rocky mountain chapter retreat “c l - sierra club · join us at the annual rocky mountain chapter...
TRANSCRIPT
Join us at the Annual Rocky Mountain ChapterRetreat, a wonderful and relaxing weekend of diverserecreational opportunities and workshops at the SnowMountain Ranch YMCA between Winter Park andGrand Lake.
Snow Mountain Ranch occupies 5,000 acres ofmountain beauty just west of the spectacular IndianPeaks. There are many opportunities for outdoor recre-ation with hiking trails, canoeing, horseback riding, andmountain biking trails on the ranch or immediatelyadjacent. All this recreation will be wrapped around aweekend of diverse workshops and evening entertain-ment. Renew your spirit, mind and body!
Here are some programs to look forward to:
On Friday night, we are featuring a wonderful andinformative slide presentation on saving one ofAmerica's last great places – the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge. Then on Saturday evening, you'll be treated to aslide program by John Fielder entitled "Photographingthe Landscape: The Art of Seeing."
Meals will be provided by the Ranch staff, which willallow us to spend less time in the kitchen and more timeto enjoy the weekend. All meals will be served buffet
style – with vegetarian and non-vegetarian choices.The Retreat begins with Friday night dinner at 5 pm,
followed by a slide show, socializing and games.Saturday's activities begin at 7 am, and include meals,five workshop sessions and more socializing. After twoworkshop sessions and lunch on Sunday, we leave.
For a complete description of the workshops andschedules please see www.rmc.sierraclub.org, or call theoffice at 303-861-8819. See registration form on pg. 15.
Here's your chance to get away from it all. Theonly decisions you'll have to make are which hiketo take, which workshop to attend and which gameto play. Sign up soon! Space is limited!
KIDS PROGRAM by Kathy GlatzDave Nichols and myself are organizing a Kids'
Program. In the past we've had between 0-10 kids at ourRMC retreats. The "programs" have varied from parentswatching kids, to a formal kids' area with stimulatingnature projects with 3+/- actual family breakout sessions,to sitters who get in free and watch kids half-time.
Lead time is necessary to do this project, as well asan early Kid Count. Please invite anyone with kids(member or not) who wants them to attend retreat. OurParents' Committee will plan this event – RSVP now!
We need to involve kids in continuing our work, assome of us may want to retire eventually! This presentsa great opportunity for kids to learn!
RSVP to Dave Nichols or myself c/o RMC office, oremail me at [email protected].
I look forward to seeing more families this year!
Rocky MountainChapter of the
Sierra Club
Volume XXXV—No. 4 August/September 2001
Rocky Mountain Chapter Retreat“CONNECTING WITH THE LAND”
September 28–30, 2001 Snow Mountain Ranch, Tabernash, CO
by David Cook, Sierra Club Youth in Wilderness Program Officer , (415) 977-5721
The Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation are pleased to announcethe expansion of the Youth in Wilderness Project to Colorado. This programfunds projects for schools, after-school programs, outdoor schools, and othernonprofit organizations that provide outdoor learning and wilderness opportuni-ties for economically disadvantaged youth.
In 2001, the Youth in Wilderness Project will make one round of grantawards in Colorado. Please note that all proposals must be postmarked no laterthan September 26, 2001. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions inwriting on December 19, 2001. Also on September 26, 2001, Youth inWilderness will begin accepting transportation mini-grant applications. Theseproposals will then be accepted on an ongoing basis. Mini-grant applicants willbe notified in writing of a decision within six to eight weeks of submittal.
Two rounds of funding are planned for 2002, so if you miss the initial dead-line, you will have another chance to apply for a grant. Please contact staff (seebelow) to request the Youth in Wilderness guidelines and application forms.New materials will be readyin August, but staff is cur-rently available to discussthe grant program.
You can also visit theYouth in Wilderness home-page to learn more aboutthe grant program. You'llfind summaries of year2000 grantees in NorthernCalifornia, proposal writingtips and plenty of photos,drawings and letters fromsome of the 25,000 youthwho were able to participatein a quality outdoor educa-tion program financiallysupported by the Youth inWilderness Project.
Contact info:[email protected]/youthinwilderness (415) 977-5589
Youth in Wilderness ProjectExpands to Colorado CALL FOR CHAPTER
AWARD NOMINATIONS
Roger Wendell can’t wait for the retreat! Photo by Tami Wendell
by Barry Satlow, RMC Awards Chair
Nobody does volunteer work for the Sierra Club for rewards or honors, but it is fitting,as Lincoln would have said, to honor those among us who have given much and donewell to preserve the environment. It is good for exceptional volunteers to know they areappreciated.
In that vein, led by former chapter Chair Ross Vincent, the Rocky Mountain Chapterexpanded its awards program about 10 years ago, for both conservation and organiza-tional work. Last year we added awards for local leaders and groups. We plan to name amajor award this year for the late John Wade, who is profiled on Page 5. A former chap-ter conservation chair, John was a recipient of our highest and rarely given ColumbineAward. Colorado nature photographer John Fielder, a tire-less campaigner for the failed Responsible Growth Initiative,Amendment 24, was given the award last year, joining avery short list that includes former Sen. Tim Worth and for-mer Rep. David Skaggs.
Other awards (last year's winners in parentheses) are:– Professional Conservationist of the Year
(Jim Martin and Jasper Carlton);– Chapter Conservationist of the Year (Ross Vincent);– Volunteer Conservationist of the Year (Sandy Horrocks);– Chapter Leader of the Year (Greg Casini);– Grassroots Leader of the Year (new in 2000 – Ramon Ajero and Jane Toothaker);– Distinguished Service (Joan Hoffmann and Mark Pearson);– Special Achievement: Group (new in 2000 – Mount Evans and Poudre Canyon Groups)– Certificates of Appreciation (Robyn Fugett, Libby Tart, Todd Swanson, JoLynn Jarboe)– Legislator of the Year
(1999 winners: Sen. Dorothy Rupert, Sen. Bryan Sullivant, Rep. Ken Gordon); and Freshman Legislator of the Year (1999 winner: Rep. Tom Plant)
Please send your nominations to Barry Satlow, [email protected]; 303-442-3535 (w) or 442-1006 (h).
This summer the Youth in Wilderness Project will expandits grant-making program to include Arizona and
Colorado. Pictured above, participants in the Seven Tepee's Youth Program and the Hidden VillaEnvironmental Education Program hit the trail on a
three-day backpacking trip to the top of Black Mountain in Los Altos, Cal. Both organizations received
a grant from Youth in Wilderness last year.
Preliminary Schedule for the RetreatSUBJECT TO CHANGE
Friday, September 28Dinner, Introductions, Arctic National Wildlife Refuge SlideShow, Games/Socializing.
Saturday, September 29Renewable Energy, Stopping Sprawl, Restoring Wolves tothe Rockies, The Natural Step, Transportation Choices,Club Priority Campaigns – Wildlands, Leave No TraceWilderness Skills, Water Quality of the South Platte,Population, Hiking, Backpack Cooking, Great OutdoorsColorado (GOCO), Colorado Water Management Issues,Utilizing the Internet, Southern Rockies Ecosystem Project.
John Fielder Slide Show and Keynote Talk
Sunday, September 30Photographing the Landscape with John Fielder, Earth Literacy and the New Cosmology, Gene Engineering, Mountain Biking, Colorado Outward Bound, Voluntary Simplicity.
Peak & Prairie 2
Peak & PrairieAugust/September 2001 issue
Volume 35 – Number 4
Printed by Barnum Printingon recycled paper.
Published bimonthly by the Rocky Mountain Chapter
of the Sierra Club
1410 Grant Street, Suite B303Denver, CO 80203
303-861-8819303-861-2436 (FAX)
To notify us of your address change, call the office or e-mail us [email protected].
Editorial Staff
Editor / LayoutSandy [email protected]@rmc.sierraclub.org
Calendar EditorJimmy [email protected]
Conservation Editor/Ex-Com ContactKirk Cunningham303-939-8519 (H)[email protected]
Photo EditorMark [email protected]
Circulation / MailingAngela Medbery303-433-2608 (H)[email protected]
Diane Uren303-504-9657 (H)
Advertising [email protected]
SUBMISSIONSDEADLINE
for Oct./Nov. 2001 issueMonday,
August 27, 2001
E-mail submissions, as MS Word or Wordperfect attachments (send info. as
an attached document, rather than including it in body of e-mail), &
photos to accompany articles as .tif attachment if possible
(.jpg or .bmp OK), 150 dpi, to
[email protected] send to chapter office.
Articles:500 words or LESS
CHAPTER CONTACTSRocky Mountain Chapter Officers & Ex-Com MembersGreg Casini* – Chair 303-861-2844Peggy Malchow* – Vice Chair 303-744-1684Mark Collier – Treasurer 303-443-5482Roger J. Wendell* – Secretary 303-693-4244Bill Myers* – Council Delegate 303-935-6810Kirk Cunningham* – Conservatn Chair 303-939-8519Ramon Ajero* 970-226-4126David Mastronarde* 303-440-0253
*At-Large Ex-Com Members
Group Delegate Ex-Com MembersBlue River – Elaine Bennett 970-468-0100Enos Mills – JoLynn Jarboe 303-753-0470High Plains – OPENIndian Peaks – Macon Cowles 303-447-3062Mt Evans – Lyn Yarroll 303-838-8117Mt Sopris – OPENPikes Peak – Larry Skiffington 719-685-9365Poudre Canyon – Janna Six 970-493-5034Rachel Carson – Roger Davenport 303-278-2926Sangre de Cristo – Anne Cain 719-489-2056South Platte – OPEN
Trappers Lake – Wolf Bennett 970-736-8467Uncompahgre – Eric Rechel 970-242-4863Weminuche – Jan Holt 970-382-8840
Chapter Conservation Chair– Kirk Cunningham 303-939-8519
Ecosystems ClusterAquatic Resources – Steve Glazer 970-349-6646Mining – Rob Corkran 970-225-3713National Forests – Marty Walter 303-447-2059
– Scott Hatfield 303-413-1516Public Lands – Clee Seeling 970-858-9659Wilderness – Mark Pearson 970-259-6181Wildlife – Mike Smith 303-530-2646
Pollution ClusterAir Quality – Bill Myers 303-935-6810Environmental Justice – Kathy Glatz 303-922-3425Federal Facilities – Ross Vincent 719-561-3117Genetic Engin. – Suzanne Wuerthele 303-333-2519Hazardous Materials – Joan Seeman 303-738-8407Lowry AFB – Anne Callison 303-331-0704
– Joan Seeman 303-738-8407Pesticides – Angela Medbery 303-433-2608
Pueblo Depot – Alan Urban 719-983-9755Rocky Flats – Eugene DeMayo 303-642-3117Rocky Mtn Arsenal – Sandy Horrocks 303-470-1352Water Quality – Kirk Cunningham 303-939-8519
Public Policy/Personal Choices ClusterAgriculture – OPENEnergy – Linda Berti 303-320-6925International Affairs – OPENLifestyles Education – JoLynn Jarboe 303-753-0470
– Mary Ramano 303-388-0911Population – Fred Elbel 303-220-7499Solid Waste – Cherie Trine 970-472-9828Transportation – Bert Melcher 303-770-3683
Other CommitteesLegislative – Greg Casini 303-861-2844Membership – OPENOutings – Patricia Berman 303-691-9255Political – Peggy Malchow 303-744-1684
– Dave Fisher 720-564-0626Volunteer Development – Jimmy Yoo 303-861-8819Webmaster/Listmaster – Todd Hollar 303-282-8422
COLORADOEXECUTIVE BRANCH
Bill Owens, Governor (R) 303-866-2471136 State CapitolDenver, CO [email protected]/gov_dir/governor_office.htmlLt. Governor Rogers (R) 303-866-2087Secretary of State Davidson (R) 303-894-2200Treasurer Coffman (R) 303-866-2441Attorney General Salazar (D) 303-866-4500LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Colorado SENATESenate President Stan Matsunaka (D) 303-866-4853President Pro Tem Ed Perlmutter (D) 303-866-4856Majority Leader Bill Thiebaut (D) 303-866-4865Minority Leader John Andrews (R) 303-866-4883Colorado HOUSE OF REPSSpeaker of the House Doug Dean (R) 303-866-2348Speaker Pro Tem Kaufman 303-866-2947Majority Leader Lola Spradley (R) 303-866-3540Minority Leader Dan Grossman (D) 303-866-2015
CAPITOL MAILING ADDRESS:Colorado State Capitol200 East Colfax, Denver, CO 80203
COLORADO DEPT OF TRANSPORTATION(CDOT) Office of Public InformationTransportation Safety 303-757-93814201 E Arkansas Ave., Denver, CO [email protected], www.dot.state.co.us
LET YOUR LEGISLATORS KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!District 3 (western Colorado and Pueblo)Rep. Scott McInnis (R)320 Cannon BuildingWashington, DC 20515202-225-4761, 202-226-0622 (fax)719-543-8200 (Pueblo)970-245-7107 (Grand Junction)970-928-0637 (Glenwood springs)970-375-1499 (Durango)www.house.gov/mcinnis/District 4 (Ft Collins, Greeley, eastern Colorado)Rep. Bob Schaffer (R)212 Cannon BuildingWashington, DC 20515202-225-4676, 202-225-5870 (fax)970-493-9132 (Ft. Collins)970-353-3507 (Greeley)719-384-7379 (La Junta)970-522-1788 (Sterling)www.house.gov/schaffer/District 5 (Colorado Springs)Rep. Joel Hefley (R)2230 Longworth BuildingWashington, DC 20515202-225-4422, 202-225-1942 (fax)719-520-0055 (Colorado Springs)303-843-0401 (Englewood)District 6 (south suburbs: Littleton, Aurora, etc.)Rep. Thomas Tancredo (R)1123 Longworth BuildingWashington, DC 2051202-225-7882, 202-225-7885 (fax)720-283-9772 (Littleton)www.house.gov/tancredo/
U.S. SENATESen. A. Wayne Allard (R)513 Hart Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510202-224-5941, 202-224-6471 (fax)970-351-7582 (Greeley)303-220-7414 (Englewood)719-545-9751 (Pueblo)970-245-9553 (Grand Junction)www.senate.gov/~allard/Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R)380 Russell Senate Office Bldg.Washington, DC 20510202-224-5852, 202-224-1933 (fax)303-843-4100 (Englewood)719-542-6987 (Pueblo)719-636-9092 (Colorado Springs)970-241-6631 (Grand Junction)970-224-1909 (Ft. Collins)www.senate.gov/~campbell/U.S. HOUSE OF REPSDistrict 1 (Denver)Rep. Diana DeGette (D)1530 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, DC 20515-0601202-225-4431, 202-225-5657 (fax)303-844-4988 (Denver)www.house.gov/degette/District 2 (Boulder, NW suburbs, Clear Creek, Gilpin)Rep. Mark Udall (D)128 Cannon BuildingWashington, DC 20515202-225-2161, 202-226-7840 (fax)303-457-4500 (Westminster)www.house.gov/markudall/
HOW DO I JOIN A LIST?Send an e-mail message to [email protected]. In
the body of the message, put the command SUBSCRIBE listname yourname
Example: Subscribe RMC-CONS-COMM Jane DoeThe example above would subscribe Jane Doe to the Rocky
Mountain Chapter conservation committee discussion list. After you send in your subscription request, you'll get a
message back asking you to confirm your e-mail subscriptionmessage (this is to discourage spammers who subscribe to listssolely to harvest addresses). Merely respond to that messagewith the word OK, and you're on the list.
[email protected] RMC Conserv. Alerts [email protected] Sierra Club RMC [email protected] BRG Conserv. [email protected] Blue River Group [email protected]@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG [email protected]@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORGRMC-CONS-PEST@[email protected] RMC Population Com. [email protected] [email protected]@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORGRMC-CONS-WILDLIFE@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORGRMC-EMG-ACTIVISTS@[email protected] EMG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Enos Mills Group [email protected]@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG RMC Ex-com [email protected] RMC Ex-com poll RMC-FUND [email protected] RMC Fund raising [email protected] RMC GLS Alerts List [email protected] HPG Cons. Alerts [email protected] High Plains Group [email protected] Indian Peaks Group [email protected] IPG
[email protected] IPG [email protected] IPG Ex-Com [email protected] RMC Info. Tech. Com. RMC-LEGISLATIVE-ANNOUNCE@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORGRMC-LEGISLATIVE-COMM@[email protected] MEG Cons. [email protected] Mt. Evans Group [email protected] MSG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Mt. Sopris Group [email protected] RMC Outings list [email protected] P & P Newsletter [email protected] PCG announce [email protected] PCG Cons. Com. [email protected] Poudre Canyon Group core [email protected] PPG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Pikes Peak Group [email protected] RCG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Rachel Carson Group [email protected] Rachel Carson Group Rocky Flats Coalition [email protected] RMC Retreat Committee [email protected] [email protected] RMC Political Committee [email protected] SDCG Cons. Alerts [email protected] SDCG [email protected] Sangre De Cristo Group [email protected] [email protected] SPG Cons. Alerts [email protected] South Platte Group [email protected] Sprawl discussion list [email protected] TLG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Trappers Lake Group [email protected] UG Cons. Alerts [email protected] Uncompahgre Group [email protected] UG open list [email protected] RMC Group Vitality Com. [email protected] Weminuche Group [email protected] Weminuche Group [email protected] Weminuche Group
LISTSERVERS
Proposed Energy PolicyThreatens the West EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLES SAVE ITby Steve Smith, Sierra Club Associate Southwest Regional Representative
Energy development policies proposed by President Bush, Vice PresidentCheney, and Secretary of the Interior Norton continue to threaten wild lands andother important environments in Colorado and the west. Worse, their plan will notprovide the energy we need any time soon.
