American Heritage Rivers Updates
Volume 4 Number 1
January 2001
American Heritage Rivers National Conference Develops "Portland
Agreement"
Community representatives from across the country, meeting in Portland, Oregon November 15-17, identified several key recommendations relating to the American Heritage Rivers (AHR)
Initiative. Their summary document, called the "Portland Agreement," noted that the AHRI has
been successful in helping to build broad based partnerships, establish community priorities and
has supported a common vision for river communities. To fully capture investments made to
date and to realize the full potential of the Initiative, the "Agreement" also identifies the
importance of continuing the efforts started through the AHR Initiative.
The agreement addressed key principles and objectives of the Initiative. It states, "The American
Heritage Rivers (AHR) Initiative is a community-led, community driven effort, comprised of all
sectors of society, brought together in common cause to bring about a balanced use of our rives.
We strive to be inclusive and representative of all sectors of society, . . .. Our vision is diverse,
broad-based, representative and inclusive. We focus on balancing protection of the environment,
preserving our history and culture, and revitalizing the economies to meet the needs and visions
of our communities.
For the full text, click on Portland Agreement.
Best Management Practices Manual For Soft Engineering of Shorelines Just Released
The Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative released its Best Management Practices Manual for Soft Engineering of Shorelines. The manual is designed to provide insights and technical advice on where, why, and how to incorporate soft engineering of shorelines into shoreline redevelopment projects.
Soft engineering is the use of ecological principles and practices to reduce erosion and achieve the stabilization and safety of shorelines, while enhancing habitat, improving aesthetics, and saving money. Historically, many river shorelines were stabilized with concrete and steel to protect developments from flooding and erosion, or to accommodate commercial navigation or industry. Typically these shorelines were developed for a single purpose. Today, there is growing interest in developing shorelines for multiple purposes so that additional benefits can be accrued.
The manual will be a valuable tool for planners, developers, shoreline property owners, consultants, regulators, and concerned citizens. It presents 14 soft engineering case studies, including recent information on economic benefits. The complete report is available online at: http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/report_cover.html.
Woonasquatucket receives $100,000 grant for a "Green Spaces" Inventory of the six
watershed communities.
At the Pass the Paddle event on the banks of the Woonasquatucket, RIDEM Director Jan Reitsma
announced the receipt of a $100,000 Green Spaces Inventory grant for the Woonasquatucket
River Watershed. This grant will provide funds to identify natural, cultural, historic and
recreational resources within the six communities that warrant protections and preservation or
restoration. Additionally, the Woonasquatucket River Watershed Council was recently awarded
a Watershed Assistance Grant (WAG) from River Network and EPA to fund a full-time
coordinator for the Watershed Council.
Blackstone River Expedition Successfully Launches Blackstone River Coalition
From 9/20-9/23, 30 intrepid paddlers representing diverse interests began their 48-mile
expedition from the headwaters of the Blackstone River in Worcester, MA to the tidal water
influences of Narragansett Bay just outside of Pawtucket, RI. No expedition has ever canoed the
river's entire length or documented what is found along its banks. From businessmen to
environmentalists, the paddlers represented a cross-section of the community seeking a variety of
waterway improvements to the bi-state river and watershed. As a result of the expedition, a bi-state coalition has formed and developed a calendar of activities for watershed organizations to
undertake in 2001. Robert Durand, Secretary of Massachusetts' Office of Environmental Affairs
and Jan Reitsma, Director of the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management
signed an agreement pledging their commitment to coordinate state efforts and work with the
Blackstone River Coalition with a "Blackstone Summit" planned for May for all 26 river
communities on land development and resource protection.
Sustainable Riverbanks
As part of the ongoing Sustainable Riverbanks project, the Connecticut River Watershed Council (CRWC) has joined forces with the CT River Joint Commissions and the CT River Conservation Districts Coalition to complete an exhaustive inventory of riverbank erosion sites along the full length of the 410 mile CT River. Along with developing an erosion inventory methodology, which could be employed on any river, the Partners have developed a prioritization protocol for implementing erosion site remediation projects with a strong preference towards "soft" engineering practices. Three distinct erosion remediation projects are planned for this summer. This effort has been supported, in part, through grants from the USEPA and the Massachusetts Environmental Trust.
