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It is time again to cast your ballot for members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter Executive Committee. All members of the Rocky Mountain Chapter, which includes the entire state of Colorado, are eligible to vote. The Executive Committee consists of one delegate from each of our 13 local groups and 7 at-large delegates, elected by the membership for two-year terms. The Executive Committee is the Chapter’s gov- erning body. It determines environmental positions and budget priorities, oversees Chapter committees and local Groups and conducts the general business of the Chapter. This year there are three openings on the Executive Committee and six candi- dates have been nominated by the Chapter Nominations Committee: Anne Cain, Kirpal Singh, Tony Ruckel, Roger Wendell, Dan Fosha, and Larry Skiffington; Bill Myers is running by petition. Please cast your vote(s) on the enclosed ballot and follow the instructions carefully. You may vote for up to three candidates. Joint members may cast two votes, for three candidates each. Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club Volume XXXVI—No. 5 October/November 2002 Help fund The Rocky Mountain Chapter’s efforts to protect Colorado’s environment while getting great stuff for bargain prices! Just come down to Denver’s historic Brown Palace Hotel on Saturday evening, October 19 when the Rocky Mountain Chapter hosts our 3rd Annual “Wild Places, Open Spaces” Auction! Sierra Club President Jennifer Ferenstein will be our featured guest, dis- cussing environmental issues important to our Rocky Mountain region. The evening will include a cocktail reception with silent auction followed by a sumptuous dinner and live auction —all for just $60 per person! For an additional donation, guests can attend a private reception with President Ferenstein. A wide variety of items and services will be auctioned, including getaway trips in Colorado and beyond, dining gift certificates, fine art, gift baskets, outdoor equipment, celebrity items and much more. Get your holiday shop- ping done all in one evening! How to help the Sierra Club — and have fun while doing it: • Put on your fancier duds and attend the Auction! For tickets, call Libby or Susan at the Chapter Office today at 303-861-8819 • Sell Auction tickets to your friends, family and co-workers. You can even reserve an entire table for eight for your group! And, when you sell five tickets, you get one free! Call the Chapter Office for details. ■ NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB PRESIDENT JENNIFER FERENSTEIN TO HOST CHAPTER A UCTION IN OCTOBER Yes! Include me in the 3 rd Annual Chapter Auction! ❑ I will purchase __ auction and dinner reservations at $60 each. ❑ I (we) need __ vegetarian entrees. ❑ I will purchase __ reservations to the Ferenstein Reception at $40 each. ❑ I regret that I (we) cannot attend. Please accept the attached donation to protect wild places and preserve open spaces. Name ______________________________________________ Address ____________________________________________ Phone ______________________________________________ E-mail ______________________________________________ ❑ Enclosed is my check for $_____ ❑ Please charge my Visa or MasterCard $_____ CC # __________________________ Expiration Date______ Please return this form no later than Monday, October 14 th to: Sierra Club Auction, 1410 Grant Street B303 Denver, CO 80203 This summer, a century of wildfire sup- pression and the deepest Colorado drought since 1851 set the stage for a very large number of forest fires, some large in size, all severe in their intensity. These fires threatened the lives of residents and fire- fighters. As the fires burned, a few elected offi- cials and editors in the west started a chant of blame, saying that the forests need to be logged more and blaming environmentalists for stopping that logging. The scapegoating of forest protection groups, often citing Sierra Club specifical- ly, reached it zenith when President Bush announced in early August his plan for reviving commercial logging on federal pub- lic lands, draping it in the thin garment of reducing fire danger. In fact, the President’s plan would increase the risk and intensity of fire in some parts of the national forests while failing to reduce dangerous fuel loads where doing so is most important. The Sierra Club has long agreed that the national forests are overloaded with crowd- ed, small, even-aged trees and with accumu- lated underbrush, fuels that increase the heat of even natural fires and provide “fuel ladders” that increase the potential for fast moving crown fires. That is why, in mid-August, the club published its recommendations for properly reducing wildfire fuels build-up. The Sierra Club plan essentially says that the Forest Service should concentrate all fuels reduction work (thinning, under- brush clearing, prescribed burning) close to where people live. To accomplish that, we recommend an increase in federal funding of $2 billion per year for the next five years. Meanwhile, the President’s plan, now embraced by Colorado Congressman Scott McInnis and others in Congress, would throw open all national forests to dramatic increase in commercial logging. Rather than concentrating on the “red zone” near homes and communities, the Bush- McInnis plan would ineffectually spread thinning efforts throughout the forest and encourage the cutting of large trees to make the projects economically attractive to timber companies. This approach is wrong because it would take out large, water conserving trees (actually increas- ing fire danger) and would fail to protect the lives and homes of people because it would spread resources too thin. Worst of all, the Bush-McInnis propos- als include elimination of citizen opportunities to participate in deci- sions about their national forests. It would reduce or curtail comment periods and would weaken the National Environmental Policy Act. Their plan threatens the forests, communities, and democracy. Our plan saves lives. The Pacific Northwest research station of the U.S. Forest Service has just pub- lished an important analysis of what needs to be done – and not done – to reduce fire danger. The report states that “In all types of thinnings if the slash is not treated, then the risk of increased crown fire is increased.” It also says that, “Traditional SUMMER FIRES IGNITE BAD FOREST PROPOSALS by Steve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative The Colorado General Assembly met in special session July 8 through 11, respond- ing to the Governor’s call for revising the state’s death penalty law and for respond- ing to this year drought and wildfires. The opening array of bills introduced was dan- gerous, but environmental wisdom general- ly prevailed. The most attention-getting bills of the session would have authorized a state-wide ballot question authorizing $10billion in new state debt (bonds) to build new dams. Introduced by Representative Diane Hoppe (R-Sterling) and Senator Jim Dyer (R- Centennial), the legislation would have pro- vided essentially no attention, let along funding, to sensible water conservation, sharing, or flexible distribution. Instead, it assumed that building more dams would somehow make it rain more. Sierra Club joined with other conserva- tion lobby groups to point out the fallacies in the dams bill, reminding lawmakers that building more dams in a long term drought just means that Colorado would have more partially or completely empty reservoirs, while destroying riparian habitat and postponing wise water planning that is needed now. The bills were defeated in committee. Sierra Club also was successful in secure a resolution of support from the legislature for a bill introduced by Colorado Congressmen Hefley and Udall. That bill would direct the U.S. Forest Service to concentrate it work at reducing wildfire fuels in those areas where most lives are at stake, close to where people live. The coalition of conservation lobbyists also helped secure a Senate resolution call- ing for more water conservation at state facilities and calling on homeowner associ- ations to drop their convents requiring bluegrass and other water consumptive landscaping. The teamwork and fast response put together by Colorado environmentalists helped make sure that our forests and IMPORTANT VICTORIES AT STATE LEGISLATURE DAMS BILL STOPPED, SENSIBLE FIRES AND DROUGHT RESPONSE SUPPORTED by Steve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative - by Mark Itkonen, Photographer This year's wildfires have destroyed large areas of drought-impacted forest and grass lands at Colorado's Dinosaur National Monument. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES See “Fire Legislation” on page 4 See “Ex-Com Statements” on page 6 See “State Victories” on page 7

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Page 1: NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB PRESIDENT JENNIFER FERENSTEIN …lobby.la.psu.edu/_107th/123_Farm_Bill/...The Sierra Club has long agreed that the national forests are overloaded with crowd-ed,

It is time again to cast your ballot formembers of the Rocky Mountain ChapterExecutive Committee. All members of theRocky Mountain Chapter, which includesthe entire state of Colorado, are eligible tovote. The Executive Committee consists ofone delegate from each of our 13 localgroups and 7 at-large delegates, elected bythe membership for two-year terms. TheExecutive Committee is the Chapter’s gov-erning body. It determines environmentalpositions and budget priorities, overseesChapter committees and local Groups andconducts the general business of theChapter.

This year there are three openings onthe Executive Committee and six candi-dates have been nominated by the ChapterNominations Committee: Anne Cain,Kirpal Singh, Tony Ruckel, Roger Wendell,Dan Fosha, and Larry Skiffington; BillMyers is running by petition.

Please cast your vote(s) on the enclosedballot and follow the instructions carefully.You may vote for up to three candidates.Joint members may cast two votes, forthree candidates each.

Rocky MountainChapter of the

Sierra Club

Volume XXXVI—No. 5 October/November 2002

Help fund The Rocky MountainChapter’s efforts to protect Colorado’senvironment while getting great stuff forbargain prices! Just come down toDenver’s historic Brown Palace Hotel onSaturday evening, October 19 when theRocky Mountain Chapter hosts our 3rdAnnual “Wild Places, Open Spaces”Auction!

Sierra Club President JenniferFerenstein will be our featured guest, dis-cussing environmental issues important toour Rocky Mountain region. The eveningwill include a cocktail reception withsilent auction followed by a sumptuous dinner and live auction —all for just$60 per person! For an additional donation, guests can attend a privatereception with President Ferenstein.

A wide variety of items and services will be auctioned, including getawaytrips in Colorado and beyond, dining gift certificates, fine art, gift baskets,outdoor equipment, celebrity items and much more. Get your holiday shop-ping done all in one evening!

How to help the Sierra Club — and have fun while doing it:• Put on your fancier duds and attend the Auction! For tickets, call

Libby or Susan at the Chapter Office today at 303-861-8819• Sell Auction tickets to your friends, family and co-workers. You can

even reserve an entire table for eight for your group! And, when yousell five tickets, you get one free! Call the Chapter Office for details. �

NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB PRESIDENT JENNIFER FERENSTEINTO HOST CHAPTER AUCTION IN OCTOBER

Yes! Include me in the 3rd Annual Chapter Auction!

❑ I will purchase __ auction and dinner reservations at $60 each.❑ I (we) need __ vegetarian entrees.

❑ I will purchase __ reservations to the Ferenstein Reception at$40 each.

❑ I regret that I (we) cannot attend. Please accept the attacheddonation to protect wild places and preserve open spaces.

Name ______________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________

Phone ______________________________________________

E-mail ______________________________________________

❑ Enclosed is my check for $_____

❑ Please charge my Visa or MasterCard $_____

CC # __________________________ Expiration Date______

Please return this form no later than Monday, October 14th to:Sierra Club Auction,1410 Grant Street B303Denver, CO 80203

This summer, a century of wildfire sup-pression and the deepest Colorado droughtsince 1851 set the stage for a very largenumber of forest fires, some large in size,all severe in their intensity. These firesthreatened the lives of residents and fire-fighters.

As the fires burned, a few elected offi-cials and editors in the west started a chantof blame, saying that the forests need to belogged more and blaming environmentalistsfor stopping that logging.

The scapegoating of forest protectiongroups, often citing Sierra Club specifical-ly, reached it zenith when President Bushannounced in early August his plan forreviving commerciallogging on federal pub-lic lands, draping it inthe thin garment ofreducing fire danger.

In fact, thePresident’s plan wouldincrease the risk andintensity of fire in someparts of the nationalforests while failing toreduce dangerous fuelloads where doing so ismost important.

The Sierra Club haslong agreed that thenational forests areoverloaded with crowd-ed, small, even-agedtrees and with accumu-lated underbrush, fuelsthat increase the heat of even natural firesand provide “fuel ladders” that increase thepotential for fast moving crown fires. Thatis why, in mid-August, the club publishedits recommendations for properly reducingwildfire fuels build-up.

The Sierra Club plan essentially saysthat the Forest Service should concentrateall fuels reduction work (thinning, under-brush clearing, prescribed burning) close towhere people live. To accomplish that, werecommend an increase in federal funding

of $2 billion per year for the next fiveyears.

Meanwhile, the President’s plan, nowembraced by Colorado Congressman ScottMcInnis and others in Congress, wouldthrow open all national forests to dramaticincrease in commercial logging. Ratherthan concentrating on the “red zone” nearhomes and communities, the Bush-McInnis plan would ineffectually spreadthinning efforts throughout the forest andencourage the cutting of large trees tomake the projects economically attractiveto timber companies.

This approach is wrong because itwould take out large, water conserving

trees (actually increas-ing fire danger) andwould fail to protectthe lives and homes ofpeople because itwould spread resourcestoo thin.

Worst of all, theBush-McInnis propos-als include eliminationof citizen opportunitiesto participate in deci-sions about theirnational forests. Itwould reduce or curtailcomment periods andwould weaken theNationalEnvironmental PolicyAct.

Their plan threatensthe forests, communities, and democracy.Our plan saves lives.

The Pacific Northwest research stationof the U.S. Forest Service has just pub-lished an important analysis of what needsto be done – and not done – to reduce firedanger.

The report states that “In all types ofthinnings if the slash is not treated, thenthe risk of increased crown fire isincreased.” It also says that, “Traditional

SUMMER FIRES IGNITEBAD FOREST PROPOSALSby Steve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative

The Colorado General Assembly met inspecial session July 8 through 11, respond-ing to the Governor’s call for revising thestate’s death penalty law and for respond-ing to this year drought and wildfires. Theopening array of bills introduced was dan-gerous, but environmental wisdom general-ly prevailed.

The most attention-getting bills of thesession would have authorized a state-wideballot question authorizing $10billion innew state debt (bonds) to build new dams.Introduced by Representative Diane Hoppe(R-Sterling) and Senator Jim Dyer (R-Centennial), the legislation would have pro-vided essentially no attention, let alongfunding, to sensible water conservation,sharing, or flexible distribution. Instead, itassumed that building more dams wouldsomehow make it rain more.

Sierra Club joined with other conserva-tion lobby groups to point out the fallaciesin the dams bill, reminding lawmakers thatbuilding more dams in a long termdrought just means that Colorado would

have more partially or completely emptyreservoirs, while destroying riparian habitatand postponing wise water planning that isneeded now. The bills were defeated incommittee.

Sierra Club also was successful in securea resolution of support from the legislaturefor a bill introduced by ColoradoCongressmen Hefley and Udall. That billwould direct the U.S. Forest Service toconcentrate it work at reducing wildfirefuels in those areas where most lives are atstake, close to where people live.

The coalition of conservation lobbyistsalso helped secure a Senate resolution call-ing for more water conservation at statefacilities and calling on homeowner associ-ations to drop their convents requiringbluegrass and other water consumptivelandscaping.

The teamwork and fast response puttogether by Colorado environmentalistshelped make sure that our forests and

IMPORTANT VICTORIESAT STATE LEGISLATUREDAMS BILL STOPPED, SENSIBLE FIRES AND DROUGHTRESPONSE SUPPORTED

by Steve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative

- by Mark Itkonen, PhotographerThis year's wildfires have destroyed largeareas of drought-impacted forest and grasslands at Colorado's Dinosaur NationalMonument.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE CANDIDATES

See “Fire Legislation” on page 4 See “Ex-Com Statements” on page 6

See “State Victories” on page 7

Page 2: NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB PRESIDENT JENNIFER FERENSTEIN …lobby.la.psu.edu/_107th/123_Farm_Bill/...The Sierra Club has long agreed that the national forests are overloaded with crowd-ed,

Listservers

Let Your Legislators Know What YOU Think!

Peak & Prairie 2

Peak & PrairieOctober/November 2002 issue

Volume 36 – Number 5

Printed by Barnum Printing on recycled paper.

Published bimonthly by the ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER

OF THE SIERRA CLUB

1410 Grant Street, Suite B303Denver, CO 80203303-861-8819

303-861-2436 (FAX)

[email protected]

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL OFFICE

2260 Baseline Rd., Suite 105Boulder, CO 80302

303-449-5595303-449-6520 (FAX)

To notify us of your address change, call the office or e-mail us [email protected].

