Newsletter of the Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter
July 2014
|
Electronic Edition
|
Message from the Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter Director, Joshua Ruschhaupt:
"Politically Complicated"
Colorado is a politically complicated state. Oil and Gas heavily influences that complexity. For the past two months, you've received updates from our very active Legislative Committee, which has given you a window into the "special legislative session" that Governor Hickenlooper was eager to create if he could negotiate a legislative solution to the threat of U.S. Representative Polis' multiple oil and gas proposed state ballot initiatives.
The result is in just this week: Hickenlooper failed- there will be no special session, and Polis has two ballot initiatives for which his teams are seeking the required number of signatures to get them onto the ballot. Our teams are reviewing the situation and determining next steps for us. You can expect to hear more about the upcoming November election in detail from them in coming newsletters.
Clean Energy Plan Denver is the only western states hearing location for the EPA's upcoming Clean Energy Plan! It's amazing that there aren't more hearing locations, but it's true, we're the centralized location for all of the western states. As such, Sierra Club is organizing in full force, with a major campaign effort to turn out hundreds of our members and supporters in person at the hearing on July 29th, right across the street from the chapter's offices at the EPA building in downtown Denver.
If you can show up, please do. If you cannot show up, please submit your comments in writing. All the details you need are hosted on this Sierra Club website. And don't be surprised if you receive a call from a volunteer asking for you to get involved. Thank you for your comments and/or attendance!
And if you're a climate champion, definitely read the Climate Action article below.
Webmaster We're currently searching for a new volunteer webmaster! Our last webmaster, Will Myers, was excellent, but he's starting a new chapter in life on the east coast. We're sorry to see him go, but wish him well! We're searching for a webmaster with html experience. Experience with Drupal is also highly desired. If you're interested, have questions, or just need more information about this volunteer opportunity, contact the Communications Team.
Thank you for all you do!
Colorado Water Plan Chapter campaign kickoff! Can you help?
RMC Conservation Programs Coordinator
Arkansas River in Browns Canyon Photo by Michael Ace
|
In 2013 Gov. John Hickenlooper directed the Colorado Water Conservation
Board (CWCB) to develop the first state-wide water plan, initiating an
important course for future water use and management throughout
Colorado.
The development of the plan is, in theory, a public process.
The CWCB is seeking comments from the public, hosting public meetings
and forums, and shaping a water plan that is responsive to the needs and
recommendations of the citizenry. In practice, however, the
plan is at risk of catering to Front Range municipalities, wasteful
trans-mountain diverters, and other water buffaloes—all at the expense
of river health and West Slope communities.
John Fielder benefit for wilderness set in Boulder
West Elk Wilderness Photo by John Fielder |
To commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Wilderness Act, Sierra Club
Rocky Mountain Chapter and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Boulder
(UUCB) are co-hosting a benefit and presentation by nature photographer
John Fielder.
To be held Tuesday, Sept. 9, beginning at 7 p.m., at the UUCB in Boulder, the "Celebrating 50 Years of Wilderness” event
features a presentation with more than 200 stunning images of Colorado
and other scenic U.S. wilderness areas, accompanied by music and
Fielder’s personal stories about exploring and photographing wilderness
trails.
Read more...
Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary Finding wilderness in Lost Creek
By John Stansfield Pikes Peak Group Wilderness Chair
Alan Cohen, John Stansfield and Peter Wood in Lost Creek area 1973 Photo provided by John Stansfield
|
In the pre-photocopier days of 1973, I fed drab, recycled paper into a
mimeograph machine, printing hundreds of wilderness alerts. The sweet
smell of mimeograph fluid filled the room, distinctly different from the
vanilla scent of warm ponderosa pine bark, the balsam fragrance of
white fir, or the tang of spruce pitch. This pungent mimeograph aroma
reminds me of a special place—Lost Creek.
Read more...
Colorado Oil & Gas Roundup Hot spotlight stays on fracking
By Catherine Collentine Colorado Campaign Representative
Its official: Fracking has gained enough attention that Merriam Webster
added the word to the dictionary and has ended the spelling controversy by including the letter "k" in its spelling.
