An article on the front page of the Idaho Statesman talks about fundraising to save Harrison Hollow from potential development and restricted public access.
The folks from Idaho Land Trust will be speaking at the Collister Neighborhood Association meeting this month.
When: Wednesday, April 27, at 7 pm
Where: Collister Library, Collister Shopping Center.
http://www.idahostatesman.com/2011/04/21/1618178/saving-harrison-hollow.html
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
FW: Advocates for the West Email Blast 19-April 2011
Suit filed to halt arsenic pollution in Boise River watershed
Atlanta Gold, a Canadian-owned mining company, has been poking around in the mountains near Atlanta, Idaho for years. One of its adits, or entrances to mines, has been leaking arsenic and iron into Montezuma Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork of the Boise River, in violation of its Clean Water Act permit. After giving fair warning, we are now suing to stop this pollution of our water.
In 2005, after a prior lawsuit, Atlanta Gold promised to get its heavy metal pollutants under control. Now it is 2011 and the problem has not been fixed. Illegal levels of these metals are polluting the Boise River watershed and harming the habitat of species like bull trout.
High levels of arsenic can cause short-term effects such as skin, lung, stomach and bladder irritations and long-term exposure is linked to cancer of the skin, lungs, kidneys, nasal passages, liver and prostate. High iron levels are linked to neurological damage and Alzheimer's disease. These contaminants also affect plants and fish.
Advocates for the West has teamed up with ICL and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center to take Atlanta Gold to task.
Read the complaint from our case page.
Read the AP story by clicking arsenic photo above.
Photo credits from top:
1) Settling pond, courtesy of ICL
2) AP story link
3) John Robison is Iron Man, courtesy of ICL.
Atlanta Gold, a Canadian-owned mining company, has been poking around in the mountains near Atlanta, Idaho for years. One of its adits, or entrances to mines, has been leaking arsenic and iron into Montezuma Creek, a tributary of the Middle Fork of the Boise River, in violation of its Clean Water Act permit. After giving fair warning, we are now suing to stop this pollution of our water.
In 2005, after a prior lawsuit, Atlanta Gold promised to get its heavy metal pollutants under control. Now it is 2011 and the problem has not been fixed. Illegal levels of these metals are polluting the Boise River watershed and harming the habitat of species like bull trout.
High levels of arsenic can cause short-term effects such as skin, lung, stomach and bladder irritations and long-term exposure is linked to cancer of the skin, lungs, kidneys, nasal passages, liver and prostate. High iron levels are linked to neurological damage and Alzheimer's disease. These contaminants also affect plants and fish. Advocates for the West has teamed up with ICL and the Northwest Environmental Defense Center to take Atlanta Gold to task.
Read the complaint from our case page.
Read the AP story by clicking arsenic photo above.
Photo credits from top:
1) Settling pond, courtesy of ICL
2) AP story link
3) John Robison is Iron Man, courtesy of ICL.
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Pam Elkovich
- B.S. Environmental Health
- Graduate Work Hazardous Waste Management
- Hazardous Waste Specialist for General Motors
- Water & Hazardous Waste work for the DEQ
- Boise River Watershed Restoration Coordinator for Trout Unlimited
Connecting the dots...
Group 1
Environmental Impacts from Humans
Leave no trace...1:06 minutes
Group 2
Local Conservation Efforts
Congressman Mike Simpson introduced legislation to protect the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains.
ICL Issues - Land - Boulder-White Clouds
Central Idaho 0:54 seconds
Group 3
Local Efforts to Educate Citizens on Environmental Issues
Advocates for the West, Idaho Rivers United and Sierra Club are hosting a screening of H2Oil - connecting the sand tars of Alberta Canada with the megaload shipments up Highway 12.
Group 4
Energy and Alternatives with Local/National Focus
Alternative Energy Options
So What Can YOU Do?
Meet Courtney - Lobbyist, ICL1:53 minutes
CHECK OUT THE EVENTS PAGE...
Environmental Impacts from Humans
Leave no trace...1:06 minutes
Group 2
Local Conservation Efforts
Congressman Mike Simpson introduced legislation to protect the Boulder-White Cloud Mountains.
