The Newsletter of the
Conservation Committees
Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club
The Conservation Committees provide forums for Club members to discuss impending
conservation issues and to coordinate efforts of conservation subcommittees
with groups and sections. They meet monthly every third Tuesday Orange County)
and third Wednesday (Angeles Chapter). Contact the Conservation Committee
Chairs by the end of the previous month for a place on the agenda. Deadline
or newsletter articles is 10 days before the first meeting. Email items
or articles to Robin Ives, Editor
Quote of Note
If
a student copies from a classmate's book report word-for-word without crediting
the source, that's called cheating. But when the US Environmental Protection
Agency lifts whole passages from energy industry documents pushing a go-slow
approach in reducing mercury pollution from coal-fired power plants and
then pawns off the pilfered work as its own, well, that's just another day
at the office.
Editorial entitled "EPA Mustn't Be Industry Lapdog" in the
Atlanta Journal Constitution, March 24, 2004
| Forest
Service Finalizing Angeles, Cleveland Forest Plans
A fundamental choice looms before us. Either we will strongly protect our forests right now or we will let them be developed piece by piece until their wildness is just a memory.
This choice has special urgency because the Forest Service is about to release its long-anticipated draft forest management plans for the four Southern California National Forests in early May. The final plan selected by the Forest Service will guide the agency's management of the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino national forests for the next twenty years. | |
Angeles, Cleveland Forest Plans Filing a Lawsuit
Proposed Resolutions: (Pro/Con deleted) Corporate Globalization
and Human Migration
Angeles Chapter Conservation Mgmt Committee Orange
County Conservation Committee
|
Are you concerned about off-road vehicles on trails? Worried about growing clutter on more peaks and the scarring of views from transmission lines and electronic towers? Troubled by proposed oil wells and even multi-lane highways? Or do you want to see more roadless and wilderness areas permanently preserved or endangered forest critters protected? The management plan will affect all of these issues and more.
Fortunately, there's an easy way for you to get involved and take simple actions that will help protect and restore our local forests. The Sierra Club's Southern California Forests Campaign will provide you with all of the information you need to quickly and easily make your voice heard.
Attend Open Houses
Following the release of the draft plan at the end of April, there will be a 90-day public comment period that will feature 24 "open house" meetings sponsored by the Forest Service in communities surrounding the Los Padres, Angeles, Cleveland, and San Bernardino National Forests. Six open house meetings are planned within Angeles Chapter boundaries. If at all possible, please attend the meeting at San Juan Capistrano (May 15) or Pasadena City College (June 5), both on Saturday.
Open House Meeting Schedule
Strong Protection Needed
If development on the forests is allowed to go ahead because of weak forest plans, it could threaten to destroy scenic views, scar the land, and put wildlife at risk. All four Southern California National Forests face growing threats from everything from expanded oil drilling to logging, but the northern part of the Cleveland National Forest in Orange County is a poster child for a forest under threat that needs the protection of a strong forest plan. This 175,000 acre section of the trees and chaparral faces active proposals for massive transmissions lines, toll roads, antenna tower sites, power plants, and expanded off-road vehicle usage. We can't let this be the future of the four forests.
The draft forest plans that the Forest Service issues in May will include the agency's first choice for how each forest will be managed along with five other management options it has been in developing over the last few years.
It is important to remember that that the Forests Service's preferred plan for managing a forest is not a final decision, says Ron Pugh, who heads up the Forest Service team drafting the new forest plans. "The upcoming public comment period is the most critical phase of the process. We will definitely make changes bases on public input before we issue the final forest plans later in the year."
Support Sierra Club Plan
Remarkably, through the diligent work of Chapter activists and other conservationists, one of six draft management options the Forest Service is developing will be based on a plan supported by the Sierra Club. The Forest Service's "Alternative 6" should significantly reflect our input and give us a tremendous opportunity to lobby the agency of its behalf.
Our "Protect and Restore" alternative will focus on preserving forest health and valuable watershed while enhancing opportunities for low-impact recreation. It will protect wildlife and the natural characteristics of the forests while stopping destructive development such as new roads, oil wells, and power line corridors. This alternative supports fuels reductions near communities under threat from wild fires and the reduction of non-native plants that threaten forest health. It is a management plan aimed at restoring our forests and protecting them for future generations.
Without your help the Forest Service will only hear from those whose actions often harm our forests — mining companies, off road vehicle groups, "open access" advocates, and others. In previous rounds of the planning process, conservationists were routinely outnumbered by the opposition. Sierra Club members need to make sure that their voices are heard since our opposition will be backing the worst forest management options open to the Forest Service. Several of these undermine forest health, allowing for more forest open space to be devoted to off-road vehicles, oil wells, roads and mining. One of the worst alternatives provides for reduced species and habitat protection, with less protection for the endangered Nelson Bighorn sheep and the growing list of threatened species in forests.
