News

Loons, swans, eagles, and ospreys need your help
(All it takes is one lead sinker to kill a loon)

Take a Stand for Loons!
(and Swans, Eagles, and Ospreys):

Attend Your Local DNR Spring Hearing
Monday, April 12 at 7 p.m.
Theisen Middle School, 525 E Pioneer Rd.,
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54935

All counties now have paper ballots, so all you have to do is stop for a moment to vote just for Advisory Question #61 (to phase out lead fishing tackle), then leave.

Background and additional info:

The DNR Spring Hearings on Fish and Wildlife Rules and the annual Wisconsin Conservation Congress meetings will be held on Monday, April 12, in every county in Wisconsin. All citizens can attend and voice their opinions on each wildlife and environmental issue question. The first half of the evening will be the fish and wildlife rule changes proposed by the DNR. The second portion contains Conservation Congress
advisory questions. Many of these become official DNR rule change questions the following year.

Advisory question #61 advocates for phasing out lead fishing tackle less than one inch long and weighing less than one ounce for use in Wisconsin waters. If this passes the Spring Hearing, it could become a DNR rule the following year. It would go far in reducing the incidence of lead poisoning in waterbirds, especially Common Loons and Trumpeter Swans,
and the secondary poisoning of raptors, such as eagles and ospreys.

Lead toxicosis is very costly to treat, often exceeding $1,000 per bird in medication alone. Many inexpensive non-lead alternatives to lead sinkers and jigs are already available, but sometimes only by asking. For more information, see the Wisconsin Bird Conservation Initiative Issues paper "Lead Poisoning of Wisconsin's Birds" at
<http://www.wisconsinbirds.org/leadpoisoning.htm>www.wisconsinbirds.org/leadpoisoning.htm and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency site at <http://www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/sinkers.cfm#information>www.pca.state.mn.us/oea/reduce/sinkers.cfm#information

Also, there's a new 15 minute presentation (voice plus slides) from Sean Strom (DNR Wildlife Toxicologist) that gives an overview of what we know about lead exposure in Wisconsin's birds. You may have to download Microsoft Silverlight to view it. See:
<http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=882a6ef17b5f4b40ba0a8d9bf6cc8b4c>http://dnrmedia.wi.gov/main/Viewer/?peid=882a6ef17b5f4b40ba0a8d9bf6cc8b4c

Audubon Seeks Board Members
Elections for officers and board members used to
occur at the spring banquet. The board would like
members to know that it is not our intention to prevent
a change of leadership. The problem in the last
few years, is finding people willing to serve on the
board. If someone would like to take a turn serving
as an officer or board member, please contact Diana
Beck at 922-7931 or dbeck7931@charter.net. Our
present board is willing to continue, but we are still
looking for a newsletter editor and another board
member-at-large.

Global Warming Impact on Birds
Analyses of citizen-gathered data from the past 40
years of Audubon’s Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
reveal that 58 percent of the 305 widespread
species that winter on the continent shifted significantly
north since 1966, some by hundreds of miles.
Movement was detected among species of every
type, including more than 70 percent of highly
adaptable forest and feeder birds. Only 38 percent of
grassland species mirrored the trend, reflecting their
severely-depleted habitat and suggesting that they
now face both habitat loss and climate adaptation.
Population shifts among individual species are
common, fluctuate, and can have many causes.
However, Audubon scientists say the ongoing trend
of movement by some 177 species, closely correlated
to long-term winter temperature increases,
reveals an undeniable link to the changing climate.
“Birds are showing us how the heavy hand of
humanity is tipping the balance of nature and causing
ecological disruption...,” said report co-author
and Audubon Director of Bird Conservation, Greg
Butcher, Ph.D. “Common sense dictates that we act
now to curb the causes and impacts of global warming
to the extent we can, and shape our policies to
better cope with the disruptions we cannot avoid.”
See Audubon’s web pages http://www.audubon.
org/campaign/energy/ for more information about
green energy and curbing global warming.

