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Dallas Executive CommitteeAnn Drumm - ChairBryan Carpenter - Vice ChairRichard Schramm - SecretaryCalvin Nichols* - TreasurerGideon DerrDale EdelbaumDavid GrayMike RawlinsCari TuckerDavid Van Winkle

Political CoordinatorDavid Griggs

Newsletter Editorial BoardArthur KuehneBryan CarpenterLaura KimberlyMichael Athens

WebmasterArthur Kuehne

Photography Wendell Withrow

Sierra Club HQ / Austin

Dallas Sierra Club

[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@dallassierraclub.org

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

www.dallassierraclub.org

H: 214-350-6108H: 817-745-9988H: 817-430-4043H: 972-240-4141H: 214-553-9285H: 214-343-6741H: 214-342-2019H: 972-783-0962H: 214-826-5461H: 972-562-7174

H: 214-902-9260

H: 972-416-2500

512-477-1729

214-369-5543

Adopt a Shoreline

Conservation CommitteeCochairs

Conservation IssuesLeaders Clean Air Endangered Species Forests Population Sustainability Recycling Rivers/Wetlands Protection Solid Waste Trinity River Sprawl Water Energy Responsible Trade True Cost of Food

Fundraising Chair

Inner City Outings Chair

Media

Membership Chair

Sierra Singles

Outings Committee Chair Backpacking Bicycling Canoeing / Kayaking Dayhikes Training Coordinator Car Camping Coordinator

Program Chair

Program Sales Coordinator

Special Events Coordinator

Video Coordinator

Volunteer Coordinator

H: 214-824-0244

W: 214-373-3808H: 972-783-0962H: 214-342-2019

H: 214-369-6667H: 972-684-5423 H: 817-430-3035H: 214-823-1537

H: 214-342-2019H: 972-294-8078H: 214-342-2019

H: 972-732-6566 C: 214-893-7990H: 214-369-6667972-988-8687 x3104

H: 214-618-1424

H: 214-739-2269

W: 214-373-3808

972-620-1703972-979-8555

H: 972-562-7174H: 972-562-7174H: 214-662-3224H: 972-492-3038H: 214-826-3993H: 214-902-9260H: 972-678-1221

H: 817-745-9988

H: 972-732-6566

C: 214-893-7990

Carol Nash

Rita Beving GriggsMike RawlinsDavid Gray

Molly RookeTom GreenVolunteer neededGayle LoefflerMargie HaleyVolunteer neededDavid GrayShirley HollandDavid GrayVolunteer neededPaul Huston Lisa SilgueroMolly RookeTerry Jensen

Mary Colston

Liz Wheelan

Rita Beving Griggs

Volunteer needed

Paul HellerSue Schaeffer

David Van WinkleDavid Van WinkleBill BeachTerry SullivanSteve LongleyArthur KuehneBob Gates

Bryan Carpenter

Patsy Huston

Volunteer needed

Lisa Silguero

Volunteer needed

[email protected]

[email protected]@[email protected]

[email protected]@nortelnetworks.com

[email protected]@swbell.net

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected] [email protected]@[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]@comcast.net

[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

Dallas Sierra ClubPO Box 800365Dallas, Texas 75380

(214) 369-5543

Non-Profit OrganizationUS Postage

PAIDRichardson

Permit No. 1181

Printed on 30% recycled paperIssue 0206February 2006

*not on the Executive Committee

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The CompassFebruary 2006

A monthly publication of the Dallas Sierra Club

1February 2006The Compass

Having attended the UN Conference on Climate Change in Montreal last

month, I see a large gap between the climate change actions of the world and Texas.

Many other nations, states, and cities have recognized that climate change is real, accel-erating, and caused by human activities. Further, these nations, states, and cities are taking action to address the problem. While many developed nations have committed to mandatory reduction of greenhouse gases, the U.S. administration has stated that the U.S. can best address the problem with vol-untary actions. So, let’s see if Texas is taking voluntary actions.

In 38 states across the U.S., 195 U.S. cit-ies have signed the U.S. Mayors Climate Protection Agreement a.k.a. Cool Cities Program. This agreement commits the city to action to address climate change. Texas cities that have signed this agreement include McKinney, Denton, Hurst, Austin, and Laredo. Major cities that have signed up include Albuquerque, Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Minneapolis, N e w York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Washington DC. It should be noted that Dallas and Houston are not on the list and these two cities are also #2 and #3 for worst air quality in the country amongst major cities. Not much action in Texas at the city level.

Many state governors and legislators are tak-ing action. Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) at the state level drive increasing use of clean renewable energy sources, such as

wind, to higher percentages of total electric-ity production. Twenty states have an RPS to increase use of renewable energy. Texas’s RPS currently increases to 2% (2000 MW) by 2009. Now, we all know that Texas is a windy place, especially in west Texas and the panhandle area. In fact, these locations are some of the best wind in the country. In 2004, a Texas Energy Planning Council report indicated that the wind energy capac-ity in Texas is more than 100,000MW, (50 times the current RPS for Texas). This report also recommended increasing the Texas RPS to 5% or 5000MW by 2012-5 and to 10% or 10,000MW by 2025. Texas legisla-tors chose to not increase the RPS in the 1H05 legislative session. How does this compare other major states? It is California’s policy to get to 20% renewable energy by 2010. California’s Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order in mid-2005 that outlined the major problems that climate change will cause

for California…. “rising sea levels threaten valuable coastal real estate property and natural habi-tats,” (including destruction of fresh water sup-

plies near the coast that will be

destroyed due to due salt water ingress). It further

stated “increased temperatures threaten to exacerbate air qual-ity problems and impact human health by increasing….the risk of

asthma, respiratory, and other health prob-lems.” Is the coast of Texas immune to these issues? Is air quality less important for Texans than residents of California? Where is Texas leadership action on these impor-tant issues?

