tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-261609982024-03-08T06:16:25.635+10:00Hafa Adai, Welcome to Saipan!The Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Council is working to raise public awareness of coral reef issues in Saipan. This is their story.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.comBlogger187125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-3338253783894271692009-03-03T17:41:00.001+10:002009-03-03T17:41:51.858+10:00Link to this blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQWuMuAYbYKsizrUtohbEVNX5oJMq3y3zrkmtl2ioNXLvl9H9ZWCUYue2ZRFoQd9-NpOQpVBDhb46UaG9ikeOkhajtr2VwilHnHppQ7IizztdcCITxZSuwdkJFcNwUD2qNOO76A/s1600-h/mic+screensht.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 215px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcQWuMuAYbYKsizrUtohbEVNX5oJMq3y3zrkmtl2ioNXLvl9H9ZWCUYue2ZRFoQd9-NpOQpVBDhb46UaG9ikeOkhajtr2VwilHnHppQ7IizztdcCITxZSuwdkJFcNwUD2qNOO76A/s400/mic+screensht.jpg" border="0" alt="micronesians in island conservation" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308856437505688034" /></a>During the 11th Micronesians in Island Conservation Retreat I was tasked with taking over the learning network's blog found at <a href="http://mic-network.blogspot.com/">http://mic-network.blogspot.com</a>. I've fiddled with the template and the colors a little bit here and there over the last two weeks and I'm liking the new look.<br /><br />My first change was to turn the background from a solid green to a picture of two fishermen in an outrigger canoe. What says connecting islands better than a canoe?<br /><br />I also added a <a href="http://www.sitemeter.com/?a=stats&s=sm3pohnpei">Sitemeter</a> counter, some frequently asked questions, contact information, and changed things around a bit so that the site is easier to navigate (at least to me). In the past I've done a few <span style="">widge</span><span style="font-style:italic;">ts</span> for organizations I've done work with (i.e. a logo that links to your website). I used that code to add logos that link t<a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/">o Friends of the Monument</a>, <a href="http://www.mctconservation.org/">Micronesia Conservation Trust</a>, and <a href="http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com/">Beautify CNMI</a>. I'll add a few more logos as work progresses on the blog, including the html code so that you can link to those websites, too!<br /><br />As for the color scheme, I offer the fact that I am color blind as an excuse.<br /><br />I encourage you to add a link to the <a href="http://mic-network.blogspot.com/">Micronesians in Island Conservation blog</a>. In the upcoming months we should be adding some great conservation stories from the whole of Micronesia. You heard it here first.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-36518005979882102332009-03-03T16:14:00.000+10:002009-03-03T16:15:13.374+10:00Carnival of the Blue XXII<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVqUVD-7F18bMdzagIpqYvPur2ZrYtmeZv8I_tYX27s5TvVYQey8X_QYH82SGtw6oOjqAwLe457Co5NsVSe9YqiLVS7p0ENQvmI5u3wMQZHbGUJcg7qa-ZRedf3I2ez6YNWgIPQ/s1600-h/carnivaloftheblue22.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 318px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRVqUVD-7F18bMdzagIpqYvPur2ZrYtmeZv8I_tYX27s5TvVYQey8X_QYH82SGtw6oOjqAwLe457Co5NsVSe9YqiLVS7p0ENQvmI5u3wMQZHbGUJcg7qa-ZRedf3I2ez6YNWgIPQ/s400/carnivaloftheblue22.png" border="0" alt="carnival of the blue 22"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308827853598723746" /></a>Carnival of the Blue XXII is now live at Rick MacPherson's <a href="http://coralnotesfromthefield.blogspot.com/2009/03/carnival-of-blue-22.html">Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice, & Sunsets</a>. It has been a while since I've submitted a post for Carnival of the Blue, not like I don't post something about the ocean every single month, but I managed to get my act together this month. Enjoy!Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-58830261738587656342009-03-03T09:29:00.001+10:002009-03-03T09:29:48.889+10:00Micronesia Challenge on Facebook<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMqoHEF-9FNPtg1xlxf80tz0zCBdjzOShVHsaYVKFo14ObwjpN6EIoB4_jS5KjsBXFrwnRpabTa9aUCd-0uJcBNYIN9XcUq5Yxn8WllRavRkcJchd3PtVjAvXoqe3lib6obDG7Q/s1600-h/mcchallenge+facebook.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGMqoHEF-9FNPtg1xlxf80tz0zCBdjzOShVHsaYVKFo14ObwjpN6EIoB4_jS5KjsBXFrwnRpabTa9aUCd-0uJcBNYIN9XcUq5Yxn8WllRavRkcJchd3PtVjAvXoqe3lib6obDG7Q/s400/mcchallenge+facebook.jpg" border="0" alt="micronesia challenge on facebook" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308731447564206402" /></a><br />Are you a member of Facebook? Would you like to be the envy of all your friends? There is now a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Micronesia-Challenge/65985444888">Facebook Fan Page</a> and a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53720812522">Facebook Group</a> for the Micronesia Challenge. Join today!<br /><br />Both the Fan Page and the Group allow users to post comments on a discussion board, upload photos and video, suggest links, and leave comments. The Fan Page allows the administrator to write notes or, as I prefer to do, syndicate a blog feed. I am syndicating the <a href="http://mic-network.blogspot.com/">Micronesians in Island Conservation blog</a> until there is a Micronesia Challenge blog. The thing I like best about both is that the administrator has the ability to send messages to every member of both the Group and the Fan Page. This will come in handy, especially once the membership gets into the thousands.<br /><br />Additionally, the Fan Page links to Fan Pages for the Micronesian governments that have signed onto the Micronesia Challenge: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Palau/30003908626">Palau</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Federated-States-of-Micronesia/65756828828">Federated States of Micronesia</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Majuro/Republic-of-the-Marshall-Islands/44473833783">Marshall Islands</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Guam/54216859846">Guam</a>, and the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Commonwealth-of-the-Northern-Mariana-Islands/51005201303">Northern Mariana Islands</a>. It also links to a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautify-CNMI/42670564719">Fan Page for Beautify CNMI</a>, an environmental coalition in the Marianas supportive of the Micronesia Challenge. I will link to other non-profits working on the Micronesia Challenge once someone sets up their Fan Pages. (Pehaps we can do this at the next MIC retreat or maybe the next steering committee meeting?)<br /><br />So what are you waiting for? Log into Facebook and join the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Micronesia-Challenge/65985444888">Facebook Fan Page</a> and the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=53720812522">Facebook Group</a> for the Micronesia Challenge.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-85250180388912768772009-03-02T10:38:00.001+10:002009-03-02T10:38:56.557+10:00Micronesia Challenge Logo<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnTzbHWgZ1ogqvaDQxmoZGkOQLsnXAU0wqOs_LTtLJOXyEBD6s6coOttNqzEVr8eyro8q7ytho4fGo1l10c3LNJivi4F62szpyTbSFegZiGkoasGbC53kzoRaTG5x9AMDJcMi/s1600-h/Logo_white.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 385px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnTzbHWgZ1ogqvaDQxmoZGkOQLsnXAU0wqOs_LTtLJOXyEBD6s6coOttNqzEVr8eyro8q7ytho4fGo1l10c3LNJivi4F62szpyTbSFegZiGkoasGbC53kzoRaTG5x9AMDJcMi/s400/Logo_white.jpg" border="0" alt="Micronesia Challenge Logo"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5308381152507514802" /></a>The logo was developed by Luke, an artist in Yap, and incorporates the creativity, compassion and, perhaps most importantly, the true culture of Micronesia. While the basic design is of a turtle with an "M" as the front fins and a "C" as the body, the logo also incorporates the overall aspects of air, sea and land and has come to mean different things to different people with some saying they see an island, some a bird in flight and still others seeing waves. "Micronesia" is in blue to match the "M" in the logo and "Challenge" is in green to match the "C." This logo is now the official logo of the Micronesia Challenge.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-45851332181524807822009-02-26T11:05:00.000+10:002009-02-26T11:06:09.279+10:00RC&D Vice Chair Petitions ObamaDuring tomorrow's business meeting of the <a href="http://www.coralreef.gov/">US Coral Reef Task Force</a> in Washington DC, the Executive Director of the <a href="http://www.coral.org/">Coral Reef Alliance</a> will be presenting Recommendations for Coral Reef Conservation to the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress. This document represents a collaborative, cross-NGO set of recommendations for swift and decisive action by the Obama Administration and Congress for responding to the global coral reef crisis.<br /><br />Two Micronesians have attached their names and their organizations to this call for action. One is Ignacio V. Cabrera, Chairman of the Friends of the Monument. The other is yours truly, signing as the Executive Director of Beautify CNMI.<br /><br />Here is the letter, posted in its entirety:<blockquote><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoAKFAsjn5i5N5YxrMB2Mnumr2WXHCR5jG0T6Z9xZwz0wK7vHaZChI7dXJcMlIDiXhpJlnzZPmz8auU_tyxN-052Re2WT0hgBJZYEueN_LDOHmyGyuBw0zsQcxATE5fFwg00Sw/s1600-h/obama+signatories.