NRCS anticipates that 20 new contracts will be developed in fiscal year 1999. Trout Unlimited, Ducks Unlimited, and Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry are assisting with the project. Sponsors are optimistic that the project will improve water quality in Blue Marsh Lake, which suffers from excessive algae blooms. AL and DE do not have enabling dam safety legislation. The Board recently recommended the action and FEMA's administrator sent letters to the governors of AL and DE encouraging them to establish a dam safety program and to apply for Federal dam safety grants.
Purple loosestrife is an invasive, exotic species that severely impact wetlands.
This species, once established, crowds out native plants that are crucial to the health of wetland ecosystems. The activities and information will include workshops, a brochure, and locator cards. Workshops for agencies, tribal conservation staff, local conservation districts, 4-H Clubs, Ducks Unlimited, and rod and gun clubs will provide education on identification of purple loosestrife, problems caused by the species, and control techniques. NRCS, Partners Building Buffer Network - NRCS in Wisconsin and the State Department of Natural Resources and State Department of Agriculture have kicked off the Wisconsin State Buffer Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to build a Statewide network of stakeholders that will help promote the use of conservation buffers to improve and maintain water quality.