CRWC is Leading the Way For Migratory Fish in the Watershed
CRWC has published a new handbook for grassroots fisheries restoration: A Fishway for Your Stream: Providing Fish Passage Around Dams in the Northeast. The booklet is designed to guide community groups, landowners, and towns through the process of installing fishways at barriers to migratory fish passage. CRWC has long been an advocate for and active partner in fish passage installation in the lower reaches of the Watershed. More recently, CRWC has helped to establish the New Hampshire and Vermont River Restoration Task Forces. Membership of the Task Forces represent multiple state, federal, and non-profit organizations dedicated to the restoration of riverine environments through removal of dams that no longer make sense. This coming summer, the first two dams will be removed in New Hampshire. Funding for these removals was secured from six federal and state agencies along with a host of non-profit organizations.
American Heritage Rivers Designation Helps Project Funding
To date, over $1.7 million in federal and state grants and technical assistance has been leveraged by the Community Partners of the Initiative for the projects defined in the Connecticut River Action Plan.
"Our Success, once again, is related to our barn-raising spirit; many groups have been working together to find public as well as private funding, while government agencies and our watershed legislators have focused on insuring support of our local projects."
Whitty Sanford, CRWC Executive Director
Communicating on the Cuyahoga River
The Cuyahoga River and the American Heritage River Program were the focus of a feature
article in the New York Times promoting the new initiative and the renaissance of an Ohio river
that once caught fire. The U.S.D.A. Forest Service awarded $37,000 in funding for an
interpretive plan, brochure, and displays for local counties and cities in the Cuyahoga River
watershed. In addition, two traveling interpretive exhibits were developed and are being used by
the River Navigator and partners at public meetings to promote the American Heritage River
Program.
Breaching the Dams
To the benefit of the Cuyahoga River and its aquatic inhabitants, the city of Akron recently
removed several small six-foot dams along the Little Cuyahoga River as part of a brownfield
rehabilitation of the old Continental Tire factory. The River Navigator served on the Kent Dam
Advisory Committee, which recommended the bypassing of the Cuyahoga River around the
existing dam thus opening the river up for fish passage and the improvement of aquatic habitat.
A similar dam study is also underway for the Munroe Falls dam a few miles downstream.
Railroad Agrees to Remove Trestle
At the request of the town of Kent, the River Navigator intervened in a long-term dispute
between the town and the Wheeling and Lake Erie Railroad involving a railroad trestle that was
catching debris, blocking navigation, and leading to undercutting of the Cuyahoga banks. After
some negotiating and publicity, the railroad agreed to remove the trestle.
For additional information, read the Cuyahoga AHR Accomplishments.
Metropolitan Affairs Coalition Support
The Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative is pleased to announce continued support
and coordination for the Initiative with the Metropolitan Affairs Coalition (MAC) through 2001.
MAC is a longstanding 501(c)(3) group which facilitates solutions to regional issues through a
partnership of business, labor & government leadership. This decision was made by the MAC
Board of Directors in December, 2000.
In coordination with MAC, the Greater Detroit American Heritage River Initiative has formed a
Business/Industry group of senior representatives of riverfront industries up and down the 32
mile long Detroit River. Representatives from General Motors, The Stroh Companies, BASF,
National Steel, Detroit Edison, Detroit Free Press, Solutia, Daimler-Chrysler, Ford Motor Land
Development, Nicholson Dock & Terminal, Detroit-Windsor Tunnel Corporation, Detroit-Windsor Truck Ferry, and others have been active in discussions about economic development,
environmental enhancement and historic issues with the River. A fall 2000 meeting was hosted
by BASF Corporation, which owns about 3 miles of shoreline, at their training center on Fighting
Island in the Detroit River. General Motors will host the next meeting in February, 2001. The
Business/Industry group, currently chaired by businessman and Greater Detroit American
Heritage River Initiative Executive Committee Chair Peter W. Stroh, will meet quarterly.
Detroit turns 300
Detroit's 300th Birthday-Party year has arrived and the Detroit River will shine in various
celebration events in 2001. On March 27, 2001 the Greater Detroit American Heritage River
Initiative will host a one-day conference "State of the Strait: Status and Trends of the Detroit
River Ecosystem" in conjunction with the The Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research
at the University of Windsor. On July 22, 2001 will be the Ford Parade of Historic Ships where
tall ships are joined by other historic vessels - from canoes to freighters - in an awe-inspiring
parade up the Detroit River. Mid-October, 2001 will be a celebration of Detroit's cultural
heritage with the dedication of the International Monument to the Underground Railroad. The
dedication honors Detroit and Windsor's pivotal roles in the history of the Underground Railroad
with the monument dedicated on both sides of the River. The monument, comprised of two
companion pieces on either side of the Detroit River, will have one piece located on Detroit's
Riverfront Promenade and the other on Windsor's Civic Esplanade. Come join in these
celebrations!
