Comments on: Why not institute a “green” corps for the coast? http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 23:22:24 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: Levees Not War » Blog Archive » FDR, Treehugger-in-Chief, Inspires Hopes for Coastal Civilian Corps http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-7919 Levees Not War » Blog Archive » FDR, Treehugger-in-Chief, Inspires Hopes for Coastal Civilian Corps Wed, 23 Jun 2010 15:01:37 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-7919 [...] had a chance to talk with Maher after the presentation, and he likes the idea of a Coastal Conservation Corps that Levees Not War and LaCoastPost.com have promoted. He says that for greatest impact a new CCC [...] [...] had a chance to talk with Maher after the presentation, and he likes the idea of a Coastal Conservation Corps that Levees Not War and LaCoastPost.com have promoted. He says that for greatest impact a new CCC [...]

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]]> By: Levees Not War » Blog Archive » Mitch Landrieu for Mayor of New Orleans http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-6643 Levees Not War » Blog Archive » Mitch Landrieu for Mayor of New Orleans Sat, 06 Feb 2010 12:47:28 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-6643 [...] as a buffer from hurricane storm surges. Levees are not enough. Read more about AWCC here, and our plan for a new CCC here (at [...] [...] as a buffer from hurricane storm surges. Levees are not enough. Read more about AWCC here, and our plan for a new CCC here (at [...]

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]]> By: Megan Hill http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5090 Megan Hill Fri, 27 Nov 2009 22:40:32 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5090 My campus was in Sacramento and I spent 4 months working on the coast, so don't be discouraged about the distance between here and Vicksburg. NCCC has committed a large percentage of teams to the Gulf Coast. NCCC members are trained and prepared for manual labor such as tree planting and would be a great match for the restoration projects. I can help with the application for teams, or send you a successful application if anyone is interested in making this a reality. My campus was in Sacramento and I spent 4 months working on the coast, so don’t be discouraged about the distance between here and Vicksburg. NCCC has committed a large percentage of teams to the Gulf Coast. NCCC members are trained and prepared for manual labor such as tree planting and would be a great match for the restoration projects. I can help with the application for teams, or send you a successful application if anyone is interested in making this a reality.

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]]> By: Admin http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5088 Admin Fri, 27 Nov 2009 18:26:43 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5088 Megan- I agree with you on not reinventing wheels. After pulling up the <a href="http://www.americorps.gov/about/programs/nccc.asp" rel="nofollow">Americorps NCCC</a> website I notice that the nearest campus is in Vicksburg MS, pretty far from the gulf coast. On the other hand I note that communities, NGOs or other entities can apply for local assistance. This post focuses on the enormous but somewhat specific need for coastal environmental programs such as tree planting (coastal reforestation). I'm wondering whether the America's Wetland CC (AWCC) program is aware. Information anyone? Hilary Collis? Sidney Coffee? Mike LFlaur? Megan-
I agree with you on not reinventing wheels. After pulling up the Americorps NCCC website I notice that the nearest campus is in Vicksburg MS, pretty far from the gulf coast. On the other hand I note that communities, NGOs or other entities can apply for local assistance.

This post focuses on the enormous but somewhat specific need for coastal environmental programs such as tree planting (coastal reforestation). I’m wondering whether the America’s Wetland CC (AWCC) program is aware. Information anyone? Hilary Collis? Sidney Coffee? Mike LFlaur?

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]]> By: Megan Hill http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5085 Megan Hill Thu, 26 Nov 2009 15:09:08 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5085 There already IS a modern CCC--AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). NCCC members do CCC-type work and have rebuilt thousands of homes on the Gulf Coast since Katrina and Rita. NCCC takes project applications and a wetland restoration project could easily be one of them. This would be much more efficient than starting a brand new corps. There already IS a modern CCC–AmeriCorps*NCCC (National Civilian Community Corps). NCCC members do CCC-type work and have rebuilt thousands of homes on the Gulf Coast since Katrina and Rita. NCCC takes project applications and a wetland restoration project could easily be one of them. This would be much more efficient than starting a brand new corps.

