Monday, December 29, 2014

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers status of monarch butterfly

Bulletin

Service Initiates Status Review of Monarch Butterfly under the Endangered Species Act

December 29, 2014

Contacts:

Vanessa Kauffman
703-358-2138
vanessa_kauffman@fws.gov

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced it will be conducting a status review of the monarch butterfly under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service has determined that a petition from the Center for Biological Diversity, the Center for Food Safety, the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation and Dr. Lincoln Brower to list a subspecies of monarch (Danaus plexippus plexippus) presents substantial information indicating that listing may be warranted.

Monarch butterflies are found throughout the United States and some populations migrate vast distances across multiple generations each year. Many monarchs fly between the U.S., Mexico and Canada – a journey of over 3,000 miles. This journey has become more perilous for many monarchs because of threats along their migratory paths and on their breeding and wintering grounds. Threats include habitat loss – particularly the loss of milkweed, the monarch caterpillar’s sole food source – and mortality resulting from pesticide use. Monarch populations have declined significantly in recent years.

The Service will now conduct a status review to determine whether listing is warranted. To ensure this status review is comprehensive, the Service is requesting scientific and commercial data and other information through a 60-day public information period. Specifically, the Service seeks information including:

The subspecies’ biology, range and population trends, habitat requirements, genetics and taxonomy;
Historical and current range, including distribution patterns;
Historical and current population levels and current and projected trends;
The life history or behavior of the monarch butterfly that has not yet been documented;
Thermo-tolerance range and microclimate requirements of the monarch butterfly;
Past and ongoing conservation measures for the subspecies, its habitat or both; and,
Factors that are the basis for making a listing determination under section 4(a) of the ESA;

The notice will publish in the Federal Register December 31, 2014, and it is requested that information be received by March 2, 2015. To view the notice and submit information, visit www.regulations.gov docket number FWS-R3-ES-2014-0056.

For more information on the ESA’s petition process, visit http://www.fws.gov/endangered/what-we-do/listing-petition-process.html.

The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals, and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.

For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit http://www.fws.gov/. Connect with our Facebook page, follow ourtweets, watch our YouTube Channel and download photos from our Flickr page.

Saturday, December 20, 2014

Watershed issues always a part of comments to city council: Variety of videos on Aubrey James Shepherd's You Tube channel

Link to Aubunique channel on You Tube.

Monday, October 27, 2014

Buffalo River researchers being intimidated on public roads

Janie Johnson Agee

29 mins · Fayetteville, AR

Thank you Dr John Van Brahana for all your hard work!

Intimidation tactics | NWAonline

Threats fueled by heated emotions over the hog factory in Newton County have increased of late along Big Creek at Mount Judea.

NWAONLINE.COM

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Kim Agee and Allison Root Freewalt like this.
Janie Johnson Agee By Mike Masterson
Posted: October 26, 2014 at 1:48 a.m.
Threats fueled by heated emotions over the hog factory in Newton County have increased of late along Big Creek at Mount Judea. Two volunteer water-quality monitors, one of whom was with two members of the press, reported being harassed in separate instances while stopped along public roads near C&H Hog Farms in the Buffalo National River watershed.

University of Arkansas emeritus geoscience professor John Van Brahana has been working independently with a team of diligent volunteers for more than a year to measure water flow and quality around Big Creek, a major tributary of the Buffalo. The creek runs adjacent or very near fields at Mount Judea that are being regularly sprayed with raw hog waste from the factory our state has permitted to keep up to 6,500 swine.

Brahana's dye testing has proven that groundwater from this area rapidly flows through the fractures created by karst limestone formations just beneath the surface. And that dye already has been discovered in some private local wells.

And now, the respected former professor (who recently had his own car tire slashed while it was parked in Newton County) said he's been told that two volunteers were recently accosted on public roads by angry men. As a result, he's reminded those in his group never to travel alone in the area.

"Here's the story as I perceived it," he said. "A local, apparently unbalanced and extremely agitated supporter of the hog factory followed a team member (along with a two-person TV crew), blocked their passage in several instances on public roads, screamed, yelled, and demanded they cease photographing.

"The story is similar in style to other confrontations that occurred previously, except this man is reported to be more than just a 'mouthy' individual, and based on the perception in the local community, willing to inflict a beating on any who he perceives to have done something he doesn't like," Brahana said.

