U.S. Postage Paid Summer 2009 Volume 43 - Number 2 Permit ... · Page 2 Rocky Mountain Chapter 1536...
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Army Retreats at Piñon Canyon Citizen Action At Work By: Ross Vincent, Sangre de Cristo Group Chair If you believe the Army’s own internal documents, some at the Pentagon would like to convert most of southeastern Colorado – millions of acres – into a giant military reservation for combat training and weapons testing. This incredible network of ecosystems in southeastern Colorado would become isolated and inaccessible to all but a select few and much of it would be destroyed over time by construction, heavy equipment, live ammunition and more. Moreover, the traditional econo- my of the region, driven largely by fam- ily ranchers who have managed these lands sustainably for generations, would be disrupted and very quickly destroyed. Needless to say, a lot of people – includ- ing the Sierra Club – think that’s a really bad idea. The result has been an amaz- ing convergence of diverse interests – ranchers, local officials, legislators, envi- ronmentalists, labor leaders, researchers, preservationists and others -- all deter- mined to prevent the expansion of the Army’s Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (PCMS). And it’s working – a real trib- ute to the power of persistent citizen action. Virtually every local government in southeastern Colorado is on record in opposition to the Army’s expansion plans. The state legislature is also on record in opposition. The Army’s Environmental Impact Statement is being challenged in federal Court. P2 Page 2 Rocky Mountain Chapter 1536 Wynkoop Street #4C Denver, CO 80202 16 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club Summer 2009 Volume 43 - Number 2 Non-Profit Organization U.S. Postage Paid Denver, CO Permit #389 Peak & Prairie In this issue P2 Page 2 P6 Page 6 View From the Chair P4 Page 4 P4 Page 4 Green Recovery Caps Legislative Session Volunteer Profile: Chad Young Boulder Valley Inner City Outings P6 Page 6 P5 Page 5 P5 Page 5 P7 Page 7 At Long Last New Wilderness for Colorado P7 Page 7 continued on page 3 Wild Step! Kick Off Party Join us on Tuesday, July 14th for our Wild Step: Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Hike for the Environment kick-off party. We will discuss details of the event and how you can get involved. Help us make this event a success by signing up to be a leader or member of a team. When: Tuesday, July 14th at 7pm Where: Beau Jo’s Pizza; 2690 Baseline Rd in Boulder RSVP: Please e-mail Katie Case at [email protected] or call (303) 861-8819 ext.1 Volunteers Needed! P8 Page 8 P8 Page 8 P3 Page 3 Don’t Forget Your Reusable Bags P9 Page 9 P9 Page 9 Call for At-Large Chapter Executive Committee Nominations Your Voice Counted At the State Legislature Momentum for Wilderness Building in Central Colorado P3 Page 3 P10 Page 10 P10 Page 10 P11 Green Organizing P12 Supporting Your Chapter P12 Restructuring Metro Groups P13 Welcome Katie Case P14 RMC Contacts P15 Meetings and Outings The above map is modified version of a map obtained from Army files and enhanced for clarity by the La Junta Tribune-Democrat. Return Service Requested
Transcript of U.S. Postage Paid Summer 2009 Volume 43 - Number 2 Permit ... · Page 2 Rocky Mountain Chapter 1536...
Army Retreats at Piñon Canyon Citizen Action At WorkBy: Ross Vincent, Sangre de Cristo Group Chair
If you believe the Army’s own internaldocuments, some at the Pentagon wouldlike to convert most of southeasternColorado – millions of acres – into agiant military reservation for combattraining and weapons testing.
This incredible network of ecosystemsin southeastern Colorado would becomeisolated and inaccessible to all but aselect few and much of it would bedestroyed over time by construction,heavy equipment, live ammunition andmore. Moreover, the traditional econo-my of the region, driven largely by fam-ily ranchers who have managed theselands sustainably for generations, wouldbe disrupted and very quickly destroyed.
Needless to say, a lot of people – includ-
ing the Sierra Club – think that’s a reallybad idea. The result has been an amaz-ing convergence of diverse interests –ranchers, local officials, legislators, envi-ronmentalists, labor leaders, researchers,preservationists and others -- all deter-mined to prevent the expansion of theArmy’s Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site(PCMS). And it’s working – a real trib-ute to the power of persistent citizenaction.
Virtually every local government insoutheastern Colorado is on record inopposition to the Army’s expansion plans.The state legislature is also on record inopposition. The Army’s EnvironmentalImpact Statement is being challenged infederal Court.
P2Page 2
Rocky Mountain Chapter1536 Wynkoop Street #4CDenver, CO 80202
16 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
Rocky Mountain Chapterof the Sierra ClubSummer 2009Volume 43 - Number 2
Non-ProfitOrganization
U.S. Postage PaidDenver, CO
Permit #389
Peak & PrairieIn this issue
P2Page 2
P6Page 6
View From the Chair
P4Page 4
P4Page 4
Green Recovery CapsLegislative Session
Volunteer Profile:Chad Young
Boulder ValleyInner City Outings
P6Page 6
P5Page 5
P5Page 5
P7Page 7
At Long Last NewWilderness for Colorado
P7Page 7
continued on page 3
Wild Step! Kick Off Party
Join us on Tuesday, July 14th for our Wild Step: Rocky
Mountain Chapter’s Hike for theEnvironment kick-off party.
We will discuss details of the event and how you can getinvolved. Help us make this
event a success by signing up to be a leader or member of a team.
When: Tuesday, July 14th at 7pm
Where: Beau Jo’s Pizza; 2690 Baseline Rd in Boulder
RSVP: Please e-mail Katie Case at
[email protected] or call (303) 861-8819 ext.1
Volunteers Needed!
P8Page 8
P8Page 8
P3Page 3
Don’t Forget YourReusable Bags
P9Page 9
P9Page 9
Call for At-Large Chapter ExecutiveCommittee Nominations
Your Voice CountedAt the State Legislature
Momentum forWilderness Building inCentral Colorado
P3Page 3
P10Page 10
P10Page 10
P11 Green Organizing
P12 Supporting Your Chapter
P12 Restructuring Metro Groups
P13 Welcome Katie Case
P14 RMC Contacts
P15 Meetings and Outings
The above map is modified version of a map obtained from Army files and enhanced for clarity by the La Junta Tribune-Democrat.
Return Service Requested
Summer 2009Volume 43 – Number 2
Published quarterly by the Rocky Mountain Chapter
of the Sierra Club1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 4C
Denver, CO 80202Ph: 303.861.8819 • Fax: 303.861.2436
www.rmc.sierraclub.org
Editorial Staff303.861.8819
EDITOR: Tersaem [email protected]
ADVERTISING MANAGER: Katie [email protected]
DESIGN EDITOR: Sonia Kelly
Printed by Barnum Printing on recycled paper.
SUBMISSIONS DEADLINEfor the Fall, 2009
issue is
Wednesday,September 16, 2009
For submission guidelines contact:[email protected]
This is my first opportunity to greet youas the new Rocky Mountain ChapterChair of the Sierra Club. The green torchwas passed to me last January from RichLevy and Maggie Pedersen. I was delight-ed to be nominated and voted-in for thisprestigious role. The position has its diffi-culties but I’m proud to representColorado and all of the hard-working vol-unteers of the Rocky Mountain Chapter.