Join The Forests Campaign
To help make sure our voice was heard during this critical phase of the planning process, last September Sierra Club staff and volunteers created the Southern California Forests Campaign. To date the campaign has signed up over 1000 Sierra Club members who have offered to attend one of the Forest Service open house meetings and file a comment with the Forest Service. This is a great start, but more support is needed. To sign up for the campaign and to find out more about what you can do to help, go to <sierraclub.org/ca/socalforests>.
"The world is full of beautiful places that need saving, but these forests are our beautiful places," says Angeles Chapter Outings Chair Will McWhinney. "We know these summits and canyons. The Sierra Club and everyone who visits our forests have a direct stake in the Forest Service's plans. If we do not work to save these natural areas, who will?"
John Monsen is Regional Organizer
for the Southern California Forests Campaign.
He can be reached at john.monsen@sierraclub.org
and at 213-387-6528 x203.
The Forest Plan Revisions newsletter is online. You can find it on http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/scfpr/ Those of you who signed up to skim over the plans for your local forest and give John Monsen your reaction should bookmark this site and stay alert for new April links on this website.
Final Sequoia Monument Plan is Bad News
The Sierra Club and other major environmental organizations are dismayed by the Final Plan for the Giant Sequoia National Monument. The Forest Service has turned a deaf ear and a blind eye to the intent and purpose of the Proclamation and ignored our three years of constant reminders that they must follow the Proclamation. Nearly four years after President Clinton signed the Proclamation creating the Giant Sequoia National Monument, the Forest Service has released the Final Decision about how they want to manage the Monument: the news for Giant Sequoias, indeed for all species of the Monument, is not good.
The Intent of the Proclamation
In his Proclamation, President Clinton protected not only the Giant Sequoia groves but the entire range of ecosystems within Monument boundaries, "Oak woodlands and chaparral to high-elevation subalpine forest, numerous meadows and streams .. an interconnected web of habitats for moisture-loving species." He specifically included wildlife such as the Pacific fisher and the California spotted owl, along geological and archaeological resources. He pointed out that the forest needed to be restored from the effects of a century of fire suppression and logging. Further, he directed in the Proclamation that the removal of trees, except for personal use fuel wood, may take place only if clearly needed for ecological restoration and maintenance or public safety. That language seems pretty straight forward. The forest needs to be restored and trees can only be removed for very good reasons.
The Final Management Decision
Somehow the Forest Service interprets this stricture on tree removal to mean they can continue logging and sell 7.5 million board feet of timber every year, enough to fill 1500 logging trucks, for each of ten years. They say they can justified removing ANY species of trees up to 30 inches in diameter from the Monument's forests and Sequoia Groves. The Sierra Club fought to stop such management practices with a lawsuit in the mid 1980s.
How do they justify all this tree removal? They say that this heavy manipulation is needed to thin the trees that have grown too thick and close together creating a fire hazard and for "ecological restoration." This is the same excuse for logging they used a quarter of a century ago! The harmful logging would be miles away from any structures in need of protection!
How to Best Protect Structures in a Forest!
The Sequoia Task Force supports removal of easily ignitable brush and small trees, those 4-8" in diameter from within about 200 feet of developed areas and structures. That should be the first priority in reducing fuels and promoting public safety. Cooperative projects with private property owners and home construction using less flammable materials is the real key. Bushes and small trees, the ones that carry fire, are almost never taken to the sawmill because they are too small. They are not merchantible and are NOT included in the 75 Million Board Feet of timber the Forest Service plans to sell from the Monument in the next ten years. Scientists tell us that large trees are almost NEVER a flammability problem; they are very difficult to ignite!
So where is all the projected commercial timber coming from if not for protection of structures and public safety? The Forest Service will "develop" huge so-called "threat and defense zones" that will extend more than 1 1/2 miles from structures, and, in addition, they will thin many south and west facing slopes.There is no justification for heavy forest manipulation in areas up to 3 miles in diameter centering on developed areas. There is no evidence that intense thinning of the forest does anything except make the forest hotter, dryer and more flammable; further, it destroys the old-forest habitat that is already deficient on Monument lands because of past logging. As one Sequoia expert pointed out, this Monument has a serious deficit of large trees i.e. those 40 inches in diameter and larger. He astutely notes that it would seem reasonable to protect, not log, 30 inch trees if one hopes to quickly restore 40 inch trees. While there may be limited situations that require tree removal instead of prescribed fire alone, cutting and removing trees must be the last resort, not the first. That is what the Proclamation clearly says. That is what we demand.