We need energy solutions that are quicker, cleaner,cheaper, and safer than those proposed by the Presidentand his administration.
Consider the fact that 95% percent of federal Bureauof Land Management (BLM) lands in Colorado are nowopen to oil and gas leasing. The President and his assis-tants say that they want to open more BLM and otherfederal lands to oil and gas production by reducing envi-ronmental restrictions.
That translates to wanting to allow road building,drilling, digging, waste pits, pipelines, and gas flares inour national monuments, our wildlife refuges, our
potential wilderness areas, and sensitive habitats.Places like the sweeping, sage-covered Vermillion Basin in northwest Colorado,
the richly forested HD Mountains in southwest Colorado, and the phenomenalArctic National Wildlife Refuge coastal plain are treasures that could be lost for thesake of a few weeks of gasoline and electricity supply.
Meanwhile, consider the effects of improving our energy efficiency. Increasingthe fuel efficiency of automobiles in America to 40 milesper gallon (it is now about 24 mpg) would save, in fewerthan ten years, more oil than is under the Arctic refugecoastal plain, even while saving us money at the pump.Replacing inefficient incandescent light bulbs with com-pact fluorescent bulbs, something we can each do on ourown, will save 80% in electricity use for lighting.
Finally, consider the fact that renewable energy sourceslike solar electric collectors, wind electricity generators,and gasoline-electric hybrid car motors are coming downin cost while going up in efficiency. Thanks to researchand development work at places like the NationalRenewable Energy Laboratories here in Colorado, theserenewable sources provide serious energy supplies now.
Two thirds of the oil that will ever be produced in thiscountry is already gone. One half of the natural gas thatwill ever be produced in this country is already gone.Increasing our energy efficiency and use of renewableswill prepare us for the end of the petroleum era while pro-tecting the natural treasures of the west from hasty anddamaging development.
Please write to your Member ofCongress and Senators (info. on page 2).Tell them that the President's energy planwill not work. Tell them to increase fund-ing for renewable and efficiency researchand development, to increase fuel effi-ciency requirements for all our automo-biles, and to protect our wild lands andother special places.
If you have questions or other ideasfor improving our national energyapproaches, please let me know. Thanks.
[email protected], 303-449-5595
3 August/September 2001
What’s Happening at the Chapter OfficeLEGISLATIVE WRAP-UPThe Sierra Club took positions on at least 53 bills in the
2001 Regular Session of the Legislature, and actively lobbiedon 30 of them. We came in with a strong combination of vol-unteers, interns and staff, and left with some victories andsome setbacks.
THE GOOD NEWS:The Cherry Creek Basin Authority will now include repre-
sentatives of citizen groups and be required to spend at least60% of revenue on pollution control measures, rather thatfighting to allow for more pollution.
Some very bad growth related bills died, including onesthat limit growth moratoria and growth caps, as well as a billexpanding the definition of a private property "takings."Transit agencies will now be required to share informationand coordinate their efforts, and counties can increase theamount of sales tax for mass transit projects.
An affordable housing task force was created which theSierra Club expects to help fund and participate in. Localgovernments can now create affordable housing advisoryboards to make policy recommendations. Colorado voterswill also see a proposal on the ballot to allow housing author-ities to levy taxes or fees for affordable housing.
On energy issues, a bill passed which will give a taxincentive to building renewable energy facilities in the state.Unfortunately, it also helps the mis-named "clean coal." Thestandards for state installed outdoor lighting have beenimproved to minimize glare and light pollution, and to con-sider energy efficiency. State agencies can now enter intoenergy conservation contracts with firms that guarantee toreduce energy costs in public building.
Bills passed that would speed up the agreements for theCraig Power plants emissions plan and Denver's PM-10 airquality plan. An insect repellent containing pesticides will notbe allowed to say "kid-safe."
There is a new pilot program to provide incentives forrecycling cathode ray tubes that are in TVs and computermonitors and contain heavy metals and other pollutants.
Environmentalists have been working for several yearswith the Division of Wildlife (DOW) to come up with a wayto increase their funding for things like watchable wildlife
and habitat protection. Finally, a bill tomake DOW an enterprise – removing itfrom TABOR restrictions, passed withenvironmental support. Bills to make itharder to relocate prairie dogs, to killpredators, and to study killing predatorsall died in committees.
THE BAD NEWS:Virtually nothing was done to man-
age growth in Colorado, although it wasa top priority for most citizens. Theenvironmentalist-sponsored comprehen-sive bill by Representative Plant died in the House. The billsthat survived the longest had provisions that would haverestricted moratoria and growth caps, and given developersmore of a "presumption of build-ability." Good bills died thatwould have required binding master plans, 10% affordablehousing in new development, and impact fees on new devel-opment for community services.
A bill to make state agencies consider EnvironmentalJustice was defeated, even after being severely watereddown. There was no state or federal funding made availablefor alternative transportation programs, but plenty of moneyfor highways.
Regulations for water discharge permits were relaxed, andit will be harder to get in-stream diversions for environmentaland recreational reasons. Efforts to help conserve domesticand agricultural water were defeated. The PUC will have thefinal say when there is a conflict with local government oversiting of utilities and utility facilities like transfer stations andpower lines.
Companies that burn waste tires for fuel will be eligiblefor up to $50 a ton as a reimbursement (see Crazy to Burnarticle on page6). A bill to label genetically engineered foodsdied quickly, but we hope to bring it back next year.
SLAPP Suits are lawsuits brought by companies againstcitizens who speak out against them. They usually fail in theend, but are expensive and time consuming for activists. Agreat bill that would have protected citizens from SLAPPSuits died – again we hope to resurrect it next session.
To contact me: [email protected] or 303-861-8819.
Susan LeFeverRMC Director
PresidentBush wantsto open upour NationalMonuments,the ArcticWildlifeRefuge andother wild-lands to oiland gas
development. The White House insiststhat we need to develop these areas tomeet our energy needs.
Let's do the math: The United Statesuses a quarter of the world's oil supply.We have less than five percent of theworld's population and three percent of theworld's oil reserves. Conclusion: There isno way we can meet that kind of demandby drilling in the Arctic Wildlife Refuge oranywhere else domestically. There's notnearly enough oil left in the United States.
President Bush's desire to drill for oilin the Arctic Refugewill do nothing toaddress America'slong-term energyneeds, but it willdestroy one of ournation's crown jewelsof wilderness.President Bush'senergy plan won'tclean up our air, pre-vent future energyshortages or save usmoney. In the end,President Bush's planwould still leave usdependent on foreignoil. Drilling theArctic is a distrac-tion, not a solution.
The Bush energy plan won't work,because it makes the wrong choices.We can't drill, dig and destroy our wayto energy independence. We need abalanced energy plan that gives usquicker, cleaner, cheaper and saferenergy solutions.
Luckily, we have a multitude of choices that address our energy needs andare better for our health and environment –introducing greater efficiency measures,investing in solar, wind and other less-polluting options, increasing production inexisting oil and gas fields, and replacingold, inefficient, dirty gas-fired powerplants with new, efficient, clean combinedcycle plants.
What we need most is to tap ourfastest, cheapest, most plentiful energyresource: efficiency. President Bush'sbudget actually cuts research in renewableenergy and development programs by 37percent and cuts energy efficient researchand development by 30 percent, hinderingefforts to improve energy efficiency inhomes, vehicles, businesses and industry.
President Bush should prioritize efficiency, invest in renewable, clean energy and support responsible production.By raising the fuel economy standards onautos we will save more oil in ten yearsthan the oil reserves in the Arctic WildlifeRefuge, off the coast of California and inthe Persian Gulf combined.
We call on President Bush to stop hisassault on America's National Monumentsand wildlands and to adopt a balancedenergy plan that cleans up our air, preventsfuture energy shortages and saves usmoney. Drilling for oil on public landswon't solve our nation's energy problems,it will only sacrifice our natural heritage.
Interested in Energy? See page 7 tojoin our Energy Committee.
VIEW FROMTHE CHAIR
Greg CasiniRMC Chair
Not Much Energy Went into Thinking
up this Plan!
Photo by Kelley Cox, courtesy Glenwood Springs Post Independent
Photo by Susan LeFeverSierra Club shows it's support for renewableenergy and energy efficiency outside ofDepartment of Energy hearings in Denver.
CALL FOR At–Large Chapter Ex– ComNOMINATIONS
Do you feel that you can contribute tothe Sierra Club in a leadership role? Do youhave a commitment to working on environ-mental issues that affect Colorado? Do youhave skills in management, organizing, pub-lic relations or a financial background?
The Rocky Mountain Chapter's (RMC)Executive Committee (Ex-Com) is responsi-ble for overseeing the activities of the RMC.Ex-Com approves the budget and policydecisions for the Chapter, and sets the visionand direction of our work. Each local Groupsends a delegate to the Ex-Com, and anadditional seven members are elected at-large by Sierra Club members throughout thestate. We are currently seeking nominationsfor four (4) at-large positions.
Ex-Com meetings take place quarterlyon Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) atlocations around the state. The Chapterreimburses transportation expenses to themeetings, and local groups provide free orinexpensive lodging. Members serve a two-year term.
If this sounds like a job for you or some-one you know, please send a cover letterand description of your relevant experienceto: Nominations Committee
Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter1410 Grant Street, Suite B303Denver, CO 80203.
Deadline for nominations is August 16.
Peak & Prairie 4
by Jill DahlkeCo-Director Southern Rockies Wolf Restoration Project
For millennia, wolves roamed free throughout what is today the lower 48 UnitedStates, orchestrating an elaborate ecological dance in their native ecosystems, includ-ing the Southern Rockies. Beginning in the late 1800's the United States governmentlaunched an ill-informed and systematic effort to eradicate wolves, resulting in theirnear complete absence in the wild by 1945. The loss of this top-level carnivore left theSouthern Rockies Ecoregion bereft of a key ecological player.
Now, nearly sixty years after the government extirpated wolves, the Sierra Club andother groups have joined forces to restore wolves to the Southern Rockies. Under thebanner of the Southern Rockies Wolf Restoration Project, the Sierra Club and our part-ners aim to undo the mistakes of the past, advocating a science-based policy for wolfrestoration in the Southern Rockies.
The Southern Rockies encompass parts of southern Wyoming, Rocky Mountain andwestern Colorado, and northern New Mexico. This region includes large, protected
roadless habitat with abundant pop-ulations of elk and deer. Over 60% of the region is publicly owned,allowing wildlife biologists to moreeasily mange wolves across a broadlandscape – a landscape with hugepotential to support a thriving wolfpopulation. In fact, a U.S. Fish andWildlife Service study concludedthat Colorado alone could supportover 1,000 wolves. Ultimately, theSouthern Rockies represent the lastbest place for wolves; with growthand development encroaching upon
more and more ofour nation's naturallands, the SouthernRockies provide aunique opportunityrestore wolves to thehunting grounds oftheir ancestors.
We have nowbefore us the oppor-tunity to reestablishthe important ecolog-ical balance thatwolves help main-tain. Wolves con-tribute to the healthof other wildlife pop-ulations in ways asvaried as removing
weak and unfit animals from prey herds, to regulating the abundance of smaller preda-tors such as coyotes. Informed by the science of conservation biology, the SouthernRockies Wolf Restoration Project aims to restore wolves to their full ecological rolethroughout the Southern Rockies, for this and future generations.
Public education and participation stands as a critical component in the effort toreturn wolves to their native ecosystems. Even though recent polls show that two-thirds of the region's citizens support reintroducing wolves, the decisions of publicofficials don't always reflect this reality. With just a few minutes of your time, you canhelp bring endangered wildlife back to the Southern Rockies. Please visit the project'swebsite at www.rockywolf.org or send an e-mail to [email protected] to dis-cuss other ways you can help.
RESTORING WOLVES TO THE SOUTHERN ROCKIES
by Bill Myers and Kathy GlatzProviding affordable housing to promote existing communities has long been a national Sierra Club priority. In Colorado, housing
prices have skyrocketed. Commutes are getting longer and finding median income affordable housing has gotten more and more diffi-cult. Commutes along the Front Range lead are degrading our natural resources and increasing pollution; some mountain valley com-muters tally hundreds of miles daily. In short, affordable housing has become a crisis in Colorado.
As with most "crises" in Colorado, it usually takes several years to get the State Legislature's attention. Several innovative solu-tions were proposed this session, but very few made it through the Legislative process. A brief examination of the legislation this pastsession:
The "Long Bill" – This bill increased funding for Colorado Division of Housing with a one-time increase of $1.97 million to supportdevelopment and preservation of affordable housing.
SB 031 – Rent Controlled Housing Sponsors: Sen. Penfield Tate (D-Denver) and Rep. Kay Alexander (R-Montrose). Would have specified that private property owners could provide affordable housing, and affordable housing contracts could be
valid. Sierra Club testified on this bill. Sierra Club supported. Passed Senate 24-11. Killed in House Committee on State, Veterans,and Military Affairs, 5-4.
HB 1038 – Rent Control Sponsor: Rep. Nolbert Chavez (D-Denver) Would have clarified that the prohibition of rent control imposed on private residential housing units by any state agency, county, or
municipality does not apply to the new construction of private residential housing units. Sierra Club supported. Died in House StateAffairs on a 5-4 vote.
HB 1172 – Multi-jurisdictional Housing Authorities Sponsors: Reps. Rippy, Snook, Stengel, and White, and Sen. Fitz-Gerald This new law allows for the creation of multi-jurisdictional housing authorities to support low and moderate-income housing pro-
grams with taxing powers. Sierra Club supported. Governor Owens signed the bill June 5, 2001.
HB 1174 – Local Advisory Board for Affordable Housing Sponsors: Rep. Desiree Sanchez (D-Denver). Allows local governments to create affordable housing advisory boards, which can make recommendations to the government
about housing needs and opportunities. Sierra Club supported. Passed House 56-8. Passed Senate 26-9. Signed into law byGovernor Owens.
HB 1176 – Metropolitan Affordable Housing District Sponsor: Rep. Betty Boyd (D-Jeff.Cty.)This would have permitted voters within the current Broncos' district to vote to continue the same tax, following the payoff of the
Broncos' stadium and continued this district for 20 years. It would have generated $35 million annually. Sierra Club supported. Diedin House State, Veterans & Military Affairs Committee, 7-1-1.
HB 1253 – Housing Assistance Tax Credit Sponsors: Rep. Glenn Scott (R-Westminster)/Sen. Jack Taylor (R-SteamboatSprings). Would have given employers who provided rental/purchase housing assistance to employees at 60% AMI and below. SierraClub supported. Passed House Finance Committee, 6-5. Killed in Appropriations, 12-1 with only sponsors Scott supporting.
HB 1317 – Affordable Housing Loans and Grants Sponsors: Rep. Bryan Jameson (D-Ft. Collins)/Sen. Doug Linkhart (D-Denver). Would have put excess state revenues into providing grants and loans to housing authorities for affordable housing. Passed
through House State, Veterans and Military Affairs Committee to Finance Committee. Killed in House Finance, 6-5.
HB 1328 – Affordable Housing Promotion Sponsor: Rep. Alice Madden (D-Boulder). Would have permitted Counties to require affordable housing as a condition to planned unit developments. Sierra Club supported
this bill, which moved to an early vote in the House. Passed Local Government Committee, 11-0. Failed on House Floor, 28-35.
HJR 1046 – Interim Joint Legislative Committee to Examine Affordable Housing Issues. Sponsor: Rep. Andrew Romanoff (D-Denver) Instead of an Interim Committee, a joint legislative "Task Force" was formed with the funding to come from private sources,including the Sierra Club. Currently, the 3 House Task Force members have been appointed, most of the money has beencommitted/collected, and the Senate is in the process of appointing its 3 members, after which the Task Force will meet. Sierra Clubsupported.
