CWCWC

U.S. Forest Service reports look at FOREST management, ecosystem services, and sensitivity of forests The U.S. Forest Service released two reports as part of their Forests on the Edge' Series. The paper "Forest Land Conversion, Ecosystem Services, and Economic Issues for Policy: A Review" focuses on the use of the ecosystem service conceptual framework as a basis for understanding the ecological effects of forest land conversion, and as a basis for understanding the economic issues that arise in designing policies to conserve forest ecosystems. (http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/fote/literature.html ).

The U.S.F.S. also conducted an analysis of "FORESTS ON THE EDGE: Housing Development on America's Private Forests,- examining the sensitivity of the results of the first Forests on the Edge report to four factors: (1) use of updated private land and forest cover spatial data and a revised model of housing density change, (2) projection of residential development on woodland identified as shrub/scrub land cover, (3) inclusion of very-low-density residential development in the housing density change categories, and (4) inclusion of additional watersheds in the analysis by changing the screening criteria. http://www.fs.fed.us/openspace/fote/sensitivity.html

NYS Comptroller Releases Report: OPEN SPACE PROVIDES ECONOMIC BENEFITS Open space provides economic benefits that need to be identified and considered in land use decisions, according to a report (http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/environmental/openspacepreserv10.pdf ) recently released by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli. Open space can provide a variety of public benefits, including storm water drainage and water management, DiNapoli said. Open spaces also provide a more direct economic benefit through tourism, agriculture and the forestry industry. All these benefits should be a factor in land use decisions from Montauk to Massena. Agriculture is among New York's largest and most vital industries, encompassing 25 percent of the states land and generating more than $4.5 billion for the states economy each year. In 2007, the income generated directly by farms, combined with income generated by agricultural support industries and by industries that process agricultural products, totaled $31.2 billion. The study noted that open space contributes to the states economy by providing opportunities for outdoor recreational activities. DiNapoli also noted that open space often requires fewer municipal services than lands in other use and tend to generate more in municipal tax revenue. Open space helps control storm water runoff, preserves surface water quality and stream flows, and aids in the infiltration of surface water to replenish aquifers. When lands are converted to other uses, the natural benefits provided by open space often must be replaced through the construction of water treatment facilities and infrastructure to control storm water, all paid for through local tax revenue. A series of studies have found the preservation of open space to be a more economical way to address storm water requirements. DiNapoli's report recommends that New York State consider: (1) Allowing municipalities to establish community preservation funds; (2) Evaluating the adequacy of protections for lands providing benefits for Municipalities; (3) Improving state-level planning for open space to address long-term funding needs; (4) Improving the administration of funds for open space programs; and (5) Encouraging private land conservation. For a copy of the Economic Benefits of Open Space report, go to: http://www.osc.state.ny.us/reports/environmental/openspacepreserv10.pdf

'GASLAND' SUNDANCE Award Winning Documentary on HomeBoxOffice
Filmmaker Josh Fox shows us how fracking is ruining water supplies and turning rivers - even tap water - explosively flammable;
exposing residents daily to known human carcinogens; and killing plants and wildlife.
The film was recognized with a special jury prize this year at Sundance.
If you think NY water is protected, wait 'til you've seen "Gasland."
A new boom in natural gas drilling, a process called
"fracking", raises concerns about health and environmental risks.
For preview, see: PBS NOW broaadcast at http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/613/index.html

HBO Showings
Always Available "On Demand"
DO GAS AND WATER MIX - CHOOSE WHAT IS MORE IMPORTANT IN YOUR LIFE

Draft agenda on the future of LAND USE, ENERGY and ENVIRONMENT in the Hudson Valley
The Land Use, Energy and Environment Task Force, organized by the 2009 Quadricentennial Commission, has released a draft agenda on the future of land use, energy and environment in the Hudson Valley. The report is posted on www.Our Hudson.org for public review and comment. This is one of six subject-specific draft agendas prepared by regional experts on Agriculture, Culture and Education, Land Use, Economic Development, Transportation and Mechanisms for Action. The report offers ten propositions, plus recommendations on how these might be achieved.
To read more about, and to comment upon, these recommendations, go to www.OurHudson.org. This website is designed to give residents and friends of the Valley an opportunity to join the online conversation, respond to draft agendas and share their vision for the region

