Support Your School and Win Free Trees for Your Campus In the Root for Your Home Team Contest at arbordaynow.org

Nebraska City, Neb. (Oct. 20, 2010) - College students can show their school spirit with just the click of a mouse and at the same time help add beauty to their school's campus. Tree Campus USA invites students, alums, donors and supporters to vote for their favorite Tree Campus USA school and win free trees for their campus in the Root for Your Home Team contest, which is sponsored by the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota.

To vote, simply go to www.arbordaynow.org/root, sign up to become a Tree Planter and select a Tree Campus USA college or university to receive your vote. The school with the most votes will receive $2,500 in free trees, which will be planted on campus in the spring. Voting is open to everyone but only those schools that earned Tree Campus USA recognition in 2009 are eligible to win trees. Last year, the Arbor Day Foundation recognized 74 colleges and universities as Tree Campus USA communities, including the University of Iowa.

For a complete list of Tree Campus USA colleges and universities, go to http://www.arborday.org/programs/treeCampusUSA/campuses.cfm.

Anyone can sign up to be a Tree Planter and vote for their favorite Tree Campus USA school from now until Nov. 5. As a Tree Planter, individuals will be the first to learn about tree-planting opportunities in their area, receive monthly messages with ways to make a positive impact on the environment and will be eligible to participate in other contests at www.arbordaynow.org.

To become a Tree Campus USA college or university, a school must meet five core standards of tree care and community engagement. Those requirements are: establishing a campus tree advisory committee; providing evidence of a campus tree-care plan; having dedicated annual expenditures on the campus tree plan; observing Arbor Day; and offering service-learning projects aimed at engaging the student body.

Remember, only the school with the most registered Tree Planters will receive free trees from the Arbor Day Foundation and Toyota, so sign up and vote today.

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CHAMPAIGN, Ill.?As the weather shifts and leaves start to turn color, you may think that your trees are going to sleep and can take care of themselves until spring.  But, there's actually a lot you can do for them now to make their transition into winter a smoother one.

"While your trees seem to be in a state of hibernation in the winter, exposure to the tough conditions can cause them major stress," says Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA). "Minimize stress by helping your trees through the cold months, a little at a time. If you take care of your trees in the winter, you'll be rewarded in the spring."

So, here are two small ways to make a big difference for your trees this fall:

Fertilizing

At times, it can be hard to determine if fertilization is necessary.  A homeowner's goal for fertilization should always be to supply nutrients determined to be lacking to achieve the best health for their trees without over fertilizing. An ISA Certified Arborist may be needed to help clarify reasons for a tree's failure to thrive.  However, basic guidelines for fertilization include :

·       Overcome a visible nutrient deficiency
·       Eliminate a deficiency that an ISA Certified Arborist detected through soil or leaf analysis
·       Increase vegetative growth, flowering, or fruiting of trees
·       Increase the vitality of the tree

Take note, however, that when a tree is not thriving, or is showing signs of stress, fertilization may not always be the answer.   Fertilizing a tree may not be necessary when:

·       An ISA Certified Arborist has determined that there are sufficient levels of all essential elements, and that growth rate and condition of the tree are acceptable
·       Potential pest problems have been detected
·       Herbicide may be causing residual damage to the plant

Some pest problems can be made worse with fertilizers.  Additional nutrients can increase pest populations or reduce the tree's ability to fight off the stress caused by pests.  Correct diagnosis requires a careful examination of the situation. Treatment depends on many specific factors. Responsible arborists practice "prescription fertilization" by only adding what is needed to reach your tree health objectives.  Over fertilization can be a source of ground pollution and effect nearby water sources.

Mulching

Urban landscapes are typically harsh environments with poor soil conditions, little organic matter, and big fluctuations in temperature and moisture?all "unfriendly" growing situations for trees. A two to four inch layer of organic mulch can mimic a more natural environment for trees and improve overall plant health.

