regulations.gov

 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants: Special Rule for the Georgetown Salamander:

Your Receipt

• 3  Your Receipt
• 2  Your Preview
• 1  Your Information

Your Comment Tracking Number: 1jy-8aqq-f6se

Your comment will be viewable on Regulations.gov after the agency has reviewed it, which may be an indefinite amount of time. Use your tracking number to find out the status of your comment.

Your comment:

Comment:The measures outlined in the proposed 4(d) special rule are necessary and advisable for the conservation and management of the Georgetown Salamander. The only way now that this species will be saved is by regulation and restrictions on its habitat. The benefits of protecting the salamander outweigh the costs. Such as the water regulation in the surrounding area. This benefits the community and saves the salamander. At the rate that species are being extinct, we should be taking every step in saving the ones that have a clear and easy solution. Especially one that is so affordable and adaptable.

Having a geological assessment done in the recharge zone of the Edwards aquifer zone will allow for a more accurate preservation plan and would ensure that no further damage will be done. Section-8 Water Quality Best Management Practices is designed to make sure that the water entering and around the stream is less contaminated as possible. This may affect the surrounding homes by implementing them to install BMP's in their homes. "All development projects, including, but not limited to, individual home sites, shall implement temporary BMP's to minimize sediment runoff." This reduction of sediment runoff will help the communities water out of their tap as well as the water that is used by the salamanders.

In addition to this the city is implementing a water quality management plan. This will lead to "public education and outreach, hazardous waste education, integrated pest management, illicit discharge detection and elimination, construction-site storm-water runoff control, post-construction storm-water management, and pollution prevention for municipal operations including City and County maintenance activities in the ETJ." Once all of the infrastructure is there, then there is no more costs to the city. And the surrounding water will be clean and the salamander will be saved and the ecosystem can flourish.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful (KCB) is an award winning nonprofit organization that promotes beautification, recycling, litter prevention, and community pride. KCB has been improving Cincinnati landscapes for over 30 years. Their programs are based on changing behavior and cultivating community pride. They focus on providing sustainable results through initiatives and work to improve not only the environment in which we live, but of our lives as well. KCB is led by volunteer board and financially supported by individual and corporate donations, grants, foundations, and the city of Cincinnati. Former city council member Helen Hinckley started the organization in 1978, at the request of city manager, Bill Donaldson. The goal was to promote recycling, litter prevention, community improvement and beautification through citizen action. Over the years the organization has changed from Clean Cincinnati Inc., to Keep Cincinnati Beautiful to reflect their affiliation with Keep America Beautiful. 

Over its years of existence, KCB has won many outstanding awards:

• Affiliate of the Year -  1st Place Winner: 2001, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2012 -  2nd Place Winner: 1997, 1998, 2003, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011
• President’s Circle Award: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
• National Outstanding Sponsor Award -  1st Place Winner: 2000, 2006, 2009
• Innovation Award: 2010
• Polar Bears International Paw of Approval: 2012
• The Business Courier Green Business Award for Nonprofit Advocacy: 2012, 2013
• Ohio Association of Nonprofit Organizations Ohio Nonprofit Excellence Award:2011
• Emmy® Award Public Service Announcement 1st Place Winner: 2004
• MetLife Community Police Partnership Award: 2007
• Make A Difference Day Outstanding Project Award: 2005

http://keepcincinnatibeautiful.org/aboutus/ourstory/

This rewards come without a lot of hard work. There are many programs managed by KCB throughout the community. At its core are the Great American Cleanup, Future Blooms, Adopt a Spot, and Daffodils & Daylilies. These programs have high-impact, promote sustainability, and operate year round. These programs are ran and carried through by volunteers and funded by local sponsors and fundraising. 

The Great American Cleanup is from March through November and brings together thousands of volunteers to improve their quality of life. KCB provides cleanup supplies and logistical support for the beautification projects. The activities done with the Great American Cleanup include picking up trash, planting trees, flowers, weeding etc. After a cleanup is completed the park or general area is restored to a beautiful, clean and green new space. Where trashcans can be found and insects and animals can live without being harmed. I have personally been involved in a cleanup and saw a huge improvement in the alley and roadways that I helped to clean up. It was a very rewarding experience.

Daffodils & Daylilies was created in 1998 to help create a more aesthetic scene along the highway, welcome visitors, and deter litter. Since its beginning nearly one million flowers have been planted at several highly visible locations, cared for by volunteers and paid for by generous people. This is my favorite KCB event and is one I strongly support. In order to maintain the flowerbeds, KCB relies on fundraising as well as a network of volunteers and corporate sponsors. 

