This newsletter is sent electronically (via email or fax)around the first of each month to state urban forestry program coordinators and Forest Service urban forestry staff. Please print or copy this newsletter and distribute it to volunteer coordinators, state council chairs, and other interested individuals within your state. You can always find it on-line at www.treelink.org

Submissions to this newsletter are welcomed, and in fact, requested. Items suitable for inclusion are regional and national urban forestry information, state events, products, or innovations that can be replicated by other states, personnel notes, and notices of regional and national urban forestry events. Please submit a maximum of two paragraphs to Pam Louks by the 20th of the month for inclusion in the following month's edition.

NEXT DUE DATE FOR SUBMISSION: January 20, 2002

Compiled and Edited by:

Pamela Louks, Indiana Department of Natural Resources
(plouks@dnr.state.in.us) phone (317) 915-9390

Phillip D. Rodbell, USDA Forest Service - Northeastern Area
(prodbell@fs.fed.us) phone (610) 975-4133

Pepper Provenzano, TreeLink.org
(pepper@treelink.org)

State Coordinators News

Quote

Jane Eisner, "Fighting Blight" series in Philadelphia Inquirer, Dec. 2, 2001

Thinking of:

Paul Dolan, Rhode Island coordinator, who recently lost his wife after her battle with cancer.

Dave Mooter, Nebraska coordinator, who is now at home recovering from a broken hip after a fall from the roof of his home. He sends this note:

I am now home and resting. As you know, I fell off my roof on Nov. 18 (my daughter's birthday). I have no memory of the fall or the hour before or after the incident. I must have been up there adjusting one of the spotlights since that has been done. We now have a new rule here that requires children to stop dad if he has a ladder in his possession. At any rate, the Lord was watching since it could have been far worse. I have a broken hipbone and should be getting permission to move around in a more normal fashion about a week before Christmas. I have heard from many of my friends around the country and it is nice to know that people think of you at times like this. It has not been easy, but I am up and mobile now. I do check my email each day so if you need more details just let me know. Thanks for your concern and the cards and flowers. They were great. E-mail: Dmooter@unlnotes.edu

Question of the Month - Send Pam Louks questions that you would like the state coordinators to address in upcoming issues.  [back to top]

Last month, the question was about tree-planting guidelines. Thank you for your responses.

I use the Arizona Nursery Association guide for nursery stock, size, diameter and height. We have a tree-planting guideline for Arizona which I require each grantee to use. If you want a copy let me know and I will mail it to you. Second, several of our communities that are Tree Cities have preservation ordinances and guidelines. All require identification of species, tagging, moving of the species and replanting with guidelines. Again, let me know if you want hard copies. Ron Romatzke

Idaho provides each grant applicant with tree-planting standards based on the "American Standard for Nursery Stock, ANSI Z60.1 and the ISA "Tree and Shrub Transplanting Manual." We also encourage the communities to include these standards in their tree ordinance and/or "Tree Standards Manual" regulations. The main problem is with the landscape installers. There are always those who want to dump the tree, burlap, string, wire basket and all into a hole and cover it up before anyone can see it. Enforcement is the key but the enforcer must know the tree-planting standards. Too often small towns do not have an arborist to supervise the tree-planting part of a project and the job is left to the city engineer who is more acquainted and concerned about concrete than trees. Improper staking practices can often be an indicator that the underground practices are also not at the desired standards. Jim Fazio made a very cogent statement at the National Conference in DC, "All of this high-tech stuff is great but the first job is to plant the tree correctly." Del Jaquish, acting Community Forestry coordinator, 800-432-4648

Indiana includes tree-planting guidelines with each grant work packet. Grantees with approved projects must attend a grant workshop where the grant procedures and tree-planting guidelines are explained and demonstrated. Yet, when we inspect the plantings, nine times out of ten, the trees are installed incorrectly. They are too deep, ropes are not cut or removed, wires are not bent down, and they are not mulched. The poject coordinator must be on site when the trees are installed. If the installers refuse to follow the guidelines, then the grantee explains to them that the community or non profit will not receive their grant dollars until the trees are planted according to DNR specifications based on ISA standards. If all this fails, then I explain why we have these guidelines. If they use the old standard that these guidelines weaken the new tree and that the installer will come back in a year to removed the ropes, bend down wires, and cut ropes, I point out that this procedure has not happened yet with any of our grants and that is why we are so stringent with the DNR tree-planting guidelines. This is an ongoing frustration with otherwise successful grant projects. Pam Louks, Indiana coordinator. Plouks@dnr.state.in.us

