06 Fall

Fall 2006 Vol.38, No.2

The Babcock Ranch Story:
Making the Best Deal Possible
By Betsy Roberts, Chapter Conservation Chair Sierra Club has endorsed these candidates in the November 5th general election. For more information, see the articles on pages 4 and 12. U.S. Senate Bill Nelson Florida Senate Arthenia Joyner, District 18 Ted Deutsch, District 30 Florida House of Representatives Richard Kriseman, District 53 Deborah Cope, District 57 Harriet Lerman, District 86 Christian Chiari, District 91 The Club also endorsed in the primary race for Governor: Jim Davis (Democrat) Charlie Crist (Republican) It was just about a year ago that Syd Kitson began his negotiations to buy about 91,000 acres in Charlotte and Lee Counties; the property is a working cattle ranch owned by the Babcock family. It is “old Florida,” with telegraph swamp, hardwood uplands, lots of alligators, sandhill cranes, Florida black bears and the Florida panther. It has a beautiful north-south wildlife corridor. The Caloosahatchee River is south of the property. Because his deal involved changing two counties' comprehensive plans and "gifting" density units, among other precedents, Sierra members in this area and others who were concerned about the Ranch attended all the meetings regarding this sale and asked many questions. As a result of this and other issues, a new Sierra group was formed -the Greater Charlotte Harbor Group. In November 2005, we delivered letters to the Governor and Cabinet. I testified during the Cabinet meeting, urging them to deny this sale to Kitson and his partners (continued on page 2)

Inside This Issue:
Sierra Victories…………………..Page 3 Political Endorsements……..Pages 4, 12 Hometown Democracy……….Pages 5-6 Conservation Conference…….Pages 8-9 Florida Chapter Elections….Pages 13-15 Members of the new Greater Charlotte Harbor Group (Ray Jasica, Don Thomas and Lori Brunderman) get out of the meeting rooms for Earth Day. Photo by Sue Reske.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet

The Babcock Ranch Story
(Continued from page 1) because of the proposed, unprecedented transfer of water rights and development units to him. When Audubon of Florida, the Florida Wildlife Federation and other members of the Florida Forever Coalition supported Kitson’s deal with Governor Jeb Bush to sell 74,000 acres of the ranch to the state of Florida in exchange for the right to build a new city of 50,000 people on the remaining 17,000 acres, the Sierra Club strongly objected. We continued to support public acquisition of the full 91,000acre ranch and opposed the terms of the deal. The Greater Charlotte Harbor Group, under the leadership of Chair Sue Reske, Vice Chair Gail Giles, Political Chair Ruth Bromberg and others, continued the fight with the support of Sierra’s Florida Chapter and Calusa Group, along with other local environmental organizations. When the Florida Department of Community Affairs (DCA) approved the Charlotte County Comprehensive Plan change in June, the Sierra Club, Gail Giles and local environmentalist Clarke Keller filed a petition with the DCA against Charlotte County for noncompliance with its comprehensive plan regarding the ranch. While both support and opposition to the Club’s action came from all over the state, it appears that the groups slated to suffer the greatest impact by being closest to the development were most supportive. Peace River Audubon, the Responsible Growth Management Coalition of Lee County and the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida publicly applauded the challenge. Editorials appeared in newspapers all over the state -pro and con. Many accused Sierra of being willing to lose the 74,000 acres of preservation land. This, of course, was not true; we were simply concerned about sprawl, traffic, water, county precedents and other impacts. By early July, it seemed like we were having daily conference calls for hours. The group included National Sierra representative Frank Jackalone and volunteers Sue Reske, Dan Hendrickson, John Hedrick, petitioners Gail Giles and Clarke Keller, Susie Caplowe, Ellen Peterson of Calusa and me, along with our attorneys Martha Collins and Jane West. Several of us drove to West Palm Beach to meet with Kitson and his attorneys. Mara Schlackman of our legal committee joined us as we discussed compromises and methods to make both sides happy, with density being the biggest stumbling block. The following week we met at Babcock Ranch with Kitson, his attorneys and his planning staff. The meetings started at 9 a.m. and finished about 12 hours later. In the end, Kitson did not reduce his total number of units, but he did agree to significantly decrease the impacts of sprawl with several concessions. Most significantly, he agreed to protect panther habitat in the northern section by agreeing to eliminate a village of 1,600 homes; and to place permanent conservation easements on the 2,000 acres where those homes would have been built, thereby creating a large Florida panther corridor. Another important agreement involved Kitson’s support for a no-access parkway to enable residents to avoid existing two-lane roads in order to access the nearby interstate. Kitson also agreed to:

Ø Build at least four underpasses for wildlife within the
development.