Our key campaign for our Chapter hasbeen Cool Colorado, an energy-drivencrusade that I especially connect with.The Cool Colorado Committee, formedin January 2008, focuses on getting buy-infrom all cities and counties in Colorado touse less energy; make more renewableenergy; and support legislation regardingefficient and sustainable energy. The cam-paign is a spin-off of the national CoolCities campaign. The Committee is now ayear old and has its hands in all geograph-ic regions of our state.
An especially monumental achievementfor Cool Colorado was the very successful“Cool at the Capital” day on April 3. Thatweek, the State House of Representativesand Senate passed the Cool CitiesResolution. Myrna Poticha, a CoolColorado volunteer, spearheaded the res-olution and found two forward-thinkinglegislators as sponsors. RepresentativeDiana Primavera and Senator RollieHeath sponsored the resolution anddefended it throughout its evolution.Although most legislators had no qualmswith the document, a few Senators stillinsisted that “global warming” has not yetbeen proven.
Our wonderful Colorado leaders at thestate and local levels are driving solutionsforward. By signing the Cool CitiesResolution, our state government hasagreed to encourage all mayors to signonto the Mayors’ Climate ProtectionAgreement and the Colorado Governor’sClimate Action Plan. It also pushes law
makers to support legislation for energyefficient building standards, fundingresources for low income residents andschools, and implementing state-of-the-art technologies for all new power plants.This state-level assistance is also tied intoefforts in each Colorado community.Energy efficiency education for homesand local businesses and investments inpublic transportation are a few of the pro-grams local communities must implementto reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
To celebrate this momentous occasion,the Rocky Mountain Chapter held a pressconference. Our superb staff, Katie Caseand Jonah Fruchter, worked tirelessly torally the news teams and gather Coloradoenergy leaders to speak in favor of the res-olution. The speakers represented smartenergy solutions and sustainable econom-ic growth in our region. The topic of‘green’ jobs was targeted using ColleenJorgensen, Vice President of Instruction atRed Rocks Community, and RichardKnaub, from Veterans Green Jobs. BillLucas, Founder of GB3 Energy Solutions,used his charismatic energy to speak onenergy use, specifically on how makinghomes and buildings more energy effi-cient can reduce our energy consumptionand provide jobs.
The Cool Colorado Committee and vol-unteers around the state are working hardin 2009 to sign on cities and counties tobecome ‘cool’. This energizing campaignneeds individuals in every area ofColorado to help rouse their local gov-ernments to think of the future and holdofficials’ feet to the fire on progressivechanges. Government only works whenits people are involved.
I’m very excited to be representingColorado in the next few years and to beleading us on this ‘cool’ issue! Thank youto all our current members, volunteers andstaff for supporting such a vibrant conser-vation organization. We are going to havea great year!
Peak & Prairie
View from the ChairBy: Jenny Kedward, RMC Chair
2 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 15
Campaign Chair_______________Cool Colorado: Jenny Kedward, [email protected]
Chapter Office_______________1536 Wynkoop Street, Suite 4CDenver, CO 80202Chapter Director: Robyn Fugett, 303-861-8819ext. 2, [email protected]
Chapter Coordinator: Katie Case, 303-861-8819ext 1, [email protected] Conservation Organizer: Jonah Fruchter303-861-8819 ext. [email protected]
C O N T A C T S
M E E T I N G S A N D O U T I N G SFull Moon Hike South Table Mtn
Tuesday, July 7th
Join the Mount Evans Group of the Sierra Clubfor an easy hike up the south side of South TableMountain to enjoy the sunset over the mountainsand moon rise over the city. Meet promptly at7:30pm for an 7:45pm assent. This is an easy hikeof around 2-3 miles and approximately 500ft ele-vation gain. We should be down the mountain by9:30pm. Bring sturdy boots, a flash light, snacks,layers of appropriate clothing, hiking poles andthe ten essentials. Contact Lin Hark to sign up,get details and for directions to the meeting loca-tion: 303-507-3502 Email: [email protected]. 16 hiker limit.
Pikes Peak Beginner Backpack
Saturday, July 11, 9:30 a.m. through Sunday,July 12, 4:30 p.m.
Join sponsors Pikes Peak Sierra Club, CentralColorado Wilderness Coalition (CCWC), andWild Connections for a moderate 6-mile, 2-daybackpack with elevation gain of 600 feet intoPikes Peak West, one of the CCWCs Wild Tenproposed potential wilderness areas. This back-pack will offer basic wilderness skills instruction,including basic backpacking skills such as siteselection and minimum impact camping.Participants must have or rent basic backpackinggear. If interest warrants, a pre-trip meeting maybe arranged to discuss gear and logistics. Formore information or to sign up, contact JimLockhart at 719-385-0045 or [email protected].
Chief Mountain Hike
Tuesday, July 14th
Join the Mount Evans Group of the Sierra Club ina moderate hike to the top of Chief Mountainwest of Evergreen. There will be wildflowers, twisted bristlecone pines, rugged rock formationsand a panoramic view of the continental divide
and plains. This 3 mile, moderate, out and backhike climbs just over 1,000 ft in 1.5 miles to asummit of 11,709ft. We will enjoy lunch at ornear the top while taking in the incredible views.Bring sturdy boots, snacks, lunch, layers of appro-priate clothing, hiking poles and the ten essen-tials. Contact Lin Hark for meeting location andother details: 303-507-3502 Email:[email protected] . Limit 12 hikers.
Saturday August 1, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
Water Quality Committee Wheat Ridge OpenSpace teasle pull at 41st and Youngfield. Bringwater and gloves. We supply bags and tools. Formore information or to confirm please call BettyJo Page at 303-232-9105.
Fly-fishing in Beaver Creek Proposed Wilderness
Sunday, August 2, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Angler Brian Judd specializes in fishing streams ofthe Wild Ten areas. He will guide us and providetips and informal instruction as we visit WestBeaver Creek to fish and hike a moderate fivemiles with 500-feet elevation gain. Fly-fishinggear, shoes with good traction, and Colorado fish-ing license with habitat stamp are required.Waders are optional. Learn about the wilderness’future on this trip sponsored by Pikes Peak SierraClub Group, Wild Connections, and CentralColorado Wilderness Coalition. Contact Brian at719-598-8285 with equipment questions. Formore information and to register, contact co-leader John Stansfield, 303-660-5849 or [email protected] by 5 p.m., August 1.
Saturday August 8, 2009, 9:30 a.m.
Water Quality Committee Wheat Ridge OpenSpace teasle pull at 41st and Youngfield. Bringwater and gloves. We supply bags and tools. Formore information or to confirm please call BettyJo Page at 303-232-9105.
Threemile Creek Hike
Tuesday, August 11th
Join the Mount Evans Group of the Sierra Club ina moderate hike in the Mount Evans WildernessArea off Guanella Pass Road near Grant. This 6mile, moderate to strenuous, out and back hikeclimbs near a beautiful stream, into a gorgeouscanyon, onto the tundra above treeline in around2,700 ft elevation gain to a saddle between two12,000 ft peaks. We will enjoy lunch and thehigh country experience and return. Bring sturdyboots, snacks, lunch, layers of appropriate cloth-ing, hiking poles and the ten essentials. ContactLin Hark for meeting location and other details:303-507-3502 Email: [email protected] .Limit 12 hikers.