For additional information, visit the Greater Detroit American Heritage River web site at http://www.tellusnews.com/ahr/.
In the first four months of the Hanalei Heritage River's second year, the Hanalei River Hui
oversaw many changes and tremendous program growth. Partnership projects were initiated with
the state's Department of Health and Department of Land & Natural Resources on issues
identified and prioritized in the community's Watershed Action Plan. Three Hui projects were
awarded a federal, private foundation and corporate grant, totaling over $25,000 and others were
bolstered by way of monetary awards, equipment and fundraising support provided by new
corporate, non-profit and community partners. Community education and outreach surpassed
work benchmarks.
Most assuredly, the important achievement is the community's great strides in making its voice
heard. The American Heritage River's directive, to re-invent government-community
relationships, has provided a venue for the community to ask tough questions, take the time to
hear, share and acknowledge many aspects of an issue, and expect the community's best interests
be investigated and supported.
Specialized educational and informational opportunities. The workplan specifies the HHR
program will convene a minimum of 20 forums on various issues relevant to the Hanalei
Watershed and Community Planning, funded by a $10,000 grant from the Wallace Gerbode
Foundation, incorporated into the FS grant budget. The series kicked off to a heady start with a
June forum about commercial boating rules. As this issue sparked a controversy that spanned
over a decade, it provided an auspicious opportunity for the Hui to encourage the community to
fully understand governmental actions and be heard.
These forums were successful in that they brought facts to the community that were previously
unknown and opened the door for community input and collaboration. As a direct result, the
community requested more information, cited additional considerations and planned greater input
on a handful of governmental planning.
For additional information, read the Hanalei Fall Report and visit http://www.hanaleiriver.org/.
Lighthouses
The Hudson River AHRI has seen some very promising activity this winter through its working
with the US Coast Guard. With the passage of the National Historic Lighthouse Preservation Act
of 2000 (PL 106-355) last year, three light stations owned by the Coast Guard have been
identified for excessing. One of the properties, the Turkey Point Light Attendant Station has
been an AHRI Keystone Project since last Spring and the State of New York has been looking to
acquire the site for some time. As a result of efforts by the AHRI, it looks favorable to have the
property transferred to the State in the near future. The transfer of land at Turkey Point in the
Town of Saugerties, Ulster County, from the Coast Guard to NYS Department of Environmental
Conservation (DEC) would provide water access to DEC's Turkey Point Preserve, a 130 acre
state park. When transferred, Turkey Point will also provide handicap access for fishing and a
site for primitive camping for the Hudson River Water Trail for canoes and kayaks. The two
other Coast Guard properties of interest are the Kingston (Rondout) Lighthouse and the Esopus
Lighthouse. The AHRI has been working with both to obtain state funds and to create a Hudson
River Lighthouse Coalition. The proposed Coalition would provide assistance to the seven
remaining lighthouses on the river in hopes of protecting and preserving these unique structures.
Army Official visits the Hudson River Valley
The Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army, Ray Clark, made an early January visit to
the US Military Academy at West Point along the Hudson River. This trip included a stop at the
Village of Croton-on-Hudson to allow the Deputy Secretary to view a AHRI project that West
Point is assisting. The Village is interested in removing over 2000 railroad ties that had been
dumped into a back-bay area of the Croton River as it flows into the Hudson River. Working
under a grant with the NYS DEC and with their staff, the Village has contracted with a local
environmental organization to evaluate the impact of railroad tie removal on wildlife habitat.
The ties have been in place for well over 60 years and the impact of their removal is of critical
concern. The staff from West Point has been coordinating closely with all of the principals
parties to move this project forward and phase one of the environmental study is about to be
completed.
Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation
The Memphis Riverfront Development Corporation, a nonprofit organization, was established
and contracted by the city to develop a master plan for the revitalization of the five-mile
metropolitan Memphis riverfront. Supported by grants from the Plough Foundation and vested
with funding from the city, the RDC is proceeding with public meetings and the master planning
process. Additionally, the initial rehabilitation project, the historic Cobblestone area, is
underway and should be completed by spring.
Delta Tourism Conference
The Department of Transportation sponsored the Delta Tourism Conference in October 2000 in
Memphis, Tennessee. The Lower Mississippi American Heritage River Alliance was represented
by Bob Innes, the River Navigator and by Ms. Angela Falgoust, Chair of the Louisiana Working
Group of the Alliance.