Editorial StaffEditor Karen [email protected]

Layout EditorTom [email protected]

Calendar EditorTim [email protected]

Conservation Editor/Ex-Com ContactKirk [email protected]

Photo EditorMark [email protected]

Advertising ManagerMatt [email protected]

SUBMISSIONSDEADLINE

for Dec 2002/Jan 2003 issue

Monday,

October 28, 2002

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

Letters to the Editor:

200 words or LESS

Chapter ContactsRocky Mountain ChapterOfficers & Ex-Com MembersGreg Casini* – Chair 303-861-2844Todd Chamberlin* – Vice Chair 720-406-0155Mark Collier – Treasurer 303-443-5482Roger J. Wendell – Secretary 303-693-4244Bill Myers* – Council Delegate 303-935-6810Kirk Cunningham* – Conservatn Chair 303-939-8519Peggy Malchow* 303-744-7684Ramon Ajero* 970-226-4126Kathy Glatz* 303-922-3425

*At-Large Ex-Com Members

Group Delegate Ex-Com MembersBlue River – Elaine Bennett 970-468-0100Enos Mills – JoLynn Jarboe 303-753-0470High Plains – Roger Wendell 303-693-4244Indian Peaks – Macon Cowles 303-447-3062Mt Evans – Ed Lambert 303-674-0459Mt Sopris – OPENPikes Peak – Larry Skiffington 719-685-9365Poudre Canyon – Mark Easter 970-224-9214Rachel Carson – Roger Davenport 303-278-2926Sangre de Cristo – Anne Cain 719-489-2056South Platte – Charlie Oriez 303-798-3236Trappers Lake – John Eastman 970-736-0578

Uncompahgre – Eric Rechel 970-242-4863Weminuche – Jan Holt 970-382-8840

Chapter Conservation Chair– Kirk Cunningham 303-939-8519

Ecosystems ClusterMining – Rob Corkran 970-225-3713National Forests – Marty Walter 303-447-2059

– Scott Hatfield 303-413-1516Public Lands – Clee Seeling 970-858-9659Water Resources – Steve Glazer 970-349-6646Wilderness – 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 303-433-2608Pueblo Depot – Ross Vincent 719-561-3117Rocky Flats – Bill Kossack 303-464-1833

Rocky Mtn Arsenal – Sandy Horrocks 303-470-1352Water Quality – Kirk Cunningham 303-939-8519

Public Policy/Personal Choices ClusterAgriculture – OPENEnergy – Cindy Johnson 303-741-8525International / Trade – Robert Cohen 303-443-4884Lifestyles Education – JoLynn Jarboe 303-753-0470

– Mary Ramano 303-388-0911Population – Fred Elbel 303-220-7499Solid Waste – Cherie Trine 970-472-9828Transportation – OPEN

Other CommitteesLegislative – Kirpal Singh 303-871-6779Membership – OPENOutings – Patricia Berman 303-691-9255Political – Peggy Malchow 303-744-1684Volunteer Development 303-861-8819Webmaster – Todd Hollar 303-282-8422

[email protected] – Mark Collier 303-443-5482

[email protected]

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/

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, 202-226-4623 (fax)720-283-9772 (Littleton)www.house.gov/tancredo/

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 mes-

sage back asking you to confirm your e-mail subscription message(this is to discourage spammers who subscribe to lists solely toharvest addresses). Merely respond to that message with the wordOK, 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] 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 [email protected] Sierra Club [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

COLORADO

EXECUTIVE BRANCHBill Owens, Governor (R) 303-866-2471136 State CapitolDenver, CO [email protected]/gov_dir/governor_office.html

Lt. Governor Rogers (R) 303-866-2087Secretary of State Davidson (R) 303-894-2200Treasurer Coffman (R) 303-866-2441Attorney General Salazar (D) 303-866-4500

LEGISLATIVE BRANCHColorado 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) 303-866-4883

Colorado House of RepsSpeaker of the House Doug Dean (R) 303-866-2348Majority 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 DIVISION OF WILDLIFE (DOW)Russell George, Director

6060 Broadway, Denver, CO 80216

Fax: 303-294-0874E-mail: [email protected]

Page 3: NATIONAL SIERRA CLUB PRESIDENT JENNIFER FERENSTEIN …lobby.la.psu.edu/_107th/123_Farm_Bill/...The Sierra Club has long agreed that the national forests are overloaded with crowd-ed,

3 October/November 2002

Chapter Flexes ItsPolitical Muscle

Election season is upon us and the Rocky MountainChapter’s Election Action Committee is in full swing. Themission of the Election Action Committee (EAC) is toelect more environmental candidates and to make theenvironment an important issue in campaigns this year.

Organizationally, the Chapter is creating the infrastruc-ture to involve more volunteers in candidate campaigns andto develop a cadre of trained liaisons to our priority racesfrom our local groups. Ultimately, by doing this we willshow that through the strength of the Sierra Club member-ship in Colorado, we can have an impact on elections.

The EAC has targeted a dozen state-level races for involvement of activists and sup-port of pro-environment candidates. The following criteria have been used in selectingtargeted campaigns:

• Close races where we can make the difference on election day• Races where we can have an impact by either winning or sowing the seeds for suc-

cess in future campaigns• Districts with large numbers of Sierra Club members• Races in communities adjacent to a Sierra Club stronghold that need help

The EAC has recruited and trained volunteer “sparkplugs” to enter targeted campaignsto assist with campaign activities and to raise the level of awareness about the environ-ment in the 2002 campaign. Sparkplugs serve as liaisons between their home groups andthe EAC by recruiting volunteers from those groups to work on campaigns.

Sparkplugs have been trained in volunteer recruitment and management, organizingletter-writing campaigns, running phone banks, and walking precincts. Each sparkplughas been assigned to a pro-environment candidate’s campaign, where they are coordinat-ing and energizing our campaign work as a Sierra Club representative.

Our Sparkplugs have determined the type of support that is needed in their assignedcampaigns and are organizing Sierra Club volunteers in their area to accomplish thosetasks. I hope you will join us at some level to lend your time and talent to the environ-mental movement in this critical election season. In such a pivotal year, support for pro-environment candidates is essential!

Help Pro-Environment candidates win in 2002

Raise the level of the environment in the election

Show the political power of Colorado’s 20,000 Sierra Clubmembers

To find out more, please contact Susan LeFever at 303.861.8819 [email protected]. �

There are alternatives to soot, smog, and smokestacks. Today,proven technologies are available to address our energy needsefficiently, without compromising either our health or our environ-ment. Support a brighter future for energy. Join the Sierra Club.

VIEW FROM

THE CHAIR

Greg CasiniRMC Chair

What’s Happening atthe Chapter Office?

Welcome to several new staff people in the Denver office!

First is Deb Robison, the new Environmental VoterEducation Campaign staff person in Denver. Deb was vol-unteering for us on the Legislative Committee and theElection Action Committee when we convinced her to takethis job to educate the public about federal candidates’records on the environment. Many candidates want to beseen as “green,” and sometimes we have to step in and be the “environmentaltruth squad.” Deb has worked previously as a Japanese translator and in theGovernor’s trade office. She has a terrific instinct for organizing and getting mediaattention for our issues, and she is always looking for people to go hiking with her.

In September, Eric Huber started as a Senior Staff Attorney for the Club work-ing out of the Boulder office. After graduating from CU, Eric was an attorney atEarthJustice for seven years. He will be litigating cases nationwide with an emphasison the Rocky Mountain region, working initially on clean water and forestry relat-ed cases. He lives with his wife Becky, a massage therapist, and their 5-year-old son,Asa. They enjoy hiking, camping and backpacking.

Fort Collins activist Janna Six has also been working for us on a short-termbasis to promote our Renewable Energy Campaign and encourage Xcel to investmore in wind power. In September, she organized a rally at Xcel headquarters inDenver to deliver 4000 citizen postcards to the Colorado Vice President of thecompany.

Finally, we are very excited to begin our John Wade Internship this fall, as away to connect the Sierra Club and environmental issues with Colorado’s FaithCommunity. Alicia Roxanne Forde is a third year Master of Divinity student atThe Iliff School of Theology and is interested in exploring the reality of bridgingthe gap between spiritual/religious communities and environmental concerns with-in our local and world community. She got her Bachelors degree at UNC, and hastraveled around the world as a member of the Air Force and Air National Guard.She is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church. �

Susan LeFeverChapter Director

On July 24, 2002, important legislationto protect wetlands and other waters wasintroduced by Senator Russ Feingold (WI)and Congressmen James Oberstar (MN)and John Dingell (MI). The Clean WaterAuthority Restoration Act of 2002, S.2780 and H.R. 5194, is in response to the2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling whichdealt a serious blow to the protection ofthe nation’s waters by narrowing federalauthority to control water pollution. In astatement applauding the legislation, SierraClub Environmental Quality Director EdHopkins noted, “this bill clarifies thatCongress intends for Clean Water Act pro-tection to extend to all of the nation’swaters, including the so-called isolated wet-lands, streams, ponds and other waterbod-ies that play such an integral role in ourenvironment.”

Isolated wetlands and other waters,including prairie potholes, playa lakes,bogs, fens, vernal pools, Carolina Bays andother systems provide floodwater storage,filtration of pollutants, recharge of ground-water and critical habitat for many speciesof birds, fish and wildlife.

The Supreme Court ruling in SolidWaste Agency of Northern Cook County(SWANCC) v. Army Corps of Engineersoverturned the federal government’s long-held authority under the Clean Water Actto protect non-navigable, intrastate, isolat-ed wetlands, streams and other waterbodiesfrom pollution based on their use bymigratory birds. The Court’s 5-4 majorityopinion went beyond the ruling by throw-ing into question whether federal CleanWater Act protections apply to any wet-lands, streams and other waters that maybe considered isolated. In the wake of con-fusion created by the Court’s opinion,varying interpretations have been appliedby the agencies and in the courts. In someareas of the country, the ruling was seen assetting aside federal protection of all watersthat are not immediately adjacent to riversand streams used for navigation.

The current situation is aggravated bythe Bush Administration’s failure, for over ayear and a half, to issue a guidance inter-preting the Court’s ruling. So-called “isolat-

ed” waters provide critical ecological func-tions, and yet they are at risk of being con-sidered beyond the reach of the CleanWater Act, if regulatory officials and courtsapply the non-scientific standard that suchwaters do not have a direct surface connec-tion to other bodies of water. It is estimatedthat as much as 20 to 30 percent of thenation’s wetlands might be deemed “isolat-ed” on that basis. In the short term, a guid-ance would limit the ability of regulatoryofficials and others to make arbitrary deci-sions removing wetlands from jurisdiction.

S. 2780 and H.R. 5194 provide thelong-term solution. The legislation wouldclarify that Congress intends for CleanWater Act protections to apply to all suchwaters as waters of the United States, basedon a longstanding definition of waters ofthe United States in Army Corps ofEngineers regulations. The bills would alsodelete the word “navigable” from the CleanWater Act to clarify that the primary con-cern of Congress in 1972, and now, is theprotection of the nation’s waters from pol-lution, rather than just to sustain the navi-gability of waterways.

“Thirty years after the Clean Water Actwas passed to ‘restore and maintain thechemical, physical and biological integrityof our nation’s waters,’ we know a wholelot more about how to make that happen,”noted Ed Hopkins. “We know thatstreams, ponds and wetlands interact andfunction together as part of our water envi-ronment. They are really not isolated, andif we want to minimize flooding, haveclean water, and provide habitat for themany species that depend on our waters,we should safeguard all the various kinds ofwaterbodies.”

A few states have their own regulationswhich limit pollution discharges, filling,ditching and draining affecting isolatedwaters. The majority of states do not havelaws and regulations to fill the void. In thewake of the SWANCC ruling, a successfuleffort (in which the Sierra Club was instru-mental) was waged in Senator Feingold’shome state of Wisconsin to adopt a new

Sierra Club Applauds Legislationto Restore Vital Clean Water Protections

See “Clean Water” on page 7

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Peak & Prairie 4

The Message to the Forest Service isClear: Protect Communities First!

The Forest Service should redirect itsresources to make protecting people andcommunities from wildfires its top priority,according to a plan released today by acoalition of environmental organizations.Given President Bush’s August announce-ment of a fire policy framework based ongutting forest safeguards, the Sierra Club,The Wilderness Society, American Lands,and other environmental groups proposed a$10 billion plan based on research byForest Service scientists as a blueprint forthe Bush Administration and the ForestService.

It’s time for bold actions that willdefend communities like GlenwoodSprings, Durango, and other towns threat-ened by wildfires. America needs the ForestService to make protecting lives and com-munities from fires its number-one mission.Putting Forest Service resources to worksafeguarding communities at risk of fire,this plan will save lives, save homes, andultimately save money.

Decades of fire suppression, overloggingand recent years of drought led to thissummer’s wildfires, such as the fires wit-nessed in Colorado this year. In an effortto work cooperatively with theAdministration, the Forest Service andlocal communities, this plan calls for fund-ing and personnel to be focused inCommunity Protection Zones, so no com-munities remain at unnecessary risk.

“Decades of fire suppression, combinedwith severe drought, now put many com-munities near forests at risk,” said GregAplet, Forest Ecologist for The WildernessSociety. “We need to concentrate our forestrehabilitation efforts where they do the mostgood, where people live.”

“If we put people first, we’ll do twothings: we’ll focus people where the peopleare, and we’ll put enough workers on thejob to protect the people,” said RogerKennedy, former Director of the NationalPark Service. “That means tinder-reduction- not timber production, in the communi-ty protection zone. And it means that wehave to get serious about protecting boththe people there and the people who wouldhave to rescue them from fires. This is theright plan.”

The seven-point plan includes:• Do the most important work first.

Make protection of communitiesfrom fires the Forest Service’sNumber One Priority.

• Provide meaningful funding. Thisprogram should be a minimum offive years and funded at $2 billion ayear to go directly to fireproofinghomes and removing hazardous fuelsin the Community ProtectionZones.

• Match personnel to work. ShiftForest Service personnel skilled inpreparing brush clearing and thin-ning projects from backcountry, lowpriority areas to the CommunityProtection Zones.

• Carry out immediately the vastmajority of fuel reduction projectsin the Community Protection Zonesthat raise no significant environ-mental issues.

• Restore natural fires to have naturalforests. Prescribed burns can help toreduce fuel buildup and restorehealthy forest habitats.

• Protect our ancient and wild forestfrom logging and logging roads.

• Stop the attack on forest protectionsafeguards

“No community deserves to be left atrisk of wildfire,” said Harlin Savage,Southern Rockies Organizer for AmericanLands Alliance. “The Forest Service shouldfocus its people and resources onCommunity Protection Zones, not letthem be diverted to lower-priority back-country projects.”

A wide range of environmental groupscontributed to the development, ideas andinformation behind this policy. Theyinclude: the Sierra Club, The WildernessSociety, Natural Resources DefenseCouncil, Center for Biological Diversity,American Lands, National ForestProtection Alliance, Oregon NaturalResources Council, Hells CanyonPreservation Council, The Lands Council,National Environmental Trust, US PublicInterest Research Group, World WildlifeFund, Northwest Ecosystem Alliance,California Wilderness Coalition, SouthwestForest Alliance, Pacific BiodiversityInstitute and others. �

Environmental Groups Offer ACommon Vision On Fire PolicySteve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative

The Sierra Club’s national conservationpriority campaign on our national forests,End Commercial Logging (ECL), hasbeen making great progress. In April, over200 esteemed scientists signed on to a let-ter endorsing ECL. Meanwhile, theNational Forest Protection andRestoration Act (H.R. 1494), a corner-stone of the ECL campaign, has contin-ued to gain cosponsors and is now morethan half way to a majority in Congress.

Faced with these successes, the timberindustry has launched a cynical mediacampaign to blame forest protection forthis summer’s fires in the drought-strickenWest. Nothing could be further from thetruth. Numerous scientific reports haveshown that logging actually increases firerisk and severity. The government’sNational Fire Plan states, “removal of large,merchantable trees from forests does notreduce fire risk and may, in fact, increasethat risk.” Logging removes the large treesthat are most fire resistant and opens upthe canopy, making the forest hotter, drier,and more fire prone.

Fire is a natural and necessary part ofwestern forest ecosystems. However, thelegacy of logging and fire suppression hasleft some forests likely to burn hotter.Because of this, scientists and environmen-talists have supported efforts to supplementprescribed burning with ‘manual treatment’when necessary to restore a healthy fire ecol-ogy. These treatments may involve somecutting, but are very different from what wethink of as logging.