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 340px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpDoAKFAsjn5i5N5YxrMB2Mnumr2WXHCR5jG0T6Z9xZwz0wK7vHaZChI7dXJcMlIDiXhpJlnzZPmz8auU_tyxN-052Re2WT0hgBJZYEueN_LDOHmyGyuBw0zsQcxATE5fFwg00Sw/s400/obama+signatories.jpg" border="0" alt="obama letter signatories" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306651545244037938" /></a><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold; ">Recommendations for Coral Reef Conservation</span><br /></div><span style="font-weight:bold;"><div style="text-align: center;">To the Obama Administration and the 111th Congress<br /></div></span><br />Healthy coral reefs are the largest living structures on the planet and the second largest storehouse of biological diversity. These highly productive ecosystems are economically valuable, with reef-based tourism generating over $1.2 billion each year in the Florida Keys alone. Coral reefs provide coastal protection, food, and income, supporting the livelihoods of approximately 100 million people around the world.<br /><br />However, coral reefs in the United States and worldwide are declining at an alarming rate. Unless we take immediate action, we could lose up to 70 percent of the world’s coral reefs by 2050. Human activities have damaged coral reefs to the point of being the most threatened ecosystem on Earth; they are currently teetering on the edge of destruction. Fortunately, three major human impacts on reefs—climate change, overfishing, and pollution—are reversible if we act now. As noted undersea explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle has stated: “If reefs are in trouble, we are in trouble.”<br /><br />We are encouraged by indications that the Obama Administration and the new Congress will establish a serious commitment to coral reef conservation through the appointment of Dr. Jane Lubchenco–a distinguished ocean scientist with a strong track record in ocean conservation–to lead the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). We also see a tremendous opportunity for the United States to continue its leadership role in helping to reverse the downward spiral of coral reef destruction and ensure the health and survival of these invaluable resources for future generations.<br /><br />We urge the Administration to adopt the strongest possible measures for the protection and conservation of coral reef ecosystems and stand ready to partner with the new administration in designing and implementing an effective and global coral reef conservation strategy. Such measures could include the following:<br /><br />• Reauthorize the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">U.S. Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000</span>, including authorizing international coral reef conservation activities;<br /><br />• Support passage of the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act</span>;<br /><br />• Enact meaningful reductions in carbon dioxide emissions that target CO2 concentrations to stabilize at levels climate scientists determine are necessary to preserve coral reef ecosystems;<br /><br />• Fund and lead domestic and international coral reef conservation efforts through NOAA, USAID, EPA, the Department of the Interior, and the State Department;<br /><br />• Support NOAA’s priorities in reducing impacts to coral reefs from fishing and land-based sources of pollution;<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">• Effectively conserve at least 30 percent of coral reef and reef-associated coastal resources in U.S. states and territories using marine managed areas over the next eight years; and</span><br /><br />• Provide more support for ocean education and citizen-science programs to create an educated public that understands and is committed to ocean conservation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Reauthorize the U.S. Coral Reef Conservation Act of 2000</span><br />The reauthorization of the Coral Reef Conservation Act must be a priority for the 111th Congress during 2009. The act was established in 2000 to preserve coral reef ecosystems, promote wise management, and obtain better information about<br />the current condition of coral reefs. As a result of this act, millions of Americans have been educated about the coral reef crisis, research has documented the threats and damage, and large areas such as the Northwest Hawaiian Islands have been protected. It is critical to continue this work to give reefs any chance to survive and to expand similar strategies around the world by authorizing activities for international coral reef conservation.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Support passage of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act</span><br />Increasing CO2 in the world’s atmosphere is taking its toll on the oceans by increasing the acidity of sea water, which in turn threatens the stability of the marine food chain and the ability of corals to build reefs. Essentially, as the oceans increase in acidity it becomes more difficult for animals such as scallops, clams, crabs, plankton and corals to build their shells or skeletons and slows the development of their larvae. The Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring Act focuses federal research on rising ocean acidity and establishes a comprehensive research and monitoring program within NOAA.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Enact Meaningful Reductions in Carbon Dioxide Emissions that Target CO2 Concentrations to Stabilize at Levels Climate Scientists Determine are Necessary</span><br />In 2007, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change concluded that deep reductions in greenhouse gas emissions must be prioritized. Without action, atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration is expected to exceed 500 parts per million (ppm) between 2050 and 2100, and global temperatures will likely rise by at least 2°C. Under these conditions, global warming and ocean acidification are predicted to damage and kill most reefs. We urge the federal government to take aggressive action to reduce emissions now–action that can serve as a benchmark for international leadership.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Fund and Lead Domestic and International Coral Reef Conservation Efforts through NOAA, USAID, EPA, the Department of the Interior, and the State Department</span><br />With the recent addition of the Marianas Trench, Pacific Remote Islands, and Rose Atoll Marine National Monuments, ensuring adequate capacity for management and monitoring of these and other domestic coral resources has never been more critical. The United States should also provide increased leadership in international and national coral reef conservation efforts. As increasing areas of reefs are damaged, tens of millions of people around the world will become desperate for food in countries that are critically important for global stability. Stopping coral reef destruction now and investing in conservation is an investment in global security.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Support NOAA’s Priorities in Reducing Impacts to Coral Reefs from Fishing and Land-based Sources of Pollution</span><br />Along with large-scale threats resulting from climate change, NOAA has identified land-based sources of pollution and impacts from fishing as priority areas for coral reef conservation. Land-based sources of pollution and poor water quality are recognized as two of the most important factors driving coral reef decline. In addition, rapid human population increases, growth of export fisheries, use of more efficient fishery gear, expansion of destructive fishing techniques, and inadequate management and enforcement have led to the depletion of not only keystone reef fish species, but also associated species and ecosystems. For these reasons, we recommend expanded funding and legislative capacity for NOAA to better manage recreational and commercial fisheries and land-based sources of pollution to meet coral reef conservation objectives.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Effectively Conserve at Least 30 Percent of Coral Reef and Reef-Associated Coastal Resources in U.S. States and Territories Using Marine Managed Areas over the Next Eight Years</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"><br />Full protection of at least 30 percent of the planet’s coral reefs from human activities is a reasonable and realistic management goal that will allow reefs to thrive. On November 5, 2005, then President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr., of Palau called on his peers to join him in the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Micronesia Challenge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);"> to effectively conserve 30 percent of near-shore marine resources within marine protected areas by 2020. Similarly, Caribbean governments have called for 20 percent protection of marine and coastal habitats by 2020 in the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Caribbean Challenge</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">. We ask for the United States to join the many nations that recognize the importance of marine managed areas for effective coral reef conservation and provide the staff and funding needed for active research, monitoring, enforcement, and local management.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Provide More Support for Ocean Education and Citizen-Science Programs</span><br />By becoming educated about the value of coral reefs and threats to their survival, the public can become strong advocates for conservation and sustainability. One of the most effective means of education is a citizen-science program that turns<br />hands-on experience into knowledge. As a leader in marine conservation, the new administration should provide increased support for ocean education and citizen-science programs in the United States and internationally.