Navigator News

Volume 4 Number 8
January 2002

Council on Environmental Quality - Letter to AHR Navigators

Text of the James Connaughton letter from the Council on Environmental Quality

Similar letters were sent to all River Navigators for the AHRI. Here is the October 22, 2001 letter to Peter Stroh, Chairman of the Detroit AHR:

The American Heritage Rivers Initiative (AHRI) was created by Executive Order 13061 to provide assistance to participating communities with locally-chosen projects related to economic development and environmental and cultural resources. The previous Administration made a commitment that the AHRI would exist for five years, until July 30, 2003, after which time it would be up to federal agencies to decide whether to continue providing appropriate services as part of their ongoing activities. For administrative purposes, oversight of the AHRI was placed in the Council on Environmental Quality. We have reviewed the initiative and, given the level of success it has enjoyed, the level of support from participating communities and interest by others in participating, we have determined that it is appropriate to honor the five-year commitment.

We will continue to review the AHRI to determine its future beyond 2003, including any improvements that may be made during this intervening period. We will be discussing the Initiative and continued support for it with participating federal agencies in the near future.

I commend you for your dedication to, and success with, the Initiative thus far and urge you to continue serving your communities as well as you have. Please direct any questions you may have regarding our support for the AHRI to Bill Leary at 202-456- 6550.

Signed

James L. Connaughton

State of the Rivers Reports

The American Heritage River partnerships, recognized as models of how an active public, local businesses and government agencies can make dramatic improvements, have engendered community pride in their past and a positive outlook for their future. American Heritage River communities have demonstrated through their own, locally initiated projects that what is good for the environment is also good for the economy. With coordinated and focused federal assistance, provision of guidance, technical expertise and other resources, the initiative has brought new energy to longstanding local efforts to reclaim the health, heritage, and economic vitality of rivers.

Through the American Heritage Rivers Initiative, river communities have had the opportunity to receive high level focused federal attention and assistance. By forging agreements with communities, federal agencies were encouraged to cut red tape wherever possible and to address community priorities, such as "Keystone" projects. This team approach saves both the government and Community Partners valuable time and money.

Now, each American Heritage River has released its State of the River Report outlining a profile of the river, priority projects, and current status. The State of the River Report includes a list of Community Partners striving and continually reaching out to meet their River communities' individual requirements.

Click here to access the State of the River Reports

Blackstone-Woonasquatucket Rivers

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Blackstone-Woonasquatucket Rivers above and go to the River Contacts page.

Connecticut River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Connecticut River above and go to the River Contacts page.

Cuyahoga River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Cuyahoga River above and go to the River Contacts page.

Detroit River

 Corporate Partner Activities on the River

General Motors Corporation has contributed significantly to opening up the Detroit River and providing public access. General Motors has built a five-story Wintergarden and constructed a riverfront promenade, making their new front door the Detroit River.

Solutia has contributed habitat work on their property as their match toward a North American Wetlands Conservation Act grant that was used to purchase Calf Island in the Detroit River for recreation and conservation purposes.

BASF Corp. has implemented soft engineering practices on their property
along the Detroit River shoreline. This was an excellent example of demonstrating multiple benefits of soft engineering, including habitat enhancement.

National Steel Corporation donated Mud Island in the Detroit River to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for inclusion in the proposed international wildlife refuge championed by Congressman John Dingell.

Brownstown-Flat Rock-Rockwood Linked Greenway - Progress Update

The Brownstown-Flat Rock-Brownstown East West Connector is one of three keystone projects identified by the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative. This Initiative has championed a vision of linked greenways from Lake St. Clair to Lake Erie, up the tributaries like the Huron and Rouge Rivers, and across to Canada. The Detroit River is one of 14 rivers to be honored with the American Heritage River designation in 1998. In 2001, the Detroit River received a Canadian Heritage River designation making it the first international heritage river system in North America.

Other News:

On May 8th, Congressman John Dingell announced $500,000 in funding for projects for the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge. See link below: http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/press.html .