WHERE IS THE LEADERSHIP IN TEXAS?

The Sierra Club and Dallas lost a good friend and staunch environmental advocate with

the passing of Catherine Perrine on January 5, 2006. Catherine had been a Sierra Club

member since 1972 and had devoted much of her life to volunteer work in public service,

with emphasis on environmental planning, specializing in water resources. She was a

prominent member of the League of Woman Voters, the Governor’s Water Task Force, the

Texas Water Commission, the Texas A&M Water Resources Institute Advisory Committee,

several City of Dallas advisory committees and task forces, Save Open Space, and many

others. She was highly respected for her knowledge of and commitment to water issues,

and received many awards and citations. Her commitment to the environment kept her

active at meetings and hearings even as a long illness forced her into a wheelchair. Her

dedication and passion will be missed.

Remembering Catherine Perrine

The Dallas Sierra Club’s general meetings are held the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM. Meetings are open to all interested persons. The meetings are held at Greenhill School located at the corner of Midway and Spring Valley. Please enter from Hornet Drive. Check www.dallasseirraclub.org for directions. (Mapsco 14F)

LBJ Freeway

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Hornet

Do you love nature?

Do you love wildlife?

Do you love unbelievable photography?

If so, then you’re going to love our February Program.

This month the Dallas Sierra Club presents the amazing photography of Natalie Caudill, Staff Photographer with the Dallas Morning News. Ms. Caudill is a member of a department that has won 4 Pulitzer prizes for their photography over the past 16 years. And their department is a likely to garner a 2006 prize for their incredible coverage of Hurricane Katrina.

Ms. Caudill’s program focuses on the plight of wildlife living in close proximity to developed areas as their habitat continues to shrink. She is currently writing a book on the subject of wildlife and urbanization. And the photography she will show us provides awe-inspiring images of animals in urban settings: coyotes, hawks, rabbits, birds, and other species. You will be astounded to see the variety of animals living among us.

Getting a little further away from the urban setting, our short program this month features Dallas Sierra Club member Arthur Kuehne as he dazzles us with some photography of his own. Arthur will take us on a spectacular pictorial tour of Big Bend National Park.

So please join us in February for a program you’re sure to enjoy.

Bryan CarpenterProgram Chair

February’s Program

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Commentary by David Van Winkle

Wildlife and UrbanizationWildlife and Urbanization

Campaign 2005 Honor Roll

The CompassFebruary 2006

Volume 101, Issue 0206

The Compass is published nine times per year by the Dallas Regional Group of the Sierra. Members of the Dallas Group support The Compass and receive the publication as of their membership dues.

Opt Out: You can download and view The Compass at any time from our web site at www.dallassierra-club.org. Just click on the ‘Compass Online’ link. If you don't want to receive The Compass by mail, you can opt out at the above web site location or by sending an e-mail to [email protected]. Include your name and member number. Or send your name and member number on a post card to Cancel Compass, Dallas Sierra Club, P.O. Box 800365, Dallas TX 75380-0365

Subscriptions: The Compass is available to non-members by subscription for $12 per year. To subscribe, send a check made payable to “Dallas Sierra Club” to:

Newsletter Subscriptions:

Dallas Sierra ClubP.O. Box 800365

Dallas TX 75380-0365

Address Changes: To change your address, send your name, old and new addresses and member number to:

Sierra Club Member ServicesPO Box 52968

Boulder, Colorado 80322-2968

or email the information to:

[email protected]

Submissions: Article and photograph submis-sions are always welcome. Please send sub-missions by the deadlines given in the General Calendar. Send submissions to the newsletter editor at the e-mail address and phone number listed on the back fold.

© 2006 Dallas Sierra Club


ENVIRONMENTALIST ($1,000+)

Ann Drumm Patricia HutchesonScott Johnson & Elaine Griffin David Van WinkleAnonymous

CONSERVATIONIST ($500 - $999)

Dr. John and Margie Haley George Zimmerman Anonymous

TRAIL BUILDER ($125 - $499)

Garrett and Cecilia Boone Bryan and Lyn CarpenterDon and Mary Colston Karen FoleyTom Henige Bob JuddLaura Kimberly and Kent Trullson Joenie and Philip MeinEdwin Pegelow Jim and Jennie PenningtonBarb Rike Richard SchrammAnonymous

BACKPACKER ($50 - $124)

Dwaine and Ellen Boydstun Ken and Becky BruderJ. Scott and Suzanne Buchanan John and Robin CaldwellGideon and Jeana Derr Debbie Spalding DoyleHelen Elkins Willard FilyawDr. Robert L. Fine and Nita Cortell Robert FolzCharlotte Forst David Gray and Nancy BatemanBill Greer Deborah GreerRita Beving Griggs and David Griggs Beth HartyTom Heath Paul HellerGreg Holman Art JohnsonWayne Kilian Lynn KutlerKelly Loy Sherry LundbergWilliam E. Maina Jerry MooreCalvin and Judy Nichols Lori PenicheGrier and Lorraine Raggio John RathMike and Diana Rawlins David and Louise RosenfieldZe’ev Saggi Sue SchaefferMelvin and Linda Sharp Jim and Caroline VornbergRonnie and Rae Weiss Cynthia YoungAnonymous (4)

DAY HIKER ($1 - $49)

Rick Cox Walter and Paula DavisBarbara Downey Ned and Genie FritzGrayson Garner Joy GistTony Green Howard HailePeggy Henger Steve and Donna JeanFrances Jeng Charlotte LeonardDr. Robert Levy Mariane MaloufKaran Marshall Rob MassonneauIrvine and Vivian Read Lisa SilgueroTom Wilbanks Anonymous (4)

IN HONOR OF

Ann Drumm by Gary and Janet Drumm

IN MEMORY OF

Lennie Wheelan Burgess by Liz Wheelan

We have made every effort to be accurate in reporting the honor roll. Please report any errors to Mary Colston, Fundraising Chair at 214-618-1424.

