Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week - Blue Moon Edition

~Virtual Newspaper for an Aquatic World~

FEMA to Assess Impact of Proposed National Flood Insurance Program Changes 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced its intention to prepare a "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement" (PEIS) on its proposed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) modifications. Here is the Federal Register notice on the PEIS, including notice of an opportunity for public comment (through October 9). The Notice of Intent for this PEIS was originally published in the May 16, 2012 Federal Register, and that comment period closed on July 16. 

In 1968, the U.S. Congress created the NFIP to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves from flood-related damages. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding. The changes being considered by FEMA under would result in modification of the NFIP in the following specific areas:

1. Elevation standards for new construction would be increased 
2. Floodplain management standards for critical facilities would be changed 
3. Restrictions on floodway development would be strengthened 
4. Future conditions and residual risk in floodplain management would be integrated 
5. Fill in floodplains would be discouraged, and 
6. The impacts of floodplain development on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains to include endangered and threatened species would be taken into account. 

For more information, follow this link.

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week  

Drought-

Status

Latest USDA Drought Monitor Map
(click to see larger version)

• Extreme and exceptional drought conditions eased slightly in KS, OK, IA, SE NE, and IL over past week http://bit.ly/rak0SU
• New York Times interactive set of graphics regarding the U.S. drought http://nyti.ms/SIt5MC "Drought Extends; Crops Wither"
• Could Tropical Storm Isaac actually help break US drought?  http://bit.ly/U8fFta
• Rainfall of Hurricane Isaac remnants welcomed, but unlikely to break drought gripping U.S. Midwest http://yhoo.it/NwHcpc
• Isaac will lessen drought impacts, but only in some places http://bit.ly/OFov18
• Drought-weary farmers are concerned they could end up getting too much of a good thing with Isaac rainfall http://wapo.st/PRRn6s
• After a blistering summer, Illinois begins a slow crawl out of drought http://trib.in/OFnJRA

Impacts

• Residential wells are running dry for people who live outside municipal water districts in drought stricken Midwest http://nyti.ms/P8Cuhh
• Effects of drought reach New Orleans, as Topical Storm Isaac could add insult to injury http://bit.ly/SGjsya
• Rain comes too late for Iowa's corn crop as drought weighs on Midwest minds http://bit.ly/NFrjXR
• U.S. bioethanol production will fall by 10% in coming year, as drought spikes corn prices http://reut.rs/NwGZm0
• 85 year-old Dust Bowl survivor sees parallels to heat  but not hardship in today's US drought http://bloom.bg/OtWzvc
• USDA projects that U.S. farmers will make record profit amid worst drought in more than five decades http://buswk.co/OtWTKe
• Kansas farmers preparing to plant winter wheat into driest soil since 1991after three seasons of drought http://bloom.bg/PRRNJY

Federal Policy

• Federal drought measures not enough for small-scale farmers being pushed out of only line of work they’ve ever known http://bit.ly/SIrLtj
• Drought rallies critics of federal renewable fuel standard, which reserves ~40% of US corn crop for ethanol production http://lat.ms/SItUFd
• USDA announces 2-month extension for emergency grazing on Conservation Reserve Program acres (drought relief) http://1.usa.gov/OtVTFW

Gulf Coastal Region-

• Gulf Coast levees stronger, floodwalls higher and residents and cities better prepared since Hurricane Katrina http://usat.ly/U8f7DM
• Tropical Storm Isaac update: New Orleans levees hold; Obama OKs more aid; Authorities plan intentional levee breach  http://bit.ly/Ue6yaq
• Tropical Strom Isaac wreaks havoc in Baton Rouge, poses flood threat to region http://bit.ly/Ue6YO9
• New Orleans defenses strained as Hurricane Isaac pounds Gulf coast http://bit.ly/UbPy4x
• Mississippi coastal towns' measures taken after Katrina help with Hurricane Isaac pounding http://bit.ly/Ue7H1z
• Hurricane Isaac weakens but still threatens major flooding nyti.ms/Ue82Bm and wapo.st/OqpJeo
• Residents rescued from Hurricane Isaac flooding in Louisiana's Plaquemines Parish http://bit.ly/Ue8hfQ
• USGS reported Mississippi River flowed backwards due to Isaac for nearly 24 hours Tuesday. http://bit.ly/PRP6Iu
• Isaac moves inland as residents blame upgraded levees for flooding http://bit.ly/SYm5x5

Farm Bill-

• FAPRI report comparing House Committee and Senate farm bill versions updated with an accounting correction http://bit.ly/NwHJra
• If there is no agreement on farm bill next month, most likely Congress will pass short-term extension of current law http://reut.rs/NwIaBK
• "Farm Bill Now" coalition has grown to 46 agricultural groups http://bit.ly/O5BMw0; speaks at Farm Progress Show http://bit.ly/NwIjoZ
• Former USDA Secretary: odds are Congress won’t pass Farm Bill before September 30; will probably pass an extension http://bit.ly/PRQPxo
• 44 organizations send letter to Senate and House Ag Committee leaders urging Farm Bill passage; policy changes http://bit.ly/PRQZoG

Agriculture -

• UN Food and Agriculture Organization: need to transform way water is used and wasted throughout entire food chain http://bit.ly/NYRiuC
• USDA ERS: Median total farm household income increased by 5.4% in 2011; expected to increase 1.2% in 2012 http://1.usa.gov/NwGNDj
• Two-edge sword: Hurricane Isaac will damage crops; delay harvests yet aid farmland with the water http://bit.ly/SRQz3w
• New USDA study shows wind erosion control is greatest Missouri River Basin conservation need http://1.usa.gov/TAlihv (also see link below)
• USDA-NRCS releases CEAP-Cropland report on effects of Missouri River Basin cropland conservation practices http://1.usa.gov/PRRcrM

Water Quality -

• Inconclusive tests hint that Oak Ridge radioactive waste may be moving under Clinch River (TN) http://bit.ly/SIDNCO
• Federal District Court rules Tennessee Valley Authority liable in 2008 coal ash slurry spill http://bit.ly/SIGnsH
• Proceedings of Royal Society of London paper: target phosphorous in fight against blue-green algal blooms http://bit.ly/OtYpMx and http://bit.ly/OtZxj2
• Local government officials; utility leaders ask Congress to invest in clean water projects; provide flexibility http://bit.ly/OtYLCU

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, Supplies, etc.) -

• FEMA intends to prepare Environmental Impact Statement on proposed National Flood Insurance Program modifications http://1.usa.gov/SIe4uc (PDF)
• Vermont's flood-prone Mad River Valley has emerged as a laboratory for federal, state and regional floodway planning http://bfpne.ws/SIyymN
• Industrial water in high demand in North Dakota with yearly sales estimated at between $45 - 120 million bit.ly/SID8Bw
• Army Corps of Engineers examining alternatives to fixing an Ohio River levee it considers among most precarious http://nyti.ms/U80Ab9
• South Dakota criticizes proposed Army Corps charges for Missouri River water taken from six basin reservoirs http://bit.ly/U8gFgW
• Mississippi Agricultural and Forestry Experiment Station researcher: Sustainable farming controls water flow http://bit.ly/OtZmV7
• Logjam of Mississippi River barges caused by drought is worsening after New Orleans terminal Hurricane Issac closures http://bloom.bg/PRRz5z

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

• Wisconsin native freshwater mussels at risk from soaring temperatures; below average rainfall; shrinking lakes/rivers http://bit.ly/PVuBdg

Resource Extraction -

• Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District (OH) approves land access to two drilling companies for fracking http://ohne.ws/SIFNLw
• U.S. Forest Service to allow hydraulic fracturing in southeastern Ohio national forest http://bit.ly/U8gl1P
• Frac-sand mining companies in Wisconsin form new trade group in face of mounting mining opposition http://bit.ly/RqQaPY

