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January 20, 2015

Houston Environmental News Update January 20, 2015

Early bird pricing for the Wild & Scenic Film Festival ends Thursday, so please get your tickets now. If that isn’t reason enough, we expect to sell out. The festival will be a fun way to support the CEC while meeting other great people interested in the environment, so please join us!

I’d like to share with you a lovely article in TPWD magazine about one of CEC’s founders, Terry Hershey. She is an extraordinary woman, and I encourage you to read more about her and the environmental movement in Houston.

It’s not often that a nearby environmental issue makes its way to the US Supreme Court, but that’s where the Whooping Crane suit may be headed, under the direction of notable environmental attorney (and CEC supporter) Jim Blackburn. Learn more about the case.

CEC NOTES

  1.  Wild & Scenic Film Festival January 29, 2015

    Join the CEC on January 29, 2015, at the River Oaks Theatre as it hosts the first Houston screening of the Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour!

     

    The Wild & Scenic Film Festival, North America’s largest environmental film festival, will bring two hours of beautiful, educational and inspiring short films to the big screen at River Oaks Theatre on January 29th from 6:30 – 9:00pm. We have selected nine films that cover a variety of issues, and it is our hope to use the festival to increase community understanding of the connection we share with the planet and our roles as stewards of the environment in which we live.

    This week, we are featuring The Story of Solutions: 
    We’re told to cheer a growing economy– more roads, malls, and Stuff!–even though our health indicators are worsening, income inequality is growing, and polar icecaps are melting. But what if the goal of our economy wasn’t more, but better? Better health, better jobs, and a better chance to survive on the planet?

    Big thanks to our local & national sponsors:
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  2. Save the Dates. In addition to the film festival, the CEC has some great events planned for next year, and we hope you can join us. More details are coming soon, but for now, please save the dates!
    • March 3, 2015: CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit
    • April 1, 2015: Environmental Poetry and Puns

