ONE CLUB: 'ONE MISSION

By Geoffrey Smith, Conservation Coordinator

Today as I write this column, the world is absorbing the news of a terrible tragedy. The Space Shuttle Columbia, named after 18th century explorer Robert Grays ship that explored the Columbia River, was destroyed in flight while landing. The mission: to carry out experiments in the areas of astronaut health and safety; advanced technology development; and Earth and space sciences. The seven brave crewmembers, whose contributions to humanity will have timeless implications, all perished. The Columbia was the first shuttle in space. It will not be the last. To the families, to NASA, to the world community to all those who have hopes and dreams of a better future: Our thoughts and prayers go out. And our resolve strengthens. I remember the day a human first set foot on the moon. I listened to the coverage, at the age of 14, on a car radio in the country of Greece. We were in a campground, and our car was surrounded with dozens of people from all over the world. Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrongs historic words, Thats one small step for a man; One giant leap for mankind sent a powerful message then, and their prophetic significance rings true even today. He was a US Citizen, but his mission was to explore the moon on behalf of all humankind. The international community rejoiced, and for that 14-year old boy at least, nationality didnt really matter. We were all citizens of Gaia, The Living Earth, Buckminster Fullers Spaceship Earth. Perhaps the first steps on the moon were an epiphany for me. Perhaps Armstrongs simple words shaped me at the age of 14

in ways I cannot comprehend. The message speaks of the profound influence that individuals have in our world. The millions of small steps that result in the giant leap. Individual actions for the common good, for the betterment of humankind, that collectively can make profound change in our environment. NASA will regroup. The nation will regroup. The will to explore and further science will not subside. Like NASA, the Sierra Club has a mission, too: To Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Wild places of the Earth , and the will of thousands of Sierra Club members like you will not subside. The will to take those small, individual steps towards achieving the seemingly impossible. A $25 check to the Chapters Annual Fund Appeal; a letter to an elected representative for Wilderness Protection or responsible planning in our backcountry; a few hours attending a public hearing; an afternoon at an information table or walking door to door in your community to educate about an issue; a phone call to your city council member to urge funding for open space; a simple thank you to a hardworking volunteer. Your financial contributions are important. Please make one today.
* A NOTE TO HI SIERRAN READERS In September 2002 my Conservation Coordinator position was cut back to 1/2 time. Consequently my time to effectively work with Chapter and community entities has been substantially reduced, and my responsibility for the advancement program eliminated. For this reason I have elected to embark on a 3-month unpaid leave of absence from my position, returning to work May 1. My wife Camille Armstrong and I will spend this time researching and exploring the 2.4 million acres of Wilderness and 22 Wild and Scenic River segments proposed in Senator Boxers California Wild Heritage Act. Contact me via email at gsmith@thecomputersmith.com if you would like to receive updates of our explorations! Many thanks to Martha Coffman who has agreed to staff the Conservation Desk during my absence.

Ill see you on the trail!

HS

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page 6 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

Other NEWS & Notes ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTIONS BATTERED

BEHIND THE SCENES ENVIRONMENTALISTS SUE EPA FOR IGNORING GLOBAL WARMING POLLUTION
The Sierra Club and Our Children's Earth (OCE) announced that they are suing the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for its refusal to protect public health by acting against global warming pollution. Their lawsuit also charges that EPA has failed to update emissions standards for other forms of pollution, as required by law. "Why has the Bush administration been missing in action on the greatest environmental threat facing the nation?" asked David Bookbinder, senior attorney with the Sierra Club. "Again we find EPA fiddling while Rome burns." "EPA's failure to update these standards allows power plants to emit massive, excessive air pollution that could and should be avoided by existing law," said Tiffany Schauer, executive director of Our Children's Earth. "The health of our children and our planet is in danger." Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to regulate all air pollution that affects public health. It must review emissions standards for power plants and various other pollution sources every eight years. Sierra Club and OCE allege that the most recent review took place over twelve years ago, and included only a small number of the pollution sources under contention. Standards for many other sources covered under the Clean Air Act have not been looked at since 1979. Because of the EPA's lapse, global warming pollution has continued unchecked. Over the last ten years, global warming pollution has been shown to pose a major threat to public health and the environment. Among other effects, increased temperatures brought on by global warming will cause more frequent and severe heat waves, droughts, and storms, and will spread infectious diseases. In addition, the EPA's delay has meant that emissions standards for other harmful pollutants like mercury and sulphur dioxide have not been updated for almost twenty-five years in some cases, despite considerable advances in pollution technology, and in scientific research showing a clear link between air pollution and human health. The environmentalists' case is being brought in conjunction with a lawsuit announced today by seven states, which are suing the EPA for its failure to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from the nation's coal-fired power plants.
This editorial taken from Sierra Club Website: www.sierraclub.org