Ø Place 250-foot buffers on Routes 31 and 78. Ø Set slower speed limits on all main interior roads at night. Ø Require that all homes surpass energy efficiency
construction standards.

Ø Pay for the construction of a tertiary water treatment plant
that will service the new city.

Ø Provide Sierra Club with a seat on the advisory committee
for the management of both the ranch and the new city. Additionally, Charlotte County made a special proclamation on the uniqueness of this deal, to avoid setting a precedent for increased density requests from other developers. Since we had drawn the difficult Judge Alexander and the Governor and Cabinet had supported the sale, we decided to settle the challenge and to accept the concessions we'd gained. Ideally, none of Babcock Ranch would have been developed, but we did make the deal which "couldn't get any better" better for Southwest Florida and the wildlife for which we all care so much.

The Pelican Vol. 38, No. 3
Editor: Kathy Criscola
Published by the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club, 319 E. Park Avenue, Tallahassee FL. Address all inquiries to PO Box 575, Tallahassee FL 32302-0575. The Pelican is mailed three times per year to members of Sierra Club in the state of Florida. Annual membership dues include $1.00 for the chapter newsletter. Masthead by Moose Marx Design of Tampa Bay, www.moosemarx.com. Send address changes to Sierra Club Member Services, PO Box 52968, Boulder CO 80322-2968 or e-mail [email protected]. Send articles in ASCII text or Word format on disk to PO Box 575, Tallahassee FL 32302-0575. Articles and letters may be edited for space and clarity. Next deadline: January 19, 2007. For an advertising rate sheet, call Ben Ochshorn at 850-8942869 or e-mail [email protected] (ad inquiries only). The Pelican

Page 2

Victory Page

Sierra Successfully Defends Green Swamp
It took years for the state to acquire what is now the Osprey Unit of the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area. At over 6,000 acres, this Green Swamp property was originally a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) known as Green Valley. The DRI floundered, and luckily John and Marian Ryan of the Polk Group were able to convince the county commission to rescind the DRI – the only time that has ever occurred in Polk County. The property changed hands and the new owner was amenable to state purchase of a majority of the original DRI tract. The property, located between S.R. 557 and U.S. 27 along Interstate 4, is the largest block of contiguous habitat on the southern end of the Green Swamp Area of Critical State Concern and will provide the only opportunity for the installation of two large wildlife underpasses which are included in the 2025 build-out of I-4 through Polk County. It came as quite a surprise when Polk Community College (PCC) made a request to the Division of State Lands (DSL) to “trade” other Green Swamp land for 65 acres of the Osprey Unit near the U.S. 27/ I-4 intersection. The college wanted to build a new campus there to serve the burgeoning population of the area where Polk, Lake, Orange and Osceola counties meet. Approximately 20 acres of the requested site is wetlands and the remaining 45 acres is improved pasture. Is it pristine habitat? No. But it is nonetheless a publicly owned undeveloped sand hill – a rare commodity in the Central Florida area and especially in the Swamp. Other reasons for opposing the land trade were: Ø The 65 acres in question provides the only access point to the Osprey Unit from the east. Ø If PCC were to locate on the site, the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s ability to maintain appropriate prescribed fire management practices would likely be compromised, thus limiting a necessary component of the ongoing restoration and management goals. Ø The proposed trade land was a 75-acre cypress wetland tract owned by a sand mining company that was not contiguous to the Osprey Unit nor was it located within the proposed acquisition boundaries for the Hilochee Wildlife Management Area. It was a small, isolated, inaccessible, disjunct parcel that would have severe management constraints. The donor site would also be hydrologically altered by future sand mining activities. We corresponded with the DSL and the Acquisition and Restoration Council (ARC) members, urging them to reject the proposal. Marian Ryan, Green Swamp Issue Chair and Ben Fusaro, Protecting Native Habitats Chair, testified before the ARC in Tallahassee and were gratified when the proposal was unanimously denied. ARC's vote upheld an important standard for state land exchanges: any trade of conservation lands must be a significant net gain for conservation. John and Marian are currently assisting PCC in finding an appropriate location for a new campus. -- Marian Ryan, Green Swamp Issue Chair The Pelican