Bill Myers is a member of the Sierra Club's national Challenge to Sprawl Campaign Committee. Kathy Glatz is theEnvironmental Justice Chair of the Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Legislature Flunks Public onAffordable Housing
MEMORIUMSDon Young – Memorium Given by: Marlin Carpenter**Don lived in Colorado while he was in the Air Force. His relatives requested in lieu of flowers to givea donation to the Rocky Mountain Chapter since he loved Colorado and the mountains so much.
Daryl Hinman – Memoriums Given by: Marceline Hinman John and Gloria WollenhauptVerne and Virginia Miller
Mexican Wolf Photo courtesy United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Photo courtesy by John Toppenberg, 1996
5 August/September 2001
SOLAR - FARMERS & AGRICULTURE - GENETIC ENGINEERING - PESTICIDESI knew John Wade for many years. When I first met him, he was a minister in
southeast Colorado. There he encouraged a poorer community to pool efforts andbuild solar heated homes in the fashion of barn building. He was a life member of theRocky Mountain Farmers Union and originally from a farm community in Colorado.
As Enos Mills Group's Conservation Chair; John enlisted a cattleman to be ourChapter Agricultural Chair (the following year that cattleman was chair of theColorado Cattleman's Assn. John and I worked with them on the CO Cattleman'sAssoc. genetic eng. policy) we both learned a lot about gene engineering.
When we were doing the CO Pesticide Network, John and his wife Marion werevery supportive from their homes first in Pueblo, and later in the metro Denver area.
– Angela Medbery, RMC Pesticides Committee Chair
BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHJohn Marshall Wade was born 17 July, 1919, at Holyoke, CO... He grew up on a farm... in Cheyenne
County, CO – in the "dust bowl" of the "30"s. He graduated from Cheyenne County High School in 1936.After spending a year in a Quaker-directed firefighting Civilian Public Service camp as a conscientious
objector, working as a clerk/property auditor for the National Youth Administration, and serving as secretary tothe president of National Farmers Union, he graduated from Denver University in 1944. After that came UnionTheological Seminary in New York City, from which he graduated in 1948, with an M. Div. degree.
John served as pastor of rural Presbyterian Churches in Nunn and Carr (Weld County), CO and Morrill , NE.From 1955-1958 he was Campus Pastor at the University of Wyoming, Laramie, representing several denomina-tions. From July 1958 - 1978 he was Campus Pastor at the University of Utah, Salt Lake City.
A position with a group called "Utahns Against Hunger" claimed John's time for a year, until he moved toAlamosa, CO, as executive director of the San Luis Valley Christian Community Services where he served untilhis retirement in October, 1984. At that time he moved to Pueblo, and in 1991 to Englewood. John wasPresident of Colorado Migrant and Rural Coalition over several years in the '80's. In Pueblo he also worked toestablish Posada, a shelter for homeless men, and was VP of Hope Alive, a community organizing project.
On June 18, 1946, John married Marian Elizabeth Anderson, a recent graduate of Denver University. Theyhave two sons, Wendell Theodor, born in 1949 in Weld County, CO, and Richard Alan, born in 1953 inScottsbluff County, NE; and two granddaughters, Katie and Leslie, who live with their parents Ted and Kathy s inMilton, MA, where Ted is business manager of Milton Academy Richard is an astrophysicist on the faculty ofPennsylvania State University.
In retirement, John is an active environmentalist, having served as state Conservation Committee chair ofthe Sierra Club for four years (1991-94). He also chairs the Southwest Regional Conservation Committee and,as such, is a regional vice-president of the Club. John is also Environmental Justice Committee chair for thePresbytery of Denver, Presbyterian Church (USA) and a member of the Steering Committee of Presbyterians forRestoring Creation.
John is a cross-country skier and a mountain climber, having climbed 32 of Colorado's 14,000’ peaks. Helikes to travel, and with Marian visited many county court houses, research centers, and cemeteries in theirsearch for ancestors. They also travelled to Sweden, England, Scotland, and Germany in their search for "roots."
[this sketch written ca. 1995 - r.w.][Ted (Wendell Theodor) is now at Dana Hall School in Wellesley, MA - r.w.]. [The final total of 14ers is probably 33, the most recent climb in 1997, Humphreys Peak as I recall. - r.w.]
REMEMBERING DADJohn Wade was born on a homestead in east-
ern Colorado. The "Wade house" – a two-story sodhouse near Holyoke, CO, is still standing (barely).
He was a teenager during the Dust Bowl.Perhaps from this experience came a lifelonginterest in land use issues and farmer's issues. Oneof his term papers written in graduate school com-pares the story in John Steinbeck's The Grapes ofWrath with the grape boycott and other strugglesof the migrant farmers' movement in the ‘60's.
Civil rights and a respect for all people wereimportant issues throughout John's life. He attend-ed the famous "I have a dream" March onWashington in 1963, and worked for non-discrimi-natory business practices in Salt Lake City.
In the ‘80's, he helped organize a grassrootseffort to supply solar power to migrant housing inthe San Luis Valley. Stewardship and conservationwere themes throughout his life – in his profes-sional career as a minister and in his personal life.
Even during his times as a city dweller, he wasnot far from the land. I recall the annual two-weekcar vacations to visit many different parts of NorthAmerica. Often these involved camping; on MountTamalpais near San Francisco, in Yellowstone, orin the Pacific Northwest.
In retirement and living inDenver, he began a series ofexplorations of Europe by train.On these trips, museums andhistorical places were of nogreater interest to him than theoutdoors. I hiked with him inthe Lake District of England in1996, and in western Austria in1999. During the 1999 trip, hesaw his first total solar eclipse.
– Richard Wade (the younger son)
Sierra Club ActivistLeaves a VoidJohn Wade Dies at 81
by Susan LeFever, RMC Director
A minister, counselor, and activist, John Wadedied May 16 in a hiking accident near Boulder at theage of 81. For many people in the Sierra Club, Johnwas a friend and a mentor, and we mourn his loss.
At the time of his death, John was on the nationalSustainable Planet Strategy Team, the AgricultureCommittee and the International Committee, and wasEnos Mills Group Conservation Chair. Prior to this heserved as Southwest Regional ConservationCommittee Chair, and was the Conservation Chair ofthe Rocky Mountain Chapter, where he helped mem-bership grow from 1,000 to 14,000. He retired to hisnative Colorado and joined the Sangre de CristoGroup in Pueblo in 1987, and was their ConservationChair, working to curb sprawl.
As a retired Presbyterian pastor, John served ona national committee of Presbyterians for RestoringCreation, with a goal of placing an environmentaleducator in each of the nation's Presbyterian leader-ship groups. He was also chair of the ColoradoCouncil of Church's Environmental Commission."Conservation is an integral part of Christian disciple-ship," he said, "and the scriptures teach us to both tilland keep the Earth."
At its recent meeting, the Club Board of Directorspassed a resolution honoring John. It reads in part:
"President Robbie Cox was just with John inQuebec last month. John marched with us, andlabor, for some six hours, in the heat, for miles toprotest the FTAA, and kept pace with the most hardymembers of the Sierra Student Coalition. He was ingreat spirits and loved sharing his work with studentsin his earlier role as chaplain on a university campusduring the Vietnam War and civil rights movementdays. He was in Quebec on his own initiative, show-ing up to bear testimony where it was most neededin the context of the emerging coalition of humanrights, labor, environmentalists, and church groupsopposing the abuses of globalization. He was aninspiration to all of us and represented the best in liv-ing a life that could serve as a model to us all. TheEarth is a better place, and so is the Sierra Club,because John walked among us. He will be missed."
TRIBUTE TO JOHN WADE
JOHN WADE MEMORIUMTo honor John’s amazing life, relatives request that you
donate to the Rocky Mountain Chapter. Send to RMC office (address pg. 2) or call 303-861-8819 for info.
Richard (son) and JohnEcho Lake, CO 1991
John, Ted & Richard (sons)June 2000
World Traveler hiker - Johnat lake in Austria
Marian (wife) & John, 1995Married June 18, 1936
Marian died July 23, 1995
Duringthe
VietnamWar, Johnwas a draft
counselor, andorganized thefirst Earth Day
on campus at the
Universityof Utah.
John Wade In Memoriamby Dan Seligman, Sierra Club, June 24, 2001
John Wade was my friend, but I can't tell you when I first met him. It was probably during one of the big trade summits that Denver
hosted in the mid-90s. Those were some of the experimental daysfor the Sierra Club's fledgling Trade Program, when we were trying
to get our arms around the globalization beast. In those early days, John was always there with the kindly graces of a retired minister:
friendly encouragement, a helping hand, and a sofa to sleep on.On one trip to Denver and after the hubbub was over, John took me on one of his favorite
hikes up in the mountains. I'm an experienced runner and I'm sure it was one of John's easi-er trails. But I can still see his skinny, billy-goat legs bounding over roots and rocks as Isucked wind trying to keep up with a man nearly twice my age.
John didn't make it to the big protests against the World Trade Organization in Seattle.But he wasn't about to miss the protests at the Summit of the Americas this April in Quebec.Our contingent, perhaps ten or twelve people, stayed in a funky bed and breakfast a coupleblocks outside the walls of the old city. John and I shared a room.
On the morning of the big protest march, John ran out to get duct tape and sticks for ourbanners. He caught up with us on a little patch of grass on the plain below the city down bythe St Laurence River as tens of thousands gathered for the weekend's biggest protest march.
John was among friends that day – Robbie Cox, the Sierra Club's President, a group fromSierra Student Coalition, and Sierrans from across the Midwest and Northeast.
He marched with us, helped to carrying the banner, joined our chants, caught whiffs oftear gas that rolled down from old Quebec City high on the hill where protesters clashedwith police at the barricades.
Late that afternoon, after the march, John and I trudged up the big hill again, back towardour bed and breakfast. As we climbed, the tear gas came wafting on the breeze in searingwaves. John reminisced about counseling draft resisters in 60s. But his eyes were red andteary and his breath was short.
I was carrying a paper mask someone had given me in case the tear gas got too bad. Westopped now, halfway up the hill, and I put it on John, helping it over his glasses and pinch-ing it around his nose. Then we climbed on home.
So you can imagine how grateful I was to have honored the friendship between a youngman and old man with a moment of tender kindness when a couple weeks later I got wordthat John had died.
Perhaps pointing toward a moment he knew could not be so very far away, I got an e-mail from John upon returning from Quebec with the simple subject line "closure."
The message read:"Hi Dan, Perhaps because meetings were in different places, we didn't get in
the "goodbyes" last week in Quebec… It felt good that we were roommates… Ithink you already know that I treasure your friendship."
And I too, John, treasured your friendship.
John (4th from top left) protesting at Free Trade Area of Americas meeting in
Quebec with Sierra Club Group, April 2001
Wild flowers, wild animals, and wild lands were highlights of Enos Mills Group'smapping weekend in Wildcat Canyon. Ten volunteers roamed along the South Plattecorridor near Cheesman Reservoir recording GPS waypoints, photographing routesand filling out data forms. They drove logging and mining roads, hiked closed loggingroads, encountered some wildness of the human variety at Corral Creek and estab-lished that a horse trail was, thankfully, not being converted to an illegal ATV route.
The most serious threat to Wildcat Canyon is the creeping expansion of illegalmotorized use on the east side of the river and at Corral Creek. A few irresponsibleusers cut steel cables, punch new campsites into the trees and along the riverbank, dowheelies and donuts in the Platte, flood their engines trying to cross the ford and partyevery weekend during the summer.
In spite of this, there are still 15,000 acres in two potential wilderness areas lyingbetween Lost Creek Wilderness and the rugged canyon of the S. Platte River, separat-ed only by the Corral Creek road. They are important because of their lower elevation,range of habitat and geology. Ponderosa pine and Douglas fir cover the slopes abovethe river canyon, with blue spruce, alders and aspen in the small tributary drainages.Huge granite domes and pillars enliven the view, and the river cuts a deep canyonfrom near Highway 24 to the Reservoir, widening out only at Corral Creek. Deer andelk sign were abundant, and coyotes were heard at dawn on Saturday. The mostunusual sighting was a pronghorn, which we can only imagine worked his way upfrom South Park along the Tarryall River into the Platte!
The yuccas were at their peak, ranging from rich creamy white to pale lavender.Indian paintbrush, carpets of yellow stonecrop, spots of blue penstemon and locoweedadorned the hot dry slopes, and columbines grew in shady areas. These blooms wereattracting at least a dozen species of butterflies. Too bad we didn't have a butterflyexpert with us! Endangered Pawnee Montane skippers are found here, but they won'tbe out until July when the gayfeather blooms.
The routes mapping was finished by the end of Saturday, so Sunday we hiked intothe heart of the area. One group went along a ridge line, with a 360° view of the cliffs
in Lost Creek Wilderness, Pikes Peak,Devils Head and Sheeprock. The otherteam dropped down into Wildcat Creekwith its meadow and aspen-filled ripariancorridor. We all met on the rock overlookat the end of the ridge, where a bristleconegrows in a small crack in the rock – a liv-ing testimonial to the power and enduranceof wild things in the face of overwhelmingodds. We only hope we are as strong inour defense of Wildcat Canyon.
by Cherie Trine, RMC Solid Waste Chair
Holnam Cement succeeded in gettingHB 1018 amendments through the StateLegislature last session. Holnam's amend-ments make it more profitable to burn tiresby usurping state subsidy monies ear-marked for illegal tire pile cleanup.Holnam does not clean up illegal tire piles.Larimer County has an estimated 80% ofthe State's known, illegal and dangerouslystored tires, (5-8 million near Loveland).Larimer County has Holnam Cementclaiming they will burn tires should theyreceive enough of a state subsidy.
In May, the Sierra Club presented threeof our State Legislators with letters ofrecognition for their votes against HB1018 as amended. Thank you SenatorPeggy Reeves, and Representatives BobBacon and Bryan Jameson.Representative Bob Bacon in particularexpressed interest in working to amendHB 1018 to ensure that Larimer County'sillegal tire piles receive adequate fundingfor cleanup, and to ensure that the leastpolluting options for waste tires are givenfunding priority.
However, many legislators believethat, because our State allows tires to beburned, it must be safe. To address thisissue, the Sierra Club brought in a nation-al expert, Dr. Neil Carman. Formerly anindustrial facility inspector for the State ofTexas, now Clean Air Director of the LoneStar Chapter of Sierra Club, he supportedthe following reasons not to burn tires:
(1) Regulations fail to protect publichealth. Few toxic chemicals are regulat-ed. Most monitoring is "visual," – some-one looks. Bags that collect pollutants arereplaced when they have broken so badlythat the polluter can visually observe thepollution. Rather than prevent pollution,our State sets meaningless limits, whichare not enforced.
(2) Testing is inadequate. Our Stateallowed Holnam to substitute test burndata from a different kiln in lieu of testingtire-burning in Florence. The State rubberstamps permits.
(3) Cement kilns have "upsets," oraccidents, during which they spew pollu-tion into the environment. Holnam inFlorence has over 40 upsets per year whileburning tires, versus 2-3 outside Ft.Collins. In Florence, some upsets weremeasured at 92% opacity. That's a thick,black cloud of particulates. By burningtires, Holnam increased their particulateemissions 86% in Florence. Toxic chemi-cals stick to particulates – a delivery sys-tem – reaching deep into the lungs.
(4) Some of what goes into a cementkiln will come out. In the case of tires,styrene and benzene derivatives will comeout. In addition, new chemicals such ashighly toxic dioxins and PCBs will oftenform during burning. Unburned tires donot create dioxins.
(5) Metals are released, not destroyedby burning. Tires contain 392% morelead, 407% more chromium, and 1448%more arsenic than coal. These metalscause cancer.
(6) Burning precludes recycling.Ontario, Canada banned tire burning inorder to promote recycling them intoproducts and civil engineering projects.Using waste tires for highway sound bar-rier walls has the potential to use all wastetires in Colorado (according to one study).
Profit is the sole motive for burningtires. Eliminating the subsidy may elimi-nate burning.
Peak & Prairie 6
Crazy To Burn Wild Adventure in Wildcat Canyonby Jean Smith, Public Lands and Wilderness Chair, Enos Mills Group
Phot
o by
Jea
n C
. Sm
ith
Beauty. Adventure. Fun. Friendship. You can experience all of thesethings while participating in the Nordic Program for the Disabled atDevil's Thumb near Tabernash, either as a client or as a volunteer. Ifdownhill skiing at the National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) inWinter Park is too fast for you, then Devil's Thumb is the perfect alterna-tive. As a volunteer I have spent many quiet days cross-country skiingand snowshoeing the carefully groomed trails with clients, all in the shad-ow of the beautiful Devil's Thumb. We offer snowshoeing for less-steadyclients and cross-country skiing for others – both activities including vol-unteer instructor buddies. Our aim is to meet the goal of the client. Halfor full day lessons are available for several weeks at special NSCD rates.