Thank you for making the 2005 Sierra Club annual appeal a success. With your help and support we raised $13,043. Your Dallas Club Chair, Executive Committe and Fundraising Chair promise to be good stewards of your generous support.

None of Nature’s

landscapes are ugly so long as they

are wild.

JOHN MUIROur National Parks

REGISTER FOR

TAOS

Taos, NM • Photo by Arthur Kuehne

Taos, NM • Photo by Kent Trulsson

Taos, NM • Photo by Arthur Kuehne

ESCAPE THEDALLASWINTER

HEAT!THERE’S STILL TIME TO


2/1 • 3/1 First Wednesday. Executive Committee Meeting 6:30PM at REI 2nd

floor meeting room (I-635 between Welch Road & Midway Road, MAPSCO

14Q), to discuss Club projects, policy and finances. All members are welcome

to attend and participate. Call Ann Drumm at 214-350-6108.

2/6 • 3/6 Monday before the General Meeting. Deadline for electronic materials

to be submitted to the Compass E-mail [email protected] or deliver

diskettes to editors during the General Meeting.

2/8 • 3/8 Second Wednesday. Sierra Club General Meeting 7:00 - 8:30 p.m.

Come to the General Meeting at Greenhill School located at the corner of

Midway and Spring Valley. Check www.dallasseirraclub.org for directions.

Come early to pick up activity materials and afterwords join the socializing at

Pappa’s Pizza.

2/15 • 3/15 Third Wednesday. Outings Committee Meeting 7:00 PM at REI

(MAPSCO 14Q) to discuss schedules and issues. All outings leaders, future

outings leaders, and interested Sierrans are welcome. Call David Van Winkle at

(972) 562-7174 for more information.

2/22 • 3/22 Fourth Wednesday. Newsletter Party 7:00PM at the Churchill

Recreation Center at Hillcrest & Churchill Way (MAPSCO 15V). Help sort,

bundle and label the newsletter. Socializing afterward. Contact Charlotte Forst

at 972-248-7581.

General Calendar

The Sierra Club announced in January the premiere of a new half-hour television series with award-winning filmmaker Robert Greenwald (“Outfoxed,” “Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price”) on Link TV on that began on Thursday, January 12, 2006.

“Sierra Club Chronicles,” a monthly series produced by Greenwaldís Brave New Films in association with Sierra Club Productions, and hosted by Daryl Hannah, captures seven David vs. Goliath stories: the dramatic efforts of committed individuals across the country working to protect the health of their environment and communities. One new episode will premiere the second Thursday of each month at 8:30 PM Eastern and Pacific through July 2006. Link TV is on DirecTV channel 375 and Dish Network channel 9410. Emmy Award winner Molly O’Brien co-executive produces and Richard Ray Pérez serves as director and supervis-ing producer. Kim Haddow and Adrienne Bramhall oversee the production for Sierra Club. “Sierra Club Chronicles” is made pos-sible by the generous support of the Ford Foundation.

The first of seven episodes, “9/11 Forgotten Heroes,” aired on January 12. Emergency medical crews, firefighters and construction workers answered the call to Ground Zero -- assured that the air was safe. But while our heroes came to the nationís rescue, the government left them at risk. Years later, they not only suffer from health problems due to the contamination at Ground Zero, they suffer the indignity of having to fight the government for health benefits. “9/11 Forgotten Heroes” follows four of these first responders as they travel from NYC to DC seeking justice, in the form of the Walsh Amendment, which would restore $125 mil-lion dollars in aid.

The second episode, “The Day the Water Died,” visited the still economically and

emotionally afflicted fishing town of Cordova, Alaska 16 years after the Exxon Valdez disaster, where the citizens are fighting to hold Exxon to their word in a year of record profits. Summaries of all seven episodes are available at www.sierraclubtv.org.

“All over America, there are inspiration-al, real life stories of women and men defending their homes, health and families from environmental hazards and threats,” explained Carl Pope, Executive Director of the Sierra Club.

Beyond the initial television broadcast, DVDs and videos of “Sierra Club Chronicles” will be available for consumers, educators, and other organizations. In addition, the epi-sodes will be available for viewing online or downloading as video podcasts at www.sierraclubtv.org and Google video. Added Pope, “We are betting that the same people who are using the newest tools to access multimedia are the same people who are hungry for the inspiring stories not found on the major networks. Now it’s easy for them to go out and find the content that speaks to them and watch it on their laptop or i-Pod.”

Link TV is a non-commercial, independent television network available in more than 26 million U.S. homes on DIRECTV channel 375 and DISH Network channel 9410. The 24-hour programming is a mix of documenta-ries, international news, foreign films and the best of World Music. The network recently received the first satellite-only Peabody Award for MOSAIC: World News from the Middle East, a daily news show featuring English translations of national television reports from more than 24 countries in the Middle East. Select Link TV programs are streamed on the Internet at www.linktv.org. Link TV is operated by Link Media, Inc., a California non-profit organization, with pro-duction studios in San Francisco, New York and Washington, DC.

