/PRNewswire/ -- Nominations are being accepted for Atlanta's 2010 Cox Conserves Heroes program through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, August 20. To nominate an individual, visit www.wsbtv.com/community.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program encourages viewers to nominate people in their community who create, preserve or enhance places for everyone to enjoy - parks, greenways, gardens, waterways, plazas, streets and public squares. Eligible nominees cannot receive financial compensation for their conservation work.
By showcasing unsung heroes, Channel 2 WSB-TV and The Trust for Public Land hope to inspire more people to take an active role in neighborhood conservation, while also providing financial support to local environmental nonprofits.
Following the nomination stage, the Cox Conserves Judging Circle, a group of local environmental and civic leaders, will select five finalists. The winning Hero, chosen by an online public vote, will be awarded $5,000 to donate to the environmental nonprofit of his or her choice. The four finalists will each receive $1,250 to donate to their nonprofits of choice.
This is the second year for Atlanta's Cox Conserves Heroes program. Don Wells - an advocate for conserving and enjoying the open spaces of the North Georgia Mountains - was named Atlanta's 2009 Cox Conserves Hero. As Wells' environmental nonprofit of choice, Mountain Stewards received $5,000 that was used to build new public trails and connect students with nature through outdoor classrooms. The 2009 finalists were Angelou Ezeilo, Evonne Blythers, Doug Williams and R.R. Harris.
The Cox Conserves Heroes program was created through a partnership between The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, the parent company of Channel 2 WSB-TV, to honor everyday conservationists. The program also runs in New Orleans, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. For more information, visit www.CoxConservesHeroes.com or find us on Facebook.
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Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Independent Toxicologists Issue Warning: Urgent Concerns Regarding FDA Recommendations to Open Offshore Shrimp Fisheries
/PRNewswire/ -- Attorney Stuart H. Smith, representing the United Commercial Fishermen's Association, the Louisiana Environmental Action Network, public and private entities, and citizens harmed by the BP oil catastrophe, today issued this statement:
"Independent water and seafood testing and analyses by Gulf Oil Disaster Recovery experts reveal that highly toxic chemicals remain in the water and food chain. These toxins pose a significant risk to marine reproduction and human consumption of Gulf seafood.
"The greatest concern is the presence of chemicals known as PAHs (or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons), which have carcinogenic properties. Our studies have shown that PAHs are present in shrimp from the impacted Gulf areas of the spill at 10 times the levels found in shrimp from inland, low-impacted areas.
"Further, BP's use of dispersants at 5000 feet below the sea surface caused PAHs and other toxic substances to remain in the seawater. This means biodegradation of the toxins in crude oil is greatly reduced. It could be at least 8 months before the toxic soup we are seeing in the Gulf experiences significant biodegradation, due to low temperatures, lack of sunlight, and other factors.
"Moreover, we have major concerns about FDA disclosures regarding seafood safety. The decisions to re-open commercial fishing in selected off-shore areas affects thousands of seafood consumers of shrimp in Louisiana and Mississippi. However, these decisions were based upon as few as a single shrimp sample from Louisiana offshore waters, and two shrimp samples from Mississippi offshore waters (rendered as composites from 12 shrimp), with detectable PAH levels present in all shrimp samples.
"We vigorously refute FDA claims that they have performed sufficient sampling to declare shrimp from this area safe for consumption. The result may have been for state authorities to issue premature shrimp harvesting area re-openings, based on flawed FDA recommendations. Given the potential public health issues at stake, this is a major cause for concern.
"Therefore, I am releasing several statements by toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer, as well as supporting material, which address these issues in greater detail. Official documents from FDA confirm that the recommendations to re-open selected areas for commercial harvesting were based on insufficient samples for state authorities to render responsible decisions. A thorough review of all available FDA test results to date further confirm our findings."
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"Independent water and seafood testing and analyses by Gulf Oil Disaster Recovery experts reveal that highly toxic chemicals remain in the water and food chain. These toxins pose a significant risk to marine reproduction and human consumption of Gulf seafood.
"The greatest concern is the presence of chemicals known as PAHs (or polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons), which have carcinogenic properties. Our studies have shown that PAHs are present in shrimp from the impacted Gulf areas of the spill at 10 times the levels found in shrimp from inland, low-impacted areas.
"Further, BP's use of dispersants at 5000 feet below the sea surface caused PAHs and other toxic substances to remain in the seawater. This means biodegradation of the toxins in crude oil is greatly reduced. It could be at least 8 months before the toxic soup we are seeing in the Gulf experiences significant biodegradation, due to low temperatures, lack of sunlight, and other factors.
"Moreover, we have major concerns about FDA disclosures regarding seafood safety. The decisions to re-open commercial fishing in selected off-shore areas affects thousands of seafood consumers of shrimp in Louisiana and Mississippi. However, these decisions were based upon as few as a single shrimp sample from Louisiana offshore waters, and two shrimp samples from Mississippi offshore waters (rendered as composites from 12 shrimp), with detectable PAH levels present in all shrimp samples.
"We vigorously refute FDA claims that they have performed sufficient sampling to declare shrimp from this area safe for consumption. The result may have been for state authorities to issue premature shrimp harvesting area re-openings, based on flawed FDA recommendations. Given the potential public health issues at stake, this is a major cause for concern.
"Therefore, I am releasing several statements by toxicologist Dr. William Sawyer, as well as supporting material, which address these issues in greater detail. Official documents from FDA confirm that the recommendations to re-open selected areas for commercial harvesting were based on insufficient samples for state authorities to render responsible decisions. A thorough review of all available FDA test results to date further confirm our findings."
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Monday, August 9, 2010
2010-2011 GA Hunting Regulations Available
The 2010-2011 Georgia Hunting Seasons and Regulations Guide is available online and in print announces the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division. This guide provides information on season dates, bag limits, hunting licenses, wildlife management areas and much more and is available to view, download and print at www.gohuntgeorgia.com . Printed copies are available at Wildlife Resources Game Management and Law Enforcement offices and license vendors throughout Georgia.
“The Hunting Seasons and Regulations publication is designed to better inform hunters on the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management. “We encourage all hunters to review the publication each year for any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons or activities.”
Members of the Board of Natural Resources enact hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by the division’s professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia’s game and fish laws are enacted by the elected members of the General Assembly.
Changes for the upcoming season include:
· In an effort to encourage youth participation in hunting and enhance youth hunting opportunities, the Georgia General Assembly passed SB 474. This legislation included language that establishes a special youth hunting opportunity that allows youth under 16 years of age to hunt deer during the primitive weapons season with any firearm legal for hunting deer. This includes primitive weapons hunts on wildlife management areas.
· Tugaloo State Park, near Lavonia on Lake Hartwell, hosts a quota archery deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
· Mistletoe State Park, near Augusta on Clarks Hill Lake, hosts a quota firearms deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
· Alligator quota hunt opportunities have expanded. The number of available permits has increased from 700 to 850. Quota opportunities were increased in each of the nine zones. Details and applications may be found at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com contact a local Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Office or call Hunter Services at (770) 761-3045.
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“The Hunting Seasons and Regulations publication is designed to better inform hunters on the laws and regulations for hunting in Georgia,” says John Bowers, Wildlife Resources Division Assistant Chief of Game Management. “We encourage all hunters to review the publication each year for any changes to their favorite hunting areas, seasons or activities.”
Members of the Board of Natural Resources enact hunting regulations by acting on recommendations made by the division’s professional wildlife biologists and field personnel. Georgia’s game and fish laws are enacted by the elected members of the General Assembly.
Changes for the upcoming season include:
· In an effort to encourage youth participation in hunting and enhance youth hunting opportunities, the Georgia General Assembly passed SB 474. This legislation included language that establishes a special youth hunting opportunity that allows youth under 16 years of age to hunt deer during the primitive weapons season with any firearm legal for hunting deer. This includes primitive weapons hunts on wildlife management areas.
· Tugaloo State Park, near Lavonia on Lake Hartwell, hosts a quota archery deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
· Mistletoe State Park, near Augusta on Clarks Hill Lake, hosts a quota firearms deer hunt in December 2010. Apply online at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
· Alligator quota hunt opportunities have expanded. The number of available permits has increased from 700 to 850. Quota opportunities were increased in each of the nine zones. Details and applications may be found at www.gohuntgeorgia.com .
