Procedural and Project comments for the Army Corps of Engineers Rouge River proposal

Dear Army Corps of Engineers... I hope I submitted my project comments in time.

Some comments submitted by Ian Tran to the Army Corps of Engineers (some of which undoubtedly submitted in great haste... pictures from the Army Corps of Engineers taken at Sault Ste Marie added for visual narrative purposes):

Procedural comment to the Army Corps of Engineers and all other relevant federal entities (please share with the EPA as well):

Greetings!  My name is Ian Tran.  I'm an undergraduate Environmental Science student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn and resident of Canton Township who lives within the Rouge River Watershed.

Please disseminate project proposals and public comment/hearings concerning environmental issues on a more thorough watershed stakeholder basis. Reach relevant county commissioners, city officials, and if time permits, local watershed stakeholder organizations so as to ensure better dissemination of announcement in community newspapers and newsletters via other local government units.

It is extremely challenging for individual citizens to keep up with and find out about upcoming public hearings and projects. Delegating announcements and resources to local governments and their community stakeholders is a must—this was realized and expressed vehemently at this summer's (2011) EPA National Environmental Justice Conference in Detroit. An abysmal gap between federal and local communications exists and many people are impacted by this lack of awareness.

Using this Rouge Channelization announcement as an example: The Army Corps of Engineers could have notified Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb (which are constituents of the Rouge Rive Watershed) county commissioners of this project and public comment period with directions to distribute to their respective municipalities for release to the press.

This outreach approach is important to the Rouge Project because upriver citizens in communities like Canton Township can be unaware of their tie-in to down-stream communities and the river. In the interest of promoting awareness for green infrastructure, a decision making event such as a public hearing may be the first time they encounter the topic and the bigger picture goals for regional development. I appreciate that green space is an acknowledged need for the Dearborn/Detroit community. However, as the Corps may be aware, flood alleviation requires upstream coordination and prevention as well.

Public hearings are an outstanding opportunity for local community organizations and educational institutions to provide outreach on complex issues such as watershed education, other environmental, economic, and political implications of potential projects.

Potential project announcements:

Please work with other Federal entities like the EPA to devise an educational phase as part of the plan for projects apart from and in advance of the public comment period and hearings.

With more advance notice about projects or issues under consideration, community organizations and educational institutions can provide authentic, coherent, and credible educational outreach prior to an impending decision. Citizens can decide and comment more incisively after they've been thoroughly educated about the principles of an issue.

Thank you for your consideration!

Project questions and comments (in strange formatting thanks to the magic of cut and paste...):

1. Has coordination with local non-government organizations been considered? Would annual volunteership at the proposed sites by non-profits like The Friends of the Rouge and student organizations such as the Student Environmental Association help

2. Do stipulations exist for favoring local contractors as groups that would implement the projects?
3. Despite its Area of Concern Status, do public access sites to proposed green spaces/river exist at this time? Would this breach the conditions for the project's designated goals? Several residents do kayak and canoe the river annually.

4. Can the Army Corps of Engineers stipulate a local purchasing guideline for contractors undertaking the re-vegetation effort? The Lakeplains Cluster Stewardship Network has a directory of native plant nurseries which may be useful for this.

5. Documentation and educational signage:
   In addition to monitoring, I'd like to request that the Army Corps of Engineers provides or helps to coordinate outreach for documenting near-term and long-term project progress (near as in 1,3, 5 years from now, long being 15, 25, or more—at least establish a framework outreach strategy with stakeholders like the University/community college, City, and non-profits like Friends of the Rouge).
6. Will the Army Corps of Engineers provide updates on project status to the community?
   
   7. Is it possible to allow permission for University, non-profit, and local government to install educational signs about the site and project?
   Continued citizen involvement/input:
   8. Please provide continued dialog and opportunity for involvement with the project with citizens. What ways can we direct inquiry or contribute further questions?
   Also,

We're glad to know that the Army Corps of Engineers is looking at alternatives to concrete.

I second this recommendation:
"Please consider installing bio-engineered materials that can handle
higher near bank velocities along the transition zone downstream of the remaining hard

A real Army Corps Engineer pondering at the Soo Locks (photos from Sault Ste Marie, MI by Ian Tran).

armored structures, such as the CSO outfall."  As an alternative, use previous hard-shore engineering (concrete) and arrange small banks akin to log jams that run tangent to a river bank--particularly in areas susceptible to accelerated bank erosion.

SEA Fall Reflections

Hi there -- SEA here! We've been very busy bees here on campus the past few weeks. We we move from fall to winter, we thought it might be a good idea to reflect on some of the great things we have done, and some of the great things we have to look forward to. Here a few highlights so far from the Fall 2011 Semester.