Hut trips are also offered through the Nordic Program for theDisabled. After one day of lessons at Devil's Thumb, clients can cross-country ski or snowshoe to the High Lonesome hut about two miles away.Volunteers pull sleds of food so clients only have to carry light packs con-taining snacks, water, a change of clothing, and a sleeping bag. All thenrelax in a hut that boasts indoor plumbing and electricity. We build atoasty fire and cook our meals. More adventurous, experienced clientsand volunteers are welcome to go for a moonlight ski or snowshoe.
Prices range from $15 – $30 depending on the amount of hours youski or snowshoe. Skiing, snowshoeing and hut trips run Thursdays,Fridays, and Saturdays from mid-January through mid-March. So if youor a loved one who would like to try any or all of these activities, or ifyou would like to volunteer with the Nordic Program for the Disabled atDevil's Thumb, please call NSCD at 303-293-5711, 303-316-1540 or 970-726-1540. You can also contact me, Kathy Glatz, via email at:[email protected] for more information.
DEVIL’S THUMBFOR THE DISABLEDby Kathy Glatz, RMC Environmental Justice
Environmentalists have been waiting 11years for the FBI to be held accountable for itssystematic repression of peaceful, environmen-tal dissent. The "BARI vs. FBI'' trial is sched-uled to commence on October 1, 2001. Afterabout a decade of FBI delaying tactics, one ofthe highest courts in the land, the Ninth CircuitCourt of Appeals, on September 24, 1999 hand-ed down the astoundingly direct decision thatthe FBI and the Oakland police shall not beimmune from prosecution and must stand trial
(in Oakland, CA)for conspiringto denyforest/laboractivists JudiBari (deceased)and DarrylCherney (alive)of their civilrights – rightslike freedom of
speech and free-dom to organize. For the full decision go towww.ca9.uscourts.gov and click on "opinions.''
Your help is needed to win this case, sinceit is but one example of several nation-wide.The FBI should be spending all of its budgetcatching "bad guys'' – not on quashing legiti-mate protest movements. If the FBI does notget its hand slapped – hard – the "cookies'' inour environmental jar will be much freer forthe taking.
Past FBI repression of civil rights, anti-war,Native-American and certain religious activistsis generally known. The FBI counter-intelli-gence program was COINTELPRO. ExtensiveSenate hearings and investigations were held.To what extent FBI suppression of environmen-talists is happening today is not known. Thefollowing quote from U.S. Senator Phillip A.Hart, Senate Select Committee on Intelligence
Activities and the Rights of Americans,1975, still applies:
"Over the years we have beenwarned about the danger of subversiveorganizations that would threaten ourliberties, subvert our system, wouldencourage its members to take furtherillegal action to advance their views,organizations that would incite and pro-mote violence, pitting one American groupagainst another... There is an organization thatdoes fit those descriptions, and it is the organi-zation, the leadership of which has been mostconstant in its warning to us to be on guardagainst such harm. The FBI did all of thosethings.''
I have access to thousands of pages of doc-umentation that convinced the mainstreamjudges of the Ninth Circuit to agree with us.After reviewing some of this information, Ithink you would be quite concerned also! Formore information, contact me at 303-447-2059(or Betty Ball at 303-444-6981), or e-mail [email protected] – put "Judi Bari" onthe subject line. We will get back to you assoon as possible. For information on the casesee www.judibari.org.
TAKE ACTIONTo contribute money or volunteer time,
contact and/or send your donation to RedwoodSummer Justice Project, Redwood Justice Fund(RSJP/RJF), P.O. Box 14720, Santa Rosa, CA95402. Funds are needed to complete theinvestigative work necessary to nail this case,and for court costs – justice is not free!
If you do nothing else for the environmentthis year, PLEASE inform yourself about "BARI vs. FBI'' – the democracy you save willbe your own. The story will likely never be toldon TV or in the newspapers, unless, of coursethey are overwhelmed with letters from all us!
FBI to Go On Trial for Suppressing Environmental Rightsby Marty Walter, RMC Forest Chair
Bristlecone – stronger than rock!
GET OUTDOORS!Did you know there is an Active Outings Program?
Groups are putting together outings programs and are looking for members to joinus for hikes – easy hikes to strenuous backpacks – and service projects. Many outings are cancelled because we do not have members participating. Acurrent list of outings is available at the website. Due to submissions deadlines forthe Peak & Prairie, it is difficult to get all the outings listed on the calendar page.Leaders are also needed to expand the outings program. Once you meet therequirements to be a leader (on RMC Website), suggest an outing to the OutingsChairperson of your group and forward a description to the email address below.It is very easy to join us on an outing. Visit www.rmc.sierraclub.org, click on the“Calendar,” choose the outing you would like to go on and contact the leader.
Get outdoors and enjoy a day with the Sierra Club!– Patricia Berman, Outings Chair
LULL BEFORE THE STORM OF TIMBER SALESby Scott Hatfield, RMC Forest Chair
Currently, there seems to be a lull before the storm in terms of new timber salesbeing added to NEPA Schedules of Proposed Actions (SOPA). The new administra-tion is trying to get a handle on some of the big picture issues rather than attempting toimplement their desire for enhanced extraction in a piecemeal approach. The primaryissues to be resolved include the Roadless Initiative, Forest Plan Revisions, TheNational Fire Plan, and the setting of priorities based on ecological concerns. No newtimber sales have been added to the NEPA SOPA's in Colorado this year.
At the top of many people's list of concerns is the fate of Roadless Areas. It isno secret that the Bush Administration is trying to undo it. The question is how farwill they be able to go. The new Forest Chief has recently claimed personal responsi-bility for directing new extraction in roadless areas and is implementing a chain ofauthority to do this. Previously, USFS refused to defend the policy in Federal Courtin a challenge brought by Boise Cascade and the State of Idaho including a Friend ofthe Court briefing against the protection by the State of Colorado. Now it seems thatit's up to national level environmental groups' lawyers such as EarthJustice to do theirjob for them in appeals. USFS expects to implement its revisions to the RoadlessPolicy in a piecemeal approach through the Forest Plan Revision process.
Throughout the USFS, Forest Plans are being revised and require grassrootscitizen oversight. A wide variety of abuses can be proliferated at this level such as
increased extraction from logging, grazing, mining, oil,and gas, roads, ORV's, development, ski areas, and thepriority of ecosystems and wildlife.
Recently, the new administration rescinded aClinton policy to place a priority on ecological concerns. It isunclear as to whether 'economic' concerns will have priority officially or merely parity.USFS is required to consider economic and social impacts of timber sales. In a cur-rent federal court lawsuit, Friends of the Earth v. USFS, challenging the credibility ofthe entire logging program, professional economists estimated that ecosystem servicesprovided by natural forests worldwide are worth $4.7 trillion per year. On NationalForests, ecosystem service values dwarf the value of timber production.
Finally, the last major piece of the picture is the implementation of the NationalFire Plan. New policy makers would like to see a return to the lawless SalvageLogging doctrine of 1996. Mountains of scientific evidence are accumulating thatshow commercial logging is the single greatest contributor to fire hazards. Excessivesparseness causes a loss of hydraulic retention and soil moisture that dries out the for-est floor accumulated with extra needles, branches, slash, and fuel ladders. RoadlessAreas have been shown to be the most fire resistant forests. Property damage needsto be mitigated within 500' of a structure, not the forest interior. Thinning small, notthe commercially viable big and medium, trees mitigates fire hazard.
7 August/September 2001
The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requires aDraft and Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) orEnvironmental Assessment (EA) for public comment on proj-ects of significant impact in order to issue a Decision Notice(DN). Commenting during scoping has the greatest impact atthe initial stages. US Forest Service reporting is incomplete.Assistance is needed monitoring and scrutinizing. Commentsaddressed to these listings do not establish appeal standing.Following are all the current timber sales listed in Colorado.
ARAPAHOE-ROOSEVELT National Forest (NF)(970) 498-1100 www.fs.fed.us/arnf
BOULDER RANGER DISTRICT (RD) (303) 444-6600· Winiger Ridge Stewardship Pilot Project includes clearcuts, mechanical and com-
mercial thinning, and prescribed fire between Boulder and Nederland. DN issued Summer2000. Appeals were not upheld. Appeal period closed. Contact Becky Parmenter.
CLEAR CREEK RD (303) 567-3000· Mt. Evans Stewardship Pilot Project - a boundary-less 'management' plan with
scoping and analysis in progress. Decisions being made since Summer, 1999. Deb Ryon.· Pedee Creek Stewardship Pilot Project uses a combination of possible 'manage-
ment' practices (timber harvest, slash pile burns, broadcast burns) for the stated purposeto ' increase wildlife habitat, reduce fuel loading and continuity, and improve overall foresthealth.' Scoping was initiated 12/99 with a Spring, 2001DN expected. Contact Deb Ryon
CANYON LAKES RD (970) 498-1371· Lotta Bull includes 1.0 million board feet (MMBF) of salvage harvest on 80 acres
with an EA in preparation and a Spring 2001 Decision Notice (DN). Paul Langowski.· Sheep Creek I and II are 1000 acres apiece in ponderosa and lodgepole pine with
an FEA and DN for I in Winter 2001 and for II in Summer/Fall 2001. Paul Langowski.· Buckhorn Project applies selection, shelterwood, and clearcut harvest , fuels
reduction, and prescribed fire application in ponderosa pine and lodgepole pine over 500acres with road reconstruction and associated Travel Management (road decommission-ing). Contact Paul Langowski.
· Lion Gulch Fuels Reduction Projects uses mechanical treatments and/or pre-scribed fire on 1500 acres, road reconstruction and associated Travel management(roadDecommissioning) if applicable. Internal scoping beginning Spring, 2001 contingent onworkforce additions. May be multiple DN's Spring/Summer, 2002. Paul Langowski.
· Deadman Fuel Reduction Project uses mechanical treatments and/or prescribedfire on 1500 acres, road reconstruction and associated Travel management(roadDecommissioning) if applicable. Internal scoping beginning Spring, 2001 contingent onworkforce additions. May be multiple DN's Spring/Summer, 2002. Paul Langowski.
SULFER RD (970) 887-4100· Bear Scat Sale of 2.4 MMBF in Keyser Creek area of Williams Fork has EA
remand analysis work in progress after a 8/00 DN. Contact Ken Emmert.· New Vista Sale in Gravel Mountain area has EA analysis in progress after initiating
scoping in Summer, 2000. Contact Ken Emmert.· Bullwinkle Sale in the Elk Creek area had Winter 2001 scoping of the review of an
existing decision and ongoing analysis. Contact Amy Krommes.
SAN JUAN NF (970) 247-4874 www.fs.fed.us/r2/sanjuan· Forest Plan Revision scoping is in progress with a proposed Plan and DEIS
expected 2002 and the Final Plan and FEIS 2003. Contact Thurmond Wilson.MANCOS-DOLORES RD (970) 882-7296· S. Carver Sale of second-growth roaded ponderosa pine on Haycamp Mesa has a
May 1, 2001 EA and June, 2001 DN. Contact Phil Kemp.· Horse Creek Sale of 3.0 MMBF of aspen and subalpine fir has EA analysis ongo-
ing with availability and DN dates unknown. Contact Phil Kemp.PAGOSA RD (970) 264-2268· Dutton Sale within 750 acres of mixed conifer, aspen and ponderosa pine has a
Winter 2001EA and Summer DN. Contact Rick Jewell.· Jackson Mountain Sale of 15 MMBF in mixed conifer, ponderosa pine, and aspen
threatens to bring back giant sales with a revised Final EA and DN expected 1/02.Roadless and landslide units may be dropped. Contact Rick Jewell.
COLUMBINE RD (970) 247-4874· Shamrock Sale thins ponderosa pine on 300 acres in the lower Beaver Creek
area with a 3/01 EA and 6/01 DN. Contact Beth Vance at the Pagosa RD
RIO GRANDE NF (719) 852-5941 www.fs.fed.us/r2/riogrande
· Timber Suitability Amendment makes forest wide adjustments to suitable landacreage figures to correct discrepancies in the Revised Forest Plan. Implementation wait-ing for concurrence of the USFWS. Contact John Rawinski.
DIVIDE RD (719) 657-3321· La Rosa sale proposes to har-
vest 1.9 to 3.7 MMBF. Analysisincludes a review of either improving orclosing Forest Trail # 736 and approxi-mately 1 mile of FDR 118.1a whichdead ends at the trail head. Project is located approximately 28 miles west of Antonito.Project scoping is pending concurrence of the USFWS on the Timber SuitabilityAmendment. Contact John Murphy or Jack Lewis (719) 655-2547.
· Handkerchief Mesa Environmental Analysis proposes to manage timber and roadresources in the Handkerchief Mesa Landscape with various treatments including harvest-ing of 10-13 MMBF of timber, timber stand 'improvement', prescribed burning, and roadmanagement. Area runs from South Fork to the Continental Divide, from Highway 160and Wolf Creek Pass (on West) to Beaver Mountain, Willow Park and Crystal Lakes (onEast). Range has been eliminated from this EA. A decision is expected after the revi-sion of the Land Management Plan. Contact Jim Griffin.
· Black Mountain Timber Sale proposes to harvest approximately 2 MMBF of timberin the Jarosa analysis area. The Jarosa Analysis Area is located about 25 miles west ofCreede on Highway 149 in Hinsdale County The area is located south of Spring Passand East and West of Highway 149. This proposal also includes a Forest PlanAmendment to correct a mapping error and change 1423 acres from Management Area3.3 (backcountry) to Management Area 4.3 (Dispersed Recreation). Scoping is expect-ed in 11/01 or following revision of the Land Management Plan. Contact Jim Griffin
SAGUACHE RD (719) 655-2547· Houselog Timber Sales propose to harvest approximately 3-15 MMBF of spruce fir
'insect and disease infected' mixed conifer located 12 miles west and south of Saguache.A decision is expected after revision of the Land Management Plan. Contact Jack Lewis.
· Grouse Salvage Timber Sale proposes 'timber management to control beetles' onAbout 1100 acres located at the south end of the Conejos Peak RD in the Rio de losPinos drainage. Implementation is pending concurrence of the USFWS on the TimberSuitability Amendment. Contact Mary Nelson at the Saguache RD
GRAND MESA, UNCOMPAHGRE, & GUNNISON NF (970) 874-6600 www.fs.fed.us/r2/gmug
· Land and Resource Management Plan Revision has ongoing scoping with a tenta-tive DN Fall, 2003. Contact Carmine Lockwood.
GRAND VALLEY RD (970) 242-8211· Sheep Flats Sales of 11.8 MMBF of aspen and spruce/fir in four timber sales called
Valley View, Leon, Grove Creek, and Sheep Flats is due for DN 7/01on a FinalSupplement EIS of an upheld appeal. Scoping began 3/15/92. Carol McKenzie.
· Buzzard Environmental Analysis: 2 proposed aspen sales, Hightower and PorterMtn - EA analysis in progress - expected 7/01 DN. Steve Christiansen or Carol McKenzie.
GUNNISON RD (970) 641-0471· Buffalo Fork Sale (formerly Mingo Box) of 2.4 MMBF on 800 acres - decision with-
drawn on analysis - appeals ended November 2000. EA analysis pending. Art Haines.· Red Creek Sale of 2.0 to 6.0 MMBF spruce-fir reusing the existing road system for
reentry on 1000 acres - EA analysis in progress incorporating Travel Management with aJune 2001 DN. Contact Leslie Escobedo.
NORWOOD RD (970) 327-4261· Hanks Valley Diversity Unit Timber Sales/ Galloway Springs Sale of 7330 CCF of
aspen on 290 acres and Little Red Sale of 1.8 MMBF of spruce fir and ponderosa pineawait Spring 2001 implementation after an 8/00 DN. Contact Tim Garvey (970) 240-5401
OURAY RD (970) 240-5300· Love Mesa Project applies commercial thinning and prescribed burns in ponderosa
pine with scoping completed 1/01 and DN expected 5/1/02. Tim Garvey (970) 240-5401
WHITE RIVER NF (970) 945-2521 DILLON RD (970) 468-0s620· Upper Blue Stewardship Project for ecosystem management was in scoping 4/99
with a 3/01 DN is in appeal period. Contact Gwenan Pourier HOLY CROSS RD (970) 827-5714· Vail Category III Timber Haul Route proposal to haul down the front side of Vail
Mountain through the town as a change to the ROD.· Piney River T.S. harvest conifer stands to 'maintain forest health' with 2/01 DEA
and 4/01 FEA and DN/FONSI completed 6/01. Contact Bob CurrieSOPRIS RD (970) 963-2266· Baylor Park Blowdown EIS to determine timber sale salvage or other treatments of
Englemann Spruce, Sub Alpine Fir, and Aspen from windstorm blowdown over 2000 acreswith DEIS 12/15/00, 4/01 FEIS, and Summer, 2001 DN expected. Contact Jan Spencer.
