Trail of Tears Group Newsletter
December 1, 2001
Ozark Chapter - Sierra Club
Cape Girardeau, MO

SIERRA SOLSTICE PARTY

Help us celebrate the Winter Solstice/End of 2001 with a potluck dinner (BYOB) at the home of Jan and Mary Gieselmann on Friday December 7 at 5:30p.m. To get to the Gieselmann’s:  From Cape go to Jackson and continue west on 72, straight through the light at Country Mart at the intersection with Hwy 25, then past Pioneer Orchard.  Continue west on Hwy 72 until you get to Hwy B.  Turn right onto Hwy B (north) and go 1 mile.  On your right should be Aspen Woods Lane.  Turn right onto Aspen Woods Lane.  Stay to the left at the Y in Aspen Woods Lane. Gieselmann’s house will be the newer home to the left.  For more information contact Mary at (573) 243-3730.

BUY SIERRA CLUB CALENDARS

Time to buy your 2002 Sierra Club wall or engagement calendar. Contact Brian Alworth at (573) 334-7978, or buy one from him at the Solstice potluck.

CONSERVATION REPORT
Alan Journet

K-M Inc in Cape County

During the last few months, the main activity in which I have been involved has been the proposal by Kinder-Morgan Incorporated to construct a Power Plant in Southwestern Cape County. I have been collaborating with a loose-knit group of local residents operating under the title of Cape Citizens Against Pollution both to oppose the plant and support the state Department of Natural Resources in its insistence that, to minimize air pollution, the plant incorporate Best Available Technology in its design. Currently, K-MI is appealing to the Missouri Air Quality Control Commission a decision by the state DNR to reject their permit application.

Cape Vision 20/20

I have been involved in a couple of meetings recently with community folks working on this project. It will come as little surprise to you to learn that, with the exception of a small number of concerned folks associated with the project, little attention has been paid to the way in which economic and infrastructure development over the next few decades might negatively impact our local environment.

USFS

We have just received word (because it appeared in the media) that the Mark Twain National Forest has delivered a ‘secret’ decision to allow Doe Run to explore for lead in your National Forest. This is the lead mining-processing company that is responsible for many violations of environmental regulations to date, amongst which has been the pollution of the streets of Herculaneum rendering them a health hazard.  Stay tuned for further developments.

Saint Johns Bayou-New Madrid Floodway Project

A further Environmental Impact Study has been released on this project with at least one public meeting scheduled. I have not yet had a chance to review this document, but have a copy if anyone would like to go over it and develop comments.

Arctic National Wildlife Refuge

Over recent weeks and despite the fact that gas prices are as low as they have been for years, the Bush Administration and their usual allies on Capitol Hill, are attempting to wrap drilling the ANWR in the U.S. flag. This is an audacious attempt to gain passage for legislation that otherwise would fail amid overwhelming public opposition. It is worth contacting your Senators and Representative to object to these tactics – not to mention the objective itself.

National Monuments:

The Bush Administration, through Interior Secretary Gale Norton, is attempting to undermine the National Monuments created by Bill Clinton. These were designated in the last months of the Clinton Presidency, in the face of a hostile Congress, to protect some of the most beautiful parts of the country. The Bush folks want to reduce, mine, log, and drill these public lands for short-term corporate profit rather than preserve and conserve them for posterity.

MEMBERS CANOE THE JACK'S FORK

A few brave outdoorsfolk risked inclement weather and camped overnight at Alley Springs beneath balmy skies, and then thunderstorms. The float might have been cancelled had the day-trippers not also braved the elements, and joined us at the put-in. Our partners in the Ozark Society decided to take the longer trip down to Two Rivers, and the Current River confluence, but we opted for the shorter journey. After a pleasant float down to Eminence, under changeable skies (and just one downpour), we returned to Alley Springs for lunch.

Following lunch we visited Blue Springs just for the fun of it.

The November 17th outing was a hike at Trail of Tears State Park

TRAIL OF TEARS GROUP

SIERRA CLUB ELECTION 2002

Our Trail of Tears Sierra Group Executive Committee is composed of four elected positions (Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary) along with a group of volunteers who 'chair' specific activities. The term of office for the elected folks is two years, with two members up for re-election each year. We don't elect individuals for specific posts. When a new ExCom is formed, those elected decide who will fill which role.

Brian Alworth

I have enjoyed serving on the Trail of Tears Executive Committee as treasurer and would appreciate the opportunity to continue my service.

Gloria Kiehne

She is a devoted and Proud Sierra Club member who feels that given the current world situation it is more important than ever for conservationists to stand up for what they believe in.

Bob Zeller

I have been teaching in the English Department at Southeast since 1980. I am a member of the Steering Committee of the Environmental Science program. Since I believe that the University should foster environmental literacy in our students, I have developed several environmentally focused courses. I am a member of the Association for the Study of Literature and Environment. I believe the Sierra Club's mission should involve both activity and advocacy: to bring together people who enjoy the outdoors and to educate the public on issues that affect our natural environment.

2002 Trail of Tears Group ExCom Ballot

To Vote:

1) Vote for up to two (2) people (you may write in additional names)

2) If yours is a joint membership, two (2) members may vote

3) Cut out the ballot and place in an envelope

4) Address envelope to:

Sierra Club Election Committee  
            121 Green Acres 
            Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

5) Affix a 34¢ stamp and mail so it arrives by 5pm December 21, 2001