Wisconsin Sees Record Number of Renewable Energy Systems Installed in 2008In the past year Focus on Energy has helped Wisconsin businesses and homeowners complete 338 renewable energy projects; that's 40 percent more projects than in 2007 and a record for the number of projects completed in one year since the program's inception in 2002. More details HERE

Audubon At The Hobby Expo
On Saturday, April 18, Audubon will have an exhibit
table at the Fond du Lac Public Library. The Hobby
Expo will be held from 9 am to 3 pm. Come and
visit our display. If anyone can help to sit at the table
for part of the time, please call 920-922-7931.

Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency
On October 3, 2008, President Bush signed into law the “Emergency Economic Stabilization Act of 2008.” This bill extended tax credits for energy efficient home improvements (windows, doors, roofs, insulation, HVAC, and non-solar water heaters). Tax credits for these residential products, which had expired at the end of 2007, will now be available for improvements made during 2009. However, improvements made during 2008 are not eligible for a tax credit.
The bill also extended tax credits for solar energy systems and fuel cells to 2016. New tax credits were established for small wind energy systems and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. Tax credits for builders of new energy efficient homes and tax deductions for owners and designers of energy efficient commercial buildings were also extended.
Federal Tax Credits for Energy Efficiency includes:

**Please note, not all ENERGY STAR qualified homes and products qualify for a tax credit. These tax credits are available for a number of products at the highest efficiency levels, which typically cost much more than standard products. If, for whatever reason, you decide not to purchase a product covered by the tax credit, you may still consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR product. ENERGY STAR distinguishes energy efficient products which, although they may cost more to purchase than standard models, will pay you back in lower energy bills within a reasonable amount of time, without a tax credit.
Tax Credits for Consumers:
Home Improvements
Home improvement tax credits are available for home improvements “placed in service” from January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. Any qualified home improvements made in 2008 are not eligible for the tax credit.
Home improvement tax credits are available for insulation, replacement windows, non-solar water heaters, and certain high efficiency heating and cooling equipment. See chart. The maximum amount that a taxplayer may claim from all of these tax credits combined is $500 over the lifetime of the tax credit (2006, 2007 & 2009).
If you are building a new home, you do not qualify for the tax credits for “eligible building envelope components” (windows, doors, insulation, roofs) or “qualified energy property” (HVAC & non-solar water heaters). However, the tax credit for photovoltaics, solar water heaters, small wind systems and fuel cells is available for homeowners building new homes. More.
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) guidance for consumers: IRS Notice 2006-26

.
Efficient Cars
Tax credits are available to buyers of hybrid gasoline-electric, diesel, battery-electric, alternative fuel, and fuel cell vehicles. The tax credit amount is based on a formula determined by vehicle weight, technology, and fuel economy compared to base year models. These credits are available for vehicles placed in service starting January 1, 2006. For hybrid and diesel vehicles made by each manufacturer, the credit will be phased out over 15 months starting after that manufacturer has sold 60,000 eligible vehicles. For vehicles made by manufacturers that have not reached the end of the phase-out, the credits will end for vehicles placed in service after December 31, 2010. See the IRS Website for updated information

.
Solar Energy Systems
Tax credits are available for qualified solar water heating and photovoltaic systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $2,000. After December 31, 2008, this $2,000 cap will be removed for photovoltaic systems (but not solar water heaters). This credit is completely separate from the $500 home improvement credit.
Small Wind Energy Systems
Tax credits are available to homeowners who install residential small wind turbine systems. The credits are available for systems placed in service from January 1, 2008 to December 31, 2016. The tax credit is for 30% of the cost of the system, up to $500 for each half kilowatt of capacity with an overall maximum of $4,000.
Fuel Cells
There is a consumer tax credit of up to 30% of the cost (up to $1,500 per 0.5 kW of capacity maximum) for installing a “qualified” fuel cell and microturbine systems. The credits are available for systems “placed in service” from January 1, 2006 through December 31, 2016. This credit is not limited to the $500 home improvement cap.