Missouri's main difficulty is planting too deep. Here's how Missouri handles Tree-Planting Guidelines in our cost-share program. Our recommended tree-planting guidelines are included with the application. We require the applicant to conform to these guidelines and strongly urge the applicant to share these guidelines with the contractor they select. When projects are completed, each is inspected by one of our field foresters. If the project does not conform to our guidelines, we do not approve it for payment. In general this means that the applicant will have to work with their contractor to resolve the problems. In most instances the problems can be resolved.

If we find projects planted too deep, then we spend a great amount of time with the tree planter explaining the problem. If the problem persists, we will not fund future projects installed by that contractor. Justine Gartner, Forestry Field Programs supervisor, Missouri Department of Conservation

The Nebraska Forest Service administers two major grants for communities that amount to about $400,000 in matching monies. Both allow for planting on public lands. We have produced our own set of planting specifications, which the contractor must sign off on. If plants are not planted according to our specs then we will hold payment until changes are made to our satisfaction. Our biggest problems occur with trees being planted to deeply and with the continued use of hose and wire for support. Our specs forbid the use of hose and wire and we are very specific about planting depth. Most of our grant sites have very good success following our specs. I would be happy to provide copies of our specs over the email. They are in WordPerfect format. Dave Mooter, Dmooter@unlnotes.edu

Ohio currently uses air-pollution fine monies from the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency to support our community tree-planting grant program. These are competitive 50/50 match grants made available only to municipalities. Grants are not based on need, but rather commitment. We believe every community has a need to plant and maintain its urban forest. Our grants favor those cities and towns that have made an administrative, legislative, organizational, and financial commitment to manage their public vegetation. Because only communities with comprehensive tree-care programs (that have already demonstrated a knowledge and ability to successfully plant and maintain trees) receive grants, we don't have to include tree-planting guidelines in our grant package. Successful tree installation is the responsibility of the community as the grant recipient, not the state as the grantor. Drew Todd, Ohio Urban Forestry coordinator - drew.todd@dnr.state.oh.us

STATE OF THE STATES

California State Legislative Support  [back to top]

With assistance from the Trust for Public Land and the California ReLeaf Network, a $2.6 billion park bond was approved for the March 2002 ballot that includes $10 million for urban forestry grants. State Assembly Bill 1602 enacts the California Clean Water, Clean Air, Safe Neighborhood Parks, and Coastal Protection Act of 2002 ($10 million for U&CF projects). Also, Assembly Bill 62 requires the State Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to allocate $3.5 million to prevent, control and manage sudden oak death. In addition, Assembly Bill 242 establishes the Oak Woodland Conservation Act including $5-8 million for conservation and protection activities. The nonprofit and municipal network in California is working together and fully engaged in statewide legislative affairs.

Montana Community Forestry Coordinator Position Available  [back to top]

Community Forestry Coordinator, #35047, Department of Natural Resources and Conservation. Oversees and implements the statewide program and is responsible for overall program management, policy, budget, and planning. The Community Forestry Program assists cities and towns throughout Montana with the management of natural resources within their municipal boundaries. Common activities include tree planting, grant administration, and work with an advisory council. The Community Forestry coordinator also serves as the state contact for the National Arbor Day Foundation's Tree City USA Program.

This is a full-time term position located in Missoula. The position is a Grade 15, salary: $30,063 to $36,573 depending upon qualifications. The position is guaranteed through June 30, 2003. Converting this position to full-time permanent requires approval of the Montana Legislature. The successful applicant will have experience and/or education equivalent to a bachelor's degree in natural resources management or a related field plus two years of experience directly related to the duties of this position. To learn more, visit the DNRC website at www.state.mt.us/dnrc. Contact Chris Tootell at 406-542-4303 or Paula Rosenthal at 406-542-4235.