Mississippi Institute and National Museum
The AHR Task Force and the Lower Mississippi River Navigator coordinated a meeting in
Washington, DC, in September where the Mississippi Institute and National Museum Task Force
from New Orleans had an opportunity to present the project overview to more than 80
representatives of a number of federal agencies. The New Orleans Task Force took the
opportunity to make personal contacts with agency representatives to encourage partnering with
the TF in the project.
For more information, go to the Lower Mississippi American Heritage River Alliance website at:
http://communities.msn.com/LowerMississippiAmericanHeritageRiverAlliance/.
New River Alternative Agricultural Initiative: New River Community Partners Are One of
39 Applicants to be Awarded Grant From North Carolina's Golden Leaf Foundation
Agriculture continues to be a dominant part of the economy of the New River basin in North
Carolina. From the beginning of the New River's quest to become an American Heritage River,
the revitalization and preservation of the region's farm economy has been a major focal point.
New River Community Partners (NRCP) has partnered with the North Carolina Cooperative
Extension Service (Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga counties), North Carolina A & T University,
the NC Department of Agriculture's Research Station at Laurel Springs, Blue Ridge RC & D,
local land trusts, the local soil and water conservation district, and USDA to develop plans aimed
at preserving and enhancing the agricultural base of the New River basin.
The NRCP recently received a Golden Leaf grant for $75,000. The grant will provide the
technical expertise to assist area farmers by providing the following:
- Research demonstrations into the viability of alternative income opportunities;
- Identification and development of new, alternative, non-traditional commodities that are
ecologically sound, economically viable, and socially responsible and that enable full or
part-time farmers to retain their family farms;
- Public workshops designed to introduce regional farmers to alternative income
opportunities;
- Development of a regional marketing plan for the traditional and non-traditional
agricultural commodities of the New River Basin, including the development and use of a
"New River" trademark;
- Development of countywide Farmland Protection Plans for Alleghany, Ashe and Watauga
counties, enabling these counties to access the benefits of the Farmland Preservation
Trust Fund;
- Construction of a classroom facility adjacent to Ashe County High School's green house
to provide a model education/research site to meet the needs of high school students,
farmers, and others interested in alternative income opportunities in the region;
- Leveraging of federal, state, local, and private resources to promote, preserve, and
revitalize the agricultural economy of the New River basin; and
- Development of a successful program that can be replicated and easily exported to other
parts of the New River watershed and other regions of North Carolina and the nation.
NRCP was successful in securing funding commitments from USDA, NC Cooperative
Extension, and NC A&T University toward the implementation of the New River Alternative
Agriculture Initiative in addition to the $75,000 grant award from the North Carolina Golden
Leaf Foundation.
Leadership Potomac
Leadership Potomac, a leadership and training program will begin in February 2001, and will
consist of six two day sessions where participants will gain leadership skills relating to
environmental protection, cultural protection, and development and sustainable economic
development. The classroom for the program will be six sites along the length of the Potomac
that will allow participants to experience the issues and problems of the entire watershed. The
program will seek to provide the watershed with a group of participants linked by training and
shared experiences that will allow them to deal with the issues of the future. This program is
receiving funding from the Environmental Protection Agency, the Maryland Chesapeake Bay
Trust and numerous supporters from the business arena.
Heritage Tourism
The Potomac Heritage Partnership (PHP) has conducted a series of workshops around the
Potomac basin to ideas and attitudes about heritage tourism within the basin. This initiative will
identify and promote opportunities for long-term tourism-based economic development in the
Potomac watershed in Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and the District of Columbia. This
program will be of particular benefit to sparsely populated and low income areas within the
Potomac basin. PHP has recently obtained funding that will allow them to move to the next
stage of planning and program development. Through this program, the outstanding historic and
cultural resources of the Potomac basin will be made known to more people. The other result
will be a substantial economic benefit to small business and local governments throughout the
watershed.
Lonaconing Silk Mill
The town of Lonaconing, Maryland is the site of one of the last intact silk mills of a bygone era.
The owners of the mill and the town are looking for opportunities to adaptively reuse the
building and the mothballed silk mill operation that will protect the cultural resource and develop
economic opportunities for the community. The Heritage Conservancy, a Pennsylvania non-profit organization has agreed to help the owner and local elected officialsto put together the
adaptive reuse project.
St. Johns River Eco-Heritage Corridor
The St. Johns River Eco-Heritage Corridor is one of the river's keystone projects. The Corridor
Planning Committee met in DeLand on November 3, 2000. Councilwoman Pat Northey
described the Steering Committee decisions, including that the entire watershed included in the
AHRI designation would be covered, and that the first products should be those that can be
produced quickly to bring attention to the river and the Eco-Heritage Corridor.