<br /><br />Respectfully,<br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Core Signatories</span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Angelo Villagomez, Executive Director, Beautify CNMI</span><br />Brendan Cummings, Oceans Program Director, Center for Biological Diversity<br />Roger McManus, Vice President for Marine Programs, Conservation International<br />Brian Huse, Executive Director, Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL)<br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255);">Ignacio V. Cabrera, Chair, Friends of the Monumen</span>t<br />Kristian Teleki, Director, International Coral Reef Action Network (ICRAN)<br />Carolyn Stewart, Executive Director, Malama Kai Foundation<br />Mark Spaulding, Executive Director, The Ocean Foundation<br />Jenny Miller Garmendia, Director, Project AWARE Foundation<br />Liz Foote, Executive Director, Project SEA Link<br />Gregor Hodgson, Executive Director, Reef Check<br />Bill Eichbaum, Vice President of Marine Portfolio, World Wildlife Fund-US (WWF)</blockquote>I highlighted what I consider to be the most significant recommendation, at least from my little rock in the sun. I think it is significant that two Micronesians are challenging the President of the United States to meet what one day could become the "American Challenge."<br /><br />The Micronesia Challenge, which seeks to <span style="font-style:italic;">effectively conserve 30% of our nearshore resources and 20% of our terrestrial resources by 2020</span>, has received lots of attention over the last several years, including former President Tommy E. Remengesau, Jr of Palau, the man behind the Micronesia Challenge, being recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "<a href="http://www.time.com/time/specials/2007/article/0,28804,1663317_1663319_1669885,00.html">Heroes of the Environment</a>" in 2007.<br /><br />Palau, the Marianas, and the rest of Micronesia are Small Island Nations, or as I prefer to call them, Large Ocean Nations. Our populations are small and our conservation budgets are smaller, but every single day we live with the environment. Unlike large developed nations that have a concept of the environment as someplace far away (i.e. Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument or Arctic National Wildlife Refuge), the environment for Micronesians is literally in our front yard. Local people catch their dinners on the beach 50 meters from my apartment. If we don't act as good stewards of our environment, we don't eat.<br /><br />The environment in Saipan is central to our economy. Not only do we depend on healthy populations of fish to feed our families, but our economy is heavily dependent on tourism. Additionally, the environment, our ocean, our beaches, and our green forests, are consistently cited as the main attractions for tourists in the Marianas. Those tourists spend money and create jobs, which in turn generates tax revenue to support all those people in government jobs.<br /><br />These ideas deserve to be explored further, which I will do in the near future. This post was really just meant to post the letter.<br /><br />I hope that the Obama administration takes these recommendations seriously and I hope that he recognizes and considers the Large Ocean Nations that will live with his decisions. As with Climate Change, we'll feel the effects of poor policy sooner and with more intensity than the richer, larger, more developed nations.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-82832838274146493082009-02-20T10:29:00.001+10:002009-02-20T10:29:40.572+10:00Beautify CNMI Email ListI've spent the last two weeks getting Beautify CNMI back up to speed. I've started a <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Beautify-CNMI/42670564719">Beautify CNMI Facebook fan page</a> and I've updated the email list. We'll have activities all year in 2009. If you would like to be added to the email list, please email me at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com or call me at 285 6462 and I will add you.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-10662069669444142272009-02-16T10:11:00.000+10:002009-02-16T10:12:02.612+10:00Beautify CNMI Ambassador ProgramBeautify CNMI was listed as one of the participating programs in the NMC Service Learning grant. The way it works is students donate their time in exchange for scholarship money. I met with the coordinators at NMC on Friday and we came up with a Beautify CNMI Ambassador Program. Basically the students would help me with coordination of Beautify CNMI, taking a load of my shoulders and learning some valuable organizing skills in the process.<br /><br />Nobody has signed up yet, but about 10 students came to our cleanup of Laulau Beach yesterday, so I'm hopeful. This is the program summary I sent to NMC today:<blockquote>Beautify CNMI Ambassador Program<br />For NMC students in the service learning program<br /><br />Learn how to conduct an environmental public awareness and stewardship campaign.<br /><br />Participants will:<br /><br />-Coordinating with government and businesses, plan an island-wide cleanup in April<br />-Recruit and manage participants in the cleanup<br />-Work with participants to adopt their adopted site for at least one year<br />-Help sustain cleanup and other beautification activities after island-wide cleanup<br />-Work with newspapers, radio, TV, and other media to broadcast campaign message<br />-Contribute to Myspace, Facebook, blogs , and websites to further campaign goals</blockquote>Hopefully you'll be reading about the Beautify CNMI Ambassadors in the newspapers in the next couple of weeks. I'll need to get them on board right away. The first island-wide cleanup meeting is this Wednesday at DEQ.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-12845861487989740002009-02-10T10:06:00.002+10:002009-02-10T10:07:01.637+10:00Island Wide CleanupIn October 2006, Beautify CNMI coordinated an island wide cleanup amongst their coalition members. Over 3000 volunteers planted trees, painted over graffiti, and picked up litter off of beaches and streets.<br /><br />This is just a heads up, but Beautify CNMI coalition members Division of Environmental Quality and Rotary Club of Saipan are planning another island wide cleanup for April 2009.<br /><br />Our first planning meeting was this morning. Our second meeting is next Wednesday, February 18 at the Division of Environmental Quality.<br /><br />Contact Angelo Villagomez at 285-6462 if you are interested in helping out.<br /><br />Stay tuned for updates.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-44024569039487390432008-10-12T16:18:00.001+10:002008-10-12T16:18:51.413+10:00Link to the Friends of the Monument blog<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpJuQfotkc2ZXrjndNHL8Xe3IzLoKQo_noLt0TtEz9tNKEjvv68chvtvHQm605SInOkaCsIksKz7B0VXufDc_JEg381a5rw_hrb6BSBDcYqhPYLfZ-bxpapiMK9SV_pQDFvKHaQ/s200/good+for+culture.JPG" border="0" alt="Good For Indigeneous Culture" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246194674608796450" /></a>Would you like to help spread the word about the Friends of the Monument blog? Just copy and paste the following code into your blog template!<br /><br /><center><table width="235"><tbody><tr><td width="6"><br /></td><td width="1"><br /></td><td width="265"><br /><center><textarea contenteditable="false" onfocus="this.select()" name="JavascriptHTML" wrap="off" cols="23" rows="5"><center><a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinpJuQfotkc2ZXrjndNHL8Xe3IzLoKQo_noLt0TtEz9tNKEjvv68chvtvHQm605SInOkaCsIksKz7B0VXufDc_JEg381a5rw_hrb6BSBDcYqhPYLfZ-bxpapiMK9SV_pQDFvKHaQ/s200/good+for+culture.JPG" /></a></center></textarea></center></td></tr></tbody></table></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcQoJF4qBE3LTv2QPhq40uWFPx3amFtccv_XX7cyiMG6C43yMtyFvRv8UqdmPM2QCyeRNc7lIuCSc4hBiL3LVNUVDfl7c8Wz_VwJ0ft4IMUq1TTVWfPvKRVOOEXhPY3TC_sj_yQ/s200/monument+poster.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5246984450276615682" /></a><br /><br /><center><table width="235"><tbody><tr><td width="6"><br /></td><td width="1"><br /></td><td width="265"><br /><center><textarea contenteditable="false" onfocus="this.select()" name="JavascriptHTML" wrap="off" cols="23" rows="5"><center><a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVcQoJF4qBE3LTv2QPhq40uWFPx3amFtccv_XX7cyiMG6C43yMtyFvRv8UqdmPM2QCyeRNc7lIuCSc4hBiL3LVNUVDfl7c8Wz_VwJ0ft4IMUq1TTVWfPvKRVOOEXhPY3TC_sj_yQ/s200/monument+poster.jpg" /></a></center></textarea></center></td></tr></tbody></table></center><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WbAi03_fGSlOM3KPUaCojo9POdo1lSynH9Yw1gK9qGer8ht9_z6vF2RdeUYcT5JymQzOa6NDP_j_geS84ZQLjDiXMKsnaA0Y5cwY_dcJgQEdNTxIyp2fILzTRBODscnTCPhYpA/s1600-h/JerryVersion.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WbAi03_fGSlOM3KPUaCojo9POdo1lSynH9Yw1gK9qGer8ht9_z6vF2RdeUYcT5JymQzOa6NDP_j_geS84ZQLjDiXMKsnaA0Y5cwY_dcJgQEdNTxIyp2fILzTRBODscnTCPhYpA/s200/JerryVersion.jpg" border="0" alt="Mariana Monument Banner" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247199809376013682" /></a><center><table width="235"><tbody><tr><td width="6"><br /></td><td width="1"><br /></td><td width="265"><br /><center><textarea contenteditable="false" onfocus="this.select()" name="JavascriptHTML" wrap="off" cols="23" rows="5"><center><a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5WbAi03_fGSlOM3KPUaCojo9POdo1lSynH9Yw1gK9qGer8ht9_z6vF2RdeUYcT5JymQzOa6NDP_j_geS84ZQLjDiXMKsnaA0Y5cwY_dcJgQEdNTxIyp2fILzTRBODscnTCPhYpA/s200/JerryVersion.jpg" /></a></center></textarea></center></td></tr></tbody></table></center><br /><br />The federal workshops on Saipan are just over one week away! There are ways that you can help to support the monument. Click <a href="http://marianamonument.blogspot.com/2008/10/5-things-you-can-do-to-support-monument.html">HERE</a> for more information.