Included in his diatribe, Brahana said, the agitated man warned the volunteer he knew who she was "and where she lived."

"The threat, 'we know who you are, and where you live' reminds us that the 'burn 'em out' mentality of those whipped into a frenzy ... should be viewed as dangerous, unstable, and are to be politely avoided." I'm told burning down homes is not a new approach to controlling those neighbors you don't like in parts of Newton County, and reflects the fear that generates reluctance on the part of the canoe outfitters, other tourist-related groups, and small-operation real farmers have in speaking out about the pig factory.

Brahana implored his team: "No matter what our emotions, we should be nonconfrontational, which we have always been. I encourage all who spend time in the field to fully document these adversarial encounters so we can share these in letters to Cargill and their suppliers along with the local sheriff and the county judge, who, by the way, is a relative of the owners of the factory and directed his staff to [continuously mow around] protesters' feet as they gathered last year near the Newton County Courthouse."

Another volunteer was in the process of filing a complaint with Sheriff Keith Slape at midweek after reporting that she, too, was accosted by a man on a county road near Mount Judea.

"I'd just passed an older red pickup truck and then met a spray truck in the road," she said. "I turned around and started following the spray truck, which then stopped. I also stopped and the red truck sped up and pulled in front of me, blocking my access forward.

"The guy in the pickup got out, screaming at me to not take any photos. I locked the doors, rolled up the windows and backed out. He ran to his truck, turned around, and tried to block me from leaving," she continued. " I was barely able to turn around in the road between the barbed-wire fence and his car. He started pounding his fist on my car! It happened so fast, I didn't have time to be scared or angry."

Sounds as if Sheriff Slape could well find himself a bit busier than normal if these kinds of needless threats and intimidation continues against law-abiding citizens.

Meanwhile, Brahana urged his volunteers to stand united.

"I encourage all of you to keep the faith, and to obey all laws and property considerations. We likely will see more bullying. But what we are striving for is a noble goal.

"Facts are facts," he added. "Truth ... needs to be shared openly with an informed community. Intimidation, fear, and the manipulation of politics for special interests need to be openly discussed."

Does it ever, professor. Sure hope this factory's sponsor, Cargill Inc. of Minnesota (and its PR department), is paying attention to what's unfolding here since it is inexorably linked in the court of public opinion to any consequences.

------------v------------

Mike Masterson's column appears regularly in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. Email him at mikemasterson10@hotmail.com. Read his blog atmikemastersonsmessenger.com.

Editorial on 10/26/2014

Wednesday, October 22, 2014

KXL pipeline case goes to court in Atoka, Oklahoma

defendant Alec Johnson and community supporters from Oklahoma and Texas, followed the next day by a jury trial featuring the unprecedented use of a climate change necessity defense.

WHEN: Rally begins on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30pm. Trial begins the following day on Thursday, October 23rd at 9:00am.

WHERE: Both the rally and criminal trial will take place at the Atoka County Courthouse on 200 East Court Street, Atoka, Oklahoma, 74525.

eric johnson who blocked kxl construction in ok faces trial next wednesday‏

eric johnson who blocked kxl construction in ok faces trial next wednesday

kxl pipeline truthforce Add to contacts 4:53 PM

To: bill mckibben

Keystone XL Pipeline Case Faces Jury in Oklahoma

Man who blockaded Keystone XL construction argues threats of climate change and environmental harm justify his actions

On April 22, 2013, Alec Johnson disrupted construction of the Keystone XL Pipeline near Tushka, Oklahoma by chaining himself to heavy equipment and effectively halting work. Eventually the police were called and Mr. Johnson was removed from the site and arrested. Now, more than a year after his arrest, Alec Johnson will attempt to make US history becoming the first to argue that he was justified in breaking the law to prevent a greater harm: the urgent threat of climate change. This kind of ‘necessity’ defense rooted in climate justice could have national implications for the growing movement of resistance to the fossil fuel industry across the US.

Mr. Johnson will argue that enforcing future generation’s rights to a stable climate and livable environment is not a crime. His defense will introduce a commanding consensus of climate science, including that of renowned climate scientist Dr. James Hansen who is preparing written testimony for the consideration of the court which will make clear that effective action to address the climate crisis is urgent and can no longer be delayed. Mr. Johnson will also draw attention to imminent health and safety risks posed by Keystone XL. He will address contamination threats to people living near the 1,700 mile pipeline route, the health problems experienced by First Nations communities from the extraction of tar sands, which is the product that flows through the KXL pipeline, as well as the toxic refinery emissions that it is forcing upon Gulf coast communities.

