MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW! ALABAMA SIERRA CLUB FALL RETREAT
Living Lightly on the Earth At Beautiful Camp McDowell, Nauvoo, Alabama
October 28 – 30, 2016
Sponsored by the Coosa Valley Sierra Club
Fish Kill on the Black Warrior River (Update)
Today, July 1, ADEM called us back at 2:45 to confirm that they had gotten our fish kill messages and were still trying to get us answers to our questions about the water sampling results we found on their e-FILE system on June 27. Meanwhile, there were no new documents on e-FILE today. There are still three documents in that public file, none of which are conclusive. Until further notice, we do not recommend eating fish caught near the Gorgas Steam Plant. Stay tuned for updates here and on website: blackwarriorriver.org/fish-kill-updates/
Abandoned Mine Site Continues to Pollute Locust Fork Conservation Groups Pushing for Proper Treatment
Conservation groups filed a notice of intent to sue today against Drummond Company for violations at its Maxine Mine site, an abandoned underground coal mine located on the banks of the Locust Fork of the Black Warrior River near Praco, Alabama. Though mining at Maxine Mine ceased in the 1980s, acid mine drainage has been illegally discharging from the site into the Locust Fork through surface water runoff and seeps from the underground mine for years.
The Southern Environmental Law Center, Black Warrior Riverkeeper, and Public Justice filed the notice letter regarding continuous and unpermitted polluted discharges of acidic runoff and mine drainage into the Locust Fork and its tributaries. The site also presents a substantial imminent harm to human health and the environment due to the storage of tons of mining waste known as geologic overburden, or “GOB,” on a bluff above the Locust Fork. Besides being a continuous source of acid mine drainage, the GOB has completely filled a tributary of the Locust Fork. Read the full article here.
Letters to the Editor: Activating Alabama's Environmental Base One Step at a Time
Long-time Sierra Club member David Newton has been an activist for Alabama's environmental community for years and has during that time written many letters to the editor. These letters take only a little while to write and can raise the consciousnes of Alabama's citizens about the importance of our natural world.
From David:
“Activation” of (now) Senator Elizabeth Warren --
When I heard the recent NPR report about Senator Warren becoming an activist (on Jon Stewart’s Daily Show in 2009) I thought, again, of Bob Hastings’ call last fall for more activists in the Alabama Chapter. Of course, I am not suggesting beginning on national television. Most of us would rather begin with a smaller audience. However, Warren took the plunge, she survived, and she has, it seems, been at it ever since. The piece (link below) is short and instructive.
http://www.npr.org/2016/06/27/483123804/elizabeth-warren-from-professor-to-pugilist#
Letters to the Editor from David:
Letter 1: Subject: Letter to the Editor, The Birmingham News (reference: Divided America, June 19, 2016, p. A1)
Editor:
I firmly believe the root cause of our dysfunctional political situation, both at the state and national levels, is due primarily to the way we fund election campaigns. The system is awash with vast sums of money, much of which comes from anonymous sources. I have no doubt that “he who pays the piper calls the tune.” The late California politician Jesse M. Unruh stated: “People don’t contribute to political campaigns, they invest in them.” Significant public funding of election campaigns would cause major positive changes in the way our elected officials govern.
David Newton
NOTE: The text above was sent to the Birmingham News on June 20, 2016. Marianne Scully,
Curator with the Alabama Media Group, responded on June 20, and indicated they anticipated publishing the letter. It was published on June 22 on page A16.
Letter 2: Donald Trump and Climate Change
On December 6, 2009, Mr. Donald Trump and three of his adult children (along with other businesses) were signatories on an open letter published in the New York Times encouraging positive governmental actions on climate change. The letter was addressed to President Obama and the members of the U.S. Congress, and called for climate legislation, investments in clean energy, and global U.S. leadership to address the problem.
In May, 2016, POLITICO reported Mr. Trump petitioned the government of Ireland for permission to build a seawall (which he would pay for) to protect his seaside golf course in County Clare, Ireland from “global warming and its effects,” e.g., rising sea levels.
So does Mr. Trump really believe that climate change is a “total hoax” and “pseudo-science” or has he just been telling his supporters what he thinks they want to hear?
David Newton
NOTE: On June 10, 2016, the LTE above was sent to seven newspapers: Anniston Star; Columbus Ledger-Enquirer; Opelika-Auburn News; The Opelika Observer; Montgomery Advertiser; Tuscaloosa News; The Birmingham News. The Birmingham News made some improvements, and published it on June 12. The Anniston Star published it on June 15. The Opelika-Auburn News and the Opelika Observer published the letter on June 16, and (not sure why) The Opelika-Auburn News published it again on June 29.
Have you heard of the Alabama Birding Trails?
(above--Birding from the Gee's Bend Ferry in Wilcox County allows for some great views of the Alabama River)
With over 430 bird species documented in Alabama, there’s more to see here than you can imagine. Watching a Bald Eagle feeding babies in the nest near Guntersville State Park? Check! Sitting quietly as dozens of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks literally crash-land into the nearest tree on Dauphin Island. Absolutely! These are just two of the stops along this series of 8 trails and 270 stops. Learn more about the Alabana Birding Trails project here.