Sunday-morning seed gathering - what a great day to be outside!

Annual Native Seed Harvest (October 3) - What could be more pleasant than meeting in the rain garden on a Sunday Morning? On that fateful day, we shook, thrashed and picked seeds from native flowering species in the EIC rain garden and collected them in bags. After that, we sorted, dried and packaged the seeds for the SEA's Native Plant Fundraiser.




Campus Ecology Discussion with National Wildlife Federation's Juliana Goodlaw-Morris (October 19) - How do you coordinate sustainability initiatives on college campuses? Julianna Goodlaw-Morris, Campus Field Coordinator for the National Wildlife Federation’s Campus Ecology Program, was able to shed some light on this topic at UMD just in time for our Sustainability Week. Miss Goodlaw-Morris works throughout the Midwest region assisting college campuses with campus sustainability programs, finding ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and works with students and faculty to bring sustainability to the forefront of all campus activities.



Soaring Bird, by Sara Cole - A creative work made of materials in the UMD Natural Area

Sense of Wonder Open Art Exhibition (October 19) - This was a sustainability-themed art show co-sponsored by the Student Environmental Association and the Lyceum at the University of Michigan - Dearborn. The SEA was well-represented in the show with a good percentage of the works being submitted by current or past SEA members. Artwork displayed for the day on the University Center stage.



Professor William Seacrest, Professof from Henry Ford Community College, participating in group discussion

Earth, Ethics, and Religion Roundtable Discussion (October 20) - More than forty people showed up to this special event, making it one of our most successful events of the semester. The main goal of this roundtable discussion was to explore the intersections that exist between religion and environmentalism, and the commonalities/differences between different faiths and the ways they regard the Earth. Featured guests included William Seacrest from Henry Ford Community College, UMD Biology Professor Orin Gelderloos, and UMD Professor and Ecotheology Scholar David Skrbina. (Look forward to a "Suggested Reading List" made of titles gleaned from this event -- we should have it compiled by the end of the semester!)



The first SEA Bake Sale of the season was held in the Fairlane Center.

Fall Bake Sale (October 27) - We made over $90! Thank you to all who provided or purchased some of our delicious baked goods. See more photos here. (If you missed our first bake sale, don't worry -- we have another bake sale coming up soon!)

Currently in the works:

• Keystone XL Pipeline Photo Petition
  

• Keystone XL Pipeline Research Document (created in partnership with the Student Environmental Group at Fordson High School and the Student Environmental Action Leaders at Wayne State University)
  

• SEA Bioswale Proposal

Did you notice that our blog also has a new look? Let us know what you think.

Cheers to a warm, plentiful, and productive November!

September SEA Events

September is going to be a busy month for the SEA! See the "Resources" page on SEA's blog for a map of the campus. Come when you can, go when you must.

Tues. 13th 12:00-3:00pm: Student Organization Fair

Thurs. 15th 4:30-6:30pm: SEA Meeting/potluck meet and greet

Fri. 16th 11:30am-1:00pm: Sustainability Fest planning meeting and pot luck with EverGreenTeam

Sun. Sept. 18th 9:00am to 2:00pm: SEA Working Day

Thurs. Sept. 22nd:
10:00 am: City of Dearborn’s Adopt-A-Watt program launch at (RSVP required by Sep. 19)
4:30-6:00PM: SEA Meeting and Officer Elections

Welcome to the new semester! The autumn winds bring a rush of events for The Student Environmental Association here at UM-Dearborn, and you're invited to join us!

Tues. 13th 12:00-3:00pm Student Organization Fair--Can you help us greet incoming students and spread the word about SEA at our table behind the University Center? Please let us know, 15 minutes of your time can make a big difference in recruiting and finding out what's happening on campus!

Thurs. Sept. 15th 4:30-6:00pm Our semester kick-off meeting takes place -- let's make this one a meet-and-greet potluck for sustainability. We'll pick up on the summer's events and talk about the new semester, too.

Fri. 16th 11:30am-1:00pm: Sustainability Fest planning meeting with EverGreenTeam room 1070 Administrative Building (at UM-Dearborn's campus)

Theme for this year: Fresh Water. Join us as we plan and coordinate the events with various campus and community allies for this year's week long October festival on sustainability! (We'll make a better image for this year's festival theme)...

Sun. Sept. 18th 9:00AM to 2:00pm* SEA working day at the Environmental Interpretive Center! Help us out with various projects, make/distribute fliers, learn about native/invasive species, meet and greet friends new and old! We're hoping to finish up around 2:00 or 3:00 pm, but this depends on who will be available, what gets finished, and whether we decide to eat on campus or off.

Thurs. Sept. 22nd: TWO MONUMENTAL EVENTS IN ONE DAY!! (two exclamation points to denote two significant things!!)