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful does exactly that, keeps Cincinnati beautiful. This is a very important organization that improves our communities and brings people together. Having clean streets and parks in our community is important for the ecosystem, the air we breathe, instrumental value, and just something pretty to look at and make one happy. It is fantastic that this is a nonprofit organization and it still has so much capability too be so prodigious. There can never be too many donations and volunteering so, go get involved and make Cincinnati BEAUTIFUL! 

California Drought

       Most Americans have absolutely no clue where all the produce that fills up their grocery store comes from. The fact is the state of California accounts for 15 percent of national receipts for crops and 7.1 percent of the U.S revenue for livestock and livestock products (CDFA). California's agricultural abundance includes more than 400 commodities. It produces half of all U.S fruits, nuts, and vegetables. What would our diets be like if it were not for this perfect agriculture state? We may just be on our way to finding out. California is experiencing one of the worst droughts ever recorded. "We have not had this dry a time period in all of California's history since we've been keeping records- that's how bad it is," says Rep. Jim Costa, D-Calif. The drought seems to be caused by a vast of high pressure in the atmosphere, nearly 4 miles high and 2,000 miles long (Rogers). With each passing week California's lack of rainfall is becoming more serious.

       In early February, California received a rainfall of 3-4 inches. But is that enough? Not quite. City Council member says "We are a long way from where we need to be, but we have to start with some sort of raindrop." The San Jose Mercury News says the drenching is a result of something scientist call an "atmospheric river," formed in the Pacific Ocean that then moves to eastward to hit California. The San Francisco Bay area usually receives an average  rainfall of 14.5 inches by this point. They have seen just 3 inches.

       Restaurants in California are going to have to start easing up on glasses of water that are not asked for and refilling glasses unless asked to do so. A lot of water is wasted in restaurants through these routines and because of the seriousness of the drought- it is going to have to stop. "The water left on tables seems like such a small thing, but it's something that adds up over time, especially if the restaurant has busers refilling glasses," says Angelica Pappas of the California Restaurant Association. This idea of "auto-items" is a huge generator of waste in restaurants and is considered "good service."

        At  a state level, however, restaurants are not the biggest consumers of water. It's the farmers. They guzzle 80 percent of the water in California (Barclay). And in the restaurant 84 percent of water use is in the kitchen and in the bathrooms, according to the EPA. Across the state, businesses are looking for ways to cut back on water and getting consumers to do the same. Water rationing plans are underway. Maybe putting the second largest metropolis in the country in the middle of a desert wasn't the best idea. Who knew?
         
         President Obama visited the heart of California's parched land, Frenso California. Mr. Obama pledged $183 million from existing federal funds for drought relief programs. He also linked the drought to climate changed caused by rural America. He announced that he will ask congress for $1 billion in new funding for  a climate resiliency program to help communities prepare for climate disaster. Mr. Obama said, "A changing climate means that weather-related disasters like droughts, wildfires, storms, floods are potentially going to be costlier and they're going to be harsher."

         Ryan Jacobson, executive director of the Frenso County Farm Bureau, said Obama's announcement was " a great start, but won't fix long term issues." He says the water infrastructure needs major upgrades, and for other counties from the north to release more water. He does not want to blame this catastrophe on climate change entirely. Jacobson wants to focus on the immediate drought rather than focusing on something that is questionably tied to this or not. Republican representative of Frenso, Devin Nunes, attributes the drought not to climate change but to interference of the federal government. He criticized the federal government for shutting off portions of California's system of water irrigation and storage, and diverting water into a program for freshwater salmon. He blames the drought on mathematics and engineering.

       So whether the cause of this drought be weather, atmosphere, pollution, overconsumption or engineering, there is no doubt that there is indeed a drought. The solution is unclear at this point, but something needs to be done before it is too late. Because I cannot live without fresh fruits and vegies!

Articles Referenced:
http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_24904396/california-drought-whats-causing-it
http://www.cdfa.ca.gov/statistics/
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2014/02/09/274125150/is-it-enough-rain-for-drought-stricken-california
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thesalt/2014/02/05/271997854/california-is-so-dry-some-diners-wont-get-water-unless-they-ask
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/us/politics/obama-to-announce-aid-for-drought-racked-california.html

UC Environmental Initiatives

The University of Cincinnati is a very green and eco-friendly campus. It offers many opportunities and events for green and sustainable living. There are many clubs and organizations that are working hard at making the university even more sustainable than it is. They are very good at getting involved not only in local green steps but, in national regulations and policies as well. They are currently a member of the ACUPCC which is an effort that address global warming and tries to neutralize greenhouse gas emissions. Also, they are a part of the AASHE which is resource that provides the university on ways to live sustainably. Those are just a couple ways the university is taking steps towards a green future.