RIFLE AND BLANCO R.D (970) 625-2371 and (970) 878-4039· Buford /Newcastle Road Corridor Project to improve forest health and road sight
distances, vistas, and maintenance along FDR 245 would use timber salvage or othertreatment on 1000 acres with 2/01 DEA and DN expected 5/15/01. Contact Clair Brown.
MEDICINE BOW-ROUTT NF (307) 745-2300 www.fs.fed.us/mrnf
YAMPA RD (970) 638-4516· Deadman Gulch T.S. has done EA but ongoing Biological Assessment/Evaluation
with DN pending 9/01. Contact Kent Foster [email protected]. · Morrison Creek T.S. of 8 MMBF in roadless areas was canceled. Kent Foster.· East Gore Analysis includes 2.5- 3.0 MMBF of clearcuts, selection cuts, and over-
story removal for 'disease treatment' in previously logged forest using some new roadsand closing some existing roads located to Arapahoe NF from south of Buffalo Pass toFDR 211 approximately 2 miles south of Gore Pass with a DN expected 4/01. ContactRic Ondrejka.
· Haines Beetle Tree Treatment to 'treat beetle infested trees' on N.F> to 'maintainhealthy lodgepole stands' in conjunction with removal on private land at the MorrisonCreek private/NF interface expects scoping 5/01 and DN 6/01. Contact Kent Foster.
PARKS RD (970) 723-8204· Sierra Madre Analysis near the Mt. Zirkel Wilderness boundary of 3.0 MMBF over
4000 acres has EA/DN expected Summer 2001. Contact Tom Delay (307) 326-5258· Owl Mountain Landscape Management for timber over 57,000 acres analysis of
the Owl Mountain Geographical Area expected scoping Fall/ Winter 2000 and Summer2002 DN
HAHNS PEAK/ BEARS EAR RD (970) 879-1870· Zephyr T.S. of blowdown salvage entirely within Gold Creek Roadless Area by hel-
icopters and ground-based equipment was canceled by an upheld appeal and should notbe pursued.
· Bark Beetle Management is an integrated pest 'management' project including aportion of the Parks RD with a Draft EIS expected 5/01 and DN expected Summer, 2001.Contact Andy Cadenhead (970) 879-2220
PIKE AND SAN ISABEL NF (719) 545-8737SOUTH PARK RD (719) 836-2031· Buffalo Jones T.S. is driven by I&D, forest health, also meets timber pipeline. No
I&D planning $, so no NFTM. DN due 8/00. EA scoping to begin this fall. Mike Hessler· Manitou -Trout Creek T.S. primary purpose is fuels reduction/ treatment. Areas
are spread out. DN was due 9/00. EA scoping to start this fall. Contact Mike Hessler· AG Ranch T.S. along south side of US 285 is driven by I&D, pine beetle, mistletoe,
NEPA should beI&D,, layout TM.However, no $ forNEPA, so NFTM.EA in prepara-tion. Decisionwas due 11/00.Contact MikeHessler.
SOUTHPLATTE RD(719) 275-5610
· UpperSouth PlatteStewardshipProject for 'haz-ardous fuels' isongoing with aone week com-ment period on aForest PlanAmendment toallow moresparseness end-ing 6/01.Contact FredPatten
· HighMeadow Salvageabove Pine ,Coin Miller GulchArea is underappeal of a 10/00DN. ContactJames Thinnes.
NEPA Timber Digestby Scott Hatfield, RMC Forest Issues Co-Chair
politics & issuesKeeping Tabs on George W. Bush
from National Sierra Club’s website, http://www.sierraclub.org/politics/bush/w_watch.asp
May 8, 2001In testimony in both the Senate and House of Representatives, Bush Administration offi-cials gave strong indications they would seek to increase logging on federal publicforests. Newly-appointed US Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth told the House Forestand Forest Health Subcommittee that he would like to see revisions to basic NationalForest management laws in order to expedite federal timber sales and other projects,restrict public involvement and remove added protections for individual species and theirhabitat when designing long-term forest management plans. Later in the same week,Bosworth also told the Montana Logging Association that he would seek to increase localinput and control on management decisions on the National Forests. Many of Bosworth'srecommendations are similar to ideas pushed in the previous Bush Administration thatsought to increase logging of ancient forests and roadless areas.
BE A PART OF OUR CHAPTER'S SUCCESSEnergy Committee Members Don't think the President's energy planmakes sense? Think we have enough coal-fired plants in Colorado? The Chapter EnergyCommittee works to promote energy efficiency, conservation, and renewable energy inColorado using both education and advocacy. Members meet on the third Wednesday of themonth, in Denver, to establish the goals and activities of the Chapter's Energy Program. Can'tmake the meetings? Our energy e-mail list will keep you up to date. Call Susan LeFever at303-861-8819, or email [email protected].
Auction Committee Members The Sierra Club's Auction at the BrownPalace Hotel keeps getting better, and is a fun way to raise money! You can play a part innext year's auction (April 27, 2002) by serving on the Chapter Auction Committee. Membersdesign the program and research and develop ideas for auction items in the categories:Getaways; Outdoor Recreation; Dining & Entertainment; Fine Art; Arts & Crafts; Gifts &Personal Services; Celebrity Items. This is a committee that knows how to have fun! CallGreg Casini at 303-315-3309, or email [email protected].
Staff Committee Members The Chapter has three full-time staff in theDenver office. The Staff Committee is responsible for planning for and interviewing new staff,performance planning and evaluations, salary decisions, and other general oversight.Chapter Director handles the day-to-day management of staff. Experience with personnel ormanagement is required – one to eight hours per month time commitment. Send a descrip-tion of your relevant experience to Peggy Malchow at [email protected], orcare of the Chapter office, 1410 Grant Street, Suite B303, Denver, CO 80203.
ORTHODONTICS
S U M M I T
Cassy B. Wiggins, DMD17021 Lincoln Ave., Unit A
Parker, CO 80134Phone: 303.805.7111
Facsimile: 303.841.0370
. . . . .
Peak & Prairie 8
Fifty percent of lottery proceeds go to the GOCO Trust Fund. Funds are distributedamong 4 quadrants and are often allocated through matching grants:
Parks and Outdoor Recreation – funds for state parks,trails, public information, environmental education resources,and water for recreational facilities.
Local Governments – funds to acquire, develop, ormanage open lands and parks.
Wildlife (through Colorado Division of Wildlife) – funds for programs to protect andrestore crucial wildlife habitats, to maintain Colorado's diverse wildlife heritage, aswell as wildlife watching, and educational programs about wildlife and wildlife environment.
Open Space (allocated to Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation and Wildlife,counties, municipalities, or other political subdivisions of the state, or non-profit landconservation organizations) – funds to identify, acquire, and manage open space andnatural areas of statewide significance.
In accordance with public opinion, the majority of GOCO monies have gone toward landacquisition, helping to secure special places for future generations. Since it's inception,GOCO has contributed to the protection of over 238,169 acres of open space.
Additionally, GOCO has helped preserve 47,041 acres of land for future state parks and astate wildlife areas and helped to build or restore 557 miles of trails.
Lottery proceeds have protected precious places aroundthe state – such as Clear Creek Corridor, GunnisonRanchland, the Yampa River Valley, Boyd Lake State Parkand the Arkansas River Corridor.
To find out what places in your area have been preserved using lottery proceeds log on towww.goco.org and look at the listing for your county.
SIERRA CLUB POSITION
GOCO FUNDING & SPENDING
LOTTERY DOLLAR$ AT WORK FORFUTURE GENERATIONS
Over the past decade, in the face of rampant development,GOCO has emphasized acquiring land in order to protect it.Recently however, the Sierra Club has become concerned thatGOCO has started to shift its funding focus away from the #1priority of Coloradans – land preservation – by putting anincreasing amount of declining lottery proceeds into the oper-ational costs of state agencies.
Just this past November, for example, GOCO transferred dol-lars away from habitat acquisition to the species protectionprogram within the Colorado Division of Wildlife (DOW),even as DOW reduced non-GOCO funding sources for thisprogram. Funding for that very worthwhile program shouldbe provided from other sources instead of taking money awayfrom open space preservation.
DOW has cited habitat loss as the number one limiting factorfor Colorado's declining, threatened, and endangered species,
noting that 56% ofthose species sufferfrom lack of habitat.To provide a long-term response to theplight of endangeredspecies, GOCOshould use landacquisition to pro-tect these critical
habitats. GOCO should not support the 2/3 decrease in landacquisition proposed by DOW. Increased needs for worth-while programs like the endangered species protection pro-gram should be funded from new sources rather than throughreductions in open space acquisition.
by Aimée CartierSierra Club
Campaign Organizer
Colorado Scenery photos by Sandy Nervig
Eagle at Platte River Photo by Mark Itkonen
by Rick Hunckler
Phot
o by
Mar
k Itko
nen
Here are some wildlife currently listed as
Threatened or Endangeredin Colorado.
For a complete list go to US Fish & Wildlife website:
www.fws.gov
THREATENEDBald Eagle
Canada LynxGreenback Cutthroat Trout
Mexican Spotted OwlPreble's Meadow Jumping Mouse
Western Snowy Plover
ENDANGEREDBlack-footed Ferret
Gray Wolf
GREATOUTDOORSCOLORADO
MissionTo help the people
of Colorado preserve, protect,
enhance, appreciate and enjoy our parks, wildlife,
trails, rivers and open space
through strategic grants, partnerships and
leadership.
The current need for open space protection is alreadygreater than the available resources. Requests for openspace acquisition make up nearly half of the total demandfor GOCO funds, but GOCO is only able to fund a quarterof the requests it receives.
Meanwhile, lottery proceeds aredeclining at a time whendemand for land protectionis increasing. Growth inColorado is off the charts. We are losing ten acres of open space andfarmland every hour todevelopment. We arelosing valuable wildlifecorridors, recreationallands, and productivefarm and ranch land.
Coloradans have voted three times to use lottery proceeds to purchase andprotect parks and open space.
In 1976 voters approved the use of the lottery andin 1980 the Colorado State Lottery was created.
However, shortly thereafter, the State Legislaturebegan diverting these proceeds away from open
space and park protection to build prisons, forcing citizens to takethe issue back to the ballot and redirect funding toward land protection once again.
In 1992 GOCO was created by voters to use state lottery proceeds toprotect parks, opens space, outdoor recreation, and wildlife habitat.
9 August/September 2001
SAVE OUR OOPEN SSPACE ~
REVIVEGREAT OUTDOORS
COLORADO!!!(GOCO)
HISTORY
GOCO is looking into different methods of land protection. As part of their publicsurvey this summer and fall GOCO will be asking citizens how they feel about the various options. Here are the pros and cons for you to keep in mind while participating in their survey this summer. Sierra Club generally does notsupport public funding of temporary solutions to land preservation.
FEE TITLE· Permanently protect the land · May provide public access · Can provide community separators, urban open space,
and sensitive wildlife habitat · May allow revitalization of sensitive areas by
changing activities permitted on premises · Landowners are responsible for the upkeep and
preservation of the land
CONSERVATION EASEMENTS· Can be just as expensive as Fee Title purchases· Titles for the land and easement lie in different hands· Can permanently protect the land if they are done in perpetuity· May provide important preservation of vistas and spaces in their
current working condition (Ranchers for example can keep ranching)· May not provide public access
CONSERVATION LEASES /TERM CONSERVATIONEASEMENTS/OR MANAGEMENT AGREEMENTS
· Provide short-term protection of important wildlife habitat under immediate threat · Can be just as expensive as fee title or conservation easements in perpetuity · Monitoring costs can surpass the costs of a permanent conservation easement · Offer tax breaks to land owners who still have the option to sell their land for
development upon the expiration of the lease · Increase the cost of preserving the land as the price of land rises during the term · May not provide public access to land
FEE TITLE, CONSERVATIONEASEMENTS, AND LEASES
ATTEND THE HEARING NEAREST YOUGOCO will be holding public hearings throughout the summer to ask folks how they want their lottery proceeds spent. You can ensure that GOCO continues to keep permanent land preservation as their top priority by speaking up at the GOCO hearing nearest you!!!(See sidebar to the right for dates and locations of hearings.)
Or email GOCO at [email protected] (Attn. Strategic Plan Comments)
Tell GOCO:
· Land acquisition should remain Colorado's top priority for GOCO dollars.· GOCO dollars should continue to be used for permanent protection of land, not temporary leases.· GOCO Legacy Projects (funding for land protection of regional and statewide significance)
are still an important use of GOCO dollars.
TELL YOUR FRIENDS ABOUT THE PUBLIC HEARING IN YOUR AREAWRITE A LETTER TO THE EDITOR OF YOUR LOCAL NEWSPAPER HIGHLIGHTING THE ISSUECOLLECT POSTCARDS TO GOVERNOR OWENSATTEND A MAILING PARTY
Contact Aimée Cartier at 303-449-5595 or [email protected] for more information on how to get involved!
WHAT YOU CAN DO
MORE OPEN SPACEMONEY NEEDED
Great Outdoors Colorado Strategic Plan Public Hearings
All meetings are at 7:00 p.m.
AUGUST 1, TRINIDAD Counties invited: Huerfano, Las Animas, Pueblo,Chaffee, Custer, Fremont, Lake, Park Holiday Inn, 3125 Toupal Drive
AUGUST 2, LAS ANIMASCounties invited: Baca, Bent, Crowley, Kiowa,Otero, ProwersBest Western Bent's Fort Inn, 10950 E. Hwy 50
AUGUST 7, DENVER Counties invited: Denver, Adams REI Flagship StoreLarge (East) Meeting Room, 1416 Platte Street
SEPTEMBER 5, ALAMOSA Counties invited: Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla,Mineral, Rio Grande, Saguache Alamosa County OfficeSouth Wing, Upstairs Conference Rm, 702 4th St
SEPTEMBER 12, DURANGOCounties invited: Archuleta, Dolores, La Plata,Montezuma, San JuanCity Council Chambers, 949 E. 2nd Avenue
SEPTEMBER 18, STEAMBOATSPRINGSCounties invited: Grand, Jackson, Moffat, RioBlanco, Routt Olympian Hall, Howelsen Hill Lodge, 845 Howelsen Parkway
SEPTEMBER 19, LITTLETONCounties invited: Arapahoe, Douglas The Hudson Gardens & Events Center6115 S. Santa Fe Drive
SEPTEMBER 20, LOVELAND Counties invited: Larimer, Weld City of LovelandCouncil Chambers, 500 E. Third Street, Loveland, CO
by Ramona F. Crain
"Winterize your lawn," the big sign outside the garden store commanded. I've fed it,watered it, mowed it, raked it and watched a lot of it die anyway. Now I'm supposed towinterize it? I hope it's too late. Grass lawns have to be the stupidest thing we've comeup with outside of thong swimsuits! We constantly battle dandelions, Queen Anne'slace, thistle, violets, chicory and clover that thrive naturally, so we can grow grass thatmust be nursed through an annual four-step chemical dependency.
Imagine the conversation The Creator might have with St. Francis about this:"Frank you know all about gardens and nature. What in the world is going ondown there in the Midwest? What happened to the dandelions, violets, thistleand stuff I started eons ago? I had a perfect, no-maintenance garden plan.Those plants grow in any type of soil, withstand drought and multiply withabandon. The nectar from the long-lasting blossoms attracted butter-flies, honey bees and flocks of songbirds. I expected to see avast garden of colors by now. But all I see are these green rec-tangles."
"It's the tribes that settled there, Lord. The Suburbanites.They started calling your flowers 'weeds' and went to greatextent to kill them and replace them with grass."
"Grass? But it's so boring. It's not colorful. It doesn't attract butterflies, birds andbees, only grubs and sod worms. It's temperamental with temperatures. Do theseSuburbanites really want all that grass growing there?"
"Apparently so, Lord. They go to great pains to grow it and keep it green. Theybegin each spring by fertilizing grass and poisoning any other plant that crops up in thelawn."
"The spring rains and cool weather probably make grass grow really fast. That mustmake the Suburbanites happy."
"Apparently not, Lord. As soon as it grows a little, they cut it – sometimes twice aweek."
"They cut it? Do they then bale it like hay?""Not exactly, Lord. Most of them rake it up and put it in bags."
"They bag it? Why? Is it a cash crop? Do they sell it?""No, sir. Just the opposite. They pay to throw it away.""Now let me get this straight. They fertilize grass so it will grow.
And when it does grow, they cut it off and pay to throw it away?""Yes, sir.""These Suburbanites must be relieved in the summer
when we cut back on the rain and turn up the heat. Thatsurely slows the growth and saves them a lot of work."