Over 10 years in the making, the system of eight trails highlights the best public locations available to watch birds year-round. Alabama provides critical habitat for hundreds of bird species, from the Endangered Red-cockaded Woodpecker to the now flourishing Bald Eagle. Interest in wildlife observation continues to grow, and more and more people want to explore our amazing biodiversity, which makes us second only to Florida in the Eastern U.S. in total number of species of plants and animals. The Birding Trails project provides a major attraction for nature-loving tourists, while offering exciting birding opportunities for Alabama’s school groups, families, and seasoned birders.
The eight Alabama Birding Trails unify existing and potential birding sites into a series of cohesive trails and loops that are collectively marketed as part of a state-wide system. Many of the sites along the various trails are already being used by thousands of birders and other visitors annually. Long-time Sierra Club member Joe Watts (who, full disclosure, also puts together this newsletter) has been involved with the project since 2010.
Two Students kayak from Tuscaloosa to Mobile to raise awareness for river conservation in Alabama
From Black Warrior RiverKeeper (Mobile, Ala., June 2016) – Two students from the University of Alabama, Chris Cochrane (Gadsden, Ala.) and Collin Williams (Nashville, Tenn.), recently completed a 340-mile paddling trip from Tuscaloosa to Mobile to raise awareness for river conservation efforts in Alabama, traveling down the Black Warrior River and Tombigbee River for 15 days.
Cochrane, a recent graduate of environmental science, and Williams, a marine science student, wanted to highlight the importance of freshwater conservation to Alabama’s ecosystem, which contains 38 percent of North America’s fish species and more species of freshwater fish, crayfish, mussels, turtles, and snails than any other state in the U.S. “People don’t usually talk about freshwater conservation until something terrible happens, so we really wanted to expose the citizens of Alabama, and the country as a whole, to this important concept,” said Cochrane.
Though both students have a considerable educational background in environmental science, they wanted to take some of the lessons they have learned and apply them outside of the classroom. “I have always been very passionate about freshwater ecosystems, and about a year ago, I had a dream that inspired me to start planning this long distance kayaking trip,” said Williams.
Proceeds raised from the journey, titled “Kayaking for Conservation”, are being donated to Black Warrior Riverkeeper and Mobile Baykeeper, two of eight organizations in Alabama affiliated with Waterkeeper Alliance. Charles Scribner, Executive Director of Black Warrior Riverkeeper, believes this is an important way to showcase the linkage between Alabama’s rivers.
“Through river exploration, a great American tradition, these students have highlighted the connectivity of Tuscaloosa and Mobile, while also supporting the two Waterkeeper groups who protect that vital nexus,” said Scribner. A few staff members of Mobile Baykeeper were fortunate enough to join the students and paddle the last mile of their journey with them, concluding the trip at Scott’s Landing on Friday, May 27, where they were met by cheering family and friends.
“What these guys did to raise awareness for river conservation in our great state is beyond admirable,” said Justine Herlihy, Development Director for Mobile Baykeeper. “On behalf of Mobile Baykeeper’s staff, board of directors, and membership, we extend our deepest gratitude for their wonderful efforts.” In addition to raising awareness for river conservation efforts, Williams hopes his idea will help inspire other students to embark on a similar adventure.
“I hope our trip inspires others to get outside and experience everything the streams and rivers of Alabama have to offer,” said Williams.
Take Action: Tell your senator to support the WIND Act!
Earlier last month, Senator Markey (D-MA) and Senator Whitehouse (D-RI) introduced the Offshore Wind Incentives for New Development (WIND) Act, which would extend the 30 percent Investment Tax Credit for offshore wind through 2025 and spur offshore wind energy development in the United States.
This bill is a major step towards providing the offshore wind industry with the long term market stability it needs to prosper off of America’s coasts and provide good clean energy jobs to local communities. Bringing offshore wind development to our nation will create good-paying jobs, protect our health from fossil fuel pollution, and help us meet our international climate commitments, but this bill needs your support.
Weigh in with your Senators and tell them to support the WIND Act!
Take action: Stop fast-tracking oil & gas pipelines to avoid public scrutiny
The Army Corps of Engineers has been abusing a provision of the Clean Water Act to push through approvals of dangerous oil and gas pipelines without public input or environmental review. Take action now to end this practice!
Take Action: PROTECT PUBLIC LANDS AND OUR CLIMATE FROM BIG COAL
An astonishing 40 percent of all coal produced in the United States comes from public, taxpayer-owned land. The government recently put a hold on new federal coal leases to study the impact that coal mined on public lands has on our climate. This means we have an unprecedented opportunity to push this country towards a clean energy future and away from dirty fuels. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is taking public comments on the scope of its study looking at how our public lands are used for coal mining.
Take Action on the above and many others by visiting the National Sierra Club's "Take Action" page here.
