Newsletter of the Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter
August 2014
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Electronic Edition
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Message from the Sierra Club Rocky Mountain Chapter Director, Joshua Ruschhaupt:
"What is a healthy forest?"
When you think of a "healthy forest," what comes to mind? Take a moment to close your eyes and envision a Colorado "healthy forest."
Over my lifetime, my own vision of a healthy forest has changed. When I was a child, growing up in Yosemite National Park, Calif., I didn't really think about it. But one day Smokey the Bear came to visit our little school nestled in of one of the first protected forests in the United States, amidst some of its most beautiful geological features. I think I was in first grade at the time.
As any child is with a life-sized and apparently "living" teddy bear...
Read more...
Colorado water plan flowing, but rapids loom
RMC Conservation Programs Coordinator
Arkansas River in Browns Canyon Photo by Michael Ace
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Development of Colorado’s Water Plan
meanders along its course, with a final plan scheduled for December
2015. Recently, the much-awaited draft Basin Implementation Plans (BIPs)
were released, and the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB) is
seeking input on those BIPs. As expected, a major rift in the
plan is developing between the Front Range and the West Slope over the
need (or lack thereof) of large, trans-mountain water diversions. The
eight basins, each of which submitted a draft BIP in late July, vary
widely in their conservation priorities and sustainable water use
planning.
Promoting wind power and safeguarding eagles
Bald eagles and other birds need protection Photo by Dave Menke, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
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By Carol Carpenter RMC Communications Team
Sierra Club members and supporters support wind power and other
renewable energy sources; at the same time we also advocate strongly for
the preservation of wildlife. These duel goals have converged recently
for our organization as we learn more about the increasing—although
accidental—toll of wind turbines on Bald and Golden Eagles and other
birds and animals.
Along with the steady increase in wind power production,
Sierra Club—and other interested stakeholders as well—have noted the
harmful impact that turbines and associated infrastructure can have on
eagles and other wildlife. Also of concern is loss of bird habitat,
which can be supplanted by wind farms and wind energy infrastructure.
Read more...
Colorado Oil & Gas Roundup Ballot initiatives, earthquakes, new drilling
By Rick Blotter RMC Beyond Oil and Gas Team Member
On Monday August 4, Colorado Rep. Jared Polis (D-Boulder) withdrew his
support from Ballot Initiatives 88 and 89, which he initially sponsored.
These initiatives would have increased state-required setbacks from new
wells to occupied buildings from 500 feet to 2,000 feet, and would have
provided communities with more local control over drilling by granting
them the right to protect their air, water and environment. The Sierra Club had endorsed these ballot initiatives.
Read more...
Clean energy gets big win in Denver
By James Luidl Colorado Campaign Representative
Clean Energy Hearing supporters Photo by James Luidl |
Environmentalists put the rubber to the road at the Environmental
Protection Agency's Clean Power Plan Public Hearings, July 29 and 30 in
Denver. When all was said and done, testimonies favoring the new rules
were 286 versus 57 against. It's a big win for the environment in a
state where coal is a major player in Colorado's energy portfolio.
Read more...
John Fielder benefit for wilderness set in Boulder
Maroon Bells-Snowmass Wilderness Photo by John Fielder
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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.
Read More...
Media Watch In the media war: Eh...it's a push
By Jim Luidl RMC Communications Team
The four days in late July that were the Environmental Protection
Agency's Clean Power Plan public hearings have come and gone. So how did
we do? In the hearing rooms, a big win! In the media war... eh, it's a
push.
The Clean Power Plan is the Obama Administration’s proposed
rules to cut carbon emissions at power plants by 30 percent under 2005
standards by the year 2030. This is one of the most important decisions
EPA will make since the passing of the Clean Air Act. As many of us will
attest, it's been far too long in coming.
Read More...
Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary Savor desert wilderness in western Colorado
By Eric Rechel Uncompahgre Group Co-Chair
Hikers enjoy western Colorado wilderness Photo by Janice Shepherd |
Imagine you’re on a ridge looking down 1,000 feet or more to the
Gunnison River in western Colorado. To the west, beyond the river, is a
huge array of desert canyons, mesa, escarpments, ridges, and grottos.
Hills are crowned with Douglas fir and Ponderosa pine.
Read More...
Legislative Update Building political power begins with YOU
By Jodi Jones RMC Legislative Committee Co-Chair
The Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Legislative Committee needs people like you
to be successful in protecting Colorado’s environment. Like many Sierra
Club members, I sometimes feel disenfranchised by the political system
and politics, and weary that the status quo of our elected officials is
to listen to big money interests.
Read more...
GMO initiative on November ballot nearly assured
By Julie Ott RMC GMO Campaign
Genetically engineered corn Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons
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Sierra Club members were among GMO labeling supporters rallying on the
Capitol’s steps and marching to the Secretary of State’s office on
August 4. The event was a celebration of the Right to Know Colorado
Campaign’s efforts to place an initiative on the November ballot.
Read More...
