Bryan Green with Acme Brick was the winner of the door
prize given by Lighting IQ at the April General Membership Meeting. Bryan got to pick any single item in the store to take home with him!
Thanks Lighting IQ!
CALL TO ACTION
Urge a “Yes” vote on H.R. 1732
As part of its full throttle effort to prevent an unprecedented federal land grab, NAHB is calling on members to contact their members of Congress and urge a “yes” vote on H.R. 1732.
If the Environmental Protection Agency gets its way, millions of additional acres of land could be regulated as wetlands under the Clean Water Act. H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Protection Act, would prevent this expansion of federal authority.
In a videotaped message to members, NAHB Chairman Tom Woods, a home builder from Blue Springs, Mo., notes that the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act (H.R. 1732) would stop the land grab in its tracks.
As he points out, the EPA proposal would expand federal authority to include ditches, man-made canals and even puddles on low-lying land.
It also would require even more property owners to get government permits to use their own land. That’s a process that can take months, or even years, and cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
The House is expected to vote this Friday on H.R. 1732, which would send EPA back to the drawing board to develop a new proposal. The legislation would require EPA to:
Withdraw the proposed rule.
Develop a new rule in consultation with state and local governments, small businesses and other affected groups.
Ensure that the new rule is based on better science and realistic economic analysis.
Now it’s time for you to do your part. Please call your members of Congress today and urge a “yes” vote on H.R. 1732. Don’t let EPA get away with this effort to expand its authority.
Urge your Representative to SUPPORT H.R. 1732 the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act, introduced by Congressman Bill Shuster (R-PA)
NORTHERN LONG-EARED BAT PROPOSAL OF SPECIAL RULE 4(D)
United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) proposing special rule under Endangered Species Act (ESA) to provide maximum benefit to northern long-eared bat.
January 16, 2015 – proposal appeared in Federal Register opening 60 day public comment period
March 17, 2015 – final day public comments accepted
April 2, 2015 – final decision due by USFWS
Final Decision options
oList species as endangered
oList species as threatened
oList species as threatened with 4(d) rule
oWithdrawal the proposal
Conservation Measures if Rule put into effect:
Local Ecological Services Field Office (USFWS – Conway) to determine specific locations of “known hibernacula” and “known maternity roosts”
Locations will be informed by records in each State’s Natural Heritage database,Service records, other databases, or other survey efforts
Hibernacula Buffer Zone – 0.25 Mile Radius (128 acres)
o Buffer will provide basic protection for the hibernacula and hibernating bats in winter from direct impacts, such as filling, excavation, blasting, noise, and smoke exposure.o Buffer will also protect some roosting and foraging habitat around the hibernacula· Maternity Buffer Zone – 0.25 Mile Radiuso Buffer for all clearcutting activities will be sufficient to protect the habitat surrounding known maternity roosts during the pup season (June 1 – July 31)o Buffer will prevent the cutting of known occupied maternity roost trees during the pup season from clearcutting activities and protect some habitat for known maternity colonies
Forest Management:
· Incidental take that is caused by forest management, when carried out in accordance with the conservation measures, will not be prohibited· includes the suite of activities used to maintain and manage forest ecosystems, including, but not limited to, timber harvest and other silvicultural treatments, prescribed burning, invasive species control, wildlife openings, and temporary roads· Implementation of the conservation measures provided for in the proposed rule will limit overall take by protecting currently known populations during their more vulnerable life stages
White Nose Syndrome (WNS) Buffer Zone
Portion of the range of the northern long-eared bat within 150 miles of the boundaries of U.S. counties where the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans or WNS has been detected.
Arkansas Counties include:
oBaxter
oIndependence
oMadison
oMarion
oNewton
oStone
oWashington
Discussion with USFWS
Erin Knoll 501-531-4470 – Endangered Species in Arkansas Ecological Services Field Office located in Conway
oDoes not believe this will affect private land owners with timber management
Most “known hibernacula” and “known maternity roosts” are on public land (national forest, WMAs, etc.)
Few “known” areas documented on private land by USFWS
oBelieves larger timber companies seeking sustainable forestry products following ESA will have to survey for maternity roosts or hibernacula
oIf Rule passes, USFWS will post Fact Sheet online
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All committee and board meetings are held at the office unless otherwise notified. *Remember, all dates are tentative. Watch your email throughout the year for [...]
All committee and board meetings are held at the office unless otherwise notified. *Remember, all dates are tentative. Watch your email throughout the year for [...]
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