WHO: Alec Johnson, a 62 year old father of two and resident of East Texas, and dozens of supporters from across Oklahoma and Texas many of whom are directly impacted by the Keystone XL pipeline.

WHAT: A rally outside the Atoka County Courthouse featuring the voices of defendant Alec Johnson and community supporters from Oklahoma and Texas, followed the next day by a jury trial featuring the unprecedented use of a climate change necessity defense.

WHEN: Rally begins on Wednesday, October 22nd at 6:30pm. Trial begins the following day on Thursday, October 23rd at 9:00am.

WHERE: Both the rally and criminal trial will take place at the Atoka County Courthouse on 200 East Court Street, Atoka, Oklahoma, 74525.

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Hasn't anyone suggested keeping paved trails outside riparian-zone of Ozark streams

Trail only 18 inches higher than flow of Town Branch of the West Fork of the White River under S. School Avenue. Whose idea was this? Rain had slacked off but more could come. Video at 8:23 a.m. Tuesday, September 2, 2014. Ever drive South College when was was flowing over the bridge and bridge was temporarily closed? Now there is less room for water under the bridge.
http://youtu.be/I-8w_HpVdKU?list=UUwcZunxqSV3zcgvRJqBn-Qw

DSCN8767Trail under S School Ave at 23 minutes after 8 Tuesday, Sept 2 2014

YOUTUBE.COM

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

August 14, 2014, meeting of the Beaver Watershed Alliance in Fayetteville, Arkansas, open to all

Subject: Beaver Watershed Alliance West Fork Opportunity Meeting - August 14th, 12-1 pm

Dear West Fork Watershed leader,

The Beaver Watershed Alliance would like to invite you to a meeting for Washington County staff, elected officials, city staff, and other leaders in the West Fork Watershed community to show the initial results of our West Fork Opportunity Assessment as well as seek input and feedback for our program. The meeting will take place on Thursday, August 14^th, from 12-1 pm at the Fayetteville Chamber of Commerce large conference room. The Chamber is located at 123 W. Mountain Street in Fayetteville.

The ultimate goal of our program is to improve the water quality of the West Fork of the White River, which flows from Winslow to Fayetteville and empties into Beaver Lake, the drinking water source for over 420,000 people. Since last fall, we have been working on a variety of water quality issues in the West Fork Watershed, connecting with streamside landowners, implementing Best Management Practices, and creating an assessment of water quality improvement opportunities. The initial results of our landowner interaction and community feedback are conveyed in a series of maps, however we realize that there are still existing opportunities for water quality improvement that we have not yet accounted for and we are still seeking input regarding these opportunities. We would appreciate your attendance at this meeting and feedback on our program, since it has implications for our valuable water resource and is integral for a healthy Northwest Arkansas economy and community.

Lunch will be provided for attendees, and an RSVP is requested. You may reserve your spot at the meeting by contacting Courtney Thomas at 479-750-8007 or courtney@beaverwatershedalliance.org

Thank you,

Courtney Thomas

Outreach Coordinator of Beaver Watershed Alliance

courtney@beaverwatershedalliance.org
(479) 750-8007

Sunday, July 20, 2014

Donna and Kelly Mulhollan Beaver Lake production at Hobbs State Park

BEAVER LAKE PROJECT PRESS RELEASE.docx

View online

View Still on the Hill.jpg in slide show

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Download all as zip

From: Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

Contact: 479-789-5000

Media Release

July 19, 2014

Musical Group - Still On the Hill - to Perform “Once A River” Songs at Hobbs State Park – Free to the Public

An exciting project concerning Beaver Lake and its watershed is occurring in Northwest Arkansas. The popular and award-winning folk duo, Still on the Hill, has written and recorded an entire CD of songs to create awareness of the lake’s history and collective stories.

The project is being made possible through a collaborative grant from the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage, and the National Endowment for the Arts, plus four northwest Arkansas groups – the Association for Beaver Lake Environment (A.B.L.E.), Ozarks Water Watch, Beaver Water District, and Beaver Watershed Alliance, with special additional sponsorship through the Shiloh Museum of Ozark History.