(Non Sierra-Club Event)
Cheyenne Mountain State Park/TOPS Addition Dayhike
Saturday, September 12
CMC Rating: Moderate B, casual pace.
Colorado Mountain Club trip, non-membersinvited. From Old Stage Road, we will hike upthe McNeil and Swisher Trails, hopefully enjoyingthe aspens at their best, the scenic site of theSwisher Homestead, and views into the remotenorth end of Beaver Creek proposed wilderness.Length is 8 miles with a strenuous 1,200 feet ele-vation gain, with most of the elevation gain at theend of the climb. Hiking poles recommended,especially for the descent. F or more informationor to sign up, contact Getty Nuhn at 719-473-8868 or [email protected].
The "10 Essentials" - The Sierra Club recommends carrying the following: a map, com-pass, waterproof matches, flashlight, extra foodand water, extra clothes (no cotton), first aid sup-plies, pocket knife, rain pants and jacket, sunglass-es, UV protection and whistle. That’s actually atotal of 11 items. Also consider taking insect repel-lent, a space blanket for emergencies and a camera.
WWoouulldd yyoouu lliikkee ttoo aaddvveerrttiissee yyoouurr
bbuussiinneessss iinn tthhee PPeeaakkaanndd PPrraaiirriiee aanndd rreeaacchh
2200,,000000 mmeemmbbeerrss??
Please call Katie at
330033--886611--88881199
Greetings Colorado Sierra Clubbers!
For the past two years, U.S. Representatives John Salazar andMarilyn Musgrave have succeeded in getting the Congress to pro-hibit the use of any of the funds appropriated to the Army for thepurpose of expanding the PCMS. Salazar (now a member of thepowerful House Appropriations Committee) and Musgrave’s suc-cessor, Rep. Betsy Markey, have made it clear that they plan to con-tinue the funding ban. More than that, they want to prohibit theexpansion permanently.
In March of this year, State Representatives Sal Pace (D-Pueblo)and Wes McKinley (D-Walsh) and Senator Ken Kester (R-LasAnimas), in a stroke of legislative genius, introduced H.B. 1317,a bill that prohibits the sale or transfer of state-owned lands forthe purpose of PCMS expansion. The Rocky MountainChapter Legislative Committee endorsed that bill and RobynFugett, our Chapter Director, played a crucial role in helping tobuild support for the bill in the Legislature.
The bill is important because the lands the Army has designatedas its Phase 1 target area for acquisition are peppered with state“school lands”. That means that, even if the Army can persuadethe private owners to sell, the lands will be useless for the Army’spurposes unless they expropriate the state lands – a politically dif-
ficult maneuver. Governor Ritter signed H.B. 1317 into law onJune 2nd.
Faced with this wall of opposition, the Army announced in Maythat the PCMS expansion money it had planned to include inits 2010 budget request will be “reprogrammed” to a base inLouisiana. That is a huge victory for the good guys. It doesn’tmean that the Army has given up on PCMS expansion, but itdoes mean that its expansion plans are on hold. A strategicretreat; not capitulation.
This battle isn’t over, but the momentum is clearly in our favor.These recent victories are a direct result of relentless pressure,relentlessly applied by the Sierra Club, to be sure, but moreimportant, by a lot of people who don’t normally get involvedin public policy debates like this, and who have almost neverworked together in the past.
The political message is a powerful one. The Army’s war on thepeople of southeastern Colorado must end. Tell every electedofficial you can find and every candidate for public office whowants your vote – NO EXPANSION, NO MONEY FOREXPANSION AT THE PCMS. Spread the word.
Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 3
Army Retreats at Piñon Canyon continued from page 1
14 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
BARRY SATLOW, PCBankruptcy, Divorce, Small Business and Personal Injury
Barry SatlowLawyer
1951 Vista Drive, Boulder, CO 80304303-442-3535 I 303-442-1006FAX: 303-339-0177 I [email protected]
www.barrysatlow.com
Elected Officers_______________Chair: Jenny Kedward, 719-582-0249, [email protected]
Vice Chair: Steve Welter, 303-499-7261,[email protected]
Council Delegate: Maggie Pedersen, 970-947-9613, [email protected]
Council Delegate-Alternate: Myrna Poticha, 303-771-9866 [email protected]
At-Large: Myrna Poticha, [email protected]
At-Large: Becky Dickson, 303-499-7261 [email protected]
At-Large: Becky English, 303-733-4064 [email protected]
At-Large: Jenny Kedward, [email protected]
At-Large: Steve Welter, 303-499-7261, [email protected]
At-Large: Gary Lindstrom, [email protected]
At-Large: Maggie Pedersen, [email protected]
Groups_______________A great way to get involved in your Chapter is by joining and participating in a local group. Each group has a website. For maps and additional information on each group, visit thewebsite: www.rmc.sierraclub.org/local
Blue River GroupServing Summit, Grand, Eagle Counties
Chair: Rick Warren, [email protected]
Enos Mills GroupServing Denver, Glendale
Chair: Randy Will, 303-753- 9007 [email protected]
Indian Peaks GroupServing Boulder County
Chair: Deirdre Butler, [email protected]
Mount Evans GroupServing Evergreen, Conifer, Park County
Chair: Betsy Kelson, [email protected]
Pikes Peak GroupServing El Paso, Elbert, Teller
Chair: Jane Ard- Smith, [email protected]
Poudre Canyon GroupServing Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland
Chair: Ward Luthi, [email protected]
Rachel Carson GroupServing Lakewood, Arvada, Wheatridge
Chair: Judy Johnson, [email protected]
Roaring Fork GroupServing Roaring Fork Valley
Chair: Mark Stevens, [email protected]
Sangre de Cristo GroupServing Southeast Colorado & Arkansas drainage
Chair: Ross Vincent, [email protected]
South Platte GroupServing Littleton, western Arapahoe, Douglas County, northern Elbert
Chair: Suzanna Koeller, [email protected]
Trappers Lake GroupServing Northwest Colorado
Chair: Rich Levy, [email protected]
Uncompahgre GroupServing Mesa, Montrose, Delta, Gunnison
Co-Chair: N J Fulmer, 970-241-8036,[email protected]: Kathleen Hedlund, 970-245- 5727
Weminuche GroupServing Southwest Colorado
Interim Chair: Justin [email protected]
Appointed Officers_______________Secretary: Peggy Malchow, [email protected]: Mark Collier, [email protected] Treasurer: David Mastronarde303-440-0253, [email protected]
Committee Chairs_______________Awards: Vacant – can you help?
Computer Co-Chair: Steve Bailey, [email protected]
Computer Co-Chair: Mark Collier, 303-443-5482, [email protected]
Computer Co-Chair: Roger Wendell, 303-984-5141, [email protected]
Conservation Co-Chair: Kirk [email protected]
Conservation Co-Chair: Kirby Hughes719-685-3019, [email protected]
Elections: JoLynn Jarboe, [email protected]
Finance: Vacant – can you help?
Fundraising: Lara Lee Hullinghorst, 720-226-7430, [email protected]
Inner City Outings: Bill Myers, [email protected]
IT: Vacant – can you help?
