SEPTEMBER 1997 NEWSLETTER

SAMAB Sponsors Workshop on Sustainability Issue

Community and ecosystem sustainability are concepts that are gaining widespread interest. On July 15 and 16, SAMAB conducted a workshop in Asheville, North Carolina, on the subject of Community Sustainability Indicators. The workshop was organized at the request of the President's Council on Sustainable Development (PCSD). Almost 150 people were invited to discuss community level issues and information needs, and to clarify a process by which communities can use social, economic, and environmental indicators to foster sustainable community development.

People attending the workshop represented communities from across the SAMAB region and from federal and state agencies at national, regional and community levels. Many communities within the region have started to discuss their vision for the future and the community values that are important to them. The workshop highlighted work underway in Chattanooga, Tennessee; Russell County, Virginia, Sevier and Hancock counties in Tennessee; Asheville and Hendersonville, North Carolina and Swain Co., NorthCarolina.

SAMAB's role was to organize the workshop and to demonstrate how the Southern Appalachian Assessment data base might be used by communities. The data base contains both maps and statistical data that can be translated into sustainability indicators. A second objective was to encourage communities to discuss the indicators that were important to them, and if possible, to identify those that were widely accepted.

The North Carolina Arboretum provided an ideal setting for the workshop. Other important sponsors included Western North Carolina Tomorrow (WNCT), and the Institute for Community and Area Development (ICAD) of the University of Georgia. WNCT provided very valuable liaison with the North Carolina communities and ICAD facilitated the indicator identification discussions.

It is hoped that the workshop will be the first step in a continuing relationship between SAMAB and local community development groups. One product of the workshop that should prove useful in this effort is the workbook that contains community data, maps prepared from the SAA GIS Data Base, and reference materials. The SAA GIS Data Base CD-ROM set may be purchased from the SAMAB Foundation for $20.

At the August 14 meeting, the Executive Committee discussed the American Land Sovereignty Bill introduced by Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) which, if passed, would terminate and prohibit existing Biosphere Reserves and seriously curtail World Heritage Sites. It would also restrict the President's right to create national monuments under the Antiquities Act.

As of last June, the bill had 169 cosponsors including the chairs of 11 committees. A strategy for meeting this challenge is being developed. To help SAMAB in getting out accurate information about the Biosphere Reserve program, Tommy Gilbert produced a write-up defending the Man and Biosphere program.

Gilbert said a reasonable approach to the issues raised by the Land Sovereignty Act is urgently needed. "If Congressional action is to be based on factual information rather than divisive propaganda," he said, "it will have to be through constructive legislation.

There has been increased scientific knowledge and public understanding of environmental and natural resource issues, an integrated inter-agency approach to conservation and economic development, and increasing cooperation among government agencies, the private sector, and the public to conserve and sustain natural resources and economic development.

SAMAB Executive Director Hubert Hinote distributed a brief chronology of Biosphere Reserves also prepared by Tommy Gilbert which presents factual information about development of the program. He pointed out that as early as 1960, scientists concluded that cooperation among government agencies was urgently needed to save important ecosystems. Contact the SAMAB office for a copy of Tommy Gilbert's paper.

Executive Director Hubert Hinote suggested that SAMAB reassess its program and objectives in view of a number of factors. "Our situation is changing," Hinote said. The Cooperative has grown from six federal agencies to 12 and has added three state agencies. Moreover the situation with TVA is changing and TVA funding for 1998 is in question.

"Our whole situation needs to be examined," Hinote said. He said this is particularly urgent now in view of the potential shortfall in funding in FY 1998, and since he intends to retire in the next year or so.

Charles Van Sickle, U.S. Forest Service, Southern Research Station (retired), referred to the SAMAB Foundation's plan to reassess its role in SAMAB, and suggested that the cooperative consider a similar move. Executive Committee Chair Karen Wade noted that reassessment of SAMAB will be a major effort requiring "a lot of hours."