Still on the Hill will perform 10 free concerts during 2014 in watershed communities, and will give away 100 CDs (one per family) at each performance on a first come, first served basis. These concerts, in addition to being entertaining and educational, will instill a sense of ownership for the protection of this valuable resource which supplies drinking water and quality of life for one in seven Arkansans! Mark your calendar.

Still On the Hill Plays “Once a River” songs at Hobbs State Park

Where: Hobbs State Park visitor center – located on Hwy 12 just east of the

Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection.

When: Saturday July 26 2:00 p.m.

Cost: FREE – The public is invited

For information on upcoming programs at Hobbs State Park, go to: http://www.friendsofhobbs.com.

#####

Steve Chyrchel, Interpreter – CIG

Hobbs State Park – Conservation Area

20201 East Hwy 12

Rogers, Arkansas 72756

Phone: 479-789-5006

Fax: 479-789-2151

www.friendsofhobbs.com

http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/hobbsstateparkconservationarea

Tuesday, July 1, 2014

Beaver Watershed Alliance meeting in Fayetteville, Arkansas, recorded in three clips on 30 June 2014

Beaver Watershed Alliance public-input session in Fayetteville, Arkansas, on June 30, 2014, in three video clips on You Tube.

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

St. Louis, Missouri, takes responsibility for providing habitat for dwindling population of Monarch butterflies

Milkweeds for Monarchs Initiative Update

The St. Louis Butterfly Project

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Published: 04-22-2014

Update 6.4.2014

The Milkweeds for Monarchs Initiative is underway. Mayor Slay has committed to the City planting 50 monarch gardens, and is challenging the community to plant an additional 200 monarch gardens in 2014 to commemorate the City's 250th birthday year.

The City has created an online registration. Once your Milkweeds for Monarchs garden is planted, register your garden with us so we can track our progress toward the goal. Your personal information will not be displayed. Registered gardens will appear on the Milkweed for Monarchs Map.

There are a variety of plants that will make your garden a success for attracting Monarchs. In partnership with community plant and butterfly experts, the City has created a STL Monarch Mix Brochure to serve as a reference in establishing your monarch garden. These plants have been carefully selected to provide the best combination of features for the butterflies and your personal enjoyment. These varieties were chosen to flower at different times of the growing season, offering seasonal color and important butterfly food and nectar sources.

The STL Monarch Mix consist of: (Photos courtesy of Missouri Botanical Garden and Monarch Watch)

Original Post:

Famous for their remarkable annual migrations between Mexico and Canada, monarch butterflies are important participants in pollinating plants in our ecosystem. Yet, their population has declined 90 percent over the last two decades. Female monarchs depend on milkweed to lay their eggs and feed their caterpillar larvae. While other flower species can serve as nectar sources for butterflies, only milkweeds play host to monarch caterpillars enabling the monarch population to grow.

In honor of this year's Earth Day, Mayor Slay announced a new City sustainability initiative called 'Milkweeds for Monarchs.'

"The goal of this project is to both increase the dwindling monarch butterfly population and to better connect people and urban nature," said Slay.

Mayor Slay has committed to the City planting 50 monarch gardens, and is challenging the community to plant an additional 200 monarch gardens in 2014 to commemorate the City's 250th birthday year.

"I will be planting one at City Hall and in my own yard at home. But, I'd like to see these butterfly gardens everywhere. They can go in your neighborhood's community garden, in front of your business or in your own yard," said Slay.

Access to nature can reduce stress and anxieties, nourishes the imagination, and provide important learning opportunities. STL Milkweeds for Monarchs also aligns with the City's Sustainable Neighborhood Initiative. Creating monarch gardens is also an opportunity to enhance a community's sense of place and to build relationships between neighbors.

In partnership with community plant and butterfly experts, the City has created a STL Monarch Mix Brochure to serve as a reference in establishing your monarch garden. These plants have been carefully selected to provide the best combination of features for the butterflies and your personal enjoyment. These varieties were chosen to flower at different times of the growing season, offering seasonal color and important butterfly food and nectar sources.

For updated information on the STL Milkweeds for Monarchs initiative and to receive recognition for creating a monarch garden, please visit stlouis-mo.gov/sustainability.