The Southeast Watershed Forum’s Executive Director, Christine Olsenius, will serve as a panelist at the upcoming, “A Watershed Dialogue: How Can We Build the Capacity and Effectiveness of Watershed Groups?” Webcast.   The Webcast, to be held on September 15th, 2010 will feature an exchange of ideas on supporting local stakeholder efforts to protect and restore watersheds.  Panelists will discuss how the EPA and other organizations are addressing the needs of watershed groups by providing technical tools and support to the local level and what more could be done.  This is an opportunity for watershed groups and anyone involved in water protection and restoration efforts to share their views on how we can improve our collective effectiveness. 

This free, 2-hour broadcast will be offered at the following times:  Eastern: 1: 00p.m.–3:00p.m., Central: 12:00p.m.-2:00p.m., Mountain: 11:00a.m.–1:00p.m., Pacific: 10:00a.m.–12:00p.m.  Webcast participants are eligible to receive a certificate for their attendance.  Participants are encouraged to download presentations prior to the webcast at www.epa.gov/watershedwebcasts

To view complete webcast details, including a description of all panelists, click here.

The Model Forest Policy Program (MFPP) is now accepting applications for the 2011 Climate Solutions University: Forest and Water Strategies (CSU).  CSU empowers rural underserved communities throughout the U.S. to become leaders in climate change resiliency through natural resource protection.  Eligible applicants include local governments, watershed and environmental organizations, civic and citizens groups and other community based organizations.  

This one year, webinar-based education and coaching process provides $10,000 scholarships and guides communities to form a local stakeholder team; assess their local climate-related risks and opportunities; and create a customized local climate action plan and implementation plan for forest and water protection. Improved land use planning will help prevent flooding disasters, conserve water resources, protect local economies, maintain natural habitat, and sequester carbon. We will select up to 10 rural communities across the U.S. to participate as a group in the 11-month curriculum that begins in February 2011.

In 2010 we have six rural communities from NH, TN, CO, NM, UT, and WA participating in this cutting edge “virtual classroom” and producing Climate Adaptation Plans. They are remarkable people, becoming experts in scaling forest, water and climate science and policy to the local level, and gathering additional momentum by collaborating with key participants in their communities. 

This educational opportunity is being conducted in partnership with the Cumberland River Compact and each of the participating local communities.  

For the complete application information click here.    

The Local Government Commission Announces its 10th Annual New Partners For Smart Growth: Building Safe, Healthy and Livable Communities Conference, February 3-5th, 2011, in Charlotte, North Carolina. 

To view complete conference details click here.

SEWF's Executive Director, Christine Olsenius, has written an article, "Institutional Barriers To Wetland Protection" that is featured in the May-June 2010 edition of the National Wetlands Newsletter (published by the Environmental Law Institute).  The article examines the way in which a lack of coordination between land use planning, watershed planning, and natural resource protection at the county and city level is preventing better wetlands protection.  It offers strategies for capacity building at the local level and for helping decision makers understand the value of green infrastructure.

To view the full-text article click here.

To learn more about institutional barriers to wetland protection or for questions, please contact Christine Olsenius at co@southeastwaterforum.org.

One of President Barack Obama’s top priorities is to build economically competitive, healthy, opportunity-rich communities. In support of this effort, Congress provided a total of $150 million to The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for a Sustainable Communities Initiative in the 2010 Budget to improve regional planning efforts that integrate housing and transportation decisions, and increase the capacity to improve land use and zoning.  Approximately $100 million will be available for regional integrated planning initiatives through HUD’s Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program.  This program is currently accepting registrations by those entities and organizations that are interested in seeking funding.  The deadline for the initial registration process is May 14, 2010.

To read the full article and learn more about the Sustainable Communities Planning Grant Program and Initiative and how to register for funding consideration, click here.

This year marks the 12th anniversary of the Southeast Watershed Forum. Born out of a desire and need to share southern best management practices and watershed success stories on land and water protection, the Forum has been developing partnerships, tools and technical assistance to meet the needs of the fastest growing region in the nation. Click here to read the report.

During two brisk October days in Chattanooga, TN, more than 100 individuals from water and land conservation organizations, paddle groups, government agencies, chambers of commerce, utilities and businesses gathered for the first Southeastern Water Trails Forum.  Thanks to a partnership between the Southeast Watershed Forum, the National Park Service, and many other sponsors, the conference was held October 29-30, 2009, at the Chattanooga Marriott and provided a unique opportunity for sharing ideas and success stories for developing, maintaining and promoting water trails in our Southeastern communities.  Focusing not only on the logistics, but also on the environmental and economic benefits of water trails, this forum proved to be a successful venue for discussion that we plan to continue into the future.  Please check back soon for photos from the event, speaker presentations and more!