"You aren't going believe this Lord. When the grassstops growing so fast, they drag out hoses and pay moremoney to water it so they can continue to mow it and pay to get rid of it."
"What nonsense! At least they kept some of the trees. That was a sheer stroke ofgenius, if I do say so myself. The trees grow leaves in the spring to provide beauty andshade in the summer. In the autumn they fall to the ground and form a natural blanketto keep moisture in the soil and protect the trees and bushes. Plus, as they rot, the leavesform compost to enhance the soil. It's a natural circle of life."
"You better sit down, Lord. The Suburbanites have drawn a new circle. As soon asthe leaves fall, they rake them into great piles and have them hauled away."
"No! What do they do to protect the shrub and tree roots in the winter and keep thesoil moist and loose?"
"After throwing away your leaves, they go out and buy something they call mulch.They haul it home and spread it around in place of the leaves."
"And where do they get this mulch?""They cut down trees and grind them up.""Enough! I don't want to think about this any-
more. Saint Catherine, you're in charge of the arts.What movie have you scheduled for us tonight?"
"Dumb and Dumber, Lord. It's a real stupidmovie about..."
"Never mind I think I just heard the wholestory."
Peak & Prairie 10
A FUNNY STORY ABOUT A SERIOUS PROBLEM: LAWNS
by JoLynn Jarboe and Betty Jo Page
More peo-ple than thetwo of us haveattempted tocount haveattended thevarious Lifestyles Discussion Circlesover the last several years. Manyhave expressed appreciation for hav-ing a place to discuss in depth sim-ple, sustainable living issues. Somegroups are still meeting – impromptugroups are known to happen.
With this in mind, the LifestylesEducation Committee invites you tojoin a new venue for discussion.Beginning in August, a discussiongroup will be scheduled each monthusing a topic from the fourNorthwest Earth Institute books usedin the discussion circles (VoluntarySimplicity, Issues in Sustainability,Deep Ecology, and Sense of Place).Each month, we will host a facilitat-ed discussion on a different topic atvarious locations around the city.
Discussions are exhilarating –please join us (Denver). It's easy.
1) See the listings underEVENTS on pg. 14 Calendar.
2) Mark dates and times on yourcalendar (Aug 28; LakewoodLibrary; and Sept 13; EMS; both6:45-8:45pm)
3) Show up at the designatedtime and place.
4) Enjoy talking to like mindedpeople while learning.
For those of you who have hadthe pleasure of participating in anyof the discussion circles and wouldlike to share your insights with otherinterested people, please considerfacilitating one of these informal dis-cussions on your favorite topic.
For further information pleasecall JoLynn Jarboe at 303-753-0470or Betty Jo Page at 303-232-9105.
LIFESTYLEDISCUSSIONCIRCLESCONTINUE
by Celeste J. Rossmiller,Lifestyles Education
Colorado high plains – semi-arid desert of rolling hills and gul-lies, occasional bluffs and rivulets,with the South Platte River to the
north and the Arkansas River to the south. Before the advent ofwhite settlers, it was an integrated ecosystem of numerous prairiedogs, bison, ferrets, falcons and owls, snakes, coyote and wolves,elk, deer, and antelope, to name a few. All of the fauna subsistedon each other and on the wide range of flora, including grasses,flowers and shrubs that could survive on the rare rainfall thatwould make it over the mountain peaks in the summer or thesnow storms in the winter. There is great native beauty for thosewho accustom themselves to what is present.
With the arrival of settlers from points East, they attempted torecreate their image of 'cultured habitation' – groomed lawns,shade trees and formal gardens. Is 'a thing of beautyis a joy forever' – is there something inviting andrelaxing about a large expanse of green grass stretch-ing before the eye? Let’s examine some of the prob-lems in being wed to an image of what is desirablebased on a non-native ecosystem.
To begin with, there is the issue of monoculture.The planet does not seem to operate this way of its own nature; itattires itself in every nook and cranny in diversity. Even lichensand mosses that grow on rocks tend to be multiple rather thansingular. It is only humans who desire order (and control?), andseek to nurture only one thing in a given place. It creates enor-mous problems. Solutions are sought in application of poisonsagainst the diverse creatures that try to respond to this essentialimbalance. Herbicides used against plants, and pesticides againstinsect species contaminate soil and air. Pesticides, herbicides, andfungicides are poisons that are detrimental to the environment,and are often carcinogenic to humans, birds and animals.
Secondly, think about the 'games' we play in the upkeep ofnon-native grasses! Several billion years ago, plants learned thisremarkable habit of 'eating' sunlight. Plants do not need to befed. But we feed our lawns. Few of us are feeding them naturalproducts, such as manure, which enhance organic processes.Instead, we have bought the bill of goods from lawn companiesand advertising, and 'nurture' our lawns with synthetic, oftenpetroleum-based chemicals. As the Colorado Pesticide Networknotes, “Like a drug addict, your lawn becomes entirely dependenton periodic chemical fixes.”
Then we use petroleum-powered mowers, blowers, and weed-eaters that sound like a plague of locusts descending on theneighborhood, destroying the peace and quiet of an evening orweekend. All these devices lack the filters our automobiles arerequired to have that cut back on air pollution. In fact, there havebeen studies done on the rising level of urban and suburban airpollution during the summer precisely because of the high use oflawn equipment. And the more we cut our lawns, the more waterthey need in this hot, dry climate.
Which brings us to the last, and perhaps most significant issuein the high desert of Colorado. The resource that most definesPlanet Earth – Water – is at a premium here. As our cities andsuburbs and exurbs grow, along with our penchant for Kentucky
bluegrass, our water supplies are diminished – fossil aquifers,small rivers, and man-made reservoirs alike. If it is 'green acres'we are after, they must be 'bought' through inordinate and unjustuse of precious and scarce water.
So what is at stake here? The chemical destruction of naturallife-forms in the soil, accompanied by absorption through skinand lungs of often carcinogenic substances. There is also air pol-lution through petro-based equipment dedicated to the upkeep ofnon-native grasses. And there is the depletion of water supplies,increasingly at a premium on the planet and in this climate.Earth, air, water… Is there a another way we can live and enjoyour habitation – as in '60s posters, “bloom where we are plant-ed?”
This all may be preaching to the choir; we may all have longsince replaced our lawns with xeriscapes. But in case there are afew folks reading this who are wondering 'What else is there?'here are a few suggestions. The Denver Water Board and the
Denver Botanic Gardens are two sources who are mosthappy to help you envision alternatives. Both haveareas planted in native grasses and flowers so that youcan see and feel them. They have brochures andexperts who want to help teach us how to go aboutmaking some changes in small and large ways. A com-plete conversion of an acre of Kentucky bluegrass
might be more than time, budget or imagination can handle. Butcreating areas at once diverse and native can add tothe appeal of the yard as well as to living attuned tothis place on Earth.
A word of caution: just because a plant is xeric(i.e., adapted to drier climate, needing very little water)does not suit it for Colorado's front range. There are a large num-ber of 'non-native, toxic' species, such as purple loosestrife, myr-tle spurge, Russian olive, and Mediterranean sage. These specieshave no natural checks and balances, and therefore becomeaggressive and invasive, ruining natural diversity of plant life,and of the birds and animals who rely on the plants, by takingover large areas.
There is so much beauty to behold. There is such diversity tocelebrate in our planet's make-up. It is time to avail ourselves ofnative loveliness – to live more lightly among the denizens of thislocale. Enjoy what is to be had, and nurtured, right at hand.
A short list of NATIVE PLANTINGS would include(but not be limited to) the following:
SHRUBS: Rose 'nearly wild', potentilla, greenleaf manzanita, yucca, native sage (artemisia spp.), dwarf rabbit brush.
GRASSES: blue grama, Indian grass, little bluestem, big bluestem, rice grass.
PERENNIALS: blue flax, gaillardia (blanket flower), plains evening primrose, prairie sunflower, purple coneflower, Rocky Mtn. Pentstemon, yarrow, liatris, tansy aster.
A few CONTACTS to get you started:COLORADO PESTICIDE NETWORK P.O. Box 6108; Denver CO 80206COLORADO NATIVE PLANT SOCIETY (contact Denver Botanic Gardens)DENVER WATER BOARD, WATER CONS. HOTLINE, M-F, (303) 628-6343DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS (has extensive library resources available):
general information- (303) 331-4000. Dr. Green-Horticultural info: (303) 370-8068.Education office (303) 370-8020 Classes/seminars that relate to these topics avail.
Colorado’s Native BeautyL i f e
Featured Volunteer by Tempra Board, Poudre Canyon Group
A Colorado native, Sierra Club member and activist Janna Six was born inWoodland Park. Her parents were outdoor enthusiasts, taking Janna and her three sib-lings into Colorado's wilderness and ghost towns on camping trips. This early connec-tion with nature helped nurture Janna's interest in protecting the environment.
She later joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in the Caribbean, on theisland Dominica. It was there that she developed her values of living simply. She hadno television, car or telephone, and electricity and running water were luxuries.
Upon her return to Colorado, Janna earned a Master's in Environmental Educationfrom Colorado State University, joined the Sierra Club in 1996, and is an active mem-ber of the Poudre Canyon Group.
Janna is a true believer in the importance of knowing and loving the place you live.Seeing the changes development has brought to Colorado have impacted her strongly."I remember the first Earth Day in 1970. My class went outside to plant a tree, andsomeone pointed toward a brown cloud hanging over Denver. It was the first time Ihad seen smog."
She encourages others to build their sense of place through her mix of advocacywith the Sierra Club and environmental education through her profession. Janna
enjoys the Sierra Club advocacy work to promote positions onimmediate crises, and the environmental education approach ofmaking long-term improvements in the next generation by pro-viding young people with tools to make decisions, becomeinvolved citizens and build knowledge.
One of Janna's life goals is to facilitate people's recognitionof the connection between their consumption habits and envi-ronmental impact. One of the best ways to do this is to "getpeople, especially children, outdoors." Janna is excited about Sierra Club's "Youth in Wilderness" program, which has justbeen expanded to include Colorado.
"Working with kids is such a hopeful activity, especiallywhen it seems that influencing policy and changing the mindsof adults can be so difficult."
Watch for more from this energetic Fort Collins-based activist!
11 August/September 2001
SIERRA SPOTLIGHTs t y l e s
Janna Six, Vice-Chair Poudre Canyon Group
Photo by
by Leslie Martel Baer, MA, Mountain MusePublications
Dear Recycle Lady:Where can I recyclecardboard in Denver?I live around DU.
Living with – not in – Boxes
Dear Boxes: Do you have boxes in good condi-
tion? Take those to Johnson Box andBarrel (303-477-0909). They will pur-chase usable boxes and collect small
amounts of unusable cardboard for recycling. Otherwise, headto Tri-R Recycling (303-399-6351; www.trir.com). In additionto accepting typical corrugated boxes, they take pasteboard andchipboard, such as cereal, tissue and gift boxes – even the card-board tube from paper products can go in the bin with the cor-rugated. Flatten your boxes before dropping them off. If yourworkplace generates lots of cardboard, you may want to lookinto Tri-R's commercial service.
Unfortunately, both of these companies are located on thenorth end of town. For drop off closer to the University ofDenver, try contacting your local grocer. Most markets makeuse of recycling services for their cardboard. As Walt Walter,Store Manager, Monoco and Leetsdale King Soopers, pointedout, these businesses will often accept small quantities of corru-gated from loyal customers. Talk with the manager at yourfavorite store to see if they can accommodate you.
Dear Readers: For Earth Day this year, rather than muck around in the mud
on a volunteer planting as usual, I decided to take advantage ofthe typically inclement weather and start my spring cleaning. Ibegan asking myself over and over again: can I recycle thisor that? In many cases, the answer was clearly, "Yes."
In my office alone I found dozens of opportunitiesfor "harvesting" valuable commodities, organizing andcreating a better space. By retiring old files – even tax-related ones older than seven years – I gained approx-imately four reams of scrap paper for mak-ing notes and printing drafts. Ireaped a box-worth of paper clips,
a couple of large boxes of file folders, stacks of reusable largeenvelopes, a box of other packing materials and enough wastepaper heading to one of Tri-R Recycling's bins to fill the trunkof my car (see June/July issue). My office supplies were replen-ished with some leftover for a favorite charity.
Next, I returned a stack of films from old print jobs to mylocal printer. They delivered them to the filmcompany for silver harvesting. I learned thatsome camera shops and municipal solid wastedepartments also have programs to take backphotographic film and chemicals for proper dis-posal and recycling.
Perhaps the greatest triumph was the recovery of my oldcomputer. Granted, my partner and Ispent hours installing a CPU upgradecard and memory, formatting the harddrive, reinstalling software, collect-ing software updates and organizinginstallation disks, not to mentionreviewing, organizing and archivinghundreds of megabytes of work files.
But the resulted was well worth it.Dozens of old CDs went to GreenDisk for
recycling, as did dozens of old floppies (800-305-3475; www.greendisk.com). We salvagedabout two dozen Zip disks and rewritable CDsfor reuse around the office and donated aboutas many high-density floppies to the charitythat received the office supplies. Now, I have an almost-state-of-the-art system for about 10% of the price of a new system wor-thy of our most intense graphic work.
So, while I didn't go plant a tree a Earth Day this year, I mayvery well have saved one, plus a whole lot more. My living andwork spaces are also considerably more pleasant and comfort-able. And yes, Virginia, you can recycle that!
Mountain Muse Publications is a mixed-media communications companyproviding socially and environmentally responsible organizations with print andelectronic media packages. Their service includes finding ways for their clientsto reduce waste and environmental impacts. The information provided is basedon what are believed to be reliable sources at the time of writing; no guaranteesof accuracy are implied and no endorsement is made of any particular service,business or product. Recyclers and recyclees can send their corrections, sug-gestions and inquires to [email protected] or Ask the Recycle Lady, RMCSierra Club, 1410 Grant Street, Suite B303, Denver, CO 80203.
Ask the Recycle Lady
Phot
o by
Mar
k Itko
nen
BILL MYERS, P.C.ATTORNEY
Environmental & Citizen LawsuitsGeneral Practice
Nonprofit Organization Issues
1780 So. Raritan St., Denver, CO 80223-3727
[email protected](303) 935-6810
Colorado Watershed Assembly’s2nd Annual Conference
FRISCO, CO SEPTEMBER 7–8
12Peak & Prairie
by Tempra Board, Poudre Canyon Group
The Second Annual Conference of the Colorado Watershed Assembly(CWA) will be held on September 7-8 at the Holiday Inn – SummitCounty in Frisco, Colorado.The Colorado WatershedAssembly was formed in2000 as an "organization oforganizations," representingmore than 40 watershed andriver protection groups andother nonprofit conservationorganizations in the state ofColorado.
The mission of theAssembly is to support col-laborative efforts to protectand improve the conservationvalues of the land, water, and other natural resources of Colorado water-sheds.
"Watershed groups represent a whole new layer of collaborative pro-tection of watersheds in Colorado," says CWA President Richard Fox."The Assembly aims to support these watershed groups in their effortsand act as a unified voice for watershed protection in the state ofColorado."
Steve Glazer, Sierra Club activist and member of the High CountryCitizen's Alliance, is also one of the organization's participants. Manygovernment agencies are also active participants in the Assembly, includ-ing the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and theEnvironmental Protection Agency.
The CWA is inviting anyone withan interest in watershed issues inColorado to participate in theirupcoming annual conference. Formore information or to register,please contact Richard Fox at Trees,Water & People at 970-484-3678 ore-mail at [email protected].
The Sierra Club would like to thank the following Table Sponsors and Donors
for their generous contributions to the 2nd Annual Sierra Club Auction
~ Please note that the following sponsors and donors were late entries to the auction, and were not able to make the last edition of the Peak and Prairie. ~
Thank you Alternative Housing Table Sponsors:Dan Ridgeway Nancy Crow, Attorney at LawDr. Claudia Elsner Council Woman Kathleen McKenzieBob Duprey, Duprey Environmental Services Rev. Nan and Rev. James Hobart, 1st Unitarian Church
Thank you Donors – your generous contributions made this years auction an incredible success!
American Adventure Expeditions Horizon Organic DairyBookies Discount Books Java Creek CoffeeBuild a Bear Workshop Senator Doug LinkhartBullfrog Films William NapierClarion Books Nature's OwnCongress Woman Diana DeGette Kristina Newman, Trikoz SalonEugene DeMayo Pegasus and Wild West Balloon AdventuresDomino's Pizza Saucy NoodleDurango and Silverton Rail Road Sea EagleSteele Ely Shenandoah InnJan Haughom Terry Tempest WilliamsLisa Haughom Debbie YarraHome Depot of Glendale
BED & BREAKFAST
SHENANDOAH INNc/o Bob and Terri Ziets
Bed and Breakfast0600 Frying Pan Road, P.O. Box 560
Basalt, CO 81621
970-927-4991e-mail: [email protected]
LAWYER DIVORCE LITIGATION
SMALL BUSINESS CONSULTATION
1942 BROADWAY : BOULDER : 442-3535AT THE PEARL STREET MALL
BARRY SATLOW, P.C.