Fridays or Saturdays, 9:30-11:30am
Now thru October FEE $250 for entire growing season
Bedford Audubon Society at Bylane Farm
35 Todd Rd, Katonah-Goldens Bridge

Get Your Hands Dirty GROWING FRESH, DELICIOUS VEGGIES
This Summer While Learning From A MASTER GARDENER:

G a r d e n i n g W i t h N a t u r e: Crop Selection/Interplanting/
Companion Planting/Pollinators/
Beneficial Border/Garden Design
S t a r t i n g S e e d l i n g s I n d o o r s: Pot Making/
Soil Mixture/Greenhouse
I n T h e G a r d e n: Raised Beds/Transplanting/Direct Sowing
Staking/Watering; Composting & Mulching
P e s t s: Insect & Disease ID/Control with Beneficial Insects
R e a p i n g T h e H a r v e s t*: When & How/Recipes
Canning & Preserving/ Keeping In Our Root Cellar
*Harvesting produce for your home table is included in the program.

For information contact:
Jim Nordgren jnordgren@bedfordaudubon.org,
914-232-1999 or Cathy Clare catmint@optonline.net

Saturdays -
September 11, 2010, and October 9, 2010
Hudson-Athens Lighthouse Preservation Society Lighthouse Tours
The Lighthouse is accessed by a short boat ride from either the
Athens Village Riverfront Park, Athens, New York or, the
Henry Hudson River Front Park, Hudson, New York.

Join the Society as it hosts tours to the national historically registered
eight room Hudson-Athens Lighthouse. The Lighthouse was built in 1874
and is restored and maintained by the Preservation Society only. Once
at the Lighthouse guests climb the metal stairs and enter the interior of
the Lighthouse where they are welcomed by tour guides and Emily Brunner
who lived on the lighthouse as a little girl in the 1930s and 1940s. Emily,
a favorite of all visitors, relates factual stories about the life style of her
father the Lightkeeper, and the entire Brunner family. The tour is an
opportunity to learn about the Hudson River and its ecology, and the
important role that the Hudson River played in the development of the
upper Hudson River towns, and the role that the Hudson-Athens
Lighthouse plays in the safe navigation of the river transportation.

Tours will be held hourly. Reservations for tours are strongly suggested
and can be made by calling (518) 822-1014, Hudson Cruises Company.
The cost is $20 for adults, and $10 for children under 12 years of age.
Scheduled school groups are welcome in October and June. For more
about the history and preservation of the Lighthouse, please visit the
web site: hudsonathenslighthouse.org, or call 518 828 5294.

Private tours for organizations and groups of 18 or more are
arranged on an individual basis.

Sunday, September 12, 2010: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Hudson Highlands Land Trust Castle to Castle Hike
Hikers should park at Cat Rock and a shuttle
to Castle Rock will be provided.
Members of the Osborn family will lead us from Castle Rock, the first
Osborn castle built by railroad magnate William H. Osborn in 1880,
to Cat Rock, built in 1919 by Frederick H. Osborn. At Cat Rock, our
hosts will welcome us with hot cider and a roaring fire. Hike takes place
on privately conserved land, directions will be provided when you register.

All hikes are free, but space is limited. Pre-registration is required by
calling (845) 424-3358. It is recommended that you call the office or
check the website home page to confirm that a hike has not been
cancelled, particularly in cases of inclement weather.
Level of hike difficulty is Moderate/Difficult.

For more information, visit http://www.hhlt.org./takeAHikeSched.html
or contact HHLT at 845-424-3358.

EPA's PUBLIC MEETING on HYDRAULIC FRACTURING STUDY
To take Place in Binghamton, New York
Meeting Scheduled for September 13 and 15
at the Broome County Forum Theater
236 Washington St., Binghamton

Meeting Information:
EPA will hold four identical sessions during a two day session
at the same location:
Date: Monday, September 13, 2010
12:00pm - 4:00pm (pre-registration begins at 10:30am)
6:00pm - 10:00pm (pre-registration begins at 4:30pm)
Date: Wednesday, September 15, 2010
12:00pm - 4:00pm (pre-registration begins at 10:30am)
6:00pm - 10:00pm (pre-registration begins at 4:30pm)

TRANSITION from the Postponed August 12 Meeting
The four sessions scheduled for September 13 and 15, 2010
will be identical to those already convened in Dallas, Texas;
Denver, Colorado; and Canonsburg, Pennsylvania.
The agenda will match that of the meetings previously
scheduled for August 12. As with all previous meetings,
EPA will make a short presentation at the beginning of
each session and registered speakers will then have the
opportunity to provide verbal or written comments directly to EPA.
All individuals who pre-registered for the August 12 meetings
will retain their registration for the September 13 and 15 meetings.