ICL Issues - Land - Boulder-White Clouds
Central Idaho 0:54 seconds
Group 3
Local Efforts to Educate Citizens on Environmental Issues
Advocates for the West, Idaho Rivers United and Sierra Club are hosting a screening of H2Oil - connecting the sand tars of Alberta Canada with the megaload shipments up Highway 12.
Group 4
Energy and Alternatives with Local/National Focus
Alternative Energy Options
So What Can YOU Do?
Meet Courtney - Lobbyist, ICL1:53 minutes
CHECK OUT THE EVENTS PAGE...
Friday, April 1, 2011
Spread the word at the Co-op Sunday, 3-April, 2011 from 11am - 3pm
H2Oil Documentary
Please join Advocates for the West, Idaho Rivers United and Sierra Club for a special film showing of "H2Oil" -- a film depicting the massive Alberta Tar Sands projects in Canada. Click here to see the poster.
After the show we will host a short discussion on the connection between the Tar Sands and the transport of megaloads through the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa Wild & Scenic River corridor.
Your ticket will also qualify you for some fabulous door prizes, including a stay at the Shore Lodge in McCall!
When and where:
Sunday, April 10 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at The Flicks Theater in Boise.
Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased online by clicking here or at The Flicks box office.
For more information please call:
Advocates for the West (208) 342-7024 ext 206
Idaho Rivers United (208) 343-7481
Sierra Club (208) 384-1023
Please join Advocates for the West, Idaho Rivers United and Sierra Club for a special film showing of "H2Oil" -- a film depicting the massive Alberta Tar Sands projects in Canada. Click here to see the poster.
After the show we will host a short discussion on the connection between the Tar Sands and the transport of megaloads through the Middle Fork Clearwater and Lochsa Wild & Scenic River corridor.
Your ticket will also qualify you for some fabulous door prizes, including a stay at the Shore Lodge in McCall!
When and where:
Sunday, April 10 from 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. at The Flicks Theater in Boise.
Tickets are only $10 and can be purchased online by clicking here or at The Flicks box office.
For more information please call:
Advocates for the West (208) 342-7024 ext 206
Idaho Rivers United (208) 343-7481
Sierra Club (208) 384-1023
For those of you following the Idaho Rivers United and U.S. Forest Service lawsuit...
...Rocky Barker from Voices.IdahoStatesman.com reports that the lawsuit has created some complications with current collaborative initiatives between Crapo and the Clearwater Basin Collaborative group.
Read the full story here.
Read the full story here.
Friday, March 25, 2011
Idaho Conservation League Legislation Update on SB 1085 - Weakening of testing requirments for chronic wasting disease
Elk, Deer and Moose at Risk
A hearing was held yesterday in the House Agriculture Affairs Committee on SB 1085, which puts Idaho’s wild elk, deer and moose at risk. Unfortunately, the committee has sent the bill to the House floor, which is the last stop before heading to the governor. Most of the testimony was in opposition to the bill. This bill would weaken the testing requirements for chronic wasting disease. Similar to mad cow disease, this devastating disorder is always fatal and there is no cure. This is your last chance, so please take action today to stop this bad bill!
A hearing was held yesterday in the House Agriculture Affairs Committee on SB 1085, which puts Idaho’s wild elk, deer and moose at risk. Unfortunately, the committee has sent the bill to the House floor, which is the last stop before heading to the governor. Most of the testimony was in opposition to the bill. This bill would weaken the testing requirements for chronic wasting disease. Similar to mad cow disease, this devastating disorder is always fatal and there is no cure. This is your last chance, so please take action today to stop this bad bill!
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Idaho Conservation League Action Update
Take Action
A bill just passed out of the Idaho Senate that would weaken inspections at game farms for deadly chronic wasting disease. The Idaho House Agriculture Committee is voting on this bill this Thursday at 1:30. Please contact your representatives and tell them to oppose this bill. Chronic wasting disease can devastate native elk, deer and moose herds.
Idaho's Elk and Deer Are at Risk
A bill just passed out of the Idaho Senate that would weaken inspections at game farms for deadly chronic wasting disease. The Idaho House Agriculture Committee is voting on this bill this Thursday at 1:30. Please contact your representatives and tell them to oppose this bill. Chronic wasting disease can devastate native elk, deer and moose herds.
