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Tennessee Now Owns Virgin Falls State Natural Area

Tennessee Now Owns Virgin Falls State Natural Area

 

On November 15, 2012, the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) announced that the state acquired the Virgin Falls State Natural Area located in White County.  The Virgin Falls area has been under private ownership until the recent acquisition by the state, but the state has managed the natural area for about 40 years. 

The state was able to purchase the famous natural area by working with the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation.  The state received funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), and other private donors. 

The state was able to receive federal funding through the Endangered Species Recovery Land Acquisition Fund because there are four threatened and endangered species located on the 1,551 acres of property.  Apart from simply maintaining the property, the new federal funds will help restore some of the habitat through a land management plan. 

Commissioner Bob Martineau with TDEC stated: “TDEC wishes to acknowledge the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and TWRA for their continued support.  Without the support of the USFWS endangered species grant program and TWRA’s generosity and guidance, the state would not be as successful in the recovery and protection of significant rare species and habitats like those within Virgin Falls.”

Virgin Falls is the most recent natural area established by the state since the Tennessee State Parks system was formed in 1937.  The Virgin Falls area is adjacent to the Bridgestone Firestone Centennial Wilderness Wildlife Management Area that is also owned by the state.  The gorges that make up Virgin Falls stretch for about 18 miles as the Caney Fork River descends from the Cumberland Plateau and drains into the Cumberland River. 

Most of the property will be managed by Tennessee State Parks and the State Natural Areas program, but the TWRA will also help maintain the property. 

Deputy Commissioner Brock Hill with TDEC stated: “This particular property possesses special qualities found on the Cumberland Plateau and its scenic beauty is hard to match.  We are particularly thankful for Kathleen Williams and the Tennessee Parks and Greenways Foundation for their immeasurable support and long-time commitment to protect this significant property, along with the many businesses and individuals who have generously contributed to the Virgin Falls effort.” 

There are a total of 54 state parks and 82 natural areas in the state.  These natural resources range from the Mississippi River to the Appalachian Mountains. 

Source: Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation

17 States Guarantee Hunting and Fishing as Constitutional Right

17 States Guarantee Hunting and Fishing as Constitutional Right

 

In November of 2012, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) reported that 17 states now guarantee its citizens the constitutional right of hunting and fishing.  Voters approved the right to fish and hunt in 16 of the 17 states. 

Vermont was the first state to introduce language into its constitution about the right to fish and hunt in 1777, but the rest of the states have approved similar state constitutional rights since 1996.  Vermont and the following states have specific language in their constitutions for the right to fish AND hunt: Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming. 

Many consider Alaska’s constitutional language as giving rights to fish and hunt as well.  They state’s law reads: “Wherever occurring in their natural state, fish, wildlife, and waters are reserved to the people for common use.”

Two states, California and Rhode Island, guarantee fishing as a constitutional right, but these states don’t provide hunting as a constitutional right—partly due to their strict gun laws. 

During the November election in 2012, Idaho, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Wyoming, passed legislative ballots to add the right to hunt and fish into their state constitutions.  The state of Mississippi deferred the legislative amendment to the 2014 ballot. 

Seven states introduced legislation to give constitutional rights for fishing and hunting in November of 2012, but the legislation did not pass.  These states include Hawaii, Michigan, Missouri, Mississippi, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Pennsylvania. 

During the 2010 ballot, four states attempted to provide the right to fish and hunt in their constitutions.  The legislative measures passed in Arkansas, South Carolina, and Tennessee, but Arizona rejected the initiative and stood as the first state to reject the initiatives. 

Years that States Passed Constitutional Rights for Fishing and Hunting

Alabama, 1996

Arkansas, 2010

Georgia, 2006

Idaho, 2012

Kentucky, 2012

Louisiana, 2004

Minnesota, 1998

Montana, 2004

Nebraska, 2012

North Dakota, 2000

Oklahoma, 2008

South Carolina, 2010

Tennessee, 2010

Vermont, 1777

Virginia, 2000

Wisconsin, 2003

Wyoming, 2012

Numerous issues have caused a large percentage of sportsmen and sportswomen to push for such legislation in recent years.  Cities and suburbs are pushing into wooded land, the number of sportsmen and sportswomen is decreasing, and there are more and more restrictions on hunting and fishing.  Other recreational activities like hiking and off-road biking have also reduced land for people who hunt and fish.  The constitutional right guarantees that those who hunt and fish can continue to do so in the future. 