Sequoia National Park's Long History of Successful Management
How could the Forest Service insist that wide spread removal of large trees is "clearly necessary" and is their only option, when Sequoia National Park, with the same objectives, successfully avoids tree removal on forests adjacent to Monument lands, in the same Giant Sequoia groves and Sierran forest ecosystem? The Park has been using prescribed fire for decades to protect communities, reduce fuels, create diversity, stimulate the growth of young sequoias and enhance wildlife habitat in a healthy forest. They seldom resort to tree removal. The results have been excellent. If you have not driven or hiked through Sequoia National Park recently you should. Prepare for a treat. You will see a healthy beautiful forest with redwoods and other species looking much like the forest John Muir described in his ramblings through the Sierra in the 19th century with a full range of healthy forest conditions including evidence of recent fire. You will find yourself wondering why the Forest Service can't do the same thing in the Monument.
The Monument Should be Managed by the Park Service
Because the Forest Service refuses to comply with the spirit of the Proclamation, the Sierra Club's position is that Monument should be managed by the National Park Service — specifically Sequoia/Kings Canyon National Park — instead of by the Forest Service. We are NOT recommending that the Monument become a Park; it should remain a National Monument, managed in strict accordance with the Proclamation that created it. Almost all the nation's National Monuments are managed by the Park Service; the Giant Sequoia National Monument should be too! The Park Service would comply with the intent and spirit of the Proclamation. After many field trips to Sequoia National Park, the Sequoia Task Force believes the results of their management are excellent. Sequoia National Park has a proven track record and offers the nation's highest standards in resource management. The Monument deserves nothing less.
Urge the Governor to Continue California's Strong Defense of this Wonderful Monument!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Buildingm Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841, Fax: 916-445-4633, governor@governor.ca.gov <mailto:governor@governor.ca.gov>
Ask Your Representatives and Senators to Use Their Influence to Get Sequoia
Monument Management into the Capable Hands of the Park Service, Not as a National
Park, but as a National Monument Managed Consistent with the Proclamation
That Created It! The Giant Sequoia National Monument Deserves the Highest,
Best, and Most Responsible Care Possible
Senator Dianne Feinstein, 1 Post St #2450, San Francisco CA 94104, senator@feinstein.senate.gov
Senator Barbara Boxer, 1700 Montgomery St #240, San Francisco CA , senator@boxer.senate.gov
Your Representative: US House of Representatives, Washington DC 20515, (202)
224-3121 TTY: (202) 225-1904
To Find Your Representative: http://www.house.gov/house/MemberWWW.html
Get on the Sequoia Task Force Newsletter Mailing List and e-mail Alert List,
send your name, address, and email address to <sequoia@kernkaweah.sierraclub.org>
More info at: http://www.sierraclub.org/ca/sequoia/
The Sequoia Task Force, PO Box 3543, Visalia CA 93278
The Sierra Club has adopted positions on one legislative sponsored initiative that will be on the ballot in November 2004 and two initiatives that are presently being circulated.
The Sierra Club supports an initiative that will preserve citizen’s rights to access to governmental information. The Sierra Club opposes (1) a proposed initiative that will allow the installation of slot machines at certain card clubs and (2) a proposed initiative that will limit private citizen’s rights to sue for unfair competition.
Filing a Lawsuit On Behalf of the Sierra Club
Answer the following questions in order with “yes” or “no”.
At the first “no”, stop and get help.
If all are “yes”, instruct your attorney to try to reach a settlement.
The Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club invites its members to a reception honoring Sierra Club member and summer 2003 Wisconsin Outing participant Garrett Burke, designer of the California commemorative quarter recently selected by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, to take place at the Angeles Chapter Office at 5 pm on the afternoon of Sunday, April 25.
For those who haven't been to the Office, it is located in the Equitable Building at 3435 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 320, in Los Angeles, about 6 blocks west of Vermont. (It's the tallest building in the Mid-Wilshire area.) Free parking is available in the surface lot behind the building; enter from the street on the West side of the building.
For those who may not be aware of the details of the design selection, they are summarized in the brief article below..
Mark your calendar and join us in honoring the creator of the Muir Quarter design, which is expected to play a significant educational role in raising conservation awareness when 2 billion California commerative quarters are minted in January 2005 and distributed all over the United States.
Governor Selects John Muir Design for California Commemorative Quarter
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger announced on March 29 that he has selected a design incorporating Sierra Club founder John Muir in Yosemite Valley, with an image of the California Condor flying above, as the design for California's commemorative quarter, to be issued by the US Mint in January 2005. The California quarter will be the 31st state so honored; the quarters are being issued in the order in which the states were admitted to the Union.
In announcing the selection, the Governor cited Muir as a model for generations of Californians and conservationists around the world. "He has taught us to be active and to enjoy, but at the same time protect our parks, our beaches, and our mountains." Yosemite is a symbol of California's beauty, and reminds us that we must protect this beauty, while the condor represents a species almost extinct but now making an amazing comeback. Schwarzenegger summarized his reasons for selecting the final design: "I am proud that these three images will show California's wildlife, our majestic landscape, and our commitment to preserving our golden state for future generations."
