HIGH OXYGEN FOUND IN RAPPAHANNOCK
Scientists think river's levels will drop again because of pollution
August 21, 2006- RICHMOND TIMES-DISPATCH
Last week, he let the bay speak to him as he stood in a small boat in the middle of the Rappahannock River and lowered an oxygen probe slowly to the bottom. "What a change!" he exclaimed as foundation senior educator Bill Portlock read the amount of oxygen the instrument detected as it sank lower and lower.- BY LAWRENCE LATANE III

VIRGINIA'S WATER CLEANUP PLAN

During the 2006 session, the General Assembly passed legislation requiring the Secretary of Natural Resources to develop a plan for the cleanup of the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's waters.

The plan shall address both point and nonpoint sources of pollution and shall include, measurable and attainable objectives for water cleanup, attainable strategies, a specified timeline, funding sources, and mitigation strategies.  The initial plan must be presented to the General Assembly in 2007, with updates every 6 months as necessary.

Secretary Bryant, in coordination with DEQ, has assembled a stakeholder group to help guide the initial development of the plan.  Additionally, there will be public comment opportunities available in the coming months.  Updated information regarding HB 1150 and the work of the stakeholder group is contained on this website.

TEAMING WITH WILDLIFE COALITION
A new effort to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered is gearing up in Virginia and you can be part of it!

Teaming with Wildlife is a coalition of more than 4,000 organizations working to prevent wildlife from becoming endangered by supporting increased state and federal funding for wildlife conservation, outdoor recreation and conservation education in every state.

Virginia’s new Wildlife Action Plan was a requirement of the State Wildlife Grants Program and will build on the wildlife conservation projects that are already underway in the state.  Teaming with Wildlife is committed to the full implementation of the wildlife action plan.

To Join the Coalition: visit www.teaming.com/join.htm to join the coalition and help conserve wildlife and vital natural areas for future generations

Using clear terms and plain language, this book explains the different roles and functions of charities, social welfare organizations, PACs and other types of nonprofits.  It clarifies the federal rules and illuminates the ways these organizations can work together to accomplish common goals.  This revised edition includes important updates about changes in federal tax and election law since our original publication in 1998. 

For More Information: visit Alliance for Justice or click here

CONSERVATION SCORECARD RELEASED BY VIRGINIA LEAGUE OF CONSERVATION VOTERS
The Scorecard captures a snapshot of conservation legislation acted on during the General Assembly session and documents legislators’ votes on environmental issues.  Click on here to be directed to the 2006 Conservation Scorecard web area where you can download the entire document.

VCU POSTS COURSE SCHEDULE FOR "ESPECIALLY FOR NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS" CLASSES
See a list of course offerings by visiting www.vcu.edu/ocp/programs/nonprofitorgs/    
For More Information Contact VCU at (804) 827-0246.

PLANT TREES AT PRESQUILE NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE
Help restore 20 acres of wildlife habitat at the Presquile NWR in the James River

Join the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, the Audubon Society, the James River Association, and Presquile National Wildlife Refuge staff to restore 20 acres of habitat for wildlife at Presquile NWR. Presquile is a pristine island in the James River at the crossroads of Chesterfield, Henrico, Charles City Counties and Hopewell City that is usually closed to the public. This refuge is host to Eagles, heron, osprey, and other migratory birds. Come take this special opportunity to help the James River while viewing amazing wildlife!

When:
September 9, 11, 22, 23, 30 and October 3, 4, and 21

Where:
A ferry to the island will be provided - meet at the ferry at 8:30 a.m. and arrive back by 1 p.m. 

For More Information: Contact Amber Foster at afoster@jamesriverassociation.org or (804) 730-2898 ext 206.
Sign Up: visit www.jamesriverassociation.org/watershed_plant.html                             

CLEAN VIRGINIA WATERWAYS
Is your group or class looking for way to contribute to cleaning up the waters of Virginia? 

Last fall, more than 4,500 volunteers helped clean Virginia's rivers, streams and beaches as part of the VA Waterways Cleanup Day (part of the International Coastal Cleanup). From Virginia's beaches to its mountains, cleanup events are scheduled throughout September and October 2006.
To find a cleanup site near you visit: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/iccsitesva06.htm

Register a cleanup event by filling out a registration form available at this website: http://www.longwood.edu/cleanva/images/icc_virginia_signup_form.htm or call CVW at 434-395-2602

LET YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW HOW IMPORTANT CONSERVATION IS TO YOU AND YOUR COMMUNITY!
Join other individuals as citizen lobbyists and convey key conservation issues to your representative.

If you are interested in building a relationship with your legislators and learning how to make sure conservation is their priority--then join a Legislative Contact Team!

For More Information Contact:
Mike Kaestner, Program Coordinator
Virginia League of Conservation Voters – Education Fund
Phone: (804) 225-1902
Email: mkaestner@valcv.org

or

Suzanne Ankrum, Program Coordinator
Virginia Conservation Network
Phone: (804) 644-0283
Email: suzanne@vcnva.org

NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE FRIENDS GROUP GRANT PROGRAM
Deadline: September 1, 2006
The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, provides seed grants to innovative proposals that seek to increase the number and effectiveness of organizations interested in assisting the refuge system nationwide.

Find out more: www.nfwf.org/programs/nwrgp.cfm