Rumblings over the spelling aren’t the only thing shaking around Greeley. The second earthquake in a month
shook north of town on June 23, recorded as a 2.6 magnitude quake. Wastewater injection wells are believed to be the cause. The Colorado
Oil and Gas Conservation Commission ordered some wells to be temporarily
shut down to investigate and mitigate further seismic activity in the
area.
Read more...
Hike or stay in bed to preserve Colorado's wildlife, water, air and outdoor recreation spaces!
Hikers and non-hikers alike are needed for our annual Step Strong Colorado Benefit Hike to Protect the Environment, Saturday, Sept. 13, at Roxborough State Park.
Sign up as a hiker or virtual hiker (to stay home or hike somewhere other than Roxborough).Then, if you get others to sign up for the event, you could win a Vail getaway package that includes a hotel stay, spa package and zip-line tour.
Read More...
Shark fin soup off Denver restaurant menus
By Mathew Elsner Chairman Denver Metro Network
Sharks need more protection Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife |
Shark fin soup, considered a delicacy in Chinese and other Asian
cultures, comes at a high price, both for the sharks and the health of
marine communities worldwide. Sierra Club’s Denver Metro Network (DMN) decided to do something to help.
Based on information gathered by the Animal Welfare Institute, to supply the fins, which are the primary ingredient, as many as 73 million sharks are killed annually worldwide
Read More...
Media Watch Yes, Virginia....newspapers are not dead
By James Luidl RMC Communications Team
I had the fortunate opportunity last month to help promote and participate in the Great March for Climate Action
as it came through Denver on June 16. About 150 local activists
gathered on the west steps of the State Capitol, rallying for action on
climate change. The procession then headed down the 16th Street Mall to
Sierra Club's offices, where we heard a positive speech from Region 8
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Shaun McGrath, on the
EPA's proposed carbon rules.
Read More...
RMC joins Great March for Climate Change
By James Luidl RMC Communications Team
Climate change activists march in Denver Photo by Jessica May
|
Intrepid environmental activists have taken to the road to tell the nation it needs to take action on climate change now. The Great March for Climate Action is the brainchild of Ed Fallon, a member of the Iowa State Legislature from 1993 to 2006. Fallon calls the climate crisis the critical test of this century. “What we do with our marching, it's part of our way of elevating the consciousness and also the conversation,” he stated.
Read more...
Meet Matt Reed: His long and winding road
By James Luidl RMC Communications Team
Matt at the Denver RMC office Photo by Jim Luidl |
Life isn't a straight line, no less so than for the Rocky Mountain
Chapter's new Conservation Programs Director Matt Reed. His journey has
taken him across continents and many locations in America before
returning back to where he grew up in Colorado. It’s a job he's been
working towards since childhood.
Read More...
Volunteer of the Month
Longmont activist tackles big environmental goals
By Carol Carpenter RMC Communications Team
Karen at Keystone XL rally Photo by Carol Carpenter
|
Karen Dike is on a mission—to stop the relentless oil and gas industry
from continuing to dig more fracking wells that contribute to Colorado’s
air pollution. Not only that, she keeps a close eye on legislation that
affects the state’s environment and dedicates herself to becoming a
climate change sage.
Read more...
Friends hold fond farewell for Mike Mueller
By Myrna Poticha RMC Executive Committee
From left, Kirby Hughes, Peggy Malchow-Sass, Mike Mueller, Myrna Poticha, Ann Bonnell and Gloria Shone honor Mike. Photo provided by Myrna Poticha |
When it came to water, air and conservation issues, Rocky Mountain
Chapter’s (RMC) Mike Mueller was an expert and a leader. Leaving
Colorado to move back to his home state of Wisconsin, Mike was recently
thanked by RMC members and friends for his many years of service at a
dinner held in his honor.
Read more...
The return of Frackenstein! By James Anderson
All the Frackenstein episodes can be seen on Jim Anderson's Public Facebook page or our newsletter archive.
The RMC runs on people-power!