To ensure the health of your trees and plants, follow these practical mulching tips to landscape like the pros:

·       For well-drained sites, apply a two to four inch layer of mulch. If drainage problems exist, use a thinner layer.
·       If mulch is already present, check the depth. Do not add mulch if there is already a sufficient layer (2 to 4 inches) in place. Instead, rake the old mulch to break up any matted layers and refresh the appearance.
·       Avoid placing mulch against the tree trunks.
·       If mulch is already piled against the stems or tree trunks, pull it back several inches so that the base of the trunk and the root crown are exposed.
·       Mulch out to the tree's drip line or beyond if possible.
·       Most commonly available mulches work well in most landscapes. Be mindful of the fact that some plants may benefit from the use of a slightly acidifying mulch such as pine bark.
·       Organic mulches are preferable for their soil-enhancing properties. Be sure it is well aerated and composted to avoid sour-smelling mulch.
·       Avoid using uncomposted wood chips that have been piled deeply without exposure to oxygen. Use composted wood chips instead, especially when they contain a blend of leaves, bark, and wood.

When you care for your trees, they will reward you for years to come.  For more information on tree care, visit www.treesaregood.org.
ROCK ISLAND, Ill., - As repairs to property damaged by 2010 flooding takes place, the first thing that comes to mind may be obtaining the proper building permits. There is one permit that is often overlooked, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit.

Many damages are on high ground and do not require permits under the Corps' authorities. However, some repairs must be permitted by the Corps.

Repair of Structures

If repairs involve a discharge of dredged or fill material into a stream or wetland for the replacement of a previously authorized, currently serviceable, structure or fill to its pre-disaster condition, the work is authorized by Nationwide Permit Three. Any work related to repairing flood damage should commence, or be under contract to commence, within two years of the flood.

Removal of Flood-Deposited Sediment and Debris

If the removal involves flood-deposited sediment and debris from the navigable waters listed on our website, http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Regulatory/Documents/navwaters.pdf, you are required to file an application and receive a response from the Corps. This type of work is limited to an area within 200 feet of an existing structure. All excavated material must be deposited and retained in an upland, non-wetland location.

Permits are not needed from the Corps if work does not involve the above rivers or flood-deposited sediment and debris is not returned or placed in any water of the United States, including wetlands.

Restoration of Altered Streams

If stream channels have completely changed course due to this year's flooding, or if a secondary channel has scoured out on the flood plain, the area may be restored to the 2010 pre-flood conditions under Nationwide Permit 27. Restored stream banks should be protected with riprap or water-tolerant vegetation. Written verification should be received from this office prior to starting work.

Restoration of Upland Areas

If discharges of dredged or fill material into waters of the United States are necessary to restore upland areas lost because of the flooding, the work can be conducted with a Nationwide Permit 45. Property lost through gradual erosion over a period of years may not be reconstructed under this nationwide permit. Written verification should be received from this office prior to starting work.

Work on Federal Lands

Individuals proposing any work on federal land should contact the Rock Island District Real Estate Division office at (309) 794-5234 or (309) 794-5201 to determine what permissions are needed before commencing work.

All terms and conditions for the above Nationwide Permits are included in the Fact Sheets available at http://www2.mvr.usace.army.mil/Regulatory/. Please select the Nationwide Permit section for your state. Application forms and instructions are also available at this website.

Should you have any questions about Corps permits or need an application, please call Donna Jones at 309-794-5371, email donna.m.jones@usace.army.mil, or write to the Rock Island District, ATTN: Regulatory Branch, P. O. Box 2004, Rock Island, IL 61204

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State College, Pa. -- 4 October 2010 -- AccuWeather.com reports autumn kicked in full swing across the Midwest this weekend, as the coldest air of the season invaded the region.

Midwesterners have been waking up to frost and freezing temperatures over the past few days. Another round is in store for areas from Iowa and Missouri to Wisconsin and Michigan Tuesday morning.

Parts of the interior Southeast, including portions of Kentucky and Tennessee, will also be affected.

Lows tonight will dip near or below freezing across northern parts of Michigan and Wisconsin. While areas farther south will not get quite that chilly, it will be cold enough for frost to form under clear skies.

People in St. Louis and Cape Girardeau, Mo., Madison, Wis., and some northern and western suburbs of Chicago and Indianapolis may want to allow extra time to scrape frost off their windows Tuesday morning if their vehicles are not parked in a garage.

