09 Sep 2015

U.S. Coast Guard cutter reaches North Pole during historic expedition

By Lt. Donnie Brzuska

ARCTIC OCEAN – U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Healy, homeported in Seattle, arrived at the North Pole Sept. 5, 2015, becoming the first U.S. surface ship to do so unaccompanied. This is also only the fourth time a U.S. surface vessel has ever reached the North Pole, and the first since 2005.

Healy's crew and science party, totaling 145 people, departed Dutch Harbor, Alaska Aug. 9, in support of GEOTRACES, an historic, international effort to study the geochemistry of the world's oceans. This National Science Foundation funded expedition is focused on studying the Arctic Ocean to meet a number of scientific goals, including the creation of baseline measurements of the air, ice, snow, seawater, meltwater and ocean bottom sediment for future comparisons.

The United States is an Arctic Nation and the Coast Guard has operated in the Arctic since the 1860s.  Reaching the North Pole serves as a testament to the Coast Guard's continued ability to provide access and presence throughout this increasingly important and operationally challenging region of the world.

Healy is the United States' newest high-latitude vessel. It is a 420-foot, 16,000-ton, 30,000-horsepower icebreaker, capable of breaking over ten feet of ice. In addition to performing the Coast Guard's other statutory missions such as law enforcement and search and rescue, Healy is a research platform with extensive laboratory spaces, multiple oceanographic deck winches, and berthing for 50 scientists.

As the Arctic region continues to open up to development, the data gathered onboard Healy during this cruise will become ever more essential to understanding how the scientific processes of the Arctic work, and how to most responsibly exercise stewardship over the region.

Please click here for video of the Coast Guard Cutter Healy crew operating in the Arctic Ocean during a search and rescue exercise July 14, 2015.

Please click here for video of Capt. Jason Hamilton, commanding officer, Coast Guard Cutter Healy, talking about the cutter's missions in the Arctic this year.

Please click here for the latest blogs about Healy's voyage. You can read mission reports from the Healy here.

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09 Sep 2015

Preserving and Restoring Our Water, Soil and Lands

By Robert Jackson Jr.

ICYMI, here's what happened last week at USDA:

The heart of USDA's mission is to put in place sound policies that lay a steady groundwork for a better future for our children and our children's children. That means using the resources we have today to invest in creative solutions to tomorrow's challenges.

USDA's management of our national lands and our support for farmers' and ranchers' stewardship of private working lands not only helps to support a robust and thriving rural economy, but also meets our moral obligation to the next generation to leave our land, water, and wildlife better than we found it. Our efforts to strengthen rural economies by providing farmers and ranchers the resources they need to feed their families and our nation can at the same time promote clean air, clean water, and thriving wildlife habitat on both public and private land. No one knows the importance of conservation more than our nation's farmers and ranchers. And we are here to support them.

With record fires currently burning out West, the importance of forest management is front and center in our nation's policy discussion.  Unprecedented resources are being spent to combat fires throughout the U.S., which means the Forest Service's budget for non-fire operations, including forest conservation and management activities that lessen the threat of wildfires, are at risk. The work we do today to create and maintain resilient forests will have lasting impacts on our future generations.

Throughout the month, we'll focus on our partnerships and collaborative efforts that will ensure our national forests and private working lands are conserved, restored, and made more resilient to climate change. Follow along or join the conversation using hashtag #conservation.

04 Sep 2015

About 120,000 gallons of oil spill in Mississippi River after boats collide

By Jeremy Funk

www.RareIncidents.com

Here We Go Again ...

Yet Another 'Rare Incident': 120K Gallon Oil Spill in Mississippi River Latest Reminder Why the EPA's Proposal to Weaken the Renewable Fuel Standard and Encourage More Oil Drilling and Spilling Is a Recipe for Disaster

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/midwest/ct-mississippi-river-oil-spill-20150903-story.html

04 Sep 2015

This First Week of National Preparedness Month, Make a Plan for Floods

By Amanda Bicknell

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - This is the first week of National Preparedness Month (NPM) and in the Midwest it's off to a roaring start with active outreach and conversations meant to inspire individuals and families to take action and prepare for flooding?the most common and costly disaster in the United States. Yes, it can happen where you live!