The group also heard a report from the Eco-Heritage Corridor Inventory Work Group, who has
developed a working set of criteria for sites to be included in the Corridor data base. The
Committee supported the need to include private facilities, such as eco-tour., and have a strong
tie to the rivers. There was considerable discussion about the need to assure that all counties who
wished to participate were actively involved in development of the data base. Also, the
Committee discussed the need to involve the Tourist Development Councils and other similar
groups in the development of marketing strategies and a logo.
$2 Million for Land Acquisition for the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve
$2 million has been appropriated for the National Park Service for land acquisition in the
Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve. The funds will be used to purchase privately-owned
parcels within the boundary of the Preserve. The Timucuan protects the natural resources of one
of the last unspoiled coastal wetlands on the Atlantic Coast. These funds, obtained for this
keystone project with assistance from the American Heritage Rivers Initiative, will protect four
to six parcels of up to 450 acres of upland in the Cedar Point area, the area most susceptible to
development pressures, as well as one of the three main visitor destinations in the Preserve.
Progress continues on two keystone projects on the Upper Mississippi River.
Donation of Private Funds Helps Renovation of Eads Bridge
Just north of the majestic Gateway Arch, and next to the Jefferson National Expansion in St.
Louis, MO stands the monument from another era, the James Buchanan Eads bridge with its
massive three span steel arches with two stone piers and two masonry approaches. Eads Bridge
was built shortly after the Civil War (1874) and was the engineering and construction feat of its
day, a double-deck bridge for rail, highway, and pedestrian traffic. Today, efforts are underway
to refurbish this historic bridge with historically accurate safety railings and lighting. The plans
include replicas of the original Eads railings, restoration of the brickwork and acorn-style light
fixtures hanging from L-shaped poles. Improvements also include opening half of the four-lane
bridge to bicycle and pedestrian traffic on weekends. This area could later be converted to a full-time pedestrian and bike promenade. All of these changes have been made possible by a $1
million dollar pledge coming from a group of 68 individuals, corporations and foundations.
Mayor Clarence Harmon and Trailnet, a St. Louis-based nonprofit group, recently made this
announcement and stated that these funds will be used to leverage additional federal and state
funding necessary to complete all of this work.
Americorps Team at Work on Nahant Marsh
Nahant Marsh is a unique 513 acre urban wetland adjacent to the Mississippi River in Davenport,
IA. River Action, a nonprofit group dedicated to promoting environmentally responsible
riverfront development has been leading efforts to have this wetland area converted from its
previous use as a shooting range to the Nahant Marsh Outdoor Education and Research Center.
The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service documented this area as a source of waterfowl lead poisoning
and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the expenditure of $2 million for the
removal of lead-contaminated soil and sediment. The property is now under the ownership of the
City of Davenport and River Action is overseeing the restoration work.
The recent efforts of a nine-member AmeriCorps team have furthered the ongoing restoration
work at Nahant Marsh. This team of young people are constructing decking and railing on a
boardwalk and viewing platform at the marsh. A local engineering firm did the design work and
a construction company built the framework.
Additional information can be found in the January 2001 Upper Mississippi Report.
Project funding
The River Navigator, Paul Jeske, is continuing regular meetings with communities along the
Willamette River to discuss potential projects and means to acquire funding for them. He
expects to develop and submit $1 million in grant proposals for identified projects during the
year. Paul and Rick Bastasch, Executive Director of the Willamette Restoration Initiative (WRI)
have jointly established a goal of acquiring $400,000 in funding, assistance and services for
projects.
Project development
The River Navigator will prepare a document identifying the proposed projects. The document
will include a short description of the project, key contacts, assistance needs and sources, and a
schedule of likely River navigator activities. Initially, the report will focus on the communities
of Albany, Harrisburg, and Independence-Salem. Other projects include sponsorship of a River
City Connections workshop, Willamette basin restoration signs, Paddle 2001 and creation of
watershed technical assistance teams.
Partnerships and coordination
The River Navigator works closely with the sponsoring community partners, the Willamette
Restoration Initiative . In addition, he will actively seek out new partnerships that will increase
the likelihood of project implementation. Key partnerships include the federal Regional
Interagency Executive Committee (RIEC), the Willamette Provincial Interagency Executive
Committee (PIEC), the Willamette Provincial Advisory Committee (PAC), the Willamette Urban
Watershed Network, the Willamette Regional Community Solutions team (CST) and many
individual watershed councils, soil and water conservation districts and communities.
For further information, visit the WRI website, http://www.oregonwri.org/ahr.html.
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