NALMS Notes - March, 2007
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NALMS got its start from a bunch of scientists, lake managers, and agency representatives known for “rocking the boat”. Over the years, NALMS has perhaps become a little more “mainstream” or at least has moderated some of its communications as a consequence of having so many different types of members. We advocate for sound, lake management, but the details of such management can at times be controversial. Certainly, there are at least two sides to most management debates, including appropriate use of herbicides, control of invasive species under risk to protected species, and water clarity vs. fish production, to name just a few. We do need to be mindful of all sides of each issue and of the science behind those positions, but this is not an excuse for not taking a stand. Starting in 2004, NALMS started drafting position statements on key issues in lake management, partly as guidance for members seeking to understand the issues and partly as an educational tool for policymakers. Seven statements existed as of the end of 2006, but a number of us saw the need for more – many more. Working with the Science Advisory Sub-Committee of the Policy Committee, a list of at least 10 major topics on which NALMS should take a stand has been developed, and this group is diligently working to craft appropriate statements. Position statements are usually not more than two pages long, focus on the issue and related data, and conclude with recommendations for action. These are posted on our website after approval by the Board under “Informational Resources”. Longer “white” papers may follow a position statement to provide more background. The latest to roll out of this committee is a statement on toxic, cyanobacterial blooms. It still has to be adopted by the Board at our April meeting but with all the effort that quite a few members put into it, that part should be a slam dunk. This seems like an easy one; who is in favor of toxic algal blooms? However, the politics of raising awareness and the finances of being proactive can create controversy in this case. NALMS comes out in favor of setting national limits on primary toxins, more research into factors controlling blooms and effects on humans, and more effort to mitigate blooms but urges caution with treatments that lyse cells if toxins are present. Some will see this position as alarmist, while others will feel it does not go far enough; I believe it went as far as the data support and urges the collection of data that can allow us to be more definitive. This draft position statement will be posted in the “Membership Services” part of the website, and members are invited to comment prior to the April 28th Board meeting. Other topics under scrutiny will be more controversial. The Total Maximum Daily Load program has great potential to function much like the Clean Lake Program did when it was funded but has often been mired in bean counting exercises or suffered from unrealistic expectations for restoration of damaged systems. At least as much protection is needed as rehabilitation and funding for either is inadequate. The statement on control of invasive species has distinct fireworks potential. Can stocked fish be invasive? What level of risk is acceptable to protected species to gain control over an invasive species? Why is there so much more money and support for rehabilitation than there is for prevention? The NALMS position statements will reflect what we know and a lot of discussion among interested parties. Every member can get involved at some level, at least reviewing the draft statements when they are posted. This is not a time to be meek; take a stand!
Ken Wagner
The Government Affairs Committee, chaired by Steve Colvin, has prepared an issue summary on Global Climate Change and evaluated currently pending legislation in light of the existing NALMS position statement on Global Climate Change. The issue summary is posted on the NALMS website. Among the current bills, the three most critical are:
NALMS supports the Climate Stewardship Act as consistent with the NALMS position statement on Global Climate Change. We have concerns about the other bills, particularly the Farm Bill, but change is possible as they are still in formative stages. We urge all members to read the issue summary and related materials (www.nalms.org) and contact your congresspersons to voice your opinion.