For more information on Georgia hunting seasons and regulations, visit www.gohuntgeorgia.com contact a local Wildlife Resources Division, Game Management Office or call Hunter Services at (770) 761-3045.
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Aug. 11 (8/11) Serves as Good Reminder for Americans to Always Call 811 Before Digging
/PRNewswire/ -- A recent report released by the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), the leading association dedicated to protecting underground utility lines and the safety of the people who dig near them, indicated an underground utility line is damaged during digging projects once every three minutes in the United States.
The same report found that 34 percent of underground utility lines are damaged because this free phone call was never made.
With Aug. 11 almost here, CGA hopes this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a natural reminder for all Americans to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked.
When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to their local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
"On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to call 811 before digging to eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line," said CGA President Bob Kipp. "We hope the '8/11 Day' message will resonate with the American public, leading to a reduction in the amount of damage done to underground utilities and an increase in safety."
Anyone planning to dig during the weekend of Aug. 14 and 15 should call 811 prior to Aug. 11 to allow professional locators a few days to mark the premises.
Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.
The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.
Visit http://www.call811.com/ for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.
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The same report found that 34 percent of underground utility lines are damaged because this free phone call was never made.
With Aug. 11 almost here, CGA hopes this date on the calendar, 8/11, will serve as a natural reminder for all Americans to call 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked.
When calling 811, homeowners and contractors are connected to their local one-call center, which notifies the appropriate utility companies of their intent to dig. Professional locators are then sent to the requested digging site to mark the approximate locations of underground lines with flags, spray paint or both.
"On Aug. 11 and throughout the year, we remind homeowners and professional contractors alike to call 811 before digging to eliminate the risk of striking an underground utility line," said CGA President Bob Kipp. "We hope the '8/11 Day' message will resonate with the American public, leading to a reduction in the amount of damage done to underground utilities and an increase in safety."
Anyone planning to dig during the weekend of Aug. 14 and 15 should call 811 prior to Aug. 11 to allow professional locators a few days to mark the premises.
Striking a single line can cause injury, repair costs, fines and inconvenient outages. Every digging project, no matter how large or small, warrants a call to 811. Installing a mailbox, building a deck and planting a tree are all examples of digging projects that need a call to 811 before starting.
The depth of utility lines can vary for a number of reasons, such as erosion, previous digging projects and uneven surfaces. Utility lines need to be properly marked because even when digging only a few inches, the risk of striking an underground utility line still exists.
Visit http://www.call811.com/ for more information about 811 and safe digging practices.
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Friday, August 6, 2010
Georgia sets record high and low temps in July
Anyone who dared a toe outdoors in July knew that the heat started in June turned up in July, which was an extreme weather month. Above-normal temperatures ruled with some record highs being broken. Some record lows were set, too.
In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 82.3 degrees F (2.3 degrees above normal), in Athens 83 degrees (3.2 degrees above normal), Columbus 85 degrees (3 degrees above normal), Macon 83.4 degrees (2.3 degrees above normal), Savannah 83.9 degrees (1.8 degrees above normal), Brunswick 84 degrees (1.6 degrees above normal), Alma 83.3 degrees (1.3 degrees above normal), Valdosta 84.2 degrees (1.8 degrees above normal) and Augusta 83.6 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal).
Record daily highs were set in several cities. Athens reached 103 degrees July 26, breaking its record of 101 degrees set on that date in 1925. Columbus broke its record July 26 with 99 degrees, breaking 98 degrees set on that date in 1993. Savannah broke record July 26 with 102 degrees, surpassing 101 degrees set in 1940. Brunswick hit 99 degrees July 30, breaking its 98-degree record set on that date in 1961. Several other record highs were tied.
The May-July period was the warmest ever for Atlanta, Athens and Savannah and the second warmest ever for Columbus.
Several record daily low temperatures were also set early in the month. Savannah with 62 degrees July 3 broke its record of 64 degrees set in 1965. Augusta broke record lows three days in a row with 59 degrees July 3, 59 degrees July 4 and 60 degrees July 5. Alma set a record low July 3 with 62 degrees, breaking its record of 63 degrees set in 1975.
Most of the state received below-normal rainfall. However, a few isolated areas received rainfall that was significantly above normal, including areas in Coweta, Liberty and McIntosh counties.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 6.97 inches in Macon (2.65 inches above normal). The lowest was Athens at 1.40 inches (3.01 inches below normal).
Valdosta received 4.56 inches (1.87 inches below normal), Alma 2.51 inches (3.50 inches below normal), Brunswick 3.62 inches (1.19 inches below normal), Atlanta 4.37 inches (.75 inch below normal), Columbus 2.16 inches (2.88 inches below normal), Savannah 2.18 inches (3.86 inches below normal) and Augusta 5.86 inches (1.79 inches above normal).
A record daily rainfall was set in Brunswick, where 2.25 inches fell July 11, breaking the old record of 1.57 inches set in 1993.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 6.30 inches in Coweta County in west-central Georgia July 13. An observer in Franklin County received 6.28 inches July 2. The highest monthly rainfall total from the network was 12.25 inches in McIntosh County, followed by 9.33 inches from an observer in Coweta County.
Severe weather hit somewhere in Georgia on 17 days during the month. The vast majority of these reports were for high winds, including a report of a 76-mph wind at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta July 28. A few reports of small hail were made. No tornadoes were observed.
Due to the almost daily occurrence of pop-up thunderstorms, there were many reports of lightning-caused damage across the state. July 27 alone, Gwinnett County firefighters reported more than 120 incidents, resulting in 14 house fires, 12 apartment fires and one business fire. One estimate indicated more than 1,000 lightning strikes in just 15 minutes in the Atlanta area on that date.
Two teens’ deaths were blamed on lightning that hit the tree they were standing underneath July 13 in Cobb County. Three heat-related deaths were reported, two in Bleckley County and one in Twiggs County.
The heat continued to stress crops and animals, particularly in areas that are not irrigated. Reductions in yield are starting to be reported in several crops.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
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In Atlanta, the monthly average temperature was 82.3 degrees F (2.3 degrees above normal), in Athens 83 degrees (3.2 degrees above normal), Columbus 85 degrees (3 degrees above normal), Macon 83.4 degrees (2.3 degrees above normal), Savannah 83.9 degrees (1.8 degrees above normal), Brunswick 84 degrees (1.6 degrees above normal), Alma 83.3 degrees (1.3 degrees above normal), Valdosta 84.2 degrees (1.8 degrees above normal) and Augusta 83.6 degrees (2.8 degrees above normal).
Record daily highs were set in several cities. Athens reached 103 degrees July 26, breaking its record of 101 degrees set on that date in 1925. Columbus broke its record July 26 with 99 degrees, breaking 98 degrees set on that date in 1993. Savannah broke record July 26 with 102 degrees, surpassing 101 degrees set in 1940. Brunswick hit 99 degrees July 30, breaking its 98-degree record set on that date in 1961. Several other record highs were tied.
The May-July period was the warmest ever for Atlanta, Athens and Savannah and the second warmest ever for Columbus.
Several record daily low temperatures were also set early in the month. Savannah with 62 degrees July 3 broke its record of 64 degrees set in 1965. Augusta broke record lows three days in a row with 59 degrees July 3, 59 degrees July 4 and 60 degrees July 5. Alma set a record low July 3 with 62 degrees, breaking its record of 63 degrees set in 1975.
Most of the state received below-normal rainfall. However, a few isolated areas received rainfall that was significantly above normal, including areas in Coweta, Liberty and McIntosh counties.
The highest monthly total from National Weather Service reporting stations was 6.97 inches in Macon (2.65 inches above normal). The lowest was Athens at 1.40 inches (3.01 inches below normal).
Valdosta received 4.56 inches (1.87 inches below normal), Alma 2.51 inches (3.50 inches below normal), Brunswick 3.62 inches (1.19 inches below normal), Atlanta 4.37 inches (.75 inch below normal), Columbus 2.16 inches (2.88 inches below normal), Savannah 2.18 inches (3.86 inches below normal) and Augusta 5.86 inches (1.79 inches above normal).
A record daily rainfall was set in Brunswick, where 2.25 inches fell July 11, breaking the old record of 1.57 inches set in 1993.
The highest single-day rainfall from Community Collaborative Rain, Hail and Snow Network stations was 6.30 inches in Coweta County in west-central Georgia July 13. An observer in Franklin County received 6.28 inches July 2. The highest monthly rainfall total from the network was 12.25 inches in McIntosh County, followed by 9.33 inches from an observer in Coweta County.