Events-

• Happy "World Water Week!" Have a cup of H2O and say "Cheers!" http://bit.ly/19lRcJ
• Announcing National Conference on Ecosystem Restoration 2013 Call for Abstracts (due November 1) http://bit.ly/SIw9bJ
• Association for Study of Literature & Environment invites Conference proposals (May 28-June 1, 2013, Lawrence, KS http://asle.ku.edu/
• Webinar: Water Quality Report Cards-Assessments made accessible, the Massachusetts experience; 9/12; 11 AM EDT http://bit.ly/Ouv432
• ‘Farm Bill Now’ rally hosted by agricultural organizations, September 12, 11 AM EDT, Washington, D.C. http://bit.ly/OtXwDx
• 10th Biennial Conference on Environmental Psychology; September 22-25, 2013; Magdeburg, Germany http://bit.ly/OtZMKY
• 2013 Ohio Stormwater Conference (May 8-10, 2013) call for abstracts (deadline November 1) http://bit.ly/obUWyg

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

• August 24 issue of "Delta Dispatches" now available, with latest Gulf of Mexico Coastal restoration news http://bit.ly/P8DK3X

Other news-

• Study: avid climate change deniers tend to be either extreme free marketeers or conspiracy theorists http://bit.ly/RUw8nA
• American Meteorological Society: Humans are "dominant cause" of climate change http://bit.ly/PVzQcW

Political Scene -

• Senate race poll: Rep. Akin (R-MO) favorability rating 17% positive; 56% negative; trails Sen. McCaskill (D-MO) by 9% http://wapo.st/SIq5Qk
• Rob Wallace (D) and Markwayne Mullin (R) win primaries; to face off in OK 2nd US House district race http://bit.ly/NwIQHz
• Hurricane Isaac Gulf Coast disaster relief spending could spark Congressional debate; enter into presidential race http://bit.ly/NwJ1Cy

Last Word -

"It suddenly struck me that that tiny pea, pretty and blue, was the Earth. I put up my thumb and shut one eye, and my thumb blotted out the planet Earth. I didn't feel like a giant. I felt very, very small." - Apollo 11 Astronaut Neil Armstrong, first human to walk on the Moon

FEMA to Assess Impact of Proposed National Flood Insurance Program Changes

Figure courtesy FEMA

The  Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has announced its intention to prepare a "Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement" (PEIS) on its proposed National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)modifications. Here is the Federal Register notice on the PEIS, including an opportunity for public comment (through October 9). The Notice of Intent for this PEIS was originally published in the May 16, 2012 Federal Register, and that comment period closed on July 16.  It has been reopened now until October 9. 

In 1968, the U.S. Congress created the NFIP to help provide a means for property owners to financially protect themselves from flood-related damages. The NFIP offers flood insurance to homeowners, renters, and business owners if their community participates in the NFIP. Participating communities agree to adopt and enforce ordinances that meet or exceed FEMA requirements to reduce the risk of flooding.

FEMA proposes to evaluate the following proposed action and alternatives in this PEIS:

1. Modify the NFIP based upon changes identified through a previously undertaken evaluation process to enhance floodplain management standards including provisions to address endangered species and habitat concerns. This is FEMA’s proposed action. 
2. Take no action, which would result in the continued administration and implementation of the NFIP as it stands today. 
3. Discontinue the NFIP, recognizing that only Congress can take this action. 
4. Request legislative authority to remove existing subsidies and cross subsidies for flood insurance policies. 
5. Modify the NFIP based upon changes identified through the evaluation process to enhance floodplain management standards including provisions to address endangered species and habitat concerns and
   request legislative authority to remove existing subsidies and cross subsidies for flood insurance policies.

The changes being considered by FEMA under Alternative 1 would result in modification of the NFIP in the following specific areas:

1. Elevation standards for new construction would be increased
2. Floodplain management standards for critical facilities would be changed
3. Restrictions on floodway development would be strengthened
4. Future conditions and residual risk in floodplain management would be integrated
5. Fill in floodplains would be discouraged, and
6. The impacts of floodplain development on the natural and beneficial functions of floodplains to include endangered and threatened species would be taken into account.

According to a FEMA notice concerning the PEIS, comments must be identified by "Docket ID FEMA-2012-0012" and submitted by one of the following two methods:

1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments. Please note that this notice of intent is not a rulemaking and that the Federal Rulemaking Portal is being utilized only as a mechanism for receiving comments. 
2. Mail: Regulatory Affairs Legal Division, Office of Chief Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Room 835, 500 C Street, SW., Washington, DC 20472-3100. 

Those seeking further information should contact Emily Blanton, FEMA, Office of Environmental Planning and Historic Preservation, 1800 South Bell Street, 7th Floor, Arlington, VA 20598-3020. Phone: (202) 646-2585. Fax: (202) 646-4033.

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

~Virtual Newspaper for an Aquatic World~

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week  

Drought-

Status

Click map to see larger version

• Here is the latest U.S. Drought Monitor weekly map http://bit.ly/rak0SU (August 21)
• Financial Times: Drought and climate scepticism in the corn belt http://on.ft.com/PqZR4e
• Midwest rainstorms provide drought relief; experts: not enough to mitigate lasting devastation to corn and soybeans http://bit.ly/Rwlpzv
• US's most withering drought in decades got worse in several key farming states last week http://bit.ly/R6RaZn

Impacts

• Farm Belt  drought not an immediate threat to create another Dust Bowl or widespread crop failure http://usat.ly/R6KpGT
• Standard & Poor's: Private crop insurers could lose $5 billion or more from drought claims http://bloom.bg/R6OB9A
• US drought will lead to price increases next year as effect of animal feed shortages trickles through supply chain http://on.ft.com/RwlS4E
• Kentucky cattle farmer feeding cattle candy to fatten them up in face of drought feed impact http://lat.ms/R6NOWi
• Mississippi River saltwater intrusion from Gulf triggers scramble to ferry in emergency supplies http://on.wsj.com/ORoIQ9
• Low water levels have led Coast Guard to periodically close 11-mile Mississippi River stretch to ships this month http://nyti.ms/PRLs26
• Ninety-seven vessels were stranded Monday on the Mississippi River near Greenville, MS due to low water http://reut.rs/SONYDd
• Frantic bid to keep drought-hit Mississippi River open for business as hundreds of barges lie stranded http://bit.ly/Nqe2SS
• In Midst of a Drought, Keeping Traffic Moving on the Mississippi http://nyti.ms/R6GB8J
• Squeezing barges through narrow and shallow Mississippi River channels becomes expensive, sometimes impossible, chore http://bit.ly/R6RQhs
• Drought disrupts everyday tasks in rural US Midwest http://nyti.ms/NqcEzu

Federal Policy

• Army Corps of Engineers has more than a dozen dredging vessels working Mississippi River to mitigate drought impacts http://nyti.ms/Rwm8kf
• Green groups worry Congress will cut USDA Conservation Reserve Program amidst drought http://bit.ly/RwoWxy

Farm Bill-

• University of Missouri: “Impacts of Selected Provisions of the House Agriculture Committee and Senate Farm Bills” http://bit.ly/RwkIGp
• Louisville Courier-Journal: Farm bill languishes while fields bake in drought http://cjky.it/ORlJaj
• 39 organizations roll out coalition's demand that Congress pass 5-year farm bill before programs expire in September http://bit.ly/R6ToIh

Agriculture -

• Opinion editorianl piece on the ethanol mandate and food prices on CNN bit.ly/PzEiOu
• Study released on agricultural commodity transport issues in light of deteriorating roads, highways, locks, dams, ports http://bit.ly/PRMon6