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]]> By: Sammy M.Ray http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5044 Sammy M.Ray Thu, 19 Nov 2009 17:17:27 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5044 Good idea!! We did a similer thing for Texas several years ago to harness High School dropouts for environmental projects and most obtained GED's. The program is now under the Texas National Guard. I am a strong proponent of the "CCC" aproach and I personally learned a valuable skill through WPA:TAXIDERMY. This skill enabled me to complete high school and and earn a B.S. degree in zoology from LSU. The usual picture generated by WPA is a "road worker" leaning on a shoval. WPA turned my life around. Good idea!! We did a similer thing for Texas several years ago to
harness High School dropouts for environmental projects and most obtained GED’s. The program is now under the Texas National Guard.
I am a strong proponent of the “CCC” aproach and I personally learned a
valuable skill through WPA:TAXIDERMY. This skill enabled me to complete high school and and earn a B.S. degree in zoology from LSU.
The usual picture generated by WPA is a “road worker” leaning on a shoval. WPA turned my life around.

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]]> By: HeidiHoe http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5039 HeidiHoe Thu, 19 Nov 2009 02:12:09 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5039 Just ain't been Len's week fer gittin the gun outta the holster before pulling the trigger..... Between sediment loads and EMAILS its been one for Ripley's..... Just ain’t been Len’s week fer gittin the gun outta the holster before pulling the trigger…..

Between sediment loads and EMAILS its been one for Ripley’s…..

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]]> By: Hilary http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5038 Hilary Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:31:40 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5038 Hello all, This is Hilary Collis, the author of the above email. I would like to clarify the above email. It was posted without my permission and this is a dated email that is no logner relevant. Since that time, the AW Foundation and the LSU AgCenter have worked out an agreement that will keep the AWCC program active in 2010. We have a current proposal out that would place 9 AWCC members working across the state to promote wetland conservation and wetland education. Whoever received the email I sent above has also received information about this new development. I apologize for any confusion. These are tough economic times but in spite of that, we are working to keep AWCC alive. If anyone is interested in donating to the AWCC program they can do so online at www.americaswetland.com. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at hcollis@agcenter.lsu.edu. Hilary Collis Program Manager America's WETLAND Conservation Corps. Hello all,

This is Hilary Collis, the author of the above email. I would like to clarify the above email. It was posted without my permission and this is a dated email that is no logner relevant.

Since that time, the AW Foundation and the LSU AgCenter have worked out an agreement that will keep the AWCC program active in 2010. We have a current proposal out that would place 9 AWCC members working across the state to promote wetland conservation and wetland education. Whoever received the email I sent above has also received information about this new development.

I apologize for any confusion. These are tough economic times but in spite of that, we are working to keep AWCC alive. If anyone is interested in donating to the AWCC program they can do so online at http://www.americaswetland.com.

If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at hcollis@agcenter.lsu.edu.

Hilary Collis
Program Manager
America’s WETLAND Conservation Corps.

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]]> By: Admin http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5035 Admin Wed, 18 Nov 2009 16:59:53 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5035 Sidney- I think that's an option that Mark is suggesting in this post. On the other hand I received the following email from Hilary Collis with the LSU Ag Center that is not encouraging: Hey all, The following email is not an easy one to write and I’m sorry I have to send it out to such a large group, but there were too many of you to call individually. As you all know, over the summer the America’s WETLAND (AW) foundation was awarded an AmeriCorps grant from the Lt. Governor’s office that was to ensure the continuation of the AWCC program for 2010. The overall grant was set up that the Lt. Governor’s office contributed funds to maintain the program and the AW foundation also contributes funds as “match.” (This has been how AWCC has worked for the last 3 years as well). Last week I received a phone call from AW and was informed that they have been unable to come up with their “match” funds for a variety of reasons. We spent last week trying to figure a way around this rather large problem, but unfortunately, we have found no workable option. Because of this, I have to announce that there will be no AWCC program for 2010. I am incredibly sorry and I know this will be a shock to many of you. I’m still a little shocked myself. Please understand that the financial problem was something that my office was not aware of. AWCC is not being shut down through any fault of the members, site supervisors, my office, or anyone involved at the AgCenter. Until last week, we had not been made aware of the financial situation and had been told that everything was moving along fine. If anything changes regarding the financial status of the program, I will notify you immediately. You all have done an amazing job. Over the last 3 years the AWCC has recruited almost 20,000 volunteers, developed nearly 100 restoration projects, and been an invaluable asset to the Youth Wetlands program and other 4-H outreach education programs. I will do anything I can to assist members who were hoping to come back next year and also supervisors who had begun planning for members in their parishes. For members – We will continue to work hard for the remainder of the program and your contracts are still in place. You will continue to receive your living allowances through the end of your 11 month term and upon successful completion of the program, you will still receive your education award. There is just no positions to apply for that would begin this January. I will see you all on Nov. 14th for our final training. Site Supervisors – I will be notifying the Regional Directors and the Regional Coordinators. Please notify anyone else in your office that may need to know about this situation (parish chairs, community partners, etc). If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for all your work and I am sorry our partnership will not continue for 2010. Hilary Hilary Collis Program Manager America's Wetland Conservation Corps 104 Sturgis Hall L.S.U. Baton Rouge, LA 70803 Office: 225-578-4514 Cell: 225-229-4300 Sidney-
I think that’s an option that Mark is suggesting in this post. On the other hand I received the following email from Hilary Collis with the LSU Ag Center that is not encouraging:

Hey all,

The following email is not an easy one to write and I’m sorry I have to send it out to such a large group, but there were too many of you to call individually.

As you all know, over the summer the America’s WETLAND (AW) foundation was awarded an AmeriCorps grant from the Lt. Governor’s office that was to ensure the continuation of the AWCC program for 2010. The overall grant was set up that the Lt. Governor’s office contributed funds to maintain the program and the AW foundation also contributes funds as “match.” (This has been how AWCC has worked for the last 3 years as well).

Last week I received a phone call from AW and was informed that they have been unable to come up with their “match” funds for a variety of reasons. We spent last week trying to figure a way around this rather large problem, but unfortunately, we have found no workable option. Because of this, I have to announce that there will be no AWCC program for 2010.

I am incredibly sorry and I know this will be a shock to many of you. I’m still a little shocked myself. Please understand that the financial problem was something that my office was not aware of. AWCC is not being shut down through any fault of the members, site supervisors, my office, or anyone involved at the AgCenter. Until last week, we had not been made aware of the financial situation and had been told that everything was moving along fine.

If anything changes regarding the financial status of the program, I will notify you immediately.

You all have done an amazing job. Over the last 3 years the AWCC has recruited almost 20,000 volunteers, developed nearly 100 restoration projects, and been an invaluable asset to the Youth Wetlands program and other 4-H outreach education programs. I will do anything I can to assist members who were hoping to come back next year and also supervisors who had begun planning for members in their parishes.

For members – We will continue to work hard for the remainder of the program and your contracts are still in place. You will continue to receive your living allowances through the end of your 11 month term and upon successful completion of the program, you will still receive your education award. There is just no positions to apply for that would begin this January. I will see you all on Nov. 14th for our final training.

Site Supervisors – I will be notifying the Regional Directors and the Regional Coordinators. Please notify anyone else in your office that may need to know about this situation (parish chairs, community partners, etc).

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me. Thank you again for all your work and I am sorry our partnership will not continue for 2010.

Hilary

Hilary Collis
Program Manager
America’s Wetland Conservation Corps
104 Sturgis Hall
L.S.U. Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Office: 225-578-4514
Cell: 225-229-4300

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]]> By: Sidney Coffee http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876&cpage=1#comment-5033 Sidney Coffee Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:43:20 +0000 http://lacoastpost.com/blog/?p=15876#comment-5033 On the volunteer side...Why not build on what already exists - the America's WETLAND Conservation Corps (AWCC) - instead of re-creating another program? The AWCC has been active for almost three years and to date has completed 190 hands-on projects with more than 59,000 service hours with more than 5,650 volunteers, and hosted numerous educational programs. Anyone interested in contributing to the AWCC's efforts should go to the website - www.americaswetland.com and click on "donate". Every contribution from individual donations goes directly to the AWCC effort! Of course, corporate sponsorships of the program are always welcome as well. On the volunteer side…Why not build on what already exists – the America’s WETLAND Conservation Corps (AWCC) – instead of re-creating another program? The AWCC has been active for almost three years and to date has completed 190 hands-on projects with more than 59,000 service hours with more than 5,650 volunteers, and hosted numerous educational programs. Anyone interested in contributing to the AWCC’s efforts should go to the website – http://www.americaswetland.com and click on “donate”. Every contribution from individual donations goes directly to the AWCC effort! Of course, corporate sponsorships of the program are always welcome as well.

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