Legislative: Gary Lindstrom, [email protected]
Legal: Vacant – can you help?
Membership Engagement: Vacant – can you help?
Newsletter Editor: Teri Tesseris, [email protected]
Nominating Committee: Vacant – can you help?
Outings: Dave Hawley, [email protected]
Personnel: Maggie Pedersen, 970-947-9613 [email protected]
Political: Peggy Malchow, [email protected]
Volunteer Coordinator: Kirby Hughes, 719-685-3019, [email protected]
Webmaster: Mike Stroh, [email protected]
Conservation Issue Chairs_______________To get involved in specific conservation issues, pleasecontact the Issue Leader of your choice below.
Agriculture: Judith Rice-Jones, [email protected]
Air Quality: Vacant – can you help?
Endangered Species/Wildlife: Deirdre Butler303-823-8649, [email protected]
Energy: Becky English, [email protected]
Environmental Education: Vacant – can you help?Environmental Justice: Eric [email protected]
Genetic Engineering: Suzanne Wuerthele303-333-2519, [email protected]/Oil/Gas: Kirby Hughes, [email protected]
National Forest/ECL: Elyse and Daniel Salazar720-870-6256, [email protected]
Pesticides: Angela Medberry, [email protected]
Sprawl/Affordable Housing: Bill Myers 303-935-6810, [email protected]
Public Lands: Rich Levy, 970-871-8799,[email protected]
Toxics: Joan Seeman, [email protected]
Transportation Co-Chair: Betsy Hand303-447-8073
Transportation Co-Chair: Bill Roettker303-530-3482, [email protected]
Waste/Recycling: Vacant – can you help?
Water Sources: Steve Glazer, [email protected]
Water Quality/Habitats: Steve Glazer, 970-349-6646, [email protected]
R M C C O N T A C T S
Your Voice Counted at the State Legislature! By: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director
The 2009 legislative session ended in May, marking a new direction is Colorado’sgreen energy future. With over a dozen pieces of legislation passed, GovernorRitter and state legislators focused on creating new jobs and making renewableenergy more affordable for all Coloradans!
Colorado’s environmental community rolled out its legislativepriorities in January focusing on clean energy and the economy.Working statewide, the community pushed provisions thatwould strengthen renewable energy and energy efficiency poli-cies that create jobs and boost our economy, transportationsolutions that cut global warming pollution, and protections forpublic health and our environment from the impacts of oil andgas development.
In addition to RMC’s direct lobbying efforts, we organized thebold actions of our activists. Responding to RMC action alerts,
you sent over 2000 emails to legislators on bills such as HB1126, the Solar Thermal Jobs bill and HB 1292, the Oil and GasRule Review bill. This was a substantial contribution to ourwork - both bills would not have passed without citizens weigh-ing in and expressing their overwhelming support. Thank youso much for taking action and making your voice count!
Coalition members that worked together on this session’s envi-ronmental agenda included: Sierra Club Rocky MountainChapter, Alliance for Sustainable Colorado, Clean WaterAction, Colorado Conservation Voters, ColoradoEnvironmental Coalition, Earthjustice, Environment Colorado,and Southwest Energy Efficiency Project.
A detailed overview of the 2009 Legislative Session can be readin this issue - see “Green Recovery Caps Legislative Session”.
Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 134 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
Solar, transit, and efficiency investments to spur jobs,development as state climbs out of economic recession
Colorado kept a razor sharp focus in build-ing the New Energy Economy as a strategyfor spurring green jobs andeconomic development amidstthe economic recession,according to advocates andbusinesses at a state capitolbriefing on the 2009 legislativesession.
Groups hailed the leadership ofGov. Bill Ritter and the statelegislature for passing over adozen pieces of legislation toadvance a green economicrecovery. At the same time, Gov. Ritter and Energy OfficeDirector, Tom Plant were keyplayers in the national push toput clean energy investments atthe core of the AmericanRecovery and Reinvestment Act— helpingColorado grow good, green jobs.
“These are sober times for our economy,and Gov. Ritter’s strength and vision inbuilding the New Energy Economy pro-vides a path forward,” said Carry Doyle,Executive Director of ColoradoConservation Voters. “Colorado leadersshowed exceptional skill and foresight pass-ing measures that will create good, greenjobs and local investment right here inColorado.”
A suite of solar bills passed the state legislatureto continue that trend, including legislation tomake solar a standard option on all newhomes, a bill to create a low-interest loan fundfor schools to make investments in renewableenergy improvements such as solar and wind,and the extension of a sales and use tax exemp-tion to solar hot water systems.
Already, renewable energy and energy effi-ciency improvements have created upwardsof 88,000 jobs in Colorado. Clean energybusinesses hailed the commitment by stateleaders as essential to ensure the upwardtrend in green jobs.
“Solar power has been a ray of sunshine inColorado’s economy, but no industry isimmune to the economic slowdown.” saidEriks Brolis, of Namaste Solar, Inc. “Gov.
Ritter and the legislature are making theright decisions to pre-wire Colorado forsolar powered jobs to ensure that we keepon growing.”
Colorado had mixed success advancingenergy efficiency solutions. Energy effi-ciency plays a unique and strong role ingreen recovery efforts because investmentscreate jobs while cutting energy use forhomes and businesses, allowing for moremoney to go into local economies. It is thecleanest, cheapest way to meet out electric-ity demand
Colorado passed a bill allowing rural elec-tric cooperatives to create tiered electricityrates, allowing rural electric cooperatives tocreate market-based incentives to helpdrive smarter energy use, which could savecustomers money and cut energy use 1 to 5percent.
However, a bill that would have requiredlarge rural electric cooperatives to createenergy efficiency programs similar to thosealready offered by Xcel Energy never madeit out of the house chamber. Due in part tolobby efforts by Intermountain RuralElectric Association (IREA), the state’s
largest co-op known for funding efforts tofight clean energy investment and globalwarming solutions. The bill would havesaved $85 million and created 200 new
jobs.
“Energy efficiency investmentswere the cornerstone of thefederal stimulus effort,” saidPam Kiely, Legislative ProgramDirector of EnvironmentColorado. “So it is a huge dis-appointment that for the sec-ond year in a row the ColoradoLegislature dropped the ball ona bill that would have createdmillions in savings for cash-strapped Coloradans. Yes weare a leader in the New EnergyEconomy, but we still have apatchwork of regulations cov-ering the rural electricityproviders and it’s time for them
to get with the program.”
Energy efficiency and weatherization pro-grams did see a big boost from federalinvestment dollars, receiving nearly $130million under the American Recovery andReinvestment Act.
Colorado also passed landmark legislationto protect Colorado’s air, water, wildlife,and communities from ever-increasingimpacts of oil and gas drilling in the state.The legislation marks the end of a two-yearlong effort that included support fromsportsmen, conservationists, local govern-ment officials, public health advocates, andrural landowners.
“Gov. Ritter’s showed incredible and boldleadership in creating a healthier energyindustry, one that protects wildlife and ourstrong outdoor recreation economy,” saidSuzanne O’Neill, Executive Director of theColorado Wildlife Federation.”