Water Quality -

• Illinois EPA calls for factory farm to cease waste spraying, clean up spill at Hooper Branch and Beaver Creek http://bit.ly/ORmCje
• Tennessee Clean Water Network Files 60-Day Notice of Intent to Sue  company  over alleged clean water violations http://bit.ly/R6Lb6W (pdf)
• Federal judge: Tennessee Valley Authority was responsible for massive 2008 coal ash spill outside of Knoxville, TN http://tnne.ws/Nqclov
• USEPA outlines Emory and Clinch rivers' bottom coal ash cleanup options: Leave it, cover it or scoop it http://bit.ly/NqdD2G

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, Supplies, etc.) -

• Are Water Wars in Missouri River's Future? (re: Army Corps reallocation analysis) bit.ly/RwsyQ7
• Public meetings Aug 20-29; Army Corps MO River Municipal & Industrial Reallocation (potential water supply changes) 1.usa.gov/Rwr7RH
• In Illinois: Rebirth of a Wetland: Emiquon restoration receives international recognition http://huff.to/R6HJsR

Forestry -

• Industries claim in court US Forest Service illegally regulates national forests; gives scientists "improper influence" http://bit.ly/R6Hoq4

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

• In Oklahoma: $100,000 Grant to Restore Migratory Bird Habitats http://bit.ly/R6HRIS
• Minnesota Conservation Partners Legacy Grant Program fall funding cycle closes 9/26 (re: prairies, wetlands, forests) http://bit.ly/R6IiTB
• Interior and Commerce departments propose new rule designed to simplify designation of new critical habitat http://1.usa.gov/R6Nmas
• There are 19 potential Asian Carp pathways between the Great Lakes and carp-infested Mississippi River basin http://bit.ly/Nqdo7M
• Biologists refining methods of dealing with invasive Asian carp http://bit.ly/NqfW5G

Gulf Coastal Region-

• Funding for 2012 cycle of Gulf of Mexico Foundation's Community-based Restoration Partnership now available http://bit.ly/R6JpT8

Events-

• September 26-28 Upper Mississippi River Conference early-bird registration ends September 7 http://bit.ly/NE8aGW 
• America's Great Watershed Initiative Summit, Sept. 26-27; St. Louis, MO http://bit.ly/Oj1SLj

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

• Tennessee Clean Water Network weekly e-newsletter  http://bit.ly/R6Llek
• The Horinko Group's monthly sustainabulletin e-newsletter http://bit.ly/R6QpiX

Other news-

• Revamped "recreation.gov" US federal website offers "one-stop shop" for planning outdoors trips http://1.usa.gov/GW6X0
• EPA awards $16.9 Million to Louisiana to help fund safe public drinking water systems http://1.usa.gov/R6K2MK
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration report: Watershed and fish habitat restoration projects create jobs http://bit.ly/R6N3fZ (pdf)

Political Scene -

• Competing internal polls show Rep. Bobby Schilling (R-IL-17) leading challenger Cheri Bustos (D) by between 9 and 13%  http://bit.ly/PRPF5Z
• Poll: in US Senate race McCaskill (D) leads Akin (R), 48 to 38 % among 500 likely Missouri voters http://politi.co/PeO0mW

Last Word - 

"I mean, what kind of people would elect someone like that to Congress?" - Comedian Stephen Colbert in part 67 of his 434-installment series, "Better Know a District," when he took a look at Minnesota's 5th congressional and interviewed its U.S. Congressman, Keith Ellison.

Universal Fill-in-the-Blank Farm Bill Update

In lieu of posting hundreds of repetitive links to news articles on the status of the U.S. Farm Bill, this will do just fine, and kill fewer data bytes in the process:

"The (Senator/House Member/President) said during the meeting that it is crucial that a comprehensive five-year farm bill be passed as soon as possible and it is a shame that it hasn't been passed yet. (He/she) stressed that (he/she) is willing to work with the other side, but that it is the (Republicans/Democrats/President) who (is/are) simply shirking (their/his) responsibility by (going on recess/playing politics) while farmers suffer from the drought."

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

~Virtual Newspaper for an Aquatic World~

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week  

Drought-

Status 

Click http://1.usa.gov/RZsVlq to see 
full size USDA Drought Designation map 

National Climatic Data Center: drought in lower 48 US states eased last week from 62.5 to 61.8% coverage http://bloom.bg/N8mlm2
NOAA: "Exceptional drought conditions" expanded over the last week in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Oklahoma http://bit.ly/rak0SU
Return of the Dust Bowl: parched Midwest prairies face a natural disaster not seen since 1930s 'dusters' ind.pn/NpaaDx
Nature Climate Change article confirms climate model predictions-future US droughts will be more severe http://wapo.st/OeLSwL
Map of USDA 2012 Secretarial Drought Designations to Date (PDF file): http://1.usa.gov/RZsVlq

      Impacts

• Wired Science Blog: Why King Corn Wasn't Ready for the Drought http://bit.ly/OUN1Lg
• Oil companies desperately seeking water amidst Kansas drought http://cnnmon.ie/NkDZc7
• Drought prompts USDA reductions in US crop forecasts http://nyti.ms/NkErqB and http://bit.ly/NkEItQ
• National Crop Insurance Services: too early to tell how large farm industry’s drought losses will ultimately be http://bit.ly/NkFwPb (PDF)
• Army Corps predicts Missouri River flow this year will be at about 85 percent of average due to drought http://sacb.ee/MtZ3eT
• Cooler weather and rain in Midwest slow crop deterioration but won’t make much of a difference http://wapo.st/Mu0REt
• As US farmers plan upcoming planting of 2013 winter wheat crop, concern mounts re: when and if drought will ease bit.ly/PmoZdw
• NBC News: 2012 drought has humbled mighty Mississippi River as barge industry gets stuck http://nbcnews.to/RZvDHv
• Mississippi River saltwater intrusion prompts Chalmette officials to declare state of emergency; buy New Orleans water http://bit.ly/PsGybS
• Mississippi River Is Drying Up As Massive Drought Continues alturl.com/krpbx

Federal Policy

• Arkansas, North Carolina Governors ask EPA to waive ethanol fuel mandate; issue rife with political implications http://reut.rs/N2tmF1
• Federally mandated ethanol quota debated by corn farmers and meat industry in light of drought http://nyti.ms/Rnh2Xr
• USDA designates 172 additional counties in 15 states as primary natural disaster areas due to drought and heat http://1.usa.gov/Oj2jVP
• Drought and climate skepticism abound in corn belt and thwart climate policy changes http://on.ft.com/Oj3aFW
• Omaha World-Herald editorial: while politicians bicker, agricultural producers left to cope with drought http://bit.ly/RZtlrU
• Contract awarded to build saltwater barrier protecting Mississippi River drinking water http://bit.ly/NgXsG8

Farm Bill-
We could post plenty of tweets here on the status of the U.S. Farm Bill but they would all basically say the same thing:

• "The (Senator/House Member/President) said during the meeting that it is crucial that a comprehensive five-year farm bill be passed as soon as possible and it is a shame that it hasn't been passed yet. (He/she) stressed that (he/she) is willing to work with the other side, but that it is the (Republicans/Democrats/President) who (is/are) simply shirking (their/his) responsibility by (going on recess/playing politics) while farmers suffer."