NEW SIERRA CLUB TELEVISION SERIES PREMIERES NATIONALLY ON LINK TV

“Sierra Club Chronicles” ...captures seven David vs. Goliath stories: the dramatic efforts of committed individuals across the country working to protect the health of their environment and communities.

ConservationCommittee Meeting

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 7:00 PM TO 9:00 PM at La Madeleine at Preston and

Forest in Dallas (this is the North Dallas location south of 635, NOT the Addison

location where the club often meets). We’re going to start having committee meet-

ings again on a monthly basis. The agenda and meeting program will be announced

in February at the general meeting and by e-mail. Contact Co-chairs Mike Rawlins

([email protected]), David Gray ([email protected]), or Rita Beving

([email protected]) for details.


Sierra Club OutingsFebruary 2006


HOW THE OUTINGPROGRAM WORKS

Dallas Sierra Club Outings are open to members and non-members. Some trips may require special quali-fications and capabilities. The leaders of each outing / trip are serving in a volunteer capacity and assume no responsibility above that of trip organizer. If you have a medical problem, it is your responsibility to inform the leader before the outing / trip. Outing / Trip leaders are encouraged to participate in training and classes to increase their skills, but they are not paid profession-als. They will assist you within their limitations. It is the responsibility of the participant to be aware of any personal limitations before going on an outing.

Radios and firearms are prohibited from all outings. Pets are not allowed unless specifically stated. All out-ings officially begin at the trail head or outing start point. Leaders cannot assign carpools, but may help coordinate ride sharing for energy conservation and to promote fel-lowship. All non-commercial transportation is the respon-sibility of the individual. Car-pooling is SOLELY voluntary, but the costs are shared. The usual method of sharing transportation cost is for all riders in the car, including the driver, to divide the cost of transportation equally. The recommended method of computing cost is to multiply round trip mileage by $0.13 a mile for small cars, $0.16 for large cars and $0.19 for vans. Before leaving, be sure this or some other method is agreed upon.

Most outings require reservations. To participate in an outing contact the leader, who will decide if the trip you are interested in is suitable for you based on your capa-bilities and the demands of the trip. There is usually a limit to the number of people allowed on a given outing / trip. Reservations are necessary for outings unless otherwise noted. If you must cancel, inform the leader as soon as possible so that someone else can go in your place.

Please respect the wishes of your leader who has volunteered his / her free time to allow you to go on the trip of your choice. If you have any questions, or if you are interested in becoming a leader, contact either the Outings Chair or the appropriate Outings Committee Coordinator on the newsletter back page.

Notice: To receive this outings list monthlyvia e-mail, send message to:

[email protected]

Type SUBSCRIBE OUTINGS LISTon the subject line.

adults, $4 for children. Table for singles. Walk it off with an optional urban hike at a nearby park at 2:30 pm. No dogs please.

Leader: Terry Jensen 972-988-8687 ext 3101(W) or [email protected]

FEB 11 (SAT) WHITE ROCK LAKE CLEANUP. Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recycleables at the Sierra Club’s adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and cof-fee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards.

Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244(C) or [email protected]

FEB 12 (SUN) DAYHIKE EAST SIDE OF WHITE ROCK LAKE. Meet at the Stone Tables at White Rock Lake at 9:30 am on Lake Highlands Drive and Buckner Blvd. We’ll walk 6 miles on a paved path. Bring water. No reservations, just show up. Optional lunch at local restaurant.

Leader: Dale Edelbaum 214-343-6741(H) or [email protected]

FEB 15 (WED) OUTINGS COMMITTEE MEETING. Meet in the upstairs program room at REI (on north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch), at 7:00 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings pro-gram. We will be planning local outings and bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders, and interested Sierrans welcome.

Contact: David Van Winkle 972-562-7174(H) or [email protected]

FEB 18 (SAT) BEGINNER BACKPACKING CLASS. Aimed at beginners, this class is an ideal way to learn about backpacking. Topics include: wilderness ethics, outdoor clothing, boots, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, and preparing for a trip. Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders. There will be time for questions and a hands-on look at out-door gear. Lunch of backpacking food is included. You will also have the opportu-nity to learn about, and sign up for, several beginner backpacking trips. The fee is $20 for Sierra Club members and $30 for non-members (cash or check) You can sign up to be a Sierra Club member at the class. No reservations are necessary, just show up. The class will be held at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). The class will start at 10:30 AM and end at about 5:00 PM.

Leader: Arthur Kuehne 214-902-9260(H) or [email protected]

FEB 19 (SUN) DAYHIKE WHITE ROCK CREEK TRAIL. Meet at 9:30 at Moss Park (SE corner of Greenville Ave and Royal Lane). Hike 5-6 miles along paved trail. Bring water. No reservations necessary. Just show up. Optional lunch at local restaurant.

Leader: Dale Edelbaum 214-343-6741(H) or [email protected]

FEB 23-27 (THU-MON) ANNUAL TAOS BUS TRIP. Various trips include skiing, daily snowshoeing while staying in the lodge in Taos, snowshoeing while staying in the cozy yurt, or winter camping. These trips are a great opportunity for people just begin-ning to experience the wonderful beauty of winter or for individuals wanting to expand their winter camping skills. Our convenient sleeper bus will leave Dallas late afternoon of 2/23 and return early morning of 2/27. You will find complete details on the Outings page on dallassierraclub.org. Reserve your place on this great trip now.

Bus trip leader: Cari Tucker 214-826-5461(H) or [email protected]

FEB 26 (SUN) SUSTAINABLE SUNDAY LUNCH & DAYHIKE Mediterreanean plant-based buffet at Dunes Mediterranean Grill, 214 441-1342, 3401 W Airport Fwy at Beltline, Irving, from noon to 2:00 pm. $7. Table for Singles. No reservation needed. Walk it off with an optional urban hike at a nearby park at 2:30. No dogs please.