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-79953115582726073062008-05-10T12:21:00.001+10:002008-05-10T12:21:57.793+10:00FMI gets Earth Team Volunteer awardMarites Aquino Castillo, president/chairwomen of the volunteer group known as Friends of the Mariana Islands (FMI), and Angelo O'Connor Villagomez were <a href="http://www.saipantribune.com/newsstory.aspx?cat=21&newsID=79815">recently presented the Earth Team Volunteer Award</a> and Certificates for their environmental efforts.<br /><br />Castillo received two awards, one for herself and the other one for the FMI Group's activities.<br /><br />Villagomez's's genius is as a grass roots organizer, while Castillo's Group, the FMI, provided the muscle and backbone for the Earth Team Volunteer activities with over 6,000 volunteer hours so far in 2008.<br /><br />Castillo and the FMI Group performed miracles by volunteering to clean up the roads and beaches of Saipan. Their goal is to maintain the environment for the benefit of everyone in the CNMI. Their motto is: “Do it whole heartedly and expect nothing in return except from your self.”<br /><br />According to Castillo, the FMI group began consistently cleaning up of roads and beaches in June 2006. Since then they have cleaned up Lau Lau Beach every third Sunday of the month, which now amounts to 23 consecutive months of activity.<br /><br />During these same months on every second Sunday they were also cleaning up ISA Drive Rd. from the Saipan Botanical Gardens to the stoplight Intersection that leads to Northern Marianas Colleges.<br /><br />The FMI has also worked other weekends beautifying other parts of Saipan.<br /><br />When asked, “How can your group possibly do this much work?” Castillo replied: “The Friends of the Mariana Islands Earth Team Volunteers get a great feeling of pride for the work they do for the environment of Saipan.”<br /><br />She cited the help of other individuals and groups who have contributed to FMI's cause. “Thanks to former Rep. Jacinta M. Kaipat, Angelo, and Mr. Ken [Kramer] for their motivation and assistance in helping us keep Saipan beautiful.”<br /><br />“I hope that people will know, appreciate, and remember that it was and will be the hard work of Friends of the Mariana Islands Earth Team Volunteers that helps make Saipan a cleaner and more beautiful place to live! Let's all work together and keep this island even more beautiful!”Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-66329290152417804932008-04-12T18:09:00.000+10:002008-04-12T18:10:03.664+10:00Free grazing workshop for islands' ranchersThe Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Council, in cooperation with the three CNMI Soil and Water Conservation Districts, is hosting a free grazing workshop for all interested farmers, ranchers and conservation agencies in the CNMI. Everyone with grazing livestock is encouraged to attend.<br /><br />The workshop will focus on various aspects of grazing lands management including recommended plants for the best quality livestock forage, pasture planting techniques, weed control options, animal nutrition, soils and other management principles designed to give island cattle and goat ranchers the tools they need to maximize productivity while protecting their animals' health and conserving their natural resources.<br /><br />Technical expertise for the workshop will be provided by grazing experts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service, an agency within the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Presenters for the workshop will include area soil scientist Robert Gavenda from Guam, and state rangeland conservationist from Hawaii, Lori Metz, along with Jeff Repp and Gene Fultz, both grazing land technology specialists from the NRCS West Region Technical Center in Portland, Oregon. Several employees from the local NRCS Field Office on Saipan will also participate and provide local commentary.<br /><br />A full day of technical advice will be delivered on each island starting with Tinian on Thursday, April 17, then moving to Saipan on Friday, April 18. The workshop on Rota will be held on Monday, April 21.<br /><br />The workshop will consist of a walking tour and field presentation starting at 8am on an actual working ranch that is currently participating in NRCS conservation programs. In the afternoon, the workshop will continue in a classroom segment until 4:30pm to be held at the Northern Marianas College campus on each island.<br /><br />Workshop attendees on Tinian will gather at the ranch of Frank Diaz for the morning session. Anyone requiring directions to the location can meet at the DLNR office at 7:30am and follow NRCS staff to the Diaz ranch.<br /><br />The field portion for the Saipan segment will be held at the ranch of Captain Ernest Torres in the Obyan area. Attendees are asked to gather at the NRCS field office on Beach Road at 7:30am should they need directions to the Torres Ranch. Afternoon classes will be held in Room D-1 of the NMC campus.<br /><br />Rota attendees will gather at the NMC campus at 7:30am for directions to the field portion which will be held at the ranch of Maria Fujihira, in the Lalayak area. After lunch, the workshop will continue in Room B-2 of the Rota NMC campus. Attendees must arrange their own transportation.<br /><br />All those interested in attending the free workshop are encouraged to contact the NRCS field office for specific information the day before. Call 236-0888 or 236-0880.<br /><br />Persons with disabilities who require alternative means for communication of program information (Braille, large print, audiotape, etc.) should contact USDA's TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TDD). (USDA)Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-49747361083689783682008-03-15T17:48:00.003+10:002008-03-15T17:52:19.191+10:00Final Report Handed Over<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bLEEc_tmSYu982N9Ixz-PPs6rGdjLH_INSLH7e77ySFw1E5Tdaq5ATdoUECMN4Y34q-493qp7flPzVUiJMP7N5OeimnXx0XlWx8XbDZzD_BcjU6_LHWTrpr01JztchLpgCcv/s1600-h/P3060007.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-bLEEc_tmSYu982N9Ixz-PPs6rGdjLH_INSLH7e77ySFw1E5Tdaq5ATdoUECMN4Y34q-493qp7flPzVUiJMP7N5OeimnXx0XlWx8XbDZzD_BcjU6_LHWTrpr01JztchLpgCcv/s400/P3060007.JPG" border="0" alt="Angelo Villagomez and Ike Cabrera"id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5177872586491514210" /></a><br />Public Involvement Coordinator Angelo Villagomez (and his dog Oreo) handed over the Coral Reef Awareness in Saipan Final Report to Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Vice President on March 6, 2008.<br /><br />Villagomez and RC&D Coordinator Ken Kramer have applied for another grant to continue this successful project. For a copy of the report, contact Kramer or download it <a href="http://www.marianasrcd.org/files/NFWFfinalreport.pdf">here</a>.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-73475273319177101542008-02-11T22:53:00.000+10:002008-02-11T22:55:52.775+10:00Final Report Available OnlineMy final report for the NFWF Coral Reef Awareness in Saipan project is available on the <a href="http://www.marianasrcd.org">Marianas RC&D website</a>. The project was a success.<br /><br />RC&D currently does not have funding to continue this project, but we will be applying for grants in the coming year.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-91634012203267405152007-09-20T09:08:00.000+10:002007-09-20T09:09:02.658+10:00Protect Our Coral Reefs<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCpdou8Yq_rjw6yDDd8l-ox5pxWMlCCRkNxkNXSy5__xpLWQIlC5SkmcEyxyJWIyclYsdhoWdh8YVR7dq3nOOdODR8mSYTto2jmCJi0I9phmS5lS3hLEB1Ma90yp5guugsudIMw/s1600-h/library.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112042816720359506" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Joeten Kiyu Library" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdCpdou8Yq_rjw6yDDd8l-ox5pxWMlCCRkNxkNXSy5__xpLWQIlC5SkmcEyxyJWIyclYsdhoWdh8YVR7dq3nOOdODR8mSYTto2jmCJi0I9phmS5lS3hLEB1Ma90yp5guugsudIMw/s400/library.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.marianasrcd.org/">Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Council</a> recently donated two large Protect Our Coral Reef banners to the library. There are also banners hanging at the USDA office and the RC&D office. We're preparing one for the National Park Service to hang at American Memorial Park.<br /><br />If you know of a high visibility place to hang one, let me know and I'll see if we can get one to you. The posters read, "What we do on the land can affect our marine environment."<br /><br />People may not realize this, but our activities on the land affect our coral reefs as much if not more than our activities that take place in the water. Divers, swimmers, crown of thorn starfish, typhoons, bleaching events, and anchors can do a number on coral reefs, but they can and do bounce back after disturbances.<br /><br />That is not the case if the water is loaded with sediment, pesticides, fertilizers, bacteria, sewage, and other pollutants. When these stressors are present, the reef may not come back after a disturbance.