The basic design of John Muir standing with a walking stick in Yosemite Valley was created by Garrett Burke, a graphic designer who is also a member of Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club. Garrett's wife Michelle, who is an avid coin collector, urged him to submit a design for the quarter; Garrett selected the themes of Muir and Yosemite after conducting extensive research about California's history and imagery. The design was modified by both the US Mint and by Governor Schwarzenegger during the multi-step selection process, which started in September 2002 under previous Governor Gray Davis.
California State Libriarian Kevin Starr, author of 14 books about California History, played a key role in the selection process. He guided the Citizen Commemorative Coin Advisory Committee appointed by Governor Davis, which reviewed 8000 design submissions and selected twenty for further considerations. An online poll in January 2003 allowed citizens to express their preference regarding the twenty designs; the Muir design came in sixth, but close enough to two other designs that both featured a California miner that Dr. Starr urged Governor Davis to include it in the top five to be submitted to the US Mint for further consideration.
The main design changes made by the US Mint were to place Muir's walking stick behind him, like a prop, rather that in front of him as a walking tool, and to emphasize the prominence of Half Dome in Yosemite Valley. Governor Schwarzenegger wanted inclusion of the California Condor as a symbol of the successful effort to save and restore an endangered wildlife species.
Detailed information about the Muir quarter can be found on the John Muir Exhibit webpages on the national Sierra Club website, www.sierraclub.org. (Click on "Inside the Sierra Club" and look under the heading "Some of our Programs". Included are the transcript of the Governor's press conference unveiling the Muir quarter, pictures of Garrett's initial design and the final design, and an interview with Garrett conducted during the selection process.)
David Czamanske is Vice Chair of the Pasadena Group. Last summer he led a week-long Angeles Chapter outing to Muir's Wisconsin boyhood home, during which forty Sierra Club participants had an opportunity to get to know fellow participants Garrett Burke, his wife Michelle, and his young daughter Katie.
The Alaska Coalition is asking you for support in this critical time for the Tongass National Forest, our nation's largest forest. As many of you may know, the Bush Administration lifted protection for 9 million acres of roadless areas when it exempted the Tongass from the Roadless Rule two days before Christmas last year. This opened the door for business to the logging industry and we face a threat that could turn old growth trees in the Tongass into plywood!
The Tongass National Forest in Alaska represents the largest intact temperate rainforest left in the world, it is the Amazon of North America. The Tongass is a remote coastal rainforest with centuries-old trees providing critical habitat for wolves, bears, salmon and Bald Eagles that have nearly disappeared from the rest of the country.
The steep mountains and many islands that epitomize the Tongass also make it one of the most expensive forests to log, and as a result, the Tongass timber program has been losing taxpayer money for decades. According to GAO calculations, industrial scale logging in the Tongass has cost the American taxpayer over $500 million since 1992. As taxpayers foot the bill for these logging projects, the private logging companies haul away old-growth trees at rock bottom prices.
What is left of the Tongass? After decades of targeting the forest’s biggest and best trees, the industry has clearcut over 70% of Southeast Alaska’s most valuable forests.
The Villain: Timber Products Company
Timber Products Company (TPC), based in Oregon, is in negotiations to re-open a veneer mill in Ketchikan, Alaska that would require logging old growth roadless areas in the Tongass to make veneer, a product used in making plywood.
According to the US Forest Service, running the veneer mill profitably was contingent upon the removal of the Tongass from the Clinton era Roadless Rule. In preliminary negotiations, the Forest Service promised to work to provide a supply of trees from pristine roadless areas formerly protected by the Roadless Rule. This is the last stop! Remember, EVERY tree cut from the Tongass is still an old growth tree. Help stop them from becoming plywood!
Flood the Phone Lines!
You can defend the Tongass by calling TPC directly and urge them to withdraw from negotiations to re-open the Ketchikan veneer mill. If they stop negotiations, we’ll stop calling them!
Call Timber Products Company at: 1-888-744-7861.
Ask to speak to Joe Gonyea (chief operating officer). Tell him (or the person who probably won’t let you talk to Joe) that TPC needs to stay out of the Tongass! Tell them that you will not purchase any TPC products if they run the veneer mill in Ketchikan.!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, State Capitol Building, Sacramento, CA
95814
Phone: 916-445-2841, Fax: 916-445-4633, governor@governor.ca.gov <mailto:governor@governor.ca.gov>
A group of retired National Park Service officials are criticizing the Bush administration for attempting to cut back hours and services at America's National Parks. Even worse, the former officials released a memo that shows the Bush administration told employees to misrepresent those changes when talking to the press and public. The administration told agency staff, for example, to refer to obvious cutbacks, such as closing parks on federal holidays, as "service level adjustments." Thanks to the Bush administration, visitors to National Parks can now expect hiking, camping, fishing, and now spinning.