New Mexico Thinks Trees!  [back to top]

Think Trees Inc., a private non-profit group in Albuquerque, New Mexico will offer the 16th Annual Think Trees Conference Jan. 28 and 29, 2002, at the Crowne Plaza Pyramid Hotel in Albuquerque. Among the seven speakers are Lynn Burchart with Davey Trees, Tom Smiley with Bartlett Tree Labs, Larry Helberg, and academic representatives from New Mexico State University, Cooperative Extension Service. Preregistration is $125. To obtain an announcement and agenda, call Bernalillo County Extension Service at 505-243-1386. More than 20 CEU's will be offered toward arborist re-certification. ISA certification exams will be offered. The conference is sponsored by ISA, City of Albuquerque, State of New Mexico, Forestry Division, University of New Mexico, New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service, and Public Service Company of New Mexico.

Oregon Trees Give Portland Region Millions in Benefits   [back to top]

A new Regional Ecosystem Analysis by American Forests shows tree cover in the Portland, Oregon, region is removing 178 million pounds of pollutants annually, a savings valued at $419 million.

Titled the Regional Ecosystem Analysis (REA) for the Willamette/Lower Columbia Region of Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Washington State, the report shows a 22% decline in the 7 million-acre area's tree canopy between 1972 and 2000. "Our analysts found the total average tree cover for the region is 24% -- down from 46% in 1972," said Gary Moll, vice president of American Forests. The REA was unveiled at a news conference at Portland's City Hall. The study was sponsored by the USDA Forest Service, Washington State Department of Natural Resources, the Oregon Department of Forestry, and officials from the nine cities included in the study as well as Clark County, WA. The complete report can be found at http://www.americanforests.org/resources/rea/.

ON THE NATIONAL FRONT

North Dakota State Forester Named NASF President  [back to top]

On Oct. 4 the National Association of State Foresters (NASF) unanimously elected Larry A. Kotchman, North Dakota State Forester, as its new president. Each year the state foresters elect a new president, vice-president, and treasurer at the annual meeting, which was held this year in Hot Springs, Arkansas. Kotchman is the first North Dakota state forester to assume a leadership role in NASF. His affiliations include the Society of American Foresters, the National Arbor Day Foundation and the North Dakota Community Forestry Council and Forest Stewardship Coordinating Committee. "I am deeply honored for the opportunity to serve the association and state foresters in providing management assistance and protection services for over two-thirds of the nation's forests," Kotchman said. "Sustaining the health and long-term productivity of private forest lands is a critical challenge facing this nation. I look forward to strengthening our vision for sustainable forestry and meeting this challenge."

The new vice president is James L. Sledge, the state forester from Mississippi, and the new treasurer is Burnell C. Fischer, Ph.D., state forester of Indiana. Sledge has been the Mississippi state forester since 1991, where he is responsible for the administration of the Mississippi Forestry Commission. He served as chair of the NASF Resource Management Committee and was on the Board of Directors for the Alabama Forestry Association for three terms. Dr. Fischer was appointed state forester and director of the Indiana Division of Forestry in 1992. He is currently the chair of the NASF Urban and Community Forestry Committee and was chair of the Northeast Area State Foresters from 1998 to 1999.

FY2002 Interior Funding  [back to top]

The Interior and related agency appropriations bill that funds the Forest Service adhered to the basic parameters of the Title VIII "trust fund" established in last year's Interior spending bill. This six-year fund gives baseline funding to a variety of conservation and recreation programs, including the Land and Water Conservation Fund, the Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Program, and Urban and Community Forestry (UCF), but is subject to annual appropriations. Congress provided $708 million in LWCF funding ($429 million - federal; $279 million - state and misc. grants). UPARR was funded at $30 million. One area receiving a cut from FY01 funding levels is the Historic Preservation Fund, which was cut by $19 million, to $75 million. The UCF program received $36 million for FY02. Overall, $1.32 billion was appropriated for programs defined in FY 2001 trust fund language. All funds, including UCF, were appropriated within their regular titles, rather than in the supplemental Title VIII established in FY 2001. Congressional earmarks were listed in last month's newsletter.

2002 Farm Bill  [back to top]

There is tremendous pressure on the Senate to quickly pass the Farm Bill as approved by the house - H.R. 2646. Most conservation and environmental groups are working hard to have the Senate create their own Farm Bill with considerably more emphasis on conservation. Most would like a bill more in line with the administrations recommendations (see http://fb-net.org/Updates/FAP.htm ) and with Senate Ag committee's "Objectives for the New Farm Bill," see http://fb-net.org/FB/2002/Harkin-LugarO.htm.