As the Forest Service’s Fire SpecialistDenny Truesdale stated, “What is neededis to take care of the underbrush and drytwigs. The majority of the material thatwe need to take out is not commercialtimber. It is up to three and four inches indiameter. We can’t sell it.”

But the timber industry doesn’t want toprune brush; it wants to cut big treesbecause big trees mean big profits. So therehas been tremendous pressure on theForest Service to turn so-called fire riskreduction projects into the same olddestructive logging as usual that cuts largetrees and actually increases fire risk. We areseeing many examples of this throughoutthe national forest system.

Our forests don’t need repackaged tim-ber sales. They need genuine, noncom-mercial restoration, as only H.R. 1494will provide. Contrary to timber industrymisinformation, this bill does not pre-clude any activity necessary for ecologicalrestoration and it includes clear provisionsfor fire risk reduction. Moreover, H.R.1494 ensures the funding for this work.

At present, the Forest Service’s timbersale program operates at net loss to tax-payers of over a billion dollars per year!H.R. 1494 ends this wasteful and destruc-tive program and redirects funds into non-commercial restoration, as well as wooduse reduction and more than $300 millionper year in taxpayer savings. Please askyour Congressperson to oppose the decep-tive new bait-and-switch logging scamsand stand up for our national forests bycosponsoring H.R.1494. �

BE A PART OFOUR CHAPTER’S SUCCESSENERGY COMMITTEE MEMBERSHelp us make Colorado the nation's leader in renewable energy & energy efficiency! Currentprojects include: developing informational materials, community outreach, website develop-ment and organizing educational tours of renewable energy sites. For more information, con-tact Cindy Johnson at 303-741-8525 or Greg Casini at 303-861-2844.

MEMBERSHIP CHAIRAre you a people person? Help build the Sierra Club as our Membership Chair. Plan new mem-ber orientations, help with mailings, promote membership at events and activities, and developyour own creative ideas for recruiting and retaining members. Contact Greg Casini at 303-315-3309 or [email protected].

OFFICE VOLUNTEERS Do you want a nice easy task without too much responsibility? Do you have available timeweekdays between 9-5? The Chapter office sends out large mailings about every six weeks,and we could use your help. It's a fun and easy way to help us reach out to members and thepublic about important environmental issues. Or, if you'd like a more regular schedule, you canhelp with front office and reception on a weekly basis. Since it's sometimes hard to park down-town, public transit is your best bet. Call Libby Tart at 303-861-8819, or [email protected].

OUTINGS VICE CHAIR Be a part of the growing RMC Outings Program. Need help with compiling a leaders list, acti-vating a Metro Denver Outings Program, and marketing outings to the chapter. Contact PatriciaBerman at 303-691-9255 or [email protected].

- by Mark Itkonen, PhotographerFourth from the front, Troy Scott Parker of Boulderleads two dozen volunteers to repair fire damage andto improve hiking trails as part of the CheesmanCanyon Restoration Project. The volunteers spentabout six hours on August 25 reseeding burnt areasand making trail improvements to help maintain theecology of this prime trout habitat.

salvage harvests do little to reduce crownfire hazard. In these harvests, crown bulkdensities, ladder fuels, and crown baseheights are little changed by the removal ofa few trees, and the potential for severe firemay actually be increased, if the fuels arenot reduced.”

The Forest Service report continues,“The wildland-urban interface is wherepeople face the greatest risk from severewildfires...[they] seem like a good place tostart.”

Meanwhile, it is important to note that,in the four years since the Forest Service’sfire program began, Sierra Club has notappealed or protested a single logging proj-ect or prescribed burn in Colorado (or inMontana, Wyoming, New Mexico,

Arizona, or Utah, for that matter) thatwould genuinely reduce fire danger wherepeople live. We have opposed the portionsof some projects that would remove mois-ture conserving big trees.

What You Can DoTell the President, U.S. Representative

and Senators, and your local newspaperthat you support reducing fire danger nearcommunities through careful thinning andprescribed burning near those communi-ties. Tell them that you oppose the Bush-McInnis plan because it will actuallyincrease fire danger while not protectingcommunities.

For more information, please contactSteve Smith – (303) 449-5595,[email protected]. �

Fire Legislation • from page 1

Getting Burned by the Timber IndustryDouglas BevingtonVolunteer Outreach Liaison for the Sierra Club’s ECL Committee

HOLIDAY SHOP

FOR COLORADO

WILDERNESS!NATURE’S OWN to donate

profits from your purchases

by Steve Smith, Associate SouthwestRegional Representative

Wouldn’t it be great if every penny ofyour holiday shopping could also help saveColorado’s wonderful wild places? Thisyear it can! From November 1st – 27th,just shop at any of the five Nature’s Ownstores and say “I support Colorado wilder-ness” at the register, and Nature’s Ownwill donate 100 percent of the purchaseprice to the protection of Colorado wilder-ness. Your shopping dollars will assist theColorado Wilderness Network – includingSierra Club – in its efforts to permanentlyprotect 1.65 million acres of Colorado’sspectacular and wild canyon lands.

Nature’s Own has great gift ideas foreverybody on your list: locally-made jewel-ry, minerals, fossils, science toys, carvedstone, books, artwork, and more. Formore information, visit www.cowilderness-network.org or call Steve Smith – (303)449-5595, (970) 945-4490,[email protected]. �

NATURE’S OWNStore Locations

Boulder: Crossroads Mall1700 28th Street303-544-0592

Estes Park: 125 E. Elkhorn Avenue970-577-0277

Fort Collins: 201 Linden Avenue970-484-9701

Breckenridge: 411 S. Main Street970-453-2946

Nederland: 5 E. First Street303-258-3557

www.naturesown.com- by Mark Itkonen, PhotographerA broken beer bottle is all that is left of this burntgrassland at Dinosaur National Monument.

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5 October/November 2002

The creation of affordable housing,which is defined as housing consuming nomore than 30% of a family’s income, hasbeen a continued Sierra Club national andchapter priority for several years. Providingaffordable housing is also the number onepriority of the U.S. Conference of Mayorsand is being addressed nationally by theSierra Club endorsed National HousingTrust Fund legislation sponsored by Sen.John Kerry (Mass) and Rep. BernardSanders (VT). Both Rep. Udall and Rep.DeGette are cosponsors of this legislation,while the rest of Colorado’s congressionaldelegation remains opposed to creating thishousing trust fund.

Affordable housing provides connec-tions to transit, builds communities,reduces air and water pollution from longwork and lifestyle commutes, and providesmajor environmental benefits. Currently,more than 80% of the teachers in DouglasCounty cannot afford to live in their coun-ty. On the west slope, counties such asLake have more than 70% of their popula-tion commute to jobs outside their county(usually to Breckenridge and Vail) creatinggreater air and water pollution, excess needfor roads, and community stresses causedby long commutes.

What’s New and Old aboutAffordable Housing

A 39-member coalition of conservation,community redevelopment, housinggroups, faith based, and progressive organi-zations have united since 2000 to form theColorado Affordable Housing Trust Fundcoalition. The goal is a $15 millionstatewide affordable housing trust that willprovide housing for people earning up to80% of area median income ($48K in themetro Denver area). The Sierra Club sits asa member of the Steering Committee ofthis organization.

Legislative Success –Governor’s Vetoes

Housing advocates andthe Sierra Club failed andsucceeded last session. TheSierra Club testified infavor of the Low IncomeHousing Tax Credit, butthis bill died in HouseAppropriations. TheSierra Club testified infavor of creation of a MetropolitanAffordable Housing District. This bill wasdefeated in the House. Later in the session,due to Sierra Club and Colorado Coalitionof the Homeless’s lobbying efforts, it wasre-introduced by Sen. Rob Hernandez inthe Senate, where it passed with widebipartisan support. It died in the HouseLocal Government Committee, with Rep.Glenn Scott (R-Wtr)) casting the decidingnegative vote.

The one success was a baseline increaseof the Division of Housing’s budget from$2.6 million to $2.9 million. This dividedthe legislature during the budget debate.Governor Owens had supported anincrease in the budget to $4 million. Oncethe session ended, however, Governor Bill(flip-flop) Owens line item vetoed theentire affordable housing budget, eliminat-ing affordable housing for 2002-3.

The coalition and the Sierra Clubintend to pursue the creation of an afford-able housing trust fund this coming legisla-tive session, with better results.

For further information, or to help pro-vide legislative support for affordable hous-ing, contact Sierra Club housing advocates:Bill Myers, 303-935-6810, [email protected] Environmental Justice Chair KathyGlatz, [email protected]. �

Affordable Housing Trust Fund UpdateBill Myers, Affordable Housing Issue Liaison, RMC Air Quality ChairSierra Club, Challenge to Sprawl Campaign Committee Priority Campaign Member

The Sierra Club Rocky MountainChapter, together with 21 other groups,paid for a study of the economic impactsof a statewide affordable housing program.The draft report (full release in September2002), developed by Economic andPlanning Systems, showed the community,social, and economic impacts that a $26.5million housing trust fund might have.

In Colorado, affordable housing needsremain a crisis. The Division of Housingidentifies the need for 107,170 housingunits (2,000 emergency shelter, 47,600deep subsidy rentals, 18,880 workerrentals, and 38,690 subsidized homeown-ership units), half of which could be metby an affordable housing trust fund.

The non-renewal of the Low IncomeHousing Tax Credit and Governor Owens’sveto of the Division of Housing’s $2.9 mil-lion line item for affordable housing hasleft Colorado without significant fundingto meet these affordable housing needs.

Community and SocialBenefits

Health – Helping families to move intobetter quality housing, elimination of lead-based paint hazards, and savings in publichealth care costs.

Family Stability – 3,800 low-incomehouseholds will have access to decentaffordable housing, leading to a betterchance at school success for children.

Growth and Transportation – Providingaffordable housing opportunities nearemployment centers will limit sprawl andtraffic congestion. Shorter commute timeswill build community participation in civicand school activities.

Welfare to Work – Colorado familiescan expect increased access to work andemployment success.

Economic Development – A diversityof housing types near employment centersenhances Colorado’s competitive positionin attracting and retaining business.

Economic BenefitsEmployment – More than 2,800 new

jobs will be directly and indirectly support-ed.

Spending – Nearly $295 million of neweconomic activity from construction andreal estate related activity.

Construction – This industry will have$159 million in spending and 1,145 jobs.

Real Estate – An additional $1.2 mil-lion and 4 new jobs.

Tax Revenues – Increased business andhousehold spending (by reducing therent/housing burden) will generate sales taxrevenue of $4.3 million, new property taxrevenue of $2.8 million, and $1.8 millionin state income tax revenue.

Spending Patterns – Former rent/hous-ing burdened households will have an aver-age of $2,460 annual income to spend onother goods, including health care, food,and transportation.

Funding SourcesA smaller study by EPS examined possi-

ble funding sources for a statewide housingtrust fund. The two best sources for rev-enue were found to be a real estate transferfee or a documentary recording fee.

The Sierra Club looks forward to work-ing in coalition with other groups to pro-mote an affordable housing trust fund thiscoming political season. �

Economic Impacts of AffordableHousing in Colorado ImpressiveKathy Glatz, Environmental Justice ChairBill Myers, Sierra Club Affordable Housing Issue Liaison, Challenge to Sprawl Campaign Committee

The DroughtContinues…Compiled by Mary Romano andthe Lifestyles EducationCommittee

Colorado is in the midst of itsworst drought in the past 25 years(in some areas of Colorado, it isthe worst in over 100 years).Storage levels in local reservoirs arevery low and we will continue to need to be extremely frugal withour water use for at least the next year.

While landscaping is by far the biggest water user, opportuni-ties for conservation exist inside the home as well. An individualmay use as much as 60 to 80 gallons of water each day. This is agreat time to implement water-wise habits. Here are some ideas:

Change Your Habits • When you wash your hands, wet them, turn off the water,

soap up, and turn it back on to rinse.

• Don’t leave water running while shaving or brushing teeth.• Don’t rinse dishes before putting them into the dishwasher. • When washing dishes by hand, use a pan or smaller wash-

basin. Rinse items in a rinse basin. • Clean produce in a small basin or pan. • Use water more than once: dump water used for dishes or

rinsing vegetables onto your outside landscape. • Reduce use or eliminate the garbage disposal. It’s better to

start a compost pile (free nutrients for your yard and gar-den).

• Limit time in the shower to less than five minutes. • Do not flush with every use: flush only when necessary. • Run clothes and dish washers only with full loads.

Change Your Hardware• Install water-saving devices such as low-flow showerheads. • An easy, low-cost helper is an on/off aerator for your

kitchen sink. • If your appliances are old and about to be replaced anyway,

replace them with newer high-efficiency models. Toiletsthat use 1.6 gallons per flush are available. High-efficiencyclothes washers now use approximately 40 percent lesswater and energy than existing models.

• Find and repair all leaks. Fix a runny toilet ASAP. Thiscould waste as much as 4,000 gallons per day.

• Install a toilet dam (a simple plastic bottle filled with sandand water).

Cool it Outdoors• Check with your water provider for limitations to times,

days, duration, and conditions for watering landscape.Some restrictions have changed now that fall is here.Denver has restricted all watering of turf after Oct. 1.Special advice is available to ensure trees survive.

• Many municipalities have restrictions on washing outdoorsurfaces. Don’t hose the driveway; sweep it instead.

• Check with your water provider to verify that washing yourcar is allowed. If you wash your car, do so with a bucket on acool day. Soap the car, rinse with fresh water from the buck-et, then share the water with your landscape. �

Additional information is available at:Denver Water: 303-893-2444; http://www.denverwater.comBoulder Public Works: 303-441-4426;

http://www.ci.boulder.co.us/publicworks/depts/utilities/drought/Colorado Springs Utilities: http://www.csu.org/Fort Collins Utilities: http://www.ci.fort-

collins.co.us/water/drought.phpKOAA Online: The Drought Project http://www.koaa.com/com-

munity/features/drought_project/Drought and Fire Resources from Colorado State

University: http://www.ext.colostate.edu/NOAA site on drought: http://www.drought.noaa.gov/Climate Prediction Center Drought Outlook:

http://www.cpc.ncep.noaa.gov/products/expert_assessment/season-al_drought.html

Pesticides PoisonColorado FarmWorkersby Kimi JacksonAs we enjoy the bounty of harvest season,the farm workers who pick our crops wouldlike us to be aware of the dangers workersface year after year. These dangers are illus-trated in a report released by Colorado LegalServices, Migrant Farm Worker Division.The report, Hidden Costs: Farm WorkersSacrifice their Health to Put Food on OurTables, examines a survey of migrant farmworkers conducted in Colorado during the2001 growing season. The detailed surveyasked for information about the farm workers’experience with pesticides, training and med-ical conditions.

The report shows that Colorado farmworkers frequently experience pesticide poi-soning, and that many employers illegallyplace their workers’ health and lives in danger.For example, fifty-nine percent of the sur-veyed farm workers reported that they hadnever received training in pesticide safety,which is required under United States laws.After working in the fields, forty-nine percentof the farm workers reported experiencingskin irritation, headaches, or inflamed eyes.

Current compliance levels appear to bevery low. In 2001, United StatesEnvironmental Protection Agency inspectorsfound that ninety-one percent of inspectedColorado growers were in violation of pesti-cide safety laws. Increased compliancewould lead to fewer pesticide exposures andfewer poisonings of farm workers.

“The workers are treated as disposable”,says Kimi Jackson, director of ColoradoLegal Services’ Casillas Pesticide ActionProject (CPAP). “If they get injured or sick,employers think they can just get more. Butthe workers are human beings with familiesto feed.”

CPAP’s name honors the memoryof José Casillas, a seventeen-year-old farm worker who died after beingsprayed with pesticides twice duringa seven-day period. Lacking pesti-cide training, he thought he hadbeen sprayed with water and he con-tinued wearing his contaminatedclothing and even slept in it.