In March the NALMS website will be expanded to include a set of web pages about blue-green algae, or more properly, Cyanobacteria. While these occur in a very wide range of habitats, and some are clean water indicators, many are implicated in blooms, toxicity and/or taste, and odor issues. There is a paucity of information available to people on the web and what is available is very fragmented. NALMS has taken the initiative to bring this information into one area, with multiple links, and with an overview that will help users understand the issues and get useful information. This is a dynamic set of web pages. It will grow over time and be adjusted to meet user needs. We already have ideas for the next step. Congratulations to Ann St. Amand for pulling this together and thanks to Jennifer Graham and all the volunteers who helped make this a great resource. Check it out on the NALMS website when it arrives this month! The committees within NALMS remain very active! This is great news, and all members will reap the benefits of these efforts. Many works are still in progress and more help is needed in some areas. Here is a sampling of what is going on:
A lot of capable people donate their time to these committees but more help is always welcome. Consult the committee directory on the website and contact the corresponding chairperson if you are interested in serving. 20th Annual National Conference: Enhancing the States' Lake Management Programs: Interpreting Lake Quality Data for Diverse Audiences Registration: $285 for April 25-27 Conference; $25 for April 24 Pre-Conference Workshop; $40 late fee if not paid in full by April 6. Conference registration includes reception on Wednesday evening, breakfasts and luncheons on Thursday and Friday, and Botanic Garden reception and dinner on Thursday evening. Full conference program and registration information can be found at www.nalms.org/conferences/chicago Hotel: Enjoy luxurious accommodations and a convenient downtown location at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Plaza Dr., Chicago, Ill., 60654. For reservations, call 312/836-5000 or reserve online at www.martplaza.com. You must mention/enter our Group Booking Code QLC to get the special rate of $125 single or $145 double (plus 15.4% tax). MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS EARLY! Rooms are being held only until April 6. Available Funding: The Chicago Botanic Garden, YSI Inc., Hach/Hydrolab Corp., and NALMS have set aside funds to support participation by statewide and provincewide lake management organizations. Presidents of each organization have already been notified of the funding assistance that is available. If you have any questions about the assistance, please contact Bob Kirschner (see below). Questions regarding the conference should be directed to conference coordinator Bob Kirschner at the Chicago Botanic Garden, bkirschn@chicagobotanic.org.
Those groups granted Affiliate status under that new membership category will hold a meeting on Wednesday evening, April 25th, at 7 PM in the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, as part of the 20th Annual National Conference on Enhancing the States’ Lake Management Programs. Most of these groups were originally Chapters of NALMS, a discontinued membership category, and will meet to form the Affiliate Council. As explained in past newsletters and on the NALMS website, the Affiliate category was created to better reflect the relationship between NALMS and these regional groups. The Affiliate Council will be run by the Affiliates, not NALMS, and will be what the Affiliates make of it. Representatives, under the guidance of Region I Director and former NECNALMS Leadership Committee Chairman Dave Halliwell, have been discussing options and this discussion will be furthered at the April meeting. Join us and make this new arrangement the best it can be. As you all should know by now, the annual international symposium for NALMS will be in Orlando, FL on the Disney grounds at the Coronado Springs resort. The actual symposium begins on Halloween, October 31, but we have workshops scheduled for Tuesday, October 30th. We are in the process of finalizing the workshop offerings, and anyone with an interest in proposing a workshop needs to get in touch with Harvey Harper, Program Chair and Region IV Director within the next week if you want to be considered. Workshops on algae, use of alum, evaluating internal loading, and writing to be read are already planned, with several others in the proposal stage. Now is the time to speak up if you want to be involved in workshop presentation. Harvey is best reached by email at hharper@erd.org.
Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems Water allocation is one of the leading issues facing fisheries today, and fisheries managers are increasingly required to interact with other professionals including hydrologists, economists, and industry representatives in water conflicts. This symposium will address the challenges of managing reservoir fisheries and habitat in the context of competing water uses. Approximately fifty speakers, representing various state and federal agencies, universities, and private organizations, have been assembled from across the United States -and globally- to present issues related to the symposium’s theme, “Balancing Fisheries Management and Water Uses for Impounded River Systems.” In addition to invited and contributed papers, a poster session and social will also be held to further discussion of these issues. Collectively, the symposium and book that follows will provide a valuable resource for reservoir fisheries managers, anglers, and professionals in fields related to water allocation. For a tentative program and other information about the symposium, including registration and hotel details, visit the symposium’s home page at: www.sdafs.org/reservoir/symposium. For more information, contact Vic DiCenzo at vic.dicenzo@dgif.virginia.gov. Plans for this year's National River Cleanup Week (June 2-10, 2007) are in full swing, with nearly 150 cleanups registered already! Why not schedule your own cleanup, either during or after the kickoff week. Simply register online by the deadline -- April 15 -- to receive free trash bags and delicious coffee courtesy of Green Mountain Coffee Roasters. You can organize a new river cleanup or register your already-occurring cleanup on our site. Your cleanup will get free publicity and access to a wider audience of potential volunteers. As an added bonus, your volunteers become eligible to enter various contests to win prizes, such as free kayaks and canoes. To register and read more visit: www.NationalRiverCleanup.org. Remember, when we all pitch in, America's rivers (and lakes and reservoirs downstream) win!