Volunteer of the Month
UG activist finds worth in wildlife, wild places
By Carol Carpenter RMC Communications Team
Carole enjoys ski outing with her dog Photo provided by Carole Chowen
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One of Carole Chowen’s favorite things to do in her 15-year career as a
tour manager and guide was showing visitors the West’s stunning natural
vistas while telling them the fascinating story of Sierra Club founder, John Muir.
Working
mostly with groups visiting from the United Kingdom, the current
co-chair of Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Uncompaghre Group (UG) would escort
visitors on tours that included many national parks and monuments in
Alaska, Canada and the western United States
Read more...
Open space traded for school in southeast Denver
By Carol Carpenter RMC Communications Team
Hentzell Park development underway Photo by Michael Ace
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Sierra Club members will be disappointed to learn that a Denver
District Court judge has ruled in favor of the City and County of Denver
in a controversial lawsuit filed by the Friends of Denver Parks over
land (the former Hentzell Park) the city has exchanged with Denver
Public Schools (DPS) in southeast Denver.
Read more...
Sierra Club seeks rep to help curb noise at national parks
Grand Canyon Photo by National Park Service
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Concerned about noise related to tourism at your favorite national parks? Visitors to our country's national parks may seek a quiet experience in nature, but what they sometimes get is the overhead noise of airplanes and helicopter tours.
Read more...
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...
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In this issue:
- Director's Message:
- Colorado Water Plan flowing, but rapids loom
- Promoting wind power and safeguarding eagles
- Colorado Oil & Gas Roundup: Ballot initiatives, earthquakes, new drilling
- Clean energy gets big win in Denver
- John Fielder benefit for wilderness set in Boulder
- Media Watch: In the media war: Eh...it's a push
- Wilderness Act 50th Anniversary: Savor desert wilderness in western Colorado
- Legislative Update: Building political power begins with YOU
- GMO initiative on November ballot nearly assured
- Volunteer of the Month: UG activist finds worth in wildlife, wild places
- Open space traded for school in southeast Denver
- Sierra Club seeks rep to help curb noise at National Parks
- 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:
Hike to protect Colorado's environment
Save the Date!
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. Gather pledges and come join us at the park to hike and you could also win an Estes Park getaway, which will include a hotel stay, complimentary dining and horseback riding. There will be other great 2nd and 3rd place prizes as well, including outer-wear from Patagonia, a white-water rafting trip, and an outdoor photography session with Michael Ace Photography. Snack food will be provided as well as FREE ONE-DAY PARK PASSES (normally $7/vehicle). For more details, please visit our website or RSVP today! What a great opportunity to Enjoy, Explore and Protect the Planet all at the same time at this great event in one of Colorado's most majestic and colorful parks—Roxborough State Park. If you have any questions or wish to volunteer for this event, please call Dave Read, RMC Fundraising chair, at 720-937-7323 or e-mail dancingdave@comcast.net. Hope to see you there.
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
Blue Lake Hike Indian Peaks Wilderness, CO
When: Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Where: Indian Peaks Wilderness (map)
Let's beat the weekend crowds and enjoy the Indian Peaks Wilderness area during the week - it’s worth playing hooky. Join Phil and Lynn for a moderate hike with breathtaking scenery, abundant wildflowers and streams aplenty. This hike starts at around 10,500 feet in elevation and we’ll hike at a moderate pace. Although there are a few steep spots, this 5.5 mile round trip trek is generally a steady but manageable climb with a 900 ft. elevation gain. Spectacular views of Little Pawnee Peak, Mount Toll and Paiute Peak are the reward. We will stop and enjoy the view at Blue Lake where waterfalls and snowfields are still present this time of year. Bring rain gear, extra layers, sturdy hiking shoes, snacks and plenty of water. It does get windy at the lake so bring a jacket. And don't forget the bug spray after all the rain we've recently had!
This hike is limited to 12 total. Since there is a car entry fee, we’ll carpool to the trailhead from Boulder. There will be an option for refreshments or a late lunch in Nederland or Boulder afterwards. Contact Phil at bringyour4k@msn.com for more details or to sign up. A phone number must be provided.
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Young Sierran: Dinosaur National Monument Camping Trip
When: Friday, August 29, 2014 1:00 p.m. to Monday, September 1, 2014 6:00 p.m.
Where: Dinosaur National Monument, 4545 U.S. 40, Dinosaur, CO (map)
Young Sierrans, ages 18 through 35 are welcome to join in on this exciting adventure. This activity is capped at 8 people. We will be staying at the Green River Campground on the Utah side of the monument. This campground has over 80 sites, many on a first-come first-serve basis. The goal would be to leave the Front Range around 1 pm on Friday, August 29th. The commute to the campground will take an estimated 5.5 hours from Denver.
Dinosaur National Monument offers a wide variety of activities to participate in while visiting. We will be touring the Quarry Exhibit Hall, along with daily hiking and exploring to many of the monuments special places. Dinosaur has a multitude of trails to explore and enjoy. From Rainbow Park to Jones Hole and Echo Park. The monument offers a ton of trails to explore. The trip will be over the course of Labor Day weekend (Friday through Monday). We will be camping in the Green River Campground, hopefully site 80, which is really close to the Green River will be avaliable.
Please visit our Meetup page for details and registration.
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!
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