16 May 2014

Lt. Governor Simon to recognize "2013 CNN Hero of the Year" Chad Pregracke

By Rick Martin

Simon pushing to increase environmental awareness, volunteerism

SPRINGFIELD - May 14, 2014. In an effort to promote volunteer opportunities and encourage environmental awareness, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon will recognize "2013 CNN Hero of the Year" Chad Pregracke during the river coordinating councils meeting on Wednesday in Springfield.

"Chad Pregracke is a shining example of someone dedicating himself to an important cause and making a difference," said Simon. "I am excited that our river council members will have the opportunity to meet with and be inspired by Chad. All of us value our rivers - Chad is someone who has put those values into action."

Pregracke started Living Lands & Waters when he was just 23 years old to clean up the Mississippi River around his home in East Moline. Since founding the non-profit in 1998, his crew and over 70,000 volunteers have collected over 7.5 million pounds of debris from rivers in Illinois and around the country. Simon noted that Living Lands & Waters has numerous volunteer opportunities like river cleanups, the MillionTrees Project and Adopt-A-River Mile program.

Simon chairs three River Coordinating Councils charged with the mission of reviewing state and federal programs that impact the watersheds and working with local communities to raise awareness of and address watershed issues. For more on Living Lands & Waters and information on how to volunteer please click here.

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14 May 2014

Governor Quinn Participates in President's Task Force on Climate Preparedness

By Randy Stalsberg

Joined by Other State and Federal Officials in Des Moines to Discuss Better Preparation and Response to Weather-Related Disasters

DES MOINES - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by local, state and federal officials for the Task Force on Climate Preparedness and Resilience, part of President Barack Obama's federal efforts to address disasters caused by climate change. This is the third of four meetings the group will hold before recommending ways the nation can be better prepared to meet weather-related events. Today's meeting is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect our natural resources and ensure a clean and healthy environment for future generations.

"Illinois has faced a record number of natural disasters in recent years, and I want to make sure our state is always prepared and equipped to do what is necessary to keep the public safe during weather emergencies," Governor Quinn said. "I look forward to continuing to work with President Obama to keep our state and nation at the forefront of the battle to stop the damaging effects of climate change."

The Des Moines event includes discussions about preparing urban, natural and agricultural areas for flooding, drought and other weather-related disasters. After four such meetings around the country, the group will recommend to President Obama ways to address disaster response and climate change.

The Illinois General Assembly recently passed an expansion of the Clean Water Initiative to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects, a key part of Governor Quinn's agenda. This $2 billion low-interest revolving loan program will help communities throughout Illinois be better prepared for heavy rains caused by climate change.

In the last five years, Illinois has been through 11 natural disasters, including a record drought in 2012; deadly tornadoes in 2012 and 2013; historic winter storms earlier this year; and floods, including the spring 2013 flooding in 49 counties that broke all-time records on four major river systems. Each of these disasters saw the mobilization of state resources at Governor Quinn's direction to clean up, repair damage, speed recovery and reduce the impact of future disasters. Governor Quinn announced a $45 million state relief package to help Illinois local governments recover from the deadly November tornadoes after FEMA denied federal disaster assistance for local governments. The Governor was also successful in securing more than $23.5 million in other forms of federal aid to assist with tornado recovery in the impacted Illinois communities.

Governor Quinn is leading the charge toward sustainable living to fight the root causes of climate change.

Since taking office, Governor Quinn has led Illinois on a path to sustainability. A new report found that Illinois leads the nation in the number of communities using renewable electricity. In February, the U.S. Green Building Council ranked Illinois number one among all 50 states in the sustainable building design movement with more than 29 million square feet of certified green buildings, or 2.29 square feet for every resident.

The Governor set a green example for all Illinois residents by transforming the 159-year old Illinois Executive Mansion, visited by Abraham Lincoln and six other of our nation's Presidents, into a model of sustainable living. The mansion features its own vegetable garden, rain barrels, a compost pile and solar panels. The recent addition of a chicken coop helps composting efforts and has the added benefit of producing fresh eggs for use in the mansion's kitchen.

In 2011, the Illinois Executive Mansion became the first in the nation to install a charging station for electric vehicles. In 2012, LED lighting was installed throughout the Executive Mansion. The new system consumes 90 percent less energy, lasts for 10 years and poses less of a threat to historic artifacts. Additionally, digital water meters were installed to better monitor usage; aging air conditioners were replaced with an energy efficient system.

