TETLIN: Climate Change Energy Conservation
Alaska Region, October 29, 2008
Although this Challeng Cost Share grant (CCS) got off to a rousing start in its early planning, it came to a standstill this fall due to local village meetings and hunting season. We requested a month extension, which gave us the opportunity to complete this CCS in grand style.
We “ground-tested” our newly created Climate Change curriculum in one of the local schools. The teacher did not complete the entire curriculum, but liked the portions utilized and plans on incorporating it into his class this coming year. To date, 3 science teachers in 3 different district schools have signed up to use the curriculum this winter/spring.
This CCS allowed for the purchase of CFL (compact fluorescent) light bulbs, plastic window “weatherization” kits and the supplies & equipment needed to install them. With the help of the Tanacross Village Council, refuge volunteers, and Tanacross residents, we provided for weatherization of 58 windows in 18 homes (mostly elders and single mothers.) We also replaced all incandescent bulbs in most of these homes with energy efficient CFLs.
Two (2) evening “workshops” in Tanacross (one in late September and one in late October), attended by over 90 people total, allowed the sharing of information on Climate Change through short presentations, printed material and questions and answers. CFLs were distributed to families who had not been included in the window weatherization project.
In an unplanned partnership with the local schools “after school program” (GAP) we “manned” a table at the grocery store and, in one day, talked with over 70 people about energy conservation and Climate Change. We held a “Bulb Exchange” at the same time – bring in 5 incandescent bulbs and receive 5 CFLs. It was a great success and had folks talking about it for several weeks.
All in all, we distributed over 410 CFLs and provided winterization for 58 windows in the Tok and Tanacross communities. All recipients were extremely grateful and expressed what a fine job we were doing! This project resulted not only in increased awareness of energy consumption and a better understanding of climate change (and what we, as individuals can do to counteract it,) but the goodwill and positive feelings towards the Tetlin Refuge will last for a long time.
Contact Information: Mary Timm, 907/883-9419, mary_timm@fws.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Protection Measures for Exploratory Wells on the Baca National Wildlife Refuge in Southern Colorado
October 22, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined a Finding of No Significant Impact for the final environmental assessment of the Planned Oil and Gas Exploration on Baca National Wildlife Refuge, in Saguache County, Colorado. The Service is proposing stipulations and recommendations to protect the surface estate and other resources of the Baca National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) from unreasonable damage during all phases of the oil and gas exploration to be conducted by Lexam Explorations (U.S.A.) Inc. This includes drilling two exploratory gas wells on the Refuge. Any additional exploration wells or activities supporting the production of natural gas or oil will be analyzed through an additional and separate public process. The Service seeks to protect refuge resources while honoring Lexam's vested rights to explore the mineral estate they own.
News Release
Austin ES Office Hosts Meeting with Partners to Discuss Options for Regional Landscape Planning Strategies
Region 2, September 25, 2008
The Austin ES Office hosted a workshop to discuss details regarding a Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (RHCP) for the San Antonio/Bexar County area on September 25, 2008, in San Antonio. Representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Texas General Land Office, City of San Antonio, Bexar County, Department of Defense, Texas Department of Transportation, Texas Farm Bureau, Comal County, Travis County, Williamson County, various consultants, non-governmental organizations, developers, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service attended.
Service, Travis County, and Williamson County staff presented various perspectives of the natural resource challenges facing the quickly urbanizing area of San Antonio, the 9th largest city in the U.S. Travis and Williamson Counties presented their respective RHCPs and the challenges and rewards associated with each one. The Service provided regulatory context and expertise and presented options available to the community to accomplish the overall strategy. All participants supported the development of a Bexar County RHCP. The plan would be designed and merged, as appropriate, to accommodate development and natural resource protection in the greater San Antonio area. An executive session geared toward policy makers, decision makers, local leaders, and developers is scheduled for October 24, 2008, in San Antonio. Many meetings have occurred over the last month to move this issue forward. The Service continues to work closely with local leaders and Texas Parks and Wildlife to assess habitat conditions in the Bexar County area in preparation of the RHCP development process.
Contact: Bill Seawell, 512/490-0057, bill_seawell@fws.gov
Public Meetings Set for Wind Energy Environmental Study
September 24, 2008
LAKEWOOD, Colo. - As the number of proposed wind energy projects in the Upper Great Plains increases, Western Area Power Administration (Western) and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will prepare a Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement (PEIS) to evaluate the environmental, social and economic impacts of wind energy development in Western's Upper Great Plains Region (all or parts of Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota), and on the Service's grassland and wetland easements in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Montana. The PEIS also will identify typical environmental impacts of wind energy development; mitigation strategies, standard construction practices, and best management practices; and establish a comprehensive environmental program for evaluating future projects.
News Release
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Praises EPA Decision on Yazoo Pumps
September 8, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today praised a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency to protect thousands of acres of ecologically significant forested wetlands in the heart of one of America's most important corridors for migratory birds by opposing the Yazoo backwater area pumping project as it is currently designed. At the same time, the Service's leaders committed to continue working with communities throughout the Delta to find ways to address flood control needs and meet conservation goals that contribute to the strength of local economies throughout the Delta.
Last Tuesday, the EPA announced its decision to veto the pumps project being developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi Levee Board, relying on its authority in the Clean Water Act.
News Release
Help Minimize the Disturbance of Walruses along the Chukchi Sea Coast
September 4, 2008
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is requesting your support and cooperation in minimizing disturbances to walrus herds along the Chukchi Sea coast.
Walruses usually ?haul out? onto sea ice to rest between feeding trips. When sea ice is not available, walruses must come to shore to rest. In late summer, large herds of walruses may be found hauled out on isolated beaches and barrier islands along the Chukchi Sea coast. Walruses are sensitive to the sight, sound, and odor of humans and machines, and may stampede back into the water when disturbed. Large-scale mortality events have occasionally resulted from herd stampedes, with calves being particularly vulnerable to trampling injuries. Frequent disturbances may also impact animal health and condition if walruses are unable to obtain sufficient rest between feeding excursions.
News Release
National Wetlands Maps Debut on Google Earth
 April 22, 2008
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service maps of the National Wetlands Inventory are now available for viewing using Google Earth. The wetlands inventory includes wetlands data for approximately 60 percent of the conterminous U.S., as well as portions of Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
News Bulletin
Secretary Kempthorne Names Four Members to Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee
 April 18 , 2008
Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne has appointed four members to the Department’s Wind Turbine Guidelines Advisory Committee, which recommends effective measures to avoid or minimize impacts to wildlife and their habitats from land-based wind energy facilities.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Commissioner Karen Douglas and members René Braud, Ed Arnett, and Scott Darling,” Kempthorne said. “They will join a strong team of experts to help the Department develop this vital new source of clean, renewable energy for America while providing safe and effective measures to protect wildlife and mitigate other environmental impacts.”
DOI News Release
White Sands Missile Range Receives Prestigious Award from Fish and Wildlife Service
March 31, 2008
The Department of the Army's White Sands Missile Range in southern New Mexico has been named by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall as the recipient of the agency's 2007 Military Conservation Partner Award. The 2.2 million acre missile range has been a key partner in protecting the rare and endangered wildlife that lives in the Chihuahuan desert habitat.
News Release
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