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Week 9 In Class Updates
Point Allocation
Topic Submission Total Available Points = 12 (15 by 6 p.m. Monday 21 of March)
Current topic submission point standings:
Ways to capture lost TOPIC SUBMISSION points - attend and write up a one summary of an event listed in the "Events" page of this blog.
Number of BLOG ADDRESSES received = 25
Blog Entries Total Available Points = 15
Current blog entry point standings:
Guest Speaker Pam Elkovich from Trout Unlimited
- Topic Submission and Blog Entries account for 30% the year end project
- The actual presentation accounts for 20%
- Evaluations, including peer review account for 50%
Topic Submission Total Available Points = 12 (15 by 6 p.m. Monday 21 of March)
Current topic submission point standings:
Ways to capture lost TOPIC SUBMISSION points - attend and write up a one summary of an event listed in the "Events" page of this blog.
Number of BLOG ADDRESSES received = 25
Blog Entries Total Available Points = 15
Current blog entry point standings:
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Interactive Water Map
Curious about where your water comes from? The Nature Conservancy has an interactive map to show you... Boise isn't currently on its map - by visiting and posting what you know about our water resources, you can help the Nature Conservancy map 75 water sources by March 22. More Information Here
How much water do you REALLY use?
From Feb. 22 to March 22, The Nature Conservancy will be raising awareness of just how much water we really use in our daily lives through our 30 Days of H20 campaign, culminating in a celebration or World Water Day on March 22.
Find Out Here
Find Out Here
Gov. Otter's Analysis of Economic Impact of the Frank Church Wilderness Area
Philip sent the following information to my attention - This is something that our entire class might take interest in...
Recently the Idaho Statesman interviewed Governor Otter - Otter had a lot to say about the economic impact of the Frank Church Wilderness Area (and its current use) compared to the Lake Coeur d'Alene area. One quote in particular caught Philip's attention:
"The point the governor was making was that while tourism is important, it should not be the only consideration in this discussion,” said Hanian. “He was trying to reinforce multiple use." (Full Article).
Questions to ponder:
- Can Otter legally change the wilderness designation of the Frank Church Wilderness Area to an "multiple use" area?
- What environmental impacts could occur?
- Would there be potential for political backlash?
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
Week 7 In Class Dynamic Discussions...
“I was thinking about the difficulties related to repopulating native plant species in a burned area or newly undeveloped area. This would entail the service learning experience with a few of the chapters from the text book regarding the complexities of environments, biomes, micro climates etc. and invasive species. The project might entail researching various on going efforts to "re-engineer/ re-establish" a damaged environment, such as an industrial site, burned area, OILS SANDS area and showing case studies of successful reintegration rather than focusing on the failures and difficulties but possibly identifying some complexities? Re-hab of the oil sands might be interesting and how it might be accomplished since the soils have been disturbed as well as many macro and micro climates.”
Hans Glenn
The way that I looked at this topic in connection with local environmental events, ENSTD121, and service leaning or as Dr. Ball has said (bringing sensible science to everyone - activation through awareness) began with:
- The topic submission
- The text Principles of Environmental Science; Inquiry & Application by William P. Cunningham and Mary Ann Cunningham Chapter 11, subsection 4 - "Environmental Effects of Resource Extraction"
- The local environmental activist groups, what they have to say and how they say it
Successful case studies: ?
Canada Week Feb 14-17, 2011 at BSU - Canada Week Explores US Connections to Northern Neighbor
Thursday, Feb. 17 Topic:
“Canada as an Energy Superpower: Providing Energy while Addressing Environmental Concerns”
(Positive information on oil sand) - thank you Hans for bringing this video to my attention.
“Canada as an Energy Superpower: Providing Energy while Addressing Environmental Concerns”
(Positive information on oil sand) - thank you Hans for bringing this video to my attention.