Agriculture -

• Survey: Agricultural researchers find it difficult to communicate findings; communication needs support http://bit.ly/PeGPiq
• Report: Corn ethanol waiver's effect on corn prices uncertain http://bit.ly/OiXnAq
• Despite drought, some of best US corn-growing land still selling for more than $10,000 an acre on.wsj.com/N8nkTe
• InvestigateWest: "Agriculture is nation's biggest water polluter but usually goes unpunished" http://bit.ly/RnhtRt

Water Quality -

• Lowest Minnesota River summertime flow in 24 years provides unique water quality research opportunity http://bit.ly/MtZx4H
• New Method to Remove Phosphorus from Wastewater (ScienceDaily) http://bit.ly/NGWeGV
• Patriot Coal reaches agreement with environmental groups re: selenium pollution from WV mountaintop mines http://bit.ly/Rnil8I

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, Supplies, etc.) -

• Scientists intently studying health of Minnesota wetlands http://bit.ly/RGnUhx
• Scientific American: Farmers deplete "fossil water" around the world http://bit.ly/Tlcuy2
• April 14, 1956 Southeast Missourian photo essay: Mississippi River viewing before flood wall http://bit.ly/RZwisw

In the States -

• Federal and Ohio state officials defend safety of "fracking" waste disposal via injection wells http://bit.ly/MtZPs7

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

• New study: North American freshwater fish species extinction rate highest ever observed http://exm.nr/RwUali
• They're coming! Asian carp invasion encroaching on Ohio, Allegheny and Monongahela rivers and their tributaries http://bit.ly/MtZaa0
• Editorial: time for Ohio River states to demand Federal effort to keep Asian carp out of Ohio River system http://bit.ly/OiWHLa
• Emerald ash borers spread south of Minneapolis, MN http://bit.ly/PsJRQ7
• Interior Dept. Survey: Wildlife-related recreation rebounds after 20-year decline http://on.doi.gov/OiZkgj (PDF)
• Minnesota Public Radio: Losing wetlands to crop production could greatly affect wildlife http://bit.ly/OzQDnA
• Hackmatack National Wildlife Refuge approved by DOI; runs from Wisconsin into Illinois http://goo.gl/t4z30

Gulf Coastal Region-

• Questions linger re: Louisiana ability to administer BP-funded Gulf restoration-nation's largest ecosystem project ever http://bit.ly/MTAZmW

Resource Extraction -

• Plans for Western KY 692-acre strip mine reveal shifting alliances between environmentalism and community-building http://nyti.ms/PYK0pi
• Environmental orgs decry Kentucky coal producer agreement to export 9M tons of coal/yr to India over 25 years http://cjky.it/PsBp3n 

Events-

• 5th Annual Upper Mississippi River Conference: "Make Room for the River" Sept 26-28, Stoney Creek Inn, Moline, IL http://bit.ly/MUHR1O
• America's Great Watershed Initiative Summit, Sept. 26-27; St. Louis, MO http://bit.ly/Oj1SLj
• Security and Sustainability Forum's Food Security in an Urbanizing World webinar; Sept 5; 1:15 - 2:45 PM EDT http://bit.ly/NedwwN
• Save the date: Annual Midwest Fish & Wildlife Conference; Dec 9 - 12, Wichita, KS - Call for papers now http://bit.ly/NcHT2a
• EPA Schedules Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations Meeting, Aug. 30 in Arcadia, Iowa http://bit.ly/PtHo88 (EPA release: http://1.usa.gov/N8lamE)

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

• The Army Corps' summer edition of "Our Mississippi" can be read here http://bit.ly/Mv57nf

Other news-

• EPA seeking feedback on beta version of Community-Focused Exposure and Risk Screening Tool http://1.usa.gov/NgTygv
• Volunteers on front line in protecting Ohio's 14 scenic rivers http://bit.ly/Mv5NJi
• "Top 8 State Parks in America" include four in Mississippi River Basin (MN, OK, TN, KS), and River's source http://bit.ly/RZxJXV

Political Scene -

• New Gallup poll: one in 10 Americans approve of job Congress is doing - an all time record low http://bit.ly/OvqrKJ
• Former WI Governor Thompson wins Wisconsin's GOP US Senate primary; will face Rep. Baldwin in fall http://politi.co/PmiAPr
• Former US Rep Nolan wins Democratic nomination for MN 8th district US House seat; to face freshman Rep. Cravaack (R) http://bit.ly/PmjWtq
• State Rep. Mark Pocan (D) wins primary race to fill Rep Tammy Baldwin's WI-2 US House seat (Baldwin running for Senate) http://bit.ly/Pmkq2K
• KY state lawmaker’s potential gain from massive Kentucky-India coal deal raises concern http://bit.ly/RngwZl

Last Word-

"Mr. Peabody's coal train has hauled it away." - From "Paradise," a John Prine lament over the destruction caused by coal mining in Kentucky's Green River valley (this, in light of the announcement this week of a deal to strip and ship 225 million tons of Kentucky coal to India).

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

~Virtual Newspaper for an Aquatic World~

National Research Council Completes Three-Year Review of USGS Water Quality Program
The National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) has released a pre-publication report resulting from a three-year analysis of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). The report, entitled "Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program," provides perspectives of on past NAWQA Program activities and makes recommendations regarding the current and future design and scope of the Program (see this earlier blog post for a summary of those activities and recommendations). The study is the result of a three-year review of NAWQA by the NRC "Committee on Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program." You can view the report’s Table of Contents and read it in full by clicking this link.

Olympic News Now!  - - - "USA!  USA!"

As the USA and China battle at the moment in their London 2012 Olympic quest for gold medal supremacy, Team USA is already at the top of the leader board and bringing home medals by the corn-bushel-full on the heat and drought front.  And the USA are breaking records right and left in the process! The competition is quite literally melting away, although Russia and Brazil are giving the United States a run for its money in the unrelenting global pursuit of gold.  You can follow this article link and click on the story links under "Drought," below, to see all of the record-setting details, and to read how the climate change advocate and denial crowds have gone wild at the results (or, mad, perhaps - it's hard to tell which).  USA!  USA!

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week  

Drought-

Status

Click to see large version of
August 7 Drought Monitor map

• Weather improving, but too late for US corn crop http://nbcnews.to/MGSeYA
• July hottest month in US in 118 years of records: wapo.st/ORZixK
• What cornfields show, data now confirm: July set mark as US hottest month on record http://nyti.ms/P7jTlc
• NOAA US Drought Monitor record: 62.9% of contiguous US experienced moderate-exceptional drought at end of July http://on.wsj.com/P7k53V
• Free Webinar: Covering the Drought; National Press Foundation, August 21; 11 AM-noon EDT; register: http://bit.ly/OLI1pF

Impacts

• USDA releases much anticipated Fri AM crop report; Drought Hit Corn Hard; USA Today: http://usat.ly/Neftcs & WSJ: http://t.co/SMP63T7J
• Drought dries up stretch of Platte River, slows barges on lower Mississippi http://nbcnews.to/N8bZob
• BBC News reports on US drought from severely-affected southern Illinois; article: http://bbc.in/NpG5Cd and video: http://bbc.in/NnqggW
• Mississippi River barge traffic halted at two locations temporarily as vessels run aground in low water http://reut.rs/N8bwSO
• Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City: “Initial (Economic) Impacts of the 2012 Drought" (PDF file) http://bit.ly/Q2VEzM
• As US drought continues, crop insurance losses are expected to break records and top $20 Billion http://cnnmon.ie/NPDNkJ
• In Oklahoma, statewide more than 78,330 acres have burned in wildfires since Friday http://bit.ly/Mqu8uY
• NY Times: Midwest's Fairs, Like Crops, Are Drooping With the Heat http://nyti.ms/Mqw3zY
• How the US drought could cost building owners $7,000 or more (dry soil contraction puts foundations at risk) http://dmreg.co/MqwCcZ
• Only about 1% of Nebraska state pastures are in good or excellent condition http://goo.gl/WvHFP
• Op-ed: Cows go hungry, farmers plow up conservation land for corn, and food prices rise. Nobody wins. http://bit.ly/QFDZlX
• US drought kills and threatens thousands of fish, mussels, birds and deer  http://bit.ly/PAmI8N
• Corn, soybean and wheat prices continue to rise as devastating drought across US Midwest hobbles crop supply http://wapo.st/P7kFP8
• Nervous hedge fund managers, commodity merchants, government officials and farmers will carefully watch Fri AM's US grain statistics http://on.ft.com/P7l18c