UC uses its own type of government regulation in the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment (ACUPCC). Within one year of signing, the university had to complete a comprehensive carbon inventory to determine its environmental impact in terms of greenhouse gases. And a year later, they had to complete a climate action plan, detailing how the school was going to reduce its carbon footprint and become carbon neutral. The action requires that there be a carbon footprint inventory taken every two years at the Uptown Campus. The university used the Clean Air - Cool Planet (CA-CP) calculator, a standard among the ACUPCC, to determine the carbon foot print. The university believes that this plan will "stabilize and reduce their long-term energy costs...attract new sources of funding and increase the support of alumni and local communities."

For a market based, green purchasing approach the university is very particular about their spending. "UC gives preference to environmentally friendly products whose quality, function, and cost are equal or superior to more traditional products." The UC construction plans requires that the buildings have sustainable products. Using sustainable products may be expensive in the short run but, in the long run they will save the university a lot of money by cutting back on energy costs. 3% of their paper is 30% recycled and the other 97% is Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI) certified (UC Purchasing ). UC is also a part of the Surplus Equipment Department, this allows the university to reclaim assets where ever possible. "In addition to offering items to the university organizational units at no cost, the Surplus Equipment Department provides outlets for the sale of surplus items to the general public via Sealed Bid Auctions and the Monthly Public Service Sale."

LEED is Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design and it is a policy by which UC stands. UC created the sustainable design policy in 2001. This was a commitment to build all new construction and major renovations, whenever possible, to LEED Silver standards or higher. The university has had 6 buildings become LEED certified. The university uses many policies to ensure new buildings are sustainable my law. "In addition to how buildings are constructed, how buildings are maintained and cleaned has a significant environmental impact. UC has instituted a Green Cleaning Policy to mitigate this." This policy ensures that building occupants and custodial personnel will not be exposed to potentially harmful viruses, bacteria, molds pollens, etc. in short they want to minimize potentially negative impacts on the greater outdoor environment.

Being a part of policies and pledging to create sustainable environments can be very costly and stressful to the university. It is sometimes not cheap to be green and when you fail to meet the standards set due to money issues, the consequences can really hurt the university's support and legitimacy. Being LEED certified requires maintenance and up keep. Which will take up a lot of time and money from the university which could be allocated in many other areas of the university. While it has a nice name and is appealing, it may not be ideal.

However, striving to reduce carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions can bring a lot of support and sponsors to the university. Going green is becoming more and more important and popular every year. Donors like to see that an institute is not only benefitting their students but also benefitting the entire community. Recycling and reusing materials can also save the university money and go towards their green behavior. By being a part of these organizations such as LEED, SFI, and AASHE shows that university is in touch at the national level with moving towards a sustainable future.

Tragedy of the Studio (commons)

Tragedy of the Commons: In my Yoga Studio

     

This photo depicts the ideal setting in which I would like to practice my yoga rituals. What can be more serene than this? Surrounded by nature, hearing only the animals dwelling in the forest, feeling the cool breeze on your skin and not worrying about anyone but yourself and your practice. Being a college student in the city of Cincinnati, this dream is hard to come by. I am forced to pay money and go to an inside studio surrounded with other students. 

The dilemma is this: Belonging to a yoga studio can be very expensive. So finding one for a reasonable price is hard to come by. I did, however, manage to do this. I now belong to a hot yoga studio within walking distance from my dorm and campus that only cost 35$ a month for unlimited classes! How can you beat that? I am not the only student to find this amazing deal though. Every time I go to a class I have to make sure that I am a good half an hour early to get a spot where I can see myself in the mirror before the crowd enters. As I lay on my matt in shavasana before class, other "yogis" enter in packs of twos, threes, sometimes five at a time! I wonder " Do they ever stop letting people in?" 

 Here is the studio where I practice yoga. As you can see it is more than packed. The reason is that yoga is becoming a more and more trendy thing to do. Hot stores such as Lululemon over glorify yoga with their trendy, in-style workout clothes and images of models doing yoga in the store. As nice as it is to share the love of binding one's body with others, I need room to breath and put my body in places where I don't have to worry about touching my neighbor. When I attend class, I am smack dab in the front next to the teacher's matt taking up a space from another student and blocking the usage of the mirror for others. If I do not attend class my spot is open and I miss out on an hour devoted to myself. 

I would not be able to do this position in the crowded studio. 