Ensuring that impacts by oil and gas drillingare minimized is essential to preservinglocal tourism and serviced-basedeconomies, as well as the state’s $10 billion
Green Recovery Caps Legislative SessionBy: Carrie Curtis, Gavin Clark and Ellynne Bannon
Green Recovery Caps Legislative Session continued from page 4
a year outdoor recreation industry, includ-ing more than $3 billion in wildlife relatedactivities.
The national and state investments in cleanenergy and green transportation and theprotections from oil and gas drillingimpacts represent a comprehensive energystrategy for Colorado that both builds theNew Energy Economy and promotes ahealthy energy industry.
Advocacy organizations stated that the yearwas a success in promoting “green recovery”policies, but more opportunities lie aheadon state energy efficiency goals, federal leg-islation to make Colorado a clean energyexporter, and state policies to grow theNew Energy Economy.
continued on page 13
2009 EnvironmentalCommunity-backedLegislation
Clean Energy
HB 1126 - Solar Thermal Jobs
HB 1149 - Solar Pre-wire Homes
HB 1312 - Renewables for Schools
HB 1323 - Energy Efficiency Programs
HB 1331 - Extend Hybrid Tax Credit
HB 1345 - Coordinated Transmission Planning
SB 51 - Clean Energy Financing
SB 297 - Expedite Federal Stimulus Act
SB 39 - Tiered Energy Pricing
Transportation
SB 94 - CDOT Rail and TransitDivision
SB 75 - Low Speed Electric Vehicle
Preservation, Wildlife & Public Lands
HB 1292 - Rule Review (oil and gasrules)
HB1317 - No State Lands To ExpandPinon Canyon
HB 1199 - Healthy Forests
HB 1067 - In stream Flow TaxIncentives
SB 235 - Wildlife Stamp
Chapter ExCom to Vote on Restructuring Metro GroupsBy: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director and Jenny Kedward, RMC Chapter Chair
Do you live in the Denver metro area?We’re researching some alternative waysyou can volunteer with the Sierra Club’sRocky Mountain Chapter (RMC).
In the age of the internet, we’re finding thatSierra Club activists want to be engaged inways other than the traditional structureChapters have used over the past coupledecades. Many Chapters are looking toincorporate new ways to organize membersand train citizens to become environmentalleaders. The Rocky Mountain Chapter andits metro groups, Enos Mills (EMG), RachelCarson (RCG), and South Platte (SPG) areno exception.
Currently, despite many efforts to revitalizethese three groups, they are not meetingtheir full potential in engaging and organiz-ing Denver residents. Robyn Fugett andKatie Case, RMC Chapter Coordinator, havemet with many past and present volunteer tolearn more about each group’s strengths,weaknesses and history; we’ve received somegreat feedback and suggestions for futuregrowth in the metro area. An overwhelmingmajority feel that instead of attempting torevitalize all three groups, it would be more
beneficial to organize around activities –whether it’s a social activity, conservationissue, or a Sierra Club program or campaign– rather than under the traditional by-lawsrequired to have a group.
On July 11, 2009 the Chapter’s ExecutiveCommittee (ExCom) will vote on the direc-tion of the three Denver Metro Groups.Options are to revitalize each group, mergethe groups or dissolve and organize metrovolunteers around issues, campaigns and
programs. Prior to the vote, there will be adiscussion on the pros and cons of eachoption and a presentation on alternativegroup structures given by Greg Casini,Sierra Club Associate Director of VolunteerDevelopment.
These groups currently have no electedofficers and no scheduled meetings. Areasaffected are those that currently serve theEnos Mills, Rachel Carson, and SouthPlatte Groups, and include Denver,Glendale, Arvada, Lakewood, Wheatridge,Broomfield, Englewood, Littleton, andareas of western Arapahoe county, Douglascounty and northern Elbert county. The
Sierra Club’s Bylaws give Chapters theauthority to restructure or dissolve groupsif, in the judgment of the ExCom, suchaction is in the best interest of the SierraClub. Restructuring or dissolution of agroup requires a majority vote of theExCom. Any chapter member wishing tocomment on the proposed action may do soat the meeting at which the vote takesplace. Dissolution of the group does notaffect the standing of the individual mem-bers as members of the Sierra Club orRocky Mountain Chapter. Once a group isdissolved, any members within the affectedarea may still take on leadership positionswith the Chapter.
Please contact the Chapter office at 303-861-8819 if you live in one of affected areasand wish to learn more about the revitaliza-tion and dissolution processes. The nextChapter Executive Committee will be heldin Steamboat Springs at the ColoradoMountain College on July 11th. The MetroGroups will be discussed in the morningaround 10am. Exact times will be confirmedcloser to the date.
Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 5
Richard Louv’s book, Last Child in the Woods,explains in heart-breaking detail how manychildren – especially children in low-incomepopulations – have little connection withnature. The Sierra Club’s Inner City Outings(ICO) program helps these low-income pop-ulations establish a connection with natureby taking them on free nature outings andwilderness adventures. And now, BoulderCounty has its own ICO Group: BoulderValley Inner City Outings (BVICO).
The relatively affluent community ofBoulder may seem an unlikely place for ICObut, in fact, Boulder County juxtaposeswealth with severe poverty. The high cost ofliving in Boulder County, combined withlow wages in the service sector, means thatmany families in Boulder County have nodisposable income. Thus, all BVICO out
ings are free, and we lend virtually all of ourparticipants all of the gear they’ll need oneach outing, right down to their socks.
BVICO takes children from three middleschools and the school district’s CommunityAccess Mentoring program on a wide varietyof outings. We do everything from snow-shoeing to backpacking to mountain-biking.The genius of ICO is that we don’t preachenvironmentalism to the kids; instead, wetake them to amazing places and let naturedo the talking. A good example of such anouting is our recent 5-day, 12-person back-packing trip to Coyote Gulch in the Grand-Staircase Escalante National Monument,Utah. Video from this and other outings isat www.boulderico.org.
Like all ICO groups, BVICO is run entirelyby enthusiastic volunteers (who often bringtheir own kids on outings). Of course, thesedays, we’re all so busy that volunteering isoften perceived as burden. But ICO is differ-ent: it’s just flat-out fun. As proof, check outthe video blog of the backwards snowshoerace we had at Rocky Mountain NationalPark in February.
Volunteering with BVICO is also hugelyrewarding. For most ICO kids, every outingis a first: first time snowshoeing, first timebackpacking, first time skiing, etc. And wetake the kids to places that are more remoteand more beautiful than they have everimagined. Sometimes a child’s connection
with nature develops gradually but, often, inthese really beautiful places the ICO volun-teer can actually tell the exact moment thata child’s eyes have opened to the precious-ness of our wild places and their value to thehuman soul. Those are powerful moments,and the typical BVICO volunteer is a junkie,addicted to those transformations, whetherthey are arrived at gradually or all of a sud-den. We often have so much fun that we for-get how much good we’re doing, but thenwe see the lights go on for one of these kidsand we’re reminded of just how importantthis work is and how lucky we are to bedoing it.
If you’d like to share your love of nature withkids, volunteer with us. You can start by vis-iting us at www.boulderico.org to learn moreabout this and other ways you can helpBVICO (including our Gear Drive throughREI).