Federal Policy

• Bipartisan group of 14 Senators in letter to President calls for creation of Interagency Drought Task Force http://1.usa.gov/Q2ULXT
• Punishing drought has the makings of an issue that presidential candidates will soon need to focus on more intently http://politi.co/Mqt9Lz
• Feds announce series of small emergency steps to help farmers affected by drought http://1.usa.gov/OLLfcw
• NRCS announces cover crop sign-up for Minnesota's drought-affected counties http://cbsloc.al/P1Z7BU
• Washington Post editorial: Don't blame heat and drought on climate change -yet- but demand Federal action http://wapo.st/P9p97Z

Farm Bill-

• On PBS, Roll Call's Newhauser says only grassroots effort and "constituent anger" can break Farm Bill stalemate http://to.pbs.org/Mqqmlq
• Split widening on the Farm Bill between conservative farmers and Republicans opposed to subsidies http://bit.ly/Q2RQyz
• New bipartisan effort in US House to dislodge stalled farm bill facing early roadblocks http://bit.ly/Q2SRXe
• Conservative magazine calls for axing US House Farm Bill; calling it "worst major piece of domestic policy legislation" http://bit.ly/QGQbFo
• Obama calls on Congress to pass stalled five-year farm bill and help alleviate drought impacts http://bit.ly/OLL54T

Agriculture -

• National Agricultural Library seeks public input on Water Quality Information Center Website; survey: http://bit.ly/MquwKb
• Ag Media Summit: Congress doing to farmers what it's been doing to economy; small business owners -creating uncertainty http://bit.ly/Mqr5mF
• Number of US farmers markets surges http://ow.ly/cIoEb
• USA Today: Local food stirring more debate as new research suggests its benefits may be being oversold http://usat.ly/P20LTZ
• Ethanol groups form coalition to save federal support for biofuels http://bit.ly/Q35kKw
• New environmental groups' report: Farm subsidies add to grass & wetland loss; news piece bit.ly/QGPGuR & report bit.ly/QGPFqZ
• This new Renewable Fuels Association ad touting corn-based ethanol to appear in IA and MN movie theaters http://youtu.be/3ln9yCEA9mM (video)
• IA Governor: ‘folks on east and west coast’ don’t know enough to know ethanol plants use very little of US corn supply http://bit.ly/MqsqtH
• "Smart Water Use on Your Farm or Ranch" - primer on conservation-oriented approaches to water use http://bit.ly/P1YRTk

Water Quality -

• Amid new lawsuit, USEPA appears unwilling to repeat Florida battle in Mississippi River basin; may "work with states" http://bit.ly/P7iQSg
• Indiana, Kentucky and Ohio sign on to Ohio River Basin Water Quality Trading Project; largest nutrient credit-trading plan http://bit.ly/Nnp25g
• Journal AWWA article: Moving From Adoption to Implementation of Numeric Nutrient Criteria (PDF file) http://bit.ly/P7iGu5
• Pilot project driven by WI's new phosphorus rules will reduce phosphorous runoff, save money through cooperation http://bit.ly/P7i8UY
• Mississippi Public Broadcasting: Conservation Officials Look to Farmers to Fight Gulf Dead Zones http://bit.ly/P7hpTT
• Archived Webinar now available: The Clean Water Act, EPA Regulation, and the Future of Farming http://bit.ly/N8grDs
• National Research Council Completes Three-Year Review of USGS Water Quality Program http://bit.ly/MqnzZF
• EPA publishes new web page on harmful algal blooms http://bit.ly/MqyWRg
• EPA Clean Water Act Section 319 Program "success spotlight" highlights work on Eagle and Joos Valley Creeks, WI http://1.usa.gov/MqzKFM
• USGS and NGWA Congressional briefing presents arguments for US groundwater monitoring system http://bit.ly/Nnplgv

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, Supplies, etc.) -

• Experts divided on whether Keystone XL pipeline poses threat to massive Ogallala Aquifer irrigating much of central US http://wapo.st/Mqxrm6
• Mississippi River Commission schedules low-water inspection trip in Missouri River Basin http://bit.ly/N4OgsE

In the States -

• Free water quality test kits available for small livestock producers in Iowa  http://bit.ly/NnpCji

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

• These invasive species databases will arm you with knowledge 1.usa.gov/NSVgqV
• Asian carp threaten other aquatic species of Mississippi River's Pool 2; could easily spread farther upstream http://bit.ly/QZ1uHX
• War on aquatic invasive species ramps up in Minneapolis MN west metro lakes http://bit.ly/QGQP5F
• Scientists studying climate change impacts on Great Plains grasses by simulating "super drought" http://bit.ly/Mo45F1
• Agencies and conservation groups team up to protect and restore Minnesota's 235,000 acres of prairie http://bit.ly/QFDKY1
• Wisconsin DNR Conducting Online Elk Restoration Surveys (Clam Lake area) http://bit.ly/QFFd0I

Gulf Coastal Region-

• EPA awards $100,000 to Louisiana to shrink Gulf of Mexico "dead zone" http://1.usa.gov/QGRFPS
• Researchers: hypoxia off TX coast sometimes due to water from local Brazos River (not Mississippi River) entering Gulf of Mexico http://bit.ly/OLGHTy

Resource Extraction -

• Louisville, KY environmental attorney turns down Office of Surface Mining award, citing Obama administration inaction http://cjky.it/Mqx4I6
• Research suggests oil/gas field fracking poses risks to drinking water supplies http://bit.ly/Mqy0w6
• Yellow Spring could become first Ohio town to ban all oil and gas drilling and waste wells http://bit.ly/P21wfY
• Missouri pilot project to test potential to transform mine tailings sites into biofuel crop sites http://bit.ly/QFFxfX

Events-

• Chance to experience the working Mississippi River on an authentic tug boat: http://bit.ly/Q2YZyN (via @unifymissriver)
• Center for Watershed Protection's Watershed and Stormwater Conference, Oct 8-10; Baltimore MD ($695) http://bit.ly/OLHP9R
• Free Webinar: Covering the Drought; National Press Foundation, August 21 11 AM-noon EDT; register here: http://bit.ly/OLI1pF
• Call for proposals: Conference on Protected Areas in a Changing World (Parks, refuges, etc.) 3/11-15/13; Denver, CO http://bit.ly/NL6LN0
• Abstract call: Can ecotourism, biodiversity conservation & sustainable community development be merged; 11/3/12; Keene NH http://bit.ly/NL9Axk

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

• Missouri Coalition for the Environment's Kiefer Creek project summer newsletter http://bit.ly/OLHlk2
• National Research Council Completes Three-Year Review of USGS Water Quality Program http://bit.ly/MqnzZF
• National Academies releases publication - Disaster Resilience: A National Imperative http://bit.ly/PF8aEZ
• Journal of Soil and Water Conservation: A holistic strategy for adaptive land management http://bit.ly/P1YxUD

Other news-

• The Nature Conservancy launches Great Rivers website with Mississippi River Basin foundation http://bit.ly/OLIGHo
• New study ties heat waves to climate change http://wapo.st/OxbNOw
• Republican lawmakers:  Summer's harsh weather doesn't change their mind about global warming http://bit.ly/Ta554w
• WA State U researchers: fluctuating water levels behind dams and in reservoirs emit large amount of greenhouse gases http://bit.ly/Tg2OVs
• Ameren Missouri (power co) planning new coal waste landfills at 2 MO coal-fired power plants along Mississippi River bit.ly/PF9eIX
• Largest US coal ash waste pond (along Ohio River) to close, but future Federal rules still undecided http://bit.ly/P9qvzp
• Almost 1/4 of world's population lives in regions where groundwater is used up faster than being replenished http://bit.ly/MQRCuS