Words from the Wise....

"They believe it's a national wildlife refuge, not a gas station
- David Moulton, chief of staff for Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA), on a Wilderness Society poll of Americans' views about drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.

As negotiators in the House and Senate reach the final stages of hammering out a long-stalled budget bill to fund the federal government for 2003, more than a half-dozen anti-environmental "riders" threaten to erode decades of important environmental protections. Several Republicans are using the appropriations process to sneak through environmentally destructive legislation that would increase logging on National Forests, exempt Alaska's wild forests from the roadless protection rule, and could undermine protection for our nation's air and wetlands. "Congress is once again turning to the appalling tactic of tacking anti-environmental riders on crucial legislation," said Debbie Sease, Sierra Club legislative director. "Some Members of Congress have taken a must-pass bill and loaded it down with controversial riders that will cause serious damage to our natural treasures and undermine the trust that citizens have in Congress. This is not only damaging to America's special places but an affront to democracy." These provisions were added to the bill in closed-door conference meetings without any debate on the House or Senate floors. The riders seek to undermine protection of our nation's largest rainforests Alaska's Tongass and Chugach National Forests. One rider would exempt these wild forests from the roadless protection rule. Another rider seeks to dramatically increase logging operations in the all of our National Forests and other public lands under a grossly misnamed "stewardship" logging program. This new program would create broad new power for the Forest Service to design, fund and implement their own priorities with little consideration for how Congress or the American public wants forests managed. Other riders would decrease endangered species protections in the Missouri River, fund a project to drain 200,000 acres of wetlands, and could impair states' ability to establish stronger environmental protections. "Any measure with such far-reaching implications deserves public scrutiny and debate but will be shortchanged by this backdoor process," said Sease. "Americans treasure their National Forests as special places to hike, hunt and fish, and they want them protected. Places like Alaska's Tongass National Forests are of great public interest and issues affecting them should, at the very least, receive full debate and examination." There has been overwhelming public support for wild roadless areas in the National Forests and for protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge urges that our natural heritage be protected. One of the riders would exempt the Tongass National Forest from the popular "roadless rule" which was the result of 600 public meetings nationwide and more than 2 million public comments in favor of protecting America's last wild forests. Another rider in play would authorize pre-leasing activities for oil drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Last year, the U.S. Senate rejected proposals to drill there 54-46. "The American people have already spoken in favor of protecting these special places, and sneaky maneuvering by a few in Congress should not forever change that," said Sease. "These proposals weaken important environmental protections, undermine democratic principles and contradict the will of the American public. This continues a long, ugly pattern by the Bush Administration, Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) and others in Congress who will stop at nothing to promote the interests of the timber and oil companies.
This editorial taken from Sierra Club Website: www.sierraclub.org

