Community Notes 07-06-2011

1. “Defend the Gulf” Movie Screening. The Gulf Restoration Network is looking for volunteers to host a screening of “Defend the Gulf.” This year’s screening will focus on BP’s oil in the Gulf of Mexico that has left a catastrophic mark on the environment. The screenings can be hosted from August 8th to September 5th. Choose a date that works for you and sign up at http://grn.convio.net.
2. Texas Awarded Federal Grant. The United States Department of Agriculture awarded Texas Parks and Wildlife $813,068 for the first year of a potential three year grant of $2.4 million. The grant is to improve public access to wildlife recreation on private land. To read more about the grant, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
3. Lake Conroe’s Grass Carp. Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas Bowfishing Association, and Texas BASS Federation Nation will hold a grass carp removal tournament on Lake Conroe Saturday and Sunday July 9 and 10. Removing the excess carp will aid native aquatic vegetation restoration and improve water quality. To read more, visit http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/.
4. Scholarship Competition. The Montgomery County Soil & Water Conservation District and Keep Montgomery County Beautiful are holding a competition for a $1500 scholarship. Applicants should find a way to encourage environmental stewardship, improve understanding of resource management and conservation issues, and help youth continue their studies in a natural resource management field beyond high school. The award will be announced on May 25th, 2012. For more information, visit http://www.yourhoustonnews.com/ or contact Glenn Buckley at grbuckley419@comcast.net or 936-273-0098.
5. Houston Recycling. The Houston City Council may vote on a 20 year recycling contract with Waste Management, Inc. this week to expand the recycling programs to more Houston households. This is a major step in the right direction, but claims have been made that the proposed agreement has been negotiated without public input. Houston residents and taxpayers may get a better deal, and better recycling programs, if several businesses are allowed to compete to win the contract. To provide input, contact the mayor and council members.
   • Mayor Annise Parker: 713-837-0311 or mayor@houstontx.gov
   • Council Member Stephen Costello: 832-393-3014 or atlarge1@houstontx.gov
   • Council Member Sue Lovell: 832-393-3013 or atlarge2@houstontx.gov
   • Council Member Melissa Noriega: 832-393-3005 or atlarge3@houstontx.gov
   • Council Member C.O. Bradford: 832-393-3012 or atlarge4@houstontx.gov
   • Council Member Jolanda Jones: 832-393-3006 or atlarge5@houstontx.gov
6. EPA WaterSense Program. The WaterSense program certifies many products, including tank-type toilets, bathroom sink faucets and faucet accessories, showerheads, and flushing urinals. Recently, the WaterSense Product Certification System was revised to balance the cost and the rigor that the program needs to maintain the WaterSense label’s integrity. EPA is accepting written comments on the draft until July 25th. To learn more, visit http://www.epa.gov/watersense/.
7. Air Quality Forecast. http://www.tceq.state.tx.us/compliance/monitoring/air/monops/forecast_today.html
   • July 7: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the on the northeast and north side of the Houston area in the afternoon and early evening.
   • July 8: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the northeast and north side of the Houston area in the afternoon and early evening.
   • July 9: Yellow–Moderate–Ozone–Winds may be light enough and incoming background levels high enough for ozone to reach “Moderate” or possibly higher levels on the northeast and north side of the Houston area in the afternoon and early evening.
   • On July 5, TCEQ issued Air Pollution Warnings – Level Orange for unhealthy levels of ozone in the Houston-Galveston-Brazoria areas. During a Level Orange warning, active children and adults as well as people with respiratory disease, such as asthma, should limit prolonged outdoor exposure.