Sierrans Force More Study of Coal Plant
The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) meeting to approve Seminole Electric’s coal-burning power plant met with a bit of a bumpy road in June. Nine Sierrans showed up for a “needs determination” public hearing for a new plant on the St. Johns River and convinced the commission to send the proposal back to its staff for more analysis. The Sierrans spoke and presented documents about the need for public health and environmental externalities that should have been included in Seminole’s plan. We testified that the PSC had not thoroughly reviewed the costs of pollution emissions, including carbon, mercury, SO2 and NOx, nor had they adequately factored in possible conservation measures, energy efficiency, demand side management, alternative energy sources and global warming in general. Members of the Sierra Club (pictured above) spoke as citizens, emphasizing what was NOT in the Seminole plan: Brian Lupiani, Florida Chapter Energy Vice Chair; Linda Jamison, Big Bend Chair; Ben Fusaro, Big Bend Program Chair; Gary Lloyd, Big Bend Conservation Chair; Rob Brinkman, Suwannee-St Johns Chair; Dan Hendrickson, Chapter Legal Chair; Steve Urse, Big Bend Climate Action Team leader; Susie Caplowe, Chapter Lobbyist; and Leon Jacob, Jr., past Chairman of the PSC and Chapter Sierra Club consultant. The outcome was a surprise referral of the issue back to PSC staff for a response to our testimony (we were the only witnesses). The PSC and all “parties” had already stipulated to the issues in the case, similar to a previous hearing on a proposed new power plant in Orlando, in which no witnesses appeared and the hearing ended five minutes after it began. The presumption now is that the “needs determination” will be approved in coming weeks. However, our victory requiring the more thorough examination of these issues has hopefully laid the groundwork for the next several coal plant proposals. The Power Plant Siting Act proceeding for the proposed plant on the St. Johns is scheduled for January in Palatka. You can read our testimony at www.psc.state.fl.us/ library//FILINGS/06/04984-06/04984-06.PDF -- Susie Caplowe, Chapter Lobbyist Page 3

Election 2006: Sierra Club Endorsements
As of press time for The Pelican, the Florida Chapter had endorsed the following candidates for Florida legislative (House and Senate) races: Ø Deborah Cope, House of Representatives District 57, Hillsborough County. The Chapter also endorsed Cope, former Sierra Group chair, in the same race two years ago. Ø Arthenia Joyner, open Senate seat, District 18, Hillsborough, Pinellas and Manatee Counties. Joyner has served in the Florida House as a real friend to Sierra since 2000. Ø Richard Kriseman, open seat, House District 53, Pinellas County. Ø Christian Chiari, House District 91, Broward County. Ø Harriet Lerman, open seat, House District 86, Palm Beach County. Ø Ted Deutsch, open seat, Senate District 30, Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Our political committee based its decisions on voting records, candidate questionnaires and interviews. The Sierra Club is currently screening, interviewing and evaluating hundreds of local, state and Congressional candidates and will announce endorsements throughout the campaign season. The Sierra Club's first endorsement of 2006 was given to U.S. Senator Bill Nelson for his re-election bid. For additional endorsements, contact the Chapter Political Committee (see article on back page) or your Group Political Committee. We encourage Sierra members from throughout the state to contact their local Group political chair to volunteer locally in campaigns of their choice.

Club Endorses Davis and Crist In Gov. Primary
The Sierra Club, Florida Chapter, formally endorsed Congressman Jim Davis and Attorney General Charlie Crist for their parties’ gubernatorial primary elections September 5. The dual endorsements of Davis, a Democrat, and Crist, a Republican, marks the first time since 1994 that the Sierra Club has issued endorsements for candidates in each major party for the gubernatorial primaries. Due to The Pelican deadlines, we are unable to report the results of the primary. “Both candidates have displayed a genuine concern for acting responsibly on environmental issues throughout their distinguished careers as public policymakers,” said Curt Levine, Chapter Political Committee Chair. After the primary, the Club will make an updated gubernatorial endorsement for the November general election.

Bill Nelson Endorsed By Sierra Club Again
Senator Bill Nelson proudly displayed Sierra’s endorsement in his election in 2000. Year after year in Congress, Nelson’s League of Conservation Voters (LCV) scores have ranged from around 80 to 100 percent, often among the top scores nationally. Before going to the U.S. Senate, Nelson served as Florida’s Treasurer and Insurance Commissioner and was a member of the Florida Cabinet. On the Cabinet’s environmental scorecard in 1998, Nelson tied for the top score (80 percent), including votes against offshore drilling and orimulsion. In his Senate re-election campaign, Nelson reaffirmed his commitment to Everglades funding, including the “polluter pays” principle from the 1996 amendments and has led the fight to ban offshore drilling off Florida’s coasts. The environment has been one reason he was targeted by the President’s campaign machinery.