Former Chair Indian Peaks Group &Sierra Club Council Delegate
Susan & Linda (Auctioneer)
AUCTION SURVEYThe 2001 Auction was not only fun, it was a great success. Help us to makenext year's even better! Tell us what you think or how you would like tohelp by returning this form (RMC Sierra Club, 1410 Grant St., Suite B303,Denver, CO 80203), or send an email to [email protected].
__ I'd like to come to next year's Auction. Make sure I'm on the mailing list!
__ I'd like to help plan the next Auction. Contact me about planning committee meetings! (This includes finding donors, sponsors and overall planning for the auction)
__ I'd like to help by donating an auction item, or my business or employer might be interested in donating an item or service.
__ I'd like to help by sponsoring an auction table, or have my business or employer sponsor a table. (Sponsors pay a specified amount for an entire table, may invite anyone they wish to sit there, and are recognized at the event and in the Peak & Prairie)
__ Next year, invite these friends to the auction (write names, addresses, and phone numbers in this space:
__ To make next year's Auction even better, I suggest that you include as auction items:
Dr, Mr, Mrs, Ms ___________________________________________________
Address __________________________________________________________
Home Phone __________________________Work _______________________
E-Mail __________________________________________________________
Business (if applicable) ______________________________________________
Contact Person ____________________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________________________
Trees, Water & People restoration projectalong Spring Creek in Fort Collins
Photo by Paul NielsenAerial shot of the Cache la Poudre River flowingthrough downtown Fort Collins
Phot
os b
y Mar
k Itko
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H. ANTHONY RUCKEL
Investment Advice & Portfolio Management
Stocks, Bonds, Tax ExemptsRegistered • Sierra Life Member
Environmentally Responsible Investing
5840 E. Evans Ave.Denver, CO 80222• 303-756-2277 •
Prairie DogProtest Works
May 19, dozens of protesters gathered atHampdenand ParkerRoad inAurora, tostop theColoradoDepartmentof Trans-portation(CDOT)from havingtwo largeprairie dog(pdog)colonies(approx.1,000pdogs) vacuumed June 1. Vacuumingkills about 50% of the pdogs right away,and those who do survive this inhumaneprocess are then taken as feed for theblack-footed ferret programs.
CDOTdecided tohave the pdogsrelocated afterthe protest!They recentlyearmarked $5million forhabitat protec-tion in eastern Colorado’s short grassprairies. Prairie dogs are a keystonespecies – over 150 other species dependon them in the short grass ecosystem.
13 August/September 2001
by Trent Miller
Recently, the Black Hawk BusinessImprovement District (BID) completedtheir goal of lighting the entire canyon ofthe North Fork of Clear Creek alongHighway 119, all in the name of publicsafety. Or should I say in the name of the"All Mighty Dollar". By suggesting andoffering to pay for the entire project, theBID essentially bought their neededapproval from the Colorado Departmentof Transportation (CDOT) as well as theservices of CDOT's own environmentalconsultant.
It wasn't until Stan Gale, President ofthe Douglas Mountain Resident'sAssociation, a residential developmentthat overlooks the canyon, found outabout the issue that the affected publicswere informed about this fast-paced proj-ect. Prior to this, the people living onDouglas Mountain and surrounding areaswere never informed of the project.
After looking into the issues more
deeply, which included CDOTdocuments, it became quite evi-dent that the sole purpose of theproject was to increase the numberof visitors to the Black HawkCasinos while potentially destroyingthe last major undeveloped canyonalong the Front Range. By paying forthe project themselves, the BID was notrequired by CDOT to thoroughly investi-gate and address all impacts from thelighting project. Such was the case withfugitive light. Until Mr. Gale and otherlocal homeowners raised the issue, itappeared that no mitigation was proposedfor this impact. Once this was broughtout into the open, and after many lettersand phone calls, CDOT required the BIDto install more expensive light fixturesdesigned to significantly reduce straylight. Besides the lighting issue, it alsobecame apparent that the BID had otherplans for the canyon such as the futurewidening of Highway 119 to four lanesand the construction of a new sewer
treatmentplant
approx-imate-ly fourmilesdown-stream
fromthe
town.When ques-
tioned aboutthese issues, CDOT
responded by saying that they would beaddressed in an on-going EnvironmentalImpact Statement for improvements pro-posed to access the gaming areas.
Impacts not fully addressed by CDOT,associated with the lighting issue, includ-ed those to wildlife and water quality.CDOT's own reports stated that lightingof the canyon would increase the mortali-ty rates of the resident wildlife while con-struction within the highway rights-of-way could possibly increase hazardoussediment within the creek (the drinkingsource for Golden and other metro areacities).
Meetings with CDOT produced no
results and the project was given the OKafter Christmas with the constructionstarted shortly thereafter.
Unfortunately, this is a good exampleof what private money can do when youhave enough to buy your way through thesystem. This project was completedunder the auspice of creating a safer drivefor the gambling public, without fullyaddressing the impacts to the environ-ment, but at what expense? Thosewildlife killed by the increase number andspeed of drivers? Those people down-stream drinking the water that is high intoxic minerals? Or those people whohave to live with the newly lightedcanyon below their homes where thereused to be darkness and one could see thestars at night?
As a side note, as reported in theDenver Post on March 16 and 17, 2001, agrand jury has found that "Black Hawkofficials misused city funds and abusedtheir authority in trying to halt a newhighway aimed a bringing gamblersstraight to Central City", Black Hawk'sbiggest competitor. It makes you wonderhow much the BID abused their authoritywith CDOT by funding the entire lightingof the canyon!
Thanks to all forhelping us
"Beat the Bushes" for Dollars!
"I am appalled at America'slove affair withthe SUVandtheBushAdministration for attemptingto feed this love affair by des-ecrating pristine land.
The Time is NOW for ALLto realize these monstrousvehicles come with a heftyprice to our land."
– Valerie E. GilliamCarbondale, CO
LETTERSHOMEOWNER WELFAREMay 14, 2001
Homeowners will receive welfarepayments this year of $110 billion dol-lars in the form of mortgage interestdeductions, capital gains exclusions andproperty tax write-offs. These tax gimmicks are supported by three powerful special interest groups: the realestate, the banking and the home builder industries.
Families with yearly incomes of over$100,000 receive the major share of thewelfare benefits. It's main economiceffect is to inflate the price and size ofhomes while diverting investment awayfrom other sectors of the economy.
There are no facts that support thereal estate industry contention that thesetax gimmicks promote home ownership.Canada has the same rate of home own-ership as the United States without thebenefit of the tax subsidies.
Stop the Renter's Penalty! Abolishall forms of homeowner welfare!
– John CasellaDenver, CO
(too poor to own a phone)
RESPONSE
Thanks for your letter to our P&P editor. I have been askedto respond.
Ever since the federal income tax was created, tax deduc-tions or exemptions promoting particular federal policieshave existed. With the enactment of New Deal legislation(going back to the 1930s), home ownership has been themainstay of American legislative policy on housing.
In addition to the mortgage tax deduction, insurance sub-sidies for purchase of homes exist through FHA, Fannie Mae,and other federal agencies.
When the last major tax simplification effort took place inthe mid-1980s, the mortgage interest deduction was dis-cussed, but it was the electrified third rail of politics and itremained unscathed. Home ownership, largely through thetax deductibility of mortgage interest payments, is promotedby this policy.
Though not necessarily official Sierra Club policy, I havespoken out against the use of mortgage interest deductions onsecond, third or even fourth homes in Colorado at the time ofCongresswoman DeGette's hearing on "federal policy incen-tives to sprawl development." The availability of this deduc-tion for second homes is unjustifiable in my opinion.
The provision of the vast majority of rental housing, how-ever, is as much a beneficiary of the policy as the mortgageinterest deduction. Apartment builders, condominium devel-opers, and general providers of rental housing qualify todeduct the interest on the construction and building loans,and this enables the market to supply rental housing. Throughthe Housing and Urban Development Programs, the federalgovernment provides support, operating subsidies, and assis-
tance to renters as well, through operating subsidies on vari-ous buildings, housing assistance funds to convert/build dif-ferently-able housing, and the better-known Section 8 hous-ing program. Additionally, newer programs created by HUDprovide down payment assistance for those renters programsdesiring to move into property ownership. Thirty-eight sepa-rate states (though NOT Colorado) and dozens of local com-munities have "affordable housing" programs that extend toboth home ownership and rental housing.
We can certainly debate whether there is enoughfederal/state/local assistance for renters, or the distribution oftax benefits assigned through the political process.
The Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter, however, hasbeen at the forefront of a coalition of housing groups, com-munity organizations, and faith-based proponents designed toestablish, for the first time, a statewide Colorado AffordableHousing Trust Fund which would benefit both renters, andpotential homeowners. I currently serve on a committee draft-ing this program's language. The Sierra Club remains com-mitted to working toward true affordable housing solutionsfor all communities in Colorado, both legislatively, adminis-tratively, and lobbying members of Congress to achieve thisoutcome. Our Environmental Justice, Legislative, and Sprawlcommittees would welcome any new volunteer that wouldlike to work on this important issue.
– Bill MyersSierra Club Committee member
Challenge to Sprawl Campaign Committee
1780 So. Raritan St., Denver, Co 80223-3727 303-935-6810, fax: 303-935-6922
email: [email protected]
Safety for Whom?
ICO Wades intoNational PoliticsOFFERS 2002 CLUB CALENDARS
For a limited time only, Denver Inner City Outings (ICO) is trying to parry the Bush tax refund thrust. Any staunch supporter whoapportions 1/10th of their anticipated refund to the Denver ICO canexpect to help reach the following three objectives –
1) help support the Denver ICO's programs and endeavors2) thwart Dubya's trickle down oligarchic strategy3) receive a 2002 Sierra Club calendar!
To participate, send a $30 check payable to Inner City Outings–Denver (no cash or credit cards) with your return address on the checkto: Kurt Aronow
1605 Centaur CircleLafayette, CO 80026
A tax deductible gift acknowledgment will be sent from SanFrancisco and shortly before Thanksgiving you will receive (at your listed address) one of the Sierra Club calendar offerings for 2002.Good deal I'd say!! Act before Labor Day (September 3rd) and sharethis one-of-a-kind offer with your friends.
Prairie dog pup kissing mom! Article & Photos by Sandy Nervig
Roger J. Wendell and Dianna VanderDoes
of the High Plains Group protestCDOT killing prairie dogs.
CALENDAR
To list your outings, meetings, or eventsin this calendar please e-mail or fax 303-861-2436 to Chapter office.
Late submissions may be included in theonline edition. Follow format of this pageand send info. as an attached document to [email protected].
Please check the web site –www.rmc.sierraclub.org andthen click on Calendar (left menubar) – for a complete and up-to-date listing of outings.
In order to participate on one of theSierra Club's outings, you will need tosign a liability waiver. And, in the inter-ests of facilitating the logistics of someoutings, it is customary that participantsmake carpooling arrangements. TheSierra Club does not have insurance forcarpooling arrangements and assumesno liability for them. Carpooling, ridesharing or anything similar is strictly aprivate arrangement among the partici-pants. Participants assume the risksassociated with this travel.
Meetings and events are open to membersand the public at no cost. They are a good wayto meet activists and discuss Club issues.Hikes begin and end at the trailhead. Call theleader indicated for info., preferably a coupleof days in advance. Appropriate experienceand equipment required.
* Please RSVP ALL Outings *Assistance NeededOutings Chair needs help.Looking for 3 to 4 volunteers to form anOutings Committee. Need one volun-teer to be the Vice Chair – willing totake over as Chair in 2002. Pleaseemail Patricia Berman Outings Chair:[email protected].
Saturday, August 4Gay and Lesbian SectionModerate hike up Twin Sisters Peak,Diamond Lake Hike. Moderate loophike near the Eldora Ski. For info.,Greg 303-861-2844.
Sunday, August 5Indian Peaks GroupJames Peak Hike from east portal ofMoffat Tunnel in proposed wildernessarea. Strenuous 12 miles RT, 4,000'gain. Linda Batlin, 303-494-6407.
Saturday – Sunday, Aug. 4 – 5Sawanabori to Source of S. Platte."Sawanabori" is the Japanese sport offollowing a river or stream to its source.Fairly strenuous 8-mile RT backpack.Full moon - view 14ers from campsiteat Wheeler Lake near Cont. Divide. Nina Parker, 303-838-1524, by Aug. 1.
Tuesday, August 7 Indian Peaks GroupModerate day hike to Heart Lake &Iceberg Lakes in James PeakRoadless Area. 2,500' elevation gain,12 miles RT, some off-trail. ContactKirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519,[email protected].
Saturday, August 18 Rachael Carson Group Bear Creek Hike. Off Hwy 43.Moderate Hike about 1500' elev. gain.For info Kathleen Flynn 303-423-8785.
Sunday, August 26th Gay and Lesbian SectionMt. Audubon Hike. We will take themellow route up the 4-mile trail to itssummit along the mountain's east-westspine. For info. Gary 303-546-3505.
Tuesday, August 28 Indian Peaks GroupModerate day hike to Red Deer Lakein the Peaceful Valley part of the IndianPeaks Wilderness, 10 miles RT, 1,500'gain. Kirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519,[email protected].
Friday, September 7Indian Peaks Group Moderate day hike to Bluebird Lake inThunder Basin of Rocky Mountain Park,2,500' gain, 12 miles round trip. KirkCunningham, 303-939-8519, [email protected].
Sunday, September 9Indian Peaks Group Moderate day hike to Upper DiamondLake in Indian Peaks Wilderness.Enjoy a seldom-visited alpine lake in ahigh cirque under the ContinentalDivide. 10 miles RT, 2,000' gain.Includes several miles of easy off-trailhiking. Steve Bortz, 303-440-5459,[email protected].
Sunday, September 9Gay and Lesbian SectionThe Crags Hike. 4 miles round trip.10,080’ – 10,800’. Easy. Tammi for information 720-855-6728
Friday, September 21 Indian Peaks Group Moderate-to-strenuous day hike fromPeaceful Valley up to St. Vrain Mtn.in Rocky Mountain National Park.3,000' gain, 12 miles RT. Kirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519, [email protected].
Saturday, September 22RMC Water Quality CommitteeBlue Valley Ranch on the Blue Riverdownstream of Dillon. Ranch is in theprocess of an ambitious streamrestoration project of the Blue River andshould be an exemplar of such projectsstate-wide. In negotiation with the ranchowner about tour – those interested con-tact Kirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519.Space limited – "stake your claim" asap.
Saturday, September 29RMC Retreat Hike. Join Roger J.Wendell for a hike along the YMCA'sSnow Mountain Trail. No pets ormountain bikes. For info. email Roger [email protected].
Sunday, September 30Indian Peaks Group Moderate day hike on Lumpy Ridge inRocky Mtn. National Park. 12-mile,2,500'-gain loop hike in Twin Owls area.Bev Baker, 303-447-8390 (before 8 p.m.).
Monday, October 1 Indian Peaks Group – 6th annualShanahan Ridge Full Moon hike. Easyhike in south Boulder. Gaze on Flatironscast in moonlight. Bring treats to share.4 miles RT, 500' gain. Steve Bortz, 303-440-5459, [email protected].
Saturday, August 4, 9:00am – noonsponsored by RMC Water Quality CommitteeWork project, Wheat Ridge GreenbeltOpen Space near Yougfield & ClearCreek. Reducing the numbers of teasel,a noxious weed that infests wetlands inthis open space. Bring gloves, cutters,and a long-sleeved shirt – lunch andwater provided. Contact Betty Jo Page303-232-9105, or Kirk Cunningham,303-939-8519, to sign up.
Sat., August 11, 9:00am – noonsponsored by RMC Water Quality CommitteeContinuation of August 4 project inWheat Ridge (see notice above). ContactBetty Jo Page, 303-232-9105, orKirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519, to sign up.
Friday, August 10, 4 – 6:30 pmChapter Open House Visit theChapter Office in our new digs at 1410Grant Street, Suite B303. Enjoy wine,cheese and good company. Libby at 303-861-8819 or [email protected].
Thursday – Sunday, Aug. 16 – 19Sierra Club Inner City Outings (ICO)National Conference at Estes Park,YMCA of the Rockies. Meet ICO leaders from around country.
Denver Group providing transporta-tion from DIA to Estes Park on Thurs.,and back on Sunday – 15 person vans.Need drivers to drive at least one leg oftrip. Club members call our hotline at720-299-9967. Leave name and number.