COALITION NOTES

  1. Environment Enforcement Roundtable: Environmental Enforcement and Small Business Assistance. Do you ever investigate small businesses such as surface coating facilities and auto salvage yards that want to do the right thing, but just don’t know how? Have you ever wondered what kind of help is available for small businesses or who you can refer them to? If you’d like to learn more about this topic then join us for the upcoming roundtable to hear from Jennifer Amelang, with the TCEQ Local Government and Small Business Assistance Program, and from David Spellmeyer, with OSHA’s Consultation Program. The roundtable will be held on January 22, 2015, 10am-noon at the H-GAC office. This is a free event. Please RSVP for the Roundtable by January 21, 2015. For more information or to RSVP please contact Erin Livingston at 832-681-2525 or erin.livingston@h-gac.com.
  2. Keep Hermann Park Green: Plant a Tree. Join Hermann Park Conservancy on January 24 or January 31, 2015, from 9am-noon, for a great volunteer opportunity in honor of Arbor Day. Come dig in and plant some trees! Individuals and families are welcome and no tree planting experience is necessary. Tools will be provided but you can bring your own. The trees have been donated by CenterPoint Energy and the Apache Corporation. For more information, e-mail volunteer@hermannpark.org.
  3. Walk For The Woods Project – Early Registration. The Walk for The Woods Project will be returning to Neighborhood Centers Inc. – Ripley House on Saturday, April 11, 2015. This unique event is a scenic walking tour featuring the historic neighborhoods of Houston’s East End and the beautiful Buffalo Bayou. Along the route, walkers will be treated to History Stops that highlight people and places important to the development of the East End. This event offers a fun-filled day including live music, kid-friendly activities, food, drinks, and more. Register by January 25, 2015, to receive $10 off your registration! https://secure.qgiv.com
  4. CWI Workshop: Water Quality Case Studies. Please join H-GAC for its first CWI workshop of 2015 on January 28, 2015 from 1:30-4pm at H-GAC. The topic is Water Quality Case Studies. Speakers will discuss case studies regarding WWTF bacteria sampling, OSSF tracking, and use of cameras to assist in environmental investigations. Speakers include Heather Maloney of TCEQ, Andrew Isbell of Walker County, Stephen Dicker of the Houston Police Department, and Erin Livingston of H-GAC. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com.
  5. Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership Meeting. The Cedar Bayou Watershed Partnership is a group of local stakeholders from the communities surrounding Cedar Bayou with the purpose is to seek voluntary ways to restore and protect our local waterway. The next meeting will be on January 29, 2015, 5:30-7:30pm, at the Eddie V. Gray Wetlands Center. Never been to a meeting? It’s not to late to get involved! This meeting is open to anyone who has an interest in the public health, economy, and environment of the Cedar Bayou watershed, and shaping decisions affecting the water quality in the community. Learn more at www.cedarbayouwatershed.com.
  6. Resetting the Meter: Innovative Strategies for Sustainable Parking. Commuters aren’t the only ones suffering as Texas roadways reach unprecedented levels of congestion. Population growth also means that valuable, undeveloped land will need to be converted into parking lots, which can affect everything from plant and animal life to climate. Traditionally-designed parking areas contribute greatly to storm water runoff, water and soil pollution, excess heat, and aesthetic blight. In response, some builders are turning to new economically and ecologically viable practices and solutions to create parking spaces for a more sustainable, livable urban and suburban landscape. Anyone interested in learning how to create and maintain parking spaces using low-impact practices is invited to attend a one-day conference on January 30, 2015, 8am-3:30pm at the Big Stone Lodge at Dennis Johnston Park in Spring. Expert presenters will share effective methods and strategies to create environmentally-harmonious parking schemes that also have potential to enhance their surroundings. For more information call The Mercer Society at 281-443-8731.
  7. EPA Toxics Release Inventory Regional Workshop. The Toxics Release Inventory (TRI) is an EPA program that tracks the management of certain toxic chemicals that may pose a threat to human health and the environment. This information is submitted, compiled, and helps support informed decision-making by industry, government, non-governmental organizations, and the public. The EPA is sponsoring a two-day TRI Regional Workshop in collaboration with Texas Southern University and Dillard University from January 30-31, 2015, at the Sheraton Galleria. The goal of the workshop is to educate communities, students, industry professionals, academicians, and public health officials on how to access and navigate the EPA TRI data source to improve environmental conditions and policies in environmental justice communities. Regional case studies will be incorporated into the workshop training. For more information about registration, travel assistance, and lodging please contact Dr. Denae King at (713) 313-4804 or kingdw@tsu.edu. More at http://airalliancehouston.org.
  8. State of the Air 2015. Air Alliance Houston is hosting the State of the Air 2015, on February 3, from 11am-1pm at Season’s 52. Come for food, networking, fundraising, and updates about Houston’s air quality. The featured speaker this year is Dr. Robert Bullard. Robert D. Bullard is often described as the father of environmental justice. Professor Bullard received his Ph.D. degree from Iowa State University. He is the author of eighteen books that address sustainable development, environmental racism, urban land use, industrial facility siting, community reinvestment, housing, transportation, climate justice, emergency response, smart growth, and regional equity. Tickets are $35. Register at http://ezregister.com.
  9. New Geology Program – The Woods Project. The Woods Project is thrilled to be announcing its first new summer program in seven years! This summer, in addition to their other programs, TWP be taking a group of 18 Houston high school students to explore the unique landscape and geology of Yellowstone National Park and the surrounding area. The program will combine hands-on lessons at a college-level geology field camp, activities led by the rangers at Yellowstone National Park, and a 4 night backpack trip in some of the most remote and breathtaking landscapes that this country has to offer. This program will be open to ALL Houston area current 10th and 11th graders, with an 80% scholarship given to students that qualify for free and reduced lunch. Applications are due on February 4, 2015. For more details and to access the Geology Student Application, please visit www.thewoodsproject.org.
  10. Texas Women in Conservation Luncheon. Audubon Texas and Houston Audubon have announced the inaugural Texas Women in Conservation Luncheon for February 5, 2015, at 12pm at the River Oaks Country Club. This luncheon will honor the following four remarkable Texas women who have shown an exceptional commitment to protecting our native landscapes and wildlife with the Terry Hershey Women in Conservation Award: Mary Anne Piacentini, Executive Director of Katy Prairie Conservancy; Ellen Temple Conservationist, Book Publisher, & Education Advocate; Susan Rieff, Executive Director of Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center; Carol Dinkins, Environmental Practice Group Leader, Vinson & Elkins LLP. More at www.texaswomeninconservation.org.
  11. Rain Barrel Workshop. Galveston Bay Foundation’s rain barrel program in 2014 conserved over 500,000 gallons of water for Galveston Bay. Now, the goal is to double that in 2015! Sign-up today for GBF’s next rain barrel workshop on February 21, 2015, from 9:30-11:30am in Baytown, and you can protect the Bay while lowering your water bill! Visit www.galvbay.org/rainbarrel to register and get more information.
  12. 2015 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal. Galveston Bay Foundation is looking for volunteers with boats for the 2015 Abandoned Crab Trap Removal on February 21, 2015, 9am-noon in Anahuac, TX. Abandoned crab traps result in the inadvertent death of several aquatic species including, but not limited to, blue crabs, estuarine sport fish, stone crabs, birds, diamond-backed terrapins, river otter, and–if found on land–terrestrial animals as well. Not only are abandoned traps hazardous to wildlife, they are unsightly, problematic for fishers and boaters, and can even smother seagrasses. Each year, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) closes crabbing in all Texas waters for a 10-day period in February. Any trap left in the water during those ten days is considered “litter” under state law and is susceptible to being removed. Read more and learn how to get involved by visiting http://galvbay.org.
  13. Houston Zoo and Teton Science School Summer Family Adventure. The Houston Zoo is partnering with Teton Science Schools for a one-of-a-kind family adventure program in one of the world’s most beautiful and wildlife abundant hotspots: The Grand Tetons and Yellowstone! Enjoy the dramatic landscape and the abundant wildlife viewing opportunities with your family. Participate in citizen science projects that contribute to saving animals in North America! The trip will be from July 8-13, 2015. The cost for the first family member is $1,995, and $1,249 for each subsequent family member sharing the same room at the Jackson Campus. Learn more at www.houstonzoo.org.
  14. Additional Upcoming Events
    • 1/29/2015 (save the date): Wild & Scenic Film Festival on Tour, hosted by the CEC. First time ever in Texas!
    • 1/31/2015 (deadline): Air Alliance Houston Earth Day Art Contest
    • 3/3/2015 (save the date): CEC’s Greater Houston Environmental Summit