The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) sent a letter to Senators Harkin and Lugar saying, in part; "Even though the House bill significantly increases conservation funding, the level in H.R. 2646 still falls far short of what will be required to address conservation needs on our nation's private working lands. We believe that, in addition to the many environmental benefits derived from agricultural conservation spending, those same dollars can and should play an important role in strengthening America's vital rural economies." NACD's complete letter and a good overview of the House approved HR 2642 is available from http://nacdnet.org/govtaff/FB/

The House passed version of the next Farm Bill, the "engrossed" version of HR 2646, is now posted on the House Ag Committee site as a 700Kb .pdf file accessible from http://agriculture.house.gov/farmbill.htm

Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative Act  [back to top]

Maine Sen. Susan Collins has introduced the Suburban and Community Forestry and Open Space Initiative Act (S1633). The legislation authorizes a $50-million grant program within the U.S. Forest Service to support locally driven projects that preserve working forests. As part of the program, state and local governments as well as nonprofit organizations can compete for funds to purchase land or conservation easements to keep forest lands, threatened by development, in their traditional use.

Projects funded under this initiative would be targeted at lands that are in parts of the country that are threatened by sprawl. The grant program would help promote sustainable forestry and public access to forest lands, while protecting the rights of property owners with the inclusion of a "willing-seller" provision and allowing non-profits, states, and municipalities - but not the federal government - to hold title to land or easements purchased under the program. The legislation may be incorporated into the final Farm Bill.

Grassroots Summit Update  [back to top]

At the National Urban Forest Conference in September, the Grassroots Summit Leadership Team brought together a diverse group of federal, state, local, and nonprofit interests to weigh in on the needs and priorities of urban forestry practitioners in preparation for the Grassroots Summit 2002, to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, Sept. 21-24, 2002. Fifty five people participated in the session, sponsored by the US Forest Service and the National Tree Trust.

The input from the work groups was clear:

• Attendees will not support creating a new organization, but urge existing national organizations to form coalitions and work together to move urban forestry forward nationally as well as locally. There is clear support for a coordinated approach that builds on shared input of existing groups.
  
  
• More and better communication and networking is needed to share info, solve problems and expand outreach.
  
  
• There is strong support for model legislation that can be replicated.

Key items repeated by the working groups include:

• Needs: National coalition building; education of elected officials and people with influence; model legislation; outreach through stable funding, merchandizing and web-based networking; shared definitions; organizational development to increase public awareness and team leadership.
  
  
• Issues: Link UCF with larger issues, e.g. dollar value, safety, health and education; diversity of people and stakeholders; model legislation that can be duplicated; a national approach to local issues; technology for communications to connect communities; diversified funding bases, expand importance of green infrastructure to HUD, EPA DOT, and all federal programs.
  
  
• Structure: A coalition of existing organizations with multiple efforts, but not mutually exclusive; a web-based communication network for grass roots and councils; legislative models that can be replicated; Grassroots Summit Leadership Team to structure models for consideration.

For those who could not attend this session, the leadership team invites your comments as they shape the program for the 2002 Grassroots Summit. Send your comments to Alice Ewen Walker at alice@actrees.org and mark your calendars for the Grassroots Summit, Sept. 21-24, 2002 in Salt Lake City!

Patriot Trees  [back to top]

American Forests has initiated the Patriot Trees for America campaign, a program that honors fallen Americans through ceremonies across the country. These newly planted trees will serve as living legacies and symbols of hope for a world free of terrorism and hatred. Program participants will plant trees like the Dwight D. Eisenhower Green Ash, in their yards and communities. Donating $25 to American Forests will also help underwrite the planting of a Historic Tree in other communities. Read more at http://www.americanforests.org/planttrees/091101.php.

Champion Tree Project  [back to top]

The non-profit Champion Tree Project is a grass roots organization founded by father and son, Michigan tree farmers, David and Jared Milarch and is dedicated to "Preserving, propagating and planting a living legacy of our champion trees." A champion tree is the largest, and often the oldest, specimen of its species. The Champion Tree Project has partnered with the National Tree Trust to gather tissue from champion trees representing hundreds of species across America to learn more about their longevity and growth, and to save them for future generations. Champion trees have withstood environmental stresses over long periods of time and attained superior size. On Nov. 4th, the The Champion Tree Project dedicated the historic planting of an old-growth Florida tree clone produced from the National Champion Green Buttonwood tree. "These champion trees are the largest and oldest organisms on the planet and may hold keys to our own sustainability," explains Terry Mock, executive director of the Champion Tree Project. The project has been tremendously successful in garnering press for urban and community forestry.