12 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
Sierra Club’s environmental achievementsin Colorado would not be possible withoutthe generous support of you and our othermembers. With Sierra Club, you know thatgoing on local outings or volunteering tohelp on conservation campaigns means youget to have fun while learning more aboutColorado’s environment and educating ourlawmakers. Whether it’s restoring our greatforests, building a clean energy future, orsafeguarding our clean water and air, SierraClub volunteers are there to stand up foryour family’s health and heritage. Many ofyou also make generous gifts directly to theColorado Chapter to support the staff andprogram work that amplifies your volunteeractions and conservation goals in our state.
Today I’d like to tell you about a few easyways you can donate to the RockyMountain Chapter. Now, I realize one sizedoesn’t fit all; especially today, when somany of us are tightening our belts due tothe current state of our economy. That’swhy I feel it’s important to give you optionsso you can continue your support of ourwork in Colorado. The Chapter now has 5different ways to give!
Green RegistryRegister your special occasion green!Whether it’s a wedding, birthday, anniversary or other special occasion, your friends
and family can go to your personal webpage on the Chapter’s website, and make adonation in your honor.
We would like to thank Paul and Lara Lee,RMC Fundraising Chair, for generouslymaking the Sierra Club part of their weddingregistry.
General Gift of SupportGive a one-time gift to the Sierra Club orset-up a monthly donation.
Memorial GiftGive a gift of remembrance honoring yourloved one.
Rocky Mountain Chapter Legacy Council Help us take that next step forward—joinSierra Club’s Rocky Mountain LegacyCouncil as a Charter Member today with agift of $500 or more.
Bequests and Estate PlanningMake a commitment to the next generationby remembering the Rocky MountainChapter in your will. Your support will helpothers preserve the intricate balance ofnature.
What’s your fit? Go to http://rmc.sierra-club.org/donate and try out our new giving program.
You can help make sure the RockyMountain Chapter Sierra Club has the
resources to continue its effective work inour communities and in our state capitol.With your financial help, we will stop newcoal plants from being built and work tohold energy companies responsible fortheir emissions. We will also educate votersand hold lawmakers accountable by expos-ing bad votes and endorsing environmen-tally-conscious candidates. Lastly, theRocky Mountain Chapter will be a leader inthe fight for a clean energy economy thatwill create well-paying jobs and save con-sumers money.
Thank you so much for your support!
Supporting Your ChapterOne Size Doesn’t Fit All: Ways You Can Help Protect Colorado’s Environment
By: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director
Lara Lee Hullinghorst & Paul Hammer
Boulder Valley Inner City OutingsSo Much Fun You’ll Almost Forget You’re Doing Good
During the month of July, you can donate gently used (or new)gear to Boulder Valley ICO by simply placing it in the donationbin at the REI store in Boulder. REI is located at 1789 28th Street,between Walnut and Canyon. Although BVICO will gratefullyaccept any useful outdoor gear, the gear they need most is listedbelow. Printed lists are also available at the store.
• Lightweight backpacking tens (2- or 3-person)• Hiking pants (youth sizes)• Hiking boots (sizes 4 through 8, waterproof or which
can be waterproofed)• Snowshoes• Packable rain jackets (youth or small adult sizes)• Rain pants (breathable, youth sizes)• MSR Simmerlite stove and fuel bottle (or other brand)• Water filter for backpacking• Two-burner stove (propane or white gas)• Winter boots (sizes 4 through 8)• GPS unit• Sleds
If you can’t get to Boulder, you can also mail your gear to BoulderICO, 637B South Broadway, No. 117, Boulder, CO 80305.Questions? Write to [email protected] or call (303) 718-4589.
A peal of laughter after Sergio jumps inand startles Vivianna and Melanie atthe falls in Coyote Gulch, Utah.
Yesica and Sinay take a snowflake breakon our March of the Penguins snowshoetrip in the Indian Peaks Wilderness.
Welcome Katie Case, Our New RMC Chapter Coordinator! By: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director
It is my pleasure to introduce Katie Case asour new Chapter Coordinator! Katie has astrong background in volunteer recruitmentand development, as well as office adminis-tration. Prior to joining the Sierra Club, shewas a Volunteer Coordinator for Campaignfor Change and a Field Organizer for Obamafor America.
Katie joined the staff on February 23, 2009and has already made significant contribu-tions to the Chapter. The strength of the
RMC is its volunteers; therefore, a largepart of her time will go to fine tuning ourvolunteer database and training groups onvolunteer recruitment and development.Katie is also recruiting a volunteer commit-tee and teams for our 1st Annual Wild Step,Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Hike for theEnvironment (event details on page 9). If youwould like to help Katie plan a fun eventthat benefits the Chapter or volunteer inother ways, please contact her at (303)861-8819 ext.1.
Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 116 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
Metro-area volunteer, Chad Young, has been a constant presence atthe Rocky Mountain Chapter office since helping with the MarchAppeal mailing in February. His passion for environmental conser-vation is evidenced through his dedicated involvement involunteer work through the Rocky MountainChapter, as well as other organizations. Inaddition to the Sierra Club, Chad is anactive volunteer with Defenders ofWildlife, Volunteers for OutdoorColorado, and is the treasurer ofProfessional Engineers ofColorado – Central Chapter.His energy and enthusiasmfor environmental causes areinfectious, and we are trulylucky to have him as a volun-teer! Below is an interviewwith Chad regarding hisbackground, involvementwith the Chapter, and hishopes for the future.
Tell us a little about yourself. How didyou end up in Colorado?
I am originally from Texas, with familyin the San Antonio and Austin areas, andhave lived in Denver for nearly six years now.Having annually vacationed in Colorado since a veryyoung age, I moved here because I wanted to be closer to themountains. I hold a bachelors and masters degree in civil engineer-ing from the University of Texas and Texas A&M, respectively. Ihave had a career in civil engineering and forensic engineering forover 11 years. I recently resigned from my career in engineering topursue a career that is more aligned with my values and interests. Iam looking to move into a career in natural resource managementand conservation.
Why did you get involved with the Rocky Mountain Chapter of the Sierra Club?
I initially got involved with the Chapter because I wanted to makea contribution towards attaining the goals of the Chapter, whichinclude reducing carbon emissions and protecting the natural areasthat we value. I also wanted to learn how an environmental non-profit functions, while simultaneously gaining first-hand experi-ence working on environmental issues. I first got involved abouttwo years ago and assisted with the lobbying efforts of the Chapterwhile Susan was the Chapter Director. More recently, I have
worked for the Chapter in a variety of ways, including updating thelegislative tracker, researching legislative issues, tabling at EarthDay events, helping with an office clean up, and helping to organ-
ize this year’s Wild Step - Hike for the Environment fundrais-er in September. For the Wild Step, I have
helped out with acquiring sponsors, thepermitting of the event via the City
of Boulder, and the production ofthe event t-shirts.
What have you gained from your experience volunteering at
the Chapter?
I’ve had the opportunityto learn more about theorganization as a whole,as well as gain exposureto the state legislativeand policy process. As
I am looking to pursue acareer in natural resource
management and conserva-tion, I believe that my experi-
ences with the Chapter provid-ed me with the opportunity to learn
more about important conservationand energy issues here in Colorado, as well
as exposing me to the day to day tasks required to run an environmental non-profit organization. These
experiences will, most assuredly, be of value in my future career.
How do you see yourself being involved in the Rocky Mountain Chapter in the future?