Political Scene -

• Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO) wins MO's hotly contested GOP US Senate primary; to face Sen. McCaskill (D) in Nov http://bit.ly/OLK6Su
• Sen. Claire McCaskill (D-MO) widely seen as the most endangered Democratic senator in country http://politi.co/MqpugH
• Rep. William Lacy Clay (D-MO) beats fellow Democratic Rep. Russ Carnahan in primary battle of US House incumbents http://bit.ly/OLKuQI
• In a race for the bottom, Obama and Romney battle for the pro-coal mantle bit.ly/OK9hYc
• Plummer (R) campaign poll shows him leading Enyart (D) by 17% in US House race for vacated Costello (D-MO-12) seat http://bit.ly/P7jnUf
• Rep. Joe Donnelly (D) effectively tied with state Treasurer Richard Mourdock (R) in Indiana US Senate race poll http://bit.ly/P22F7e
• Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL-2) staff: he will seek reelection and return soon from medically-related absence http://bit.ly/NntAs9

Last Word -
"The most amazing mess." - U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK) describing the state of the Farm Bill in Washington, DC's halls of Congress.

Olympic News Now! Heat and Drought Records Fall! USA! USA!

As the USA and China battle at the moment in their London 2012 Olympic quest for gold medal supremacy, Team USA is already tops at bringing home the medals by the bushel-full on the the heat and drought front, and breaking records right and left in the process! The competition is quite literally melting away.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced earlier this month that the lower 48 U.S. states had outdistanced the other competitors in the monthly heat sprint by crossing the July finish line at a record 77.6°F pace! That's a wilting 3.3°F above the Twentieth Century average and marked not only the hottest July on record but was the hottest month - period - ever recorded for the nation! The USA is not the only country in the medal mix, however, with Russian heat and Brazilian rain also straining the global food chain and pushing up food prices worldwide at rates unseen since 2009.

But wait. Those are not the only winning marks to be had in July, as the month's U.S.-averaged precipitation total of 2.57 inches was a full 0.19 inch below average, contributing to near-record dry conditions in the nation's mid-section, with the drought footprint expanding to cover nearly 63 percent of the lower 48 states, according the U.S. Drought Monitor. Surely, an Olympian feat to be proud of. Unwilling to stop there, the

Drought Team USA euphoria spread to other USA team members, as the hot and dry conditions made for ideal wildfire conditions. More than 2 million acres burned in wildfires nationwide during July, an acreage mark nearly half a million acres above average, the fourth highest to burn since 2000, and more than enough to bring home the gold for this Olympiad!

And the crowds have gone wild as these golden moments materialized before their very eyes! Advocates for climate change policy cited this recent extreme weather as a "teachable moment." Anthony Leiserowitz, director of Yale University's Project on Climate Change Communication, for example, argued that "People aren't just simply puppets being pulled one way or the other depending on what's going on with the weather. They learned from what's going on. They remember what's going on." On the opposite side of the climate stadium, indicating that not quite everyone remembers and learns, and that some people may simply be puppets after all, onlookers who have denied the link between these record-setting events and climate change continued their denial. A denial proving, perhaps, that this Olympic moment may not be so "teachable" after all, and that other records are sure to fall in future months and years.  "USA! USA!"

National Research Council Completes Three-Year Review of USGS Water Quality Program

The National Academies' National Research Council (NRC) has released a pre-publication report resulting from a three-year analysis of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) National Water Quality Assessment Program (NAWQA). The report, entitled "Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program," provides perspectives of on past  NAWQA Program activities and makes recommendations regarding the current and future design and scope of the Program.  The study is the result of a three-year review of NAWQA by the NRC "Committee on Preparing for the Third Decade (Cycle 3) of the National Water-Quality Assessment (NAWQA) Program."

The Committee's report specifically comments and provides recommendations on:

1. Present and future water-quality issues that should be considered for addition to the NAWQA Program's scope;
2. NAWQA Program components that should be retained or enhanced;
3. Opportunities for NAWQA to better collaborate with others in pursuing Program objectives;
4. Technical soundness of strategic science and design plans for  NAWQA's third decade; and
5. NAWQA Program ability to meet objectives entering into the Program's third decade.

In its report, the Committee notably recommends that NAWQA:

• "Focus on core mission areas where it has unique capabilities, for the program’s own implementation efforts;
• "Leverage resources with other agencies to achieve more of the objectives of the Cycle 3 Science Plan;
• "Foster higher levels of involvement and investment by other agencies;
• "Help others design their own programs to meet identified national objectives of the Cycle 3 Science Plan without NAWQA’s direct involvement;
• "Explore incentives, for example, access to NAWQA technical assistance, which will enable more sharing of effort for data collection, analysis, and technological innovation across the entire program."

You can view the report’s Table of Contents and read it in full by clicking this link.

Mississippi River Basin Water Resource News for the Week

~Virtual Newspaper for an Aquatic World~

NOAA Scientists Measure Small Gulf Hypoxic Zone; Link Size Reduction to Drought Conditions
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's ("NOAA's") National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science (or NCCOS) announced on July 27 that its scientists had observed the fourth smallest hypoxic or oxygen-free zone in the northern Gulf of Mexico since record-keeping began in 1985. Drought conditions in the country's midsection are largely believed to have directly resulted in the "dead zone's" smaller than average size (2,889 square miles).  Read more related articles under "Water Quality," below, and in this earlier blog article.

Showcase, Short-term Farm Disaster Aid Package Passes House - Going Nowhere Fast 
While the worst U.S. drought in 56 years intensified, late yesterday afternoon, House Republicans pushed through a largely showcase, short-term $383 million package of loans and grants for livestock producers and a limited number of farmers. The House disaster relief bill (HR 6233) focuses on providing loans and grants to producers of livestock and fruit trees impacted by the drought during the current (2012) Fiscal Year, and would pay for its $383 million price tag by capping the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program during Fiscal Year 2013. While the bill will give farm state House Republicans political cover when they go home to face drought-stricken farmers, the prospects for its consideration by the Senate are slim and its likelihood of enactment into law effectively non-existent. To read details of the House bill, its prospects, and its relation to the comprehensive farm bill, see this article.

Notable @UpperMiss Twitter Postings for the Week
Drought-

Conditions

• Drought intensifies in most-parched areas of U.S. http://wapo.st/OtA9vu
• Worst US drought in 56 years intensified over the past week bit.ly/M1wuGd
• USDA designates 98 Illinois counties disaster areas; no drought relief predicted through October http://trib.in/N0NmM2
• USDA's addition of 218 counties yesterday means >half of all US counties are designated disaster areas http://bit.ly/RfpF0x
• Where Things Stand - Drought, Heat, Crop Futures and Groceries http://bit.ly/OEaIZd
• Drought and soaring temperatures are leading to unprecedented warmth in U.S. Midwest lakes, streams and rivers http://usat.ly/Rf7cRv
• South-central US likely to see triple-digit heat throughout this weekend and into first full week of August http://bit.ly/T3aXMQ
• About 2/3 of Nebraska now in extreme to exceptional drought; a week ago number was 5%; Iowa goes from 0 to 25% http://bit.ly/NMBMCN
• First significant rainfall in more than a month drops about a half-inch across most of Iowa; state still "parched" http://dmreg.co/QKplqa
• Scientists warn it’s the "new norm" after worst drought in 800 years http://soc.li/CpcRcCf