NALMS reported on the alarming nuisance growths of the alga Didymosphenia geminata in the September NALMS Notes. Now scientists working for the USEPA and Federation of Fly Fishers have issued a white paper on this diatom, which has emerged as an organism with an extraordinary capacity to impact stream ecosystems on a global scale. In recent years, streams in New Zealand, North America, Europe, and Asia have been colonized by unprecedented masses of “didymo” with its copious and mucilaginous extracellular stalks. This diatom is able to dominate stream surfaces by covering up to 100% of substrate with gelatinous masses. This species is expanding its geographic range in North America, yet little scientific investigation of the phenomenon in North America has been initiated. The executive summary notes that this is the only freshwater diatom to exhibit large scale invasive behavior and that since it is not a new organism in many areas, it appears to have expanded its ecological range and tolerance for varied conditions. Whether this is a genetically induced change or involves some other trigger for the development of nuisance conditions is unknown. The potential for substantial ecological and economic damage is underscored. Recommendations are offered for study and evaluation of the development of nuisance growths, means of dispersal, and possible ecologically sound controls.
More information can be found at these two websites: New criteria seek to protect freshwater aquatic life by setting the 24-hour average and four-day average concentrations that do not exceed the respective acute and chronic criteria concentrations calculated by the Biotic Ligand Model (BLM). A return interval of 3 years between exceedances of the criteria is the recommendation of the EPA. The application of BLM is intended to replace the need for site-specific adjustments (e.g., the Water Effect Ratio) to account for site-specific chemistry influences on the toxicity of copper. This is the first review of copper as a contaminant by EPA since 1984 and represents a change in risk assessment approach. Previously, hardness of water was the primary consideration in modifying toxicity appraisals; the BLM adds variables and changes the calculation approach. It is still a model approach, and results will vary by waterbody – both in terms of actual values derived and applicability. State and tribal decision makers have the authority to adopt different approaches on a case-by-case basis. This new approach may affect how copper is used as an algaecide in at least some cases. The Federal Register notice can be found at http://www.epa.gov/fedrgstr/EPA-WATER/2007/February/Day-22/w3007.htm. Two bipartisan bills were introduced in March, intended to protect U.S. waters from the threats posed by aquatic invasive species. The National Aquatic Invasive Species Act, which Carl Levin (D-MI) is sponsoring with Senator Susan Collins (R-ME), would reauthorize and strengthen the National Invasive Species Act of 1996. The legislation would regulate ballast discharge, seek to prevent invasive species introductions from other pathways, create a screening program for live organisms entering the country, support state management plans, and authorize rapid response funds, education and outreach programs, research on invasion pathways, and development of prevention and control technologies. The focus is on the Great Lakes, but the model will be appropriate everywhere. The Asian Carp Prevention and Control Act, which Levin is sponsoring with Senators George Voinovich (R-OH) and Russell Feingold (D-WI), would list bighead, black, and silver carp as injurious wildlife under the Lacey Act. By doing so, Congress would prevent the intentional introduction of these species into the Great Lakes by prohibiting the interstate transportation or importation of live Asian carp without a permit. As a NALMS Certified Lake Manager, board member for a state-wide Affiliate organization, attendee at many workshops and conferences, and an employee for a major wastewater treatment facility, I get several notifications for lake management products each a month. What to do with all these glossy brochures and convincing e-mails? I actually keep a file in my office labeled “Lake Products” along with an electronic file on my computer. Many I chock up as “snake oil”, but there are a few that have real merit for the lake management professional. Recently I received, and maybe many of you other NALMS members also got it, an e-mail about a new real-time, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for cyanobacteria toxins. In recent years, cyanotoxins has become a very important topic for lake managers, volunteer monitoring groups, and even drinking plant operators. One of the issues with this topic is the ability to detect if the toxins are present in a timely fashion to warn the public without having to wait weeks for results. So in general, ELISA kits