Because the timing of the sessions has changed from a one-day
event to a two-day event and EPA has added another meeting
session, EPA needs pre-registered individuals to specify the
session they would like to attend.

1. PRE-REGISTERED speakers for the August 12 session will be
sent an e-mail from the Cadmus Group requesting they select one
preferred session in which to provide verbal comment. The email
notification will provide instructions on how to choose a session.

Speakers who pre-registered using the telephone registration will be
contacted by Cadmus by phone to confirm their preferred session.

2. Pre-registered attendees (those who opted not to give verbal
comment) will be asked to indicate the session they would like to
attend via the registration website. The registration website is
located at http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com and will open
beginning at 9:00 am on Friday, September 3, 2010.

EPA is expecting room-capacity crowds at the Binghamton
meeting sessions. Pre-registering to attend the meetings will
help EPA plan the meeting logistics and increase the likelihood
that individuals will be able to attend their preferred sessions.
Individuals may pre-register for the meetings online at
http://hfmeeting.cadmusweb.com or by calling 1-866-477-3635
(toll free). Online and telephone registration will remain open
through 5:00 pm, September 10, 2010. Those who are not
pre-registered may still register to attend or provide verbal
comment on the day of the meeting. Verbal comments from
individuals registered on-site will be accommodated as time allows.

EPA encourages the public to submit WRITTEN COMMENTS on the
proposed study, and relevant information and data by e-mail at
hydraulic.fracturing@epa.gov through September 28, 2010.
Please write 'Hydraulic Fracturing Study - Comments' in the
subject line of the message. Written comments may also be
hand-delivered at the public meetings or sent to EPA at the
following address:
Jill Dean
1200 Pennsylvania Ave. NW
Mailcode 4606M
Washington, DC 20460.

For additional questions or comments, please email
hydraulic.fracturing@epa.gov or call 1-866-477-3635.
Meeting information may be found on the EPA Hydraulic
Fracturing Study website at
http://water.epa.gov/type/groundwater/uic/class2/hydraulicfracturing/wells_hydroout.cfm.

CREDENTIALED MEMBERS of the MEDIA are encouraged to RSVP to
senn.john@epa.gov by 5:00 pm, September 10, 2010. There will
be a separate media registration table at the venue. The Forum
Theater will be equipped with a mult box and Internet access.

Wednesday, September 22, 7:30 pm
The ENVIRONMENT and OUR HEALTH: Whats the CONNECTION?
Greenburgh Nature Center, 99 Dromore Road,
Scarsdale, NY 10583. Tel: 914 723 3470.

A panel of both conventional and alternative health professionals
will discuss their perspectives and experience of environmental
impacts on our health and well-being. The panel will include an MD,
a chiropractor, a nutritionist, a holistic healer and a psychotherapist.

This is a FREE EVENT.
This is a handicapped-accessible location.
Contact Deepak Panjabi
Volunteer Lower Hudson Group of Sierra Club
914 923 6490 Ext 312 Fax: 914 923 6492

S*A*V*E T*H*E D*A*T*E
Tuesday, October 5th, 2010, 6:30 pm

DOCUMENTARY SCREENING of 'GASLAND'
At Jacob Burns Film Center, Pleasantville

Sundance 2010 Winner
Special Jury Prize
Hydrofracking aka 'FRACKING' for 'natural' Gas (methane)
from Wyoming, Colorado, Texas, West Virginia to Pennsylvania

COMING SOON TO UPSTATE NEW YORK

Filmmaker, Josh Fox, will answer questions
with Reception following to kick off Education Series
Do Gas and Water Mix?
'Fracking' Effects On New York State's Watershed,
Forests and Biodiversity