Leader: Terry Jensen 972-988-8687 ext 3101(W) or [email protected]

MAR 3 (FRI) DEADLINE for submission of outings to be listed in the March Outings List and April newsletter.


MAR 4-5 (SAT-SUN) PAT MASEY WILDLIFE MANAGEMENT AREA BEGINNING CAR CAMP. We will take some walks in the WMA in both the lake and field areas in this Corp of Engineer managed property. Saturday evening we will cook dinner on a shared grill. Sunday morning we will walk around some of the local area. Later on Sunday we might visit the Caddo Grasslands WMA to the west of Pat Masey. This park is north of Paris Texas just south of the OK border within 2 hours of the Dallas Metroplex. This is a beginning car camping trip where we will assist you in “getting into” car camping. The lakes in this area support a variety of wildlife and birds. The nights should still be cool with the days starting to heat up.

Leader: Bob Gates 972-678-1221(H) or [email protected]

MAR 11-12 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER BACKPACK TRIP TO MCGEE CREEK IN OKLAHOMA It’s time to hit the trails again. Join us for an easy hike in a quiet wooded area of southeast Oklahoma. We will meet Saturday morning at McGee Creek Natural Scenic Recreation Area and hike in 2-3 miles to camp. We will have plenty of time for day hikes or just relax under a tree. Sunday we will enjoy a leisurely hike back to our cars. McGee Creek is close enough that you can drive up from Dallas on Saturday morning. Happy Trails.

Leaders: Faith Mauk 214-642-8331(C) or [email protected] and Laura Thorton [email protected]

MAR 11-15 (SAT-WED) CANOE-KAYAK TRIP ON RED RIVER Come paddle a remote 65 mile stretch of the Red with no bridges and little signs of civilization. You’ll never believe that you’re in North Texas! (And sometimes you won’t be – you’ll be in

Oklahoma.) We’ll put in north of Bonham at Sowell’s Bluff and take out north of Paris at Arthur City. The frequent changes of river course prevent development near the river and make it look more like wilderness. There is no whitewater but some prior river camp-ing experience is required. There are no outfitters on this seldom paddled stretch so you’ll need to have or rent your own boat.

Leader: Bill Greer 972-964-1781(H) or [email protected]

MAR 18-19 (SAT-SUN) LITTLE MISSOURI RIVER BACKPACKING TRIP We’ll do a moderately-easy backpack of about 10½-miles over 2-days along one of the most sce-nic backpacking trails in Southwest Arkansas. Because the trail follows the upper reaches of the Little Missouri River there is minimal elevation change, but do be prepared for a couple of difficult stream crossings. Drive up Friday night and return Sunday. This hike is suitable for graduates of the Beginner Backpacking Class who are in good shape.

Leaders: Steven Longley 214-824-1128(H) or [email protected] and Marcos Jorge

MAR 25-26 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNERS BACKPACK TRIP ON THE DAVID L. BOREN TRAIL IN OKLAHOMA. We’ll hike a total of about 6 miles on this very scenic trail in Beavers Bend State Park in Southeastern Oklahoma. Saturday, we’ll hike up a rather imposing hill and then hike along the Skyline section of the trail before camping next to a wonderful creek. Sunday we have an easy two mile hike to our cars. Beginners going on this trip should be in reasonable shape because this trip is pretty hilly.


APR 1 (SAT) EIGHTH ANNUAL WORLDS LONGEST DAYHIKE. It may be April Fools Day, be this is no joke. We really are going to take a long walk. Come and join your fellow Sierrans for a 23-mile dayhike on the White Rock Creek and White Rock Lake trails. Meet at 8:00 AM at the north end of the White Rock Creek trail in Valley View Park, on Valley View, just east of the intersection of Hillcrest and Valley View (just north of 635, Mapsco 15-R).We’ll hike down to White Rock Lake, around it, and back. Bring your most comfortable walking shoes, Mole Skin, extra socks, water (water and bathrooms are available along the trail), lunch, and rain gear (if rain is in the forecast). We’ll make a snack/lunch stop at the 7-11 near the White Rock Lake spillway. Optional dinner and foot replacement after the hike.


APR 1-2 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER BACKPACK TRIP IN CANEY CREEK WILDERNESS, ARKANSAS For many years this has been our favorite beginner backpack. We’ll hike in about 4 miles to camp near a nice little waterfall. There are some short climbs to test your legs and lungs. For those with some energy left we’ll take an easy dayhike to another nice series of falls. Then, we will hike out on Sunday.

Leader: Bill Greer 972-964-1781(H) or [email protected]

FEB 3 (FRI) DEADLINE for submission of outings to be listed in the February Outings List and March Newsletter.


FEB 4-5 (SAT-SUN) LAKE MINERAL WELLS STATE PARK BEGINNING CAR CAMP. We will take some walks around both the lake and rock areas in this very special State Park. Saturday evening we will cook dinner on a shared grill. Sunday morning walk the Nature Trails and local park trails. Lunch in Weatherford on Sunday where we will end. The park is West of Fort Worth approximately within 2 hours of the Dallas Metroplex. This is a beginning car camp-ing trip where we will discuss car camping, equipment, conservation and other related topics. This should be a very interesting time to visit this park with the trees getting ready to produce their spring leaves with cool nights.