·
1st Tailings Pond Reclaimed (Positive)
1st Tailings Pond Reclaimed (Positive)
One more for (GOOD) measure (Hans)
Fort Chipewyan - Alberta (Negative)
More (Negative) (Hans)
Water:
"Human impact on our environment, especially due to increased population and human sprawl. My major concern in a global perspective would have to be access to clean, potable drinking water, and how urban sprawl and our desire for an "easier" way of life is effecting our existing groundwater resevoirs. What I am thinking of specifically is not only the over-flowing landfills leaching toxic chemicals into the ground and what can be done about them (ie...the Thermal Gasification article I sent you), but also activities such as the planned Gold mining operations near Idaho City using Mercury to extract the gold from the ore, and the proposed gas/oil drilling taking place in Payette County and the effects of Hydraulic Fracturing ("fracking") or "mini-fracking" on existing groundwater supplies. Pennsylvania has been having major issues with their groundwater supply becoming contaminated from this same process(es)."
CJ McCurdy
Accessible clean, potable drinking water - Effects of extraction on our water system - Policy
(ICL Blog RSS Feed, Water Quality: Slip Sliding Away + Times-News Valley.com)
Water:
"Human impact on our environment, especially due to increased population and human sprawl. My major concern in a global perspective would have to be access to clean, potable drinking water, and how urban sprawl and our desire for an "easier" way of life is effecting our existing groundwater resevoirs. What I am thinking of specifically is not only the over-flowing landfills leaching toxic chemicals into the ground and what can be done about them (ie...the Thermal Gasification article I sent you), but also activities such as the planned Gold mining operations near Idaho City using Mercury to extract the gold from the ore, and the proposed gas/oil drilling taking place in Payette County and the effects of Hydraulic Fracturing ("fracking") or "mini-fracking" on existing groundwater supplies. Pennsylvania has been having major issues with their groundwater supply becoming contaminated from this same process(es)."
CJ McCurdy
Accessible clean, potable drinking water - Effects of extraction on our water system - Policy
(ICL Blog RSS Feed, Water Quality: Slip Sliding Away + Times-News Valley.com)
Open pit mining video to watch at your leisure. For more information on The CuMo Mine Project, visit the USDA Forest Service, the Idaho Conservation League, and Mosquito Consolidated
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Webcast Part 2 - US Forest Service Research & Development
Understanding & Adapting to Climate Change in Aquatic Ecosystems at Landscape and River Basin Scales: A Decision Support Workshop for Integrating Research & Management
Topics Include:
Idaho Rivers United shared this opportunity with me and I signed up to hear about the effects of climate change on aquatic life in our area.
Topics Include:
- Integrating Climate Change Effects with Management by: Bruce Rieman, USFS, retired
- NetMap - a Tool for Land Management Decisions by: Gordie Reeves, USFS & Lee Benda, Earth Systems Institute
- Introduction of Spatially Explicit Climate Scenarios for the Bull Trout Example
- Bayesian Belief Networks, a Potential Tool for Decision Support by: Doug Peterson, USFWS
Idaho Rivers United shared this opportunity with me and I signed up to hear about the effects of climate change on aquatic life in our area.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Webcast Part 1 - US Forest Service Research & Development
Understanding & Adapting to Climate Change in Aquatic Ecosystems at Landscape and River Basin Scales: A Decision Support Workshop for Integrating Research & Management
Topics include:
Idaho Rivers United shared this opportunity with me and I signed up to hear about the effects of climate change on aquatic life in our area.
Topics include:
- Climate Change for the Western US by Steve Hostetler, USGS
- Hyrdrologic Response to Climate Change for Western US by Charlie Luce, USFS
- Wildfire & Vegetation response to Climate Change by Rachel Loehman, USFS
- Effects of Climate Change on Channel Morphology & Scour Regime by John Buffington, USFS and Jamie Goode, UI
- Effects of Changing Flow Regimes on Aquatic Physical Habitat by Jim mcKean, USFS
- Stream Thermal Response to Climate Change by Dan Isaak, USFS
- Fish Population Response to Climate Change by Seth Wenger, TU
Idaho Rivers United shared this opportunity with me and I signed up to hear about the effects of climate change on aquatic life in our area.