<br /><br />******<br /><br />There was another <a href="http://www.marianasdive.com/">Marianas Dive</a> meeting last night. This time we met up at Porky's. The owner, Bruce Bateman, has agreed to donate 10% of all food & drink sales on nights that we have meetings there.<br /><br />The meeting last night was led by <a href="http://saipanscuba.blogspot.com/">Mike Tripp</a>.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8nLem090OS4F945iNl0q-PRPi9MELw9RLjDf5RDNpqqq0aZqXHm5dU35Hz2rFVn684vc6TZEBBjzoEN45xVQDQeut7UIcMVzvUjwQzqKmRCsXfkARhJT4qP3-HigK7Qs6gUxlQ/s1600-h/dive1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112044775225446498" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Mike Tripp Saipan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz8nLem090OS4F945iNl0q-PRPi9MELw9RLjDf5RDNpqqq0aZqXHm5dU35Hz2rFVn684vc6TZEBBjzoEN45xVQDQeut7UIcMVzvUjwQzqKmRCsXfkARhJT4qP3-HigK7Qs6gUxlQ/s400/dive1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Mike is the guy with the goofy smile on the left. He's the leader of Marianas Dive. He's Canadian, so we call him the Prime Minister. He is a local diver/retired pharmacist and is the producer of <a href="http://www.theunderwaterworldof.com/">The Underwater World of Saipan</a>.<br /><br />Before I get into the meeting, this is from the Marianas Dive website:<br /><br /><blockquote>The Marianas Dive group is dedicated to creating a resource, a world class destination and a community for the purpose of increasing awareness, promoting education, and ensuring the protection of the underwater world of the Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota) and the unique diving experience it offers.<br /><br /><strong>Mission Statement: Awareness, Education & Protection<br /></strong><br />The Marianas Dive group is dedicated to creating a resource, a world class destination and a community for the purpose of increasing awareness, promoting education, and ensuring the protection of the underwater world of the Marianas Islands (Saipan, Tinian, Rota) and the unique diving experience it offers.<br /><br /><strong>A Resource</strong><br />We shall begin by networking and using the Internet and all promotional tools available to create a Marianas Dive information portal.Ê This information will be amassed and provided to the local and international dive, and scientific communities and be available in the languages of all our target tourist countries.<br /><br /><strong>A World Class Destination</strong><br />We shall ensure that the Mariana Islands meet or beat the expectations of a being a safe, environmentally friendly, world class dive destination.Ê This includes improving diver safety and reducing environmental impact by assisting with the implementation and maintenance of a proper mooring system, including marker buoys and guide ropes at all popular dive sites. It is also our goal to ensure all divers are environmentally aware of their impact on the reef and marine environment.<br /><br /><strong>A Community</strong><br />We are, above all else, a community that shares a love of all things underwater. We shall promote fellowship and camaraderie among all divers who enjoy the waters of the Marianas whether full time, during occasional trips or as weekend warriors. We shall meet regularly, organize group dives and social events that allow members to interact, swap stories, discuss ideas and to get to know one another personally. We welcome all regardless of nationality, culture, level or frequency of dive experience.</blockquote>Seems like a pretty good idea to me, doesn't it?<br /><br />The meeting itself was pretty short. Mike updated everyone on the progress of the website, pending legislation, finances ,formation of a 501(c)3 and the fun dive, beach cleanup, dive cleanup sponsored by the group.<br /><br />After the meeting, officials from the Division of Fish & Wildlife came in to go over the DFW rules & regulations. I learned several things last night. I didn't know that you needed a permit to collect shells or to have an aquarium. Any aquarium.<br /><br />Who knew?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBAAwymIuVSPdb84bxnz2vKMU3g0LbLXkWOb6nxHnfz7VpWstTY8eYP-93CXCgUnHxVwll81_ARYhKmT271TvpaJIKt8aMnMdgTbPmu4ukbCPx_oItIuA1evIq6lgTK2VOMeLLQ/s1600-h/dive2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112048718005424242" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHBAAwymIuVSPdb84bxnz2vKMU3g0LbLXkWOb6nxHnfz7VpWstTY8eYP-93CXCgUnHxVwll81_ARYhKmT271TvpaJIKt8aMnMdgTbPmu4ukbCPx_oItIuA1evIq6lgTK2VOMeLLQ/s400/dive2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Although we had a few issues with our screen and microphone cord, the presentation went well. The presentation was followed by a question & answer session.<br /><br />There were a few issues that I thought were confusing. We were told that it is illegal to walk on exposed reef. Does that mean that it is OK to walk on the reef during high tide, but not low tide? We were also told that people are not allowed to walk on Forbidden Island or Bird Island. I didn't see that written anywhere in the regulations, but I'm an idiot, so that could explain why I didn't see them.<br /><br />Marianas Dive has a discussion board. It is a great place to keep people talking about these ideas. I hope that the DFW officials sign up. Maybe we could start a thread just on regulations?<br /><br />Overall I thought the meeting and the DFW presentation were very successful. It was well attended. There were local divers, dive shop operators, boat operators, tour operators, and fishermen. Representatives Palacios, Tebuteb, and Waki were also there.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4YLuf0gYyAqekf4MHYHbOoinXIu78beVBEOsfF_huw_7l8du_ETj91i_Pnp9bBQw-JR5Y-MB6qhyECcrYeITjyO9Fg7i_u_qp-mwt2YCBzsqoUgNcr5gB_KeDdu6Vlh2V1QUhA/s1600-h/dive3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112052141094359186" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Ray Tebuteb" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit4YLuf0gYyAqekf4MHYHbOoinXIu78beVBEOsfF_huw_7l8du_ETj91i_Pnp9bBQw-JR5Y-MB6qhyECcrYeITjyO9Fg7i_u_qp-mwt2YCBzsqoUgNcr5gB_KeDdu6Vlh2V1QUhA/s400/dive3.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrhYj4Elk8Va1r1WTAKAUh1RketN0VgI5bb5tVYwMopSMj18nmTQFzfrc3wZUKFYaaQTOmeV6_ubxQI1xwLP3AHUeDimP80lL7fGMXl7pPO2tPf_sSo5EMPMHwGvQKc8fdcgHpg/s1600-h/dive4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5112051428129788034" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Absalon Waki" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcrhYj4Elk8Va1r1WTAKAUh1RketN0VgI5bb5tVYwMopSMj18nmTQFzfrc3wZUKFYaaQTOmeV6_ubxQI1xwLP3AHUeDimP80lL7fGMXl7pPO2tPf_sSo5EMPMHwGvQKc8fdcgHpg/s400/dive4.jpg" border="0" /></a>The next meeting of Marianas Dive will be the first Wednesday in October. I don't remember where it will take place. Check there website for info.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-87228442057549975592007-09-01T08:09:00.000+10:002007-09-01T08:10:46.950+10:00Thanks, RuthFrom <a href="http://net.saipan.com/cftemplates/omm/index.cfm?view=yes&RefNo=745">On My Mind</a><br /><blockquote>- As in 'big oaks from little acorns grow,' the first step in establishing a network of trails in a statewide park system will be taken tomorrow, Saturday. Tom Gipson's Boy Scout troop hopes to earn a merit badge by cleaning up and promoting the trail that goes from the Last Command Post in Marpi up to Suicide Cliff and will make its initial "reconnaissance" of the trail Saturday, starting at 8:45 a.m. Beautify CNMI! and the Marianas Resource Conservation and Development Council, with whom the idea for the proposed statewide system originated, will be assisting the project. </blockquote>Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-91777412255926163312007-08-27T11:44:00.001+10:002007-08-27T11:44:44.075+10:00Photo Contest WinnersOn Friday night we announced the 10 finalists and the Grand Prize winner of the Photo Contest to raise awareness for the <a href="http://micronesiachallenge.blogspot.com/">Micronesia Challenge</a>. Here are a few of the top 10:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DJWHFohA9xdiqpTlia34CwGGVOMwutqnTlWAhkmaymcaFbJEvcwwJJFNCwTbNNO2zZSmGGiGFr4w8_QU6cbMYxnGD-juZFmZUowUaMOo94_cpOAw9saIqn1x6snz0l9A3clMQg/s1600/les8.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_DJWHFohA9xdiqpTlia34CwGGVOMwutqnTlWAhkmaymcaFbJEvcwwJJFNCwTbNNO2zZSmGGiGFr4w8_QU6cbMYxnGD-juZFmZUowUaMOo94_cpOAw9saIqn1x6snz0l9A3clMQg/s1600/les8.jpg" border="0" /></a>Leslie Ware won the Grand Prize with his photo of a Fairy Tern flying in front of some Flame Trees. He won a one night stay at Aqua Resort and lunch for two at Grand Hotel.<br /><br />He also had two other photos chosen as top 10 finalists:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsrzdit28zSALHAkRYP_lgOkb1VBLMZIylkNz8J8WGtnkTUE-7lTblz8Ly-bIWt9cuiZRu9zDR2s79iXxnjh2_EdNHWWr-AdfMHmcXwHXNIO7Aglq2Qs9Eylo9qe3eIovJReMyQ/s1600/les10.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlsrzdit28zSALHAkRYP_lgOkb1VBLMZIylkNz8J8WGtnkTUE-7lTblz8Ly-bIWt9cuiZRu9zDR2s79iXxnjh2_EdNHWWr-AdfMHmcXwHXNIO7Aglq2Qs9Eylo9qe3eIovJReMyQ/s1600/les10.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjDnxsHv3B645gE3I_MmMlu0cZWqbi9ucP-XPdjyKe_iqDlrWTkIxhbQ_a3shfWh4X9Gg7W3q_NHZIwgBD_CkjiL2UY42CqR7xatNfDab6y8RH-Q_PSWGnLRcL2ecrwHvHAABqA/s1600/les5.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikjDnxsHv3B645gE3I_MmMlu0cZWqbi9ucP-XPdjyKe_iqDlrWTkIxhbQ_a3shfWh4X9Gg7W3q_NHZIwgBD_CkjiL2UY42CqR7xatNfDab6y8RH-Q_PSWGnLRcL2ecrwHvHAABqA/s1600/les5.jpg" border="0" /></a>These next two photos were taken by Takahiro Noguchi. If I had been a judge, I would have chosen the picture of the fish as the Grand Prize winner (Sorry, Les).