Leader: Bob Gates 972-678-1221(H) or [email protected]

FEB 5 (SUN) SUSTAINABLE SUNDAY LUNCH & DAYHIKE. Thai plant-based buf-fet at Thai Jasmine, 3104 Harwood at Hwy 121, Bedford. This all-you-can-eat buffet is served from 11:30 am to 2:00 pm. $8 for


APR 1-2 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER BACKPACK AT MCGEE CREEK IN OKLAHOMA This is a great trip for beginners - easy hiking, nice scenery, and close to Dallas. The area is designated as a natural scenic recreation area and has thick woods, scenic bluffs, and interesting trails going down to the lake. There will be a short backpack into camp, then plenty of opportunities for day hiking or just hanging out. The trip will start late Saturday morning, so you can stay home Friday night if you prefer.

Leader: Mike Rawlins 972-783-0962(H) or [email protected]

APR 7 (FRI) DEADLINE for submission of outings to be listed in the April Outings List.


APR 8-9 (SAT-SUN) BACKPACK TRIP TO LITTLE MISSOURRI FALLS IN ARKANSAS Are you tired of those freeze dried dinners and packaged rice meals out on the trail??? Then join us for a hike in beautiful Arkansas and discover gourmet cooking on the trail. I will share recipes and ideas, as well as, a few samples. If you are not interested in gourmet cooking then come along for the hike of it. Happy trails. Rated moderate.

Leaders: Faith Mauk 214-642-8331(C) or [email protected] and Laura Thorton [email protected]

APR 14-16 (FRI-SUN) BACKPACK THE OZARK HIGHLAND TRAIL IN HURRICANE CREEK WILDERNESS This 21 mile back-pack trip at Easter weekend takes you through one of the most scenic spots in Arkansas. You will begin the hike at Haw Creek Campground at 9am on Friday. This is also a good spot to stay Thursday night. The highlight of Friday’s hike will be Hurricane Creek Natural Bridge. Both hikes on Friday and Saturday will be be 8-9 miles with Sunday’s hike 4-5 miles. We end the hike at Fairview Campground. This hike is section 6 of the OHT as described in Tim Ernst’s book “Ozark Highlands Trail Guide”, plus 1.7 miles added onto the front of the hike. This trip is rated moderate, as the elevation increases by 1500 feet over the course of the three days. Leader: David Van Winkle 972-562-7174(H) or [email protected]

APR 15-16 (SAT-SUN) PEDERNALES FALLS STATE PARK CARCAMP. Saturday dayhike 7 miles round trip to Jones Spring and eat lunch. Saturday evening cook dinner on the grill. Sunday morning go to Hamiltons Pool and hike 2 miles round trip to the Pedernales River. Lunch will be at The Salt Lick in Driftwood where the trip will end. The park is west of Austin, about four hours from Dallas. This is the peak of the wildflower season in the hill country.

Leader: Greg Holman 214-398-8061(H) or [email protected]

APR 29-30 (SAT-SUN) 27TH ANNUAL TEXAS WILDERNESS POW WOW. Come to the woods of East Texas for guided nature walks, live music, interesting programs, a great campfire, and suprise features. This year’s Pow Wow will be held at Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area in Davy Crockett National Forest. Sponsored by the Texas Committee on Natural Resources.

For more information: Arthur Kuehne 214-902-9260(H) or [email protected] and TCONR 512-441-1122(W) or [email protected]

APR 29-30 (SAT-SUN) CAR CAMP AND ROCK SCRAMBLING AT WICHITA MOUNTAINS IN SW OKLAHOMA The club hasn’t been to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in SW Oklahoma for awhile, and we thought we were overdue for a return trip. This is a unique area with plenty of opportunities for day hikes. For those want-ing to check out some of the more interest-ing rock formations, there will be an optional strenous day hike with some non-technical rock scrambling. You may even get to have an up close and personal encounter with a buffalo.

Leaders: Mike Rawlins 972-783-0962(H) or [email protected] and Bill Greer 972-964-1781(H) or [email protected]

MAY 21-24 (SUN-WED) GRAND GULCH BACKPACKING TRIP Kelsey ranks this trip as the best place to see Anasazi ruins on the Colorado Plateau. Another guide book shows 25 distinct ruins on this route. We will meet at the Kane Gulch Ranger Station early on Sunday May 21 and do a shuttle to the trail head of the government trail. We will hike 7.3 miles to camp at Dripping Canyon. On the way, we will pass Polly’s Island and Big Man Pictograph. On day 2, we will backpack 6.7 miles to our campsite at the confluence of Grand Gulch and Bullet Canyon. After setting up camp, we will day hike up the lower Bullet Canyon to see Jail House and Perfect Kiva Ruins for a round trip of 5 miles. The third day will take us past 11 distinct ruin sites on our 8.4 mile hike to the campsite at the confluence of Grand Gulch and Todie Canyon. The last day’s hike of 7.2 miles will take us past Junction Ruin, one of the largest in the canyon, on our way back to the Kane Gulch Ranger Station. Due to the BLM permit process, the exact dates could change and will not be available until early March.

Leader: David Van Winkle 972-562-7174(H) or [email protected]

MAY 25-30 (THU-TUE) MEMORIAL DAY BANDELIER NATIONAL MONUMENT BUS TRIP. The Dallas Sierra Club returns to Bandelier National Monument for the first time in 5 years. So, join us on this Memorial Day weekend bus trip to explore this area west of Santa Fe, New Mexico. We will pro-vide a variety of sub-trips tailored to allow backpackers of all skill levels to have an opportunity to enjoy this great area. Special adventures will include learning about Native American history and exploring their ruins in this unique area.