Action
Directory
Sierra Club Legislative
Hotline: (202) 675-2394
Sierra Club National: (415) 977-5500
Sierra Club Sacramento Legislative Office: (916) 557-1100; fax (916)
227-9669
White House Comment Line: (202) 456-1111
White House Fax Line: (202) 456-2461
President George W Bush president@whitehouse.gov
Vice President Dick Cheney: vice-president@whitehouse.gov
White House Address: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave, Washington, DC 20500
US Capitol Switchboard: (202) 224-3121
To contact your senators: Senate Office Bldg, Washington DC 20510 http://www.senate.gov/contacting/index.cfm
To contact your representative: House Office Bldg, Washington DC 20515 http://www.house.gov/writerep
California Capitol Switchboard: (916) 322-9900
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger: State Capitol Building, Sacramento CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841, Fax: 916-445-4633, governor@governor.ca.gov
<mailto:governor@governor.ca.gov>
Sierra Club Links
Angeles Chapter site:http://angeles.sierraclub.org/home.html
Angeles Chapter Conservation page: http://angeles.sierraclub.org/newsletter/
Sierra Club California: http://www.sierraclub.org/ca/
Sierra Club World Wide Web: http://www.sierraclub.org
Sierra Club Vote Watch Website: http://www.sierraclub.org/votewatch/
National site main page: http://www.sierraclub.org/
National Clubhouse activist resource site: http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/
Need help contacting your US representatives or finding out about
legislation?
US House of Representatives: http://www.house.gov/
US Senate: http://www.senate.gov/
California State Assembly: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/
California State Senate: http://www.sen.ca.gov/
California State: http://www.ca.gov/state/portal/myca_homepage.jsp
California Legislative Information:http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/
California Secretary of State voter information: http://www.ss.ca.gov/elections/elections.htm
This
Electronic Conservation Committee Newsletter is sent
free, automatically, on email to all activists who hold any
of the following positions in the Angeles Chapter or its entities: Executive
Committee Member; Entity Chair or Conservation Chair, Political, and Newsletter
Editor, Conservation Subcommittee or Task Force Chair. In addition, many activists
throughout the Chapter and state receive it free by email, either by request
or by position. Distribution is approximately 350 by email, and 45 by
postal hard copy. If you no longer hold the Club office with the automatic
pull and wish to continue to receive it, email ivesico@earthlink.net. If we
do not have your email address - please let us know. If you wish (and tell
us), it will be tagged "private" and not printed or given out.
The Newsletter (without upcoming
resolutions) is available on the Chapter website at http://angeles.sierraclub.org/
Paper postal copy is available ($20/year payable Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club) for those who are technically challenged or simply don't want to be bothered. To receive The Newsletter by first class mail, send a donation of $20 to (almost) cover printing/mailing costs to Conservation Newsletter, 112 Harvard Ave PMB 297, Claremont CA 91711.
National's GoldBook provides information to chapters and groups on the differences between 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) funds; how to utilize and access charitable 501(c)(3) funds; how to get a project approved; fundraising plus much, much, more material on the Sierra Club. It is now available at the Clubhouse website. Go to http://www.clubhouse.sierraclub.org; follow the instructions for obtaining the password. The GoldBook can be found by clicking on A - Z List of Materials box, then on "G" under A-Z List of Documents, then on GoldBook, Educational Project Guidelines.
California/Nevada
Regional Activist Directory (RedBook) is
now available online. It also includes
the Handbook of Sierra
Club California Bylaws and Standing Rules (GreenBook).
Contact Lori Ives for
the online address and password. Send your membership number, your position
in the Club, and your reason for needing the information. The
paper edition ($20) will soon be available on special order.
Chapter
Office Parking
Weeknights: You may park free inside the building after 5:30 pm. Be
prepared to show your membership card or one of our parking passes, available
at the front desk in the Chapter office. Take a ticket when you enter through
the gate; present it at the parking office near the elevators, and sign it.
The ticket machine at the front gate may be turned off after 6 pm. If so, buzz
the attendant and say you are going to a Sierra Club meeting. There is no entry
after 8 pm.
Visitor parking on Saturday
is in the outside lot. Tell the attendant that you are going to a Sierra Club
meeting.