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iFJlSgZ6GQTngZ3RcMeaJOON60G19c5kavcUCd-vKhc0QtMkYdY0waCxXLdn8L-Zbaww1cDIgynjq4VRXaCk97tbZiE1V6xX4SCPZKL46-qa3zkoAc8N7haS7ZlernkyMcSX6A/s1600/DSC_0660_1.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4iFJlSgZ6GQTngZ3RcMeaJOON60G19c5kavcUCd-vKhc0QtMkYdY0waCxXLdn8L-Zbaww1cDIgynjq4VRXaCk97tbZiE1V6xX4SCPZKL46-qa3zkoAc8N7haS7ZlernkyMcSX6A/s1600/DSC_0660_1.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKYOdw602iu-Fscm8D3sjkLFnWeQ0xk4Vwbiitt7_FweoHQyx7yeQnj2S26kJ1VhLU5I8t-Ol4x0yX7FkuFfHM8E_rlchVhJd7ma6_8VqDE8i9prm2T_Bnv1rq6dN3kk2w1ImgA/s1600/IMG_2065_1.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyKYOdw602iu-Fscm8D3sjkLFnWeQ0xk4Vwbiitt7_FweoHQyx7yeQnj2S26kJ1VhLU5I8t-Ol4x0yX7FkuFfHM8E_rlchVhJd7ma6_8VqDE8i9prm2T_Bnv1rq6dN3kk2w1ImgA/s1600/IMG_2065_1.JPG" border="0" /></a>Laura Williams from Division of Fish & Wildlife submitted this photo of <em>Bikkia tetrandra</em>:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno_DRIrcBMIDLcFWPCP0pR7lT93HXxzAgcNDpd8mTh8VIW5lQ335a1SwaGM8rqsFGDQKllOw0uYH7aUJjH8hMSqtP4cyXPnP7frXxoLvCFRZX_PpMhkLTk527Mr2XydDDDiQ8aQ/s1600/Bikkia_tetrandra.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgno_DRIrcBMIDLcFWPCP0pR7lT93HXxzAgcNDpd8mTh8VIW5lQ335a1SwaGM8rqsFGDQKllOw0uYH7aUJjH8hMSqtP4cyXPnP7frXxoLvCFRZX_PpMhkLTk527Mr2XydDDDiQ8aQ/s1600/Bikkia_tetrandra.jpg" border="0" /></a>I'm not sure if the judges have a sense of humor or if this is just a coincidence, but Harry Blalock's photo of a hermit crab was chosen as a finalist:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO8knB86n2lUAsELAZT5AIEVL92XLTHoOcQsu9kMknULsgrL2srItAu7QYZJ2FSUjVxzn1lnf3DugymielDgV1xagGjNFn8G_avtiq3PD3fV1n34FBRCObPF9-LBuxsVNj1GvQA/s1600/harryblalock7.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpO8knB86n2lUAsELAZT5AIEVL92XLTHoOcQsu9kMknULsgrL2srItAu7QYZJ2FSUjVxzn1lnf3DugymielDgV1xagGjNFn8G_avtiq3PD3fV1n34FBRCObPF9-LBuxsVNj1GvQA/s1600/harryblalock7.jpg" border="0" /></a>This photo of Yoshimi Yanagasawa and her Mom was also chosen:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXemAWhRmFArbQyjlSNIzB4cl4_bvIyYUBfkXE8QiHiOeSDBsr-vJ-qgMsckfzEeLx4h8EKuvoqNOZPvAKnnm_vlHbMj2_vmYwGUOeBldFTnuEhyGhGc8YT3Axh0yqZiJce3AU9g/s1600/Micronesia7.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXemAWhRmFArbQyjlSNIzB4cl4_bvIyYUBfkXE8QiHiOeSDBsr-vJ-qgMsckfzEeLx4h8EKuvoqNOZPvAKnnm_vlHbMj2_vmYwGUOeBldFTnuEhyGhGc8YT3Axh0yqZiJce3AU9g/s1600/Micronesia7.JPG" border="0" /></a>Aya Matsumoto had two photos in the top 10:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiTxyhttaTchvDmemxkWpG9YJHG0-JnnlQNAqjm_8AUFgK9MDCCRq1bOHidNSpIFx2WVwo1qNb52wlkyZUFCunETxTO8gDoGJLhFilmfwuS4EHRR_zuvp8xsUKLHiRuPhyphenhyphen6QmTQ/s1600/CIMG3769.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOiTxyhttaTchvDmemxkWpG9YJHG0-JnnlQNAqjm_8AUFgK9MDCCRq1bOHidNSpIFx2WVwo1qNb52wlkyZUFCunETxTO8gDoGJLhFilmfwuS4EHRR_zuvp8xsUKLHiRuPhyphenhyphen6QmTQ/s1600/CIMG3769.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdt3Jxtju0UxBnDRQx4BVTh3i1b-A13kt8zwGjV8FJzHY71r9ny6Y8o8sK0ETde5n4NLugxN0ZbLCQ-3lE_2Bkg6L9Wo4-R7jp4PyceKprKbYUhwaTAcgiYjpXLislYg-9J2JPQ/s1600/CIMG3334.JPG"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIdt3Jxtju0UxBnDRQx4BVTh3i1b-A13kt8zwGjV8FJzHY71r9ny6Y8o8sK0ETde5n4NLugxN0ZbLCQ-3lE_2Bkg6L9Wo4-R7jp4PyceKprKbYUhwaTAcgiYjpXLislYg-9J2JPQ/s1600/CIMG3334.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here are two of the winning photographers accepting their Beautify CNMI prize packs:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S2qvy0epD0OLWgvada89sprkIspTEwaF7b4nYAZeeNSUnwIaCH5xQelcbFKg1y2o3gD2kJbP64IzPDr7xXI_6w7MQCxKdyES8ZMEZaegWHJ6zPAxFCzV5u4U6JIQtt_IwC-ycQ/s1600-h/CIMG4677.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5102760164981097314" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8S2qvy0epD0OLWgvada89sprkIspTEwaF7b4nYAZeeNSUnwIaCH5xQelcbFKg1y2o3gD2kJbP64IzPDr7xXI_6w7MQCxKdyES8ZMEZaegWHJ6zPAxFCzV5u4U6JIQtt_IwC-ycQ/s400/CIMG4677.JPG" border="0" /></a>Each Beautify CNMI giftpack includes one of our turtle bags, two t-shirts, several bumper stickers, and a limited edition Beautify CNMI mug.<br /><br />They are limited edition because I dropped the bag they were in and about 1/4 of them broke.<br /><br />Oops.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQy-CzlOJ-3DqjdfkJr6_CV9m45lUTCd-F8Nqs-CFMK3zH8fb9KNythEGhRmdfTu8yp47y6oycUo3KywuVIxUeyJ0dm_JwIIsintYW3eASjYQkJ089WKn_ZwcxAeSxvpqZA3XPw/s1600-h/photocontest.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQy-CzlOJ-3DqjdfkJr6_CV9m45lUTCd-F8Nqs-CFMK3zH8fb9KNythEGhRmdfTu8yp47y6oycUo3KywuVIxUeyJ0dm_JwIIsintYW3eASjYQkJ089WKn_ZwcxAeSxvpqZA3XPw/s400/photocontest.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103150165191443314" /></a>The top 10 finalists and 10 Honorable Mentions were on display at our event at the Grand Hotel on Friday.<br /><br />After the announcement of the winners we had a public forum hosted by Marianas Resource Conservation & Development Council (that's me). Over 30 people participated, including several public school teachers. Dr. Peter Houk, Biologist from Division of Environmental Quality, and Greg Moretti, Marine Protected Area Specialist from NOAA, presented on some of the work they are doing concerning the Micronesia Challenge.<br /><br />Afterwards we had a long question & answer session.<br /><br />The event was a success.<br /><br />Thank you, Aqua Resort, Grand Hotel,and Marianas RC&D for providing prizes!<br /><br />Thank you, Grand Hotel for hosting the event!<br /><br />Thank you, Marianas RC&D for paying!Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-8385396270151784822007-08-27T11:42:00.000+10:002007-08-27T11:43:13.386+10:00Laly 4 Cleanup<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-H5k9XTjT0-48nv0NMcm2WVE7Vl4Bn5MaBgQ7U_ioVNtm0FFHBMHGzCbkNdbD6bESQnmqyk2GoDHeSD4fn5ZIWrMxrGiscqcBOZR4IErPnzbFlQVJvJxlI6EJBUxwOH5U2I/s1600-h/save3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103188647096201554" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFz-H5k9XTjT0-48nv0NMcm2WVE7Vl4Bn5MaBgQ7U_ioVNtm0FFHBMHGzCbkNdbD6bESQnmqyk2GoDHeSD4fn5ZIWrMxrGiscqcBOZR4IErPnzbFlQVJvJxlI6EJBUxwOH5U2I/s400/save3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Why is the Beach in Chalan Kanoa called Laly 4? Does anyone know where Laly 1, 2, and 3 are located?<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA1pOlEzRQzJmJid-ZqMFJa1DL0kbAyvkhRNN6ryIIfSoGOP3jbzHD6LfHAnfVPVuscu0N5hA6cbbepDaSjowtuQ_YUoDTHridEPRuQmQ1dbPx4p1HHXmrL2ABqHP_Rk-li76/s1600-h/save2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103188389398163778" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBA1pOlEzRQzJmJid-ZqMFJa1DL0kbAyvkhRNN6ryIIfSoGOP3jbzHD6LfHAnfVPVuscu0N5hA6cbbepDaSjowtuQ_YUoDTHridEPRuQmQ1dbPx4p1HHXmrL2ABqHP_Rk-li76/s400/save2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Well, whatever the reason, on Saturday morning 20 Hopwood Junior High School Students, 1 LISS student, two teachers, two dogs, and one soccer playing tree hugger cleaned it from Hopwood Junior High School to Sugar Dock.<br /><br />Most of the litter was trash left over from picnics. We did not find any illegal dumping (this time) and not much washes up on the beach here.<br /><br />If people would just learn to pick up after themselves we could have a nice clean beach. The adults on this island are lucky that their children are willing to pick up after them.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7hVZyXa8kYvFpJXbYesj-mNtixXVl2XxmtHUpX2s6SP6pt6_LT9P9oqn0nLXYstuw9mzMNT5joc0XGfOz0fi9QuZGdNt9-MDRrNhNvG1eEAFEn-ssyGA9Nvjqw4tLrTDr2Kv/s1600-h/save1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5103187843937317170" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Student Action for a Viable Environment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ7hVZyXa8kYvFpJXbYesj-mNtixXVl2XxmtHUpX2s6SP6pt6_LT9P9oqn0nLXYstuw9mzMNT5joc0XGfOz0fi9QuZGdNt9-MDRrNhNvG1eEAFEn-ssyGA9Nvjqw4tLrTDr2Kv/s400/save1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Thank you, <a href="http://greencnmi.blogspot.com/">Student Action for a Viable Environment</a>!Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-53554265640420761192007-08-27T10:14:00.001+10:002007-08-27T10:14:31.948+10:00Beautify CNMI Mailing ListAre you on the <a href="http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com">Beautify CNMI</a> mailing list?<br /><br />Every Monday morning I send out a summary of the weekend's activites. On Thursdays I send out the upcoming weekend's activities. If there is a meeting on a particular day, I send out a meeting reminder.<br /><br />If you are not on the list and you would like to be, please email Angelo at angelovillagomez at gmail dot com.<br /><br />Here is my update from this morning:<br /><br /><blockquote>Good Monday Morning,<br /><br />We had several successful events over the weekend.<br /><br />On Friday, we announced the winners of the Photo Contest to raise awareness of the Micronesia Challenge and over 30 people participated in a public forum discussing Marine Protected Areas and Coral Reefs. On Saturday, the members of the Student Action for a Viable Environment clubs cleaned up the beach in Chalan Kanoa and one of the pocket beaches in Dandan. On Sunday, Friends of the Mariana Islands cleaned up Dandan Road. The Lion's Club was also out this weekend cleaning up their adopted spot along Beach Road (sorry, I forgot if that was Saturday or Sunday).<br /><br />There will be a Parks & Trails meeting this Thursday at 1 PM. The meeting is in the USDA Conference Room, on the first floor of the DY Buidling in Garapan on Beach Road. If you have questions, please contact Ken Kramer, RC&D Coordinator, at 236-0893.<br /><br />This Saturday we should be planting the last of our Flame Trees...I just don't know where yet.