Bus trip leader: Bill Greer 972-964-1781(H) or [email protected]

JUN 30-JUL 5 (FRI-WED) FOURTH OF JULY BUS TRIP TO PECOS WILDERNESS IN NEW MEXICO. This Fourth of July week-end trip to the Pecos Wilderness east of Santa Fe, New Mexico is for backpackers who want to escape the heat of Dallas. This mountain range has numerous peaks, streams, lakes, waterfalls, and wild-flow-ers. There will be five trips available rated from moderate to strenuous. Each trip will be created to provide an interesting and challenging experience for each skill level. Special outdoor gourmet cooking will be a featured trip.

Bus trip leader: David Van Winkle 972-562-7174(H) or [email protected]

In the month of October, when I agreed to contribute an article for the February Compass, a January deadline was a comfortably distant point on a nearly unimaginable horizon…after a trip to Hawaii, after a dozen holiday events…heck, it was NEXT YEAR!

Why I made this commitment—I am not a writer!—was the deep seated belief that the February issue of the Compass would not be complete without some mention of Valentine’s day. We simply must acknowledge the impact of love. After all, hasn’t it hit all of us at one time or another?

Can you remember the first time you fell in love?

What a magical moment it is! For me, that

realization came in a sudden rush of emotion—a tidal swell of something inside that was larger than I was, made up of equal parts of awe and angst and pleasure.

I don’t remember how old I was—young enough to not really be able to identify the feeling, but at the same time old enough to know that something extraordinary had happened.

I remember every detail of the instant. Like many young girls, I was horse-crazy. Living in South Florida in a suburban area, however, meant that horses were luxuries whose company was restricted to birthday presents and saved allowances. My mom would drive me an hour and

See Outings Corner on pg 7

S I E R R A C L U B O U T I N G SC O N T I N U E D F R O M P A G E 4

AUG 31-SEP 5 (THU-TUE) LABOR DAY BUS TRIP TO THE WEMINUCHE WILDERNESS IN COLORADO. Escape the Texas heat this Labor Day weekend and join us for our trip to the cool Colorado mountains of the Weminuche Wilderness. This trip has moun-tains, lakes, streams, and valleys. Trips will range from a short backpack with day hikes to strenuous long hikes. The Weminuche Wilderness offers a great diversity and all the miles you want to hike. It is a hidden jewel and one of our most popular trips.


NOV 22-27 (WED-MON) THANKSGIVING BUS TRIP TO BIG BEND NATIONAL PARK. This Thanksgiving weekend trip to Big Bend includes five trip options. Included in the five options will be the wild Rancherias Trail in the Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area . If you’ve never been, you owe it to yourself to discover this unique part of Texas. Within the National Park, trips within the Chisos Basin are always popular for their unique mountain beauty. Desert trips will include the Outer Mountain Loop and Mesa de Aguilla.


Sierra Singles Outings

FEB 6 (MON) DFW SIERRA SINGLES DINNER, 7 PM. Check with Paul for the location of the regular monthly get together.

Contact: Paul Heller 972-620-1703(H) or [email protected]

FEB 7 (TUE) SINGLES HOUSE CONCERT AND POTLUCK. Performance by singer/songwriter Annie Gallup with Sean Kelly. RSVP’s required.

Contact: Paul Heller 972-620-1703(H) or [email protected]

FEB 11 (SAT) NATURE DAYHIKE AT CEDAR HILL STATE PARK Attend a program con-ducted by State Park Program Coordinator / Naturalist, Linda Dunn: Traveling the Trails — We will combine several Park trails and take a hike, identifying some of the flora and fauna in the area. The total length of the hike is approximately five miles. Wear sturdy tail shoes and bring minimum one liter water, snack food and raingear. Not rec-ommended for children 12 and under. Meet at Talala Trail parking lot at 2:00 p.m. Park directions are available on-line or ask for map and directions at Park entrance. In case of inclement weather, call (972) 291-3900 Ext. 232 to listen to voice recording con-firming or cancelling outing. For more info see: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsme-dia/calendar/?calpage=s0026. To carpool to Cedar Hill SP, meet in front of Irving Mall’s (Hwy 183 and N. Beltline Rd.) Barnes and Nobel bookstore (outside entrance) at 12:45 p.m. Cedar Hill SP is located at 1570 W. FM 1382, Cedar Hill, TX 75104. There is a $5 per vehicle State Park entrance fee. Optional restaurant meal following outing. No reser-vations required....just show up.

Leader: Grayson Garner 214-596-9827(H) or [email protected]

OUTINGS CORNER

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A Valentine by Cari Tucker

A monthly column that answers questions about various outings issues.


Conservation NewsFebruary 2006


Lone Star Sierra Club and the SEED Coalition Call on Governor Perry to Follow Illinois’ Lead and Protect Texans from Mercury Today, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich announced a plan to require Illinois’ coal-fired power plants to reduce the levels of toxic mercury released into our air and water. The plan forces the plants to reduce mercury pollution by 90% in the next three years. Here in Texas concerned residents called upon Governor Perry to quickly follow Illinois’ lead in protecting residents from this toxic poison.

In Texas, the mercury issue has raised con-cerns as energy companies propose to build six new, coal-fired power plants in the State using dirty old technology.

“Texas ranks Number One in the United States, not only in football, but also in dead-ly mercury released into the environment based on the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency’s TRI data,” noted Neil Carman, Clean Air Program Director for the Lone Star Sierra Club. “Texas now has more than a dozen bodies of water, including the Gulf of Mexico contaminated with methyl mer-cury in the fish such that fish consumption advisories have been issued stating not to consume them.”

Governor Perry’s office recently drew criti-cism for its Executive Order No. RP-49 that concerns, among other things, diversity of energy supply. The Order expedites the environmental permitting process and hear-ings at the State Office of Administrative Hearings relative to the new coal plants.

