NLEN E-Update: August 23, 2010

Published by Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network (NLEN)

EVENTS
Mon, Aug 23 and Thur, Aug 26: NAACAP Free Guided walks around Long Pond (St. John’s)
Sun, Aug 29: Edible Plant Walk at MUN Botanical Garden (St. John’s)
Sun, Aug 29: FEASt Pippy Park Summer Workshop Series: Building a Compost, Oxen Pond Community Garden (St. John’s)
Sun, Aug 29: Modern and Ancient Lake-Delta Environments in the Humber Valley Area
Sun, Aug 29: ECTA Recreational Hike: Brigus Head Path (Brigus South to Admirals Cove)
Wed, Sept 1: NAACAP Free Guided walk around Kenny’s and Kent’s pond (St. John’s)
Thur, Sept 9: Free Webinar for Nonprofits – Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class
Fri-Sun, Sept 10 – 12: Viking Foray! Great Northern Peninsula
Sat, Sept 11: Fall Plant Sale at MUN Botanical Garden (St. John’s)

EMPLOYMENT, VOLUNTEER, FUNDING & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers: For FEASt Family Garden
Proposals: Conservation Corps 2010 Internship Program – Funding available (Deadline: Aug 20)
Volunteer: Hydro Seeks Youth Member for Community Liaison Committee (Deadline: Aug 27)
Employment: Outdoor Environmental Education Position at the Brother Brennan Environmental Education Centre (Deadline: Sept 7)
Internship: Environmental Education Intern at MUN Botanical Garden (Deadline: Sept 10)

ACTION
Provide your feedback on the provincial government discussion paper, Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador (Deadline: Aug 31)
10/10/10 – A Day to Celebrate Climate Solutions

NEWS REVIEW (August 16-22)
Provincial Government News Releases
News & Commentary
CBC Podcasts

OTHER
Whale Watcher Photo Contest
Canadian Environment Network Member Awards Kick-off
Draft document for public review:  Hydropower Developments in Canada – Number, Area and Jurisdictional and Ecological Distribution
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EVENTS
Mon, Aug 23: NAACAP Free Guided walk around Long Pond
10:00 am. Meet at the Suncor Energy Fluvarium
Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP) guided walk series: Guides will talk about pond and forest ecology, environmental concerns, how to maintain a healthy river and a bit of the history of Long Pond and surrounding area. Distance: 1.4 km Time: 1 hour. Contact: info@naacap.ca or 709-726-9673.

Thur, Aug 26: NAACAP Free Guided walk around Long Pond
10:00 am. Meet at the Suncor Energy Fluvarium
Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP) guided walk series: Guides will talk about pond and forest ecology, environmental concerns, how to maintain a healthy river and a bit of the history of Long Pond and surrounding area. Distance: 1.4 km Time: 1 hour. Contact: info@naacap.ca or 709-726-9673.

Sun, Aug 29: Edible Plant Walk
10:00 am – 12:00 pm, MUN Botanical Garden
Join Todd Boland, Research Horticulturist, for a walk around the Botanical Garden to discuss edible native and naturalized wildflowers. This program will have both indoor and outdoor components. Please be prepared to go outside; comfortable footwear, suitable for hiking, is recommended. Pre-registration is required. For more information, including registration fees, please call 737-8590 or visit www.mun.ca/botgarden.

Sun, Aug 29: FEASt Pippy Park Summer Workshop Series: Building a Compost
11:00 am – 1:00 pm, Oxen Pond Community Garden.
Come out to the new Oxen Pond Community Garden and learn step by step how to build and maintain your own compost with Geoff Shinkle. To get to the Community Garden, turn off Mount Scio Road onto Oxen Pond Road and look for the garden sign. To learn more, visit www.feastnl.ca; write to: growinginpippypark@gmail.com or call 722-6604.

Sun, Aug 29: ECTA Recreational Hike: Brigus Head Path (Brigus South to Admirals Cove)
10:00 am, Meet in the Brigus South (approximately 2km off Highway 10.
Duration: 3 or 6 hours Distance: 6.5 or 13 km. Leader is Darlene Scott darlenescott@nl.rogers.com, 368-6620. Hikers may choose to hike one way or return.