Severe weather hit somewhere in Georgia on 17 days during the month. The vast majority of these reports were for high winds, including a report of a 76-mph wind at Moody Air Force Base in Valdosta July 28. A few reports of small hail were made. No tornadoes were observed.
Due to the almost daily occurrence of pop-up thunderstorms, there were many reports of lightning-caused damage across the state. July 27 alone, Gwinnett County firefighters reported more than 120 incidents, resulting in 14 house fires, 12 apartment fires and one business fire. One estimate indicated more than 1,000 lightning strikes in just 15 minutes in the Atlanta area on that date.
Two teens’ deaths were blamed on lightning that hit the tree they were standing underneath July 13 in Cobb County. Three heat-related deaths were reported, two in Bleckley County and one in Twiggs County.
The heat continued to stress crops and animals, particularly in areas that are not irrigated. Reductions in yield are starting to be reported in several crops.
By Pam Knox
University of Georgia
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Child Nutrition Initiative Applauds Senate for Passage of Critical Legislation to Strengthen Nutrition Standards, Improve Children's Health
/PRNewswire/ -- The Child Nutrition Initiative commends Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee and ranking member Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) for their hard work and commitment to pass the bipartisan Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act (S. 3307) - a vital step in the effort to improve children's health and increase their access to nutritious school meals. We applaud the Senate for their strong bipartisan support and encourage the U.S. House to act quickly to pass similar legislation so critical improvements can be signed into law this year.
This important legislation improves the nutrition standards for meals served in schools through the national school breakfast and lunch programs as well as food sold in vending machines and other outlets on school grounds. These improvements are central to the effort to combat skyrocketing obesity rates that have left almost one third of U.S. children and adolescents overweight or obese. The bill also improves access to meals for many children who rely on them as one of their most reliable sources of food. With more than 30 million children participating in school meal programs, it is critical that we provide schools with the resources they need to improve children's health and readiness to learn.
The Child Nutrition Initiative encourages members of the House to act quickly to ensure critical bipartisan improvements are enacted by passing the Improving Nutrition for America's Kids Act (H.R. 5504), which has already passed out of the House Education and Labor Committee under the leadership of Chairman George Miller (D-CA). We urge House leaders to work quickly to pass the bill before it expires on September 30th.
Strong nutrition programs are good for our kids and good for our nation. We congratulate the Senate on this bold step forward and encourage House Leadership to capitalize on this unique opportunity to invest in the future of our country by bringing this important legislation to the floor before September 30th.
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This important legislation improves the nutrition standards for meals served in schools through the national school breakfast and lunch programs as well as food sold in vending machines and other outlets on school grounds. These improvements are central to the effort to combat skyrocketing obesity rates that have left almost one third of U.S. children and adolescents overweight or obese. The bill also improves access to meals for many children who rely on them as one of their most reliable sources of food. With more than 30 million children participating in school meal programs, it is critical that we provide schools with the resources they need to improve children's health and readiness to learn.
The Child Nutrition Initiative encourages members of the House to act quickly to ensure critical bipartisan improvements are enacted by passing the Improving Nutrition for America's Kids Act (H.R. 5504), which has already passed out of the House Education and Labor Committee under the leadership of Chairman George Miller (D-CA). We urge House leaders to work quickly to pass the bill before it expires on September 30th.
Strong nutrition programs are good for our kids and good for our nation. We congratulate the Senate on this bold step forward and encourage House Leadership to capitalize on this unique opportunity to invest in the future of our country by bringing this important legislation to the floor before September 30th.
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Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Georgia Forestry Commission Lends Expertise to Oil Disaster Recovery
Specially trained employees of the Georgia Forestry Commission are being commended for their work in response to the BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico. Since the April spill, more than 50 GFC employees have served in an Atlanta command center established by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and at locations along the Gulf coast being impacted by the oil slick.
"The Georgia Forestry Commission stepped up at a time when we could not fill all our resource needs," said Roger Boykin, Incident Advisor and retired Fire Management and Disaster Coordinator for the southern region of the USFWS. "The large number of GFC employees who are qualified to respond to this type of situation has been a huge help to us."
Those eligible to serve have extensive experience in the National Interagency Incidence Management System and are certified to staff a wide variety of positions on teams that respond to emergencies including wildfires, weather events, and all hazards incidents.
"The Georgia Forestry Commission provides incident management expertise at local, state, and national levels," said Alan Dozier, Chief of Protection at GFC. "Our people have a reputation for being very strong in these capabilities." Dozier added that Georgia is experiencing a record low number of wildfires this year, which gives the GFC team an opportunity to assist with the oil spill. Compensation for expenses is covered through prearranged inter-agency agreements.
According to Boykin, GFC workers have served in the Atlanta center as resource unit leaders, ordering managers, dispatchers, and plans chiefs. Along coastal regions impacted by the oil, the GFC team has assisted with bird search and rescue operations and sensitive habitat protection.
"Supporting these operations helps our team hone their skills and increases our capability to serve Georgia when called upon," said Greg Strenkowski, GFC Staff Forester. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is our partner agency, and we are proud to help our partner in their time of need. It is a win- win for us all."
For information about the Georgia Forestry Commission and its services and the agency's Type 2 Incident Command Team, visit GaTrees.org.
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"The Georgia Forestry Commission stepped up at a time when we could not fill all our resource needs," said Roger Boykin, Incident Advisor and retired Fire Management and Disaster Coordinator for the southern region of the USFWS. "The large number of GFC employees who are qualified to respond to this type of situation has been a huge help to us."
Those eligible to serve have extensive experience in the National Interagency Incidence Management System and are certified to staff a wide variety of positions on teams that respond to emergencies including wildfires, weather events, and all hazards incidents.
"The Georgia Forestry Commission provides incident management expertise at local, state, and national levels," said Alan Dozier, Chief of Protection at GFC. "Our people have a reputation for being very strong in these capabilities." Dozier added that Georgia is experiencing a record low number of wildfires this year, which gives the GFC team an opportunity to assist with the oil spill. Compensation for expenses is covered through prearranged inter-agency agreements.
According to Boykin, GFC workers have served in the Atlanta center as resource unit leaders, ordering managers, dispatchers, and plans chiefs. Along coastal regions impacted by the oil, the GFC team has assisted with bird search and rescue operations and sensitive habitat protection.
"Supporting these operations helps our team hone their skills and increases our capability to serve Georgia when called upon," said Greg Strenkowski, GFC Staff Forester. "The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is our partner agency, and we are proud to help our partner in their time of need. It is a win- win for us all."
For information about the Georgia Forestry Commission and its services and the agency's Type 2 Incident Command Team, visit GaTrees.org.
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Ice-free Arctic Ocean may not be of much use in soaking up carbon dioxide, a component of global warming, according to new study
The summer of 2010 has been agonizingly hot in much of the continental U.S., and the record-setting temperatures have refocused attention on global warming. Scientists have been looking at ways the Earth might benefit from natural processes to balance the rising heat, and one process had intrigued them, a premise that melting ice at the poles might allow more open water that could absorb carbon dioxide, one of the major compounds implicating in warming.
Now, though, in research just published in the journal Science and led by a University of Georgia marine chemist, that idea may be one more dead end. In fact, a survey of waters in the Canada Basin, which extends north of Alaska to the North Pole, shows that its value as a potential carbon dioxide “sink” may be short-lived at best and minor in terms of what the planet will need to avoid future problems.
“The Canada Basin and entire Arctic Ocean are still taking up carbon dioxide,” said Wei-Jun Cai, a professor in the department of marine sciences in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. “But our research shows that as the ice melts, the carbon dioxide in the water very quickly reaches equilibrium with the atmosphere, so its use as a place to store CO2 declines dramatically and quickly. We never really understood how limited these waters would be in terms of their usefulness in soaking up carbon dioxide.”
The research was a joint project with the government of China. Other authors on the paper published in Science include, from the University of Georgia: graduate student Baoshan Chen, research scientist Yongchen Wang, postdoctoral associate Xinping Hu, and doctoral student Wei-Jen Huang. Colleagues from China and elsewhere who were co-authors include Liqi Chen, Zhongyong Gao, Yuanhui Zhang and Suqing Xu from the Third Institute of Oceanography of the State Ocean Administration of China; Sang Lee of the Korea Polar Institute;Jianfang Chen and Haisheng Zhang of the Second Institute of Oceanography in China; Denis Pierrot and Kevin Sullivan of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Akihiko Murata of the Research Institute for Global Change in Japan; Jackie Grebmeier of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland; and Peter Jones of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Canada.