Sensitive outdoor plants and vegetables will also need to be protected again tonight.

For the Upper Midwest, the first frost has been right on time. For the lower Midwest and interior Southeast, however, it is a bit premature. Typically, these areas do not get their first frost until middle or late October.

For most places across the Midwest, the threat of frost and freezing temperatures will end after Tuesday morning.

However, areas from southeastern Missouri into Tennessee and Kentucky could endure one more round Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

If you have questions or want to speak to a meteorologist, contact: 

Roberti@AccuWeather.com

(Kansas City, Kan., Oct. 4, 2010) - EPA Region 7 has issued its approval of Iowa's Antidegradation Policy and Implementation Procedures, which are to be used by the Iowa Department of Natural Resources to protect high quality Iowa waters.  High quality waters are those with pollutant levels lower than what is required by state regulations.

"Implementation of the rule will yield great water benefits to the residents of Iowa and people who visit the state," said Karl Brooks, regional administrator.  "The rule helps guarantee Iowa's waters to be safe for aquatic life and recreational activities."

Iowa is obligated under the Clean Water Act (CWA) to develop and adopt a statewide antidegradation policy and to identify procedures for implementing the policy.  Antidegradation refers to federal regulations designed to maintain and protect high quality waters and existing water quality in other waters from unnecessary pollution.  It also provides avenues for the public to engage in determining acceptable levels of pollution.

There are three components to water quality standards: water body uses such as swimming and fishing, the criteria to protect those uses and an antidegradation policy to preserve the high quality of minimally polluted waters.

EPA oversees the protection of water quality as required by the CWA.  The Agency is working with the public, community leaders, local and state agencies to meet the growing needs and demands on our water resources.

EPA's September 30, 2010, decision letter provides a more detailed description of EPA's review and the basis for this action.  The decision letter is available at http://epa.gov/region7/news_events/legal/

# # #

For more information about water-related activities in EPA Region 7, visit  www.epa.gov/region07/water/

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and other federal, state and local agencies are conducting a meeting of the Regional Flood Risk Management Team (RFRMT) on October 15, at the Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, Ill. The meeting takes place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Blackhawk Conference Room.

The media are invited to meet with Team officials from noon - 12:15 p.m. to discuss the RFRMT and its initiatives.

The Corps is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal, state and local agencies as a Regional Flood Risk Management Team providing a uniform approach across the Upper Mississippi River Basin in five states. The team is an umbrella organization designed to look at flood plain management at a regional level and to collaboratively develop a regional approach to optional long-term flood risk reduction approaches, with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life by minimizing damages and increasing safety. Flood risk management is a shared responsibility and is a partnership among federal, state and local government agencies, local authorities and private landowners.

More information about this interagency watershed initiative is available at http://www.mvd.usace.army.mil/rfrmt/. Additional information about FEMA is available at www.fema.gov and the Corps of Engineers is available at www.usace.army.mil.

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Native Ways Program Planned

On Saturday, September 11th from 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will be hosting a native ways program.  Come learn how the Native Americans lived by learning how to track animals, make pottery, weave rope, start a fire and build a model wickiup.  Please bring a lunch, or items to prepare on an open fire (we'll provide the fire and roasting sticks).  Family fun for everyone!  Please call to register by calling (563) 328-3286.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

 

Observatory Open House

On Saturday, September 11 at dusk the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host an observation of the night's sky at the Monsignor Menke Observatory.  Join Dr. Mitchell, director, for a celestial tour of the summer sky.  Please call (563) 333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions will permit viewing.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

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AMERICA VOTES CHAD PREGRACKE, A RIVER CRUSADER FROM EAST MOLINE, ILLINOIS, GRAND PRIZE WINNER OF MITCHUM'S HARDEST WORKING PERSON IN AMERICA CONTEST

(see letter from Chad below)

Documentarians Albert Maysles & Bradley Kaplan to feature Pregracke in a Mitchum Hardest Working film airing on Sundance Channel this Fall

