Might what’s happening in Russia wake the US up to a climate bill ?

http://green.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/08/06/has-a-warming-russia-outpaced-the-world/?scp=1&sq=russian%20fires&st=cse

USDA Strategic Plan 2010 – 2015

USDA has recently posted their Strategic Plan for 2010 – 2015. It encompasses a broad range of goals and strategies. Within the areas of water and wildlife, it is also heavily relying on the evolution of markets.

http://www.ocfo.usda.gov/usdasp/sp2010/sp2010.pdf

First Credit Sale

At the June Ecosystem Markets Conference in Raleigh-Durham NC, CEFC offered the first Voluntary Nutrient Reduction Credits for the Chesapeake Bay. The first credits were sold to Jeff Corwin, the Emmy award winning Executive Producer of Animal Planet.

CEFC-certificate-

In terms of direct and efficient participation in restoring the Chesapeake Bay, there is currently no other comparable, easier, or more direct philanthropic mechanism with a measurable outcome than the purchase of CEFC Credits. CEFC will be offering credits for sale through our web site

http://site.chesapeake-ecofinance.com/

USDA Farm Tour of Talisman

On May 26th most of the USDA Office of Environmental Markets attended a tour of Talisman and Mudford farms. The goal was to show and discuss the work of CEFC, Chesapeake Wildlife Heritage, and the Biophilia Foundation. Starting at the Talisman Farm, we discussed our plans for restoration thediscussing the 840 acre farm. Later in the day we toured Mudford Farm, where restoration practices are in place.

Some of the participants attending:

Harris Sherman; UnderSecretary of USDA

Sally Collins; Director USDA Office of Environmental Markets (OEM)

Carl Lucero, Deputy for Water

Mark Nechodom, Deputy for Climate

Elizabeth Larry, Program Leader

Ryan Atwell; AAAS fellow

Ariela Summit, Farm of the Future Program

Dominick Grant, Summer Grad Intern

Karen Bennett, Summer Grad Intern

John Hall, NRCS Maryland State Conservationist