seem to be fast, reliable, and appropriate for lake managers when it comes to detecting cyanotoxins. But which ELISA brand do you choose? So for your benefit, I decided to look further into the different ELISA kits out on the market. After surfing the web for other ELISA kits, it turns out that there are only a few brands to choose from. Abraxis (www.abraxiskits.com) has three kits and Nebraska’s state Department of Environmental Quality decided to go with their brand because it can measure all the variants for microcystin, not just the LR variant. Abraxis has a nice website, and they do list many great references (none from Lake & Reservoir Management though) and include a couple of scientific, peer-reviewed publications. There is even a long, 12-minute video showing you how to use their ELISA kit. Envirologix, Inc. (www.envirologic.com) is another company that specializes in rapid test kits. They also have three ELISA test kits for sell, including a field test that gives you results in 35 minutes with a detection limit of 0.3 ppb. Workers on Klamath Lake and in Snohomish County both used this brand of ELISA kits. The prices of these rapid testing kits are around $300 - $500 dollars. To find out more, search the web yourself and you might find other brands. You will see there are plenty of sites on the web for ELISA tests but very few for cyanotoxin application. As for deciding which ELISA test to go with, contact the different companies, speak with other NALMS Certified Lake Managers, and maybe even flip a coin. Helpful links:
Nebraska: www.epa.gov/cyano_habs_symposium/abstracts/occurance/paper/walker_abstract_nebraska_experience.pdf The Fulbright Scholar Program is offering over fifty lecturing, research, or combined lecturing/research awards in biological or environmental science during the 2008-2009 academic year, including several awards in marine biology or water resources. U.S. Fulbright Scholars in 150 countries and all regions of the world enjoy an experience of a lifetime, one that provides a broad cultural perspective on their academic disciplines and connects them with colleagues at institutions around the globe. Awards range from two months to an academic year. Faculty and professionals in environmental science may apply not only for awards specifically in their field, but also for one of the many "All Discipline" awards open to any field. Grants are awarded to faculty of all academic ranks, including adjunct and emeritus. In most countries, lecturing is in English, though awards in Latin America, Francophone Africa, and the Middle East may require proficiency in another language. The application deadline for Fulbright traditional lecturing and research grants worldwide is August 1, 2007. U.S. citizenship is required. For other eligibility requirements, detailed award descriptions, and an application, visit their website at www.cies.org. The Aquatic Plant Management Society (APMS) is offering a scholarship for the next two years (2008-2009), with a $30,000 per year stipend. The successful applicant will be involved in a full-time graduate program for the study of aquatic plant ecology and management with a focus on nuisance species. This is a wonderful opportunity for someone looking for graduate support, and complete details are available from the APMS website (www.APMS.org, under information, student info) or its’ Vice President, Carlton Layne (clayne@aquatics.org). The deadline for application is April 30, 2007. As a part of the USDA-CSREES Volunteer Water Quality Monitoring National Facilitation Project, the Volunteer Management and Support module (16 pages) was developed to help with any volunteer program. Successful volunteer management takes a good deal of effort, time, and skill and involves much more than simply “training a few folks to collect water samples.” This factsheet builds on decades of experiences by program managers in the volunteer monitoring community. It highlights volunteer management and support tools and provides suggestions to help keep your volunteer monitors inspired, motivated, and involved. You can find the module at www.usawaterquality.org/volunteer.
Lake Okeechobee Division, South Florida Water Management District
Chief Environmental Scientist
University of Florida
Assistant Professor – Weed Science: Aquatic and Wetlands Habitats Check the NALMS employment webpage to see other lake-related job openings (http://www.nalms.org/Employment/JobPostings.aspx). If you are having a conference, a lake-related question, need advice, looking for similar lake problems/solutions, have an interesting story to share, are selling something, or just want to be heard throughout NALMS, please send your material to Steve Lundt at slundt@mwrd.dst.co.us. All e-newsletter material is due to Steve Lundt by the first Friday of each month to be considered for inclusion in that month’s e-newsletter. |
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