Van Sickle said it appears that a restructuring plan for the Cooperative hasn't been thought out as well as the Foundation's plan. He suggested that the Executive Committee review responses to the Foundation's survey and then appoint a committee to start an assessment of the SAMAB Cooperative and coordinating office.

The Foundation survey asked members to consider questions such as:

• What primary functions should the Foundation serve?

• How should the Foundation relate to the SAMAB Cooperative?

•What sources of support, other than funding, can the Foundation obtain?

• Is the designation, "Foundation," misunderstood? Should it be changed to coalition, organization, or whatever?

•What are the immediate issues the Foundation should address?

Park Superintendent Karen Wade said the park has been considering the program for almost a decade, and after reviewing a recent study which assessed the Park's potential elk habitat, managers decided to proceed with plans for an experimental release to determine whether the Park can sustain and hold an elk population.

The Park will be working with wildlife management agencies, adjoining land managers, agricultural interests, and other stakeholders. They will also be preparing an Environmental Assessment prior to the arrival of any elk to consider possible impacts of the move and to solicit public comments regarding impacts.

The project will be in partnership between the National Park Service, the Biological Resources Division of the USGS, and the Rocky Mountains Elk Foundation (RMEF). The RMEF is a national non-profit organization, like Trout Unlimited, dedicated to elk and elk habitat protection.

Following a discussion of priority issues, the committee chairs proposed the following three initiatives for 1997-1998. A draft program of work was circulated by Herbert for review and comments to the working committees and to the executive committee.

(1) A sustainable development initiative recommended by Betsy Smith, John Peine, and Ruthanne Mitchell. The Izaak Walton League has asked SAMAB to produce resource atlases for eight counties in East Tennessee: Knox, Jefferson, Cocke, Sevier, Blount, Loudon, Monroe, and Polk. All these counties have problems with unplanned development and increasing tourism, which puts pressure on the natural resource base.

Members of SAMAB's Sustainable Development and Research- Monitoring committees plan to meet with county and municipal leaders to find out what their major concerns are and what information from the Southern Appalachian Assessment database would help them.

All the other committees: Resources Managment, Public Affairs, and Environmental Education, and Cultural and Historic Resources would provide assistance for this effort.

Cory Berish of EPA stated that grants are available for sustainable development projects but many communities are not aware that they are eligible. He suggested that someone compile a brochure that lists available sources for grants and technical assistance. It was decided that SAMAB's Sustainable Development Committee would draft a proposal for producing the brochure and include the cost.

(2) A watershed initiative proposed by Executive Committee member Charles Van Sickle to help counties cope with problems associated with streams and rivers. The proposed initiative is based upon suggestions from the EPA and the Southeastern Natural Resource Leaders group. Two projects were suggested: (1) Establish an information clearing house to provide public information on community based watershed conservation programs, sources of technical assistance, potential funding sources and lists of who to contact for watershed conservation. Relevant information will be put on the Internet through the SAMAB's web page (http://www.lib.utk.edu./samab).

Initially, the focus would be on the Hiwassee and Little Tennessee watersheds. A second element of the proposed work plan is to hold a riparian restoration symposium during SAMAB's Annual Fall Conference in Gatlinburg (Nov. 5-7, 1997). Bob Butler, US Fish & Wildlife Service - Asheville, is coordinating this event which will take place on November 7, the Friday morning session.

(3) An exotic (non-native) species/native plants program. The concept for this initiative was developed by SAMAB's Environmental Education Committee and follows up on the Bio-Control Workshop held at the North Carolina Arboretum in September 1966. Gene Cox of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Hilary Vinson of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service chair the committee and offered the work plan to promote the use of native plants and to control exotic pests. Their plan will encourage the use of native plants by natural resource land managers and will also stress the importance of using native plants in residential landscape design.