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

56 Small Business Awarded Pollution-Prevention Grants in PA

56 Small Business Awarded Pollution-Prevention Grants in PA

 

On November 8, 2012, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection awarded $418,049 of grants to 56 small businesses throughout the state to help them become energy efficient or prevent pollution. 

The grant program, called the Small Business Advantage Grant program, is funded under the Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act.  The program applies to businesses with 100 or less employees, and it provides reimbursements of 50 percent up to $9,500.  The projects ultimately help the small businesses reduce pollution by 25 percent or save up to 25 percent in energy costs. 

Since the program began in 2004, 1,642 small businesses in the state have received $6.6 million.

The grants are announced twice every year, and the budget for the grants during the fiscal year is $1 million.  The 56 new grants are expected to create private-sector investment up to $1,542,437 for small businesses. 

Some common projects funded by the grants include upgrades on insulation and high-efficiency HVAC, efficient lighting systems, installation of efficient heat pumps, and new auxiliary power units to help trucks reduce idling time. 

The following grants are listed alphabetically by county:

Bedford County
Graham Trucking, $4,350

Berks County
Berks Gymnastics, $4,815
Bruno’s Trucking LLC, $4,350
Shawn R. Habakus, DMD, $9,500

Bradford County
Ram Tire and Auto Service, $4,865

Butler County
Hutchinson Dry Cleaners, $9,500
Warren C. Sauers Co. Inc., $4,350

Chester County
Nova Cleaners, $8,630

Cumberland County
Business Development Systems Inc., $9,500
R.D.S. Transport LLC, $5,400
Quality Cleaners Inc., $9,500

Erie County
JLS Trucking, $4,350

Forest County
Cathedral Pines Inc., $5,855

Jefferson County
Barber Trucking Inc., $9,500
Jodat Technologies Co. Inc., $6,806
Mary’s Place, $9,409

Lancaster County
Abel Tire Inc., $3,747
Hendricks’ Flowers, $9,500

Lehigh County
Suh’s Sun Cleaners Inc., $9,500

Luzerne County
Jim Jaster LLC, $9,500

Lycoming County
Faxon Cleaners Inc., $4,539
Hermance and Strouse Inc., $9,295
Paulhamus Litho Inc., $9,500
West Branch Tennis Club, $3,449

McKean County
The Grocery Stretcher, $7,761

Mercer County
Franklin Trucking, $4,350
Respect Trucking Inc., $4,887
Wheaton Dry Cleaners, $8,038

Mifflin County
K.R.W. Services Inc., $4,350
Kerstetter Trucking, $9,500
Monument Square Center LLC, $9,500

Monroe County
Personal Touch Cleaners of Tannersville Inc., $9,500

Montgomery County
King of Prussia Veterinary Hospital, $9,500
Ralph’s Corner Cleaners and Tailors, $9,500

Northampton County
David L. Danner, $1,612
Tobacco and More Inc., $1,310

Philadelphia County
Adam’s Run Cleaners, $9,500
Amy Swan Cleaners Inc., $9,500
Choice Cleaners Inc., $9,500
Hahn Shelmire Cleaners, $9,500
Jones Smith Assoc. LLC, $7,250
New Riff Cleaners, $9,500
P and J One Hour Cleaners, $9,500
Professional One Hour Cleaners, $ 9,500
6301 Royal Cleaners Inc., $9,500
S. M. and Jake Inc., $9,500
Saul N. Miller DDS, $9,500
TGV Inc., $9,500
Yoon’s Family Cleaners, $9,500

Schuylkill County
Edward’s Flowers, $2,218

Snyder County
Ideal Self Storage LLC, $3,955

Susquehanna County
Creative Window and Door Inc., $8,258

Washington County
Bedner’s Farm and Greenhouse, $9,500
Minerd and Sons Inc., $9,500

Westmoreland County
Gilbert P. Hribal II, $4,350

Wyoming County
Penn’s Best Inc., $9,500

Small businesses are encouraged to apply for the bi-annual grants in Pennsylvania.  For more information on the Small Business Advantage Grant Program, call the Small Business Ombudsman’s Office at (717) 772-8909.