I would like to continue using my strengths to help the RockyMountain Chapter achieve its goals by continuing to assist withlobbying efforts, events such as the upcoming Wild Step, and possi-bly assisting or chairing an issue committee such as the Forest/ECLor Endangered Species/Wildlife committees. I am particularlyinterested in the conservation of existing wild lands and naturalareas and protecting the diversity of species. We live in a constant-ly evolving world, and I believe we need to keep the values of con-servation and protection in mind as society continues to develop. Ibelieve that our natural resources should be utilized in a way thatpromotes the interests of society as a whole, as opposed to promot-ing the interests of a few individuals who wish to use naturalresources for their personal gain.
Volunteer Profile: Chad YoungBy: Katie Case, RMC Chapter Coordinator
Reduce, Re-Use & Recycle - Green OrganizingBy: Liz Canavan, Alchemy of Order
When you think of “getting organized”,what comes to mind? For some it’s aboutfine-tuning systems and spaces, like maxi-mizing time management or increasingstorage space. For others it’s a whole pent-up breakthrough ready to happen – a housethat seems to be imploding with piles ofnewspapers, rows of books, old computerswaiting in purgatory- a breakthrough thatcan’t wait any longer.
Everything that is “clutter” is simply a post-poned decision and I’m the person whohelps you decide what to do with it all…and then does it. I say I’m part manual labor,part psychologist and part environmentalist.
That’s right, environmentalist. You can’tthrow out toxic or electronic items, even ifit simply has to go! I help bridge what youwant OUT and where it should go.
Working with the Rocky MountainChapter office this month was a dream.Everyone one of the 8 volunteers has a pas-sion for the environment and making
responsible choices. Two of the volunteersused alternative transportation the day ofthe project. These stewards of the environ-ment were here to help and were commit-ted to the outcome: two radically editedand organized offices with only one smallbag of landfill trash. We did it! We hadlabeled piles for: donate (schools, good-will), electronic (eco-cycle), recycle, andre-use with in the office building (furniturewe no longer needed).
We divided up into teams, each team with aleader who knew the vision for the room.Eight hours and a lunch break later, weunearthed supplies that the Chapter office willuse as well as a lot of clutter we needed to edit.
A special thanks to our outstanding SierraClub volunteers - Steve Welter, Bill Myers, Chad Young, Maria Delgado,Suzanna Koeller, Brett Traudt, Mark Collierand JoLynn Jarboe. The day wouldn’t havebeen possible without your strength, sweatand smiles!
A Special Thanks to LizBy: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director
The Rocky Mountain Chapter wouldlike to thank Liz Canavan for donat-ing her time and expertise to ourRMC Clean & Green Extravaganza.During the 4 years that I’ve know Liz,she has lived a green life and works toincorporate living green into her pro-fessional organizing business. Katie,Jonah and I are very happy with ournew and improved work spaces.
For Hot Tips on how to turn youroffice green, go to:http://sierraclub.typepad.com/green-life/2007/03/10_ways_to_go_g.html
To learn more about Alchemy ofOrder Professional Organizers go to:www.alchemyoforder.com
Before
After
10 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 7
The first half of 2009 brought excitingnews to proponents of Colorado wildlifeand wild land conservation. The March25th passage of long-awaited federal legis-lation brought wilderness protection toRocky Mountain National Park (RMNP)and the Dominguez Canyons of westernColorado. These two wild gems, the firstnew Colorado wilderness designations inseven years, passed as part of the OmnibusPublic Lands Management Act. In all, theomnibus bill designated more than two mil-lion acres of land wilderness nationwide,with 310,000 acres in Colorado.
The RMNP legislation effectively desig-nates all of the undeveloped portions of thepark, 250,000 acres, as wilderness. “Thegateway communities to the park have beenpushing for the fulfillment of this vision formany years,” said Estes Park Mayor, BillPinkham. “Finally, the renowned back-country of Rocky Mountain National Parkwhich is so important to our local identityand economy will be protected for futuregenerations.”
The 60,000 acre Dominguez Canyonwilderness forms the wild heart of the Dominguez-Escalante National Con-
servation Area. Known for its herds ofdesert bighorn sheep and ancient rock artillustrating the areas rich cultural history,the Dominguez-Escalante NationalConservation Area encompasses serpentinered rock sandstone canyons that slicedeeply into some of the wildest quarters ofthe Uncompahgre Plateau west ofMontrose and Delta.
“Today we celebrate Congressionalendorsement of two of the most deservinglandscapes in Colorado,” said ClareBastable, Conservation Director of theColorado Mountain Club. “The decisionby Congress to protect [Rocky MountainNational Park] as wilderness, along withDominguez Canyon and other deservinglands around the nation, calls for a greatcelebration.”
At Long Last New Wilderness for ColoradoBy: John Stansfield, Pikes Peak Group Vice Chair and Wilderness Chair
Momentum for Wilderness Building in Central ColoradoBy: John Stansfield, Pikes Peak Group Vice Chair and Wilderness Chair
A coalition of conservation groups has renewed efforts to end a 16-year drought in new wilderness creation in central Colorado. InJanuary, the Pikes Peak Group of Sierra Club, and its conservationpartners Wild Connections and Central Colorado WildernessCoalition, planned and conducted a wilderness planning retreat inColorado Springs. The outcome from the planning retreat herald-ed an increased need for regional wilderness advocacy from SierraClub and the other organizations in 2009 and beyond.
At the retreat, a consensus developed in favor of a draft legislativeoption, tentatively called the America the Beautiful WildernessPackage. This package includes a number of the low-elevationareas in Central Colorado Wilderness Colation’s existing Wild Tenwilderness proposal and potentially others. However, before anyoption becomes legislatively viable, detailed planning and a varietyof on-the-ground activities, especially building public support, willbe needed to secure success of any legislation.
For more information or to join in wilderness protection efforts,contact John Stansfield of Pikes Peak Group at 303-660-5849, [email protected] or Michael Rogers of Wild Connections at 719-238-9234, [email protected].
Volunteers Needed For Our New Fundraising Committee!By: Robyn Fugett, RMC Chapter Director
Meet Lara Lee Hullinghorst, RMC’s newFundraising Chair! A Colorado native,she was thrilled to take on the challengeof raising essential funds for our pro-grams and campaigns. I asked Lara Lee ifher new volunteer role was daunting dur-ing this tough economic time, sheresponded, “Yes, but it’s necessary.Growing up in Colorado, you can’t helpbut know how important it is to protectour clean water and air. Positive environ-mental protections benefit our quality of
life, including recreation and commerce.For as long as I can remember, the SierraClub has always been here leading thefight; it’s time I give back.”
Lara Lee will be planning fundraisersthroughout Colorado. If you would like to serve on the committee or host a house party or fundraiser in your area benefiting the Colo-rado Chapter, email Lara Lee [email protected].
Pharmaceutical DisposalBy: Angela Medberry, RMC Pesticides Committee Chair
Do you have old drugs you wish to dispose of? Do you work in a health care unitwhere you occasionally clear out the drugs from former patients and clients?
Old pills can be endocrine disruptors and inappropriate chemicals for wastewatertreatment. Also fats, oil and grease can cause sewer backups. The Denver MetroWastewater Reclamation District and others are asking that you dispose of theseitems in your trash where they will end up in landfills with secure liners. Those lin-ers will prevent their migration into groundwater or surface waters. You may wish togrind up the pills, or mix them in with coffee grounds or kitty litter to prevent dump-ster scavengers from recovering them from the trash.