The carbon dioxide level in the Earth’s atmosphere has increased dramatically since the industrial revolution, and around 30 percent of that CO2 has been absorbedby the oceans. That has been the good news. The bad news is that it increases the acidification of the seas, causing changes in conditions for the growth of all life forms.
Melting in the planet’s Arctic zone has been dramatic in the past three years. A recent paper predicted that the Arctic Ocean would be ice-free during summer within 30 years, Cai noted. Researchers in years past had predicted that increased areas of open water in the Arctic, while troublesome in many ways, might at least sequester increasing amounts of carbon dioxide because of summertime ice melts.
“This prediction, however, was made based on observations of very low surface water carbon dioxide levels,” said Cai, “from either highly productive ocean margin areas or basin areas under earlier ice-covered conditions before the recent major ice retreat.”
To see just how efficient Canada Basin waters would be in taking up atmospheric carbon dioxide, an international team of scientists in the summer of 2008 boarded the retrofitted Chinese research vessel Xue Long (Snow Dragon) for a three-month research voyage. Using direct sampling of water and another method called “underway” sampling, in which water is pumped into the ship directly from the ocean, analyzed and returned, they studied the upper layers of the water into which they sailed. They also studied the waters’ salinity, temperature, nutrient concentration and chlorophyll activity.
What Cai and colleagues found was that as greater areas of ice melt each summer, the Canada Basin’s potential as a CO2 sink will diminishdramatically mainly because of the rapid uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. And because of this carbon dioxide uptake, the waters become quite acidic and “a poor environment for calcium-carbonate shell-bearing marine organisms,” Cai said.
The findings are at once intriguing and disappointing because carbon dioxide and other gases dissolve more readily in cold water than warm water, and so scientists had long thought that seas of melting polar ice would at least have the trade-off of being good places for the absorption of carbon dioxide.
Collaborative work of this kind between the governments of the United States and China on Arctic research is relatively new. Cai said it greatly benefits both parties.
“One of the take-away lessons of this research is that we can’t expect the oceans to do the job of helping offset global warming in the short term,” said Cai.
Cai’s work is supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
-----
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Now, though, in research just published in the journal Science and led by a University of Georgia marine chemist, that idea may be one more dead end. In fact, a survey of waters in the Canada Basin, which extends north of Alaska to the North Pole, shows that its value as a potential carbon dioxide “sink” may be short-lived at best and minor in terms of what the planet will need to avoid future problems.
“The Canada Basin and entire Arctic Ocean are still taking up carbon dioxide,” said Wei-Jun Cai, a professor in the department of marine sciences in UGA’s Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and lead author of the study. “But our research shows that as the ice melts, the carbon dioxide in the water very quickly reaches equilibrium with the atmosphere, so its use as a place to store CO2 declines dramatically and quickly. We never really understood how limited these waters would be in terms of their usefulness in soaking up carbon dioxide.”
The research was a joint project with the government of China. Other authors on the paper published in Science include, from the University of Georgia: graduate student Baoshan Chen, research scientist Yongchen Wang, postdoctoral associate Xinping Hu, and doctoral student Wei-Jen Huang. Colleagues from China and elsewhere who were co-authors include Liqi Chen, Zhongyong Gao, Yuanhui Zhang and Suqing Xu from the Third Institute of Oceanography of the State Ocean Administration of China; Sang Lee of the Korea Polar Institute;Jianfang Chen and Haisheng Zhang of the Second Institute of Oceanography in China; Denis Pierrot and Kevin Sullivan of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Akihiko Murata of the Research Institute for Global Change in Japan; Jackie Grebmeier of the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory, University of Maryland; and Peter Jones of the Bedford Institute of Oceanography in Canada.
The carbon dioxide level in the Earth’s atmosphere has increased dramatically since the industrial revolution, and around 30 percent of that CO2 has been absorbedby the oceans. That has been the good news. The bad news is that it increases the acidification of the seas, causing changes in conditions for the growth of all life forms.
Melting in the planet’s Arctic zone has been dramatic in the past three years. A recent paper predicted that the Arctic Ocean would be ice-free during summer within 30 years, Cai noted. Researchers in years past had predicted that increased areas of open water in the Arctic, while troublesome in many ways, might at least sequester increasing amounts of carbon dioxide because of summertime ice melts.
“This prediction, however, was made based on observations of very low surface water carbon dioxide levels,” said Cai, “from either highly productive ocean margin areas or basin areas under earlier ice-covered conditions before the recent major ice retreat.”
To see just how efficient Canada Basin waters would be in taking up atmospheric carbon dioxide, an international team of scientists in the summer of 2008 boarded the retrofitted Chinese research vessel Xue Long (Snow Dragon) for a three-month research voyage. Using direct sampling of water and another method called “underway” sampling, in which water is pumped into the ship directly from the ocean, analyzed and returned, they studied the upper layers of the water into which they sailed. They also studied the waters’ salinity, temperature, nutrient concentration and chlorophyll activity.
What Cai and colleagues found was that as greater areas of ice melt each summer, the Canada Basin’s potential as a CO2 sink will diminishdramatically mainly because of the rapid uptake of CO2 from the atmosphere. And because of this carbon dioxide uptake, the waters become quite acidic and “a poor environment for calcium-carbonate shell-bearing marine organisms,” Cai said.
The findings are at once intriguing and disappointing because carbon dioxide and other gases dissolve more readily in cold water than warm water, and so scientists had long thought that seas of melting polar ice would at least have the trade-off of being good places for the absorption of carbon dioxide.
Collaborative work of this kind between the governments of the United States and China on Arctic research is relatively new. Cai said it greatly benefits both parties.
“One of the take-away lessons of this research is that we can’t expect the oceans to do the job of helping offset global warming in the short term,” said Cai.
Cai’s work is supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
-----
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Friday, July 23, 2010
New Research Reveals Georgians Unaware of Those Living With Developmental Disabilities
/PRNewswire/ -- Just days before the 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new statewide survey reveals that Georgians have little exposure to persons with disabilities and understanding of the daily challenges they face.
According to the survey commissioned by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), only one-third of Georgia's general public come across or interact with persons with developmental disabilities in their everyday life (33 percent), even if they or a family member has a disability (44 percent). Further, most (nearly 38 percent) said when they do encounter a person with a disability, they immediately feel sympathetic about the difficulties that person must experience on a daily basis. However, the survey also reveals that the general public isn't really aware of what those difficulties are. Respondents cited prejudice, discrimination, lack of acceptance, fear and stigma as the top issues persons with developmental disabilities face when trying to participate fully in community life. While participants representing the disabilities community agreed, they also ranked practical and survival issues such as accessibility, needed supports to live independently, job opportunities and finances as difficulties experienced in everyday living in landslide margins.
"This survey reveals that persons with developmental disabilities and their issues are still somewhat invisible to everyday society," said Eric Jacobson, executive director, GCDD. "Although, we have made progress as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still a lot of education to be done among the general public; and the best way for that to happen is to create a society that better integrates persons with disabilities in our schools, workforce and community. Understanding comes through exposure and awareness. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is committed to achieving this goal through public policy, advocacy, programs and public information."
The research is the first statewide survey of its kind conducted by GCDD. The objective of the study was to explore the perceptions, attitudes and awareness of developmental disabilities issues among the general public and contrast it to the opinions of those living with and impacted by the challenges on a daily basis. The study identifies representatives of the disabilities community as individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as members of grassroots advocacy organizations and providers of services.
Attitudes About Capabilities of Persons with Disabilities in Everyday Society
A majority of all survey respondents (55 percent of the general public and 78 percent of disabilities community participants) agreed that adults with disabilities should be able to live on their own with supports and services and not in institutions. However, the general public wasn't as confident in the ability of people with developmental disabilities to achieve career success or a child with disabilities' adjustment to learning in a traditional classroom.
-- Only one-quarter of the general public and nearly 28 percent of
participants from the disabilities community believed that it was very
likely for persons with developmental disabilities to have careers
with opportunities for advancement.
-- More than half (52.8 percent) of the general public said that children
with developmental disabilities would benefit most from being in
separate classrooms or special schools versus learning in general
classrooms with regular education students.
-- While nearly 60 (58.4) percent of disabilities community participants
believed that children with developmental disabilities would benefit
most from general classrooms with regular education students.