City of Dearborn Adopt-A-Watt program launch at 10:00 am on the West Parking Structure on West Village Drive in Dearborn’s west downtown

Launch of the City of Dearborn’s Adopt-A-Watt program at 10 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2011. This public ribbon-cutting ceremony will recognize Adopt-A-Watt charter sponsors for their efforts to save energy and reduce City expenses through their adoption of new energy-efficient lights in one of our parking structures. The SEA helped the Dearborn Sustainability Coalition promote this program this summer at the Dearborn CARES Festival. Attached is a press release issued earlier this month by the Adopt-A-Watt organization.

Media will be invited, as will suppliers of energy efficient products and the Adopt-A-Watt founder, Thomas A. Wither.

Additional details about the program and organization are available at: http://adopt-a-watt.com/

Kindly confirm your attendance before September 19 by email (bcampbell@ci.dearborn.mi.us) or by calling the City of Dearborn Department of Public Information at 313-943-2285. Parking is free. Please show your invitation at the entrance.

SEA Meeting and Officer Elections at 4:30-6:00PM
The SEA has a meeting once again, elections for officership take place at this time, but you can also vote online (more on that this Thursday). We're looking for individuals interested in any of the officer positions. If you are interested in running for a position please let us know either via facebook or by e-mailing us confidentially at greenwolverines (at) ymail (dot) com .

We have many exciting projects and opportunities in the works for this term and we need some people to step up to the plate for leadership opportunities. If you have any questions please reach us!

Saturday Sept. 24th We will be selling our native plant seeds at the Master Gardeners Association of Wayne County conference here at UM-Dearborn and meeting many of the regions greatest greenthumbs.

As always, we welcome your interest and inquiries--feel free to reach us via facebook or e-mail!

Cheers to a fine new semester!

The Student Environmental Association at The University of Michigan-Dearborn

http://bit.ly/SEAbloghttp://on.fb.me/ SEAFacebookFanpage

Plants to know and a cup of joe...our second science cafe!

Cardinal flower (Lobelia cardinalis)
is a native Michigan plant.
Its roots can grow to 8 feet!
Image compilation by Ian Tran,
coffee cup credit to Flickr user BallistikCoffeeBoy

Join us for a cup of bird-friendly coffee and discussion about the role of native plants in our communities!  


Ethical and legal concerns about landscaping? 


Find out from an individual who navigated them and made it happen in Dearborn Heights!

Curious about what plants can make a great habitat for many to enjoy? 


Let's further the dialog!


Thursday, August 25th 
6:00 pm
in room 116
UM-Dearborn Environmental Interpretive Center 
4901 Evergreen Road Dearborn, MI 48128

You're invited to join us for this informal discussion on native plants, landscaping, and our connection to it all to make a more vibrant ecosystemic and human community in the Southeast Michigan area via the landscapes we live with.

This science cafe features special guests, among them Steve Ray of the Dearborn Heights Watershed Commission, Martha Gruelle of the Stewardship Network, and of course: YOU!  Dearborn's Sustainability Coordinator and esteemed alum of UM-Dearborn David Norwood will also be joining us.

Also, we're hoping to serve Bird Friendly Coffee again, and will have fresh UM-Dearborn made honey.

Please RSVP to the Student Environmental Association at The University of Michigan-Dearborn here on our facebook event or at greenwolverines (at) ymail (dot) com so we can better plan the event.

What's up at the University thusfar in sustainability...

There's a lot of stuff going on under the radar, so I thought I'd let you all know about some of it here as it pertains to the SEA and UM-Dearborn:

• Campus food reform

In response to Provost Davy's Urban Farming summit, a food panel was formed to examine and guide action on changing our campus food system and impacts. 

One agreed upon goal was to offer healthier food options, and to ensure ethical/responsible/sustainable food system practices.  This has also on Student Government's platform of agenda items, but both the panel and vice versa didn't know that they were working on the same thing.

Two visible action items are growing out of this:
-a comprehensive sustainability policy (I think I'm the only one looking into it right now, feel free to prove me wrong)
-a proposal for a cheap vegan sub sandwich to offset environmental and health impacts (a brilliant brainchild of Dr. Skrbina's)

After unsuccessful attempts to reach and join the United Students or Fair Trade via SEA (I'm guessing spotty internet connection when I pressed submit--I'd try again, but it was a detailed form to fill out so maybe later), we have reached out to food justice groups like the Coalition of Imokalee Workers to see what's going on with our current food contracts and food service's operations.  Aramark is at the table with the CIW and recently made an agreement to pay more for tomatoes as of January, so we can move on to watch for Kroger (the grocery store) some time on the horizon.