Share Your Bird Stories
Submit interesting facts or
a story about your
experience with birds for
a section of the Audubon
newsletter entitled Bird
Twitterings. Send to
Diana Beck:
dbeck7931@charter.net.

eReNews
The electronic newsletter of
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association
August 2009

In this Issue:

MREA NEWS
1. Wisconsin Solar Tour October 2-3
2. Solar Thermal ’09 December 3-4
3. MREA Milwaukee Office Opens
4. Ride for Renewables and Harvest Fest September 26
5. Upcoming MREA Workshops

WISCONSIN NEWS
6. Solar Decade October 2
7. Solar Hot Water Lead Installer Trainings
8. Earth Fest August 15
9. Mead Wildlife Area Celebration August 29
10. Fighting Bob Fest September 12
11. SE2 Conference September 16

MIDWEST NEWS
12. ASES National Solar Tour October 2-3
13. Catch the MREA Presence at Upcoming Midwest Events

MREA NEWS

1. See Renewables Up Close with the Wisconsin Solar Tour on Oct. 3 & 4.
The Wisconsin Solar Tour features site tours of homes and businesses throughout the state that incorporate renewable energy systems, green building, and sustainable practices. Tour sites are owned, lived in, and worked in by ordinary people. On Friday, October 3, businesses around the state will be open to the public. On Saturday, October 4, homes around the state will be open for tours. The Wisconsin Solar Tour is sponsored by Focus on Energy. See our tour website for what sites are near you: www.the-mrea.org/solartour.php
For more info call Kirsten at 715-592-6595.

Hop on a bus! The Solar Tour also features guided bus tours in Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay and Stevens Point. Sign up for a bus tour today at http://www.the-mrea.org/solartour.php.

2. Don’t Miss the Solar Thermal ’09 Conference
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association, along with sponsor Focus on Energy, is excited to announce SOLAR THERMAL ’09 to be held December 3 & 4 at the Monona Terrace in Madison, WI.

SOLAR THERMAL ’09 is a national conference and expo for the solar thermal professional. The MREA invites you to the only professional level conference devoted to solar heating and cooling.

Registration, Sponsorship, and Exhibitor opportunities are available online at www.the-mrea.org or by calling 715-592-6595.

Be part of the only nationwide conference dedicated solely to the solar thermal industry!

The Solar Thermal ’09 Coordinating Committee is now accepting proposals for the Solar Thermal ’09: National Heating & Cooling Conference being held December 3-4, 2009, in Madison, WI. We are seeking informative, innovative presentations designed for professionals in the solar thermal industry. The audience will include manufacturers, dealers, installers, system designers, site assessors, state agency representatives, and policy makers.

Submit your presentation online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/stcpresenters.php> .

3. MREA Milwaukee Office Opens
The MREA Milwaukee office is now open! With this expansion MREA will be offering more trainings and workshops for professionals, and will increase the support for individuals who want to learn more about renewable energy systems. MREA Milwaukee is partnering with Milwaukee Shines to help develop Milwaukee as a Solar City. For more information about Milwaukee Shines please visit: http://www.milwaukeeshines.com <http://www.milwaukeeshines.com>

For all other questions please contact Amy Heart, MREA Milwaukee Director, at amy@the-mrea.org <amy@the-mrea.org> .

The new MREA office is located within the Milwaukee Environmental Consortium: 1845 N Farwell Avenue, Suite 100
Milwaukee, WI 53202
Phone: 414-303-7351
Email: amy@the-mrea.org <amy@the-mrea.org>

4. Join Us for Ride for Renewables and Harvest Fest on September 26.
Ride 15, 30, or 60-mile routes in the beautiful rolling hills of Central Wisconsin. Hosted rest stations greet you throughout the course. Bike support will be available on site. Helmets required. Ride for Renewables begins at 11:00 am at the MREA headquarters. Ride at your own pace, and enjoy Harvest Fest when you return. Prizes will be given away at 5 pm, so stick around for dinner. With paid registration, you receive a free t-shirt, food, music, 2 beverage tickets, and all Harvest Fest activities and workshops.