(New York, NY - August 18, 2010) - At the culmination of Mitchum's four-month long "Hardest Working Person in America" (HWPIA) contest, America has named Chad Pregracke, the founder of Living Lands & Waters - a not-for-profit organization dedicated to cleaning up and preserving the nation's rivers - Mitchum's "Hardest Working Person in America." After receiving more than 50,000 votes, Pregracke was awarded the $100,000 grand prize from Mitchum and will be among the subjects featured in a short film by acclaimed documentary director Albert Maysles and partner Bradley Kaplan. The film is set to premiere on Sundance Channel this fall. Mitchum's "Hardest Working" campaign was Mitchum's first new brand campaign in five years and was created by director and producer Brett Ratner, founder of the creative content company Brett Ratner Brands (BRB).

"Chad Pregracke epitomizes the drive and dedication embodied in Mitchum's hardest working person in America contest," said Alan T. Ennis, CEO of Revlon, Mitchum's parent company. "Chad's work in preserving the Mississippi, Illinois and other rivers for the enjoyment of all truly justified America's decision to vote him the winner."

Pregracke founded Living Lands & Waters, a not-for-profit organization based in East Moline, Illinois, in 1998, which cleans up and preserves our nation's rivers. Today, the organization has grown to include ten full-time employees and a fleet of four barges, a towboat, six workboats, two skid steers, five work trucks and a large box truck.  With this equipment, the crew is able to travel and work in an average of nine states a year along the Mississippi, Illinois, Ohio, Missouri, and Potomac Rivers, as well as many of their tributaries.  Since the project's inception, Pregracke, his crew, and more than 60,000 volunteers have collected over six million pounds of debris from our nation's greatest rivers.

"I'd like to thank Mitchum and America for honoring me as the Hardest Working Person," said Chad Pregracke. "Although Mitchum's contest focused solely on my efforts, I can't accomplish the mission without the help from a dedicated bunch of conservationists and thousands of volunteers that allow us to keep the rivers clean."

As the Grand Prize Winner of Mitchum's HWPIA contest, Pregracke will be featured, along with other hard working Americans, in a short film by legendary documentarian Albert Maysles and award-winning co-filmmaker Bradley Kaplan. The film is scheduled to premiere on Sundance Channel this fall.

"Capturing Chad's work on the river, doing the job he loves and we admire, will be an important and inspiring story to tell," said Albert Maysles. "Along with the Mitchum brand, I am honored to profile Chad and his team as they tackle the Mississippi, and we hope to offer an engaging look at this conservation crusader, hero that he is."

Receiving the second highest number of votes, Ripley, West Virginia resident Jason Perlak was named the Second Prize Winner of Mitchum's campaign and will receive a $20,000 cash prize. He is the founder and camp director of The Wilderness Christian Camp, an organization dedicated to build character, respect, and leadership in young campers.  Mitchum and Brett Ratner also presented an "Audience Award" to Pregracke for his video, which received the most votes in the first round of the contest.  Pregracke will receive an additional $5,000 prize and a "golden" Mitchum trophy.

"From a drill sergeant, fighter pilot and working mother, to a custodian, blacksmith and an actor, Americans cast nearly 90,000 votes to determine the winner of Mitchum's Hardest Working campaign," said Brett Ratner. "Their reality films offered a rare bird's eye view into our neighbors' lives and provided a source of inspiration on the tireless efforts of Americans every day."

Mitchum's HWPIA campaign launched in May 2010 and was designed to find, highlight and reward the hardest working man or woman in the country. Mitchum received more than 150 video submissions from hard working men and women from across the country.  The top ten finalists were announced in July and Mitchum asked Americans to go to www.mitchumhardestworking.com and vote for the person they thought most deserved the title.

Brett Ratner Brands worked in conjunction with CAA Marketing, a division of Creative Artists Agency, on the marketing aspects of this campaign.

Dear Friends,

Ever since Mike Rowe, Dirties Jobs host and Ford spokesperson, called to tell me he was nominating me for Mitchum's "Hardest Working ____ in America" contest, I've been amazed at the number of people who have come up to me in random places such as gas stations, boat ramps, on the street, etc. to congratulate me. Without your votes and support, I would not have made it into the top 10, let alone win the Grand Prize and the "Audience Award". In the end, I received over 50,000 of the total 90,000 votes!