"A stigma still exists among the general public and their views of the abilities, and perceived limitations, of persons with developmental disabilities. We have a firm belief and confidence that persons with disabilities can and should participate fully in real communities - enjoying real careers, living in real homes, learning in real environments, exerting real influence and receive real supports as needed. These are people that can contribute to society," Jacobson said.
What is a Developmental Disability?
The survey also revealed a lack of clear understanding of what conditions could be classified as a developmental disability. While developmental disabilities can be mental and/or physical, most did not associate the term with physical disabilities or impairments.
-- A majority of respondents (84 percent of the disabilities community;
64 percent of the general public) were more likely to consider mental,
cognitive or learning disabilities as developmental disabilities.
-- Visual and hearing impairments were the least mentioned by the general
public (4.5 and 4 percent, respectively).
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities defines a developmental disability as "a chronic mental and/or physical disability that occurs before age 22 and expected to last a lifetime. It may require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency."
Survey Methodology
The GCDD study on perceptions on developmental disabilities was conducted via telephone and online surveys among residents of Georgia, individuals living with developmental disabilities and their families, members of advocacy organizations and service providers who work directly with disabilities. The sample to survey participants from the disabilities community was derived from subscribers to GCDD's statewide list-serv database. The sample for the general public was a random sample among Georgia residents. The total sample size was 379. Respondents were: state residents; 18 years or older; male or female and registered voters. There is a plus or minus 5 percentage point margin of error for the overall sample.
-----
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According to the survey commissioned by the Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities (GCDD), only one-third of Georgia's general public come across or interact with persons with developmental disabilities in their everyday life (33 percent), even if they or a family member has a disability (44 percent). Further, most (nearly 38 percent) said when they do encounter a person with a disability, they immediately feel sympathetic about the difficulties that person must experience on a daily basis. However, the survey also reveals that the general public isn't really aware of what those difficulties are. Respondents cited prejudice, discrimination, lack of acceptance, fear and stigma as the top issues persons with developmental disabilities face when trying to participate fully in community life. While participants representing the disabilities community agreed, they also ranked practical and survival issues such as accessibility, needed supports to live independently, job opportunities and finances as difficulties experienced in everyday living in landslide margins.
"This survey reveals that persons with developmental disabilities and their issues are still somewhat invisible to everyday society," said Eric Jacobson, executive director, GCDD. "Although, we have made progress as a result of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there is still a lot of education to be done among the general public; and the best way for that to happen is to create a society that better integrates persons with disabilities in our schools, workforce and community. Understanding comes through exposure and awareness. The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities is committed to achieving this goal through public policy, advocacy, programs and public information."
The research is the first statewide survey of its kind conducted by GCDD. The objective of the study was to explore the perceptions, attitudes and awareness of developmental disabilities issues among the general public and contrast it to the opinions of those living with and impacted by the challenges on a daily basis. The study identifies representatives of the disabilities community as individuals with developmental disabilities and their families, as well as members of grassroots advocacy organizations and providers of services.
Attitudes About Capabilities of Persons with Disabilities in Everyday Society
A majority of all survey respondents (55 percent of the general public and 78 percent of disabilities community participants) agreed that adults with disabilities should be able to live on their own with supports and services and not in institutions. However, the general public wasn't as confident in the ability of people with developmental disabilities to achieve career success or a child with disabilities' adjustment to learning in a traditional classroom.
-- Only one-quarter of the general public and nearly 28 percent of
participants from the disabilities community believed that it was very
likely for persons with developmental disabilities to have careers
with opportunities for advancement.
-- More than half (52.8 percent) of the general public said that children
with developmental disabilities would benefit most from being in
separate classrooms or special schools versus learning in general
classrooms with regular education students.
-- While nearly 60 (58.4) percent of disabilities community participants
believed that children with developmental disabilities would benefit
most from general classrooms with regular education students.
"A stigma still exists among the general public and their views of the abilities, and perceived limitations, of persons with developmental disabilities. We have a firm belief and confidence that persons with disabilities can and should participate fully in real communities - enjoying real careers, living in real homes, learning in real environments, exerting real influence and receive real supports as needed. These are people that can contribute to society," Jacobson said.
What is a Developmental Disability?
The survey also revealed a lack of clear understanding of what conditions could be classified as a developmental disability. While developmental disabilities can be mental and/or physical, most did not associate the term with physical disabilities or impairments.
-- A majority of respondents (84 percent of the disabilities community;
64 percent of the general public) were more likely to consider mental,
cognitive or learning disabilities as developmental disabilities.
-- Visual and hearing impairments were the least mentioned by the general
public (4.5 and 4 percent, respectively).
The Georgia Council on Developmental Disabilities defines a developmental disability as "a chronic mental and/or physical disability that occurs before age 22 and expected to last a lifetime. It may require supports in three or more of the following life activities: self-care, learning, mobility, self-direction, independent living and economic self-sufficiency."
Survey Methodology
The GCDD study on perceptions on developmental disabilities was conducted via telephone and online surveys among residents of Georgia, individuals living with developmental disabilities and their families, members of advocacy organizations and service providers who work directly with disabilities. The sample to survey participants from the disabilities community was derived from subscribers to GCDD's statewide list-serv database. The sample for the general public was a random sample among Georgia residents. The total sample size was 379. Respondents were: state residents; 18 years or older; male or female and registered voters. There is a plus or minus 5 percentage point margin of error for the overall sample.
-----
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Thursday, June 17, 2010
New Mailing Rules for Tobacco Products Set for Summer
/PRNewswire/ -- To comply with legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President, cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products will be subject to new mailing regulations effective June 29, 2010. The law, Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act, Public Law No. 111-154, was signed into law March 31.
With only a few limited exceptions, the Postal Service will no longer be allowed to accept or transport packages containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products. The general mailability ban will extend to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The prohibition does not include cigars.
Shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii will continue, subject to certain labeling and acceptance requirements.
The law does permit infrequent lightweight shipments by age-verified adults to recipients who are at least the age of majority for purchase of tobacco. Shipments between businesses in the tobacco industry will also be permitted, as well as cigarettes sent to consumers age 21 and above for testing or public health purposes.
Most shipments will require photo identification and age verification consistent with the minimum age requirements in the locality of destination.
With the exception of shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii, shipments are permitted only via Express Mail and, with the exception of shipments from the United States to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, will be delivered using "hold for pickup" service at the destination Post Office.
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With only a few limited exceptions, the Postal Service will no longer be allowed to accept or transport packages containing cigarettes or smokeless tobacco products. The general mailability ban will extend to cigarettes, roll-your-own tobacco and smokeless tobacco. The prohibition does not include cigars.
Shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii will continue, subject to certain labeling and acceptance requirements.
The law does permit infrequent lightweight shipments by age-verified adults to recipients who are at least the age of majority for purchase of tobacco. Shipments between businesses in the tobacco industry will also be permitted, as well as cigarettes sent to consumers age 21 and above for testing or public health purposes.
Most shipments will require photo identification and age verification consistent with the minimum age requirements in the locality of destination.
With the exception of shipments entirely within Alaska and Hawaii, shipments are permitted only via Express Mail and, with the exception of shipments from the United States to APO/FPO/DPO destinations, will be delivered using "hold for pickup" service at the destination Post Office.
-----
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Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008
/PRNewswire/ -- Between 1960 and 2008, the population in coastline counties along the Gulf of Mexico soared by 150 percent, more than double the rate of increase of the nation's population as a whole. On the eve of hurricane season, this area now is home to nearly 14 million residents, according to a U.S. Census Bureau report issued today.
The report, Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008, examines population trends along the country's saltwater edges - coastline counties - and their shares of coastline states during the period. Specifically, it analyzes trends in the growth and decline, geographic distribution and density of the coastline population. It also incorporates historical data on the trajectories of hurricanes striking the U.S. coastlines to gauge the coastline population's experience with hurricanes.
The Gulf Coast's population growth over the period surpassed that of coastline counties along the Pacific (110 percent) and Atlantic (56 percent). The region has experienced double-digit rates of population increase each decade since 1960. The Gulf Coast was home to six of the eight U.S. coastline counties with the fastest population increases over the 48-year period, led by Collier County, Fla., which grew by 1,900 percent (from 15,753 to 315,258). At the same time, the region contained six of the 11 coastline counties most frequently hit by hurricanes during that time, with Monroe County, Fla., leading the list with 15, and Lafourche Parish, La., tied for second with 14.
