

FEMA will provide assistance to Buena Vista, Cherokee, Ida, Monona, Pocahontas, and Sac 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.

Last week, Grassley sent a letter to Obama asking him to grant Governor Terry Branstad's request to declare Iowa a major disaster area as a result of the severe storms, tornadoes, and straight-line winds that occurred on April 9-10, 2011.

A copy of the text of Grassley's letter can be found by clicking here.

09 May 2011

Governor Quinn Urges People to Stay Out Of Flooded Areas until Deemed Safe

By Laurel White

Robust State Response Supports Local Flood Efforts

SPRINGFIELD - May 4, 2011. Governor Pat Quinn today urged people who have evacuated from flooded communities to heed instruction from public officials about returning to their homes. Ten communities have issued voluntary evacuation orders, while the city of Cairo called for a mandatory evacuation as river levels in the area began climbing to new record highs.

"We've seen water levels drop in some areas following the Army Corps of Engineers' action Monday evening, but we're not out of the woods yet," said Governor Quinn. "These are very difficult times for people who were forced from their homes. But it's very important that everyone follow instructions from public officials, who are working day and night to protect lives during this dangerous situation."

On Monday, Governor Quinn traveled to Cairo, where he met with local officials working to save the town of nearly 3,000 from record-breaking flood levels on the Ohio River. Governor Quinn first traveled to southern Illinois on April 28 to visit the devastated community of Olive Branch.

Governor Quinn said the state last week implemented a robust response to flooding in southern Illinois.  Hundreds of state personnel, Illinois National Guard troops and correctional inmates have been involved in efforts to bolster strained levees, assist local officials and ensure public safety.

Highlights of the state's response to date include :

Illinois Emergency Management Agency

  • Coordinating state's flood response through 24-hour operation of the State Emergency Operations Center in Springfield, the Unified Area Command post in Marion, and an Incident Command post in Alexander County.
  • Providing equipment, including nearly 200 portable radios, two mobile command vehicles, two portable communications suites, a supply trailer, equipment to reinforce emergency communications and a mobile fuel tank to support Illinois National Guard operations.

Illinois National Guard

  • Nearly 450 troops have been deployed to various locations throughout southern Illinois to assist with sandbagging, levee patrol, traffic control, welfare checks and more.
  • An Illinois National Guard Chinook helicopter was used to move and position more than 2,500 sandbags on a levee in Murphysboro.

Illinois Department of Corrections

  • Working around the clock, inmates at the Tamms, DuQuoin, Dixon Springs, Hardin and Vienna facilities have already filled more than 475,000 sandbags for sandbagging operations in seven counties.
  • Inmate crews have filled thousands of sandbags in several counties since April 25. On Wednesday, nearly 100 inmates are assisting with sandbagging in three counties.
  • Inmates are washing laundry for Illinois National Guard troops deployed for flooding, while others have assisted with moving files and equipment from flood-threatened state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Natural Resources

  • Continual updates from IDNR's water resource experts on flood projections and levee conditions are critical to planning and response efforts.
  • Nearly 50 conservation officers and 25 fishery biologists with 50 boats have been deployed to perform levee patrols, welfare checks and delivery of bottled water. DNR personnel have performed more than 450 evacuations and rescues in the affected areas.
  • Teams also have transported utility workers to shut off utilities and assisted the U.S. Postal Service with mail deliveries is areas inaccessible due to floodwaters.

Illinois Department of Public Health

  • Deployed a nine-member Illinois Medical Emergency Response Team (IMERT) to handle medical needs at the American Red Cross shelters.
  • Coordinating with local health departments in southern Illinois to ensure they have an adequate supply of tetanus shots.

Central Management Services

  • Locating, procuring and ensuring delivery of needed supplies, such as sandbags, plastic, pumps, generators, drinking water, shovels and more.
  • Supported relocation of critical files and electronic equipment from state offices in Cairo and Metropolis.

Illinois Department of Transportation

  • IDOT personnel have delivered more than 2 million sandbags, along with delivery of sand, plastic, water, pumps, hoses and other needed supplies.
  • Supporting road closures and traffic control efforts in flood-impacted areas.
  • More than 8,600 staff hours and 7,900 equipment hours already have been dedicated to the flood response.

Illinois State Police

  • Conducting two flights a day to assess levees and bridges in the affected area.
  • Assisting local officials with evacuations, security and other law enforcement services.
  • Controlling access over the 60/62 bridge into Missouri

American Red Cross

  • Operating seven shelters for people displaced by the floods.  More than 200 people stayed at the shelters Tuesday night.
  • To date, more than 13,000 meals and snacks have been provided to people and responders.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency

  • Monitoring public water supplies and wastewater treatment facilities in the affected area for impacts on operations.
  • Monitoring for potential hazardous materials releases.
  • Preparing for potential post-flood environmental issues.

Illinois Commerce Commission

  • Coordinating with utility companies in the affected area to maintain awareness of power outages and related issues.
  • Working with utilities on power restoration plans.

Office of the State Fire Marshal

  • Continually assessing readiness of fire departments in the affected area.

Illinois Department of Agriculture

  • Arranging for potential sheltering needs for pets of people evacuated from their homes.

Illinois Department on Aging

  • Coordinating with local Area Agencies on Aging on flood-related issues.

Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS)

  • The state's fire service mutual aid organization has deployed 17 light towers, six decontamination trailers (shower facilities), and two "tent cities" that are accommodating more than 200 Illinois National Guard troops and 60 Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) personnel in Marion.
  • Deployed trailer to support Unified Area Command.

Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS)

  • The state's law enforcement mutual aid organization is supplementing local law enforcement in several counties 64 officers.
  • Providing security at shelters as needed.

Illinois Emergency Services Management Agency (IESMA)

  • The state's emergency management mutual aid organization has provided more than 30 emergency managers to assist local emergency management agencies with planning, logistics and evacuations.

Illinois Telecommunicator Emergency Response Task Force (IL-TERT)

  • Two three-person teams are assisting with logistical communications in the Unified Area Command during this first-ever activation of the state's telecommunicator mutual aid organization.  Additional personnel are prepared to rotate into service later this week.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.

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03 May 2011

Office of the Governor Statement on Army Corps' Decision

By Rick Martin

MARION - May 2, 2011. The Office of Governor Pat Quinn today released this statement regarding Illinois ongoing response to flooding in Southern Illinois.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has announced its decision to crevasse the Birds Point-New Madrid Levee, an important step to ensure public safety as we respond to this crisis.

Today, Governor Quinn met in Cairo with Gen. Walsh, who is leading the efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Governor continues to monitor the situation and remains in frequent contact with Gen. Walsh, as well as state and local officials working on the ground in flood-affected areas.

On Saturday, the Governor sent a letter requesting that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers complete its plan to crevasse the Birds Point-New Madrid Floodway, on behalf of thousands of people across southern Illinois, including the 3,000 citizens of Cairo.

Illinois' preparation began weeks before the crisis, and the Governor continues working to fulfill the needs of those carrying out flood-response efforts.

While visiting Cairo today, Governor Quinn announced the call up of 100 additional National Guard personnel, sending nearly 450 servicemembers to flood-affected areas in Illinois.

Additionally, the Administration today authorized nurses and other medical professionals to assist with an additional range of duties during the crisis to ensure that health and safety concerns of those affected by the flooding are being met.

More information about the state's flood response and flood safety is available on the Ready Illinois website at www.Ready.Illinois.gov.  For information regarding insurance claims related to flooding, visit the Illinois Department of Insurance website at http://insurance.illinois.gov/HomeInsurance/flood.asp or call 866-445-5364."                

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