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COMMUNITY NOTES

  1. Short Films for Safe Streets: Complete Streets. The Houston Green Film Series will continue on January 21, 201, 6:30-9pm at the Rice Media Center. A series of short films will screened from StreetFilms.org, Pedestrian Pete, and more. Following the films, participants will hear from representatives from three different City of Houston Departments who are all working on making your life more comfortable and safe on the streets of Houston. This event is open to the public. A $5 donation is suggested. A light dinner will be provided by Dr. Pat Speck and Dry Bones Cafe. More at www.facebook.com.
  2. Update on Whooping Crane Litigation. The Aransas Project is an alliance of citizens, organizations, businesses, and municipalities who want responsible water management of the Guadalupe River Basin and bays that represents all interests throughout the basin. Recently, the decision in TAP v. Shaw, et al was overturned by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. A Motion for Rehearing from the full 5th Circuit was turned down. Now, TAP is putting together a Petition for Certiorari, or the “cert petition” for the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case. TAP has 90 days from mid-December to file a cert petition. The board of directors of TAP has authorized the legal team to prepare this petition and work is underway. Support is needed for the petition as TAP anticipates at least $50,000 will be needed for this effort. To support the effort or learn more, visit thearansasproject.org, contact jbb@blackburncarter.com, or read the latest update.
  3. TPWD Local Park Grants. Recreation Grants is now accepting applications for the Urban Outdoor, Non-urban Outdoor, and Small Community Local Park Grant Programs. Applications are being accepted through the online portal at https://tpwd-recgrants.fluidreview.com. If you need assistance or have questions regarding the application process, contact rec.grants@tpwd.texas.gov or 512-389-8224. The deadline is March 31, 2015.
  4. An Evening with Kristin Ohlson. OHBA will be hosting ‘An Evening with Kristin Ohlson’ on January 29, 2015, 4-8pm at the United Way Building. Kristin Ohlson is the author of the soil will save us, “How Scientists, Farmers and Foodies are Healing the Soil to Save the Planet,” which is a critically acclaimed book that is changing how we look at and value soil. Kristin Ohlson is an independent journalist and New York Times bestselling author who will talk about the Ancient Partnership between Plants and Soil Organisms. Tickets are $55 for OHBA members and $75 for non-members. Order tickets at www.eventbrite.com.
  5. Children: Food and Environment Conference. The Children: Food and Environment Conference will be held February 4-6, 2015, in Austin. The conference will explore interactions between food and environmental factors and how these interactions affect children’s health. It will also highlight cutting edge science in these areas of study and engage participants in an event that will explore: how the interaction between food and environmental factors affect children’s health; and policy, regulatory, and further research implications. Register at www.greenmoonsolutions.com.
  6. Additional Community Announcements 
  7. TV: Texas Parks & Wildlife. Broadcast on KUHT Channel 8 at 3:00 PM each Saturday and on municipal access cable channels in Baytown, Deer Park, Houston, Nassau Bay, Pasadena, Seabrook, Sugar Land, and on HCC TV. More info on the TPWD website (* indicates a segment about the Houston area). For a preview, visit TPWD’s YouTube Page.
    • Bobcat City
    • Lone Star Land Steward: Sycamore Canyon Ranch
    • Mustang Island State Park
  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 20, 2015: Yellow–Moderate–PM2.5.Winds may be light enough for the daily PM2.5 AQI to reach the lower end of the “Moderate” range in the Houston area, with highest concentrations in the morning and evening.
      • January 21, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
      • January 22, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.
      • January 23, 2015: Green–Good. Moderate winds and low incoming background levels should help to keep air quality in the “Good” range statewide.

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