National Association of Conservation Districts  [back to top]

The NACD is getting more involved in the challenges that face cities and towns. Some districts are beginning to focus on urban and community conservation issues they can address through partnerships and innovative programs. We will be hearing more from local SWCD's and programs they are initiating that relate to urban forestry. For more information on how they are making community connections, contact your local SWCD partners.

EMPLOYMENT  [back to top]

For job opportunities please visit the Tree Talk Bulletin Board.

GRANTS $$$$  [back to top]

Free Seeds for Planting "Freedom Gardens"
Deadline: Ongoing
http://www.freeseeds.org
The America the Beautiful Fund is a national nonprofit organization started in 1965 to encourage volunteer citizen efforts to protect the natural and historic beauty of America. Over 50,000 projects in all 50 states have been developed and assisted with ABF help. In response to the events of Sept. 11, ABF is providing $1 million worth of flower, vegetable, and herb seeds to plant "Freedom Gardens" across America. Anyone who wants to sponsor or start a Freedom Garden in their community can receive a grant of 100 to 1,000 free seed packets. For further information and an application form, visit the program's Web site.

Ford Foundation Invites Applications for Leadership for a Changing World Program, Nomination
Deadline: Jan. 4, 2002
The Ford Foundation's Leadership for a Changing World program seeks to recognize, strengthen, and support leaders, and to highlight the importance of leadership in improving lives. The program seeks to confirm that resourceful leaders are bringing about positive change in American communities. Each year, the program recognizes twenty leaders and leadership groups not broadly known beyond their immediate community or field. These outstanding leaders and leadership groups work in such areas as economic and community development, human rights, the arts, media, and the environment. Awardees will receive $100,000 over two years to support their work, and $30,000 for additional learning activities that advance their efforts. The funds will be made available to the awardees' nonprofit charitable organizations or their fiscal agents. Nominees must be residents of the United States and have worked on domestic issues for at least four years in the area for which they are being nominated. Nominators may be anyone (other than the nominee or a family member) who is well acquainted with the nominated leader or leadership group and can attest to their qualifications. Complete program information and nomination guidelines are available at the Leadership for a Changing World Web site. http://www.leadershipforchange.org or by calling 202-777-7560

Toyota Tapestry Grants for Teachers
Deadline: Jan. 17, 2002
The program offer grants to K-12 science teachers for innovative projects that enhance science education in the school or the school district. Grants range from $2,500 to $10,000 and are awarded in three categories: environmental science education, physical science education, and literacy and science education. For more information see www.nsta.org/programs/tapestry or call 1-800-807-9852.

Technology Grants Available to Nonprofit Organizations Deadline: Ongoing Third Sector Systems, Inc. has announced first come, first served grants of up to $10,000 for qualified nonprofit organizations for the purchase of Mission Maestro software solutions. The TechFoundation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, is administering the grants. Mission Maestro software is designed to support the management of programs and client services as well as development, fundraising, administration, communications, and other activities. The primary goal of the program is to help recipients implement Mission Maestro solutions to benefit and achieve their mission. Applicants must be U.S.-based 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations or associations. For additional information contact: Daniel Fata at 617-234-2145, E-mail: fata@techfoundation.org or see the website http://www.techfoundation.org/

PUBLICATIONS & WEBSITES  [back to top]

One Stop Shop for Urban Forestry Information

www.Treelink.org TreeLink is a website created to provide information, research, and networking for people working in urban and community forestry. For the researcher, the arborist, the educator, the community group leader, the volunteer - our purpose is to inform, educate, and inspire. Here you will find: Who's Who in Your State, networking listserves, educational links, how-to guides, a research database, discussion forums, online greeting cards, screen savers, a quarterly web-zine, a "VolunteerMatch," a comprehensive link list of national and local resources, late-breaking news, and interactive tools for tree-identification and selection. It's all free at TreeLink.

Field Guide, "Evaluating Tree Defects" in Second Edition

Ed Hayes, a certified arborist and owner of Safetrees, has published the Second Edition of his field guide for "Evaluating Tree Defects".