For a copy of the report, contact KimiJackson at 970-353-7554 [email protected].

- by Mark Itkonen, PhotographerWater levels at Lake Granby,source of the Colorado River, areat historic lows.

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Peak & Prairie 6

As some wag once observed, “Thefuture isn’t what it used to be.” That cer-tainly holds true for our wildlife. Here inColorado, over the past two years, equi-table, credible wildlife decision-making(the kind that balances all interests and fos-ters the consent and good will of the gen-eral public) has been replaced with a wild-ly-skewed, special-interest-ridden systemthat routinely disregards the wishes of gen-eral public and the needs of the verywildlife it is supposed to protect. As aresult, responsible wildlife management hasindeed become an endangered species inColorado.

Shortly after taking office, GovernorOwens began packing Colorado’s wildlifepower structure. A pro-development, ex-Club 20 Director, Greg Walcher, nowheads the Colorado Department of NaturalResources (DNR), and a term-limited ex-legislator and lawyer, Russell George, headsthe Division of Wildlife; the first DOWDirector in history with no professionaltraining or experience in wildlife manage-ment. Mr. Walcher has since hired a for-mer Mountain StatesLegal Foundation stafferas DNR’s EndangeredSpecies Coordinatorand another as DOW’sLegislative Liaison.DNR now also routine-ly vets all mid- andupper-level DOW hiresand maintains a stran-glehold on DOW’spublic information,reviewing DOW’s pressreleases and demandingthat DOW staff referpress and public queries to DNR.

Owens and Walcher have also packedthe Colorado Wildlife Commission withspecial interests. Five of the nineCommissioners now have direct ties tolivestock and ranching; two more work inreal estate development and construction.Behind the scenes, Walcher andCommissioner of Agriculture Don Ament,a rancher, wield enormous influence asnon-voting Commission members.

For wildlife, the results have been disas-trous. Special interests routinely trump the

expert recommendations of DOW biolo-gists. Colorado’s lynx reintroduction pro-gram is currently held hostage by DNRand Wildlife Commission demands for an“Experimental/Non-Essential” (ENE) des-ignation for our tiny lynx population. AnENE designation would enable ranchersand others to kill lynx with virtually norisk of prosecution. In the meantime, thefew remaining lynx gradually vanish intomemory, too widely dispersed to findmates and reproduce.

In another special-interest fiasco, theWildlife Commission recently bowed thepressure from hawking clubs to falconers tocapture of peregrine falcon chicks from thewild for use in their sport. In so doing, theCommission ignored the pleas of DOWbiologists, overwhelming public testimony,and even its own public commitment twoyears prior not to allow any private takeuntil a five-year monitoring period hadpassed and the results were analyzed. TheDenver Post reported their bizarre decisionthe next day under the headline,“Commission flouts falcon pact.”

The DOW’s once-highly-regarded publicprocess is now also rou-tinely violated to thepoint of chaos. DOWrecommendations arereleased for public com-ment at the very lastminute, sometimes evenafter the public com-ment deadline haspassed. Votes are some-times taken on issuesthat never appear on thepublished agenda, and

Commission Chair Rick Enstrom often cutsenvironmental testimony short. At least onerecent attempt by Enstrom to short-circuittestimony was actually declared illegal by theCommission’s own legal counsel. EvenPublic notification of official DNR andDOW wildlife meetings is manipulated andselective. When environmental groupslearned about a major DOW meeting afterreading about it in the paper the next day,Director George responded to complaints by

As you read this, the U.S. Senate andHouse of Representatives continue workon national energy legislation, attemptingto combine and compromise between aterrible bill approved by the House and anonly modestly better bill passed by theSenate.

The House version would, amongmany other things:

• open the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge coastal plain to oil drilling;

• reduce environmental protectionsand citizen input on oil and gas pro-duction in Colorado and other west-ern states;

• eliminate existing protections formany roadless and fragile publiclands;

• mandate rapid expansion of coaland uranium fueled power plants,again compromising environmentalreview and protections on the way;

• provide only token support torenewable energy and energy effi-ciency, doing nothing to increase theefficiency of automobiles, our great-est consumers of oil.

The Senate bill would:• protect the Arctic Refuge from

drilling;

• streamline permits or oil and gasdrilling in the west;

• waive key provisions of the CleanWater Act to encourage productionof coal bed methane gas;

• actually reduce the fuel efficiency ofpickup trucks and SUVs.

As seen from that short list of examples,environmental advocates have little withwhich to work in seeking a sustainable,sensible, economical national energy policy.It is important that the final legislation notget worse. Your letters and calls are impor-tant in making that difficult effort moreeffective.

Colorado’s Senator Ben Campbell is amember of the House-Senate conferencecommittee on energy policy, so an especial-ly important person for Colorado SierraClub members to contact. Your letters toSenator Allard and to yourCongressmember are very important, too.

Much more information on the energyissue, including Sierra Club’s own recom-mendations for good policy is available atthe internet site: sierraclub.org or by con-tacting Steve Smith – (303) 449-5595,[email protected] �

There are currently 4 bills in the Houseof Representatives that address geneticengineering. Those bills are:

HB 4812 – GeneticallyEngineered Crops andAnimal FarmerProtection Act – thisbill provides protectionsto farmers and ranchersthat may be harmed eco-nomically by geneticallyengineered seeds, plants, or animals andensures fairness for farmers and ranchers intheir dealings with biotech companies thatsell genetically engineered seed, plants or

animals and for other purposes. This is tobe heard by the Committee on Agriculture.

HB 4813 – Genetically EngineeredFood Safety Act – this bill amends theFederal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act withrespect to the safety of genetically engi-neered foods and for other purposes. Thisis to be heard by the Committee onEnergy and Commerce.

HB 4814 – Real Solutions to WorldHunger Act – this bill ensures that effortsto address world hunger through the use ofgenetically engineered animals and cropsactually help developing countries and peo-

National Energy Policy Debate at CrossroadsCALL NOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

by Steve Smith, Associate Southwest Regional Representative

See “Wildlife Management” on page 13 See “Genetic Engineering Bills” on page 7

Colorado’s Newest EndangeredSpecies: Wildlife Managementby Mike Smith, RMC Wildlife Chair

Genetic Engineering Safeguards

If your ballot is missing or if you haveany questions about the voting procedure,please call the Chapter office at (303) 861-8819.

Candidate statements follow in randomorder.

Roger WendellI’ve been active with the Sierra Club

since 1988, having previously served as anAt-Large member of the ExCom, Secretary,Outings Chair and Outings Webmaster forthe Chapter. For the High Plains GroupI’ve served as Chair, Secretary, Webmaster,Conservation Chair and ExCom delegate.

I’ve lead a number of hikes for theSierra Club in addition to assisting withthe Chapter’s Earth Day booth, annualretreat, People’s Fair events and numerousPeak & Prairie mailing parties.

I’ve spent most of my life in Coloradoand have watched it change dramatically. Ichoose to take action in preserving our envi-ronment, our quality of life, and the naturalworld that surrounds us. Serving as an At-Large member of the Chapter ExCom is anexcellent opportunity for me to continueserving our club and the environment.

Anne CainAfter a decade spent sailing around the

world, my husband and looking for moun-tains physical beauty, settled in PuebloCounty. I’ve always been keenly interested inenvironmental conservation and very quick-ly became involved most specifically withclean air issues in Pueblo. As ConservationChair and then as Chairperson for theSangre de Cristo Group, I’ve had the oppor-tunity of working with many others to pro-mote the choice of safer technology in thedisposal of the chemical weapons stored atthe Pueblo Chemical Depot. Our success inturning from incineration to neutraliza-tion/biodegradation was in large measure a

function of the broad base of participants.In part because of this experience I believethat one of the most important jobs facingthe Rocky Mountain Chapter of the SierraClub is that of building coalitions withranchers, farmers, labor unions and busi-nesses. We all have a stake in the environ-ment and need to seek areas of consensus.

Kirpal SinghI believe I would be an excellent mem-

ber of the Rocky Mountain Chapter’sExecutive Committee include my uniquebackground and my experience as a grass-roots organizer. Currently, I am student atthe University of Denver, College of Law. Icame to Denver after spending three year inAtlanta. Two of those years I worked asconservation organizer on the staff of theGeorgia Chapter. Prior to my time with theGeorgia Chapter, I ran canvass campaignsas a director in Evanston, Chicago, andAtlanta. I am only 27 years old and anIndian-American. I believe my organizingexperience coupled with my age and back-ground gives me a great perspective on whatis needed at the administrative/decision-making level to make a grassroots organiza-tion like the Rocky Mountain Chaptermore effective in protecting the environ-ment; while at the same time bringing peo-ple into the Chapter who have not been tra-ditionally represented.

Tony RuckelBackground: Life Member. Executive

Committee Rocky Mountain Chapter(1970s). National Board of Directors(1990s); President 1992-1993, Treasurer,Secretary. Founder, Rocky MountainOffice, Sierra Club Legal Defense Fund(Earth Justice). Staff Attorney, 14 years,emphasizing wilderness protection andmanagement of public lands/resources.Recipient Club’s William O. DouglasAward for lasting contributions to environ-mental law. Present national committees:

Legal, Litigation Approval, InvestmentAdvisory, Corporate Relations.

Statement: The planet cannot affordenvironmental policies determined by nar-row interests in Washington and elsewhere,taking advantage of the public’s worryabout economic, security, and internationalquestions to the exclusion of environmentalissues. Our chapters – the Rocky MountainChapter – are critical in raising the chorusof environmental concern. I am honored torun again for ExCom, and, if elected, Ipledge to work to protect public lands, nat-ural amenities of our urban space, and theair and water around us.

Lawrence Scott SkiffingtonI am a 4th Generation Colorado native

and Sierra Club Member for 30 years. Iattended college at C.U. — Boulderand Law School in Utah. My early environ-mental activist experience included: (1)serving as a founding Member of the C.U.Wilderness Study Group which performedlandmark work on Forest Service and BLMWilderness, (2) advocating as a lobbyist forthe Colorado Open Space Council and(3) working as a Staffer on land useissues for Governor Lamm. I have spent thepast 22 years practicing environmental andhealthcare law. I am also a CertifiedMediator. I currently serve on the PPGExcom and the RMC Excom, Political,Legislative, and Legal Committees. I amcommitted to the mission, prioritiesand programs of the Chapter, and look for-ward to serving you as Members State-wideas a steward of your Chapter’s programs andresources. I am excited about opportunitiesfor leadership, collaboration and strategicalliances with other environmentalgroups, organized labor and other diversegroups to enhance Colorado’s environment.

Dan FoshaI’ve been an active member for 4 years

with the Pikes Peak Group. Watching our

natural world steadily diminish motivated meto act. I have served many positions, asConservation Committee Co-chair as well aswildlife committee chair. I serve on the ElPaso County Preble’s Meadow JumpingMouse HCP team, and currently am leadinga campaign to protect open space at theColorado Springs Airport. I am the presidentof the Southeast Chapter of the ColoradoNative Plant Society, and serve on the boardof the Southern Plains Land Trust. Past expe-riences include spokesperson for Amendment24 as well as having attended two Sierra ClubAcademies, and the League of ConservationVoters Environmental Leadership Institute. Ifeel I would be an asset to the Chapter Ex-Comm., and hope that I will have the oppor-tunity to serve. I ask that you vote for me asan at-large candidate.

Petition Candidate – Bill MyersI am running to support the conserva-

tion community’s efforts to control sprawl,provide affordable housing and livable com-munities, protect open space, and keepurban environmental issues as necessary pri-orities for the Sierra Club.

Five years of my work to improve metroDenver air quality resulted in installation of

pollution controls on all 3 power plants,and increased visibility of 12 to 50 miles.

If re-elected, I will continue to energizeother volunteers, undertake the neededcampaign for a statewide affordable housingtrust fund, and RTD’s FasTracks for speedybuild-out of rail lines throughout Denver,increase the Club’s visibility and vitality,and improve its fundraising efforts. TheClub’s work on sprawl makes this an impor-tant issue that all voters support and insuresthe Chapter’s success.

Offices and Award: Conservationist ofthe Year 1999, Council Delegate, AirQuality Chair, Affordable Housing IssuesLiaison, national Challenge to SprawlCampaign committee member, 1998 –present. �

Ex-Com Statements • from page 1

- by Mark Itkonen, PhotographerThis elk cow has her head up and is callingout to the rest of the harem at RockyMountain National Park.

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7 October/November 2002

OPINIONDrought

It is depressing to read the words of experts (Peak & Prairie, Aug/Sep 2002)who correctly represent how we got into the present water situation here in theFront Range and who then make recommendations for long-term solutions thatwon’t solve the problem, e.g., innovative approaches in storage, use and conserva-tion.

On P.5 (“Banking the Water”) is a correct representation of how we got into thepresent water situation.

Our drought pinch stings more hotly because our state has expanded by onemillion new residents in the last ten years and another one million are sched-uled to arrive this decade.

Droughts are a matter of long record in the West, so no one, especially theexperts, should be surprised by droughts. For decades we have followed a very liber-al agenda of promoting population growth to the point where demand for waterexceeds the known supply in dry years. As the famous biologist Garrett Hardenobserves, “We don’t have a shortage of water, we have a longage of people.”

In response to the crisis, the experts tell us that the only long-range solution is tobuild more storage reservoirs. They forget that we have been building water storagefacilities for decades, and we are still in trouble. As long as population growth con-tinues, building more reservoirs is not a long-term solution to the problem.

Most of us would willingly reduce our per capita water consumption if we couldbe sure that the water thus saved would wind up in the streams as additional flowto support of the ecosystems of the streams. But we know this is not what happens.The water we save will be sold to new subdivisions at below cost. The saved waterthus becomes a subsidy for more growth which brings higher taxes and all of theproblems of crowding and congestion.

Carl Pope, the Executive Director of the Sierra Club, understands the popula-tion problem very well. Testifying before the U.S. Commission on PopulationGrowth and the American Future (1972), Pope said: (Vol.7, Pg.37-39):

The United States is in serious environmental trouble. Ecological systemsare not coping with the stresses imposed on them by the present human popula-tion, and as a result we are witnessing progressive deterioration of air, water,land, and our own internal biological and genetic environments. There arethree elements in this system. The first is the number of people; the secondis the impact which each person has on the ecosystem; the third is the systemitself, with its other species, feedback mechanisms, and naturalstabilizers. (emphasis added)

As was pointed out in “Banking the Water,” no end is in sight to populationgrowth in Colorado. From this it follows that no end is in sight to the water short-ages in Colorado or to the destruction of the environment in Colorado.

If we are to find a long-term solution to the water situation, and to saving theenvironment, we have to address the central causal problem which is populationgrowth.

Albert A. BartlettE-Mail: [email protected]

You can’t save prairies withoutJoe and Jane Farmer

By Debbie F. Slobe, Communications Team Leader, Playa Lakes Joint VentureWe’ve all heard the bad news about our nation’s prairies: they are in serious

decline and are one of the most endangered ecosystems in the world. We try to stopthis trend by fighting development, buying up land, and imposing federal regula-tions. But we sometimes overlook the one tactic that has immediate and positiveimpacts: partnering with private landowners.

In the Texas Panhandle, more than 90 percent of the native prairie habitat is pri-vately owned, as is much of the short and mid-grass prairie in other Great Plainsstates. Some environmental groups have shied away from approaching landowners;perhaps they assume they have no common conservation interests. But thatassumption is untrue. Landowners will do what makes sense economically, as anygood businessperson would. And there are many ways to make conservation on pri-vate land profitable, from the Farm Bill’s $17 billion in conservation dollars to pro-moting eco-tourism. Our challenge is to identify and support development of suchopportunities.

Many private landowners are already protecting prairie habitat in harmony withagricultural practices. Groups like the Sand Hills Task Force, Comanche PoolPrairie Resource Foundation, Rainwater Basin, and Playa Lakes Joint Venturesleverage funds, biological expertise and outreach efforts to benefit prairie wetlandsand uplands in the Great Plains states. These groups bring conservationists,hunters, state and federal wildlife agencies, corporations, and educators all to thesame table. The partnerships make for an effective, non-partisan front whenapproaching landowners.