Visitor parking on Sunday is
in the outside lot. There is no attendant, and the gate is open
E-Mail
Lists:
There are four important discussion lists for Angeles environmental
activists:
Angeles Chapter Cons Listserve angeles-conservation@lists.sierraclub.org
Angeles-Alerts Listserve angeles-alerts@lists.sierraclub.org
California/Nevada Listserve calif-activists@lists.sierraclub.org (moderated list for announcements)
California/Nevada Listserve calif-activists-forum@lists.sierraclub.org (unmoderated discussion list)
Subscribe
to California Activists: calif-activists-request@lists.sierraclub.org
Subscribe to California Activists Forum:
calif-activists-forum-request@lists.sierraclub.org
For either list, send
your name, email address, Sierra Club membership
number, your position in Club (how are you active?)
Subscription is processed by one of the list owners, usually the same
day.
Subscribe to Angeles-Alerts: email
listserv@lists.sierraclub.org
with the message "subscribe angeles-conservation"
or "subscribe calif-activists" or "subscribe angeles-alerts" Note:
it's "listserv," not "listserve."
To leave a list, send an e-mail
to listserv@lists.sierraclub.org
In the text of your message (not the subject line), write: "signoff
calif-activists" or "signoff angeles-conservation" or "signoff angeles-alerts"
The Angeles Chapter's website is www.angeles.sierraclub.org
Proposed Resolution
Trade,
Security, Corporate Globalization, and Human Migration
The Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club urges the
National Board of Directors of the Sierra Club to adopt the following policy:
US Policies on Trade, Security and Corporate Globalization are the Principle Causes of Human Migration
The Sierra Club affirms the human and civil rights of all immigrants as codified in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The Sierra Club affirms that US policies on trade, security and globalization have likely come to have a greater bearing on how many people cross our borders than US immigration policy or any “reform” thereof.
The Sierra Club affirms that rising human migration is both a cause and an effect of environmental destruction. To eliminate the effects of migration requires the elevation of the status of women especially through education and access to birth control.
The Sierra Club affirms that the exploitation of less developed countries has resulted in their economic and environmental impoverishment and is a major cause of global overpopulation and increased migration.
The Sierra Club recognizes and opposes corporate globalization
and US over-consumption as causes of impoverishment and environmental degradation,
and hence migration.
Proposed Resolution
Orange County
Opposition to the Merger of the San Joaquin and Foothill/Eastern Tollroads
The Orange County Conservation Committee recommends that the Angeles Chapter Executive Committee oppose the planned merger of the San Joaquin and Foothill/Eastern Tollroads.
Proposed Resolution
Orange County
Establish the Bolsa Chica Task Force
The Orange County Conservation Committee of the Angeles Chapter of the Sierra Club recommends that the Orange County Group Executive Committee establish the Bolsa Chica Task Force to work towards purchase of the coastal wetlands and uplands in Huntington Beach known as the Bolsa Chica in order to preserve this area in perpetuity for the biodiversity that relies on this habitat and for the public enjoyment of this rich biodiversity.
Motions should be submitted in advance, together with objective background material and supporting and opposing arguments, both to the Committee Chair and Newsletter Editor, for distribution with the agenda. Other motions will be postponed for action at a later meeting unless the motion is submitted in writing and unless the Committee votes an exception to ordinary procedure. Motions needing further action by the Angeles Chapter ExComm or some higher level of the Sierra Club should start out: "The Angeles Chapter Conservation committee recommends that the Sierra Club... To find out more about voting requirements and representatives, consult the Angeles Chapter website Conservation Committee
Angeles Chapter Conservation Committee
Wednesday, April 21, 2004, 7:30 pm
AGENDA
7:30 Introductions
7:35 Review of Agenda
7:40 Staff Reports
7:50 Resolution to adopt a policy statement on Corporate
Globalization and Human Migration - Gordon LaBedz
8:30 Sierra Club Lawsuits —
the process
9:00 Adjourn
Next Meeting is Wednesday, May19
Orange County Conservation Committee
AGENDA
Tuesday, April 20, 2004, 7:00 pm
Inn at the Park in Irvine
From the north, come down 405 to 73 and off at University. Turn left
and pass Campus and turn right on Harvard. Follow Harvard as it bends; look
for Marquette. The Inn is at 10 Marquette, on the corner of Harvard and Marquette
behind a steel fence.
From the south, get off 405 at Culver and go left. Follow Culver past
Michelson and University and turn right on Harvard. Take Harvard to Marquette.
It's on your right.