Event of Interest
Alabama Defend Rivers paddle on July 9 sponsored by the Alabama Rivers Alliance. http://www.alabamarivers.org/events/defend-rivers-paddle-on-the-alabama-river-1/defend-rivers-paddle-on-the-alabama-river
Sierra Club Events
Cahaba Group
Thursday, July 14 at 6:30 pm . July Social at Cahaba Brewing Company, 4500 5th Ave S, Building C, Birmingham 35222. The Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club will be having an informal gathering at Cahaba Brewing on July 14th at 6:30pm. There will be no speakers or program - just a chance to catch up with your fellow Sierra Club members and other outdoor enthusiasts. We would like attendees at this event (and future meetings) to take part in a conversation about the future of the group. The Sierra Club motto is "Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet" and we definitely have the first two parts of the motto down pat. We do a great job of having outings and seeing the natural beauty of Alabama. However, now is the time for us to begin thinking about how our chapter can focus on protecting the natural resources of our state for future generations. Join us for a few beers, enjoy a meal from a local food truck parked on site (not sure who will be there yet!), and meet some of your fellow outdoor and environmental enthusiasts.
Typical Monthly meetings - 2nd Thursday every month at 6:00 pm at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium (building to the right of entrance gate) NOTE: locations do vary, so check the facebook page for the latest information.
Business meeting at 6:00, presentation at 6:30.
Mobile Bay Group
Tuesday evening, July 5, screening at 7:00 p.m. The Mobile Bay Sierra Club is pleased to host the screening of the documentary film,'Dispatches from the Gulf'!
Dispatches from the Gulf is an Eco-Documentary that assesses the state of the Gulf of Mexico six years after the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon oil spill.
It shows how scientists confront the challenges of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The documentary also investigates the impact of the event on the ecosystems and communities along the Gulf of Mexico.
Major funding for the production of the film was provided by the Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative – scientists working together to understand and restore the health of marine and coastal ecosystems.
When: Tuesday evening, July 5th, screening at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m.
Where: 5 Rivers, Tensaw Theater, Please follow the Sierra Club signs. (The General Public is invited, No Admission) Location address: 5 Rivers, Alabama’s Delta Resource Center, 30945 Five Rivers Blvd., Spanish Fort, AL 36527 (entrance is across from Meaher State Park on the Mobile Bay Causeway). For more information, please contact Carol Adams-Davis, 702-496-5050 or email: mcadamsdavis@earthlink.net
Montgomery Group
Note that regular Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Aldersgate Methodist Church (Room 25), 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116. (334) 272-6152
North Alabama Group
Tuesday, July 5 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Patricia Wales at pwales77@gmail.com
Tuesday, July 12 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
epart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Alan Greene at agreene256@comcast.net
Saturday, July 16 - Summer on the Land Trust Property. Moderate.
8 mile hike. We will hike several trails on the Land Trust property on Monte Sano, avoiding the steepest climbs. Meet at 8:00am at the Three Caves parking lot at Waller Road and Kennamer Drive. See a map at http://media.wix.com/ugd/238963_d66ffbeb8c2a4de49f328ca25f09a757.pdf For more information, contact Charlie Cohen at 256-361-3837 or charlie.cohen@att.net
Tuesday, July 19 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Suzanne Cawthon at tirawolf@yahoo.com
Saturday, July 23 – Land Trust hike. Moderate.
Explore the new Land Trust Trails at Oak Park, connect to other Land Trust trails and hike to the Monte Sano State Park. Starting at the new Land Trust trail-head in Oak Park we’ll explore the newly created Oak Parkand Buzzards Roost Trails and then link to the Land Trust trails on the west side of Monte Sano via the New Bankhead Trail. We will hike up the Dummy Line Trail to the Monte Sano State Park. On the return trip we will explore some less used trails and stop by a frog pond (frogs not guaranteed) on the west slope of Monte Sano. Moderate hike – about 7 miles and 900ft ascent. Bring snacks, water and more water, lunch, hiking shoes/gear and bug spray. We will meet in the parking lot of Oak Park (near the baseball fields) 2250 Oakwood Ave. Huntsville, AL at 8:15am. The hike will leave promptly at 8:30am. Contact Aaron at aaronlesky22@gmail.com for more info. T-storms/torrential downpour cancels. Don’t forget to bring water.
Tuesday, July 26 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00pm sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact David Jackson at hiking2dwj@gmail.com
Tuesday, August 2 - Monte Sano Evening Hike. Moderate.
Depart at 6:00 sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Richard Williams at rbwilliams67@gmail.com
North Alabama Sierra Club Meetings for 2016
Mark your calendars for meetings of the North Alabama Sierra Club. Meetings start at 6:00pm and will be in the training room of the National Children’s Advocacy Center at 210 Pratt Avenue. This is at the corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. The North Alabama Sierra Club meets quarterly and meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
- August 18 – Darryl Patton, Wilderness Survival and Medicinal/Edible plants in the woods.
- November - Program to be determined
- December - Holiday Party. This will be held in the auditorium of the public library downtown.
West Alabama Group
Visit our website for up-to-date info.: http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama/west-alabama