Sun, Aug 29: Field Trip: Modern and Ancient Lake-Delta Environments in the Humber Valley Area
12:15 pm, Meet at Deer Lake Park Beach.
A late summer field trip organized by the Humber Natural History Society. Trip Leader: John Tuach. The field trip will explore the geological environment and sedimentary features of the Humber River/Deer Lake delta, and to look at a similar aspects of Lower Carboniferous rocks (circa 340 million years ago) at a Flagstone Quarry near Pynn’s Brook. Bring picnic lunch and meet at the Deer Lake Park Beach. Field trip will conclude at 5:00 pm with a courtesy barbecue (hot dogs/burgers) at stone yard. Notes: There isn’t a lot of walking but some rocky scrambles at the quarry. Please wear heavy hiking boots or steel-toed boots if you have them. If you are not comfortable with the ‘scrambling’ it is worth going along for some of the explanations and for the view! Participants are expected to follow instructions regarding safety procedures and safely accessible areas. Automobile access to the quarry is a bit rough – if not driving an SUV, etc please let us know – transport to the quarry can be provided for several people. If you plan to attend, please help plan BBQ amounts by emailing or calling Kirsten Miller at 638-2776, kirstenmiller@gov.nl.ca. For other information please call John Tuach at 686-2250. RAIN DATE: If there is heavy rain, the trip will be rescheduled. If the weather looks uncertain, please call John Tuach 686-2250 before 11 AM to check. The Public is Welcome.

Wed, Sept 1: NAACAP Free Guided walk around Kenny’s and Kent’s pond
10:00 am, Meet at Sir Admiral John’s Adventure Golf parking lot, St. John’s
Northeast Avalon Atlantic Coastal Action Program (NAACAP) guided walk series: Guides will talk about pond and forest ecology, environmental concerns and how to maintain a healthy pond. Distance: 2.3 km Time: 1.5 hours. Contact: info@naacap.ca or 709-726-9673.

Thur, Sept 9: Free Webinar for Nonprofits – Your Board and Fundraising: An Introductory Class
2:00 – 3:00 PM Eastern.
The purpose of this 60 minute webinar is to think systematically through the process of getting your board involved with fundraising. This process involves some key elements: 1-Understanding the role of your board; 2- How to overcome board member concerns regarding fundraising; 3- Ways the board can participate in the fundraising process; 4- Tips for strengthening your fundraising board. Register online for sessions at: http://foundationcenter.org/getstarted/training/webinars/ybf_webinar.html.

Fri-Sun, Sept 10 -12: Viking Foray! Great Northern Peninsula
Pick the mushrooms the Vikings picked on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland, where the Vikings landed over 1,000 years ago. Information & downloadable Registration Forms are at www.nlmushrooms.ca. Register early and do not miss out! (Once you register, please keep in m
ind the Photo Contest–all foray participants are members. See rules on same website).

Sat, Sept 11: Fall Plant Sale
Starting 10:00 am, MUN Botanical Garden, St. John’s
Everyone is encouraged to come early to this annual fundraiser for a good selection of plants, as most sell-out by noon. The sale usually features a good selection of heaths, heathers, shrubs, and perennials suitable for our local area, as well as some unusual rhododendrons. This event is sponsored by the volunteer members of the Friends of the Garden (FOG). All proceeds raised help support the Botanical Garden, a non-profit organization. Plant sale lists will be available the day of the sale. For more information, please call 737-8590 or visit www.mun.ca/botgarden.

EMPLOYMENT, FUNDING & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES
Volunteers: For FEASt Family Garden
1:00 pm, Every Sunday through the summer and fall, #5 Mt. Scio Rd, St. John’s
The FEASt (Food Education Action – St. John’s) family garden is looking for more participants for the coming weeks to help weed and harvest. This is a family program targeted at younger children to come with one or both parents to learn all about soil and all the creatures in it, plants (including weeds), and where our food comes from and how we grow it. The program is very informal and no child is too young to come along. The program runs for about an hour and a half. For more information, check out the website www.feastnl.ca, e-mail growinginpippypark@gmail.com or call 722-6604.