7:00 Welcome, Introductions, Announcements,
Approval of Agenda
Great Earth Walk - May 1, 2004
Forest Service Strategic Plan
7:15 Saddleback Canyons Task Force - Rich Gomez
7:30 Resolution to adopt a policy statement on Corporate
Globalization and Human Migration - Gordon LaBedz
7:50 Santa Ana Mountains Task Force - Jay Matchett and Paul Carlton
8:05 Resolution to oppose the merger of OC toll roads - Bill
Holmes
8:25 Dana Point Headlands Task Force - Celia Kutcher
8:40 Resolution to establish the Bolsa Chica Task Force
- Rudy Vietmeier
9:00 Adjourn
Next OCCC Meeting is Tuesday, May 18
Extraordinary Orange County Events
Volunteers Welcome — Lower Santiago Creek Restoration Project and the Santiago Park Woodlands Restoration Project. Saturdays, 9:00 am to noon — March 20; April 17; May 15; June 19, 2004, at 900 E Memory Lane in Santa Ana (2 blks east of Main Street and Main Place Mall) follow signs to the native plant nursery. Help out at the Native Plant Nursery or get involved in the Stream Team Volunteer Monitoring Group. For more information, contact Patrick Mitchell, Park Naturalist: 714-571-4288
April 18, 2:00 - 6:00 pm — Sierra Sage Annual Starr Ranch
Barbecue — adults $25, children (under 12) $12.50. Purchase tickets by
April 13 by sending a check payable "Sierra Sage" and a self-addressed,
stamped envelope to M. Griffith, 3238 Paseo Gallita, San Clemente CA 92672.
Reservations will NOT be taken by phone, but for more information, call Bob
Hansen at 949-586-4928.
May 10, Mon 6:30 pm — Newcomer/Member Information Meeting. Come meet the
leaders of OCSS, Orange County Group, Sierra Sage, Sierra Singles and other
Sierra Club representatives. Learn about the Sierra Club and the many activities
that will change your life. Table displays, exhibits, refreshments. Join Sierra
Club ($25 Special Introductory rate), free gift! Meet 6:30 pm Costa Mesa Community
Center, 1845 Park Ave, Costa Mesa (55 Fwy South, Right on 19th, cross Harbor
Blvd., Left on Park Ave, Right into parking lot next to library.) Contact Ana
Juarez Acoyame@aol.com if you would like a table.
Conservation Committees Calendar
| APRIL 2004 | |
| Tue Apr 20, 7:00 pm | OC
Conservation Comm, Inn at the
Park, 10 Marquette. Irvine (Marquette & Harvard). |
Wed Apr 21 |
Banning Ranch Park and Preserve Task Force monthly meeting at the Manka home, 2051 Meadow View Lane, Costa Mesa. From Harbor Blvd. turn on to Victoria and head towards Huntington Beach. After about six stop lights (but two stoplights before Brookhurst) turn left on Canyon Dr. Go to the end of Canyon and there you will find a hill that will lead to a small townhouse development. Circle counter clockwise until you find Meadow View Ln. The agenda includes reviewing our vision board, planning for the Great Earth Walk and planning an upcoming community meeting |
| Wed Apr 21, 7:30 pm | Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Gordon LaBedz, GLaBedzMD@aol.com |
| Wed Apr 21, 7:00 pm | Friends of Foothills Steering Committee. Contact Bill Holmes (949) 496-5323 |
| Sat Apr 24, 9:30 am | Friends of Foothills Planning meeting. Contact Brittany McKee (949)361-7534 |
| Sat Apr 24, 9:00 am | Orange Hills Task Force, 4th Tues Monthly, at the Carlab in Orange |
| Sun Apr 25, 1:00 pm | Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office. Contact Virgil Shields, virgil.shields@angeles.sierraclub.org |
| Mon Apr 26, 7:30 pm | Open Spaces, Wild Places Campaign meeting at the Carlab in Orange |
| MAY 2004 | |
| Sat May 1 | Great Earth Walk |
| Sun May 2 | Deadline for articles/calendar in the April
Southern Sierran about our conservation efforts. Write up what you're doing, attach a digital photo, e-mail to Dominique. |
| Mon May 3, 7:00 pm | Saddleback Canyons TF meeting, 1st Mon at the Silverado Community Ctr, Silverado Cyn Rd (on left, about 2-miles from turnoff from Santiago Cyn Rd), Silverado Cyn. Rich Gomez |
| Mon May 3, 7:30 pm | Chapter Conservation Management Committee, Chapter Office (date may change, call chair) |
| Thu May 6, 7:15 pm |
Sierra Club Orange County Political Committee, home of Alex and Carole Mintzer, 465 N Christine St, Orange. Contact amintzer@socal.rr.com for meeting location, directions and agenda |