Impacts

• Drought Forces Livestock On To Conservation Lands http://on.wqad.com/ASVlEsV
• Scientific American: Drought Devastates U.S. Corn and Soy Crops ~ http://bit.ly/MPUzOM
• Drought forces Mississippi River barges to lighten loads for fear of getting stuck http://reut.rs/NMyPSU
• Corn prices raced to record high Monday as heat relentlessly pounded crops across much of US http://bit.ly/PkSPcN
• Widespread use of crop insurance and record corn and soybean prices have cushioned US drought's impact on growers http://on.wsj.com/OCAahI
• Downriver Mississippi River low water is economic concern for up-river shippers http://bit.ly/T3aKt1
• Survey confirms drought impact on Midwest economy http://minnpo.st/Op9Zat
• Drought contributes to drying of Midwest economy; ripple effects may not be fully felt for six months http://dmreg.co/RfbloD
• Record heat contributing to multiple reports of early July fish kills across MI, MN, WI, IN and IL http://bit.ly/OGtQ7p

Federal Policy

• USDA announces two new pieces of disaster assistance for farmers; ranchers impacted by worsening drought http://1.usa.gov/No0u9y
• DTN: Drought Disaster Becomes a Can-Kicking Game for Congress http://dld.bz/bEcnF
• Two conservation programs will be capped to pay for farm disaster aid bill - CBO "score" details cuts and costs: tl.gd/il12k2
• Environmental Working Group opposes drought disaster package proposed by U.S. House as shortsighted; counter-productive http://bit.ly/McFIK6
• DTN: Disaster Aid Package Finds Few Friends http://bit.ly/RaJ8nk
• House Floor statements Ag Committee Chair http://1.usa.gov/NMquBt & Ranking Member http://bit.ly/NMqG3N on Agricultural Disaster Assistance

Farm Bill-

• Heritage Action for America op-ed urges breaking massive farm bill "into manageable, understandable pieces" http://on.wsj.com/No0bM0
• Ag Committee Chair Lucas "riding herd" on GOP effort to produce House Farm Bill nyti.ms/NnZH8B
• Iowa Congressmen urge quick vote on the farm bill: http://bit.ly/PHpMno
• Rep. Braley (D-IA) will seek to force House vote on five-year Farm Bill package using "discharge petition" process http://dmreg.co/NnZMJv
• Dan Glickman and Jim Moseley Op-ed: Decades of farmland conservation gains at risk http://bit.ly/OFlKKe

Agriculture -

• Church, social service foster urban farming in Des Moines, Iowa http://bit.ly/QKStxr
• U of WI researchers & companies receive $7M fed grant to evaluate ethanol production from cow manure; Manitowoc Co, WI http://bit.ly/QWAN6z
• Global grains powerhouse Cargill urges U.S. government to temporarily curb its ethanol quotas as corn supply drops http://reut.rs/Pmr5ok
• No-Till Travels Better than a Farm Bill Extension http://bit.ly/OntqjO (via @ChrisClaytonDTN)
• MN Supreme Court reverses appeals court decision: says drifting pesticides from farm don't constitute trespassing http://bit.ly/NbcFHH
• Environmental groups question EPA on withdrawal of livestock information-gathering rule http://bit.ly/Rf2K5j

Water Quality -

• Federal judge throws out new EPA guidance aimed at reducing water pollution from coal mining operations http://bit.ly/T3a7Qc and http://bit.ly/T3aryt
• Unlined wet coal ash dump in Ohio River valley (in PA and WV) to close on heals of PADEP complaint filing http://bit.ly/T1PiEF
• EPA awards $11.4 M to OK Water Resources Board to support Clean Water State Revolving Fund program http://1.usa.gov/LV6o1S
• Duke and Baylor universities ' researchers: WV mountaintop removal is harming water quality far downstream of mining http://bit.ly/LVac3n
• Decades of mountaintop-removal mining may have harmed aquatic life along >1700 miles of southern WV streams http://bit.ly/OmJ6WF
• EPA to drop permit requirement for CAFOs that propose surface water discharges http://bit.ly/NMzwLT (PDF file)
• Sand County Foundation comes out in support of EPA approval of Wisconsin's phosphorus rule bit.ly/PHpeOu
• Gulf of Mexico Dead Zone Down After Drought; 4 articles http://fxn.ws/QKrHoX  http://sacb.ee/QKrIJL  http://bit.ly/QKrLFi  http://bit.ly/QKrSk7 
• Researcher says big drought resulted in a smaller dead zone in Gulf of Mexico http://bit.ly/QKqDSd
• House T&I Committee Passes Three Controversial Bills Limiting EPA Powers http://bit.ly/NnUhKS
• Sen. Mike Johanns (R-NE) introduces bill to ban US EPA from conducting "aerial surveillance" for one year http://bit.ly/No0Pcp

Water Resource Management (Floodplains, Dams, Navigation, Wetlands, Flooding, etc.) -

• Army Corps warns of dredging on falling Mississippi River and tributaries without a permit http://bit.ly/MSn0bv
• Awards "roll in" for Greater New Orleans Hurricane and Storm Damage Risk Reduction System http://bit.ly/LV7xGM (PDF file)
• Over prolonged period, water consumption in Minneapolis and St. Paul (MN) has been declining steeply and steadily http://bit.ly/LVccZa
• Army Corps will continue to release water from upstream KS reservoirs to provide navigation support on Missouri River http://bit.ly/NMyH5R
• Missouri River drought impacts diluted by releasing northern reservoir water reserves, while Mississippi River hit hard http://bit.ly/MVD2Vq
• Des Moines Water Works ended July with record high water usage amid historic drought and water conservation plan http://dmreg.co/RfcsVv
• Army Corps of Engineers presents plans for West Bank (LA) wetland restoration projects to mitigate levee-caused losses http://bit.ly/RfdEbd

In the States -

• New WV appeals board decision is demanding tougher mining permit reviews and tightening water quality limits http://bit.ly/Rf9EYv
• MO DNR to hold public meeting on permitting for coal ash landfill at Ameren Missouri's Rush Island power plant http://bit.ly/RfaBQv

Forestry -

• USDA Blog: Secretary's Column: Managing our Forests to Drive Job Growth http://ow.ly/cylCG

Biodiversity, Wildlife and Invasives -

• MN DNR confirms zebra mussels in Lake Minnewaska near Glenwood, MN http://bit.ly/QnD7y

Gulf Coastal Region-

• Army Corps: no action should be taken on $2.9B Mississippi River-Gulf Outlet restoration plan because LA won't pay 35% http://bit.ly/MVDNxI
• Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign's "Delta Dispatches" July 30 issue http://bit.ly/MVOXCJ

Resource Extraction -

• Appellate court rules for towns in PA fracking suit; overturns key parts of state's new natural gas development law http://lat.ms/LV9zqv
• Nationwide Insurance announces it won't offer coverage for property damage caused by hydraulic fracturing http://bit.ly/MVCHlF
• WI business group urges Mining Association not to discuss mining bill with Dems/environmentalists until after election http://bit.ly/SWtryk
• WI iron mining areas extend into Mississippi River Basin; map here: http://bit.ly/LVbhrS
• IL DNR denies permit for 600-acre coal mine in Illinois River floodplain and near town and wildlife area http://cbsn.ws/NbaEex

Federal Budget -

• Senate Majority Leader Reid announces 6-month deal to fund federal government through March 2013; averting 9/30 shutdown http://politi.co/PjjS80 and http://bit.ly/MhsW2W
• Republican & Democratic leaders agree to extend current government funding levels through first 6 months of FY2013 http://on.wsj.com/OCBjpD
• Congress set to punt on taxes, cuts -"looks like it is gearing up to do what it does best: stall" http://politi.co/RfhdhP