<br /><br />This Sunday we will be in the Garapan Tourist District. Our cleanup meets at the AMP Parking lot and begins at 8 AM.<br /><br />Have a great week!<br /><br />Angelo</blockquote>Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-65335194473974600492007-08-06T19:39:00.001+10:002007-08-06T19:39:33.136+10:00Carnival of the Blue III<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC6h7hYN40GFrd9R7ISi5_l__4S6-G0n8_c0SObw6A3tkT4zhQBtumZyVBV9gzxsi3sJz0c2YR2CVJZTWtAyq2GBeaWVWvgSLXfRPJM1OqKGM6x0IZ0FnMWwStvoq6zPl5MO2Cg/s1600/535202379_8010730758.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Carnival of the Blue" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBC6h7hYN40GFrd9R7ISi5_l__4S6-G0n8_c0SObw6A3tkT4zhQBtumZyVBV9gzxsi3sJz0c2YR2CVJZTWtAyq2GBeaWVWvgSLXfRPJM1OqKGM6x0IZ0FnMWwStvoq6zPl5MO2Cg/s1600/535202379_8010730758.jpg" border="0" /></a><a href="http://jetapplicant.blogspot.com/2007/08/nudi-blogging-from-depths-of-harrys.html">A post on my personal blog</a> was included in <a href="http://coralnotesfromthefield.blogspot.com/2007/08/carnival-of-blue-iii.html">Carnival of the Blue III</a>, hosted on Rick MacPherson's blog Malaria, Bedbugs, Sea Lice, and Sunsets. Carnival of the Blue is a roundup of a month's worth of the best ocean blogging on the Internet.<br /><br />The Saipan Blog will host Carnival of the Blue IV on September 3. I am currently looking for contributors. Please publish your post and email me the link at angelovillagomez at g mail dot com. Once I publish the carnival, all you have to do in return is to add a link to it in a post on your blog. It is a great way to build traffic and connect with other bloggers interested in ocean issues.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-63028855381342770772007-08-03T15:33:00.000+10:002007-08-03T15:34:25.283+10:00Micronesia Challenge Photo ContestMicronesia Challenge Photo Contest<br /><br />In 2006, Governor Benigno Fitial joined the leaders of Palau, Guam, the Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of the Marshall Islands to sign the Declaration of Commitment to the Micronesia Challenge. He pledged that the CNMI would work "to effectively conserve 30% of our near shore resources and 20% of our forest resources by 2020."<br /><br />A CNMI Outreach & Education Committee is charged with publicly promoting the goals and activities of the Micronesia Challenge. Composed of representatives from government, environmental non-profits, and other members of the community, the Committee is seeking photographs to use in outreach materials. <br /><br />In order to obtain as wide a variety of high quality photos as possible about the CNMI, the Committee hereby announces the “Micronesia Challenge Photo Contest”. <br /><br />Rules: <br /><br />•Photos must relate to the Micronesia Challenge and must be taken within the CNMI. <br /><br />•Photos can be professional or amateur. The content of the photos is up to the artist. <br /><br />•Photos can be underwater, terrestrial, or aerial, can be natural and/or include wildlife, flora, or different types of people such as children, locals, and tourists in different settings. Other possible photos can show the effects on the environment of poor management and good management practices.<br /><br />•Suggested themes from past and present campaigns that may help the artist come up with ideas include: <br /><br />1.What we do on the land can affect our marine environment <br />2.More Fish, Less Pollution<br />3.Let Our Islands Shine<br />4.Our Environment: Our Health, Our Future.<br /><br />•Photos must be digital and emailed to angelovillagomez@gmail.com.<br /><br />•Each artist is allowed to submit up to 10 photos. <br /><br />•Photos become the property of the Micronesia Challenge Outreach and Education Committee. <br /><br />•The best photos will be showcased on a website with appropriate photo credit give to the contributing artist.<br /><br />Prizes are yet to be announced, but the top 10 artists will receive a Beautify CNMI gift pack. <br /><br />Contest ends August 20th at 5 PM, followed by the announcement of the winners August 24th at a Happy Hour Panel Discussion with government and non-government officials involved with the implementation of the Challenge. If you have any questions, please contact Angelo Villagomez at 483-1078.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12500011060863894391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-13383092298132892852007-08-02T15:02:00.001+10:002007-08-03T15:29:59.045+10:00Why are they dumping sand, again?<center><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PnD8V-gTxmbUb1_ywcfhkYI4y1Yi4TvtFT1B8lqbyPlj4GqcHEhOLuwl5lDiBPsGRoHUVp6tAt8snVrsDn5ppEfyN9k0es0UqaNLrwLkkPmDQdcGgJmkD3lnd1IpKegGaq3eBA/s1600-h/Photos_8-1_07+074.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5093966797196860546" alt="Beach Road renourishment" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PnD8V-gTxmbUb1_ywcfhkYI4y1Yi4TvtFT1B8lqbyPlj4GqcHEhOLuwl5lDiBPsGRoHUVp6tAt8snVrsDn5ppEfyN9k0es0UqaNLrwLkkPmDQdcGgJmkD3lnd1IpKegGaq3eBA/s320/Photos_8-1_07+074.jpg" border="0" /></a></center><br />They were dumping sand right in front of the office with supervision from somebody at CRM. This is known as renourishment; however, by killing the grass, they make the beach erosion many times worse during the next storm event.<br /><br />My preference for a solution might be:<br /><br />"More intriguing, he says, is a submerged breakwater, which offer many of the same benefits, without besmirching the horizon with rock piles. In essence, a submerged breakwater acts as a coral reef, causing the waves to break before reaching shore. However, Dalrymple says the details of how and where to build them have yet to be worked out. . . ...)."<br /><br />From: <a href="http://whyfiles.org/091beach/4.html">Why Files</a><br /><br />Also see: <a href="http://www.seafriends.org.nz/oceano/beacheng.htm">Seafriends</a> and <a href="http://www.dep.state.fl.us/beaches/programs/bcherosn.htm">Florida Beach Management Plan</a><br /><br />This leads to the question: Do we have a plan for beach restoration? or just add sand every year? Kill the grass and vegetation and create more of a problem than existed before.<br /><br />Florida has a beach management program.Kenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12500011060863894391noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-23484879214443000572007-07-19T16:54:00.001+10:002007-07-19T16:54:30.588+10:00What is Beautify CNMI?<center><object width="425" height="350"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Miare_npXo0"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Miare_npXo0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="350"></embed></object></center><br /><br />A lot of us who volunteer for Beautify CNMI take for granted that the world understands what it is that we are. This video should help explain.Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-42023623405090896332007-07-16T16:55:00.000+10:002007-07-19T16:56:27.148+10:0036 Flame Trees Planted in Koblerville<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5abulaSGSyMJ-rfC6NOc9BXCh99EaKqqU-kMa7Soq5ylP5PjNE3673Qyh87XjQ1SHGAvgRI2tHj2lu5rpiMl4oFjunFzrQTclJaqp8aPJ-s_vfEwmtuXmDpPIifjqYDJ-JHTMdQ/s1600-h/flame1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087539405820406578" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Koblerville Saipan" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5abulaSGSyMJ-rfC6NOc9BXCh99EaKqqU-kMa7Soq5ylP5PjNE3673Qyh87XjQ1SHGAvgRI2tHj2lu5rpiMl4oFjunFzrQTclJaqp8aPJ-s_vfEwmtuXmDpPIifjqYDJ-JHTMdQ/s400/flame1.jpg" border="0" /></a>Beautify CNMI has several long term goals. We want to promote Ecotourism in the CNMI (there is currently no Ecotourism here), we want to restore and promote many of our historical landmarks (i.e. the Japanese Jail and the Lighthouse) as tourist/historical sites, we want to reduce illegal dumping and littering, and we want to create an interconnected system of parks and trails.<br /><br />One of those parks is going to be located on top of the old airstrip in Koblerville, currently the site of the Koberville Youth Center and Substation.<br /><br />We started work on this project last year. <a href="http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com/2007/03/no-good-deed-goes-unpublished.html">We took an overgrown old abandoned airstrip littered with trash and grafitti and simply started cleaning</a>.<br /><br />We mowed the grass. We got rid of the weeds. We painted over the grafitti.<br /><br />We've kept this up for almost a year.<br /><br />Last month, with the involvement of several government entities, <a href="http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com/2007/06/koblerville-youth-center-ribbon-cutting.html">we helped open up the Koblerville Youth Center</a>. For almost a month now, we've participated in Family Fun Night, held at the Youth Center every Friday night for the residents of Koblerville.<br /><br />Little by little, we are getting people to use the park and we are continuously improving it.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ojtwCnoRakRMJcOILsKjx7cyclgSfbsDyUD1R0odb5yasngMYbmQL1dysJTYBOOGQ22VtdCeI7k4X3l_nGu6E151hxm0ETPnCL3H_16fskfOmAAw_myALnIPPRupUD-yPHKezA/s1600-h/flame3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087539672108378946" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Flame Trees" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1ojtwCnoRakRMJcOILsKjx7cyclgSfbsDyUD1R0odb5yasngMYbmQL1dysJTYBOOGQ22VtdCeI7k4X3l_nGu6E151hxm0ETPnCL3H_16fskfOmAAw_myALnIPPRupUD-yPHKezA/s400/flame3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yesterday morning we planted 36 Flame Trees along the street. They are small now, but in a year they will be over 10 feet tall. In three years they will be tall enough to provide shade.