Not only is the money unbelievably cool but Albert Maysles, a legendary documentarian, will be coming to the Quad Cities to film next week. He has filmed documentaries such as "The Beatles: The First U.S. Visit" and "Gimme Shelter", a film on the Rolling Stones. He has already given me backstage passes to all upcoming Rolling Stone shows (just kidding - they're not even touring)!

Again, I can't thank all of you enough for, not only this huge honor, but all of your support through the years.

Sincerely,

Chad

QUAD CITIES?Volunteers at the seventh annual Xstream Cleanup on Saturday, August 14 removed approximately 50,573 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dumping sites. Cleanups were held at 42 locations in Bettendorf, Davenport and LeClaire, Iowa; Campbell's Island, Coal Valley, East Moline, Milan, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

1,243 volunteers worked a total of 3,394 hours and collectively gathered 1,287 bags of trash, 682 tires, 14 appliances, 10 bicycles, 25 pieces of furniture, 13 televisions and 16 mattresses. This was the equivalent of 25,730 pounds of trash, 22,968 pounds of tires, 1,050 pounds of appliances, 195 pounds of televisions, 400 pounds of mattresses and 230 pounds of bicycles for a grand total of 50,573 pounds.

Additional items, reflected in the pounds above, included:
· Automotive-related items (bumper, muffler, van seats, front of car, rims, engine head, doors, battery, gas cans)
· Home items (carpet, shingles, siding, sink, chandelier, storm door, laundry basket, filing cabinet, air conditioner, six grills, four toilets, clothing, blankets)
· Metal (fence, pipe, sheet metal, iron tubes, tools, 80 lb metal chain)
· Kids' items (car seat, sled, swing set, slide, inflatable pool, kite, stroller)
· Large items (farm implements, lawn mower, car, part of a camper, two boats, bench grinder, railroad hand cart)
· Electronics (VCRs, TVs, computers)
· Miscellaneous (tiki light, Bettendorf HS sign, fisherman's basket with fish, traffic light, bowling ball, wheelbarrow, channel buoy, shopping carts, eight barrels, picnic bench, gas station sign, Styrofoam, 5-gallon buckets)

In addition, this year the following locations worked on beautification efforts:
· Nahant Marsh: removed 33 cubic yards of invasive species.
· North High School grounds: pulled 75 invasive trees and shrubs and planted 175 native plants.
· West Lake Park: removed one acre of invasive honeysuckle (the equivalent of 150 mature plants).
· Duck Creek at Middle Park in Bettendorf: removed 40 garbage bags of invasive species.
· Duck Creek at Fairmount in Davenport: removed three 30-yard dumpsters of woody invasive species.

Photos of several cleanup sites can be viewed on-line at www.xstreamcleanup.org.

This event was sponsored by the following:
Presenting Sponsor: Riverboat Development Authority

Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, iLivehere: myhome ourcommunity, and Living Lands & Waters

Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Community Foundation of the Great River Bend, The Moline Foundation, THE National Bank, Rock Island County Waste Management Agency

Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, Independent Insurance Agents of Scott County, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, Mel Foster Company, Oystar Packaging Technologies, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Manufacturing

Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Davenport, East Moline, LeClaire, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis. Allied Waste, Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Radish Magazine, River Roots Live, Waste Commission of Scott County

With Help From: Coca-Cola Bottling Company, Downtown Partnership, Division of Iowa Quad Cities Chamber, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection, Midas Auto Systems Experts, Wallaces Garden Center


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On Saturday, August 14 at dusk the Wapsi River Environmental Education Center will host an observation of the night's sky at the Monsignor Menke Observatory. Join Dr. Mitchell, director, for a celestial tour of the summer sky.  Please call (563) 333-6141 on the day of the event to find out if the weather conditions will permit viewing.

The Wapsi River Environmental Education Center can be found 6 miles south of Wheatland or 1 mile northwest of Dixon, Iowa by taking County Road Y4E.  Then turn north at 52nd Avenue and follow the signs for about 1 mile.

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