Source: Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection

60 Percent of Biggest Cities in US are Smoke-Free

60 Percent of Biggest Cities in US are Smoke-Free

 

On November 15, 2012, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that 60 percent of the largest US cities are now covered by laws that prohibit smoking in indoor areas like restaurants, workplaces, bars, and similar areas. 

The CDC noted huge advancements in anti-smoking laws since 2000.  Only one of the 50 largest cities in the United States had anti-smoking laws in 2000: San Jose, California.  Now, as of October 5, 2012, 16 of the 50 largest cities in the United States are covered by local smoke-free laws, and 14 of the largest cities are covered by state smoke-free laws. 

Only three percent of Americans were protected by smoke-free laws in 2000, and now more than 50 percent are covered.  The majority of smoke-free laws are regulated under local ordinances, but North Dakota just passed statewide smoke-free laws in the first week of November—the first state to adopt such laws since 2010. 

The new standards have curbed exposure to toxic secondhand smoke, which can cause serious health problems like heart attacks, lung cancer, and respiratory problems.  Second hand smoke is especially dangerous to young children, and exposure can cause infant death syndrome (SIDS), ear infections, asthma attacks, and more. 

It is estimated that about 443,000 nonsmoking Americans (46,000 from heart disease and 3,400 from lung cancer) die every year because of secondhand smoke exposure.  According to a 2006 Surgeon General’s Report, there is no level of secondhand-smoke exposure that is risk free. 

CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., M.P.H., stated: “Communities have made tremendous progress eliminating smoking from worksites and public places in 60 percent of big cities in the United States. Smoke-free laws save lives and don’t hurt business.  If we can protect workers and the public in the remaining 20 largest cities, 16 million people would be better protected from cancer and heart disease caused by secondhand smoke.”

According to the study, “Comprehensive Smoke-Free Laws—50 Largest U.S. Cities, 2000 and 2012,” 10 out of 20 states with no smoke-free laws are located in the south.  The study was published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. 

Tim McAfee, M.D., M.P.H., with the CDC’s Office on Smoking and Health, stated: “If we continue to progress as we have since 2000, all Americans could be protected from secondhand smoke exposure in workplaces and public places by 2020.”

Smoke-free laws protect nonsmokers in public areas, but studies find that the laws help a percentage of smokers quit smoking as well. 

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Australia Creates World’s Largest Network of Marine Reserves

Australia Creates World’s Largest Network of Marine Reserves

 

On November 16, 2012, Australia’s Environment Minister, Tony Burke, announced requirements to protect over 2.3 million square kilometers of ocean environment.  The area of protected ocean now becomes the largest protected area of sea in the world. 

Praising Australia, Burke stated, “Australia is a world leader when it comes to protecting our oceans, and so we should be, we've got responsibility for more of the ocean than almost any other country on Earth.”

Some commercial fishers expressed their outrage over the reservation of the marine environments, but the Australian government has taken several measures to ensure fishers are least affected by the marine sanctuaries. 

Burke stated, “Even though the new marine reserves have been designed in a way to minimize impacts on industry and recreational users, the Government recognizes that there will be impacts on some fishers and we will support those impacted.”

Additionally, the Australian Government has allocated about $100 million for fisheries adjustment assistance. 

The management plans will follow the schedule below:

·  the plans will address how the reserves should be managed, what types of gear can be used in the reserves, and what activities cannot occur in the reserves

·  while the development of the management plans occur, temporary arrangements will be made for commercial and recreational fishers

·  no “on the water” changes will be made for users of the area from November 17, 2012 until the new management plans become effective in July of 2014

·  all areas with existing management policies will continue to follow the regulations until the new management policies take effect in July of 2014

The new marine reserves are established in the following large marine regions:

Coral Sea Region

This region covers an area half the size of Queensland and is an important nesting site for green turtles as well as an important habitat for sharks and predatory fish. 

Southwest Marine Region

This area stretches from South Australia to Shark Bay in Western Australia.  It is an important breeding ground for species like southern right whales, blue whales, and the Australian Sea Lion. 

