Week of May 17, 2010

Vermont Cities Marathon Run for Steven Flint and Cancer Survivors

Urgent message from Kyle Williams, NYS Department of Transportation, APIPP Partner, and friend...

For the better part of the last decade, Steven Flint, employee of the Adirondack Chapter of the Nature Conservancy in Keene Valley, NY, has been a stewardship leader in the battle to protect the Adirondack Park and surrounding Regions from the environmental, economic, and societal harm caused by invasive plants. Through the Adirondack Park Invasive Plant Program (APIPP), I have personally known Steven to be passionate in his dedication and a sincere friend to everyone involved with the management of invasive plants. Whether your particular interest rests in the back country areas, at public campgrounds or along the highways, byways, streams or lakeshores of the Northcountry, Steven has been your unsung advocate. As many of you know, Steven continues to wage a fierce personal battle against the ultimate invader - cancer.

During this incredibly difficult time in Steven’s life, he could use our support and help in covering his mounting medical costs as his cancer continues to spread. To help raise money for Steven’s on-going treatment, and to increase awareness of the plight of all cancer survivors, I’m asking you to consider participating in this special event.

On the morning of May 30, 2010, I’ll have the honor of running the KeyBank Vermont Cities Marathon in Burlington, VT and dedicating this effort to Steven Flint and cancer survivor awareness. Throughout the 26.2 mile race, I’ll be attired head-to-toe in cancer survivor awareness “Livestrong” clothing (think of 160 pound banana), bearing a special tribute to Steven. Race information and official results can be found at www.runvermont.org/ In the Marathon Spirit, I’m asking that you consider a monetary donation towards Steven’s medical costs on a per mile basis. For example, a donation of $0.50 per mile X 26.2 miles equals $13.10; $1.00 X 26.2 = $26.20; $2 X 26.2 = $52.40, etc. and a flat fee donation is also fine.

Please send your thoughts of support and contributions by June 10, 2010 directly to:
Steven Flint, 1039 Green Street, Ausable Forks, NY 12912.

Also, on the morning of May 30th, or anytime, please go to www.livestrong.org/ to learn more about surviving cancer. Thanks for your assistance and Godspeed.

Sincerely,

Kyle Williams
NYS Department of Transportation


"Humanity shines brightest during difficult times"

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Status and Trends in State Invasive Species Policy: 2002-2009

Status and Trends in State Invasive Species Policy: 2002-2009 reviews developments in state laws and regulations governing invasive species in eleven states. It finds that invasive species laws and regulations are often fragmented and incomplete and have developed primarily on a species-by-species basis in response to crisis. As a result, they often fail to address potential future invaders or close off known invasion pathways. Fortunately, states have begun regulating invasion pathways and identifying species that may become invasive in the future due to climate change or other factors. States are increasingly creating interagency councils and management plans to coordinate these novel invasive species responses.

Authors: Author: Read D. Porter, Susan Graham, and Akiva Fishman

Environmental Law Institute

Download the report for free here.

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Invasive Species Awareness Week in the Adirondacks

Adirondack communities and organizations will celebrate the 5th annual Invasive Species Awareness Week on July 11 through July 17, 2010. Participants will learn about the issues surrounding invasive species (both plant and animal, aquatic, and terrestrial) and about the importance of native biodiversity in the Adirondacks by attending workshops, field trips, lectures, and control parties.

Go here for more information.

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