Events-

• Volunteers pluck trash from low Cedar River during 25th Annual River Cleanup bit.ly/MOme4z
• Pathways to Success conference: Integrating Human Dimensions into Fish & Wildlife Management; Breckenridge, CO; 9/24-27 http://bit.ly/y3WUzz
• Upper Mississippi River Basin Association meetings scheduled for August 28-30; La Crosse, WI http://bit.ly/d1ksBR (open to public)
• NRC meeting on Levees & the National Flood Insurance Program: Improving Policies & Practices; August 15; St. Louis, MO http://bit.ly/Psqx02
• Celebrate National Farmers Market Week! — August 5-11 http://bit.ly/OEhfTQ
• 32nd International Symposium of the North American Lake Management Society; Nov 7-9 Madison, WI http://bit.ly/OFkoPA

e-Newsletters, Publications and Journals -

• American Farmland Trust's July e-newsletter, including MN and WI farm conservation coverage http://bit.ly/Og2xhK
• Mississippi River Delta Restoration Campaign's "Delta Dispatches" July 30 issue http://bit.ly/MVOXCJ
• Tennessee Clean Water Network July 31 e-newsletter with special nutrients and fracking coverage http://bit.ly/QfwLEo
• From the Council for Agricultural Science & Technology: "Water & Land Issues Associated with Animal Agriculture: A U.S. Perspective" abstract; free download: http://bit.ly/OIWogt

Other news-

• "Heat in the Heartland: 60 Years of Warming in the Midwest" looks at five major Midwest urban areas bit.ly/OTxd7j
• Senators introduce revised version of legislation to preempt U.S. EPA regulation of coal ash disposal http://bit.ly/OFn9R8

Political Scene -

• Poll finds Sen. McCaskill (D-MO) down in Missouri's US Senate race; trailing all 3 possible GOP opponents http://bit.ly/Qy7fHU
• Rep. Geoff Davis (R-KY-4) resigns from Congress, effective immediately http://politi.co/OCLeLE
• Former WI Governor Thompson locked in a three-way fight for Wisconsin’s GOP US Senate nomination http://wapo.st/RffYPz
• August primaries can end careers of some US Reps; possibles include Akin, Clay, Carnahan (MO); Black (TN) http://bit.ly/RfnF8g
• Chuck Fleischmann (R-TN-3) wins U.S. House seat primary in redrawn Tennessee district http://bit.ly/OFmwqF

Last Word -

"Like its politicians and war, society has the teenagers it deserves." - Joseph Priestley, who, on August 1, 1774, "discovered" oxygen, after conducting his most famous oxygen-generating experiment (heating mercuric oxide in an inverted glass container).  He isolated an "air" that appeared to be completely new, and called his discovery "dephlogisticated air."

Showcase, Short-term Farm Disaster Aid Package Passes House - Going Nowhere Fast

While the worst U.S. drought in 56 years intensified, late yesterday afternoon, House Republicans pushed through a largely showcase, short-term $383 million package of loans and grants for livestock producers and a limited number of farmers. The House disaster relief bill (HR 6233) focuses on providing loans and grants to producers of livestock and fruit trees impacted by the drought during the current (2012) Fiscal Year, and would pay for its $383 million price tag by capping the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program. The measure passed 223 to 197 (roll call vote list here), with 35 mostly farm-state Democrats joining Republicans in support. Democrats voting against the bill objected to the manner in which the farm legislation has been handled, while some Republicans who voted against the bill objected to its high costs. Most Democrats held out for the broader bill, and also objected to the bill's GOP author's manner of offsetting costs by cutting conservation program funding.

While the bill will give farm state House Republicans political cover when they go home to face drought-stricken farmers, the prospects for its consideration by the Senate are slim and its likelihood of enactment into law effectively non-existent. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) said earlier in the week that he would be happy to call up anything the House passes, as long as it looks similar to the disaster-aid provisions that the Senate passed in June as part of its five-year farm bill. It does not. The Senate-passed measure would help a broader range of agricultural producers than does the House GOP bill. But while on the surface it might look as if the Senate is blocking further action on disaster aid, the opposition to the House's one-year disaster assistance approach is much broader than that. Farm and conservation groups largely favor providing disaster aid, but what most actually want is a comprehensive five-year farm bill (one that includes disaster provisions that would preclude Congress's need to address drought and flood losses on an annual basis). And those groups are concerned that passing the GOP version of short-term drought aid might delay Congressional consideration of the long-term, comprehensive farm bill even more than it has already been.

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), who chairs the Senate Agriculture Committee, took to the Senate floor soon after the House disaster aid bill vote to say that lawmakers would work informally over their August recess to try to put together a new disaster relief measure to present to Congress when it meets again in September; a bill more consistent with the Senate's approach.

On the issue of farm bill passage, House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH-8) on Thursday showed no signs of moving the measure to the House floor anytime soon, noting that the farm bill passed out of the House Agriculture Committee lacks the support needed to move beyond the House, primarily because of divisions over food-stamp funding in the farm bill's nutrition title. Boehner stressed, "Frankly I haven’t seen 218 votes in the middle to pass a farm bill."

Where Things Stand - Drought, Heat, Crop Futures and Groceries

Hot, dry weather is ruining crops and pushing futures prices to record highs. Consumer food prices tick up, too, but the ultimate impact on grocery costs tends to be muted. (graphic from Chicago Tribune).

Stand-alone Agriculture Disaster Relief Bill Released

House leaders have released the text for the new farm disaster relief bill to "make supplemental agricultural disaster assistance available for fiscal year 2012 with the costs of such assistance offset by changes to certain conservation programs, and for other purposes." The House is expected to vote on the stand-alone drought relief bill on Thursday before Members leave for the Congressional five-week recess. The substitute will restore livestock indemnity and forage programs that have expired, with some assistance also being provided for specialty crop producers.  The disaster aid would be paid for by capping the Conservation Stewardship Program and Environmental Quality Incentives Program during Fiscal Year 2013.

For more background, see this earlier story on the development of this bill as a replacement to the earlier House GOP one-year farm bill extension bill proposal.

UPDATED (August 1 - 1:59 PM): One-Year Farm Bill Extension Pulled in Favor of Stand-alone Disaster Relief Bill

Facing likely defeat, the GOP pulled its one-year farm bill extension bill from today's House docket in favor of a narrower, $383 Million disaster aid bill. The House Rules Committee late on Tuesday pulled the farm bill extension from its agenda at the last minute, essentially killing any chance that it would be voted on this week by the House. The House instead will be voting on a stand-alone drought relief bill; probably on Thursday before Members leave for the Congressional five-week recess. The substitute will restore livestock indemnity and forage programs that have expired, with some assistance also being provided for specialty crop producers. To reduce costs below those provided in the combined one-year Farm Bill - disaster relief bill (which provided for both 2012 and 2103 relief), the aid under the stand-alone will apply only to 2012. That represents a reduction of about $256 million below the relief costs included in the one-year farm bill extension. Offsets to pay for the disaster relief will reportedly come from imposing caps on two conservation programs, mirroring a House Appropriations Committee cap proposal contained in its Fiscal Year 2013 USDA appropriations bill.

Assuming the House bill passes, the Senate will face pressure to also pass the measure before week's end. There is an outside chance that it may actually wait until after Senators return from their August recess to consider the House bill or a Senate counterpart.  Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-OR) is said to have filed on Tuesday morning a similar drought relief bill in the Senate.  Earlier this month, Merkely had sponsored S. 3395, the Wildfire and Drought Relief for Ranchers and Farmers Act of 2012; however that bill called for funding the aid with funds from the Commodity Credit Corporation.

While Senate Republicans have expressed a willingness to take up the bill and approve it before next week, prior to the Republican announcement, Democrats had been divided on how to proceed if the House presented a disaster aid-only bill. Some Democrats, notably Senate Agriculture Committee Chair Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), continued yesterday to press for a full five-year Farm Bill approach. However, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) left the door open to considering a stand-alone disaster bill, saying about the House yesterday that "if they want to do something about drought relief, send that to us." .