Temperate East Marine Region

This area stretches from the southern-most boundary of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to Bermagui in New South Wales.  This area is home to the endangered grey nurse shark and threatened white shark. 

Northwest Marine Region

This is an area between the border of the Western Australian/Northern Territory and Kalbarri in Western Australia.  The area is home to the largest fish in the world, the whale shark, and provides protection for migratory humpback whales. 

North Marine Region

This area extends as far west to the border of the Northern Territory and Western Australia and includes the waters of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Arafura Sea, and Timor Sea.  This area provides refuge for migratory seabirds, and threatened flatback, hawksbill, green, and olive marine turtles use the area as a resting area. 

Source: AU Department of Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities

Four Alaska Seafood Processors Violated Clean Water Act

Four Alaska Seafood Processors Violated Clean Water Act

 

On November 21, 2012, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that four seafood processing vessels failed to comply with federal Clean Water Act permits.  The processors were all operating in federal waters off of the Alaska coast, and they each violated the Clean Water Act during seafood waste discharges. 

The EPA has reached a recent settlement with the following companies: Aleutian Spray Fisheries, Inc, United States Seafoods, LLC, and Ocean Peace Inc.  The EPA was able to conclude that these companies and their vessels dumped millions of pounds of seafood waste into the Bering Sea, Gulf of Alaska, and the North Pacific Ocean. 

Under the Clean Water Act, seafood processors are required to ground certain types of seafood into certain sizes before discharge into the water to allow for the greatest amount of dispersion.  Under the companies’ specific permit for remote areas of Alaska, the seafood waste had to be ground to a maximum of ½ inch. 

The vessels were processing Pacific cod, Atka mackerel, flathead sole, Pacific Ocean perch, yellowfin sole, and rock sole. 

Aleutian Spray Fisheries, Inc.

The company violated its permits between 2007 and 2011.  The EPA is requiring the company to pay a $120,000 fine after an inspection of the F/V Siberian Sea and F/V US Liberator proved the company was not keeping records of its discharges nor having its seafood waste treatment systems inspected. 

Ocean Peace, Inc.

During an inspection in December of 2010, the EPA concluded the F/T Ocean Peace was not fulfilling the 1/2 inch grind requirement.  The company also failed to take samples of the waste and failed to keep proper records showing the treatment systems were inspected.  The company violated the Clean Water Act permits from 2007 to 2010 and agreed to pay a fine of $98,000. 

United States Seafoods, LLC

The EPA inspected the F/T Ocean Alaska in September of 2011.  During the inspection, the EPA concluded the vessel failed to keep records showing the waste treatment was regularly inspected.  The violations took place between 2007 and 2010, and the company agreed to pay a $98,000 fine. 

Jeff KenKnight, EPA’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System Compliance Unit manager in Seattle, stated: “These permits are intended to protect Alaska's marine habitat and species.  Companies processing seafood must all play by the same rules and comply with the permit conditions.  In general, we find that seafood processing vessels are staying in compliance, but when they don’t, it can have negative consequences.”

Source: Environmental Protection Agency

Louisiana Generating to Pay $14M for Clean Air Act Violations

Louisiana Generating to Pay $14M for Clean Air Act Violations

 

On November 20, 2012, Louisiana Generating (owned by NRG Energy Inc) agreed to a settlement that will eliminate 27,300 tons of harmful emissions per year from the Big Cajun II coal-fired power plant located in New Roads, Louisiana.  The settlement requires Louisiana Generating to pay a fine of $3.5 million, spend $10.5 million on mitigation projects, and spend roughly $250 million on reducing air pollution. 

The reductions are possible with new pollution controls, conversion to natural gas, and emission caps from year to year at the Big Cajun II power plant.  The Department of Justice and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) report emissions on sulfur dioxide (SO₂) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) will be reduced by 20,000 tons and 3,300 tons.  Most of the $250 million will go to capital costs to meet requirements in the consent decree by the end of 2015. 

Regulations under the Clean Air Act—as well as federal and state regulations—require owners of power plants to obtain permits and install emission control technology after modifications occur at the plant.  According to the Justice Department, Units 1 and 2 at the Big Cajun II plant were operating without the required permits or air pollution controls after serious modifications were made to the boiler. 