Finding funding for an Exotic Species Coordinator is an important part of the work plan. Public education materials and exhibits will be prepared with assistance from the public affairs committee, chaired by Terry Seyden of the National Forests of North Carolina.

Executive Committee Chair Karen Wade recommended that an Executive Committee member be assigned to each of the proposed initiatives on sustainable development, watersheds, and exotic species to provide coordination and oversight to the working committees.

Cory Berish and Boyd Rose of the Economic Development Administration will work with the Sustainable Development Committee. Nancy Herbert (US. Forest Service, Southern Research Station) and Brian Cole (US Fish & Wildlife Service-Asheville) will assist the Environmental Education Committee, and Dana York and Briane Adams will work with the Resources Management Comittee as they look into the watershed initiative.

A publication entitled, "Banks and Buffers: A Guide to Selecting Native Plants for Streambanks and Shorelines," was circulated The guide was developed by TVA's Clean Water Initiative and Environmental Research Center to support comprehensive efforts to improve water quality in the Tennessee Valley through watershed protection and restoration activities.

An accompanying plant database and computer software on CD ROM includes 117 native species. The computer software is compatible with Microsoft Windows 3.1 and Windows 95. The cost is $25.00, plus $5.00 for shipping.

To order copies please call:(423) 751-7338, e-mail, cadavis@tva.gov or write:TVA Water Management, 101 Market Street, TVA CST 17B, Chattanooga, TN 37402-28

The Resource Management Committee has a new chair, James "Chip" Ramsey, District Conservationist with USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Serviceoffice in Knoxville. Chip will be looking for new and old members of the committee for assistance. If you would like to serve on this committee, please contact him at 423-525-9361 or by e-mail at jramsey@tn.nrcs.usda.gov.

Dr. Elizabeth Smith (TVA), who co-chairs the Research and Monitoring Committee with Allen Ratzlaff (US Fish & Wildlife Service), announced they are restarting an old committee, GIS/Database Subcommittee. The subcommittee will be chaired by Dr. Frank van Manen, senior computer systems specialist with the Biological Resources Division-Southern Appalachian Field Laboratory. The GIS/Database SubCommittee will facilitate updates to the SAA database. Members of the subcommittee will be people involved in maintaining databases within their agencies. According to Dr. Smith, the subcommittee will produce an annual report to document updates to the SAA.

The Cultural and Historical Resources Committee will search for funding to support the North Carolina Trail of Tears Association's historical Cherokee archeological and historical research program. A research proposal prepared by David Moore, North Carolina Department of Archives and History, was presented to Boyd Rose of the Economic Development Administration office in Atlanta. For more information about the North Carolina Chapter of the Trail of Tears Association, contact David Moore, North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, Western Office, 1 Village Lane, Suite 3, Biltmore Village, Asheville, NC 28803 or call 704-274-6789.

Terry Seyden of the Public Affairs Committee said his committee will provide assistance to the proposed Program of Work initiatives outlined at the meeting by Nancy Herbert.

Harold Draper of TVA-Knoxville, who chairs the Environmental Coordination Committee, reported that his committee is responsible for a half-day session at SAMAB's Fall Conference November 5-7. He asked for help in lining up speakers to discuss National Environmental Policy Act Compliance and Endangered Species topics.

New Members Needed For SAMAB Committees

At the suggestion of Executive Committee Chair Karen Wade, Executive Director Hubert Hinote is to lead an effort to beef-up the committees. Of the seven committees, six need new members

G. Robert Kerr, president of the SAMAB Foundation since 1992, announced at a July 30 meeting that he will resign as soon as a replacement is found. He said his growing workload makes it impossible to continue to serve.

Kerr was recently named chairman of the National Parks and Conservation Association, and is active in trying to settle a waterway dispute involving Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.

A Vision and Search Committee was formed to seek a successor to Kerr and to redefine the Foundation's mission. Charles Van Sickle, former associate director of Forest Service's Southern Research Station in Asheville, heads the committee. Tommy Gilbert suggested that now would be a good time also to redefine the Foundation's mission. The Board concurred.