"Coastline counties along the Atlantic and Gulf, as well as the Hawaiian Islands, account for nearly two-thirds of the nation's coastline population and are home to four of the nation's 10 most populous counties," said Steven Wilson of the Census Bureau's Population Division, who co-authored the report. "As hurricane season begins, this report should put into perspective the number of Americans living along the coast who might be affected."
All in all, 87 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. population, live in coastline counties, including more than 41 million in Atlantic and 32 million in Pacific counties. In 1960, only 47 million lived in coastline counties.
Other highlights include:
-- The number of housing units along the Gulf of Mexico's coastline
increased by 246 percent from 1960 to 2008, compared with 130 percent
in the Pacific and 98 percent in the Atlantic coastline regions and
121 percent for the U.S. as a whole. The number of housing units along
the U.S. coastline grew from 16 million to 36 million during this
time.
-- On average, the 11 coastline counties that were hit by 11 or more
hurricanes from 1960 to 2008 increased in population by nearly 179
percent and had a housing unit increase of 255 percent. Among these
counties, only Hyde, N.C., lost population (-10.1 percent) and only
St. Bernard Parish, La., lost housing units (-2.6 percent).
-- The coastline share of Maine's total population climbed by 9
percentage points from 1960 to 2008. New Hampshire, Virginia and
Alaska also had increases of more than 5 percentage points. In
contrast, the share of Maryland's population in its coastline counties
dropped 14 percentage points and California's by 10 points.
-- Excluding Alaska, the average density of coastline counties increased
from 260 people per square mile in 1960 to 480 in 2008. On average,
they are twice as densely populated as noncoastline counties. Among
the coastline states, only the coastline sections of New York (between
1970 and 1980), Louisiana (from 1980 to 1990 and 2000 to 2008) and
Mississippi (from 2000 to 2008) had declines in population density
during any decade.
-- New York County (Manhattan), N.Y., is the most densely populated
coastline county, with nearly 72,000 people per square mile in 2008.
Between 1960 and 2008, Orange County, Calif., and Pinellas County,
Fla., joined the list of the 20 most densely populated coastline
counties, with Orleans Parish, La., and Westchester County, N.Y.,
dropping off.
-- Nearly half of the nation's coastline population in 2008 was in either
California (29 percent) or Florida (16 percent).
-- Most coastline counties (223 of 254) experienced population gains from
1960 to 2008, including all counties from the southern coast of North
Carolina through Mississippi, and all counties from California through
Washington.
The report uses 100 percent-count decennial census data for the years 1960 through 2000, estimates of the total population for July 1, 2008, and the demographic components of change for 2000 to 2008.
-----
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The report, Coastline Population Trends in the United States: 1960 to 2008, examines population trends along the country's saltwater edges - coastline counties - and their shares of coastline states during the period. Specifically, it analyzes trends in the growth and decline, geographic distribution and density of the coastline population. It also incorporates historical data on the trajectories of hurricanes striking the U.S. coastlines to gauge the coastline population's experience with hurricanes.
The Gulf Coast's population growth over the period surpassed that of coastline counties along the Pacific (110 percent) and Atlantic (56 percent). The region has experienced double-digit rates of population increase each decade since 1960. The Gulf Coast was home to six of the eight U.S. coastline counties with the fastest population increases over the 48-year period, led by Collier County, Fla., which grew by 1,900 percent (from 15,753 to 315,258). At the same time, the region contained six of the 11 coastline counties most frequently hit by hurricanes during that time, with Monroe County, Fla., leading the list with 15, and Lafourche Parish, La., tied for second with 14.
"Coastline counties along the Atlantic and Gulf, as well as the Hawaiian Islands, account for nearly two-thirds of the nation's coastline population and are home to four of the nation's 10 most populous counties," said Steven Wilson of the Census Bureau's Population Division, who co-authored the report. "As hurricane season begins, this report should put into perspective the number of Americans living along the coast who might be affected."
All in all, 87 million people, or 29 percent of the U.S. population, live in coastline counties, including more than 41 million in Atlantic and 32 million in Pacific counties. In 1960, only 47 million lived in coastline counties.
Other highlights include:
-- The number of housing units along the Gulf of Mexico's coastline
increased by 246 percent from 1960 to 2008, compared with 130 percent
in the Pacific and 98 percent in the Atlantic coastline regions and
121 percent for the U.S. as a whole. The number of housing units along
the U.S. coastline grew from 16 million to 36 million during this
time.
-- On average, the 11 coastline counties that were hit by 11 or more
hurricanes from 1960 to 2008 increased in population by nearly 179
percent and had a housing unit increase of 255 percent. Among these
counties, only Hyde, N.C., lost population (-10.1 percent) and only
St. Bernard Parish, La., lost housing units (-2.6 percent).
-- The coastline share of Maine's total population climbed by 9
percentage points from 1960 to 2008. New Hampshire, Virginia and
Alaska also had increases of more than 5 percentage points. In
contrast, the share of Maryland's population in its coastline counties
dropped 14 percentage points and California's by 10 points.
-- Excluding Alaska, the average density of coastline counties increased
from 260 people per square mile in 1960 to 480 in 2008. On average,
they are twice as densely populated as noncoastline counties. Among
the coastline states, only the coastline sections of New York (between
1970 and 1980), Louisiana (from 1980 to 1990 and 2000 to 2008) and
Mississippi (from 2000 to 2008) had declines in population density
during any decade.
-- New York County (Manhattan), N.Y., is the most densely populated
coastline county, with nearly 72,000 people per square mile in 2008.
Between 1960 and 2008, Orange County, Calif., and Pinellas County,
Fla., joined the list of the 20 most densely populated coastline
counties, with Orleans Parish, La., and Westchester County, N.Y.,
dropping off.
-- Nearly half of the nation's coastline population in 2008 was in either
California (29 percent) or Florida (16 percent).
-- Most coastline counties (223 of 254) experienced population gains from
1960 to 2008, including all counties from the southern coast of North
Carolina through Mississippi, and all counties from California through
Washington.
The report uses 100 percent-count decennial census data for the years 1960 through 2000, estimates of the total population for July 1, 2008, and the demographic components of change for 2000 to 2008.
-----
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Thursday, May 20, 2010
Census Bureau News - The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050
/PRNewswire/ -- The U.S. Census Bureau reported today that the dependency ratio, or the number of people 65 and older to every 100 people of traditional working ages, is projected to climb rapidly from 22 in 2010 to 35 in 2030. This time period coincides with the time when baby boomers are moving into the 65 and older age category. After 2030, however, the ratio of the aging population to the working-age population (ages 20 to 64) will rise more slowly, to 37 in 2050. The higher this old-age dependency ratio, the greater the potential burden.
The projections are not based on 2010 Census results. Rather, they project 2000 Census counts forward using components of population change -- births, deaths and net international migration.
The expected steep rise in the dependency ratio over the next two decades reflects the projected proportion of people 65 and older climbing from 13 percent to 19 percent of the total population over the period, with the percentage in the 20 to 64 age range falling from 60 percent to 55 percent.
"This rapid growth of the older population may present challenges in the next two decades," said Victoria Velkoff, assistant chief for estimates and projections for the Census Bureau's Population Division. "It's also noteworthy that those 85 and older -- who often require additional caregiving and support -- would increase from about 14 percent of the older population today to 21 percent in 2050."
The findings are contained in the report, "The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050," which presents information on how the age structure of the overall population and the composition of the older population in terms of age, sex, race and Hispanic origin are expected to change over the next four decades. The report provides an analysis of national population projections released in August 2008.
According to the report, minorities would comprise 42 percent of the 65 and older population in 2050, more than double the proportion they comprise today (20 percent). Likewise, among those 85 and older, 33 percent are projected to be minority in 2050, up from 15 percent in 2010. (In the report, the minority population refers to people who are other than non-Hispanic, single-race white.)
Other highlights include:
-- The percentage of the 65 and older population that is Hispanic would
rise from 7 percent today to 20 percent in 2050. In absolute terms, it
would increase more than sixfold -- from 2.9 million to 17.5 million.
At the same time, among those 85 and older, the Hispanic population
would increase more than ninefold, from 305,000 to 2.9 million.
-- Among those 65 and older, 12 percent are expected to be single-race
black and 9 percent Asian in 2050, up from 9 percent and 3 percent,
respectively, in 2010. In addition, 77 percent are projected to be
white alone, down from about 87 percent in 2010.
