Partnership Update

Holiday-related News: Study Finds Mistletoe Beneficial to Ecosystems

While mistletoe has a reputation as a tree-killing parasite, the evergreen yuletide decoration might be a help to forest ecosystems, according to a new study out of Australia.  For the study, a team of researchers removed mistletoe from 17 woodlands and, after three years, compared those with 11 woodlands where the mistletoe remained and 12 woodlands that are naturally without the plant. He found that mistletoe-free forests declined without the plant.

After the mistletoe was removed, a third of bird species disappeared from the forests. In areas where mistletoe remained, bird species increased a small amount -- as did some mammals and reptiles. Watson noticed a particular increase among animals that fed on insects on the forest floor. "It's a bit of a head-scratcher," he said. More >>

Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council Holds Public Meeting

The Council, which was established by the Resources and Ecosystem Sustainability, Tourism, Opportunities Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act), will develop and oversee implementation of a comprehensive plan to help restore the ecosystem and economy of the Gulf Coast region in the wake of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The first   public meeting was held on December 11, 2012 in Mobile, AL.  Council members stated that they would build upon the work of the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force.  Members of the public spoke and encouraged the council to remember the people who were affected by the oil spill, and to think big in terms of environmental restoration. Additional public meetings will be held in January and February. More >>

Environmental Restoration Projects Spur Controversy

Coastal scientists propose to release thousands of gallons of fresh water into southern Louisiana’s swamps and wetlands to revitalize them.  Oystermen complain that the fresh water will further harm oyster harvests. More >>

Gulf of Mexico Foundation Offers Expeditions for Teachers and Informal Educators

Two expeditions will be offered this summer.  Participants can choose to visit communities and habitats along the Gulf of Mexico or join a dive trip to the Flower Garden Banks. More >>

Obama Plan Would Spare Charitable Deduction

Nonprofits seeking to protect charitable deductions may have won at least one victory: President Obama’s budget proposal given to Republicans on Monday, December 10, appeared to single out the charitable deduction for a more-generous write-off by the wealthy than mortgage interest, state taxes, or other tax breaks. Republicans rebuffed the president’s overall proposal on Tuesday in the continuing back-and-forth of “fiscal cliff” negotiations. But nonprofit leaders were abuzz with the prospect that their coordinated advocacy to protect the charitable deduction may be paying off. More >>

The National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Announces REP

In cooperation with the Bureau of Land Management and the Bureau of Reclamation, has announced a Request for Proposals for America's Great Outdoors: Developing the Next Generation of Conservationists, an initiative to connect youth to the outdoors by providing financial support for conservation job-training programs. The initiative brings together public and private partners to support organizations that are developing conservation job opportunities on public lands which expose young people, particularly urban and minority youth, to the natural world and career opportunities available in conservation.  Deadline: January 21, 2013. More >>

EPA Gulf of Mexico Program Seeks Gulf Guardian Award Nominations for 2013

Gulf of Mexico Alliance partners and friends should take note that nominations for the 2013 Gulf Guardian Awards are being accepted now through March 8, 2013!  The EPA's Gulf of Mexico Program partnership developed the Gulf Guardian awards as a way to recognize and honor the businesses, community groups, individuals, and organizations that are taking extraordinary steps to keep the Gulf healthy, beautiful and productive. The Gulf Guardian Award recipients exemplify what the Gulf of Mexico Program partnership is all about; innovative solutions that come about when we pool resources and look for creative ways to positively impact our quality of life and economic well being on the Gulf of Mexico. More >>

Partnership for Gulf Coast Land Conservation Receives Grant Awards from Southern Company and Exxon Mobil Corporation

The Partnership is pleased to announce that Southern Company and Exxon Mobil Corporation have each awarded grants to support our work in land conservation in the Gulf of Mexico region.  We extend our gratitude and appreciation to Southern Company and Exxon Mobil for these grant funds.