There are many ways to advocate for thenatural world. Sally McCracken Maertens,a Sierra Club member since 1983, findsgreat reward in volunteering for theNational Park Service at Florissant FossilBeds National Monument, near her home inWoodland Park. Her special joy is sharingher love of the outdoors with children. InOctober 2008, Sally conceived and spear-headed a "No Child Left Inside" weekendfor the Pikes Peak region. The highlightwas a keynote presentation by RichardLouv, author of Last Child in the Woods.For her efforts, Sally was awarded the 2008Individual Volunteer of the Year Award forthe entire National Park Service. Sheaccepted her award at a recognition lunch-eon in Washington, D.C., on April 30.
No Child Left InsideBy: Carol Stansfield
Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009 98 Peak & Prairie • Summer 2009
Don’t Forget Your Reuseable BagsBy: Julia LaVigne and Maggie Pedersen
The Roaring Fork Group (RFG) conducted an unscientific butinteresting poll of shopping bag users at the April Earth Day Expoin the town of New Castle. As part of a drawing for free canvas totebags, participants were asked how often they used reusable, paperor plastic bags. Of the 34 people answering the survey, nearly 65%reported using reusable bags at least 50% of the time when shop-ping. Almost one-third stated they use them 90% to 100% of thetime. Most said they use them for environmental reasons, but sev-eral stated they are also sturdier and hold more. One person notedhow much more comfortable the handles are. Over half of thereusable bag toters said they would use them more often, but keepforgetting to bring them into the store.
For those folks using non reusable bags, plastic was the favoritealternative. A few mentioned that they use them again for trash canliners and lunch bags or recycle them. Only a small percentage ofshoppers reported using paper bags, but among those that do usethem occasionally a number said they use them for arts or craftsprojects.
Recycling plastic bags is not really a good solution. Worldwide,only 1-3% of plastic bags are recycled and in San Francisco it isreported that it costs $4000 to process 1 ton of plastic bags whichis then sold for only $32.00. Recycling is not the answer.
The RFG encourages everyone to use reusable bags all the time,because plastic bags are terribly damaging to our planet at all stagesof their existence. It takes oil and chemicals to produce them whichcreate damaging greenhouse gas, and then more greenhouse gasesare produced during transport. In addition, they decompose intotiny toxic pieces that will last in the environment for many, manyyears. The bags blow all over our world, collecting in fences, treesand oceans and causing horrible suffering to animals, birds and fishcaught up in or consuming them. In the sea, many creatures mis-take floating bags for jellyfish; this plugs up their digestive tractand frequently leads to a slow death.
It takes a little effort to remember to take in your own bags and ifyou do not have them, most major stores offer reusable bags at low-cost. Several earth day participants liked using small nylon bagsthat easily fold up to be handy in a purse. If you take advantage ofstore policies that reduce your bill by five cents for every bag usedyou can recoup your cost over time. Added bonuses are stronger,bigger bags that are easier to carry, that don’t fall over as easily andreduce your trips between car and kitchen.
Pesticide Spray Season is Here!By: Angela Medberry, RMC Pesticides Committee Chair
Once again the pesticide spray trucks areout with their drivers spraying whereverthey are contracted to spray and sometimeswhere they are not contracted to spray.Drift from the contracted site can causeproblems. Because pesticides are poisonsthey can harm humans, wildlife, nontargetplants and the environment.
Should you see a chemical pesticide misap-plication note time, date, place, and licensenumber and contact the Colorado
Department of Agriculture Plant IndustriesDivision at 303-239-4140 or 1-888-248-5535. They can do a formal investigation ifyou tell them you would like one.
If you encounter pesticide exposure anddevelop a reaction to the chemical and seea doctor or the emergency room, be sure toask for appropriate blood testing and doc-tor verification of your reaction to the pes-ticide. Make sure the doctor or you contactthe Rocky Mountain Poison Center at 303-
739-1123 or 1-800-332-3073. Some chem-icals require a blood cholinesterase test andfor others a blood test for the particularchemical to which you have been exposedis needed.
Lastly, if you are sensitive to pesticides youcan sign up for the Colorado pesticide sensi-tive registry which will give you pre-notifica-tion before your neighbors are sprayed bycommercial applicators. Call the CDA at303-239-4140 or 1-888-248-5535 to sign up.
Call for At-Large Chapter Executive Committee NominationsDo you feel you could contribute to the Sierra Club in a leadershiprole? Do you have a commitment to working on environmental issuesthat affect Colorado? Do you have managerial, organizational,public relations, or financial management skills? Do you haveexpertise in regard to a specific natural resource issue? The Rocky Mountain Chapter's Executive Committee (ExCom) isresponsible for overseeing the activities of the RMC. The ExComapproves the Chapter’s budget and policy decisions, and sets theChapter’s agenda. Each local Group sends a delegate to theExCom, and an additional seven members are elected at-large bySierra Club members throughout Colorado. We are currently seek-ing nominations for four (4) at-large positions. ExCom meetingstake place quarterly on Saturday (and sometimes Sunday) at loca-
tions around the state. The Chapter reimburses transportationexpenses to the meetings, and local groups provide free or inexpen-sive lodging. Members serve a two-year term. If this sounds like avolunteer opportunity you or someone you know would be inter-ested in, please send your contact information and a 150-word orless statement describing your relevant experience and environ-mental goals to:
Nominations Committee
Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter
1536 Wynkoop Street, 4th Floor
Denver, CO 80202
The deadline for nominations is August 14, 2009.
Join us for the 1st Annual Wild Step, Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Hike for the Environment!
Join us for our first annual, Wild Step fundraising event to raise money for the Chapter in support of our conservation efforts here in Colorado.Teams of 8 to 10 hikers will hike in the foothills of Boulder to support the Rocky Mountain Chapter. We need your help to ensure the event’ssuccess; here are just a few ways you can help!
Form a team- We need team leaders to help recruit and organize teams for the hike. Sign up to be a team leader and start recruiting people tojoin! Our team leaders will work with our committee to recruit other team members and meet our fundraising goals to ensure a successful event.
Volunteer- We are still looking for committee members to help plan the hike. We are specifically looking for people who can help with vol-unteer recruitment, marketing, and logistical planning. This is a great opportunity to take a leadership role and help the Rocky MountainChapter meet and exceed our goals for the hike!
Sponsorships- Do you know of a business that might be willing to sponsor the hike? Are you a company that is willing to donate prizes forour winners and/or the silent auction? If so, please visit http://rmc.sierraclub.org/hike to get involved.
Virtual Hike- If you live outside the Denver metro area or are unable to attend the hike, you can still participate! Join fellow hikers onlinefor our virtual hike. You can support a great cause by participating and donating through the Chapter website.
EVENT DETAILSWhat: 1st Annual Wild Step!When: Saturday, Sept 19, 2009 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Please check the website for updated event information.
We need YOUR help to make this the biggest and best hike yet. Please visit http://rmc.sierraclub.org/hike or contact KatieCase, Chapter Coordinator at (303)861-8816 ext. 1 for more information about how to get involved!