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09 May 2014

Governor Quinn Statement on House Passage of Illinois Clean Water Initiative Expansion

By Dave Blanchette

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today issued the following statement regarding Illinois House passage of a bill to expand the Illinois Clean Water Initiative to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects, a key part of the Governor's agenda. Governor Quinn called for this measure in his 2014 State of the State address as part of his agenda to create more jobs and build an economy that works for everyone. Senate Bill 2780 has previously passed the Illinois Senate and now heads to the Governor's desk.

"I want to commend Senator Dan Kotowski and Representative Elaine Nekritz, and all the legislators who voted for this important measure, which will help communities throughout Illinois be better prepared for the next heavy rain.

"Last spring's record rainfall and flooding hit many communities hard. We can help communities be better prepared to handle stormwater by including these types of projects in my Clean Water Initiative.

"Stormwater is also a significant contributor to surface water pollution. This legislation will allow local governments to secure low-interest loans for projects that prevent flooding and remove pollutants from stormwater."

Governor Quinn first launched the $1 billion Clean Water Initiative in his 2012 State of the State address, and since then dozens of communities have secured low-interest loans through the program for drinking and wastewater infrastructure improvements. Due to the overwhelming success of the program, Governor Quinn announced in his 2014 State of the State address that he was doubling the available financing to $2 billion and he asked the General Assembly to expand the allowable projects to include stormwater and green infrastructure projects.

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06 May 2014

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Hampton, IL/May, 2014- This coming Saturday, May 10th Living Lands & Waters (LL&W) is searching for volunteers to participate in their newest program, the Invasive Species Removal Project.  This project focuses on eradicating Japanese Honeysuckle, a species with the ability to invade natural systems, multiplying so quickly that it often dominates all other greenery, sometimes leading to the exclusion of the native species.

"The problem is so immense and widespread that we need all the help we can get. If you're looking to make a really big difference and see the real results in a short period of time, this is the project for you." said President & Founder of LL&W, Chad Pregracke.

Volunteers will use hand saws, loppers, and weed wrenches to remove the honeysuckle.  Flagging each location where honeysuckle is removed is crucial, so volunteers will carry flags and mark locations they visit along the way. LL&W will provide all the necessary tools, hard hats, gloves, protective eye wear, as well as lunch. They just ask volunteers to wear boots/athletic shoes (closed toe are a must), long pants, light-colored clothing for hot weather and layers of warm clothing during cooler days. Due to the nature of the work, LL&W is limiting this event to volunteers 16 years of age and above.

Alternative time slots are available in May. Please visit http://livinglandsandwaters.org/get-involved/invasive-species-removal-project/ to register!

About 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.

05 May 2014

Branstad, Reynolds HSEMD Director Schouten encourage storm readiness

By Office of the Governor of the State of Iowa

(DES MOINES) - Iowa Gov. Terry E. Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds were joined today at their weekly news conference by Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department (HSEMD) Director Mark Schouten to encourage Iowans to be prepared during severe weather season.

"Lieutenant Governor Reynolds and I offer our sympathy to families who lost loved ones in the storms that raced across Iowa on April 27th, and our support to the communities that sustained damage," said Branstad. "Being prepared for a storm, no matter the season, is the best way to protect yourself and families from dangerous weather."

BE PREPARED: DOWNLOAD YOUR EMERGECNY SUPPLY CHECKLIST

"Governor Branstad and I, along with Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, stand ready to assist Iowans and their communities when severe weather strikes," said Reynolds. "It's critically important for Iowans to take the necessary precautions ahead of inclement weather. We urge Iowans to take time to prepare for this spring and summer's storm season."

Iowa HSEMD outlined 3 easy steps Iowans can take to be ready for severe weather:

Step 1: Be aware

  • The most important thing you can do is to stay aware of the potential for bad weather in your area.
  • Tune into local television and radio stations, purchase a weather radio, or install a weather alert app onto your mobile phone to receive the most up-to-date weather information.
  • When weather alerts are issued, act quickly to stay safe.

Step 2: Make An Emergency Plan

  • Sit down with your family and talk about what you will do if there is a severe weather alert issued for your area or if there is a danger of flooding.
  • Don't forget to make plans for those with special needs, such as elderly family members, and also for your pets.

Step 3: Build an Emergency Supply Kit

Keep a kit at home and in your car in case you must shelter in place or quickly evacuate your home.