During this first week of NPM, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency's 10 regional offices; county and local emergency managers; other federal agencies; businesses; voluntary and other organizations; as well as families and individuals will use news releases, social media, educational activities and events to promote the message that preparing for floods is important for protecting lives, livelihoods and properties.

"Flooding is fresh on the minds of many people in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. With so much flooding during the past few months, it's a good time to consider the true risk," said FEMA Region VII Regional Administrator Beth Freeman. "But it's not enough to simply realize flooding is a real threat for us all. This month, this week, today, we hope everyone will take action to develop and practice a family emergency communication plan for hazards like flooding. This year our theme is, 'Don't wait. Communicate. Make your emergency plan today.'"

Fewer than half of Americans have taken the time to plan what they will do if there is an emergency. Sitting down and developing a communication plan with loved ones doesn't cost a thing, but can save a lot if a flood or another disaster impacts you and your family.

In addition to floods, hurricanes, wildfires, tornadoes and earthquakes also occur frequently and devastate lives across the country every year. To encourage disaster planning for all hazards, FEMA and the Ad Council just launched a new series of public service announcements (PSAs) in English and Spanish, at www.ready.gov/september,  The PSAs direct audiences to www.ready.gov/communicate for tools and resources to help develop and practice a family emergency communication plan.

Managed and sponsored by the Ready campaign, National Preparedness Month is designed to raise awareness and encourage Americans to take steps to prepare for emergencies in their homes, schools, organizations, businesses, and places of worship. National Preparedness Month is an opportunity to share emergency preparedness information and host activities across the country to help Americans understand what it truly means to be ready.

National Preparedness Month Weekly Themes

  • Week 1 (September 1-5)  Flood
  • Week 2 (September 6-12)  Wildfire
  • Week 3 (September 13-19)  Hurricane
  • Week 4 (September 20-26)  Power Outage
  • Week 5 (September 27-30)  Lead up to National PrepareAthon! Day, September 30

National Preparedness Month culminates with National PrepareAthon! Day on September 30 when cities and counties across the country are planning community-wide events bringing together schools, their business community, government, faith leaders, hospitals, individuals and families, and others to participate in preparedness drills and activities for hazards that are relevant to their area.

For more information visit Ready.gov/September or follow the campaign on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/readygov, on Twitter, at https://twitter.com/Readygov, or for FEMA Region VII, www.twitter.com/femaregion7. For more information about events for America's PrepareAthon throughout September, and for National PrepareAthon! Day information, visit www.ready.gov/prepare.

Quick facts to consider as you plan:

  • Text messages and social media can be better ways to communicate during an emergency when phone lines are tied up, or even not working.

  • Homeowners and renters insurance don't cover floods

  • Talking to children about emergencies and involving them in the planning process helps children feel they have some control over what could happen during an emergency. It can also make recovery much easier on everyone.

Follow FEMA online at www.twitter.com/fema, www.facebook.com/fema, and www.youtube.com/fema.  Find regional updates from FEMA Region VII at www.twitter.com/femaregion7. Also, follow Administrator Craig Fugate's activities at www.twitter.com/craigatfema.  The social media links provided are for reference only. FEMA does not endorse any non-government websites, companies or applications.

FEMA's mission is to support our citizens and first responders to ensure that as a nation we work together to build, sustain, and improve our capability to prepare for, protect against, respond to, recover from, and mitigate all hazards.

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04 Sep 2015

Grassley Named a Friend of Iowa Wind Energy

By Larry Flowers
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Sen. Chuck Grassley today was awarded the Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award by the Iowa Wind Energy Association in appreciation for his efforts in championing the wind industry.

"I'm honored to receive this award.  In Iowa, wind produces 28 percent of the state's electricity, ranking third in the United States.  The industry supports thousands of jobs and generates billions of dollars in investment across Iowa and the nation.  It's a non-polluting, renewable resource.  Wind energy makes sense for America's future, and I'll continue to fight for it through my position in the U.S. Senate," Grassley said.