If we are to preserve what’s left of our nation’s prairies, we must utilize every tac-tic available and realize that private landowners are also valued partners. Playa LakesJoint Venture urges Sierra Club chapters to get involved in such partnerships at thelocal level.

Contact info:Debbie F. SlobeCommunication Team LeaderPlaya Lakes Joint Venture103 E. SimpsonLafayette, CO 80026

TTrraaddee PPaaccttss CCaann MMaakkee UUnncclleeSSaamm PPaayy LLooccaall PPoolllluutteerrss!!!!!!

by Robert Cohen, RMC International and Trade Issues ChairYou may be shocked to learn that under Chapter 11 of the North American

Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), whose parties are Mexico, Canada, and the USA,Uncle Sam can be compelled to pay damages to foreign companies if their pollu-tion is banned by local, regional, state, or federal agencies. Now the Administrationis trying to broaden NAFTA by helping to form the Free Trade Area of theAmericas (FTAA). FTAA would encompass the entire Western Hemisphere (withthe exception of Cuba) and would include a total of 34 nations. Recently the BushAdministration succeeded in facilitating the formation of FTAA and the adoptionof new FTAA and World Trade Organization (WTO) trade pacts through enact-ment of “Fast Track” legislation, or “Trade Promotion Authority” (TPA). Now thatTPA is law, the United States trade negotiators will probably attempt to insert

ELECTRONICPEAK & PRAIRIESave Trees and Money!Tell Us How YOU Want to Receive the Peak & PrairieThe Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC) of the Sierra Club is pleased toannounce that members now have the opportunity to receive its bi-monthlynewsletter, Peak & Prairie, in printed form, electronic form, or both.

MONETARY AND ENVIRONMENTAL COSTS VERSUS BENEFITSMany people don't realize it costs the Sierra Club over $30,000 per year tosend Peak & Prairie to the 20,000 members of the Sierra Club in Colorado. Ifa lot of members elect to receive Peak & Prairie in electronic form, we cansave a lot of money (and trees!) and put that money to work in other ways tohelp protect the environment in Colorado.

REQUESTING ELECTRONIC PEAK & PRAIRIEIf you choose to receive Peak & Prairie in electronic form, we will notify youvia electronic mail each time a new issue of Peak & Prairie is available onthe Rocky Mountain Chapter's web site – usually several days before theprinted version is mailed. The notification will include a link for your browserwhich will take you directly to the new issue of Peak & Prairie on the RockyMountain Chapter's web site, which you will be able to view with AdobeAcrobat Reader (a free program available at www.adobe.com).

Please visit http://www.rmc.sierraclub.org/pandp/deliveryoptions.shtml to select yourPeak & Prairie delivery options today.

Join the 404+ RMC members (approx. 2%) who have chosen to receive theelectronic version of Peak & Prairie instead of the printed version!

law to extend protection to isolatedwaters. Similar initiatives in a few otherstate legislatures during 2001-02 were notso successful. In some states Sierra Clubwetlands activists are continuing to buildsupport for these state-level efforts, whilerecognizing that it is critically importantfor the floor of federal Clean Water Actprotection of all the nation’s waters to berestored. In announcing his legislation,Senator Feingold noted,”The patchworkof regulation created in the wake of theSupreme Court ruling means that thestandards for protection of wetlandsnationwide is unclear, confusing, and jeop-ardizing the migratory birds and otherwildlife that depend on these wetlands.Congress needs to reestablish the commonunderstanding of the Clean Water Act’sjurisdiction to protect all waters of theU.S. — the understanding that Congresshad when it adopted the Act in 1972.”

In an Aug. 1, 2002 editorial, “Save thePrairie Potholes”, the Washington Postendorsed the legislation and noted that it“deserves strong support and promptaction by Congress.” Sierra Club membersare urged to contact their members ofCongress and urge them to co-sponsor S.2780 and H.R. 5194. The legislation isavailable for review at http://thomas.loc.gov.For more information, visit www.sierra-club.org/wetlands or contact Robin Mann,Sierra Club National Wetlands WorkingGroup, [email protected], or 610-527-4598.

For information on the wetlands andwaters affected by the SWANCC ruling,by region, and the important habitat func-tions at risk, visit www.nwf.org orwww.nrdc.org to review a new studyreleased by the National WildlifeFederation and the Natural ResourcesDefense Council, entitled “Wetlands atRisk: Imperiled Treasures”. The U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service has issued a report onGeographically Isolated Wetlands, avail-able at http://wetlands.fws.gov/. �

Clean Water • from page 3

Did you provide many mosquitoesmeals this summer? Are you concernedabout the West Nile virus?? The mosqui-toes may not be back until next summerbut now is the time to start budgeting for along-term reduced mosquito world with-out the toxic pesticides.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM) formosquitoes can include use of small gam-busia fish and B.t. donuts in breedingareas. Birds and bats can deal with thoselarva which survive to adulthood.

Ask your county commissioners andcity council folks to include funding for alocal comprehensive IPM mosquito pro-gram as they now work on the 2003 budg-et. Then early next spring begin the imple-mentation of the program so you can enjoya summer of reduced mosquito exposure,bites and transmitted diseases.

If you would like further informationplease contact me at 303-433-2608 [email protected]. �

Mosquitoes? West Nile Virus?by Angela Medbery

ples while protecting human health andthe environment, and for other purposes.This goes to the Committee on interna-tional Relations, and also to theCommittees on Ways and Means,Financial Services and Agriculture in eachcase for consideration of such provisions asfall within the jurisdiction of the commit-tee concerned.

HB 4815 – Genetically EngineeredOrganism Liability Act – this bill assignsliability for injury caused by geneticallyengineered organisms. It goes to theCommittees on the Judiciary and Energyand Commerce.

Full text of each of these bills is avail-able at http://www.thecampaign.org/legisla-tion.htm#national. This site also allows youto click on your senators and representa-tives and print out a letter in support ofeach bill. Ask yourRepresentative to co-sponsor the House bills.Ask your Senator towrite and sponsor a billin the Senate. �

Genetic Engineering Bills • from page 6

streams were protected, at least for a fewmonths more. Even now, however, the leg-islature’s interim committees are meetingto draft legislation that could renewthreats of bad water and forest policy. Weare working together to influence thatinterim work, anticipating a more concert-ed effort during the regular session inJanuary.

For more information on those contin-uing efforts and to learn how you can help,contact Susan LeFever – (303) 861-8819or Steve Smith – (303) 449-5595. �

State Victories • from page 1

See “Opinion: Trade Pacts” on page 13

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DAN SLATER – SENATE DISTRICT 2By David Barber

Dan Slater has already made his mark on Pueblo as a leader on environmentalissues. Now, as a candidate for Colorado Senate from District 2, has earned theRocky Mountain Chapter’s endorsement. “Dan has made a difference on environ-mental issues in his many years as a political activist,” according to Ross Vincent, aPueblo activist.

Slater has been one of the leaders in efforts to stop radioactive Superfund wastefrom being shipped to Fremont County from the East Coast. He also is working toprotect rural Colorado’s water from being transferred out of the local basin. Slateropposes the efforts to build a new cement plant in Pueblo County and publicly sup-ported new BLM wilderness areas in Fremont County.

“We’d be pleased to have Dan Slater represent southeastern Colorado as its sena-tor. He’ll be a strong leader on environmental issues,” says Anne Cain of the Sangrede Cristo Group.

Peak & Prairie 8

Spread created by

Susan LeFeverRMC Director

By Susan LeFever

On off-year elections, many people think their vote does-n’t matter. That is probably why only around 30% ofregistered voters will show up at the polls on November

5. But is there really a difference between the candidates? Aren’tthey all just “inderepublicrats” working for the same specialinterests and unconcerned about our lives and our environment?

No! The reality is that there is a big difference between manycandidates on the environment. Consider the Colorado’s racefor the US Senate. Wayne Allard voted to allow mining compa-nies to dump waste on public lands, threatening our groundwater. Meanwhile, Tom Strickland defended Colorado’s cleanwater against a corporate polluter who illegally dumped con-taminated water as a member of the US Attorney’s office.

Maybe the candidates are different, but do a handful of votesreally matter? Absolutely! In a close race for the state House,just a few votes can determine the outcome. In 1998, LoisTochtrop beat Kathi Williams by just 86 votes, far fewer thanthe number of Sierra club members in the area.

In this issue of the Peak and Prairie, we show you the candi-dates who have been endorsed by the Sierra Club. Our PoliticalCommittee and Executive Committee have looked at theirrecords, their statements, and questionnaires they filled out. Wehave considered their chances for success and their willingnessto work hard for the environment.

Now it’s up to you, because this year, like every election, yourvote counts!P.S. These are the endorsements we have made aswe go to press in September. For the latest news on endorse-ments, contact the Chapter office at 303-861-8819.

TONY MARINOFOR STATE SENATE

The Sierra Club has enthusiasticallyendorsed Tony Marino for State SenateDistrict #11, newly created in El PasoCounty due to legislative redistricting. TheSenate District encompasses all of HouseDistrict #18 where Sierra Club endorsedMichael Merrifield is aggressively runningin tandem with Marino.

Tony Marino is a former Marine andViet Nam veteran, former narcotics copand detective, husband, father of twoadopted ethnically diverse sons, and inde-pendent businessman and communityleader. Marino is an articulate leader and

holds strong positions on environmental issues including support for energy andwater conservation policies, increased funding for open space, reversing the raid onGOCO funds to finance staff positions, and requiring local governments to adoptstrong, enforceable master plans. In short, Tony Marino’s victory at the state level iscritical to Colorado.

Bill Thiebault, Candidate for Lt Governor

Buffie McFadyen, Candidate for State HouseDistrict 47

Michael Merrifield, Candidate for State HouseDistrict 18

Abel Tapia, Candidate for State Senate District 3

Jack Pommer, Candidate for House District 11

Tony Marino, Candidate for State Senate District 11

WHEN EVERY VOTE COUNTS

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9 October/November 2002

THE SIERRA CLUBLOOKS AHEAD TO THE

GENERAL ELECTION

CINDY CARLISLEFOR REGENT INCONGRESSIONAL

DISTRICT 2By Rebecca Dickson

The last few years have proved that the Board ofRegents of the University of Colorado can have sig-nificant effect on the environment, especially asrelated to growth and open space protection. Withthis in mind, the Sierra Club has endorsed CindyCarlisle for Regent in Congressional District 2.Regina Wheeler, chair of the Indian Peaks GroupPolitical Committee, has this to say: “We are excitedto support a candidate who recognizes the impactthat CU has on the quality of life in BoulderCounty. Cindy Carlisle is committed to workingwith the community to raise the level of environmental awareness and cooperation.”

Carlisle has an excellent record of public service and environmental protection. She is afounding member of the Flatirons Open Space Committee, served on the Board of Ecocycle,and in 1986 was elected to Boulder City Council on an environmental and wildlife conserva-tion platform. She introduced the first pesticide ordinance in Colorado.

2002 GENERAL ELECTION DATES TO REMEMBER

October 7 – Last day to register to vote

October 21 – Early voting begins

October 29 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot by mail

November 1 – Last day to apply for an absentee ballot if not mailed

November 1 – Last day for early voting

November 5 – Election Day! (Polls open 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)

Tom’s strong history of environmental advocacy makes him acandidate we can count on to preserve and protect the environmentof Colorado and the nation." – Peggy Malchow, chair of the RMC Political Committee

Tom Strickland has an impressive environmental vision. Hehelped launch the Great Outdoors Colorado Trust Fund(GOCO), through which 350,000 acres of Colorado land hasbecome park and open space. He is committed to increasinginvestment in public transit and renewable energy research. Hesupports making America more fuel efficient and encouragesuse of hybrid cars. He is firmly opposed to drilling in the ArcticNational Wildlife Refuge; he believes the limited oil stores inANWR are not worth the damage to that pristine environment.And Strickland has no sympathy for corporate irresponsibility— as US Attorney, he prosecuted polluters who failed to cleanup their toxic sites.

According to Strickland, "As a U.S. Senator, the manage-ment of public lands would be one of my top priorities. I hopeto have the opportunity to be the West’s strongest advocate inthe Senate. My environmental policy priorities would be to pre-serve open space and the tremendous quality of life we havehere in Colorado, preserve wetlands and wilderness areas,reduce global warming and pollution, and improve publichealth by protecting our environment." The Sierra Clubbelieves we need to increase the number of pro-environmentleaders in Washington. Tom Strickland is such a leader.

U.S. Senate: Tom Strickland

U. S. CongressCD 1 Diana DeGetteCD 2: Mark Udall

Colorado Governor: Rollie Heath

Lt Governor: Bill Thiebault

Colorado State Senate: SD 2: Dan Slater SD 3: Abel TapiaSD 11: Tony MarinoSD20: Moe KellerSD 32: Dan Grossman

Colorado State HouseHD3: Jennifer Veiga HD4: Jerry FrangasHD 6: Andrew Romanoff HD 11: Jack PommerHD 12: Paul WeissmanHD10: Alice Madden HD13: Tom Plant HD18: Michael Merrifield HD 21: Tim Snowden HD 23: Kelley Daniel HD 31: Paul ZimmermanHD 35: Ann Ragsdale HD 47: Buffie McFadyenHD 52: Brian Jameson HD 54: Bob Bacon HD 64: Wes McKinley

County Commissioner:Boulder: Tom Mayer

University of Colorado Regent: CD 2: Cindy Carlisle

* This list shows all the endorsementswe have made as of September 15,2002. Late endorsements will beannounced locally. Or call the Chapteroffice for more information.

Tom Strickland, Candidate for U.S. Senate

Rollie Heath, Candidate for Colorado Governor

Cindy Carlisle, Candidate for Regent, 2nd CD

SIERRA CLUB IS PROUD TO ENDORSE THEFOLLOWING CANDIDATES IN THE NOVEMBER2002 ELECTIONS:

TOM STRICKLAND FOR U.S. SENATE

By Rebecca Dickson

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In the last issue of P&P, we began aseries of three essays based on JoannaMacy’s notion of “The Great Turning,”when humans remembered how to livereciprocally within the planet’s life-systems.The first phase of the turning are the hold-ing patterns, resisting the most debilitatingactivities of the “Industrial GrowthSociety” [IGS]. The second part of theGreat Turning is characterized by analysisof the structural causes of the currentmalaise and creation of alternative institu-tions and lifestyles.

In terms of analysis of the IGS, culturalhistorian Thomas Berry offers historicalperspective on our current system. TheGreat Work (1999) critiques “TheCorporation Story,” “The ExtractiveEconomy,” and “The Petroleum Interval,”using planetary functioning as the refer-ence point. Current societal structures mil-itate against intimacy with the naturalworld, Berry says, arising as they do from amechanistic model based on “objective”observation. In its development and on-going manifestation, the IGS privileges avery few persons, supported by legal, edu-cational and governmental systems, whilekeeping most people functioning in sup-port of the mechanisms of power andwealth that actually disempower them.

Both Berry and Macy challenge us torecognize our potential as individuals andcommunities to effect change. A recentissue of Time magazine (Aug. 26, ’02)offered some of the hopeful structuralchanges that are underway, narrating thework of such thinkers as architect/industri-al designer William McDonough andinventor/ economist Amory Lovins [see“New War on Waste”]. In one article afteranother, Time details the development of

alternative energy systems, transportationdevices, and preservation of wildernessareas. “Too Green for Their Own Good,”however, critiques environmental groups,who are “richer than ever” but unwilling tobend in the political scene, to give-and-take with the likes of corporations and themarket. It seems worth noting, of course,that liberally sprinkled throughout this“Save the Earth” section of the magazineare full page ads by BP [British Petroleum]and “Council for BiotechnologyInformation.”