The settlement is the largest Clean Air Act settlement in Louisiana History.  It is the 24th time the United States has exercised the Power Plant Enforcement Initiative. 

Ignacia S. Moreno, the Assistant Attorney General with the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division, stated: “The Big Cajun II Power Plant is the largest source of illegal air pollution in Louisiana.  This settlement will secure substantial reductions in harmful emissions from the plant which will have a beneficial impact on air quality for residents of Louisiana and downwind states, including low-income communities who have been historically overburdened with pollution.”

The $10.5 million for environmental mitigation projects will go to the following:

·  the installation of solar photovoltaic panels at schools and buildings owned by government or non-profits

·  the restoration of watersheds, forest, and land

·  funding for at least one charging station in South Louisiana that receives power from zero-emission, renewable energy

·  the reduction of nitrogen and phosphorus loading in the False River

·  energy efficiency projects

·  $1.5 million to the state of Louisiana for green projects

The settlement with Louisiana Generating is justifiable because the company clearly neglected federal and state requirements while releasing huge amounts of pollution into the air.  Cynthia Giles, an assistant administrator with the EPA’s Office on Enforcement and Compliance Assurance, states: “Pollution from these sources can cause severe respiratory and cardiovascular impacts, and EPA is committed to making sure that they all comply with the law.” 

Source: Department of Justice

Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Violations

Recent Animal Welfare Act and Horse Protection Act Violations

 

The Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) recently announced that it took a considerable amount of actions against people who violated animal welfare regulations.  APHIS has attempted to make the violations transparent and has provided copies of court documents, official warnings, and more. 

The following administrative complaints were filed by APHIS in October for violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and Horse Protection Act (HPA):

AWA Docket No. 13-0012; Willa Page

Willa Mae Page was charged with selling dogs at numerous auctions on several occasions without a USDA license—directly violating 9 C.F.R. § 2.1(a)(1).  The USDA has asked her to cease and desist immediately, pay civil penalties, and never again try to obtain a license under the Act again. 

AWA Docket No. 13-0024: David Still; Gloria Still

The respondents were charged with failing to maintain requirements for veterinary care—a direct violation of 9 C.F.R. §2.40.  The shelters for dogs were uncleanly, humid and hot, and cramped.  The dogs did not receive potable water on many occasions, and many APHIS employees were harassed when performing inspections.  The USDA is asking to suspend their licenses and have the respondents cease and desist immediately and pay civil fines. 

A USDA administrative law judge issued decisions and orders in the following case:

APHIS Case No. CA08462; Robert Conyers Customers Brokerage

Robert Conyers was cited for multiple violations in handling nonhuman primates.  He was cited for violating registration requirements, water and food requirements, ventilation requirements, and more during transportation of the primates.  Specifically, he violated 9 C.F.R § 2.25(a), 9 C.F.R § 3.86(c), 9 C.F.R §3.87(c), 9 C.F.R § 3.87(d)(2), and 9 C.F.R § 3.89(c). 

USDA administrative law judges heard multiple other cases, issued multiple decisions, and issued multiple orders in other cases well.  The selections chosen above simply reflect recent cases heard by the USDA. 

The AWA is enforced to make sure minimum requirements and treatment occurs in commercial breeding and selling, research, and transportation for exhibitions.  The Act applies to animals raised for food, and the Act specifically addresses housing, handling, sanitation, nutrition, water, veterinary care, and protection from weather and temperature. 

The HPA prohibits horses with soring to participate in shows, sales, auctions, exhibitions, or similar events.  Soring is abusive technique used to highlight the horse’s foot movement, or gait.  The USDA is allowed to conduct random investigations and enforce the AWA and HPA at any time. 

Source: United States Department of Agriculture

United Nations Says Greenhouse Gas Reductions too Slow

United Nations Says Greenhouse Gas Reductions too Slow

 

On November 21, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and European Climate Foundation released a report stating actions against climate change need to accelerate and grow faster than current trends if the world wants global temperatures to rise less than 2 degrees Celsius by 2100.  Current pledges by industrialized countries show that temperatures will rise 3 to 5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century if immediate action is not taken.  Such increases can increase the frequency of natural disasters, spread disease, damage crops, endanger coastal cities, and more. 