Kerr said the Foundation will continue to play a strong role in the SAMAB organization. "The Foundation has an important role in shaping natural resource and policy management for the Southern Appalachian region in the future,." he said. The Foundation Board approved four new members at its meeting and is looking for more. Those approved were: Don Barger, southeastern regional director for the National Parks and Conservation Service Association; Lynn Cox, executive director of the Southern Appalachian Highlands Conservancy in Asheville; Dr. James Dooley, director of Western North Carolina Tomorrow and emeritus professor at Western North Carolina University; and Tommy Gilbert of Knoxville, who was instrumental in establishing the Man and Biosphere program in the United States.

Hubert Hinote reported on legislation introduced by Don Young (R-Alaska) to eliminate Biosphere Reserves and World Heritage sites. Another congressman is reportedly attaching a rider to all FY 1998 appropriation bills stating that no money will go to Biosphere Reserves. Gilbert said there is an opportunity to "turn this around" and get legislation introduced that would be favorable to the Biosphere Reserve concept.

Hinote recommended that stronger linkage be made with the Southern Growth Policies Board, which sponsors a Commission on the Future of the South. A committee for the 1998 commission has already been named. The Foundation approved $3,300 for a Exotic Pest public education materials and a web site . The Board will meet next during the SAMAB Fall Conference in Gatlinburg in November.Fall Conference Announcement and Call for Papers Goes OutSAMAB's eighth annual Fall Conference will be held November 5-7 at the Holiday Inn Sun Spree in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The planning committee sent out the announcement and the call for papers to more than 3,700 persons and organizations. The announcement is posted on the SAMAB web page at (http://www.lib.utk.edu./samab).

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S REPORT

Cooperative Faces Fund Shortage:The Cooperative faces a difficult financial situation. To date indications are that contributions from member agencies will not be enough to meet expenses for FY 1998.

On Other Matters:

The US Geological Survey plans to produce a video to increase public appreciation for Southern Appalachian's historical and physical geology. A tentative title for the film is "Reading the Rocks-The Billion-Year Story of the Southern Appalachians."

The intended audience for the video would be visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the Blue Ridge Parkway, the National Forests of southern Appalachia, and residents of the region.

The Southern Growth Policies Board (SGPB) named a new Commission on the Future of the South for 1998. Hubert Hinote urges the Southeastern Natural Resources Leaders Group and the SAMAB Cooperative to become involved in this. It should be noted that the SGPB does not effectively address natural resource issues. We may be able to get them interested in that field.

The Southeast Working Group of "Partners in Flight" will meet October 3-4 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. For information contact Bob Ford, Tennessee Conservation League, 300 Orlando Ave., Nashville, TN 37209 - phone: 901-327-1752.

Environmental Partnerships for a Sustainable Future: Lessons for a New Era, is the title of an environmental science symposium to be hosted by Ferrum College at Vaughn Chapel in Ferrum, Virginia on October 1-3, 1997. For more information see the web site at http://www/ferrum.edu/environment or call Donna Dougherty at 540-365-4241.

US EPA Region 4 and SAMAB will co-sponsor the Pollution Prevention/Green Manufacturing Conference on Nov. 17-19, 1997 in Atlanta. Contact Douglas C. McCurry, USEPA Region 4 at 404-562-8649.

SURF THE WWW:

he Environmental Working Group

http://www/ewg.org

EPA Surf Your Watershed

http://www.epa.gov/surf

American Heritage Rivers

http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/heritage/rivers.html

Terrene Institute

http://www.terrene.org

Save Our Streams

http://www.iwla.org

Upper Chattahoochee Riverkeeper

http://www.riverkeepe.org/

Native Plant Organizations

http://www. wildflower. org

Georgia Trail of Tears History

http://www.ngeorgia.com/history