Clearly, we cannot return to primitiveagricultural or other technologies; butBerry and Macy help us to questionwhether we want to create a “technozoic”or “ecozoic” era. Growth and progressbased on the mechanistic paradigms of theindustrial growth society [“technozoic”] aredivorced from the natural rhythms andcycles evolved by the planet over four bil-lion years. The point is to let the planet bethe primary educator, to see ourselves asmembers of the living planet —neither itsmasters nor its saviors—and to build ourmethods of self-nourishing, self-governing,and self-fulfilling on those already pat-terned by Earth. It’s a massive paradigmshift, but history assures us that the planethas ridden those waves before. And thedeep time of cosmic history points to plen-ty of “close calls” in which new ways offunctioning emerged “just in time.” Wehumans are simply part of that grippingstory, called to insight (the cool analysis)and compassion (the “juice, the power, thepassion to move” – Macy, 61).

Your Lifestyle Education Committeeoffers numerous ways to undertake theshift; contact info is found on the calendarpages. �

BOOK REVIEWS

Peak & Prairie 10

L i f e

The following review from ChelseaGreen Publishing Company of GlobalSpin: Corporate Assault onEnvironmentalism” provides an excellentoverview of the strategies used to discreditenvironmentalists by corporate interests.There are invaluable insights into the spec-trum of malicious opposition faced andessential knowledge for conducting cam-paigns and developing media savvy inaddressing this negative bias.

I brought this book along to my firstmeeting with the newly established SierraClub Corporate Accountability Committeein San Francisco a year ago, and have sincereceived positive feedbackfrom many on the com-mittee who subsequentlyread it and passed theinformation along to otherSC members.

Others well known inthe environmental move-ment have praised thisbook. Sir EdwardGoldsmith of the Ecologist(and co-author with JerryMander of The CaseAgainst the Global Economyand A Turn Toward theLocal says of Global Spin:“The most complete studyso far of the elaboratemulti-billion dollar propaganda machinethat the transnational corporations havebuilt up to discredit the environmentalmovement.”

Sharon Beder’s GLOBAL SPIN:CORPORATE ASSAULT ONENVIRONMENTALISMChelsea Green Publishing Co., Vermont,1997

Global Spin reveals the sophisticatedtechniques being used around the world bypowerful forces to try to change the way thepublic and politicians think about the envi-ronment. Large corporations are using theirinfluence to reshape public opinion, toweaken gains made by environmentalists,and to turn politicians against increasedenvironmental regulation.

The corporations’ techniques include • Employing specialized PR firms to set

up front groups that promote the cor-porate agenda whilst posing as publicinterest groups;

• Creating ‘Astroturf ’ - artificially creat-ed grassroots support for corporatecauses;

• Deterring public involvement byimposing SLAPPS-strategic lawsuitsagainst public participation;

• Getting corporate -based ‘environ-mental educational materials intoschools;

• Funding conservative think tankswhich have persistently castdoubt on the existence ofenvironmental problemsand to oppose stricter envi-ronmental regulations.

In the media, corporateadvertising and sponsorshipare influencing news con-tent, and industry-fundedscientists are often treated asindependent experts. In theshops, ‘green marketing’ isbeing used to reassure con-sumers that corporations areaddressing serious environ-mental problems.

Global Spin shows how,in a relentless assault on

democracy and its institutions, the massive,covert power of large corporations hasenabled corporate agendas to dominate theinternational debate about the state of theenvironment and the most effective meansof solving environmental problems.

Dr. Sharon Beder is a professional engi-neer and Senior Lecturer in Science andTechnology Studies at the University ofWollongong, Australia. Other publicationsby Dr. Beder can be found athttp://www.uow.edu.au/arts/sts/sbeder/#ESD.

Dr. Janet Eaton is the Sierra Club ofCanada liaison to the Sierra Club’sCorporate Accountability Committee. Sheresides in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. For infor-mation on the Club’s CorporateAccountability Campaign, see http://bozeman.bigsky.net/drusha/cac/cac.htm. �

GLOBAL SPIN: CORPORATEASSAULT ON ENVIRONMENTALISMAuthor: Dr. Sharon BederChelsea Green Publishing Co., Vermont, 1997

Commentary by Janet M. Eaton, PhD

I am alwaysdelighted to readnew books oninteresting top-ics. Climb! cer-tainly inspiredme with itsamazing photos(over 200) ofdaredevilclimbers onfamiliar land-scapes. The storyinvolves the his-tory of climbing

and the legendary climbers who riskedtheir lives throughout Colorado: Boulder,Eldorado Canyon, the Diamond, theSouth Platte, the Black Canyon, ShelfRoad, Colorado Springs, Estes Park, FortCollins, Aspen, Durango, and Telluride.

Trends in climbing from technical toimprovised free climbs of the 60s and 70sto the sport and extreme climbing of the80s and 90s are illustrated with exhilarat-ing recollections. Legends such as HenryBarber, Jim Dunn, Earl Wiggins, MarkWilford, and Tommy Cladwell are boldlypresented as heroes for the rest of us whoaspire to defy gravity.

Climb! the 25th Anniversary Editionsummons “events perpetrated by devoteesand fanatics who forged the cutting edge ofthe times,” says Jeff Achey. It will definitelygalvanize a new generation of climbers(besides me).

Who are these guys?The authors of Climb! include Bob

Godfrey, an accomplished climber, writer,and filmmaker (coauthor with DudleyChelton of both the first and 25th anniver-sary editions of Climb!); Dudley Chelton, aprofessor of oceanography at Oregon StateUniversity and expert climber and sail-boarder; and Jeff Achey, an active climber,writer, photographer, freelance editor, andsometime painter and blacksmith. �

CLIMB! THE HISTORY OF ROCKCLIMBING IN COLORADO25th Anniversary EditionAuthors: Bob Godfrey, Dudley Chelton, and Jeff AcheyMountaineers Books

Reviewed by

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The “Great Turning”PART IIby Celeste Rossmiller, Lifestyles Education Committee

Have you always wanted to have one ofthose “larger than life experiences”? Well,floating in the water eye to eye with ahumpback whale defines that phrase forme! What started out as a once in a lifetime encounter 4 years ago has turned intoan annual winter trip to snorkel withhumpback whales.

My first in-water encounter was on abeautiful Sunday afternoon. Tingling withanticipation I slipped over the side of theboat into the water. I was astounded as Isaw hanging motionless below me, a 40ton, 45 ft. long, adult humpback whale!

White, wing-like 15 - foot pectoral finsshimmered as sunlight reflected off ofthem. She was so incredibly beautiful.

Floating on the surface like a limp pieceof seaweed I thought is this really happen-ing? Suddenly movement caught my eye asher small calf appeared from underneathher. He rolled over on his back and madeeye to eye contact for several seconds, itleft me dumbfounded! I felt that I hadbeen acknowledged by a very intelligentand aware being.

Close Encounters With Humpback Whalesby Gayle Lawrence

See “Humpback Whales” on page 15

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11 October/November 2002

SIERRA SPOTLIGHTs t y l e sFeaturedVolunteerby Caitlin Jenney, Peak & Prairie Features Editor

Jennie CrystleSC: Where are you from originally and

did you grow up in an environmentally-con-scious home?

I am from Pennsylvania and grew up ina somewhat environmentally-conscioushome. We lived near Three Mile Island andthe near nuclear meltdown really made myfamily and the community aware of theimportance of good energy policy.

SC: How did you get involved with theSierra Club? Have you always had strongfeelings about saving the environment?

I originally became involved with theSierra Club through hiking and outings onthe East Coast during college. The moretime I spent backpacking and hiking, themore concerned I became about preserva-tion and conservation issues.

SC: Have you always had a passion forpolitics?

No, I can’t say that I have ever had apassion for politics. I decided to becomeinvolved as much as possible because this isa critical time for many of the conservationissues I really care about in our state.Frankly, politics are frustrating and com-plex. However, I do really believe that cam-paign finance reform, both on the federaland state level, will and can make a differ-ence in how democracy works. This is acritical election cycle in supporting the goalof better government, as well as better can-didates equal better politics. When GeorgeBush, Jr. was selected as our president, Ichoose to stop wishing the system wouldjust get better and started doing something

about the currentstate of politics. Ifeel that helpingpro-environmentcandidates fromall parties getelected to stateand federal officesas well as gettingbig money out ofpolitics are justtwo things that Ican do, we all could do, to improve ourgovernment as well as Colorado in general.

SC: How are you currently involved in thepolitical world?

I am volunteering for pro-environmentcandidates in the Pikes Peak region,Colorado Springs and Manitou Springs,and I’m supporting Amendment 27, cam-paign finance reform for Colorado.

SC: What is your current title within theSierra Club? What does your job entail?

I am the chair of the Pikes Peak Group’sPolitical Committee and I’m a member ofthe Chapter Political Committee. I am alsoassisting in the endorsement process forstate offices for the Sierra Club and I’m vol-unteering for campaigns as much as possi-ble.

SC: Susan says you are expecting your firstchild—CONGRATULATIONS! What doyou think your child’s environment will belike 20 years from now?

If we can elect a pro-environment leg-islature in Colorado, I think and hope thatmy child’s environment will include com-prehensive state-wide recycling facilities,power generated by renewable energyresources as much as possible, light railfrom Fort Collins to Pueblo (with a littlehelp from the federal government), as wellas reasonable growth management.

This future is possible because of passion-ate people like Jennie. �

by Leslie Martel Baer, MA, Mountain Muse Communications

Dear Recycle Lady: Can you tell me about environmentallyfriendly alternatives to dry cleaning?

—Hanging on the Line

Dear Hanging: How we care for our clothing is an important lifestyle issue. Let’sstart with clothing selection. First, look for natural fibers, such as cotton, hemp, wool,silk and even Tencel®, which is made from cellulose. Garments made from thesematerials are often machine or hand washable. To find products made from naturaland organic fabrics, try searching consumer directory web sites such as the NationalGreen Pages (www.greenpages.org) and EcoMall (www.ecomall.com).

Next, look at how you care for your fabrics. Horizontal axis washing machines typi-cally use less water, energy, and detergents than standard verti-cal axis washers, while getting clothes cleaner more gently.Examine your cleaning products. Several companies (SeventhGeneration, Ecover, and Forever New) offer fabric cleaningproducts that work well and are gentle on both your textilesand the environment. You can find them at natural foodsstores, lingerie stores, and web sites like Gaiam(www.gaiam.com) and Green Marketplace (www.greenmarket-place.com). Also, look for laundry capsules and papaya enzyme;the reusable capsules ionize water and reduce the need forcleaning products.

Some combinations of washing machines and cleaning prod-ucts allow you to clean “dry clean only” garments at home. However, for items thatyou do not want to chance cleaning yourself, try this option: wet cleaning, a gentle,environmentally safe soap and water technique that works on virtually any fabric.Several dry cleaners such as Paradise (Front Range), Avenue (Denver) and Papa Joe’s(Walsenburg) offer this alternative. Also, Cleaner by Nature (Greenwood Village) offersa dry cleaning service that uses an environmentally safe process that typically costs lessthan standard dry cleaning.

Dear Recycle Lady: Can you recommend any sources for recycledwrapping paper?

—Wrapping it Up

Dear Wrapping: Your question is perfectly timed as theholidays approach. Here are several options to consider whenyou want to show your gratitude. Start with gifts that requireno wrapping or container. Gifts of your time, e.g., babysittingyour sister’s kids once a month, are priceless and easy to give.

If your gift has a more solid form, consider a gift bag. Beautiful fabricand paper bags are available in a variety of sizes and can be reused by you or the recipi-ent. Check the directories above for sources or make your own.

You can also take the reuse approach. Brown paper bags, old maps, newspapers,and other materials can make for a fun, personal approach when dressed up by cuttinganimal or other shapes out of sponges or potatoes and stamping the shapes on thepaper with craft paints. Of course, a variety of natural materials and scraps (leaves,flowers, old ribbons, or twigs ) can add that creative, finishing touch. Use your imagi-nation!

When you really want that retail wrapping paper look, check out the recycledpapers at BuyGiftPaper.com. Other retailers, such as those mentioned previously, maycarry a small selection of recycled gift papers during the holidays.

Mountain Muse Communications provides complete print and electronic communica-tions services to socially and environmentally responsible organizations, including waste andenvironmental impact reduction consulting. The information provided is based on what arebelieved to be reliable sources at the time of writing; no guarantees of accuracy are impliedand no endorsement is made of any particular service, business or product. Recyclers andrecyclees can send their corrections, suggestions and inquiries to [email protected] Ask the Recycle Lady, RMC Sierra Club, 1410 Grant Street, Suite B303, Denver, CO80203. �

Jennie Crystle

Ask the Recycle Lady

The Lifestyles/Education Committee isholding a Discussion Circle Orientation at7:00 pm, October 23, 2002, at the FirstUniversalist Church of Denver. MaryRomano will present a half hour orienta-tion on four topics: Voluntary Simplicity,Deep Ecology, Sense of Place, and Choicesfor Sustainable Living. A 20-minute group-forming session will immediately follow theorientation.

The First Universalist Church of Denveris located at 4101 E. Hampden Avenue, thenortheast corner of Colorado andHampden Avenue.

Voluntary Simplicity, an eight-sessioncourse addressing the distractions of mod-ern society that keep us from caring forourselves, our relationships, and our envi-ronment.

Deep Ecology and Related Topics, anine-session course addressing core valuesand how they affect the way we view andtreat the earth.

Discovering A Sense of Place, formerlycalled Bioregional Perspectives, a nine-ses-sion course focusing on knowing and pro-tecting our place.

Choices for Sustainable Living, A nine-session course exploring the meaning ofSustainable living and the ties between

lifestyle choices and their impact on theearth.

The circles are designed to be fun andto provide a supportive group setting inwhich participants can examine their valuesand habits. Classes of 8-12 participantsmeet for a 1 to 1-1/2 hour session eachweek, in homes, workplaces, or other loca-tions that are convenient for participants.All participants read a chapter (6-10 pages)in the Course Book then and arrive at eachweekly gathering prepared to discuss thereadings.

The Course Books are each 100 to 150pages in length, contain excerpts of essays,articles and books by many well-knownwriters and scientists. The combination ofliterary and more fact-oriented readings cre-ates a thought-provoking mix that oftenleads to lively discussion and sharingamong group members. Questions designedto generate conversation are also providedfor each session, though you are encouragedto develop your own queries.

For additional information or if youcan’t make the orientation but still want toparticipate contact Ed Spencer (303) 989-7851 – [email protected] or visitwww.nwei.org. �

Discussion Circle Opportunity!

New Layout EditorHi, my name is Tom DeMoulin and I admit it… I haven’t been a

very good Sierra Club member lately. I’ve let those renewal appeals sitaround on my kitchen table and have stayed home watching T.V. whilethe Bush administration has been busy. So when I heard the SierraClub was looking for a layout editor, I jumped at the opportunity.

I’ve worked in the field of graphic design for more than a decadeand I love the process of visual communication. I imagine that you read this paper to findout about successes gained and the new challenges this organization faces. It’s my job toensure the newsletter’s form enhances this function, rather than getting in its way. Mypredecessor, Sandy Nervig, has done a great job addressing this and it’s my hope to con-tinue the standard she set.

P.S. In case you were wondering, I did update my membership through Sierra Club’s website. It was painless. �

The Inner City Outings program takeslower-income kids on trips into the woodsand tries to inspire passion and knowledgefor the natural world. If you want to teachkids about what inspires you in the greatoutdoors, this is a great venue. When wehad our annual training last February, sev-eral people remarked that ICO is theChapter’s best-kept secret. Don’t keep thesecret.

The kids get signed up through coun-selors and teachers in institutions such asDenver Housing Authority, Manual HighSchool, Angelvine Middle School, andCollege View Elementary. The trip destina-tions and methods are similar to adult trips(depending on the leader): Indian Peaks,

Eldorado Canyon, and above MoffatTunnel. Activities include hiking, outdoorice skating, backcountry skiing, snowshoe-ing, horseback riding, outdoor communityservice, canoeing, and rafting.