<br /><br />About six months ago I asked one of the <a href="http://www.minapacific.org/">Mariana Island Nature Alliance</a> members, Brad Doerr, to start growing Flame Trees. I told him that I didn't have money to pay him then, but by the time they were tall enough to plant, I would.<br /><br />I came up with an Adopt-a-Flame tree program. For $20 via cash, check or paypal, anyone in the world could purchase a Flame Tree. I promised the adoptee a certificate and a picture of their tree posted on the Internet along with the GPS coordinates of their tree.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eMuAPlRYXFcHhME1-Hxik3U3SYkKE_HG1QbZNHjzQrF4ZRtc6BjsBeHiIkEBOYbIqHziu4x384bpYDB6-6YEzo1mZ2sspn_D7mHyJVsayj5WFjkdZz7RRv1dneDlNYGW1StEEQ/s1600-h/flame5.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087547184006179714" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7eMuAPlRYXFcHhME1-Hxik3U3SYkKE_HG1QbZNHjzQrF4ZRtc6BjsBeHiIkEBOYbIqHziu4x384bpYDB6-6YEzo1mZ2sspn_D7mHyJVsayj5WFjkdZz7RRv1dneDlNYGW1StEEQ/s400/flame5.jpg" border="0" /></a>I use the money to purchase the trees, soil, flagging tape, shovels, and whatever else we need to get the trees planted. Then I recruit volunteers to help me plant the trees and invite the people who adopted the trees to tag along.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGu7aRfpbWQDU2cBmpyqZ838xKlRBZ8s2SmpVEtIyerbMl-3UIED1sP_LX6fB990xKzCMIW828Y-BHzfCN83OWIaieXT8pAdYRdppN0oueS7flKIxToPLYuFHGrjJcEZD53fDlg/s1600-h/flame4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087546715854744434" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGu7aRfpbWQDU2cBmpyqZ838xKlRBZ8s2SmpVEtIyerbMl-3UIED1sP_LX6fB990xKzCMIW828Y-BHzfCN83OWIaieXT8pAdYRdppN0oueS7flKIxToPLYuFHGrjJcEZD53fDlg/s400/flame4.jpg" border="0" /></a>Yesterday I had help from Ken Kramer, his mom, his wife and two kids, <a href="http://atreehuggerswife.blogspot.com/">Missy</a> and Jim Highfill and their kid, <a href="http://mycnmi.blogspot.com/">Rep. Cinta Kaipat</a>, <a href="http://olomwaay.blogspot.com/">Gus Kaipat</a> and his 30-40 nephews, <a href="http://marites-islasmarianas.blogspot.com/">Marites Castillo</a> and the <a href="http://islasmarianas.blogspot.com/">Friends of the Mariana Islands</a>, <a href="http://capcarl.blogspot.com/">Captain Carl</a> and his two shipmates, Neta and Flurina, Brad Doerr, and Laura Williams and her son Caleb.<br /><br />All it took for us to get these 36 trees planted were 26 tree planting volunteers (including myself), a little pre-planning on my part to ensure that we would have Flame Trees to plant during the rainy season (coordinating with Brad), and 36 generous donors to spend $20 to adopt a Flame Tree. In getting the trees adopted, we also had help from everyone who helped us man our booth at the <a href="http://beautifycnmi.blogspot.com/2007/04/2007-flame-tree-arts-festival.html">Flame Tree Arts Festival</a> back in April and MINA, which takes care of Beautify CNMI's finances.<br /><br />Basically what I'm trying to say is that planting these 36 trees was a community effort. Probably well over 100 people had a hand in coordinating the planting, from making sure that we had trees, shovels, soil, finances, water, snacks for volunteers, to getting people to adopt the trees, to actually planting the trees, and so on and so on.<br /><br />Thanks to every single one of you who helped out. These 36 trees are a significant contribution to the community of Koblerville. In 5 years, we'll all be able to say that we had a hand in providing shade, beauty, and cooler temperatures to the residents of Koblerville.<br /><br />One last thing, Cinta told me to get in the group picture, so I did this:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE7Gke_24-bKGk7mUZ81dYM06mCUAk17DyZXEE6DmoVtwSV9uW4LeRQbKh0JOlYjqqyiNvwqMlFJ0BB-fJ8Mli9fbYoBxF_NJg5Zd4wHLTdDmoc3KztjVgvLbwY3pKyo7U7PGUQ/s1600-h/flame2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5087546097379453794" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="Angelo Villagomez" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNE7Gke_24-bKGk7mUZ81dYM06mCUAk17DyZXEE6DmoVtwSV9uW4LeRQbKh0JOlYjqqyiNvwqMlFJ0BB-fJ8Mli9fbYoBxF_NJg5Zd4wHLTdDmoc3KztjVgvLbwY3pKyo7U7PGUQ/s400/flame2.jpg" border="0" /></a>Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-80569785110683168522007-07-02T16:56:00.000+10:002007-07-19T16:57:49.567+10:00Environmental Camp wrapup in the VarietyMembers of the press attending our Flame Tree planting on Friday morning. This article appeared in the <a href="http://www.mvariety.com/">Marianas Variety</a> today. The print edition had a picture of the students, but does not appear on the online edition.<br /><br /><blockquote><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Summer camp student eyes career in environmental protection<br /></span></strong><span style="font-size:85%;">By Emmanuel T. Erediano<br />Variety News Staff<br /></span><br />AT least one of the 15 middle school students who participated in the summer camp last week will pursue environmental protection as a career when she graduates from high school.<br /><br />Sami Birmingham Babauta, 13, who will be with Hopwood Junior High School in the coming school year, is vice president of the Students Action for Viable Environment.<br />According to counselor Doug Reynolds, Babauta has decided to pursue a career in natural resource conservation.<br /><br />Babauta, during the final day of the summer camp sponsored by the Mariana Islands Nature Alliance, said the activity aims to educate the youth “about the importance of every effort to protect the environment.”<br /><br />The students planted flame trees at American Memorial Park before they went to Managaha on Friday afternoon.<br /><br />They spend the final day of their camp on Managaha Island where they get to learn more about marine life resources.<br /><br />Babauta added that since camp started on June 25, presenters from MINA, Coastal Resource Management and the Division of Fish and Wildlife discussed with them the importance of tree planting, coral reefs and wet lands.<br /><br />They also learned about traditional fishing methods and how wastewater is treated at the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.’s wastewater treatment plant and the Division of Environmental Quality’s laboratories.<br /><br />CRM natural resource planner Kathy Yuknavage told them about the Micronesia Challenge which aims to conserve 30 percent of the region’s near-shore marine resources and 20 percent of terrestrial resources by year 2020.<br /><br />After the summer camp, which she said gave them a great learning experience, Babauta will have an internship with Beautify CNMI! and plans to hold club meetings at school.<br /><br />Hopwood science teacher Bree Reynolds said the children had fun while getting hands-on training on a lot of things related to environmental protection.<br /><br />Marianas Resource Conservation and Development Council’s Angelo Villagomez said they ended the summer camp with barbecue on Managaha.</blockquote>Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26160998.post-23817533479459384732007-07-02T15:58:00.000+10:002007-07-19T16:59:23.624+10:00Micronesia Challenge Summer Camp, Last Day<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVG2Dr5RjzFoHD6NYThDE96DE1QitTBpAvr96PWiSpZVMM7nQve05QKinwH51qx4X1xv2MHIqxSOKMjTAGg8I8-2hrP27uyv-gn38EHNznb-vpp-r0RvDd9Xbubqu-84l2G8yHA/s1600-h/sat1.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082415730127682626" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKVG2Dr5RjzFoHD6NYThDE96DE1QitTBpAvr96PWiSpZVMM7nQve05QKinwH51qx4X1xv2MHIqxSOKMjTAGg8I8-2hrP27uyv-gn38EHNznb-vpp-r0RvDd9Xbubqu-84l2G8yHA/s400/sat1.jpg" border="0" /></a>On Satuday we woke up before the sunrise, went for a swim and fed the kids s'mores and hot dogs for breakfast.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoLYmKHvZvDJwVvJR0H9H-mRd-5C0vxbsevcabJAAYjJSAWO3dsIO-WEHoYNDlrPpIAwLkzEXZ48aeEwvQqQH4mDcy9PcMthFBDTndz1N1d8waz9W6_sNwuX3cmBkKFXdi5k_Vg/s1600-h/sat2.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082416266998594642" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOoLYmKHvZvDJwVvJR0H9H-mRd-5C0vxbsevcabJAAYjJSAWO3dsIO-WEHoYNDlrPpIAwLkzEXZ48aeEwvQqQH4mDcy9PcMthFBDTndz1N1d8waz9W6_sNwuX3cmBkKFXdi5k_Vg/s400/sat2.jpg" border="0" /></a>I also crushed Sami's head:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRcNGB-lLi3ZqxnijinC17wNIDJeK58cLiCIc-muSU__O35SGGO4SXq9A9xvJc88CrHrtnNXA5-SSxM-ZdhhYjTkF0q5rL7R1Qr7Bxlw18EWY7mss9QcfzXJxeciLfcK9nEZy0A/s1600-h/sat4.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082416949898394738" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnRcNGB-lLi3ZqxnijinC17wNIDJeK58cLiCIc-muSU__O35SGGO4SXq9A9xvJc88CrHrtnNXA5-SSxM-ZdhhYjTkF0q5rL7R1Qr7Bxlw18EWY7mss9QcfzXJxeciLfcK9nEZy0A/s400/sat4.jpg" border="0" /></a>We took the 10:30 AM ferry back to Saipan. It was a great camp, guys! See you next year!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmukS-6Ngrj-XEMQzsTAiDihO0W7Y7ZAeAueyeoaUwsedhPhumgRAK4L03VvWGqiFB1XCFxEvwGbB1a0z5ojcC8ZH9LBMOPocsSSu4rtRQfRw5qcjsqhyphenhyphenVmb-MSIgCbSegQMgfpQ/s1600-h/sat3.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5082416451682188386" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmukS-6Ngrj-XEMQzsTAiDihO0W7Y7ZAeAueyeoaUwsedhPhumgRAK4L03VvWGqiFB1XCFxEvwGbB1a0z5ojcC8ZH9LBMOPocsSSu4rtRQfRw5qcjsqhyphenhyphenVmb-MSIgCbSegQMgfpQ/s400/sat3.jpg" border="0" /></a>Volunteer Guyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01079145923889657664noreply@blogger.com1