The Dr. Harold D. Prior "Friend of Iowa Wind Energy" award is an annual honor that recognizes outstanding leadership in moving the wind industry forward.

Grassley is the author of the wind energy tax credit enacted in 1992.  The incentive was designed to give wind energy the ability to compete against coal-fired and nuclear energy and helped to launch the wind energy industry.  In July, Grassley secured the inclusion of the wind energy tax credit in the tax extenders bill that passed through the Finance Committee.

The award was presented at the association's annual wind conference in Des Moines and accepted by Grassley's office on his behalf.

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02 Sep 2015

ILLINOIS NATIONAL GUARD, IEMA CONDUCT MAJOR EARTHQUAKE EXERCISE

By Illinois National Guard Public Affairs Office

SPRINGFIELD, IL (08/28/2015)(readMedia)-- The Illinois National Guard conducted a week-long, multi-agency exercise dubbed Prairie Assurance Aug. 24 to 28. The exercise trained elements of a task force of personnel from the Illinois Army and Air National Guard to rapidly respond to a major earthquake in southern Illinois.

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) along with representatives from other state agencies, National Guard Bureau, US Northern Command, and the Polish Armed Forces participated in the exercise, providing incident management and emergency management teams, agency technical experts, and military personnel to support the military's training scenario.

"We gained a tremendous amount of insight by having IEMA, other civilian agencies, National Guard Bureau, US NORTHCOM, and Poland participate in this event," said Col. Rick G. Yoder, commander of the joint task force. "It's critical to strengthen partnerships with local, state, and federal partners before a disaster happens."

The exercise simulated a 7.2 magnitude earthquake centered on the New Madrid Seismic Zone. The event took place at the 183rd Fighter Wing and the Joint Forces Headquarters in Springfield, Illinois.

The National Guard has a standing mission to provide support to civil authorities during natural disasters. The joint task force provides command and control of military personnel and equipment in support of civil authorities during a complex catastrophe like an earthquake.

"We want to be able to respond rapidly and efficiently and training together supports that goal," said Yoder. "We train the force to anticipate need. It's ultimately about saving lives and property."

Approximately 220 Army and Air National Guard members and more than 100 civilian emergency management personnel participated in.

01 Sep 2015

USDA Unveils New Strategy to Conserve Sage Grouse Habitat on Private Lands

By USDA Office of Communications

Department to Invest Additional $211 Million to Help Ranchers Adopt Proven Conservation Methods

PORTLAND, Ore., August 27, 2015 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced a four-year strategy that will invest approximately $211 million through 2018 in conservation efforts to benefit the greater sage grouse. The strategy, known as Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0, will build on successful public and private conservation efforts made since 2010 to improve sage grouse habitat. The new plan will provide additional assistance for ranchers to make conservation improvements to their land, which mutually benefits the iconic bird and agricultural operations in 11 Western states.

"The Sage Grouse Initiative has proven itself as a model for how wildlife and agriculture can coexist and thrive in harmony, and that is why we are announcing steps today that will expand this important initiative throughout the life of the 2014 Farm Bill," said Vilsack. "I applaud America's ranchers for their initiative in improving habitats and outcomes for sage grouse and other wildlife, and for their recognition that these efforts are also good for cattle, good for ranching operations, and good for America's rural economy."

Since its launch in 2010, public and private partners engaged in the Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI) have conserved 4.4 million acres, an area twice the size of Yellowstone National Park, using voluntary and incentive-based approaches for conservation. Between 2010 and 2014, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) invested $296.5 million into SGI, which partners matched with an additional $198 million. By the end of 2018 with implementation of the SGI 2.0 strategy, NRCS and partners will invest approximately $760 million and conserve 8 million acres, an area more than seven times the size of the Great Salt Lake.

NRCS leaders from California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming worked with conservation partners to develop the four-year strategy.