The field guide summarizes the latest research into an easy to use field guidelines. It now features 30 pages. It is refined, expanded, and updated throughout. It is compact in size for field use, 7" by 6 ½", spiral bound, and printed heel to toe on sturdy 9pt. paper throughout with a 12 pt. laminated front and back cover. It now features 58 color photographs, (36 are new), and 43 illustrations. New sections include; Evaluating Root Decay, Basic Tree Biomechanics, An Introduction to Tropical Tree Defects, and Safety Issues for Arborists. The Field Guide can be purchased for $21.95 on line at www.safetrees.com.

Tree Ordinances

A number of significant updates have been made to the Guidelines for Developing and Evaluating Tree Ordinances website (http://www.isa-arbor.com/tree-ord/ ). This includes expanded coverage on methods used to evaluate the urban forest and an Adobe Acrobat PDF version of the entire site content.

How to Hold Effective Meetings

Websites for Urban Forest Research and Technology Transfer

• Interface South (Region 8)   www.interfacesouth.org
• Southern Urban Forestry TT Center   www.urbanforestrysouth
• NE Research Station -Syracuse   www.fs.fed.us/ne/syracuse
• Southern Region Extension Forestry   www.soforext.edu
• Pacific Southwest Research Station   www.wcufre.ucdavis.edu
• Northeast Center (for the Durham Field Office) in Amherst: http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/

Salt-Tolerant Trees

Free Technology Bulletins on a variety of urban forestry topics can be downloaded from the USDA Forest Service website. Technology Bulletin #6 focuses on identifying tree species that can withstand salt deposits from seaspray or de-icing materials. http://www.urbanforestrysouth.usda.gov/pubs/Tech_bulletin/index.htm

Mobile Community Tree Inventory

The USDA Forest Service, Northeast Center for Urban and Community Forestry at Amherst, MA, in cooperation with the City of Springfield, MA has just completed the development of a new computerized inventory system for community trees. Utilizing Palm Pilot® technology, for use with Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), the Mobile Community Tree Inventory (MCTI) system is designed to use a PDA for field-data collection activities, and a Windows based database system for data management. The MCTI inventory system is available for free download from http://www.umass.edu/urbantree/mcti/

Research Online: People-Plant Interactions

The Human Environment Research Lab article request website is up and running! The site address is: http://www.herl.uiuc.edu . To request an article click on "Recent Publications". The articles with the white dots next to the name are available now for requests. Click on the white dots next to the articles you wish to request and then hit the "Request Article" button at the bottom of the screen. The remaining articles (without the dots) will be available soon. The articles that were presented at the Urban and Community Forestry Conference were the Sullivan and Kuo 2001, the Kuo 2001 and the Coley, Kuo and Sullivan 1997 articles. These are available now as well as numerous other studies that illustrate the positive effects of trees.

Allergies

The publication "Trees That Cause Allergic Reactions" is available at the following web site - http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/nursery/430-020/430-020.pdf.

State of the Forests in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Smart Watershed Site Practices

A new publication from the Center for Watershed Protection (CWP) explains 11 techniques for redevelopment that reduce water pollution, "Redevelopment for Water Protection." See www.cwp.org for more information.

Human Sustainability

A new publication, "Living a Sustainable Lifestyle for Our Children's Children" provides candid recognition of the fact that socio-economic health of our communities cannot be separated from their environmental health. For a review of the book's Table of Contents, Preface, and the Introductory Chapter, go to http://www.eeeee.net and click on the "book link." To order a copy of this book, go to: http://www.iuniverse.com/marketplace/bookstore/book_detail.asp?isbn=0%2D595%2D20013%2D3.

Smart-Growth Resources

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has announced a new online resource designed to facilitate and support smart growth -- development that serves the economy, community, and the environment. As recent studies have demonstrated, smart-growth development approaches have clear environmental benefits, including improved air and water quality, increased wetlands preservation, more brownfield sites cleaned and reused, and less development pressure on farmland and wilderness areas. There are clear economic and fiscal benefits for communities as well. To learn more about smart growth policies, funding sources, networking opportunities, technical tools and resources, visit http://www.epa.gov/smartgrowth.

CONFERENCE CALENDAR  [back to top]

January 2002

February 2002

March 2002

April 2002

May 2002

July 2002

September 2002

We wish you a joyous, peaceful holiday season.