Thanks to the generosity of many donorsincluding the Sierra Club Foundation, theonly real limit to the effectiveness of theICO program is the number of trip leaders(our trips are usually run at no cost to thetrip leaders or volunteers, with food provid-ed for the kids).

We are probably the only group takingkids out around Denver that has back-country snowshoe and telemark ski equip-ment for both kids and adults (stored inGolden). I’m leading an adult Sierra Clubbackcountry ski trip on February 1st,2003, to try to recruit new leaders forbackcountry ski trips ([email protected]).Contact [email protected] you’re interested in volunteering in ICO.You can find our latest newsletter on theRocky Mountain Chapter’s website under“Outings” then “Inner City Outings.”Don’t keep the secret. �

Inner CityOutings

The Chapter’s Best KeptSecret (Until Now)

Kurt Aronow, RMC ICO Chair

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Sierra Club hosted its Third AnnualEnvironmental Justice (EJ) GrassrootsOrganizing Program In-gathering August23-25 in Chicago. Once again, it wasinspiring to meet (and re-meet) Sierra Clubvolunteer and community organizers.

Folks in Detroit are fighting a munici-pal incinerator. Chemical plants continueto plague residents near New Orleans (onevictory: the community we’d visited on lastyear’s Toxic Tour has been bought out atmarket value by the polluter; unfortunately,the price has been loss of community asthey re-locate to cleaner pastures).Memphis is fighting the Terrible Ten pol-luters, including a waste incinerator.Appalachians (especially West Virginians)battle coal mining companies, who are cur-rently chopping off mountaintops to minefaster! Closer to home, Peabody Coal nowwants to build a pipeline using pristinewater from the aquifer to ship coal from toNevada from Black Mesa Arizona. In addi-tion, Flagstaff ’s SnowBowl is trying tomake snow. These are only a few of thebattles being fought by local residents with

support from Sierra Club’s EnvironmentalJustice program.

To review, the Sierra Club’s Principles ofEnvironmental Justice were adopted by theBoard of Directors in Brownsville, TX.,2/15/01. The Guiding Principles for theSierra Club’s National EJ GrassrootsOrganizing Program have been developedby the EJ Committee to clarify SC’s role inworking with communities. Unlike manyother SC programs, EJ volunteers are invit-ed by communities to assist. Some commu-nities find it more helpful to NOT useSC’s name; that’s ok. Communities do theorganizing and goal-setting. If communi-ties’s goals parallel ours, and local SCgroups decide they’re interested, SC volun-teers can call for EJ help.

Help from the National EJ Committeetakes many forms. We currently do not useSC budget money available to fund anoth-er community organizer. However, we canaccess consultants among the legal andmedia teams. And there are mini-grants.This money has been used creatively by EJvolunteers to assist communities in educat-ing the public about the issues. For exam-

ple, a grant in West Virginia was used tofund the “almost level, W. Va.” campaigninforming about mountaintop removalsand the violation of Clean Air Act. In NewYork, educational literature discussed thePCB pollution of the Hudson River andNew York City’s insistence that folksshould not eat fish caught there, thusdefining in “culture, custom, and heritage”why people don’t want to move and dowant to continue eating fish. Toxic toursand trainings have been conducted inmany municipalities. SC and communityvolunteers have been able to attend andconduct national workshops.

Now, I know RMC is facing some simi-lar issues: incinerators proposed, lack ofSuperfund-ing for sites, airpollution….Please let me know how I canassist you to write a mini-EJ-grant.Remember: it’s c-3$, meaning it must befor education of the masses! Do also con-tact me if you want a copy of EJ Principles(printed in P&P in 2001), or believe there’senough interest among SC and communityvolunteers to conduct our own RMC EJtraining.

Kathy Glatz, RMC EJ [email protected] 303-922-3425. �

12Peak & Prairie

Item Price Quantity Cost(non-member / member)

Wilderness Wall Calendar $11.95 / $10.15 _______ _______Engagement Calendar $12.95 / $11.00 _______ _______

Subtotal _______Sales Tax 7.2% (multiply subtotal by .072) _______

Shipping (1st calendar – $2, additional calendars – $1 each) _______Grand Total _______

Ship To:Name __________________________________

Address ________________________________

City __________________________________

State ____________ Zip ________________

Member # ________________________________(required to qualify for member price)

(Our standards are higher forSierra Club Members)

The Chapter’s 20/20 Energy Campaign iscommitted to helping Coloradoans receive20% of their electricity from renewable (non-hydro) sources by 2020, and being 20%more efficient in electrical use in 2010 thanthey are today. Here are a few tips to getstarted:

• Switch out most of your incandescent lightbulbs in your home and office to compactfluorescent bulbs.

• Call in to a radio talk show and bring up anenergy related issue — security, environ-mental benefits, cost,

• Get your City Council or CountyCommissioners to sign a resolution pro-claiming October “Energy AwarenessMonth” and ask the local government staffto include energy efficiency information inits next correspondence to residents. Youcan receive an electronic copy of a resolu-tion on the Sierra Club energy web page.

• Submit a letter to the editor of your localnewspapers asking the public, elected offi-cials, businesses, and utility companies topromote energy efficiency and electricityfrom renewable sources.

• Ask a political candidate how far she/hewill go to support policies which promoterenewable energy and efficiency.

• Take a tour of solar homes or a wind farm.Then, sign up with your utility company toreceive your electricity from renewablesources.

• Hold a local public forum on energy issues.(You can invite a Sierra Club energy com-mittee member to be one of the speakers).

• Do an energy audit of your home, office orwork facility. One quick audit is availableon line at: http://hes.lbl.gov/

• Eliminate ‘phantom loads’ on your electricbill. This is a term for devices such as VCRclocks, televisions, stereos, computers,and other appliances that draw electricityeven when not in use. These can be com-pletely turned off by plugging them in to apower strip and turning the strip off whennot in use.

• Visit Sierra Club’s energy campaign website to learn more about energy issues inColorado and to see more ideas on whatyou can do!

With renewable energy there’s no limit toColorado’s power!

Provided by Janna Six, Sierra Club RMCEnergy Campaign

www.rmc.sierraclub.org/energy/

Fuels & BeetlesScott Hatfield, RMC Forest Chair

While the National Fire Plan andGeneral Accounting Office mandate wild-land urban interface defensible space,USFS is trying to justify massive interiorforest commercial logging in the name offuels reduction. Soon all timber sales willbe done under this guise with the aim ofexempting ALL environmental laws. Whiletwo House Bills would do this, the biggestthreat is to eliminate debate on eliminatingdebate by attaching a rider in the Senatewith the help of Feinstein (D-CA) andWyden (D-OR). Undersecretary ofAgriculture Mark Rey wrote the SalvageRider of 1995 while working as a loggingindustry lobbyist and runs USFS.Legislative debate combined with strongscientific evidence will most likely stop amore focused bill exempting environmen-tal protections. Some destructive timbersales in Colorado that could be affectedinclude bogus claims of ‘forest healthrestoration’ rather than getting out the cutas a purpose and need.

In Routt National Forest following anappeal by Colorado Wild, wildlife remandwork was completed on the East GoreAnalysis for 4.0 million board feet on 865acres with 4.0 miles of road construction.This sale was previously halted by USFWSdue to concerns with lynx denning andwinter forage habitat fragmentation, con-cerns with snowmobile compaction intro-ducing competing predators to lynx habi-tat, and concerns with livestock after har-vest. The stated purpose and need claim toimprove forest health, thin overstockedstands, and prevent infestations frominsects and mistletoe. This area was previ-ously logged and roaded, but lies adjacent

to Sarvis Creek Wilderness and is worthyof a noncommercial restoration priority.

Also mostly previously logged and road-ed in Routt N.F., the Green RidgeMountain Pine Beetle Analysis ScopingReport calls for 8178 acres of Timber SaleTreatment with 25.9 miles of road con-struction. However, they do propose asmall percentage of the logging in theTroublesome Wilderness Study Area.Previous logging to suppress beetle infesta-tions have not been shown to be effectiveelsewhere. Beetles have been shown to flyup to 35-40 miles. Commercial logginghas been shown to increase fire risks morethan beetle fuel accumulation. Salvage log-ging prevents nutrient recycling, removesstanding dead, snags, and downs that areimportant to wildlife such as woodpeckerswho eat beetles. Soil damage includes com-paction, drying, vegetation removal, ero-sion, loss of hydrological infiltration andretention, and sterilization of microbialand fungal communities.

More beetle infestations are being usedto justify commercial logging in two road-less areas in the Arapahoe NationalRecreation Area Forest Health EIS ScopingReport. This could easily be a part of thecurrent trend of high profile attacks onlands adjacent to the National Parks. Asbeetles create openings, aspen have theopportunity to regenerate. Beetles are atimeless part of these ecosystems. There is aneed to do defensible space thinning most-ly on private land for a subdivision adja-cent to one of the roadless areas.

For more web info check out sites forColorado Wild, Western Fire EcologyCenter, Forest Conservation Council,National Forest Protection Alliance, andSierra Club. �

Environmental Justice In-gatheringKathy Glatz, RMC EJ chair

NOMINATIONSACCEPTED FOR SIERRA CLUB AWARDS

Have you noticed an award-worthy SierraClub volunteer or entire Sierra Club Group,community leader, elected official, or busi-ness who's made a stellar environmentaleffort? Nominate that person/entity for aRocky Mountain Chapter Sierra Club Award.Send the nominee's name, contact informa-tion and brief description (also include yourname and phone number) to [email protected], 970-493-5034. Deadline 11/8.Awards will be presented at the ChapterWinter Party on December 8, 2002.

10 Simple ThingsYou Can Dofor OCTOBEREnergyAwarenessMonth

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13 October/November 2002

insidious investor-state provisions—likethose of NAFTA Chapter 11—into thenew trade pacts emerging from FTAA andthe WTO.

During the heated political struggleover enactment of TPA, concerns about itspotentially adverse local and regionalimpacts were expressed by many organiza-tions representing local and state govern-ments. Those organizations include theNational League of Cities, the NationalAssociation of Counties, the NationalAssociation of Towns and Townships, andthe National Conference of StateLegislatures.

The new United States trade pacts areincreasingly likely to undermine the free-dom of local, regional, state, and federalagencies to exercise their sovereignty overthe environment. Some notorious demon-strations of how this mechanism can oper-ate have already been experienced underNAFTA. For example, as documented earlythis year in Bill Moyers’s documentary“Trading Democracy,” the State ofCalifornia, after discovering that the gaso-line additive MTBE (methyl tertiary butylether) was polluting ground water, tooksteps to ban its continued use. In a claimpending before a NAFTA tribunal,Methanex, the Canadian corporation thatmanufactures MTBE, is asking the UnitedStates government to pay it some $970million in damages as compensation forpotential profits lost as a consequence ofCalifornia’s ban.

Right here in Colorado the stage is setfor a possible challenge to our sovereigntysimilar to the California experience withMethanex. Kirk Cunningham, RMCConservation Chair, points out thatCementos de México (CEMEX), under apermit it received from the State ofColorado some ten years ago, is proposingto burn used tires and hazardous wastes intheir cement plant located east of Lyons inBoulder County.

Should enforcement of current air qual-ity regulations prevent CEMEX fromimplementing its proposal, the companycould use NAFTA provisions to justify aclaim against the United States for allegeddamages resulting from its compliance withenvironmental regulations. Similarly, newU.S. trade pacts could enable foreign com-panies to challenge local and regional regu-lations in the areas of labor, land use, zon-ing, dumping of wastes, public health andsafety, the environment, and preferencesfor local businesses.

To the extent that foreign investorsachieve success in trade tribunals, U.S. tax-payers will, in effect, be encouraging andindemnifying these challengers. We willessentially be making payoffs to corporateinterests for the “luxury” of protecting ourdomestic sovereignty, be it federal, state,local, or regional. Thus, what corporations

have so far been unable to achieve throughdomestic “takings legislation” and U.S.courts, they will have accomplished as aconsequence of influencing our leaders tonegotiate binational and multinationaltrade agreements that are flagrantlyinequitable and unfair.

So what can we, as citizens andSierrans, do to reassert U.S. sovereigntyover our environment? We can continue,in accordance with the national position ofthe Sierra Club on trade issues, to demandthat our senators and representatives inCongress exercise their constitutionalresponsibility to regulate foreign com-merce. We must become vigilant in scruti-nizing what is happening in the name ofproliferating so-called free trade, and insistthat an emphasis be placed on adoptingfair trade principles and provisions.

“Fair trade” means that trade agree-ments are openly and democratically for-mulated on the basis of inputs from allstakeholders—rather than inputs that comealmost entirely from vested corporate inter-ests. In particular, it means negotiatingtrade agreements whose provisions reflectappropriate concern for human rights andenvironmental protection. However, therecent passage of TPA legislation, known asHR 3009, the Trade Act of 2002, compli-cates public and congressional oversight,since it allows trade negotiations to largelybe conducted behind the scenes, prevent-ing the achievement of a level trading field.

During the five- or seven-year durationof the Trade Act of 2002, the public inter-est has essentially two remedies available:1) for Congress to examine and vote downin their entirety, rather than amend them,any unacceptable trade agreements that arenegotiated by the Administration, and 2)to successfully challenge the constitutional-ity of HR 3009. In my opinion, the TradeAct of 2002 is unconstitutional because,although the 107th Congress is at libertyto abdicate its own constitutional authorityto regulate foreign commerce, it should notbe at liberty to deprive the 108th, 109th,and probably the 110th Congress of thatauthority.

Please join our ITI committee. You cancontact me at [email protected] or (303)443-4884. �

admitting that he asked only “a few specificpeople to come,” while claiming at the sametime that “everything we do is public.”

Such agency doublespeak has becomecommonplace. At the Legislature earlierthis year, Director George and the DOW’sLegislative Liaison repeatedly claimed theDivision and Commission were neutral ona controversial bill allowing the DOW tohire private citizens to help kill problemblack bears out of season even as theywent on record supporting “any bill” thatincreases the DOW’s “management flexi-bility.” Their doublespeak was revealedhowever, when the Senate Ag CommitteeChair told the press that Director Georgehad personally thanked him for his effortsfor the bill, and the House sponsor toldanother Committee that he had actuallybeen asked by several members of theWildlife Commission to sponsor the bill.

At a recent meeting with the environ-mental community, DOW DirectorGeorge and Wildlife Commission ChairEnstrom repeatedly stonewalled whenasked for their views on an internal DOWdocument that summarized the highlycritical comments from hunters, anglers,and environmentalists on the lack of anequitable public process. Just prior to thatmeeting, Director George told the DOWemployee who authored the documentthat he hadn’t bothered to read it.

Our wildlife management system inColorado is now severely dysfunctional.The Governor and his appointees continueto subvert that system, thumbing theirnoses at the large majority of Coloradoanswho care about our wildlife andstonewalling when asked to make changesto ensure an equitable public process thatallows the general public (and the environ-mental community) a place at the table.Instead, the current decision-makers playby special-interest rules, making a sham ofpublic process and bowing to the demandsof developers, ranchers, and others whoregard wildlife as an inconvenience to beswept aside in pursuit of the almighty dol-lar. Any meaningful change to this dys-functional system must either await a newadministration or be changed through bal-lot initiatives led by caring citizens forwhom wildlife is too important to beabandoned to the special interests.

The question is: how long can we ingood conscience allow our wildlife to wait?

Mike Smith is RMC Wildlife Chair andwas recently appointed to chair the Club’sNational Wildlife and Endangered SpeciesCommittee. He can be reached [email protected]. �

Wildlife Management • from page 6

El Paso, TX: The Sierra Clubannounced today that it will fund environ-mental projects run by four Mexican grass-roots organizations. The projects chosen toreceive financial assistance are all designedto fight pollution and to improve theworking and living conditions of bordercommunities.

“Environmental degradation, caused bythe explosive growth of the maquiladoraindustry, has reached alarming levelsthroughout the border region,” said JennyMartinez, Sierra Club Program Officer.“Dangerous chemicals have poisoned theair, land, and water that these communitiesrely on.”

