Northeast Wetland Restoration Institute Now Accepting Applications

The 2008 Northeast Regional Wetland Restoration Institute will be held in Campbell, New York from August 11-15. The training is designed to help engineers, biologists, foresters, hydrologists, and technicians initiate or improve a wetland restoration program. Individuals will be involved in the design and construction of two wetlands, from start to finish, using the latest and most effective techniques available in North America. Participants will investigate restored wetlands and streams in forested and open areas with instructors who are leaders in the field. Applications are now being accepted and are due by June 30.
For more information please visit: www.u-s-c.org/NEWRI

National Conservation and Sustainability Symposium to be Held in Philadelphia

Representatives of states from across the country are gathering in Philadelphia this week to talk about how to use land management and conservation practices as powerful tools to achieve sustainability and address climate change. Leaders from 16 states including Pennsylvania will gather at the University of Pennsylvania June 23 and 24 for a symposium entitled “Creating a New Natural Resource Legacy: Conservation and Sustainability…Historic Missions Cast New in the 21st Century.” The forum is co-hosted by Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, California, Iowa and Maryland. http://www.dcnr.state.pa.us/news/newsreleases/2008/0608-sustainabilitysymposium.htm

National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is providing National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants to States for acquisition, restoration, management or enhancement of coastal wetlands. The Act also establishes a role for the Fish and Wildlife Service in interagency wetlands restoration and conservation planning in Louisiana. States must provide 50 percent of the total costs of a project. Priority will be provided to projects that are:

• Consistent with the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan
• Located in States with dedicated land acquisition programs.
• Located in maritime forests on coastal barrier islands.

Approximately 30 grants will be available, totaling of $19,000,000. Closing date for applications is June 27, 2008.