Volunteer: Youth Member for Hydro Community Liaison Committee (CLC) (Deadline: Aug 27)
Do you have a passion for the environment? Want to get more involved in your community? Want to learn more about electricity generation and operations? If so, Hydro would like to hear from you. Established in 1998, the CLC facilitates communication between the Holyrood Generating Station and area residents, municipal representatives and plant staff. The purpose of the CLC is to promote open communication with area stakeholders and provide them with an avenue to bring forward concerns on environmental or other issues relating to the operation of the Holyrood plant. To broaden the CLC’s membership, the committee is seeking a youth representative between 18 and 25 years old who currently resides in the Conception Bay South or Central area. This volunteer position will be for a minimum of two years. For more information and to download an application go to http://www.nlh.nl.ca/hydroweb/nlhydroweb.nsf/TopSubContent/Operations-Thermal%20Generation?OpenDocument

Employment: Outdoor Environmental Education Position at the Brother Brennan Environmental Education Centre (Deadline: 12:00 pm, Sept 7)
The Brother Brennan Environmental Education Centre (13km in the woods off Salmonier Line) is looking for an enthusiastic person to help deliver their environmental programs to school children this fall from September 13 to November 30. The position includes teaching, supervision, leading campfires, hikes etc. Knowledge of Newfoundland’s natural history, environmental issues, a love of outdoors and experience working with children are all assets. Current certificate of conduct and first-aid are essential. Pay is $12 / hour and there is usually between 24 and 48 hours of work a week with overnight stays at the Centre. Own transport preferred. Please send resume embedded in an email to Helen Spencer at helenspencer@esdnl.ca.

Internship: Environmental Education Intern at MUN Botanical Garden (YWCA Youth Eco-Internship Program) (Deadline: Sept 10)
This four-month position begins September 15 at 35 hrs/wk and $12/hr. Working under the supervision of the education coordinator, the successful applicant will assist Botanical Garden education staff in the planning, development, and establishment of environmental education programs for a broad range of audiences including school programs (K – 12), post-secondary programs, pre-schools, community organizations, and the general public. Duties will include presenting programs, maintaining natural history and gardening exhibits; caring for live animals and plants in aquariums and terrariums (including a vermicomposter); assisting in the greenhouse with plant propagation and other projects. Graduation from high school is required, (due to funding requirements, applicants with a higher level of education, i.e. a degree or diploma from a post-secondary institution, cannot be considered for this position); excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking experience; some experience (including education, volunteer work, employment, etc.) in the following areas: environmental education, environmental science, botany, ecology, horticulture; knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and other software. This position is being funded through the Youth Eco Internship Program (YEIP)*. This program places unemployed people aged 15 to 30 from diverse backgrounds into paid internship opportunities within the non-profit and community services sector in Canada with a focus on the environment. To apply: fill in application at www.yeip.ca and indicate your interest in working with MUN Botanical Garden. *Please note that only those eligible for the Youth Eco Internship Program can be considered for these positions. For more information about this position please contact bgprograms@mun.ca or visit www.mun.ca/botgarden.

ACTION
Provide your Feedback on the Provincial Government discussion paper, Coastal and Ocean Management Strategy and Policy Framework for Newfoundland and Labrador (Deadline: Aug 31)
The purpose of the discussion paper is to engage public feedback on the proposed approach, which will be used in developing the Strategy for Coastal and Ocean Management in Newfoundland and Labrador. A finalized strategy will formalize the vision, goals, and principles that will guide how coastal and ocean resources are developed in a sustainable manner. The Coastal and Ocean Policy Framework will use public feedback on existing and proposed actions to help address challenges to achieving the goals and vision. Individuals interested in making a contribution to the development of these strategies can access the discussion paper at http://www.fishaq.gov.nl.ca or by contacting coastsandocean@gov.nl.ca.