Include in your kit items such as:

  • Water and non-perishable food for 3-5 days
  • A first aid kit
  • A battery-operated flashlight and radio along with extra batteries
  • Special items, such as prescription medications, baby formula, diapers and pet food
  • Copies of important documents, such as birth certificates and insurance information.

"At the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Department, our job is to ensure Iowa and Iowans are prepared and ready to respond to emergencies and disasters," said Iowa HSEMD Director Mark Schouten. "Our message to all Iowans is to take steps now to be prepared for the next round of severe weather. Just taking a few minutes today to think it through and know what you will do can help keep you and your family safe."

To get additional details and tools, including a brochure that outlines how to plan and prepare, visit www.beready.iowa.gov.

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02 May 2014

"We don't know what normal is anymore": Confronting Extreme Weather on U.S. Farms

By Jackie Wei

Matt Russell has seen strange weather before.  As a fifth-generation Iowa farmer, he's used to being at the whims of the skies.  But ominous changes are underway at his Coyote Run Farm, and lately, he's been trying to cope with "the wrong weather at the wrong time."

Like Matt, I grew up as the fifth generation on my family's farm.  In fact, my 83-year-old grandfather, Art, is out planting corn with my dad this week. In Art's eight decades in the field, he's seen his share of tough times.  When he was just a little boy, he saw his family's crops wither up, die, and blow away into the Dust Bowl.  Like many American families, the Great Depression tested our family's commitment to farming.

But we persevered, and out of the devastation of the Dust Bowl, a new era of hope and progress for American farmers was born.  Under the leadership of the US Department of Agriculture, farmers began viewing soil conservation as a key risk management tool.  On our farm and many others, we learned that protecting the soil was paramount to surviving future dry years.  And although dry times like the 1950s and 1980s were challenging, the conservation lessons learned from the Dust Bowl era lessened their impact on my family's operations.

Now, we are at another critical moment for agriculture.  Climate change is bringing more frequent and severe weather challenges, unlike any that farmers have seen before, and already farmers are feeling the effects.  Countless scientists agree that climate change will affect every part of our food system?from crop yields to food processing and distribution.  More dry days and hot nights will stress already limited water resources.  Ironically, when it does rain, it will pour, exacerbating soil erosion.  Farmers will need to confront new challenges from weeds, diseases and pests. But farmers don't need a scientist to tell them times are tough.  They can just look out their windows.  Listen to what Arlyn Schipper, a Conrad, Iowa farmer, has to say:

So how will we confront the climate challenge facing American farmers?  Will we ignore the ominous reality of climate change?  Or will we take steps to improve farms' resiliency to extreme weather and prevent the worst impacts of climate change?

We know what needs to be done. We learned after the Dust Bowl that farmers have one of the best "insurance policies" right beneath their boots?their very own soil.  Healthy soil is more resilient to extreme weather events like droughts and floods because it can filter and hold more water.   The new "normal" of climate change calls for us to redouble our efforts to build healthy soil.  NRDC's "Soil Matters" report describes how we can build farms that are more resilient to climate change by encouraging low risk, water-smart practices that regenerate soil.  Under NRDC's proposal, farmers who adopt proven techniques, like cover cropping, to reduce their risk of crop loss would receive a discount on their crop insurance policies.  This could be done under existing law, and could have widespread benefits for farmers, taxpayers, and the environment.

But the longer we wait, the harder the job will be. Scientists agree that the increased concentration of heat-trapping carbon pollution in our atmosphere is the key reason that our climate is changing, and power plants are responsible for nearly half of that pollution.  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has proposed the first carbon pollution limits for future power plants, and is on track to propose limits for existing power plants by early June.  These new protections will help reduce the carbon pollution that is threatening American agriculture and our food security.

After the Dust Bowl, American farmers didn't throw up their hands in despair.  They got to work, planting windbreaks, building terraces and making conservation a way of life.  Now it's our turn.  Climate change is a tough challenge, but we know what we need to do.  We need to regenerate our landscapes to build resilient farms, and we need protections from the power plant carbon pollution that's threating our food supply.  It's time to act.  The next five generations of farmers depend on it.

30 Apr 2014

Living Lands & Waters Event Rescheduled

By Natalie Linville-Mass

Due to weather conditions, Living Lands & Waters has officially rescheduled their upcoming acorn planting event to Wednesday May 7th from 9:00am - 12:00pm.