-- The least populous race groups are projected to see large growth
relative to their populations. The older multiracial population, for
instance, would increase from 278,000 in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2050.
-- The multiracial population will continue to be the youngest
population, as the 65 and older percentage would rise from 5.1 percent
today to 7.8 percent in 2050.
-- With the projected more rapid increase in the life expectancy for men
over the next several decades, women would comprise a smaller
percentage of older people: 57 percent of those 65 and older today, 55
percent in 2050. Among those 85 and older, the drop would be even
larger (from 67 percent to 61 percent).
This report is based on the projections released in August 2008. In December 2009, the Census Bureau released a set of four national projections supplementing the series released in August 2008, showing projections to 2050 by age, race, sex and Hispanic origin. These four scenarios assume either high, low, constant or zero international migration between 2000 and 2050. The August 2008 projections remain the preferred series for users.
-----
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The projections are not based on 2010 Census results. Rather, they project 2000 Census counts forward using components of population change -- births, deaths and net international migration.
The expected steep rise in the dependency ratio over the next two decades reflects the projected proportion of people 65 and older climbing from 13 percent to 19 percent of the total population over the period, with the percentage in the 20 to 64 age range falling from 60 percent to 55 percent.
"This rapid growth of the older population may present challenges in the next two decades," said Victoria Velkoff, assistant chief for estimates and projections for the Census Bureau's Population Division. "It's also noteworthy that those 85 and older -- who often require additional caregiving and support -- would increase from about 14 percent of the older population today to 21 percent in 2050."
The findings are contained in the report, "The Next Four Decades: The Older Population in the United States: 2010 to 2050," which presents information on how the age structure of the overall population and the composition of the older population in terms of age, sex, race and Hispanic origin are expected to change over the next four decades. The report provides an analysis of national population projections released in August 2008.
According to the report, minorities would comprise 42 percent of the 65 and older population in 2050, more than double the proportion they comprise today (20 percent). Likewise, among those 85 and older, 33 percent are projected to be minority in 2050, up from 15 percent in 2010. (In the report, the minority population refers to people who are other than non-Hispanic, single-race white.)
Other highlights include:
-- The percentage of the 65 and older population that is Hispanic would
rise from 7 percent today to 20 percent in 2050. In absolute terms, it
would increase more than sixfold -- from 2.9 million to 17.5 million.
At the same time, among those 85 and older, the Hispanic population
would increase more than ninefold, from 305,000 to 2.9 million.
-- Among those 65 and older, 12 percent are expected to be single-race
black and 9 percent Asian in 2050, up from 9 percent and 3 percent,
respectively, in 2010. In addition, 77 percent are projected to be
white alone, down from about 87 percent in 2010.
-- The least populous race groups are projected to see large growth
relative to their populations. The older multiracial population, for
instance, would increase from 278,000 in 2010 to 1.3 million in 2050.
-- The multiracial population will continue to be the youngest
population, as the 65 and older percentage would rise from 5.1 percent
today to 7.8 percent in 2050.
-- With the projected more rapid increase in the life expectancy for men
over the next several decades, women would comprise a smaller
percentage of older people: 57 percent of those 65 and older today, 55
percent in 2050. Among those 85 and older, the drop would be even
larger (from 67 percent to 61 percent).
This report is based on the projections released in August 2008. In December 2009, the Census Bureau released a set of four national projections supplementing the series released in August 2008, showing projections to 2050 by age, race, sex and Hispanic origin. These four scenarios assume either high, low, constant or zero international migration between 2000 and 2050. The August 2008 projections remain the preferred series for users.
-----
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Tuesday, May 18, 2010
After-school Program Develops Mind, Character
/PRNewswire/ -- He's spreading the word, instilling hope, reaching at-risk youth through academic enrichment.
Tony Lowden knows what to do for the 800 students who participate in after-school programs at Campus Clubs in Macon, Georgia, because he was once on the receiving end of such support. Growing up in the Philadelphia ghettos, he lacked hope and, for a while, purpose.
His ticket out of the ghettos and onto a path of opportunity and success was delivered by his aunt, with an assist from above.
"My aunt saved my life. She basically saved me. She introduced me to Christ," says Lowden. "My walk with Christ became stronger as I watched more African-American males die from gangs and drugs. I wanted to one day be in a position to do more to prevent some of that."
Lowden's path to youth service was not a direct route. He enjoyed a brief professional baseball career and then fashioned a career as a successful businessman. Yet something was missing. That's when he rose from the comforts of his stable career and a top salary to become a youth pastor.
Eventually, he became Executive Director of Campus Clubs, which serves the academic and spiritual needs of Macon youth via programs that run from 3 p.m. to as late as 8:30 and include snacks and dinner.
"When they get out of school at three o'clock, their education stops," Lowden said of the way things used to be. "Most of their families can't afford computers. It is criminal to have 80 percent of kids in a city who don't have access to the information highway."
Campus Clubs' twenty-first-century learning centers are changing that. The centers are funded through donations and grants and offer training in the latest software and engaging curricula in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Pitsco Education. Several satellite after-school programs have sprung up in other parts of Georgia, but Lowden has his nets poised for casting over a broader area.
"We believe that the model we have could be the model for after-school programs across the country," he said. "We build robots and rockets and learn about math, science, and other subjects."
Engaging curricula is only part of the equation. Many children from broken homes and poverty aren't usually rooted in faith and morals, so Campus Clubs addresses that deficit with its church-based programs.
A firm believer that government and public education should not advocate the practice of faith, Lowden says those entities should not run from religion either. All parties can coexist with a common goal of raising up at-risk youth and empowering them to one day serve as community leaders.
"Eventually, the cities and government will say that Martin Luther King was right. Education is about intelligence and building character," Lowden says. "Character comes from a spiritual foundation."
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Tony Lowden knows what to do for the 800 students who participate in after-school programs at Campus Clubs in Macon, Georgia, because he was once on the receiving end of such support. Growing up in the Philadelphia ghettos, he lacked hope and, for a while, purpose.
His ticket out of the ghettos and onto a path of opportunity and success was delivered by his aunt, with an assist from above.
"My aunt saved my life. She basically saved me. She introduced me to Christ," says Lowden. "My walk with Christ became stronger as I watched more African-American males die from gangs and drugs. I wanted to one day be in a position to do more to prevent some of that."
Lowden's path to youth service was not a direct route. He enjoyed a brief professional baseball career and then fashioned a career as a successful businessman. Yet something was missing. That's when he rose from the comforts of his stable career and a top salary to become a youth pastor.
Eventually, he became Executive Director of Campus Clubs, which serves the academic and spiritual needs of Macon youth via programs that run from 3 p.m. to as late as 8:30 and include snacks and dinner.
"When they get out of school at three o'clock, their education stops," Lowden said of the way things used to be. "Most of their families can't afford computers. It is criminal to have 80 percent of kids in a city who don't have access to the information highway."
Campus Clubs' twenty-first-century learning centers are changing that. The centers are funded through donations and grants and offer training in the latest software and engaging curricula in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) from Pitsco Education. Several satellite after-school programs have sprung up in other parts of Georgia, but Lowden has his nets poised for casting over a broader area.
"We believe that the model we have could be the model for after-school programs across the country," he said. "We build robots and rockets and learn about math, science, and other subjects."
Engaging curricula is only part of the equation. Many children from broken homes and poverty aren't usually rooted in faith and morals, so Campus Clubs addresses that deficit with its church-based programs.
A firm believer that government and public education should not advocate the practice of faith, Lowden says those entities should not run from religion either. All parties can coexist with a common goal of raising up at-risk youth and empowering them to one day serve as community leaders.
"Eventually, the cities and government will say that Martin Luther King was right. Education is about intelligence and building character," Lowden says. "Character comes from a spiritual foundation."
-----
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Wednesday, April 28, 2010
The Numbers Are in: 72 Percent of Nation's Households Mail Back 2010 Census Forms
/PRNewswire/ -- Slightly more than 72 percent of U.S. households believed to be occupied mailed back their 2010 Census forms, the same rate that was achieved in 2000, the U.S. Census Bureau announced today. In the fall of 2010, the Census Bureau will release a final "mail return rate" after census workers double-check the occupancy status of all households that didn't return a census form.