Idaho Families for Clean Water Brown Bag Lunch
The U.S. Forest Service has approved Mosquito Gold Company's plan to expand exploration activities at the CuMo Mining Project in the upper Boise River watershed.
The decision reached by Forest Supervisor Cecelia Seesholtz permits the Candian mining company to conduct a five year mineral exploration project, including the construction of up to 10.2 miles of new temporary roads and four new stream crossings.
The Forest Service received a remarkable 500 comments on the draft Environmental Assesment for the exploration project. How did the Forest Service respond to those comments? What conditions have been included in the permit? Does Idaho Families for Clean Water think the EA adequately addressed all of our concerns about clean water and habitat? Bring your lunch and your questions.
The Forest Service received a remarkable 500 comments on the draft Environmental Assesment for the exploration project. How did the Forest Service respond to those comments? What conditions have been included in the permit? Does Idaho Families for Clean Water think the EA adequately addressed all of our concerns about clean water and habitat? Bring your lunch and your questions.
Idaho Families for Clean Water Brown Bag Lunch
CuMo Mining Project: What's Next?
Monday, March 7, 12:00 noon
Idaho Education Association, 620 N 6th
Sponsored by:
Jessica Ruehrwein, Sierra Club
Liz Paul, Idaho Rivers United
John Robison, Idaho Conservation League
Pam Conley, Golden Eagle Audubon
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Weekly Topic Submission Deadline
Topic submissions will be accepted through Monday 6pm of each week. If received after 6pm, the topic submission will be moved to the following week.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Introduction: Service Learning & Group Projects
Service Learning Checkup (Week 5)
- Week 1-2 (Answer following questions)
- Service Hours Required
- Deadline for Service Hours / Project Completion
- Using Service Learning to Learn ENVSD121 Course Material
- REGISTER at: http://servicelearning.boisestaet.edu
- Bogus Basin Snow School (4)
- Boise Urban Garden School (5)
- Boise WaterShed Environmental Education Center (1)
- Idaho Dept. of Fish and Game Volunteer Program (13)
- USDA Agriculture Research Service Northwest Watershed Research Center (18)
- Week 3-5
- Attend Agency Orientation
- Turn in Signed Student/Agency Agreement (begin date/weekly hours)
- Track Service Hours (agency signature each time) on printed version of: http://servicelearning.boisestate.edu/forms/documents/Logsheet_2009.pdf
Service Learning Role
- Dynamic Discussion (odd weeks)
- Come Prepared to Share Experiences
- Community Connection
- Changes - Increased Awareness
- Non-Traditional Teaching Model
- Blog - Reflection - Lecture to SL Link
Group Project Topic Submission
- What: Scheduled Group Projects (4) - Topic Choices
- When: Between February 15-March 18
- How: Up to 5 Submissions worth 3pts (1 per week) - Total Pts Available: 15
- Group Project Topics will be chosen from the "best" submissions. Topics must relate to lecture and SL Project. Send to: justythomas(at sign)u.boisestate.edu
Blog Services
- Choose blog service - Top10BlogServices
- SurveyMonkey Results as of 3pm MST
- Respondents - 25
- Have Created a Blog - 06
- Have an Active Blog - 01
- Comfort Level with Social Networking / Blogging
- Sample Blogs
- wordpress.com
- USDA
- Sustainable Growth Boise
- Benat Garaio
- Google Blog Search
- Create personal Service Learning blog
Send Blog Link to: justythomas(at sign)u.boisestate.edu
Service Learning Reflections (Blog Entries)
- What: Blog Entry
- When: Semester
- How: Connect SL project to classroom or local news topics. Up to 5 Submissions worth 3pts ea (15pts)
- Example:
- BUGS - Bed Prep & Planting
- Relate to Lecture
- Ecology (Garden)
- Ecosystem (Living Soil)
- BUGS
Presentations
Groups will be announced by Dr. Ball (20pts)
- #1 Presentation: Thursday, March 24
- #2 Presentation: Tuesday, April 19
- #3 Presentation: Thursday, April 28
- #4 Presentation: Thursday, May 5
Evaluation Forms
Self, Group, and Peer Evaluations will be made available via SurveyMonkey (50pts)
Grading Rubric
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