Parking is available at the Davenport Library; 6000 Eastern Avenue, Davenport IA.  Please contact us with any questions.

Thank You, Natalie Linville-Mass,309-948-1436

29 Apr 2014

Convoy of Hope Responds to Tornadoes in Midwest

By Molly Erickson

Assessment Teams Headed to Oklahoma, Kansas and Arkansas

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - April 28, 2014 - International humanitarian relief organization, Convoy of Hope, has assessment teams en route to affected areas throughout the Midwest where tornadoes ravaged communities yesterday.

"Our prayers are with the families whose lives have been impacted by these storms," says Hal Donaldson, president and co-founder of Convoy of Hope. "Our teams will provide crucial information that will help us as we make plans in the coming days and monitor additional severe weather forecasted in these areas throughout the week."

Online donation:

Those wishing to make a contribution to Convoy of Hope can make a secure online contribution by visiting: www.convoyofhope.org.

Text to Give donation:

To place a $10 donation on your cellular bill, text the word CONVOY to 50555. Standard text and data rates apply.

About Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope, a faith ­based organization founded in 1994, has a driving passion to feed the world. With a long history as an early responder in times of natural disasters, Convoy of Hope has been a Four Star Charity as recognized by Charity Navigator for 11 consecutive years. In the last 20 years, Convoy of Hope has served more than 65 million people. For more information please visit http://www.convoyofhope.org.

22 Apr 2014

USDA Awards Research Grants to Address the Impact of Climate Change on U.S. Agriculture Production

By USDA Office of Communications

Des Moines, Iowa, April 22, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack announced today that USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) awarded $6 million to 10 universities to study the effects of climate on agriculture production and develop strategies to provide farmers and ranchers with the solutions they need to supply the nation with quality food. Vilsack made the announcement during remarks at "The Frontier of Climate Change: State and Local Action in the Heartland" conference held at Drake University.

"With longer growing seasons and an increased number of extreme weather events, climate-related changes are increasingly posing new challenges and risks for America's producers," said Vilsack. "Every day, farmers and ranchers see the impact that changes in climate patterns have on their operations, and they are contending with drought, floods or extreme temperatures. The discoveries these grants will lead to will be invaluable for American farmers whose livelihoods directly depend on the nation's land and water resources."

NIFA made the awards through its Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) funding opportunity in the Climate Variability and Change challenge area. NIFA's climate work is focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon sequestration in agricultural and forest production systems and preparing the nation's agriculture and forests to adapt to changing climates.

The fiscal year 2013 awards announced today include :

  • University of Colorado, Boulder, Colo., $900,000 - This study will provide an integrated social and biophysical assessment of vulnerability and adaptation to climate change and variability in the Blue Mountains ecoregion of Oregon.
  • Florida International University, Miami, Fla., $250,000 - This project will study the mechanism of Ochratoxin-A toxicity in wine-musts (freshly pressed grape juice for wine making) which is predicted to intensify in winemaking regions because of the increased prevalence of the toxin producing fungi in warmer climates, and create an inexpensive and simple method of detoxification.
  • Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, $550,000 - The goal of this research is to examine factors that either facilitate or hinder climate adaptation, while assessing the role of human-made infrastructure and policies that protect natural resources, grassland and wetlands. .
  • Michigan State University, East Lansing, Mich., $975,000 - This project will seek to define the effects of hot and cold temperatures on turkey growth and development and develop management practices to mitigate these effects.
  • University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minn., $25,000 - This is a conference grant to support the National Extension Climate Science Initiative Conference, which will empower Extension professionals and collaborators with the latest in climate science research and delivery methods.
  • Montana State University, Bozeman, Mont., $800,000 - This project will determine what effects a climate-induced rise in water temperature will have on rainbow trout gut microbial communities and fish metabolism.
  • Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y., $600,000 - This project will evaluate the resiliency of rice production with increasing climate uncertainty by developing models integrating historical rice yield data at the county and farm level, weather variables, and genotypic parameters.
  • Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Okla., $1,000,000 - The project will provide some of the first climate adaptation tools for beef production systems in the form of water management resources and lead to the development of beef cattle that are adaptable to climate change induced drought.
  • Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pa., $750,000 - This project aims to strengthen farm operators' capacity to manage cropping system's adaptation to climate change by providing real time online decision making tools.
  • West Virginia University, Morgantown, W.V., $150,000 - This project will study the effect of climate change on interactions among solitary pollinator bees, bee parasites and crops.

