Guidelines for Stream and Wetlands Protection in Kentucky
Produced by the Water Quality Certification Program in Kentucky, this 52-page manual introduces the reader to the concepts of stream and wetland restoration. It discusses stream behavior, stream types, stream restoration, streambank erosion, riparian zones, and wetlands. Though one chapter deals specifically with water quality certification issues in Kentucky, the rest is applicable to any state.

The document includes 59 photographs and seven appendixes, including an overview of hydrogeomorphic wetland functions, native plant sources, consultant listings, and a comprehensive stream restoration bibliography. To obtain a free copy of the guide, which was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, contact Dru Hawkins or Mariam Wiley at the Water Quality Certification Section of the Kentucky Division of Water 14 Reilly Road, Frankfort, KY 40601; or call (502) 564-3410. The document is also available on the World Wide Web at <http.water.nr.state. ky.us/dow/guide.htm>.

Water Quality - A Report of Progress
Produced by the USDA Working Group on Water Quality, this report describes some of the department's recent efforts and accomplishments in reducing agricultural nonpoint source pollution. It is available at http://www.nal.usda.gov/wqic/wgwq/progress.html.

Community-Based Environmental Protection: A Resource Book for Protecting Ecosystems and Communities In increasing numbers, citizens across the country are concerned about the quality of the ecosystems in which they live. Indeed, the most successful restoration and protection programs are those in which local citizens help make the decisions about conditions in their city, river, or bay. Prepared by EPA's Office of Sustainable Ecosystems and Communities (OSEC), within EPA's Office of Policy, Planning, and Evaluation, Community-Based Environmental Protection is designed to help people and agencies begin the process of bringing people together to find a consensus that best suits everyone. Packed with "how-to" information and interlaced with descriptions of 30 successful programs in various settings across the country, the document should prove useful to any community seeking a better environment.

Three appendixes include a directory of technical assistance with many references, addresses, phone numbers, and funding information, a glossary of terms, and an ecosystem primer with references to help the layman understand the basics of ecosystems. To receive a free copy, call the National Center for Publications and Information (NCEPI) at (513) 489-8190. Written requests may be sent by fax ([513] 489-8695) or mailed to NCEPI: 11029 Kenwood Road, Building 5, Cincinnati, OH 45242, Or e-mail: cbep.handbook@epamail.epa.gov.

Urbanization and Streams: Studies of Hydrologic Impacts
Planners, engineers, water quality specialists, and government officials should find this study a useful introduction to the potential hydrologic impacts of urbanization on streams. This report summarizes a literature search to find and document physical impacts and indications of water quality problems. It cites the U.S. Geological Survey reports; American Water Resources Association publications; federal, state, and local agency reports; journal articles; conference proceedings; case studies; and consultations with experts. To obtain a free copy of this report, contact NCEPI. Request EPA 841-R-97-009.

NONPOINT SOURCE NEWS-NOTES JULY/AUGUST 1998, ISSUE #52

Fish Guts Software
New software entitled "Fish Guts: A Multimedia Guide to the Art and Science of Fish Anatomy, Health, and Necropsy" is available. This is an interactive program that uses sound, color photographs, and video to review anatomy and necropsy techniques. The program is available on CD ROM format for $179 (plus $12 shipping) from the University of Maryland, Dept. of Pathology, Aquatic Pathobiology Center, 10 South Pine St., Baltimore, MD 21201-1192. More information on the program is available on the World Wide Web at: www.som1.ab.umd.edu/AquaticPath/fg.
River Crossings Volume 7, Number 2, May/April 1998

Net the Big Ones On-line
The Louisiana State Fish Records, as documented and kept by the Louisiana Outdoor Writers Association, are now available on the Internet. Users may access the records by following a link posted on the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries home page at http://www.wlf.state.la.us/. The site documents state records in the categories of freshwater/saltwater rod and reel and freshwater/saltwater fly fishing. There is also a section documenting pond records, although these fish are not eligible for state record verification.

Louisiana State Fish Record applications for all categories are also available from the site and can be accessed by clicking the appropriate links. All records are current as of 7/20/98 and will be updated periodically.

For more information contact Andrew Vaughan at (504) 765-2618, vaughan_ap@wlf.state.1a.us.

LA Department of Wildlife and Fisheries News Release 98-226

U. S. ARMY CORPS OF ENGINEERS INTERNET SITES
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers has published its last newsletter about the Mississippi River Mainline Levee Enlargement & Berm Seepage Control Project. However, Internet users can stay informed about the Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (SEIS) final study and get information about other Corps of Engineers activities by checking their Vicksburg District World Wide Web site at www.mvk.usace.army.mil. You can also check out happenings in the Memphis District at www.mvm.usace.army.mil and do the same for the New Orleans District at www.mvn.usace.army.mil.

ATCHAFALAYA BASIN INTERNET SITE
If you are interested in one of the last great swamps in the southeastern United States, visit the Atchafalaya Basin web site at www.dnr.state.la.us/sec/atchafalaya/index.ssi.

U.S. WATER QUALITY SURVEYED
While most of the nation's rivers are in good shape, 36% are in fair or poor condition, according to a report from the Environmental Protection Agency. Other bad news: Nearly 40% of the nation's lakes are impaired by metals or nutrients. Industry and urban runoff contribute the most to estuary pollution, where nutrients impair 38% of estuaries surveyed. Fish consumption advisories jumped 26% in 1996 compared with 1995, mostly due to mercury contamination, according to "National Water Quality Inventory: 1996 Report to Congress," (free, 800/490-9198 or www.epa.gov/305b).

WATER USE TRENDS: Americans used 402 billion gallons of water per day in 1995, nearly 10% less than the 1980 Peak, despite a jump of 36 million in U.S. population. Total percapita use dropped to 1,280 gallons per day, down 4.5% from 1990, according to "Estimated Use of Water in the United States in 1995" (USGS Circular 1200, free, fax request to 303/202-4693; or download it at water.usgs.gov/public/watuse). Irrigation and thermoelectric power generation accounted for two-thirds of daily use. California, Texas, Illinois and Florida led all states in water usage.

STREAM CORRIDOR RESTORATION: The federal government has drafted a stream restoration manual that draws on the expertise of 15 federal agencies. "Stream Corridor Restoration: Principles, Processes, and Practices" ($76, paper, stock #PB98-158348; $65, CD-ROM, stock #PB98-502487, 800/553-6847; free at www.usda.gov/stream-restoration) is aimed at individuals, technicians and managers responsible for planning, designing and implementing stream restoration projects.