Cost for Ride & Harvest Fest: $30 per person
 $10 for 13-18 year olds
 Free under 13
Register here <http://www.the-mrea.org/ride4renewables.php> .

MREA’s annual Harvest Fest will begin at 2 pm on Saturday, September 20 featuring kids’ activities such as cider pressing and pumpkin painting. Also attend small harvest-related workshops such as Preparing your Food for Winter, Improve Your Home Performance Over Winter, and more. Take guided tours of the MREA grounds and learn about renewable energy and permaculture. Enjoy music and local food. At 5 pm enjoy a chili dinner featuring local and organic food. Music and bonfire take you into the fall evening. With paid registration, you receive food, music, 2 beverage tickets, all activities and workshops.

Cost for Harvest Fest Only: $20 per person
 $10 for 13-18 year olds
 Free under 13
Register here <http://www.the-mrea.org/ride4renewables.php> .

5. MREA Workshops
MREA will be offering trainings through Lake County Grayslake Community College in Grayslake, Illinois and Heartland Community College in Normal, Illinois. Please contact them directly to register for courses.

Lake County Grayslake Community College

Introduction to Wind Energy Systems
September 12, 2009
October 9, 2009
Register online here <http://wpdi.clcillinois.edu/professional/courseinfo.asp?task=getcourse&id=23670&term=1093&subj=PTEC> .

Basic Photovoltaics
November 13, 2009
Register online here <http://wpdi.clcillinois.edu/professional/courseinfo.asp?task=getcourse&id=23668&term=1093&subj=PTEC> .

Heartland Community College

Solar Domestic Hot Water Systems
September 12, 2009
To register call 309-268-8160

Basic Photovoltaics
October 10, 2009
To register call 309-268-8160

Introduction to Wind Systems
November 11, 2009
To register call 309-268-8160

NEW MREA Course:
W 207.01 Introduction to Tower Climbing and Safety
Highly recommended for those who will be working in the field, Introduction to Tower Climbing and Safety will be a class on the fundamentals of tower climbing and safety. Students will be educated in climbing mechanics, hazard assessment, fall protection, basic knot tying, and more. The class will conclude with a climb on a tower practicing the safety procedures and knowledge learned in class.

September 11, 2009
9am to 5pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/workshops.php?id=1242327994> .

PV 101.29 - Pewaukee, WI
Participants in this workshop will learn the basics of photovoltaic systems. They will learn to define PV, understand how PV works, identify the four PV system types, describe and identify components, understand the best application and limitations of each system type, define the solar window, understand energy efficiency and load estimates, identify PV mounting types and understand the basics of site assessment tools.

August 29, 2009
9am to 5pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/workshops.php?id=1249684180> .

G 103.01 Starting a RE Business – Madison, WI
This workshop is designed for the individual looking to enter into the professional world of renewable energy. Workshop participants will discuss what to consider when starting a renewable energy business.

Topics include:
1. Starting a Business - Non-legal considerations
2. Business Plans
3. Forming a Business Entity – Options & Documents involved
4. Tax and Liability Considerations of Different Business Entities
5. Sources of Money to Finance Your Business
6. Spotting & Addressing Other Early Stage Business Issues (Protecting IP, Renting/Purchasing Space and Contracts)

September 18, 2009
1pm to 5pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/workshops.php?id=1198163994> .

G 201.01 Making Your Own Window Quilts – Custer, WI
This half-day workshop will reduce your heating and cooling bills by improving the R-value of your windows with insulated window treatments. These are easy to construct using “Warm Windows” materials. Topics include: choosing material, mounting options, sewing shades, material supply.

October 10, 2009
1pm to 4pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/workshops.php?id=1048609672> .

Wisconsin News

6. Solar Decade
Now in its fifth year, the Wisconsin Solar Decade Conference is your opportunity to see firsthand the latest developments in the world of solar energy. Register today to hear from top industry experts and attend dozens of exhibits, workshops and panel discussions as you discover the state of the technology, the state of the market and where both will be tomorrow!