"This is a significant achievement; the nation has stepped up to the challenge of participating in this once-a-decade civic event," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. "We knew the job would be more difficult in 2010 than in 2000, yet the nation responded tremendously."
America responded despite trends over the past decade toward declining survey participation, a more diverse population, a difficult economic environment and a growing distrust of government.
To motivate increased mail participation, the Census Bureau challenged communities nationwide to work to improve the participation rates they achieved in the 2000 Census. Twenty-eight states met or exceeded their 2000 Census rates, and 11 more were within one point of matching their rates (see separate news release). Numerous cities and counties also matched or exceeded their rates. (See the "Take 10 Challenge Map" for detailed results, or results from the largest cities and counties on the news conference press kit page: http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/operational-press-briefing/april-28-201 0.html)
States with the highest mail participation rates include: Wisconsin (81 percent), Minnesota (80 percent), Iowa (78 percent) and Indiana (78 percent). North Carolina and South Carolina achieved the greatest percentage point increase among all states, both increasing by 9 percentage points (North Carolina jumped from 66 to 74 percent; South Carolina from 65 to 73 percent).
Cities with populations of 50,000 or more with the highest rates were Livonia, Mich. (87 percent), Rochester, Minn. (82 percent) and Sterling Heights, Mich. (82 percent). Charleston, S.C., achieved the greatest point increase (jumping 9 percentage points from 64 to 73 percent). Three cities increased by 8 percentage points: Minneapolis (from 68 to 76 percent); Miramar, Fla. (from 65 to 73 percent) and Surprise, Ariz. (from 63 to 71 percent).
The rates for all states, counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods are on the Census Bureau's interactive mail participation rate map at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.
The nation's response helps pave the way for the next phase of the 2010 Census: the deployment of 635,000 census takers across the country who will go door to door to obtain census responses from all remaining households. The temporary census workers are in training this week and will begin obtaining census responses this weekend. The Census Bureau is urging households to open their doors to their local census taker and will provide more information on this operation at a news briefing May 3.
ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.
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"This is a significant achievement; the nation has stepped up to the challenge of participating in this once-a-decade civic event," said Census Bureau Director Robert Groves. "We knew the job would be more difficult in 2010 than in 2000, yet the nation responded tremendously."
America responded despite trends over the past decade toward declining survey participation, a more diverse population, a difficult economic environment and a growing distrust of government.
To motivate increased mail participation, the Census Bureau challenged communities nationwide to work to improve the participation rates they achieved in the 2000 Census. Twenty-eight states met or exceeded their 2000 Census rates, and 11 more were within one point of matching their rates (see separate news release). Numerous cities and counties also matched or exceeded their rates. (See the "Take 10 Challenge Map" for detailed results, or results from the largest cities and counties on the news conference press kit page: http://2010.census.gov/news/press-kits/operational-press-briefing/april-28-201 0.html)
States with the highest mail participation rates include: Wisconsin (81 percent), Minnesota (80 percent), Iowa (78 percent) and Indiana (78 percent). North Carolina and South Carolina achieved the greatest percentage point increase among all states, both increasing by 9 percentage points (North Carolina jumped from 66 to 74 percent; South Carolina from 65 to 73 percent).
Cities with populations of 50,000 or more with the highest rates were Livonia, Mich. (87 percent), Rochester, Minn. (82 percent) and Sterling Heights, Mich. (82 percent). Charleston, S.C., achieved the greatest point increase (jumping 9 percentage points from 64 to 73 percent). Three cities increased by 8 percentage points: Minneapolis (from 68 to 76 percent); Miramar, Fla. (from 65 to 73 percent) and Surprise, Ariz. (from 63 to 71 percent).
The rates for all states, counties, cities, towns and neighborhoods are on the Census Bureau's interactive mail participation rate map at http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/.
The nation's response helps pave the way for the next phase of the 2010 Census: the deployment of 635,000 census takers across the country who will go door to door to obtain census responses from all remaining households. The temporary census workers are in training this week and will begin obtaining census responses this weekend. The Census Bureau is urging households to open their doors to their local census taker and will provide more information on this operation at a news briefing May 3.
ABOUT THE 2010 CENSUS
The 2010 Census is a count of everyone living in the United States and is mandated by the U.S. Constitution. Census data are used to apportion congressional seats to states, to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds to tribal, state and local governments each year and to make decisions about what community services to provide. The 2010 Census form is one of the shortest in U.S. history, consisting of 10 questions, taking about 10 minutes to complete. Strict confidentiality laws protect the respondents and the information they provide.
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Monday, April 12, 2010
Help Reverse Slide in Tax Checkoff Funding for Georgia Wildlife
A convenient but critical way to support Georgia’s wildlife needs your help this tax season.
State income tax checkoff contributions to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund have declined in recent years. While not an all-time low, contributions for the most recent fiscal year fell another 20 percent, or nearly $60,000 from the previous year.
Yet, the checkoff is a key fundraiser for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. The fund is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section and dedicated to the conservation of nongame and endangered animals and plants statewide.
The Nongame Conservation Section receives no state funding for its mission to conserve nongame wildlife. Nongame includes native Georgia animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as native plants, from sea turtles to songbirds and pitcherplants.
Jon Ambrose, assistant chief of the Nongame Conservation Section, said the Wildlife Conservation Fund is also used to attract federal and private research and conservation funding to Georgia. By using the fund as match, DNR gained $1 for every 25 cents spent from the fund over the past two years. The Nongame Conservation Section has averaged about $1.5 million a year in federal State Wildlife Grants over the past decade, Ambrose said.
The checkoff “is critical in terms of providing the match we need to get this funding from other sources,” he said.
The Give Wildlife a Chance checkoff has been a success since its creation in 1989. Thanks to the generosity of Georgians, more than $6 million has been raised. Contributions played a part in many conservation achievements, varying from the restoration of bald eagle populations to land acquisitions such as the prized Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area near Bainbridge.
That success story can continue with the help of conservation-minded Georgians.
This year, even in the midst of a recession, citizens can reverse the decline in checkoff contributions by filling in any amount more than $1 on line 27 of the state’s long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ). Contributions can be deducted from refunds or added to payments.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/node/338, or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218). State income tax forms are available online at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/.
The Nongame Conservation Section also benefits from sales of the bald eagle and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates, an annual fundraiser called Weekend for Wildlife, and donations. Details at www.georgiawildlife.com.
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State income tax checkoff contributions to the Georgia Wildlife Conservation Fund have declined in recent years. While not an all-time low, contributions for the most recent fiscal year fell another 20 percent, or nearly $60,000 from the previous year.
Yet, the checkoff is a key fundraiser for the Wildlife Conservation Fund. The fund is administered by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Nongame Conservation Section and dedicated to the conservation of nongame and endangered animals and plants statewide.
The Nongame Conservation Section receives no state funding for its mission to conserve nongame wildlife. Nongame includes native Georgia animals not legally hunted, fished for or trapped, as well as native plants, from sea turtles to songbirds and pitcherplants.
Jon Ambrose, assistant chief of the Nongame Conservation Section, said the Wildlife Conservation Fund is also used to attract federal and private research and conservation funding to Georgia. By using the fund as match, DNR gained $1 for every 25 cents spent from the fund over the past two years. The Nongame Conservation Section has averaged about $1.5 million a year in federal State Wildlife Grants over the past decade, Ambrose said.
The checkoff “is critical in terms of providing the match we need to get this funding from other sources,” he said.
The Give Wildlife a Chance checkoff has been a success since its creation in 1989. Thanks to the generosity of Georgians, more than $6 million has been raised. Contributions played a part in many conservation achievements, varying from the restoration of bald eagle populations to land acquisitions such as the prized Silver Lake Wildlife Management Area near Bainbridge.
That success story can continue with the help of conservation-minded Georgians.
This year, even in the midst of a recession, citizens can reverse the decline in checkoff contributions by filling in any amount more than $1 on line 27 of the state’s long tax form (Form 500) or line 10 of the short form (Form 500EZ). Contributions can be deducted from refunds or added to payments.
For more information, go to www.georgiawildlife.com/node/338, or call Nongame Conservation Section offices in Social Circle (770-761-3035), Forsyth (478-994-1438) or Brunswick (912-264-7218). State income tax forms are available online at https://etax.dor.ga.gov/.
The Nongame Conservation Section also benefits from sales of the bald eagle and ruby-throated hummingbird license plates, an annual fundraiser called Weekend for Wildlife, and donations. Details at www.georgiawildlife.com.
-----
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