The grants, which range from $10,000-$25,000, are part of the Sierra Club’sBeyond the Borders, Mexico project. Ajoint project of the Sierra Club and theSierra Club Foundation, Beyond theBorders, Mexico is designed to support andstrengthen grassroots environmental andcommunity groups in Mexico. The groupswill use the money for activities rangingfrom fighting illegal dumping and garbageburning, to monitoring the levels of oceanand drinking water contamination, pro-moting recycling programs, or expanding

outreach to the community through envi-ronmental education campaigns.

The following groups received funding:Centro de Estudios Fronterizos y dePromoción de los Derechos Humanos andGAVIOTA of Centro Reynosa,Tamaulipas; Grupo Ecologista “Gaviotas”Playas de Tijuana of Tijuana, BajaCalifornia Norte, and Centro deInvestigación y Solidaridad Obrera ofCiudad Juárez, Chihuahua.

“We consider a healthy environment tobe a human right,” said Omeheira López,Director of the Centro de EstudiosFronterizos y de Promoción de losDerechos Humanos, A.C. in Reynosa,Tamaulipas, “With this grant, we’ll be ableto pursue legal and grassroots strategies toprotect the environment and public healthfor the families and communities of theborder region.”

Mexican and Sierra Club border groupsinterested in applying for Beyond theBorder, Mexico Project grants can find theapplication and grant guidelines by visitingthe Sierra Club’s bilingual web page (link to:http://www.sierraclub.org/beyondtheborders/espanol/mexico/lineamientos.asp#application.) �

Sierra Club to Fund MexicanGrassroots Environmental ProjectsFIGHTING POLLUTION AND IMPROVING LIVING CONDITIONSSOUTH OF THE BORDER

Opinion: Trade Pacts • from page 7

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Late submissions may be included in theonline Rocky Mountain Chapter Calendar.Send info. as an attached document to [email protected].

Please check the web site –www.rmc.sierraclub.org and then click onCalendar (left menu bar) – for a completeand up-to-date listing of outings.

In order to participate on one of theSierra Club's outings, you will need to sign aliability waiver. To read a copy of the waiverprior to the outing, see http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms orcall 415-977-5630.

In the interests of facilitating the logisticsof some outings, it is customary that partici-pants make carpooling arrangements. TheSierra Club does not have insurance for car-pooling arrangements and assumes no liabili-ty for them. Carpooling, ride sharing or any-thing similar is strictly a private arrangementamong the participants. Participants assumethe risks associated with this travel.

Meetings and events are open to mem-bers and the public at no cost. They are agood way to meet activists and discussClub issues. Hikes begin and end at thetrailhead. Call the leader indicated forinfo., preferably a couple of days inadvance. Appropriate experience andequipment required.

• Please RSVP ALL Outings •

October 4, 5:30 pmHappy Hour at Sunbird Restaurant.Dave Harmer at 719-597-3996.Sunbird is at 230 Point of the Pines Dr.

October 12, 8:30 am – 3 pm.Easy—Rampart Range Reservoir Hike12 mile hike.Dave Harmer at 719-597-3996 by 10/11.

October 19, 8:00 a.m.Moderate—Lewis Creek HikeHike tops out at 10,000 ft.Mary Furman at 719-579-8525. (no callsafter 9 p.m.)

October 20, 8:30 am – 2 pm.Pancake Rocks HikeModerate—6 mile/1400 ft elevation gain.Dave Harmer at 719-597-3996 by 10/19.

November 3, 9 a.m.Moderate—Preacher’s Hollow Loop Hike(5 mi.). Mueller State Park/$5 entrance fee.Mary Furman at 719-579-8525.

November 8, 5:30 pm – 7 pm.Happy Hour at Sunbird230 Point of the Pines Dr.Dave Harmer at 719-597-3996.

November 9, 8:30 am – 1 pm.Easy—Fountain Creek Hike.RSVP to Dave Harmer at 719-597-3996by November 8th.

November 10, 8 a.m.Moderate—Dome Rock Hike. (10 mi.)Elevation gain. $5 State Park Ent. Fee.Mary Furman at 719-579-8525.

November 16, 9 a.m.–3 p.m.Leader Training hike. Requirement tobecome Outings Leaders.John Stansfield, 303-660-5849.

INNER CITY OUTINGS (ICO)Angelvine Middle School (Lafayette)trips…

Kurt Aronow ([email protected])720-890-8597;Ford Church ([email protected])303-444-2659

October 5, 2002Hiking in the Indian Peaks (Ford)

November 2, 2002Hiking at Golden Gate Canyon State Park(Ford)

December 7, 2002Hiking in Rocky Mtn Nat'l Park orEldorado Canyon (Kurt)

January 11, 2002Snoeshoeing in the Indian Peaks (Ford)

SUMMIT COUNTY GROUP OUTINGSLarry Griffin, 303/771-1146

Oct 5 – Coral Creek hike Nov 9 – Boulder Lake hike Dec. 7 – Mohawk Lake snowshoe

October 19, 8 am – 12 pm.Adult CPRAmerican Red Cross444 Sherman St.Drew at 303-894-8052 [email protected]

Oct 19, 12:30 pm – 6 pmAdult CPR/First Aid.American Red Cross444 Sherman St.Drew at 303-894-8052 [email protected]

Nov 2 and Nov 9, 9 am – 6 pmWilderness First Aid(2 sessions of 1 class).American Red Cross444 Sherman St.Drew, 303-894-8052, [email protected]

October 10th, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.Auction Volunteers Training.RSVP Libby Tart, 303-861-8819 [email protected] before the 10th.

October 19th, 5 – 10 p.m.Sierra Club's 3rd Annual “Wild Places,Open Spaces” Live and Silent Auction.Gourmet dinner. Brown Palace Hotel inDenver. Sierra Club President JenniferFerenstein is the Special Guest. Tickets are$60/person and can be purchased throughthe office (303-861-8819) or by the RMChomepage: www.rmc.sierraclub.org.

October 28th, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Brewing Ideas: Ideas for Strengthening OurClub. Red Room on E. Colfax.RSVP by the 28th to Libby, 303-861-8819or [email protected].

November 13, 6 – 8:00 p.m.Sierra Club Book Discussion Group.Read Eating in the Dark, by KathleenHart. Potluck. RSVP by Nov 12. 303-861-8819 or [email protected].

Nov 18, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Brewing Ideas:Ideas for Strengthening Our Club. FallingRock Taphouse, 1919 Blake Street, Denver.RSVP to 303-861-8819 [email protected].

Rocky Mountain Chapter = RMCNote: Chapter Office is at 1410 GrantStreet, suite B303, Denver.Enter North side of the bldg., 303-861-8819

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEQuarterly. Sierra Club leaders from aroundthe state gather to share info. and makedecisions about the Chapter. ChapterOffice, 303-861-8819.

ENERGY COMMITTEE2nd Wed., 6:30 p.m., EMS Store, 870 S.Colorado Blvd., Denver. Support theChapter's 20% by 2020 Renewable EnergyCampaign. Tabling, developing fact sheets,and organizing educational events. CindyJohnson, [email protected], [email protected].

GAY & LESBIAN SIERRANS (GLS)Contact Lisa Lewis at 303-777-3664 andcheck the website for info.:http://www.rmc.sierraclub.org/gls/act.html.

GENETIC ENGINEERING COMMITTEEOct 30, 7:00 pm & Nov 26, 7:00 p.m.Chapter office.Suzanne Wuerthele (303) 333-2519,[email protected]

INNER CITY OUTINGS (ICO)ICO’s outreach program introduces disad-vantaged urban young people to wildernessand outdoor activities. Learn more – ICOhotline, 720-299-9967.

LIFESTYLES EDUCATION COMMITTEEOct 21 and Nov 21. 6:30pm.Chapter officeJoLynn Jarboe [email protected]

OUTINGS COMMITTEEHelp our statewide outings program grow.This will be a statewide committee. CallPatricia at 303-691-8852 or email [email protected].

PESTICIDES COMMITTEESecond 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 resourcedepletion. Fred Elbel, 303-220-7499 [email protected].

ROCKY MOUNTAIN ARSENALFirst Weds., 7pm. Sandy Horrocks for loca-tion / info, 303-470-1352.

SIERRA CLUB SINGLEShttp://www.rmc.sierraclub.org/singles for allthe latest happenings!

TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEEChapter Office. What's missing from theGovernor's Transportation plan? Buses,light rail, and bikes. Come help us put theTransit back in Colorado's future plans.For dates call Susan LeFever at 303-861-8819 or [email protected].

WATER QUALITY COMMITTEESaturdays, August 3 & 10, 9am – 12pm.Wetland restoration project. Lunch andrefreshments provided. Kirk, 303-939-8519, [email protected] details.

BLUE RIVER GROUP(Summit, Grand, & Eagle Counties)Meetings and Water Presentations, 6pm,first Monday of each month. KarnStiegelmeier 970-468-9013, [email protected].

ENOS MILLS GROUP (DENVER)• Ex-Com meetings First Tues., 6pm Potluck, followed by Ex-Com meeting. Discussion of issues andactivities. Ross-University Hills Library,4310 E. Amherst Ave. Diane 303-504-9657.

HIGH PLAINS GROUP(Eastern Denver Suburbs)

• General meetingSecond Thursdays, 7pm, location TBA.Sandy Nervig, 303-680-4635 [email protected] for info.

INDIAN PEAKS GROUP(Boulder County)

• Conservation CommitteeFirst Wed. 6:30 – 9pm. Env. Ctr. of theRockies, 2260 Baseline, Boulder. Letterwriting on current issues. Kirk at 303-939-8519 [email protected], .

• Ex-Com meetingsFourth Wed.each month. Contact MaconCowles (location, time, and meeting agen-da) [email protected].

• Energy Work Group New Group!Jason Berv (location, time, and meetingagenda) 720-565-8185 [email protected]

• Political CommitteeSecond Monday each monthAug. 12, 7 – 8:30 pm, Boulder CreekMtng Rm., Boulder Public Library. ReginaWheeler, 303-381-5334.

• Sprawl & Transportation Com. NewCommittee!

Tuesdays, 7pmSonya Guram (location, time and meetingagenda) 303-245-9115 [email protected].

• Urban Land Use Com. (ULUC) Third Mondays (usually)Contact Chair Matt Appelbaum, 303-499-8970 for date, place and agenda items.

MT. EVANS GROUP(SW Jefferson, Northern Park,Clear Creek & Gilpin Counties)Second Thurs. – Evergreen Rec Ctr. Betsy 303-674-7236 or Lyn 303-838-8117.

PIKES PEAK GROUP(El Paso & Teller Counties)

• General meetingSecond Tuesday evenings.

• Ex-Com meetingsThird Tuesday eveningsBeidleman Environmental CenterKirby Hughes at 719-685-3019

POUDRE CANYON GROUP(Larimer & Weld Counties)

• Ex-Com meetings

GROUP MEETINGS

CHAPTER MEETINGS

EV E N TS

OU T I N G S

Peak & Prairie 14

SUBMISSIONDEADLINE

for Dec 2002/Jan 2003 issue

Monday, October 28, 2002

To list your event, emailcalendar-editor@

rmc.sierraclub.orgfor submission guidelines.

CALENDAR

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Second Mondays, 6:30pm. Poudre FireAuthority Conf. Rm, 102 Remmington St.,Fort Collins. Janna Six, 970-493-5034.

• Conservation Com. meetingsFourth Mondays, 6:30pmFort Collins. Mark Easter for location and info., 970-224-9214.

RACHEL CARSON GROUP(Eastern Jefferson County)Meets as needed. To get involved, ChapterOffice, 303-861-8819.

SANGRE DE CRISTO GROUP(Arkansas River & San Louis Valley)

• TBA – Legacy SeriesFeaturing prominent individuals in theenvironmental movement. Jim Trujillo at719-948-4129.

SOUTH PLATTE GROUP(Arapahoe, Douglas & Jefferson Counties)

Fourth Thurs. 6:30 – 8:30pm. BemisLibrary, Littleton, study rm – look forSierra Club sign. Charlie Oriez 303-798-3236, [email protected]. For activities: www.rmc.sierraclub.org/spg/.

TRAPPERS LAKE GROUP(Routt, Moffat, Jackson and Rio Blanco)

• General meeting2nd Monday each month, 12 pm.Centennial Hall, 10th and Lincoln. For info., Jane 970-8779-5760.

UNCOMPAHGRE GROUP(Mesa, Delta & Gunnison Counties)

• General meetingCall Shelly at 970-243-5138 for info.

WEMINUCHE GROUP(Durango and surrounding counties)

Third Weds. 5:30pm, Bayou Doc's 701 E.2nd Ave, Durango. Everyone interested inpreserving, protecting, and enjoying theFour Corners' natural beauty welcome. Forinfo. [email protected].

15 October/November 2002

UPCOMING EVENTSHoliday Party & Volunteer Awards CeremonySunday, December 8, 3 p.m. — 7 p.m.

1st Unitarian Church14th & Lafayette, in Capitol Hill, DenverSuggested donation $5Dinner and drinks provided

3rd Annual Chapter AuctionSaturday, October 19, 5 p.m. — 10 p.m.

Brown Palace Hotel, Denver

To volunteer, call Libby 303-861-8819.

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 ___ Singles___ General office work, data entry, mailing parties ___ Solid Waste–burning haz. wastes___ Genetic Engineering ___ Speakers Bureau/Public Speaking___ Hazardous Materials/Toxics ___ Transportation___ Information Technology–Computers/Web ___ Urban Land Use/Sprawl___ Inner City Outings ___ Water Quality___ International & Trade Issues ___ 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! October/November 2002

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

Sweet Grassby Lynn Fogarty(AKA Lorraine G. Michaels)

The wind carries what sounds like a growl,Then it evolves to a whimper, a howl.A scent of sweet grass is in the warm air,Are these the signs of peace or despair?

She snorts and roots looking for food,Grubs and berries improve her mood.It’s simple for her, this big brown bear,She does not know this word despair.

I was left in a state of rapture; the pow-erful emotion I felt from this encounterwould last for days and weeks afterward.

Humpback whales frequent the watersin various parts of the world and simply tocatch a glimpse of these awesomeleviathans is thrilling. But there are 2 desti-nations in the world where there is thepotential for a non-invasive, in-waterencounter with humpback whales.

The Silver Banks, 90 miles off the coastof Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, isthe largest calving and breeding groundsfor humpbacks in the world. Decemberthrough March finds them in these waters.A private charter, small live-aboard boattakes a handful of people to the banks tospend time with the whales. The boatworks in cooperation with the DominicanRepublic whale commission and the whaleencounters are closely monitored. Byallowing people this incredible experiencewith the whales and raising public aware-ness, they hope to educate and motivatepeople to support whale conservation andhelp protect this endangered species fromon-going whaling.

Another migratory destination is duenorth and east of New Zealand in theKingdom of Tonga. The northern-mostgroup of islands, Vava’u, seems to be thespot where most of the whales congregateto calve and breed. Here there are opportu-nities for soft in-water encounters with thewhales, facilitated by marine biologists.

I must stress that nothing is done tointerfere with the whale’s normal behavioror comfort level. The whales displayincredible above water acrobatics, breach-ing, tail slapping, fin slapping and spyhopping. Any in-water encounters are onlypossible if the whales initiate it. Individualwhales clearly demonstrate that they are aseager for contact with us as we are withthem, it is an experience of the heart andone that might prove to be the encounterof a lifetime!

Gayle Lawrence will once again bereturning to the Silver Banks Feb. 1 – 8,2003 for humpback whale encounters. Shewill also be making a trip to the SouthPacific, Tongan Islands for humpback whaleencounters and a 10-day tour in Sept. 2003.If you’re interested in more informationabout either of these trips you may contactGayle at: H: 727-785-5563 or email:[email protected]. �

Humpback Whales • from page 10

Top: Surfacing humpback amazes onlookers.

Right: Swimming with the fishes. (Okay, it’s a whale!)

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LIFESTYLESOpportunities, Outings, & Book Reviews

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GENERAL ELECTIONSierra Club’s Candidate Endorsements


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