Through a very helpful person named Meghan from the Student Farworkers Alliance/CIW, I recently came across the Real Food Challenge's resources and was delighted to find a plethora of useful things:  We can find out about all of UM-Dearborn's contracts via FOIA requests (here's a useful guide for food services)  and add them to the contract database!  Plus, there were examples for Sustainable University Policy (Huzzah!!!), which brings us to the next point...

• University Sustainability Policy

We've joined the University of Michigan Student Sustainability Initiative and are waiting to catch up by phone with what's going on at the big campus in A^2.

To strengthen our actions in the food initiatives and other activities in the community, we're proposing that the University passes a sustainable charter that would be used to hold all future contractors to the University's standards of ethical operations within sensible time frames.

The great news is that we don't have to reinvent the wheel--The University of California and Brown University already passed comprehensive Sustainable University Policies and Student Government resolutions!

Eventually, things like sustainability and civic minded curriculum will be at the forefront of the agenda for the University, but one thing at a time...

• Community outreach and engagement

As part of the University sustainability policy and per the discussion at the "End of Suburbia" screening this past month, dissemination of credible education (aka science, and ways to civilly discern and communicate credible information) are key to enriching the community at and around campus.

The Sierra Club Dearborn Cool Cities group is looking to ask the mayor to formalize a sustainability panel for the city (in accordance with the city's proposal for comprehensive sustainable education and outreach) and at the same time, UM-Dearborn's EverGreen Team have been waiting to do the same with the university.  The Detroit Regional Chapter U.S. Green Building Council Green Schools committee is also checking out Dearborn to offer educational consulting services... might I add that the word "coalition" is under discussion?


In other things, SEA's being promoted in several places:  you can find us on the Engineering Society of Detroit's Affiliate Council (we're an affiliate society, which has really nice benefits like meeting lots of non-profit groups in the region, tasty discounts, and other stuff), at idealist.org under the affinity groups, at greeningdetroit.com next to MSU's sustainability group, and the blogs page of the Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE)
I've also found a few articles in The Reporter mentioning our events and activities (Thanks Jennifer Thelen!).

• Habitat restoration/preservation (invasive species removal right now, native plantings June 5th--assuming we have a landscape plan in place)

The past two weeks were all about Garlic Mustard removal, and it's an ongoing challenge.  Six people have removed over 300 pounds of the invasive plant in a beautiful nature preserve nestled inside of Livonia MI--ferns, trillium, spicbush, jack in the pulpit, and some very old elm trees are a mere smattering of the wonders to be found there.  We've been reporting our "harvests" to the Stewardship Network's Garlic Mustard Removal Challenge.

Henry Ford Estate (yes, the one on our campus) is also looking for help--and it's not too late!  They plan to remove more Garlic Mustard this Friday, and are.

JUNE 5th:  SEA and Volunteer Dearborn are hosting UM-Dearborn's Rouge Rescue Day (and all are invited to join!).  Before then, we're figuring out how we could squeeze in some bioswale site surveying and are looking for some landscape architects who'd be willing to contribute some time in coaching us on how to make a viable remediation plan so that we can propose the bioswale to campus Facilities Planning and Management.

That's all for now I think...

Hooray, Sustainable Seeds Microloan recouped!

FYI, as of last month at the EIC's Ice Cream Social SEA has earned a total of $57 for its Native Seeds Project.  That mean's we made a $6.50 profit (now $9.50 as of 12 IV 2010--3 packets were sold to the USGBC's Detroit Regional Chapter Green Schools committee chair!) on top of the grant (which we've yet to really put to use)!


We've got more prairie plant seed packets remaining:
Wild nodding onion (yes it's edible)
Black Eyed Susan (member of the Echinacea)
Wild Bergamot/Bee Balm
Rough Blazing Star

If you'd like to help out, we've got the following seeds which would be happy to find a package (and soon a habitat):

Lots of aster and golden rod spiecies (to be a mix)
Wild Mountain Mint
Thimbleweed (the seed's papus is really fluffy!)
Wild Nodding Onion (a little bit left, most were given away during the Urban Farming Summit or sold at the EIC ice cream social--I'm calling dibs on at least one packet)

Thanks for all of your help so far, especially to Rob Schubert, Dana Wloch, Mike Perrin, and Dr. Susko.

Native Seeds project in brief, and a challenge to the community

I'd argue that most plants are an ultimate example of sustainability (but maybe not in this post). Instead, I think it's time that we officially start answering ongoing questions:

What is the Native Seeds Project?
Also, why might it matter to you and I?
How can planting some seeds make a difference in the world around us?

It's one of our ways to illustrate different aspects of sustainability in a tangible product: native plant seeds plus the packaging and an educational insert.