| Sun May 9, 2:45 pm | Harbor Vision Task Force, 2nd Sun, San Pedro Public Library, 9th and Gaff |
| Mon May 10 | OC Native American Sacred Sites TF, 2nd Mon, Rebecca Robles (949) 369-0361 |
| Mon May 10, 7:15 pm | Orange Hills TF, 2nd Mon, 217 E Chapman Ave, Orange, Chris (714) 606-0453, ckoontz@usc.edu |
| Mon May 10, 7:30 pm | Transportation Subcommittee, 2nd Mon, Chapter Office |
| Mon May 10, 7:30 pm | Santa Monica Mountains TF, 2nd Mon, Chair Mary Ann Webster (310) 559-3126 |
| Tue, May 11, 7:30 pm | Air Quality/Global Warming/Energy SubCommittee, Chapter Office, Jan Kidwell (818) 506-8731 |
| Tue May 18, 7:00 pm | OC
Conservation Comm, Inn at the Park, 10 Marquette. Irvine
(Marquette & Harvard). |
| Wed May 19, 7:30 pm | Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Gordon LaBedz, GLaBedzMD@aol.com |
| Wed May 19, 7:30 pm | The Banning Ranch Park and Preserve Task Force, 3rd Wed, Terry Welsh (949) 548-563 |
| Wed May 19, 7:00 pm | Friends of Foothills Steering Committee. Contact Bill Holmes (949) 496-5323 |
| Sat May 22, 7:30 pm | Open Spaces, Wild Places Campaign mtg at home of Alex & Carole Mintzer, 465 N Christine St, Orange |
| Sun May 23, 1:00 pm | Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office. Contact Virgil Shields, virgil.shields@angeles.sierraclub.org |
| Tue, May 25. 7:00 pm | Sierra Sage/South Orange County Group General meeting -- Hawks, Owls, Eagles, and Kites: The Biology of Southern California Raptors, featuring Dr. Pete DeSimone, Manager of the Audubon California Starr Ranch Sanctuary and Director of Sanctuaries and Stewardship for Audubon California. Refreshments provided. The Unitarian/Universalist Church, 25801 Obrero. Directions: I-5 to Alicia Parkway, east (inland) on Alicia, left on Jeronimo, left on Obrero (the 2nd traffic light), immediate right into first driveway. |
| Tue May 25, 9:00 am | Orange Hills Task Force, 4th Tues Monthly, at the Carlab in Orange |
| Wed, May 26, 7:30 pm | Forest Task Force, Chapter Office. Don Bremner, donbremner@earthlink.net |
| Mon May 31 , 7:30 pm | Chapter Conservation Management Committee, Chapter Office (date may change, call chair) |
| June 2004 | |
| Thu, Jun 3, 7:15 pm |
Sierra Club Orange County Political Comm. Contact amintzer@socal.rr.com for directions and agenda. |
| June 5-6 | Sierra Club California Annual Convention, San Luis Obispo. Reserve with Lori Ives |
| Sun Jun 6 | Deadline for articles/calendar in the March Southern Sierran about our conservation efforts. Write up what you're doing, attach a digital photo, e-mail to Dominique.Dibbell@sierraclub.org |
| Tue, Jun 8, 7:30 pm | Air Quality/Global Warming/Energy SubCommittee, Chapter Office, Jan Kidwell (818) 506-8731 |
| Mon Jun 14, 7:00 pm | Saddleback Cyns Task Force and Conservancy Mtg, Silverado Community Ctr. Rich Gomez. |
| Sun Jun 13, 2:45 pm | Harbor Vision Task Force, 2nd Sun, San Pedro Public Library, 9th and Gaff |
| Mon Jun 14 | OC Native American Sacred Sites TF, 2nd Mon, Rebecca Robles (949) 369-0361 |
| Mon Jun 14, 7:15 pm | Orange Hills TF, 2nd Mon, 217 E Chapman Ave, Orange, Chris (714) 606-0453, ckoontz@usc.edu) |
| Mon Jun 14, 7:30 pm | Transportation Subcommittee, 2nd Mon, Chapter Office |
| Mon Jun 14, 7:30 pm | Santa Monica Mountains TF, 2nd Mon, Chair Mary Ann Webster (310) 559-3126 |
| Tue Jun 15, 7:00 pm | OC
Conservation Comm, Inn at the Park, 10 Marquette. Irvine
(Marquette & Harvard). |
| Wed Jun 16, 7:30 pm | Chapter Conservation Committee, 3rd Wed, Gordon LaBedz, GLaBedzMD@aol.com |
| Wed Jun 16, 7:15 pm | The Banning Ranch Park and Preserve Task Force, 3rd Wed, Terry Welsh (949) 548-563 |
| Wed Jun 16, 7:00 pm | Friends of Foothills Steering Committee. Contact Bill Holmes (949) 496-5323 |
| Tue Jun 22, 9:00 am | Orange Hills Task Force, 4th Tues Monthly, at the Carlab in Orange |
| Sat Jun 26, 9:30 am | Friends of Foothills Planning meeting. Contact Brittany McKee (949)361-7534 |
| Sun Jun 27, 1:00 pm | Chapter ExComm, Chapter Office. Contact Virgil Shields, virgil.shields@angeles.sierraclub.org |
Sierra Club, Angeles Chapter
Conservation Committee
112 North Harvard Avenue PMB 297
Claremont CA 91711-4716
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED