Community Notes 01-07-2013

1. Water and Aquatic Science Education Guides. Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment at Texas State University, and the Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies have teamed up to develop guides to aquatic science for Texas’ middle and high school students. Teachers and others interested in aquatic science education for Texas’ middle and high school students are invited to review and comment on the draft guides, as well as submit their favorite aquatic science-related activities to include in the guides. All contributions will be acknowledged. To learn more about the guides, become a member of the review team, enter discussion and submit aquatic science activities please log onto http://www.aquaticedguides.org/.
2. Film: Promised Land. “Promised Land” is in theaters in select cities across Texas, including Houston. The film tells the story of a small town which is caught up in the economic frenzy and environmental storm that is hydraulic fracturing. Learn more about the movie at http://focusfeatures.com/promised_land. If the film sparks questions in your mind, or prompts water-cooler conversation at your office, remember, you can host a coffee/tea at your home, or a discussion at your place of worship or civic group–or have the movie “Gasland” shown at any of those–simply by contacting Alyssa Burgin at alyssa@texasdroughtproject.org.
3. AF&PA Recycling Awards. The 2013 American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) Recycling Awards are officially underway! The annual awards program recognizes outstanding school, business and community paper recycling efforts. An award winner in each category earns a $2,000 cash prize, original framed ‘paper art’ and local and national visibility. New in 2013, a Fan Favorite award in each category will be determined by a voting campaign promoted through Facebook and Twitter. In addition, schools are encouraged to submit student artwork and recycling messages that could be used to educate peers about the importance of paper recycling. Winners, runners-up and unique programs will become prominent content on a redesigned paperrecycles.org website and in printed AF&PA outreach materials. More at http://www.paperrecycles.org/.
4. TPWD Opportunities for Comment. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is now taking public comment on several proposed regulations and a list of proposed real estate transactions. Two Proposed Real Estate Transactions are taking place in the Houston Area: ‘Acceptance of Land Donation — Brazoria County — Approximately 480 Acres at Christmas Bay Coastal Preserve’ and ‘Request for Deed Modification — Harris County — Authorization of Pipeline Easement at Lake Houston Wilderness Park.’ Details are at http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
5. RBC Blue Water Projectâ„¢ Grants. The RBC Blue Water Project supports projects that focus on supporting initiatives that help protect and preserve water in towns, cities and urbanized areas with populations of more than 10,000 people. There are two levels of grants offered: Community Action Grants and Leadership Grants. The Community Action Grants range from $1,000 to $10,000, and are awarded to local or community-based organizations in Canada, the United States or the Caribbean. Applications are due February 8th. Leadership Grants range from $10,001 to $100,000 and are awarded to organizations that are leaders in providing programs in North America and other countries where RBC does business. If you are interested in applying for a 2013 Leadership Grant, you must submit an Expression of Interest by January 11, 2013. More at http://www.rbc.com/.
6. Landowner Grants. In an effort to reduce wildfire hazards on private lands, Texas A&M Forest Service is administering U.S. Forest Service Community Fire Protection Grant funding for prescribed burning within three miles of a national forest boundary. Although previously a deadline was set for mid-December, applications will now be accepted as long as funds are available. Landowners who wish to apply for grant funds must submit a prescribed burn plan, a map of the area to be burned showing its proximity to national forest land and the physical address of the burn unit. Learn more at http://www.kwkt.com/ and download the application at http://texasforestservice.tamu.edu/.
7. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Seabrook, and on HCC. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). This week’s broadcast will include:
   • Coastal Conflicts – Impact of Wind Farms
   • Parks & Wildlife People: Wildlife Permitting Team
   • The Other Big Bend
   • Outdoor Info: Shooters Eye & Ear Protection
   • The Legend of Old RIP50th Film History: Time For Seafood
8. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.texas.gov/airquality/monops/forecast_today.html. Houston Clean Air Network and Realtime Ozone Mapping: http://houstoncleanairnetwork.com.
   • January 8: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and/or heavy cloud cover with precipitation should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • January 9: Green–Good. Moderate winds, low incoming background levels, and heavy cloud cover with precipitation should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
   • January 10: Green–Good. Moderate to strong winds, low incoming background levels, and lingering cloud cover with precipitation should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.