Would you believe that the Sierra Club runs more from volunteer
leadership than staff leadership? It's true—there are literally
thousands of volunteer leaders in different leadership capacities in 63
chapters and over 400 groups nationwide! Believe it or not, there are
just two Rocky Mountain Chapter (RMC) staff people right now: the
director, Joshua Ruschhaupt—working with over 150 great volunteer
leaders in the chapter and groups, and our new conservation programs
coordinator, Matt Reed. We need to hear from you right away, even if
you're only remotely thinking about spending a few hours or more per
week helping out the environmental movement in Colorado.
Colorado's environment needs your activism and advocacy—the writing's on the wall!
You show up, and we'll train you. There's even a lot of stuff you can
do right from home. Doesn't matter where you are in Colorado—we're
recruiting for the Chapter, and that covers the entire state. If you're
interested, we've got a volunteer role to fit your interests, skills,
experience, and knowledge.
If, after reading through the roles below, you're still unsure of
where you might fit in, that's no problem. Just fill out the volunteer
interest form on our website at http://rmc.sierraclub.org/volunteer.shtml.
Together as an organized movement we will win!
Outings leaders
Colorado is a hiker's mecca. We're looking to build a core leadership team to work with our outings leaders, and also looking for several outings leaders throughout Colorado. Have you ever wanted to lead your own fun or conservation-minded hikes? Or just get out and enjoy the outdoors hikes? Winter or summer, Sierra Club is known for great outings with trained volunteer leaders. Let us train you to be one of them. We're really excited to get our outings program working directly on conservation issues, too! Contact Outings Chair Chris Applegate at: cdapplegate@gmail.com.
Communications Team leaders
The Communications Team is currently very strong; however, they are looking for webmasters, reporters, media specialists, and Listserv administrators. (Not familiar with Convio or Listserv e-mail systems, but learn fast? Don't worry, we have professional trainers.) Contact the Communications Team at rmc-communications-team@lists.sierraclub.org.
Read More...
|
|
|
In this issue:
- Director's Message:
- Colorado Water Plan: Chapter campaign kickoff! Can you Help?
- John Fielder benefit for wilderness set in Boulder
- Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary: Finding wilderness in Lost Creek
- Colorado Oil and Gas Roundup: Hot spotlight stays on fracking
- Step Strong Colorado
- Shark fin soup off Denver restaurant menus
- Media Watch: Yes, Virginia...newspapers are not dead
- RMC joins Great March for Climate Change
- Meet Matt Reed: His long and winding road
- Volunteer of the Month: Longmont activist tackles big environmental goals
- RMC holds fond farewell for Mike Mueller
- Cartoon
- Volunteer Leadership Openings
- Sidebar:
- Must See Event!
- Donate!
- Go Solar!
- P&P Archive
- Be a member!
- Facebook
- Meetup
- Twitter
- Featured Outings
- Story Idea?
Must-See Event:
EPA carbon hearings volunteers needed
Save the Date!
Can you provide lodging for one or more environmental activists who will be visiting Denver during Environmental Protection Agency carbon standards hearings on July 29 and 30? Can you help with a number of related events to be held by Sierra Club on July 29 and 30? If you can volunteer to support the events or house one of the 400-plus activists Sierra Club is inviting to the hearings, please sign up using this form. During these two days, the EPA will hold public hearings on new proposed standards for lowering carbon emissions by power plants. The only hearings in the western states will be held July 29 and 30 in Denver. Comments can also be submitted in writing by e-mail or through the Federal eRulemaking Portal. Last year President Obama announced his Climate Action Plan. One major piece of the plan is an executive order instructing the EPA to craft rules that would lower carbon emissions of power plants 30 percent below 2005 standards by 2030. EPA is taking public comment on the new rules through Oct. 16, 2014.
|
Please support your Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter.
100 percent of your contribution stays here in Colorado!
We depend on your support to do all of our work!
Contribute on our secure website today.
Go Solar!
If you are the proud owner of a single-family home, and you want to reduce Colorado's climate impact, you can install a solar system on your roof!
Sierra Club RMC partners with Sungevity to employ local, certified solar installers.
Get your free solar iQuote now!
Sungevity supports Sierra Club with a great contribution with the completion of every installation we refer to them, and you also get $750! |
The Peak and Prairie is the official Chapter newsletter.