October 2, 2009
8am to 5pm, Midwest Airline Center, Milwaukee, WI.
Register online here: http://www.solardecade.com/node/17
For more info click here: http://www.solardecade.com

7. Solar Hot Water Lead Installer Training
NEW Solar Hot Water Lead Installer Training Workshop. MREA, in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity Fox Cities and We Energies, have added a second Solar Hot Water Lead Installation class. The Lead Installer class is an intensive two-week course during which students will install four solar hot water systems on new Habitat for Humanity homes. Each student will take lead responsibility for one installation and work as crew on the remaining three systems. This lead responsibility will count as a lead installation towards NABCEP Certification and will allow the student to be listed as a full service installer on the Wisconsin Focus on Energy installer list, which qualifies them to install systems eligible for Focus Cash Back rewards.

The class will be held from November 2-14 and will be installing systems on homes in the Fox Cities area. Enrollment is by application only - please see the application on the MREA website.

SW 501.01 Milwaukee, WI
September 21, 2009 to October 7, 2009
9am to 5pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/habitat.php?id=600000000002> .

SW 501.02 Fox Cities
November 2, 2009 to November 14, 2009
9am to 5pm
Register online here <http://www.the-mrea.org/habitat.php?id=600000000004> .

8. Earth Fest
Since 1990, EarthFest's mission is to provide a joyful, annual, one-day free family festival in Sheboygan to promote community spirit and a healthy environment through music, art, education, lectures, stories, demonstrations and local foods.

August 15, 2009
10am to 10pm, Fountain Park, Sheboygan, WI.
For more info click here <http://www.earthfestsheboygan.org> .

9. Mead Wildlife Area Celebration
Join the MREA in celebrating the Mead Wildlife Area’s 50th Anniversary Celebration!

August 29, 2009
6:30am to 4pm
Mead Wildlife Area, Milladore, WI.

10. Fighting Bob Fest
Fighting Bob Fest is an annual Chautauqua featuring progressive speakers, networking opportunities, and entertainment. Fighting Bob Fest carries on the tradition of Robert “Fighting Bob” La Follette by providing a forum for progressive ideas on issues facing Wisconsin and the nation.

September 12, 2009
Sauk County Fairgrounds, Baraboo, WI.
For more info click here <http://www.fightingbobfest.org/> .

11. SE2 Conference
Don’t miss the 6th Annual SE2 Conference. It’s Wisconsin's premier green building event. The highlight speaker will be Ellen Dunham Jones co-author with June Williamson of Retrofitting Suburbia; Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs.

September 16, 2009
8am to 5pm, Italian Community Center, Milwaukee, WI.
For more info click here <http://www.wgba.org/se2/se2conf.html> .

Midwest News

12. ASES Solar Tour
The Wisconsin Solar Tour is part of the National Solar Tour, coordinated by the American Solar Energy Society (ASES). The ASES National Solar Tour is the world's largest grassroots solar event. Tour homes and buildings to see how your neighbors are using solar energy to reduce their monthly utility bills - and how you can too. Find a tour near you at http://www.nationalsolartour.org <http://www.nationalsolartour.org> .

13. Catch the MREA Presence at These Upcoming Midwest Events:
I-RENEW Energy & Sustainability Expo.
September 12-13, 2009
Norway, IA.
For more info click here <http://www.irenew.org/> .

Harvest Festival and Energy Fair
September 12, 2009
9am to 4 pm, Duluth, MN.
For more info click here <http://lssfa.org/HarvestFestivalEnergyfair.html> .

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Remember you can support the MREA while surfing the Internet. Use http://www.goodsearch.com <http://www.goodsearch.com> <http://www.goodsearch.com <http://www.goodsearch.com> > and select MREA as the organization you want to raise funds for!

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eReNews is a publication of the Midwest Renewable Energy Association, 7558 Deer Rd, Custer, WI 54423, http://www.the-mrea.org <http://www.the-mrea.org> If you have an item to submit to eReNews please send it to renews@the-mrea.org

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Fond du Lac County Audubon Society

Citizens Committed to Conservation