10/10/10 – A Day to Celebrate Climate Solutions
All across the planet right now, people like you are taking a few hours out of their week to start planning a community event for 10/10/10 (Oct, 10, 2010). They’re figuring out that organizing a Work Party is just like organizing a normal party, you just need to: Pick the time and the place; choose some activities (try figuring out how to cut your emissions 10% in 2010–think planting trees, installing efficient lightbulbs, and fixing up bikes. For more ideas, click here.); plan some entertainment; Invite the person you’re trying to impress; and make sure to take photos (that’s how we’ll show the world all our good work, and stitch together a powerful global mosaic of action.) Your event will be united with thousands of other events around the world. Together, we’ll send a powerful signal to our world leaders: we’re getting to work, what about you? With so much at stake, it’s not surprising that the allies of the big polluters are trying to convince the public that progress is impossible, that we’ll never see government action on climate change. But we know that it’s not
a lack of technology or science or good policy that’s holding back progress: it’s a lack of political will. With your help, we’ll create that political will from the ground up. It’s the work that’s worth doing, and it is the work that will really make a difference — if we stand up and do it together. Please join thousands of people across the planet by signing up an event for 10/10/10 today: http://www.350.org/oct10
If you’re planning a 10/10/10 event in Newfoundland and Labrador, the NLEN would like to know about it! Please contact us Chris Hogan at nlen.ed@gmail.com or 709-753-7898.

NEWS REVIEW (August 16-22)

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT NEWS RELEASES
Aug 19: Province Pleased With Progress to Overturn EU Seal Product Ban
http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2010/fishaq/0819n04.htm
Aug 20: YMCA-YWCA Goes Green in St. John’s
http://www.releases.gov.nl.ca/releases/2010/env/0820n03.htm

IN THE MEDIA: NEWS & COMMENTARY
Inuit win injunction that will delay ban on the importation of seal products into the EU
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-19/article-1685739/Inuit-win-injunction-that-will-delay-ban-on-the-importation-of-seal-products-into-the-EU/1
The caplin connection
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-16/article-1673024/The-caplin-connection/1
Salmon numbers down in Labrador: DFO
The federal fisheries department is reporting a record-breaking year for salmon returns to rivers in Newfoundland but disappointing numbers for Labrador.
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/08/20/nl-salmon-numbers-820.html
EU seal ban suspended
Inuit leaders question legality of ban on Canadian seal products
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/08/19/nl-seal-ban-819.html
Most N.L. residents support seal hunt: researcher
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/08/20/nl-seal-poll-820.html
Boating near N.L. orcas risky
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/08/19/nl-orca-videaos-818.html
Don’t ban offshore drilling: Senate
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2010/08/18/nl-senate-oil-818.html
VIDEO: A whale of a tale
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-17/article-1673905/A-whale-of-a-tale/1
VIDEO: Dramatic video of latest orca attack on minke
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-18/article-1682898/Dramatic-video-of-latest-orca-attack-on-minke/1
Letter to the Editor Aug 20: Globe and Mail- Lessons from the Gulf
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/opinions/aug-20-letters-to-the-editor/article1679026/
The real future in fish
http://www.thetelegram.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-editor/2010-08-16/article-1673028/The-real-future-in-fish/1
A whale of a tale
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-17/article-1673905/A-whale-of-a-tale/1
Mitsubishi launches electric car at Cape Spear
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/2010-08-17/article-1678128/Mitsubishi-launches-electric-car-at-Cape-Spear/1
Iron ore company Alderon reaches MOU with Innu of Labrador
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/Local/2010-08-17/article-1676958/Iron-ore-company-Alderon-reaches-MOU%E2%80%88with-Innu-of-Labrador/1
Big bucks for AbitibiBowater
http://www.thetelegram.com/Business/2010-08-16/article-1673025/Big-bucks-for-AbitibiBowater/1
Pesticide bans aren’t the answer
http://www.thetelegram.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-editor/2010-08-18/article-1681738/Pesticide-bans-aren%26rsquo%3Bt-the-answer/1
Ridiculously too little, decades too late (George River Caribou herd)
http://www.thewesternstar.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-08-16/article-1672937/Ridiculously-too-little%2C-decades-too-late/1
Hunting an all-inclusive activity
http://www.thewesternstar.com/Opinion/Editorial/2010-08-16/article-1672953/Hunting-an-all-inclusive-activity/1
There’s still a future in fish
http://www.thetelegram.com/Opinion/Letters-to-the-editor/2010-08-19/article-1684701/There%26rsquo%3Bs-still-a-future-in-fish/1
Federal government introduces new Parks Canada Discovery Pass
http://www.thetelegram.com/Arts—Life/Travel/2010-07-19/article-1595742/Federal-government-introduces-new-Parks-Canada-Discovery-Pass/1
Killer whale numbers on the rise, suggests tour operator
http://www.thetelegram.com/News/2010-08-19/article-1684700/Killer-whale-numbers-on-the-rise%2C-suggests-tour-operator/1

CBC PODCASTS
Labrador Morning Show http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/pastpodcasts.html?38#ref31
Aug 16: Wildlife Biologist Warns of George River Caribou Decline
Aug17: Biofuel Biplane Makes History in Happy Valley-Goose Bay
Aug 18: Biofuel Comedy
Aug 18: Wolf Hunt in Western Labrador
Aug 20: Clearing Crews At Muskrat Falls
Aug 20: Salmon Numbers Down In Labrador
St. John’s Morning Show http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/pastpodcasts.html?53#ref38
Aug 17: New Brunswick moose fences
Aug 18: Tors Cove orcas
Aug 19: Killer whales videos
West Coast Morning Show http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/pastpodcasts.html?38#ref62
Aug 16: MNL and waste
Aug 20: Bonne Bat
Radio Noon http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/pastpodcasts.html?38#ref53
Aug 18: Crosstalk: Whales
Aug 20: High-tech garbage clean-up

OTHER

Whale Watcher Photo Contest
Location: Anywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador
Deadline for photo submissions: October 10 at 4:00PM
In Newfoundland and Labrador this summer? Take pictures of whales, sea turtles or basking sharks, e-mail them to us, and you will be entered to win a prize! With your submission, make sure to include who took the picture, the location and the time it was taken. Join our facebook event page! http://tiny.cc/vvm5y Or send in your submission to whalewatcherphotocontest@gmail.com. The contest is organized by the Whale Release and Strandings Group, visit our website at www.newfoundlandwhales.net for more information about us. In the meantime, if you see an entangled whale or a leatherback sea turtle call our toll-free number at 1 888 895 3003.

Canadian Environment Network Annual Member Awards Kick Off
Deadline for nominations: September 8^th.
Nominate a fellow member today! Based on members’ suggestions, last year the Canadian Environment Network formed an Awards Committee to create four categories of awards that recognize significant achievements from RCEN members. This is an excellent opportunity for you to nominate fellow members that have worked hard, inspired, motivated and helped you and the Network achieve great things. Award categories include: Caucus Achievement Award; Outstanding Participation Award;  Martha Kostuch Lifetime Achievement Award; and Board of Directors Award. The awards will be handed out during the Gala Evening at the RCEN 2010 Conference on September 18th in Montreal. For more information and to access a nomination form visit http://www.cen-rce.org/eng/consultations/consultations_in_progress/10_08_awards.html

Draft document for public review: Hydropower Developments in Canada – Number, Area and Jurisdictional and Ecological Distribution
Global Forest Watch Canada welcomes your comments (reply to info@globalforestwatch.ca) on the draft report Hydropower Developments in Canada – Number, Area and Jurisdictional and Ecological Distribution. This is the first of our two reports on hydropower developments. A future report will include information on energy outputs, greenhouse gas emissions, and environmental and Aboriginal impacts of hydropower developments. Visit www.globalforestwatch.ca to download the report.
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NLEN E-Update
The weekly NLEN E-Update shares information on environmental events, actions, opportunities (employment, volunteer, funding), and news. Please send notices to nleneupdate@gmail.com by noon on Fridays.

More about NLEN
The Newfoundland and Labrador Environment Network (NLEN) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation, restoration and sustainable use of our province’s natural heritage. The NLEN is an umbrella group for non-profit organisations working across the province that share the goals of environmental conservation and education. The NLEN facilitates capacity-building and communication amongst its member organisations, and serves as a contact point for government, media and the public on environmental issues. The NLEN organizes coalition/working groups on a range of issues, and host a variety of public education events. Web: www.nlen.ca; Email: nlen.ed@gmail.com; Tel: 709.753.7898; Fax 709.726.2764.