Tuesday, August 21, 7 – 9 pmLifestyles Education CommitteeDiscussion Circle Orientation. Topics:"Voluntary Simplicity," "Choices inSustainability," "Deep Ecology," and"Sense of Place.” EMS, 870 S. Colo.Blvd. (west side of street in shoppingcenter with Wild Oats, Home Depot)For info. please visit www. nwei.org.Ed Spencer at [email protected] or303-989-7851 or Mary Romano [email protected] or 303-388-0911.
Thursday, August 23, 10 amToxic Tour of metro Denverwith Co-PEEN. 1-1/2 to 2 hours. Willcover some highlights of toxic neighbor-hoods: what makes them “toxic,” what'sbeing done, what more should be done.$5 donation requested. RSVP Kathy [email protected] orthrough chapter office, 303-861-8819.
Thurs. – Sun., Aug. 23 – 26Telluride Mushroom FestivalEnjoy mushroom lectures, identification,poetry, dancing, and mushroom parade!Fungophile, P.O. Box 480503, Denver,80248. Manny Salzman, 303-296-9359.
Friday – Sunday, August 24 – 26Rocky Mountain Balloon FestivalChatfield State Park. Sierra Club issponsoring a booth on Sat & Sun. Willhand out info. and have a bake sale (allproceeds benefit Club). 303-660-8025 or www.rockymountainballoonfestival.com
Tuesday, August 28, 6:45 – 8:45pmLifestyles Education CommitteeLakewood Library; 10200 W 20th Ave(SE corner of Marshall & 20th)Informal facilitated discussion aroundthe topics of "Voluntary Simplicity,""Choices in Sustainability," "Deep Ecology," and "Sense of Place.”See Discussion Circles Continue articleon the Lifestyles, Page 10, for details.
Thursday, Sept. 13, 6:45 – 8:45pmEMS, 870 S Colo. Blvd. (west side ofstreet in shopping center with HomeDepot and Wild Oats). Informal facili-tated discussion. Topics: "VoluntarySimplicity," "Choices in Sustainability,"
"Deep Ecology," and "Sense of Place.”See Discussion Circles Continue articleon the Lifestyles, Page 10, for details.
Friday – Sunday, Sept. 28 – 30Rocky Mountain Chapter Retreat atthe YMCA Snow Mountain Ranch nearWinter Park. From $35 to $175.Keynote is John Fielder – workshops,outdoor activities, entertainment. RSVPby Aug. 24. Call office 303-861-8819,or register at www.rmc.sierraclub.org, orfill out and send in form on page 15.
GAY AND LESBIAN SECTION(GLS) OF THE SIERRA CLUBSaturday, August 18, 7 pm New Member OrientationCome out for the environment! RainbowSierrans will host our quarterly social/planning pot luck. Meet new people andhelp plan our fall hikes and campingtrips. For info. on this, and on upcomingsummer and fall events, subscribe to ouremail GLS ALERTS list at [email protected] call Lisa Lewis 303-777-3664.
Saturday, September 1, 7:00 pmToga! Toga! Toga! Join us for RomanRuins Murder Mystery costume potluck,limited to eight people. For info. call Lisa Lewis 303-777-3664.
INNER CITY OUTINGS (ICO)ICO’s outreach program introducesdisadvantaged urban young people towilderness and outdoor activities. Learnmore – ICO hotline, 720-299-9967.
LIFESTYLES EDUCATION COM.Monday, Aug.20 & Sept.17Third Mondays. Potluck begins at 6pm; meeting at 6:30 to 8:30pm. 1410 GrantSt., 3rd floor conf. room. Ring buzzer atnorth door, bring dish to share, ownservice. JoLynn Jarboe, [email protected]
PESTICIDES COMMITTEEFriday, Aug. 10 & Sept. 14, 6pmSecond Fridays. For info. call Angela Medbery at 303-433-2608.
POPULATION COMMITTEEIssues include how rapid populationgrowth contributes to urban sprawl, U.S.population doubling, and world-wideresource depletion. For info. Fred Elbel, 303-220-7499 [email protected].
ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENALWed., Aug. 1 & Sept. 5, 7:00pmFirst Wednesdays. Sandy Horrocks forlocation / info, 303-470-1352.
SINGLES GROUP – NEW!Friday, August 24, 5 – 7 pm
1st Ever Singles Event!FREE kick-off – wine & cheese party.RSVP by Aug. 20, Libby Tart, 303-861-8819or [email protected].
TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE6:30pm, Chapter office, 1410 Grant St.For info., Bert Melcher, 303-770-3683, [email protected] orShawn Winkelman, 303-722-0689,[email protected]
CHAPTER MEETINGS
EVENTS
SERVICE PROJECTS
OUT INGS
Peak & Prairie 14
SUBMISSIONSDEADLINE
for Oct./Nov. 2001 issueMonday, August 27, 2001
E-mail as MS Word or Wordperfect attachments
(send info. as an attached document,rather than including it in body of e-mail)
COPY FORMAT OFTHIS PAGE – BE BRIEF.
SINGLES KICK-OFF PARTYFriday, August 24, 5-7 pm
Native American Trading Company213 W. 13th Ave.
The Rocky Mountain Chapter is sponsoringour first ever Singles Event! The Chapterextends a warm invitation to any singles interested in meeting other environmentallyaware singles. The event will kick-off future singles' events such as outings, dinners, etc.
Wine, cheese and appetizers will be onhand, along with the beautiful artwork and jewelry offered inside the gallery. Although theevent is FREE, bring your checkbook – thegallery will donate a portion of the sales thatnight to the Sierra Club.
Please pass this information on to your single friends and relatives. All ages are invitedto attend. RSVP to me with your name, address,phone number and/or email. Call me at theoffice 303-861-8819 or email me –[email protected]. Thanks and I hope to see you there!
– Libby Tart
WATER QUALITY COMMITTEESecond Weds., Aug. 8 & Sept. 12.Contact Chair, Kirk Cunningham fordetails and agenda items, 303-939-8519,[email protected].
BLUE RIVER GROUP(Summit, Grand, & Eagle Counties)For meeting info.Karn Stiegelmeier 970-468-9013, [email protected].
ENOS MILLS GROUP(Denver)– Ex-com meetingsFirst Tuesdays, August 7 & Sept. 46:00pm potluck, 6:30pm meeting.Discuss everything from fundraising toconservation issues. Diane 303-504-9657to confirm date and for location. – EMG Newsletter Mail PartyThursday, September 20Call to confirm date, place and time, Jan Oen 303-320-4895.– General meeting, contactDon Thompson or JoLynn Jarboe.
HIGH PLAINS GROUP(Eastern Denver Suburbs)Second Thurs., Aug. 9 & Sept. 16, 7pm.For locations and speakers, Jaime Rudoff, 303-841-1753.
INDIAN PEAKS GROUP(Boulder County)
Informal meetings with local officials once a month, 5:30pm, Oasis,11th & Canyon, Boulder. Barry Satlow,303-442-1006h, 303-442-3535o,[email protected].
Watch for Annual IPGHike-a-Thon in the fall – special guesthiker, and yard sale in late summer.Barry Satlow, 303-442-1006h, 303-442-3535, [email protected].
– Bugle Editorial StaffMeets quarterly around Bugle deadline.Barry Satlow, 303-442-1006, 303-442-3535o, [email protected].
– Conservation CommitteeFirst Wednesdays, 7:00pmAug. 1 Sept. 5, and Oct. 3Environmental Center of the Rockies,2260 Baseline Rd. (at Broadway),basement conference room. Discussand respond to issues facing the IPG inrural areas of Boulder County. Kirk Cunningham, 303-939-8519,[email protected]
– Ex-com meetingsFourth Weds, 7:00pmAugust 22 & Oct. 24: 2300 Iris,Boulder (Hoges' manse, S. sidebetween Folsom & Hermosa; mailboxwith animal painting, long driveway),303-440-3827.September 24: Environmental Centerof the Rockies Political CommitteeMeets at least once a month in fall. Fordates and location.contact Barry Satlow, [email protected]
– Political CommitteeMeets once a month. Barry Satlow,303-442-1006h, 303-442-3535,
–Urban Land Use Com. (ULUC)Third Mondays (usually), 7pmMonday, August 20 & October 15Environmental Center of the Rockies.Discuss and respond to issues in citiesand towns in Boulder County. Matt Appelbaum for agenda items & toconfirm location, 303-499-8970,[email protected].
MT. EVANS GROUP(SW Jefferson, Northern Park,Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties)Second Thurs. – Evergreen Rec Center. Thurs, Aug. 9 & Sept. 13, 7:30 pm Betsy 303-674-7236 or Lyn 303-838-8117 for info.
PIKES PEAK GROUP(El Paso & Teller Counties)For info. Judy Bolin, 303-592-0963.
POUDRE CANYON GROUP(Larimer & Weld Counties)– Ex-com meetingsSecond Mondays, 6:30pmPoudre Fire Authority Conf. Room, 102Remmington St., Fort Collins. For info. Janna Six, 970-493-5034.
– Conservation Com. meetingsFourth Mondays, 6:30pmMonday, August 27 & Sept. 24Fort Collins. Mark Easter for location and info., 970-224-9214.
– Singles meetingsThird Thursdays, 5:30pmThursday, August 16 & Sept. 20 County Cork Pub, 313 W. Drake, Fort Collins. Mr. Fred for info, 970-223-4926.
RACHEL CARSON GROUP(Eastern Jefferson County)Third Wednesday. Business mtgs. inodd-numbered months. Program orConservation Issue meetings in even-numbered months. Meetings start at7pm, and go as late as 8:30 pm at:Standley Lake Library, LakewoodPublic Library, or S. Lakewood Elem.School. Bill Kossack 303-464-1833.
SANGRE DE CRISTO GROUP(Arkansas River & San Louis Valley)– TBA- Legacy Series – Featuringprominent individuals in the environ-mental movement. For event info., Jim Trujillo at 719-948-4129.– Continued Networking w/groups inSouthern Colorado, concerning issuesof environmental importance.
SOUTH PLATTE GROUP(Parts of Arapahoe, Douglas &Jefferson Counties)Fourth Thursdays. 6:30 – 8:30pm. Bemis Library, Littleton, 303-795-3961. In new study room –look for Sierra Club sign. TrishO'Neill, 303-797-3025,[email protected]. – Website List of activities:http://www.rmc.sierraclub.org/spg/– To lead and/or plan an outing for the
SPG, contact Trish O'Neill.
UNCOMPAHGRE GROUP(Mesa, Delta & GunnisonCounties)– Outings MeetingShelly 970-243-5138 orGinaMaria 970-244-8696,[email protected].
– General meetingShelly, 970-243-5138.
WEMINUCHE GROUP(Durango and surroundingcounties)– General meetingThird Wednesdays of eachmonth.For [email protected]
GROUP MEETINGS
15 August/September 2001
UPCOMING EVENTSSierra Club Inner City Outings National Conference
Thursday–Sunday, August 16–19, Estes Park, YMCA of the Rockies(see EVENTS, page 14 for info.)
Chapter Retreat – “CONNECTING WITH THE LAND”Fri.–Sun., September 28–30, Snow Mtn. Ranch, YMCA(see COVER article & BELOW Registration Form)
LEAD & SCHEDULE OUTINGSIndian Peaks Group: To lead an outing or for more info., Susan Jones, 303-444-6821.South Platte Group: Lead/info., Trish O’Neill 303-797-3025, [email protected] Group: To lead / info., Shelly at 970-243-5138, or
GinaMaria 970-244-8696, [email protected].
YES! I’d like to participate in the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club! So we can best utilize your time & talents, check your top 4 priorities only.
___ Accounting/Bookkeeping–Budget/Finance ___ Merchandise Sales___ Air Quality ___ Mining___ Agriculture ___ Newsletters–Chapter/Group___ Energy ___ Outings/Outdoor Service Projects___ Event Planning ___ Outreach/Program Development___ Environmental Education ___ Pesticides___ Environmental Justice ___ Phone Banking___ Federal Facilities Monitoring ___ Population___ Fund raising/Grant Writing ___ Recycling/Simplicity/Sustainability___ Gay & Lesbian Sierrans–a social/outings group ___ Solid Waste–burning haz. wastes___ General office work, data entry, mailing parties ___ Speakers Bureau/Public Speaking___ Genetic Engineering ___ Transportation___ Hazardous Materials/Toxics ___ Urban Land Use/Sprawl___ Information Technology–Computers/Web ___ Water Quality___ Inner City Outings ___ Water Resources–prof. & experts___ Legislative–Contact legislators/hearings/review ___ Wilderness/Forests/BLM/Public Lands___ Media Relations/Publicity ___ Wildlife/Endangered Species___ Membership/Volunteer Welcome Wagon ___ Write letters to legislators/newspapers
If you are a college/graduate student that has any interest in Sierra Club Student Coalition activities or involvement, please state the name of your college/university below:
Special skills, knowledge or experience I am able to contribute as a Sierra Club volunteer:
Thanks so much for participating! August/September 2001
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTERMEMBER INTEREST SURVEY
Please clip, mail or fax (303-861-2436) this form to:(or fill this out online at: www.rmc.sierraclub.org/volunteer.html)
Volunteer Development Committee, Sierra Club1410 Grant Street, Suite B303
Denver, CO 80203
NAME __________________________________________
ADDRESS ______________________________________
________________________________________________
PHONE (day & evening) __________________________
E-MAIL ________________________________________
Occupation/Educational Background________________________________________________
________________________________________________
________________________________________________To receive e-mail alerts and announcements
(the easiest way to get involved!), log onto our website to register for them at:www.rmc.sierraclub.org/listserv.html
RMC RETREAT REGISTRATION FORM, Sept. 28-30, 2001 Lodging preferences are fulfilled on a first-come first-served basis. Another incentive to register early! All rooms have aprivate bath. Children must stay in the same accommodations as the adults with whom they are registered. Fees include food, lodging and workshops.
FRIDAY TO SUNDAY NOON SATURDAY TO SUNDAY NOON TOTALSSingle Room $175 x ______ person(s) $95 x ______ person(s) $_______Women's Shared Room double $120 x ______ person(s) $68 x ______ person(s) $_______
quad $90 x ______ person(s) $52 x ______ person(s) $_______Men's Shared Room double $120 x ______ person(s) $68 x ______ person(s) $_______
quad $90 x ______ person(s) $52 x______ person(s) $_______Co-ed Room
Adults $120 x ______ person(s) $68 x ______ person(s) $_______Children (3-15 years of age) $40 x ______ child(ren) $27 x ______ child(ren) $_______
Children (2 and under) Free x ______ child(ren)Camp Site (no water or electric) $65 x ______ person(s) $50 x______ person(s) $_______Single Day (No Lodging) $35 x ______ person(s) $_______
Late Fee (after August 24 add $10 per person) $_______Total Enclosed: $_______
(Minimum 50% non-refundable deposit must be received by Friday Aug. 24; full payment must be received by Sept. 15)
Names of All Adult Registrants: Names of All Child Registrants and Their Ages:
Make checks payable to: Sierra Club Credit card: (circle one) MC or Visa Mail this form along with your check to: Name as it appears on card:Sierra Club, Rocky Mountain Chapter Retreat _______________________________________________1410 Grant Street, Suite B303Denver, CO 80203 Credit Card #____________________________________
Street Address:________________________________ Expiration date ______ / _______
City____________________ State____ ZIP_________ Please charge my credit card $ ___________
Phone_______________ Email___________________ Signature _______________________________
Storage Space Wanted! The Inner City Outings group is looking for a
central Denver or Golden storage space location.
We need a 4'x6' orlarger space in astorage shed or
an existing facility at reduced cost or free.
Please contact Kurt Aronow at303-661-9307 or
A big THANK YOU to all Peak & Prairielabeling volunteers for helping to get out theJune/July 2001 issue! Special thanks toWendy Reock and Diane Newmann forhosting the mailing parties at their homes.Paul Berteau Angela MedberyDave Buck Bill MyersMarlene Buck Diane NewmannGreg Casini Jan Oen Linda RinelliMary Lou Cox Joan Poston Carolyn SuttonJane Crowley Paul Poston Bob TiptonNatalie Dawley Frank Reetz Diane UrenRob Egemeier Gary Reock Rhoda WeinsteinCecelia Farin Wendy Reock Clark WilsonBill Funk Kathy GlatzGreg Grayjolynn JarboeSusie KoehlerRita Levine
Next mailing parties are Thurs., Sept. 20.Angela, 303-433-2608, for times and locations.
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INSIDE this issue
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LIFESTYLES - ASK THE RECYCLE LADYRecycling Cardboard & Stuff Around the Office
SAVE OUR OPEN SPACERevive Great Outdoors Colorado (GOCO)
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER RETREATSeptember 28-30, “Connecting with the Land”
ENERGY PLAN THREATENS WESTEfficiency & Renewables Save It!
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