The Emissions Gap Report was released a few days before the Climate Change Conference of the Parties in Doha.  The report states that greenhouse gas emissions are 14 percent higher that they should be by 2020, and the report states that the release of carbon dioxide is actually increasing.  If no action is taken immediately, emissions of greenhouse gases will reach 58 gigatonnes (Gt) by 2020.  Assessments conclude the emissions need to be 44 Gt of less by 2020 in order to allow further reductions in the future that are reasonable in cost. 

Achin Steiner, the UN Under-Secretary General and UNEP Executive Director, stressed: “There are two realities encapsulated in this report-that bridging the gap remains do-able with existing technologies and policies.”

For one, there are actions on the national level occurring around the world to make buildings more efficient, increase standards for new vehicle emissions levels, reduce deforestation, and invest in green energies. 

Mr. Steiner provided a less optimistic reality though: “Yet the sobering fact remains that a transition to a low carbon, inclusive Green Economy is happening far too slowly and the opportunity for meeting the 44 Gt target is narrowing annually.”

Talks in Doha will have to implement swift decisions and extend the Kyoto protocol as well.  The Kyoto protocol is the only international agreement that reduces greenhouse emissions in industrialized countries, but the protocol expires at the end of this year. 

According to the report, the following cuts are needed to reach emissions goals by 2020.  1.5 to 4.6 Gt of CO2 equivalent emissions need cut by improved energy efficiency; 1.1 to 4.3 Gt need cut in agriculture; 1.3 to 4.2 Gt need cut in forestry; 2.2 to 3.9 Gt need cut in the power sector; 1.4 to 2.9 Gt need cut with efficient buildings, 1.7 to 2.5 Gt need cut in shipping in aviation; and 0.8 Gt need cut in the waste sector. 

Christiana Figueres, the Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, stated: “This report is a reminder that time is running out, but that the technical means and the policy tools to allow the world to stay below a maximum 2 degrees Celsius are still available to governments and societies.”

Source: United Nations Environment Programme

United States and Mexico Sign Historic CO River Delta Agreement

United States and Mexico Sign Historic CO River Delta Agreement

 

On November 20, 2012, United States and Mexican commissioners that control water crossing at the border signed an amendment to the 1944 treaty that controls water entering Mexico from the Colorado River.  The amendment, called Minute 319, will make water continually flow in the Colorado River channel between Baja California and Arizona.  The river channel is usually dry, but the agreement marks the first time water is ever guaranteed in the area. 

“We’ve been working for more than 15 years to get water back in the river; this remarkable achievement is a huge step forward for the embattled Colorado River delta,” said Michael Cohen, the senior associate at the Pacific Institute.  “It is a long overdue end to the incredibly destructive 20th Century notion that not a drop should be left instream.”

The amendment has helped to encourage cooperation between the United States and Mexico, but more importantly, the agreement shows that both countries now recognize the environmental advantages of letting water flow continually through the section of the Colorado River.  The agreement will help to balance agricultural and city needs for water and the health of the delta environment. 

According to the Pacific Institute, all of the Colorado River’s flow is diverted—except during years with above-average rainfall—before it reaches the mouth at the Upper Gulf of California, or Sea of Cortez.  The diversion has immensely damaged the river’s delta and left the channel dry about 90 percent of the time.  The delta still ranks as one of the largest and most important desert wetlands in North America, and the new agreement hopes to slow degradation of the delta in years to come.  

Ed Glenn, Professor of Biology at the University of Arizona, states: “The delivery of water back to the delta will be a great help to the dying willows and cottonwoods and the birds that depend on them.”  Glenn’s research during the early 1990s helped bring awareness to the condition of the delta. 

Cohen continued to say, “We have been researching and advocating solutions to revive the river and delta, knowing we must protect these precious places and use the water we take more efficiently, or the river and delta will suffer irreparable harm.  This historic agreement is critical to the eventual preservation and rehabilitation of Colorado River delta.”

The Pacific Institute is a nonprofit research organization that addresses the world’s water conditions.  The Institutes operates out of Oakland, California and Boulder, Colorado. 

Source: Pacific Institute

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