AFRI is NIFA's flagship competitive grant program established under the 2008 Farm Bill and supports work in six priority areas: 1) plant health and production and plant products; 2) animal health and production and animal products; 3) food safety, nutrition and health; 4) renewable energy, natural resources and environment; 5) agriculture systems and technology; and 6) agriculture economics and rural communities.

Through federal funding and leadership for research, education and extension programs, NIFA focuses on investing in science and solving critical issues impacting people's daily lives and the nation's future. More information is available at: www.nifa.usda.gov.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to USDA, Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, S.W., Stop 9410, Washington, DC 20250-9410, or call toll-free at (866) 632-9992 (English) or (800) 877-8339 (TDD) or (866) 377-8642 (English Federal-relay) or (800) 845-6136 (Spanish Federal-relay).


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22 Apr 2014

USDA Rural Development Celebrates Earth Day by Supporting Water Quality Projects in 40 States and Puerto Rico

By USDA Office of Communications
2014 Farm Bill Enables Record USDA Investments in Rural Water Systems

WASHINGTON, April 22, 2014 - Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today celebrated Earth Day by announcing record support for 116 projects that will improve water and wastewater services for rural Americans and benefit the environment.

"Having reliable, clean and safe water is essential for any community to thrive and grow," Vilsack said. "I am proud that USDA helps build rural communities from the ground up by supporting water infrastructure projects like these. I am especially proud that we can help communities that are struggling economically and those that have urgent health and safety concerns due to their failing water systems."

Today's announcement is USDA's largest Earth Day investment in rural water and wastewater systems. Nearly $387 million is being awarded to 116 recipients in 40 states and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Department is providing $150 million in grants through the 2014 Farm Bill plus $237 million in loans and grants from USDA's Water and Environmental Program.

Also noteworthy this year are USDA's accomplishments to help communities with the greatest needs. Sixteen of the Earth Day projects are in areas of persistent poverty. Twenty-nine are in communities served by USDA's "StrikeForce Initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity." StrikeForce is a USDA initiative to reduce poverty by increasing investments in rural communities through intensive outreach and stronger partnerships with community leaders, businesses, foundations and other groups that are working to combat poverty.

Climate change in particular is putting more stress on municipal water systems. Many areas around the country have seen changes in rainfall, resulting in more floods, droughts, declines in snowpack, intense rain, as well as more frequent and severe heat waves. All of these are placing fiscal strains on communities - causing them to make more frequent (and often more expensive) repairs and upgrades.

Among projects funded this year, the city of McCrory, Ark., is receiving $2.1 million to build a water treatment facility and two water supply wells, and refurbish its two water storage tanks. The improvements will reduce high manganese and iron levels in the water supply to provide safe drinking water to McCrory's nearly 800 residents. McCrory is in Woodruff County, a persistent poverty area that is part of USDA's "StrikeForce initiative for Rural Growth and Opportunity."

Paintsville, Ky., is receiving a $4.9 million loan and $2.1 million grant to rehabilitate its sanitary and stormwater sewer systems. This is one of 10 projects funded by USDA that will improve water infrastructure in rural areas of Kentucky. The Paintsville project will serve nearly 2,300 residents and businesses and protect the ecosystems of Paint Creek and nearby lakes.

The city of San Joaquin, Calif., is receiving a $1 million loan/grant combination to replace a contaminated well. The city had to shut down one of its three wells due to high levels of bacteria. Once completed, this project will ensure San Joaquin residents have safe, clean drinking water.

In Ohio, the Erie County Commissioners will use $3 million in loans and nearly $3 million in grants to replace individual on-site waste treatment systems that discharge into and pollute the Sandusky Bay and surrounding areas. The commissioners also will build a wastewater collection system for the Village of Bay View and the neighboring Bay Bridge area. The Bay View peninsula is a vital ecological and economic area in the Western Basin of Lake Erie.

Earth Day is observed annually on April 22 to raise awareness about the role each person can play to protect vital natural resources and safeguard the environment. Since the first Earth Day celebration in 1970, the event has expanded to include citizens and governments in more than 195 countries.

President Obama's plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President's leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way - strengthening America's economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA's investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, has a portfolio of programs designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer. To file a complaint of discrimination, write: USDA, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (866) 632-9992 (Toll-free Customer Service), (800) 877-8339 (Local or Federal relay), (866) 377-8642 (Relay voice users).

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