Governors in other states are taking mat-ters in to their own hands to protect women and children from harmful mercury pollution. Connecticut, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, North Carolina and Wisconsin already have mercury standards in the works

that demand deeper and faster cuts than the federal proposal.

“Perry is pushing for more dirty coal, which means more toxic mercury pollution, more brain damage in children, more contami-nated fish.

Cleaner energy alternatives should be used instead of the huge proposed coal plants, such as the TXU plant proposed for Robertson County. If built, the TXU plant would rival the worst mercury polluting plants in the nation, even when brand new,” stated Karen Hadden, Director of the SEED Coalition.

Mercury is a developmental neurotoxin that can affect fetuses developing in the womb, young children, and at higher doses, can lead to serious health effects in adults. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that one in six women of childbearing age has mercury levels in her blood that are high enough to put a baby at risk. Nationwide, as many as 630,000 infants are born every year with unsafe mercury levels, putting them at risk of cognitive and developmental damage.

“If Illinois can take steps to protect its children, why can’t Texas do the same?” said Donna Hoffman, Communications Coordinator for the Lone Star Sierra Club, “There’s no arguing we’re best at football, but today, Illinois won resoundingly for its citizens.”

The Sierra Club is sponsoring a mercury hair-testing program with University of North Carolina, where those who are concerned about mercury levels can find out exactly how much mercury is in their bodies. Home testing kits are available for a small non-profit fee online at: www.sierraclub.org/mercury.

SPOTLIGHT SHIFTS TO GOVERNOR PERRY AFTER ILLINOIS RAISES THE BAR FOR MERCURY PROTECTIONS

The Key to this puzzle is understanding threats to your environment!

Down

1. illegal hunting

2. notable greenhouse gas

3. catalytic agent in ozone destruction

4. Aldo Leopold believed that moral values requires a Land ___

6. term for the totality of all ecosystems of a planet

7. term for oxygen loss in lakes or seas, often from too much nutrients

8. describes a form of pollution that cannot be traced to a single source

11. increase in Greenhouse gases is causing global ______

13. protocol to curb CO2 emissions the USA did not ratify

14. loss of this is a sign of a degrading ecosystem

16. produced when sulfur-dioxide emissions react with water-vapor in clouds

17. principle driving force behind many environmental issues

19. livestock denuded a landscape

23. poorly planned or inefficient development of land

Across

5. transforming arable land to desert, oft via destructive land use.

9. term for exotic species that displace or disrupt established ecosystems

10. threat to genetic integrity from cross-breeding with engineered plants

12. Loss/fragmentation of this is oft a primary threat to endangered species

15. when chemicals become concentrated in the top of a food chain

18. HR3824 is more apty known as the _____ Bill

20. a ____ zone forms along the Texas coast as a result of overfertilization

21. accidental release of hydrocarbons that can cause quick and devastating pollution

22. device used with nets to prevent accidental sea turtle deaths

24. loss of this habitat is considered a major factor in shoreline erosion

25. results when logging harvests all trees in an area

26. soil loss; often from poor land-use practice

27. EPA program that cleans industrial pollution sites, bankrupt since 2003

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1

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8

109

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12

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18 19 20

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fax 972.417.0685

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a half to the stable, where a dozen or so inept riders would be led on a “trail ride” that lasted less time than it took to drive to the barn. It was on one of these treasured outings that I first experienced what I came to realize was falling in love.

On this particular day, we set out later than usual—there were only two other people waiting to ride—a boy about my age, and an older woman. I think the stable hand was stalling in hopes of getting a larger group, but this didn’t happen, and eventually we headed out.

The first part of the ride was uneventful…the usual trail, the standard head-to-tail broken up by a thrilling “gallop” for a few hundred yards. But then our guide said that one of the bridges was out; we would cut across a field instead, pick our way through a distant stand of pines, and then double back to the barn behind the lake. Since this actually involved controlling the direction of the horse, I found it quite entertaining and was really not paying attention as we cleared the pines.

I looked up—and suddenly I noticed. And in a split second of time, I was in love.

Late afternoon sun lit the small lake in a glorious sparkling reflection of gold. Startled, a small deer on the far side of the lake froze, and then bounded into the tree cover. In my suburban, sidewalk contained little life, I had never seen anything more pristinely beautiful. I reined in my horse and refused to move for several long moments.

It wasn’t real wilderness, of course— and why this scene struck me as different from any of my other wooded horseback adventures, I have no idea, but the entrancement was complete. I had no more reality after that than the preteen girl who suddenly sees a rock star in the pimply lead singer of a backyard band.

Unlike most first loves, my infatuation with nature has lasted more years than I am willing to admit. We have had our falling outs—during the tempestuous teenage years, during the hassles of young parenthood—even during the occasional thunderstorm on the side of a mountain when I swear I will never leave my warm and cozy urban home again. Our divergence never lasts. Sooner or later, I always return…and I always feel the same rush of emotion as I felt in that first moment of seeing.

I am lucky enough now to have a partner who not only understands (occasionally, I feel a need to be alone with my first love) but who shares my passion for the wilderness. We spent our honeymoon backpacking in the Tetons—a fabulous ménage a trois of me and Peter and nature. I expect that we will be home this Valentine’s Day—it is, after all, a work night—and our celebration will be quiet. And when I think of the things in life that stir me, that lend a passion and fire, I will think first of my husband. But not far behind will be the cherished memory of a sunlit lake or a mountain overlook. I can ask for nothing more. Happy Valentine’s Day!

natalie caudill

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