Read the current and previous issues of our printed and e-newsletter on the Chapter's newsletter web page.
Visit the Chapter's events calendar page to find out about outings, conservation and political activities, and more.
Not a Sierra Club member yet? No problem -- just "Join Now!" to become a member today at just $15!
Be Social!
Follow us on Facebook to get our latest updates and relevant news, or on Meetup to join our latest activities, activism, and advocacy events. We're on Twitter, too!
Featured Outings
|
Dawson Butte Ranch Hike-A Denver Metro Network Event
When: Saturday, July 26, 2014 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Where: Dawson Butte Open Space, Tomah Road, Douglas County (map)
The five-mile loop trail on Dawson Butte Open Space travels through mostly forested areas with open meadows and views of the Front Range Mountains. The trail follows gently rolling terrain There is no access to the top of the butte.
Bring your cameras, deer, elk, bears, mountain lions, coyotes and many other wildlife species call this land home. Many of the meadows on the north side of the open space support a healthy herd of deer who can often be seen grazing. Dawson Butte itself offers some good picture opportunities if you know how to stitch digital images or have a view camera or a DSLR with a panorama function.
We'll take a break at the picnic and hitching post area where you can lay in the grass or saddle up to picnic table for an energy bar or trail mix.
Trail Length: 5-mile loop rated as easy. With gently ascending and descending sandy trails.
Keep your eyes out for mountain bikers, they like to zoom on the downhills.
What to Bring
Keep in mind that the hike begins at 9:00 am, so in order to attend the hike you need to arrive closer to 8:30 am to sign the waiver, go to the bathroom (Note: there is a porta potty at the trailhead. There is no water source.) If you are not ready to leave at 9:00 am, then you will not be included in the hike. All participants must sign a waiver in order to go on this hike. These hikes are for adults only with no dogs. Remember that it is summer so it will can be hot and sunny; bring plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat. Afternoon rainstorms are a possibility so please bring appropriate rain gear just in case. You may also want to bring something to eat.
This outing will be co-lead with Colleen Finnerty, but Jim Luidl is the leader for this outing and the main contact person, so please contact Jim Luidl if you have any questions or concerns here on Meetup prior to the outing.
***As with all DMN Sierra Club events a $5 donation is recommended but certainly not required. This money helps the DMN maintain the high quality you have come to expect from our outings.***
|
Step Strong Colorado Volunteer Hike
When: Saturday, July 19, 2014 8:00 a.m. to Noon
Where: Roxborough State Park 4751 East Roxborough Drive, Littleton, CO (map)
Do you love to hike AND make a difference? Then come hike with us on Saturday, July 19 at Roxborough State Park and train to be a trail monitor for our annual Step Strong Colorado benefit hike for the environment. Trail monitors hike to certain check-points within Roxborough Park on the day of the event (Saturday, September 13, 2014) and assist other hikers with directions and marking scorecards.
It's FUN, EASY and a great way to spend one beautiful day in one beautiful park to help protect Colorado's wildlife, air, water, wilderness areas and outdoor recreation spaces.
For more information, contact Dave Read at: 720-937-7323
THE "TEN ESSENTIALS" -- The Sierra Club recommends the following be carried at all times when hiking in the backcountry:
Navigation (map and compass); Fire (matches, lighters, and accelerant); Signaling Device (whistle or mirror); Sun Protection (sunglasses and sunscreen); Insulation (extra clothing); Nutrition (extra food); Hydration (extra water and tablets); Illumination (headlamp or flashlight); First Aid Kit; Emergency Shelter (tarp, bivy sack, and tent); Repair Kit (tools, knife, cord, and tape).
OUR RMC WEBSITE HAS OTHER OUTINGS INFO THAT MIGHT BE OF INTEREST -- A Sierra Club Sign-In and Liability Waiver form must be signed before participating in outings -- if you desire to review a copy, please contact your trip leader.
Story Idea?
If you have a story idea for the Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter Peak and Prairie, just send a quick email to rmc-communications-team@lists.sierraclub.org.
Be sure to get in touch with the Communications Team if you are a RMC volunteer interested in being featured in an article -- we want to let others know the great work you're doing and who you are!
|