On February 14th, the City of Detroit announced $700,000 for restoration of Belle Isle's Flynn Pavillion, the second funded keystone project of the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative. See link below:
http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/feb152002.html

The 2001 tercentennial provided a unique opportunity to recognize the people of Detroit and Windsor, whose historic achievements have laid the foundation for our future prosperity. Detroit 300 was a bi-national, year long celebration of our history, culture, ethnic diversity, natural resources, commerce and trade. In the spirit of this celebration, the State of the Strait conference was held on March 27, 2001 at the University of Windsor. The conference proceedings, titled "State of the Strait: Status and Trends of the Detroit River Ecosystem," review the history and status of the Detroit River and discuss prospects for protecting this ecosystem. The conference proceedings are available on-line at: http://cronus.uwindsor.ca/greatlakes

On November 3, 2002, the Wyandotte Boat Club will host a major collegiate rowing regatta called "Regatta 2002- An American Heritage River Fall Classic." This regatta is a sponsored event of the U.S. Rowing Association. See link below for more details. http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/whatsnew1.html

Hanalei River

Hanalei Named Second Best Beach in the U.S.

Hanalei has been named the second best beach in the United States.... Stephen P. Leatherman selected Hanalei for this prestigious honor in his 12th annual publication, "America's BestBeaches". The annual ratings are based on fifty stringent criteria that cover almost every aspect of beach health including sand quality and water temperature.

Water Quality Sampling

The Hanalei Heritage River Program and Hui (governing body), continues its water quality sampling in the Hanalei River and Bay. Concerns are rising about the bacterial pollution present in these renowned recreational waters. Hanalei is utilizing an IDEXX system of analysis that enables community volunteers to obtain credible data. The State of Hawaii Department of Health corroborates all the data with testing in their laboratory on Oahu. Hanalei also conducts a quarterly synoptic sampling of over thirty sites along the river and bay. The data now suggests a correlation between low and high tidal action and the higher bacterial levels suggesting a "flushing" of septic systems in the Hanalei community. Under study now is a possible link to heavy rain events as well.

Hau Bush Control

The Hanalei Heritage River Program is also completing a one-year study to determine the most effective way to control hau bush along Hawaii's rivers and streams. Hau is a member of the hibiscus family and was used generations ago for fence lines. It is prolific and has become a nuisance in many areas. It is also a likely cause of bank erosion. Hanalei's study was funded through an EPA Five Star Challenge Grant using students and community volunteers to clear and maintain four test plots. Native Hawaiian plants are being used for re-vegetation.

A quarterly newsletter is available by post mail if you would like more information about our programs. We welcome your interest.

Makaala Kaaumoana
Program Coordinator
Hanalei Heritage River Program
POB 1285
Hanalei, HI 96714
Ph: 808-826-1985 Vox
808-826-1012 Fax

Hudson River

Hudson River Valley Heritage Area - New Website Announced

A new Web site has been established for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area. The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, an affiliate unit of the National Park Service, was approved by Congress and signed into law by President Clinton on November 12, 1996.

The Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is a partnership of local, state, and federal sites, with the Hudson River Valley Greenway serving as its manager, and the National Park Service providing technical and financial support. See this Web Site also for the Hudson River Valley Heritage Area; a Brochure & Map for the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area is available from the National Park Service.

www.hudsonvalleyheritagearea.com

Hudson River Valley Greenway

J. Eric Scherer
Hudson River Navigator
American Heritage River Initiative
PO Box 308
Staatsburg, NY 12580
845-889-4101 (X306)
Fax 845-889-8321
eric.scherer@ny.usda.gov

Lower Mississippi River

 Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation

The Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization was established and contracted by the City to develop the five-mile Mississippi River riverfront. Supported by grants from the Plough Foundation and vested with funding from the City of Memphis, the RDC has recently completed a $1.1 million Master Plan process, which included over 75 public and civic group meetings. In addition, the RDC has just completed construction a $5 million half-mile riverwalk at the top of the historic cobblestone landing. RDC has also presented the Master Plan to the Mississippi Valley Commission of the Corps of Engineers in March. The Riverfront Development Corporation website is: www.memphisriverfront.com

Wolf River Conservancy

The Wolf River Conservancy, an independent nonprofit organization, established in 1986 has been working in conjunction with the Chickasaw Basic Authority and City of Memphis to create a greenway along the Wolf River corridor. This greenway would provide both environmental and recreation benefits. The City already owns a 600-foot wide corridor along most of the river within the city limits and is currently funding a $100,000 greenway master plan for that area in cooperation with the Conservancy. The Conservancy, in partnership with the Chickasaw Basin Authority has acquired and protected approximately 500 acres with conservation easements along the river within Shelby County since 1998. In addition, the Conservancy is working with the State of Tennessee to allow property the state owns along the Wolf River to be used by the public as part of the greenway. Web address: www.wolfriver.org

Booker T. Washington High School Vocational Programs Expansion

A partnership consisting of the New Orleans School Board, the City of New Orleans, Xavier University, Tulane University, EPA Region 6, US Coast Guard, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Economic Development Administration, B.T. Washington Alumni Association, several small businesses, and the Lower Mississippi American Heritage River Alliance have formed to expand the vocational training facilities at Book T. Washington High School in New Orleans. This project includes transferring two brownfields properties located across the school. Xavier University and a private individual own these properties. The plans call for the construction of a state-of-the-art vocational training facility for the high school and community non-traditional students and residents.

EPA provided the funding (about Forty Thousand Dollars -$40,000.00) to the United States Corps of Engineers (USACOE) to conduct Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA). In March of 2002, the Phase II was completed and the USACOE has scheduled a meeting with the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality (LDEQ) for the purpose of preparing remediation plans for the redevelopment and construction phase. Total costs for the resources for planning and remediation are about $500,000.00.

National Center for the Mississippi River

For the past three years, Tulane University has led a partnership with academic, private, and public entities on local, regional, state, and national scales to develop an ambitious project – the National Center for the Mississippi River (River Center). Based on research and education, the River Center's mandate is to be inclusive of all aspects of the Mississippi River. In the long-term, the River Center will house research laboratories, classroom space, conference rooms, a major museum affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and a waterfront amphitheater. It will sponsor both tightly focused and interdisciplinary investigations of the science, economics, nature, art, culture, and history of the Mississippi, as well as its relevance to other rivers of the nation and the world. The River Center will also publicize its findings through conferences as well as in print, media broadcast, and web media, while it synthesizes and translates these findings into exhibits, festivals, and traveling displays on the river. Web address: http://www.riverweb.org

Woodlands Trail and Park

Woodlands Trail and Park is dedicated to its mission of "Creating a Legacy" for future generations by planning for sustainability of the natural environment in one of the regions' last stands of bottomland hardwoods which serve as one of the first "fattening up" grounds for over 400 species of Migratory birds. By connecting corridors of greenspace, we are working to increase community access to the river and historic, cultural, and environmental learning opportunities as well as increasing recreational opportunities in a growing community. With the current dedication by Plaquemines Parish of an 80-foot greenway over 8 miles in length, our "Legacy" is beginning. In addition to the preservation of habitat for wildlife, preservation of open space will serve as a flood plain for storm runoff in a peninsula where over 600 acres of wetlands have been filled as well as serve as a filtering ground for pollution in an area, which is largely without public sewerage. Web address: http://woodlandtrail.bizland.com/

New River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the New River above and go to the River Contacts page.

Potomac River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Potomac River above and go to the River Contacts page.

Rio Grande River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Rio Grande River above and go to the River Contacts page.

St. Johns River

New River Navigator for the St. Johns River

Dr. Anne Keller has assumed the position as the River Navigator for the St. Johns River in Florida. Anne has worked for a number of federal and state agencies since completing graduate school at the University of Florida with a Ph.D. in Aquatic Toxicology. These agencies include: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, U.S. Geological Survey, Tennessee Valley Authority, and the St. Johns River Water Management District. Her work with the Water Management District gave experience and prior knowledge about the St. Johns River that will help her meet her new responsibilities. She spent five years after receiving her first Master's degree teaching biology and chemistry to high school and junior college students. Anne began working for the Southeast Region (Region 4) of EPA five years ago. Among her areas of interest are environmental toxicology, freshwater mussels, river restoration, and related interagency collaborations. Until her office is open in early July in Jacksonville, she may be reached on her cell phone at: 561-818-6119; her email is: keller.anne@epa.gov

Anne Keller, Ph.D.
St. Johns River Navigator
Jacksonville, FL
cell: 561-818-6119
keller.anne@epa.gov

• St. Johns - 'State of the River' Report (PDF format, 391KB)
• AHRI News of the St. Johns (PDF format, 442KB)

Upper Mississippi River

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Upper Mississippi River above and go to the River Contacts page.

Upper Susquehanna/Lackawanna River

$900,000 FEDERAL GRANT RECEIVED FOR COMBINED SEWER OVERFLOW REPAIRS

The Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna American Heritage River Watershed recently received a $900,000 grant from EPA to begin to remedy the Upper Susquehanna's combined sewer overflow (CSO) problem – marking significant progress on one of the Watershed's Keystone Projects. This federal grant, secured by Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski, will be matched by a local contribution from the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, which has wisely set aside funds from user fees to address the CSO condition. Federal funding was needed and appropriate in this case because of the comprehensive and regional nature of the problem -- the Authority and its sewer system serve about 250,000 people in 35 communities. Solving the CSO problem is a top priority for the AHRI, the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority, numerous municipalities along the Susquehanna River, and the Pennsylvania GIS Consortium, all important community partners in the AHRI. Prior to this grant, the local partners had already invested considerable time and resources to completing an inventory of the outfalls along the River and cost-estimates to repair this problem. In addition to the environmental, health and safety benefits, a cleaner Susquehanna River will enhance recreational activities along this stretch of the River.

A NEW COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION TO REVITALIZE BLIGHTED COMMERCIAL AND RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

To promote economic development and the renovation of blighted properties, CityVest – a not-for-profit community development corporation – was established and has now raised in excess of $2 million for projects in the AHR Watershed. CityVest, with a local board of directors that reflects a cross-section of the higher education, business, and civic communities, acts as a developer of last resort, involved in the acquisition, rehabilitation and sale or rental of dilapidated and underutilized residential and commercial properties. CityVest seeks to blend both public and private financial resources for its economic revitalization projects. Conceived in the spirit of strengthening the relationship among our local higher education institutions, the business community, and the region, CityVest promotes development projects that enhance economic growth, business development, educational opportunities, urban housing resources, and a clean and safe environment. To encourage home-ownership, population growth and economic activity in the urban centers of the Wyoming Valley, we focus on the provision of market-rate housing through the identification, acquisition, and rehabilitation of dilapidated residential structures.

To date, CityVest is working to renovate four historic homes in downtown Wilkes-Barre; revitalize the famous Sterling Hotel (a century-old building that sits adjacent to the Susquehanna River and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.); promote economic development and job growth in Nanticoke; and support an urban beautification in Pittston and West Pittston along the Water Street Bridge that links these two riverfront communities.

CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF A WATERSHED ENVIRONMENTAL MASTER PLAN, AND EDUCATION AND OUTREACH FOR GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (GIS)

We are well underway in the development of an environmental master plan for the watershed using state-of-the-art Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology. The PAGIS Consortium (PAGIS), an AHRI community partner, was created in 1999 with a mission to implement a locally independent, regionally coordinated, multiple purpose GIS for a 12 county area in central and northeastern Pennsylvania, including the watershed of the Upper Susquehanna-Lackawanna American Heritage River. The PAGIS Consortium is a non-profit organization intended to facilitate partnerships between academia, local government, state and federal agencies and private industry to promote and facilitate the use of geospatial data and technologies for dealing with environmental problems and economic concerns in this region.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS) represents technologies that have proven time and again to be of significant advantage to all levels of government, but in particular county and municipal governments. GIS and GIS related applications increase the responsiveness and analytical skills of virtually all departmental activities including: Tax Assessment, Emergency Services, Planning, Economic Development, Infrastructure Management and Human Services.

PAGIS and AHRI are continuing to meet with public and private officials to familiarize them on our current activities and invite them to partner with PAGIS.

Willamette River

 AHRI Report for the Willamette River

January 2002 Report (PDF format, 1.16MB)

For additional information and to contact the River Navigator - simply click on the Willamette River above and go to the River Contacts page.

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