page 7 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

State News and Notes

WISCONSIN NATIVE SONS TRIP BREAKS NEW GROUND
Sierra Club members and associates will have an opportunity this summer to learn about the Wisconsin origins of three of that states native sons on an innovative bus, boating, and hiking outing sponsored by the Clubs Angeles Chapter and Pasadena and Crescenta Valley Groups. This 8-day fundraising trip, a first for the Chapter, will highlight the lives and accomplishments of naturalist John Muir, architect Frank Lloyd Wright, and wildlife biologist Aldo Leopold, and visit locations where each of them, in his own way and at different ages, spent a significant portion of his life strongly influenced by Wisconsins natural heritage. Featured will be visits to John Muirs boyhood homes at Fountain Lake and Hickory Hill farms and other sites important in the early years of his life; Aldo Leopolds restored prairie and shack (made famous in his book Sand County Almanac); and Frank Lloyd Wrights home, architectural school, and estate at Taliesin in Spring Green. Also included are a boat tour on the Wisconsin River at Wisconsin Dells, a stop at the International Crane Foundation in Baraboo, hiking in Devils Lake State Park, a tour of worldrenowned Horicon National Wildlife Refuge, a visit to Ice Ages National Park, hiking in Ridges Sanctuary in Door County on Wisconsins northeast peninsula, a short boat trip on Lake Michigan to Washington Island, and hiking in a natural area along the Lake Michigan lakeshore. Optional summer theatre performances will be included during free time in the evening at one or more locations where available. Leader commentary and short bus videos will describe the significance of Wisconsins outdoor world in the developmental lives of Muir, Leopold, and Wright. In addition a short bibliography of general interest books regarding each individual will be prepared and distributed to trip participants in advance.

20S & 30S SINGLE SIERRANS

For singles aged 20-39

(619) 544-6124
http://sandiego.sierraclub.org/20s30s/
GUALALA ESTUARY IN MENDECINO COUNTY, PHOTO BY P.T. NUNN

A section of the San Diego Chapter

Trip dates are July 12 to 19, inclusive; price includes RT group airfare LAX to Chicago, 8 day bus tour, 7 nights lodging including continental breakfasts, boat tours, admission charges to tour sites, bus refreshments. Price for Sierra Club member is $1145 before April 12, $1185 by May 12, $1225 thereafter. Non-member add $100. (Credit of up to $250 if booking own airfare.) Further details regarding this trip are described on page 57 of the Angeles Chapters current Schedule of Activities. A detailed itinerary can be viewed on the Pasadena Groups website: www.angeles.sierraclub.org/pasadena, or by contacting trip leader David Czamanske, a Midwest native, at (626) 458-8646 or via e-mail at: dczamanske@hotmail.com. Trip co-leaders are Fred Dong, who has led numerous backpacking trips in California and several bus trips to the Florida Everglades, and Elizabeth Pomeroy, author of the recent book John Muir: A Naturalist in Southern California. HS

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Your Business and Referrals Are Appreciated

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page 8 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran

WELCOME TO THE SIERRA CLUB's 26TH ANNUAL

NATURE KNOWLEDGE WORKSHOP 2003

OR JUNE 13-15 You have a personal invitation to join us for a weekend that may influence the rest of your life. This annual event is one of the two big Sierra Club happenings each year (the other is the Wilderness Basics Course). The Nature Knowledge Workshop (NKW) combines education and appreciation for our precious (and dwindling) natural resources with a sharing and a building of new friendships. We hope you will leave the weekend with a renewed vigor towards a society respecting and preserving all living co-habitants.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY: JUNE 6-8

LOCATION: THE SIERRA CLUB'S SCENIC FOSTER LODGE ON MT. LAGUNA (EL. 5,800 FEET, SAN DIEGO COUNTY). DATE: FRIDAY EVENING THROUGH SUNDAY NOON. PICK EITHER WEEKEND JUNE 6-8 OR JUNE 13-15. COST: $95.00 PER SIERRA CLUB MEMBER, $105.00 PER NON-MEMBER. THIS COVERS:
1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Six full & nutritious meals created by Sheena Bradbury Myers and Staff. Two nights' lodging either in the Lodge or tenting on the grounds. A complete, 140-page Naturalist's Manual. Bluegrass concert Friday evening. Evening workshops on a variety of subjects, given by biologists & lay-biologists. Subjects include plants, mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, Native American history/lore, ecology/conservation, astronomy, population issues and more. 6) Half-day nature hikes led through chaparral, forest and meadow ecosystems. 7) Yoga & meditation. 8) An NKW t-shirt to each participant.

