Archive for 'Environment'

Feb201012

MJW

Great Backyard Bird Count

Join in the 13th annual Great Backyard Bird Count taking place February 12-15

The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual four-day event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.

We invite you to add your observations to this ever-growing database of observations via the GBBC website.  Explore reports coming in from across the continent, upload images for the photo contest, and tweet about the birds you see, adding the gbbc tag to have your comments appear in the Twitter widget on the GBBC home page. Just by participating in the GBBC you’ll be entered into a drawing for great prizes. The GBBC is a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the National Audubon Society with new Canadian partner, Bird Studies Canada and sponsorship from Wild Birds Unlimited.

Nov200903

MJW

Dollars for dishwashers

By Lynn Teuscher of Aiello-Goodrich-Teuscher

A few months ago, the federal government had a program called “Cash for Clunkers,” which gave rebates to the auto dealers for sales of energy efficient vehicles purchased by the consumers. Coming soon to consumers in late 2009 or early 2010 will be a federally-funded program run by each individual state to give rebates on purchases of “Energy Star” appliances; sort of a “Cash for Clunker Appliances” program.   The rebates will commonly range from $50 to $250 depending on the product being purchased.

The “Stimulus Bill” (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) provided $300 million to states for consumer rebates on the following ENERGY STAR qualified appliances:

  • Central air conditioners
  • Heat pumps (air source and geothermal)
  • Boilers
  • Furnaces (oil and gas)
  • Room air conditioners
  • Clothes washers
  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators/freezers
  • Water heaters

This appliance stimulus rebate is different than the recent “Cash for Clunker” vehicle program in that the federal government is not doing the paperwork for each consumer transaction, instead they have asked the individual states to run the program, and the federal government will fund it. Each state has been given the authority to decide which appliances and what level of efficiency of that category of appliances will be eligible for rebates. The states were required to submit their plans to the Federal Department of Energy by October 15, 2009 for review. The manufacturers of appliances are concerned that it will be very difficult for them to have their products ready for 50 different state strategies in the upcoming months.

Dollars for dishwashers and other appliances are coming soon, so keep in contact with your appliance dealer for further details.

Oct200920

MJW

Beautification efforts recognized in Mt. Shasta

Author: Skye Kinkade
Publication: Mount Shasta Herald

Mount Shasta, Calif. -

The Mount Shasta Beautification Committee honored individuals and businesses at the council meeting on Monday. Penny Bloodhart commended each of them for their “contributions to the beautification of our fair city.”

Individuals honored included Marie Wells and Jacquie Parker, for their continued interest in the beautification of the city; Mark and Audra Gibson for their maintenance of the roses at the police station; Jenny Payton, for her maintenance of the East Lake Street/North Washington Drive triangle; and Gino and Karen Fiorucci, for their finance and maintenance of downtown sidewalks.

Organizations honored for their public service included Shasta Mountain Guides, the Over the Hill Race, Mountain Runners and Siskiyou Land Trust.

Sean and Melissa Doyle of Berryvale Grocery, Jessie Zapffe, owner of The Secret Garden, and Mary Jo Freeman, owner of Mary Jo’s Head Rig, were honored for outstanding landscape and site development.

Mount Shasta Trading Company owner Raha Azim Hasti was recognized for outstanding architecture, commercial remodel and outstanding sign and graphics, along with Charles Ryan for his work on the Mt. Shasta Business Park.

Patricia Matthews and Lynette Schmidt were honored for outstanding sign and graphics for the White Thunder Native American Medicine Institute.

Oct200920

MJW

Executive Director Siskiyou Land Trust — open position

The Siskiyou Land Trust (SLT), a 501(c)(3) with offices in Weed, CA, is seeking a one-half-time Executive Director to manage its affairs. SLT is a private conservation organization governed by an eight-member Board of Directors which is “dedicated to long-term stewardship of agricultural, forest and wildlands in Siskiyou County by working with willing landowners, agencies and organ-izations.”

Contact SLT at (530) 926-2259 for a position description and application information. The deadline for applications is November 13, 2009.

Aug200919

MJW

Environmental Resources program to start at COS

The California Community College Chancellor’s Office approved the Environmental Resources program at the College of the Siskiyous.

Classes will start September 8th!

The C.O.S. Department of Career and Technical Education offers three new programs:

1)  Environmental Resources – Sustainable Communities (ERSC)

2) Environmental Resources – Power Generation Technology (ERPG)

3) Environmental Resources – Environmental Resources Technology (ERRT)

Students can choose to complete an Associate of Science degree or a Certificate in the new programs.

For more information on ALL the new Environmental Resources programs please visit:

http://www.siskiyous.edu/cte/environmental/or call Christy Cummings Dawson at 530-938-5305 or email: cummingsc@siskiyous.edu

Jun200904

MJW

Tips for Water Conservation

The City of Mt. Shasta is asking all residents to conserve water. The City of Mt. Shasta domestic water supply, Cold Springs, is producing fewer gallons per minute than any year since 1991. As you may be aware, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has proclaimed a statewide drought and is urging local agencies in California to conserve water. For more information, go to http://www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/9796/

Door hangers are being distributed asking residents to follow these important water conservation tips:

  • DO NOT allow water to run in the gutter.
  • Do not water during the heat of the day. Set timers for early morning hours.
  • Do not water one spot for more than 30 minutes. Use timers if possible.
  • Hoses should be fitted with sprinklers or nozzles.
  • Consult with a landscape specialist to learn about maintenance techniques & how to improve the health of your lawn by using less water.
  • Water plants & lawn, not paved areas.
  • Make sure hoses & faucets do not leak and connections are tight.
  • Do not water out of habit, check dampness of soil.
  • Please do your part. In the past, our community has responded to requests for conservation by reducing water consumption by as much as 50%

If anyone has any questions, please call City Hall at 926-7510

May200805

MJW

“Best Tasting Water in California”

A sample of the City of Mount Shasta system’s water was entered into the 2008 California Rural Water Taste Test. A panel of judges has tasted the entries for clarity, bouquet, and taste. The final round of the taste test took place at the Water Taste Test Luncheon April 29, where the winner of the “Best Tasting Water in California ” was selected! Bottoms up! The City of Mt. Shasta was declared the winner for 2008 and received the privilege to go on to the Great American Water Taste Test in Washington D.C. in April 2009!

This award will join the previously received for 2006.