The wildfires devastating Western communities also impact habitat for wildlife like sage grouse. Under the SGI 2.0 strategy, NRCS will focus on reducing the threat of wildfire and spread of invasive grasses after fires to restore wildlife habitat and quality livestock forage. The strategy will also focus on removing encroaching conifers, protecting rangeland from exurban development and cultivation, protecting mesic habitats like wet meadows, and reducing fence collisions.

While in Oregon, Vilsack will meet with conservation partners, ranchers, and government officials who have worked through SGI to conserve sage grouse habitat. Oregon has seen success in sage grouse habitat conservation, especially through the targeted removal of conifer trees that invade sagebrush habitat. Through SGI, NRCS has helped Oregon ranchers address more than two-thirds of the conifer problem on private lands in the state's priority areas, and with SGI 2.0, anticipates 95 percent removal on priority private lands by 2018.

"The Sage Grouse Initiative is making a difference because private landowners voluntarily work with us to produce results on the ground," Vilsack said. "The decisions Western ranchers and other private landowners make every day about what to do on their land will continue to have a critical impact on sage grouse."

SGI conservation practices are targeted to ensure maximum benefits in the areas where they are implemented, and this focus will continue in SGI 2.0. During the past five years, SGI has increased conservation easements 18-fold and strategically located them in priority landscapes that contain the majority of the birds. These easements not only protect important lands but help stitch together the broader landscape, connecting public and private lands into a footprint of healthy habitats.

These voluntary conservation practices work. Earlier this year, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determined the Bi-State sage-grouse, a subpopulation of the greater sage-grouse along the California-Nevada border, did not require listing because of the conservation efforts of NRCS and partners proactively working to conserve the species. This success is seen nationwide, evidenced in the recent decisions not to list the Arctic grayling in Montana, the proposed delisting of the black bear in Louisiana, and the recent delisting of the Oregon chub.

The deteriorating health of the sagebrush habitat and the greater sage-grouse has sparked an unprecedented, collaborative federal-state partnership. This comprehensive approach includes strong conservation plans for state and private lands, strong federal conservation plans, and an effective strategy to reduce rangeland fire risk.

Learn more about NRCS' sage grouse conservation efforts. To get started with NRCS, visit your local USDA Service Center or www.nrcs.usda.gov/GetStarted.

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24 Aug 2015

Wondering What to Do In Your Garden This Fall?

By Amanda Heitz

Growing Along the River - Focus on Fall Gardening Conference benefits all gardeners, both novice and seasoned, with an opportunity to learn, mingle, and share ideas on all aspects of gardening in the Quad-Cities. This year's conference will be held Saturday, October 3, 2015 at Scott Community College, 500 Belmont Road, Bettendorf, Iowa from 8:00am-4:00pm.


Keynote speakers are Jason Delaney and Laura Christensen. Jason is the Bulbs Collection Specialist at the Missouri Botanical Garden and will speak on "Success with Bulbs in Midwest Gardens." Laura is a landscape architect and owns her own business, Design with Nature, in Wheaton, Illinois and will be presenting "A Landscape Love Affair: A 25-Year Relationship with My Garden."


In addition to the keynote speakers, four breakout sessions will be offered with participants choosing from 20 additional gardening topics presented by Iowa State University (ISU) professors, horticulturalists, and local experts. The cost is $40 and includes lunch.


The conference is presented by ISU Scott County Extension Master Gardeners. Complete conference information is online at www.eicc.edu/focusonfall and search course #159012. You can also find us on Facebook at ISU Scott County Extension and Outreach and on the web at http://www.extension.iastate.edu/scott or call 563-359-7577 for more information.


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13 Aug 2015

Governor's Request for Agricultural Disaster Declaration Approved

By Rick Martin

Federal assistance available for farmers impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding

 

SPRINGFIELD, IL–The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has granted the request of Governor Rauner for disaster designation in 87 Illinois counties and 14 contiguous counties that suffered losses due to rain and flooding this year.

"Illinois has suffered a lot of storm and rain damage throughout this Spring and Summer," Rauner said. "I am pleased our request for federal assistance was granted and encourage farmers throughout these counties to contact their local Farm Service Agency for questions."