Need further proof? Ask anyone who has previously participated. The NKW usually fills up early (followed by a long waiting list). Please apply promptly. For more information, call Lee or Fern at (619) 583-3261.

To register, send the following to Lee Siegel, 5224 Prosperity Lane, San Diego, CA 92115-2143:
1. This filled-out coupon (or a coupon for each person applying). 2. A check: $95.00 per Sierra Club Member, $105.00 per Non-Member, payable to Sierra Club. 3. Two self-addressed, stamped envelopes (for two separate mailings).

Name(s) _____________________________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________________________ City _______________________________, State ____________ ZIP ___________ Phone (home) ________________________ (work) _________________________ Amount sent ($95.00/member, $105.00/non-member, payable to Sierra Club): $___________ Sierra Club membership numbers(s): ____________________________________

Which weekend? ____ (June 6-8) or ____ (June 13-15) Age __________ Where did you grow up? ________________________________ Occupation (or previous, if retired)

________________________

VOLUNTEER IN YOUR COMMUNITY!

Do you wonder how projects happen in your community? Are you shocked when you see the hillsides being scraped? Would you like to understand how it happens that traffic keeps rising? Would you like to help make it better? You can. The Sierra Club is seeking volunteers to attend Community Planning Group meetings once per month (10 to11 months of the year) and report back via e-mail. Whether you are in the city or the county, there are Community Planning Groups and Boards that review projects and help shape how the region grows. This is volunteering that is manageable and makes a difference. Please contact Cheryl Reiff at 619-299-1743 or admin@sierraclubsandiego.org, and we'll get you hooked up with the local planning group in your area. Jump Start your enviro-life! Volunteer at the Sierra Club Bookstore and Office and learn what activism is all about. Think globally, and ACT LOCALLY!

VOLUNTEERS OF THE MONTH!

Thanks to all of these exceptional volunteers for making our chapter rock! JANUARY:
Betty Ball, for excellent assistance in the office, bookstore, and desert committee, and for always willing to go an extra mile when needed. Ellen Shively, for Conservation liaison activities, above and beyond numerous Chapter Chair duties. Janet Anderson, for her work on the City of Villages, Otay Ranch, Public comments, rep to numerous city and county wide citizen action hearings. Edie and Jim Harmon, for their tireless efforts in groundwater, desert and mining issues in Imperial County.

FEBRUARY: Leslie McNab, for her tremendously successful efforts in managing the art gallery for Ray at Night. Sandra Farrell & Mary Clark, for work on San Marcos Highlands and Agua Hedionda Creek Devore Smith, for continuous support and extra help where needed, in addition to his ExCom & Parks duties.

IN MEMORIUM
With heavy hearts, we are sorry to relate news of the death of Byron Lindsley, long time Sierra Club Activist and Chapter Historian, and founder of the Mountain Defense League(MDL). Almost thirty years ago, Byron founded the MDL, as a grassroots organization to protect his beloved Laguna Mountains and Kemp Ranch from development. The legacy of his success is the protection of these beautiful areas as public lands. He continued to be a leader in conservation up until the time of his death. We at the Sierra Club mourn the passing of a true champion of our wildlands.

Send your address changes to: Sierra Club Member Services, PO Box 52968, Boulder CO 803222968.

JOIN THE SIERRA CLUB TODAY!

Yes, I want to be a member of Sierra Club. Yes, I want to give a gift membership! Name_______________________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State______ ZIP_____________________ Telephone (_______) ______________________________e-mail______________________ I understand that a gift announcement card will be sent for my use. I've entered my name and address above and the recipient's name and address below. Gift recipient's name___________________________________________________________ Address_____________________________________________________________________ City____________________________________ State______ ZIP_____________________ Telephone (_______) ______________________________e-mail______________________

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Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are not taxdeductible; they support our effective, citizenbased advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues include $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra magazine and $1 for the Hi Sierran (chapter newsletter).

page 10 San Diego Chapter March/April 2003 Hi Sierran