This story exemplifies Hogan's Tragedy; the fact that this studio is so convenient and cheap creates a tragedy of the commons. The front of the room is a common pool area because we all want to see what we are looking like during our practice and have plenty of room to do as we please. This spot is hard to come by because of the incredibly affordable classes that are offered by the studio and the number of increasing yogis in an urban city. The studio needs to allocate their profit by offering more classes for beginners, and/or advanced classes, or more classes in general instead of mushing all levels of ability together and having a packed studio. Because one day I want to be able to do this:

 And I need all the space and attention I paid for. 

On Being an Environmentalist

           There is something about being completely immersed in nature. The smells refresh your nasal passageways, the breeze calms your nerves, and the sounds of the young critters, chirping birds and the rustling of leaves are just a few serene events that happen to one in nature. You can never watch too many sunsets, get to the peak of enough mountains, or swim in the ocean enough. Now that the human race is growing exponentially, our natural resources seem to be depleting little by little. Lakes and rivers are being damed off, killing fish and ecosystems. Forest are being destroyed for their wood and for the land that they encompass. CO2 emissions destroying our ozone. These are just a few (out of thousands) man-made environmental disasters. They are becoming more and more prevalent and hard to ignore. I do consider myself an environmentalist, in the name of saving our Mother (nature)! We need to preserve our (now) precious resources.

            An environmentalist is an individual that is involved or advocates the protection and preservation of the environment. These individuals who consider themselves as such are growing as well. But, it takes much more than just calling oneself an environmentalist to be one. They act, speak, and live for the environment. This involves activities such as recycling, picking up trash, shopping organically and locally, driving a fuel efficient car or less often, saving electricity, and "going green". Environmentalists spread the word to anyone who will listen, letting them know the problems with our environment. They are concerned about preservation, consumption, population growth, resource depletion and so much more. Being an environmental studies major at the University of Cincinnati makes being an environmentalist easy for me because I am constantly being bombarded with the latest green crisis, alternate energy and such things an environmentalist would be concerned about. Hearing all of this makes me therefor change my ways and live in an eco-friendly way.

           The life style of an environmentalist can be a difficult one. In this high tech, fast passed society it's hard to get people to realize that every decision they make can have a negative effect on our environment. Society is so careless in there consumption. There is little regard from people about the impact that they have on the planet. That is why, as environmentalist, I feel it necessary to spread the word. There are so many little easy things that an individual can change to reduce consumption. Using containers for lunch in place of little baggies, bring reusable grocery bags when grocery shopping, turn the lights off when leaving a room, turn off the water while brushing teeth, carpool, get a reusable water bottle instead of plastic ones, buy second hand books and anything recycled, buy organic products, recycle, volunteer in the community, and unplug electronics when they are not being used. All of these are simple steps anyone can take in their everyday life to better the planet. An environmentalist, such as myself, already does all of these things.

          With all the talk about Climate Change and Global Warming that is in the news people may get burnt out on the concept of going green. They hear so much back and forth about these topics and feel that there truly is no answer and that it is not their problem. People do not like being told to change the way they live for any reason. No one wants to be inconvenienced by going green. People like being consumers and buying the latest technology and driving their big, fast cars every chance they get and getting that instant gratification. These individuals need to be educated and shown the facts and evidence that what they are doing is wrong and detrimental. This, however, may still not be enough in this selfish, everyone for themselves type society. Until people are told that they themselves are going to be effected and inconvenienced in the future by their choices now, they won't change.

           Fortunately not all individuals are stubborn and ignorant and there are those willing to change. Some people see being an environmentalist as the latest trend and the "cool" thing to be. People like saying "I'm a vegetarian" or "It's organic" or "I'm going to the farmers market" because it makes them sound hip and environmentally friendly. As superficial as that sounds, they are actually doing these things and helping the environment. And there are people who actually do care and wish to be make a difference because they see the wrong doing around them and are truly disgusted or scared for their future without trees, zoos, parks, and clean water. The news is an educator and sometimes a scare tactic in getting people to change their ways. It is a powerful tool and makes a difference.

           Public awareness is key in saving the environment and becoming an environmentalist. Being aware of the changes makes them easier to reverse. Although saving the planet is a huge task and will take the effort of every individual, it can be done. Can you imagine life with out trees, natural fruits and vegetables, wild animals, clean water or fresh air? I can't. It doesn't take a lot to be an environmentalist and we need more of them. We need to save our mother before she is destroyed. It may in some cases take a rude awakening or a life changing environmental catastrophe but, by any means necessary, the environment needs to be protected and preserved. Hopefully it won't be too late when people feel the need to change.