The governor issued an official letter to USDA Secretary Vilsack on July 23, 2015. The 19 members of the Illinois Congressional Delegation also signed a letter to President Obama to endorse the governor's request for this designation. Counties eligible for assistance were determined through the Loss Assessment Reports reviewed by the USDA.

"I am grateful to all the members of our Illinois Congressional delegation for their strong and united support for securing this assistance for farmers throughout the state," Rauner added.

Farmers who believe they may be eligible for assistance should contact their county Farm Service Agency office.  Loan applications are considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account the extent of losses, security available and applicant's repayment ability.  Farmers who have questions should contact the state FSA office at (217) 241-6600.

Counties eligible for assistance include : Adams, Alexander, Bond, Brown, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Champaign, Clark, Clay, Clinton, Crawford, Cumberland, DeKalb, DeWitt, Douglas, DuPage, Edwards, Effingham, Fayette, Ford, Franklin, Fulton, Gallatin, Greene, Grundy, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Henderson, Henry, Iroquois, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Jersey, Johnson, Kane, Kankakee, Knox, La Salle, Lawrence, Lee, Livingston, Logan, McDonough, McLean, Macon, Macoupin, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Mason, Massac, Menard, Mercer, Monroe, Montgomery, Morgan, Peoria, Perry, Piatt, Pike, Pope, Pulaski, Putnam, Randolph, Richland, Rock Island, St. Clair, Saline, Sangamon, Schuyler, Scott, Stark, Tazewell, Union, Vermilion, Wabash, Warren, Washington, Wayne, White, Whiteside, Will, Williamson, Woodford

Counties named as contiguous disaster counties eligible for assistance: Boone, Bureau, Christian, Coles, Cook, Edgar, Jo Daviess, Kendall, McHenry, Moultrie, Ogle, Shelby, Stephenson, Winnebago

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11 Aug 2015

VOLUNTEERS CLEAN UP 17,888 POUNDS OF TRASH

By Brandy Walvaert

QUAD-CITIES?Volunteers for the 12th annual Xstream Cleanup on Saturday, August 8 removed about 17,888 pounds of debris from area waterways and illegal dump sites. Cleanups were held at 34 sites in Bettendorf, Davenport, LeClaire and rural Scott County, Iowa; and in Hampton, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis, Illinois.

A total of 671 volunteers worked 1,880 hours and collectively gathered 705 bags of trash, 119 tires, 5 appliances, 4 bicycles, 11 pieces of furniture, and 11 televisions. This total includes 14,100 pounds of trash, 2,856 pounds of tires, 375 pounds of appliances, 92 pounds of bicycles, 275 pounds of furniture, and 165 pounds of televisions.

Additional items collected included vinyl siding, a mattress, lawn chairs, a swimming pool, a stroller, car parts, railroad ties, fencing, cement blocks and large pieces of Styrofoam.

Volunteers at five sites also worked to clear invasive species and vegetation from natural areas.

For event photos, find Xstream Cleanup on Facebook or click through from www.xstreamcleanup.org.

Xstream Cleanup 2015 was sponsored by the following. Presenting Sponsors: Group O and Riverboat Development Authority. Platinum Sponsors: Alcoa, Triumph Community Bank, Living Lands & Waters® and Waste Commission of Scott County. Gold Sponsors: Iowa American Water, Eastern Iowa Grain Inspection and Rock Island County Waste Management Agency. Silver Sponsors: Alter Metal Recycling, DHL Global Forwarding, McCarthy-Bush Corporation, MidAmerican Energy, Radish magazine, Quad City Conservation Alliance, Sears Seating and Wallace's Garden Center. Bronze Sponsors: Downtown Davenport Partnership and Midas Auto System Experts, Inc. Logistics Sponsors: Cities of Bettendorf, Buffalo, Davenport, LeClaire, Milan, Moline, Rock Island and Silvis; Bi-State Regional Commission, Keep Moline Beautiful, Keep Rock Island Beautiful, iLivehere, Partners of Scott County Watersheds, Republic Services and River Roots Live.

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