Moving? Don’t miss any Club publications!
Send your address change to: Sierra Club, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder CO 80322-2968 OR e-mail: [email protected] Page 4

Sierra’s endorsement of Rep. Davis was based upon his significant service in the Florida Legislature, as well as the U.S. Congress. He had credible-to-high Florida League of Conservation Voters and LCV scores. His attitudes on the Preservation 2000/Florida Forever program, growth management, citizen enforcement and other issues more closely reflect those of Sierra than the (continued on page 12) The Pelican

Support Hometown Democracy: Sign the Petition
Are you ready to take back your right to decide what your community is going to look like? The goal of the Florida Hometown Democracy petition drive is to get on the 2008 ballot a proposal that would force all local governments (cities and counties) to get the approval of their local electorate BEFORE they could make any changes to their comprehensive zoning plans. As you know, most of the rampant development we see around us happens because developer dollars sway local governments to amend their comp plans, which were drawn up and approved years ago in the hopes that sprawl would be prevented. Right now, citizens are powerless to stop this. Passage of the Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD) measure would change that. We in the Sierra Club spend lots of money in court and on the streets seeking to undo developer-driven changes to our comp plans. The FHD measure would be a proactive move to stop those changes before they are made, so we wouldn’t be fighting these afterthe-fact battles. Though the wording of the proposed amendment was rejected by the Florida Supreme Court last year, a reworded petition was approved earlier this year. So if you signed a petition prior to June 21, 2005, you must do so again for your petition to count. The new petition is printed on the reverse side of this page. For more information and to download the petition and other materials, go to www.floridahometowndemocracy.com -- Ron Haines, Loxahatchee Group

What Can You Do to Help?
Ø Before you sign the petition, make
copies and get signatures from your family, friends and coworkers. Ø Become a volunteer petition collector and spend some time each week getting others to sign. Ø Donate to our cause. Even a small amount helps pay for printing more petitions. For a $25 donation (not tax-deductible), you’ll receive a 30-minute video presentation by organizer Lesley Blackner. It explains it all and silences the opposition. Ø Ask your local media to provide coverage of this historic effort.

How Many New Wal-Marts and Energy Plants Can Sierra Challenge?
Sierra’s conservation program manages an aggressive legal program, in addition to organizing campaigns in each of our 18 local groups around the state. Local activists are opposing new coal plants and other energy boondoggles, as well as a list of new Wal-Mart stores in questionable locations. When we need to legally challenge the unwise plans of our opponents, Sierra evaluates whether we have the resources to sue to protect the natural resources and communities impacted by the proposed policy or development. Our victories in the last year include the St Joe regional general permit in the Panhandle, the Scripps site at the Mecca Ranch, and the Babcock Ranch comprehensive plan fight (see article on page 1). If you know of additional resources to help build our legal team -- financial or pro bono attorneys -- please contact a Chapter officer or any of the attorneys who are volunteer members of the Legal Committee: Warren Anderson (Jacksonville/Northeast Group), George Cavros (Broward), John Hedrick (Northwest Florida), David Ludder (Legal Environmental Assistance Foundation, Tallahassee), Peter Belmont (St. Petersburg/Suncoast Group), Curt Levine (Orlando), Barbara Curtis (Loxahatchee Group), Mara Shlackman (Chapter Legal Vice Chair, Broward), and Dan Hendrickson (Chapter Legal Chair, Tallahassee/Big Bend Group). Contact Dan at [email protected] or 850-385-6160, or Mara at [email protected] or 954-562-4557.

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Page 5

The Pelican

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PETITION FORM
104.185 – A person who knowingly signs a petition or petitions for a candidate, minor political party, or an issue more than one time commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

I am a registered voter of Florida and hereby petition the Secretary of State to place the following amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in the next general election.

I AM REGISTERED TO VOTE IN __________________COUNTY. NAME_______________________________ STREET ADDRESS_______________________________
Please PRINT Name as it appears on Voter I.D. Card PRINT Current Physical Address ( NO PO BOXES)

CITY__________________________ , FL ZIP________ , USA

COUNTY____________________
(County of residence)

IS THIS A CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION IN SAME COUNTY? Yes___ No___ VOTER REGISTRATION NUMBER_________________ -or- DATE OF BIRTH ____/____/_____
Month Day Year

X__________________________________________
SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON VOTER I.D. CARD

DATE_____________________
DATE SIGNED

BALLOT TITLE: REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS. BALLOT SUMMARY: Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.
.

FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT: BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA THAT: Article II, Section 7. Natural resources and scenic beauty of the Florida Constitution is amended to add the following subsection: Public participation in local government comprehensive land use planning benefits the conservation and protection of Florida’s natural resources and scenic beauty, and the long-term quality of life of Floridians. Therefore, before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, such proposed plan or plan amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body as provided by general law, and notice thereof in a local newspaper of general circulation. Notice and referendum will be as provided by general law. This amendment shall become effective immediately upon approval by the electors of Florida. For purposes of this subsection: 1. 2. 3. “Local government” means a county or municipality. “Local government comprehensive land use plan” means a plan to guide and control future land development in an area under the jurisdiction of a local government. “Local planning agency” means the agency of a local government that is responsible for the preparation of a comprehensive land use plan and plan amendments after public notice and hearings and for making recommendations to the governing body of the local government regarding the adoption or amendment of a comprehensive land use plan. “Governing body” means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of a municipality, or the chief elected governing body of a county or municipality, however designated. Serial Number 05-18 Date Approved June 21, 2005
ph/fax:: 386-424-0860 email:[email protected]

4.

Return to: Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc., P.O. Box 636 New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170-0636 http://www.FloridaHometownDemocracy.com

PLEASE HELP US! Contributions should be made payable to “Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.”

pd.pol.adv., Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.

Skyway Crucial to Everglades Restoration
The time to build the Skyway is now. To get updates, send your contact information to [email protected]. I look forward to hearing from you. -- Kristina Trotta, National Sierra Staff, Miami Office

Skyway Supporters
— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — Audubon of Florida — City of Coral Gables City of Miami Beach — Dade Heritage Trust Environmental and Land Use Law Center Everglades Foundation Florida Biodiversity Project Florida Keys Fishing Guides Association Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary Friends of the Everglades Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Izaak Walton League Miami-Dade Citizens’ Transportation Advisory Committee Miami-Dade Green Party — Monroe County National Parks Conservation Association Natural Resources Defense Council Science Coordination Team of the SFER Working Group Sierra Club Urban Environment League — World Wildlife Fund

When last we left the Everglades Skyway campaign, a decision had yet to be made, and the sky(way) was the limit. (See “The Road That Can Save the Everglades” in the Summer 2005 issue of The Pelican at www.florida.sierraclub.org). Unfortunately, this past January, the Army Corps of Engineers issued their record of decision and chose the 2-1 split. This “solution” involves building up to one mile of bridge to the east and up to two miles of bridge to the west, separated by eight miles of asphalt fill two feet high! This development does not mean the end of the Skyway campaign, however. In fact, it’s just the opposite – the Miami office is kicking into high gear to make the Skyway a reality for Tamiami Trail and the Everglades. In recent months, presentations have been made and more groups have endorsed the campaign, including the Dade Heritage Trust, the Miami-Dade Green Party, the Urban Environment League and the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau, bringing our list of supporters up to 21. The complete list can be found below. Upcoming in September is a large meeting at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, where we will bring together everyone who has an interest in the Skyway. We are inviting members of the environmental community, the construction and engineering industry, tourism interests and any other supporters. This meeting is meant to be a positive one – we want to get all interested parties in one room to discuss how we can work together to get the Skyway built. The Skyway is necessary for Everglades restoration. Without it, there will be a permanent wall built across the heart of the Everglades -- Shark River Slough. This slough is historically how the majority of water reaches Everglades National Park, Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Our vision of an 11-mile elevated roadway allows for natural flows of water from the north into Everglades National Park and beyond. This structure would be invulnerable to flooding and may provide an additional hurricane evacuation route. The local economy will benefit from this large construction project and from the increased draw for tourists to visit a restored Everglades. The Pelican

Page 7

Don’t miss the Florida Chapter Sierra Club

Conservation Conference, November 10-12 “Meeting the Challenges for Florida’s Future”
We face a lot of environmental challenges in Florida today. Here’s a chance to enjoy a weekend getaway while learning about ways we can preserve our threatened Florida ecology. Newsmakers and experts will share their information about issues such as

Energy • Everglades • Manatees • Red Tide • Global Warming
Want to improve your activist skills? The program will also feature concurrent training sessions on grassroots lobbying, political action, and outings. Excellent buffet-style meals will be served up in the retreat’s cafeteria, or cook up your own culinary delights in your lodgings’ kitchen or tent camp grill. Recharge your green batteries by meeting other like-minded folks. Enjoy the beautiful outdoor setting with trails, swimming, canoeing, volleyball, mini-golf, playground, and much more. Relax after dinner on Saturday with our conservation awards presentation and fascinating talk by Jack Davis, author of “Paradise Lost? The Environmental History of Florida” and a recent book about Marjory Stoneman Douglas, “The Wide Brim.” Special treat: a Sierra Club outing on Sunday. Fun for the whole family! Bring the kids or some friends. They do not have to be members to attend.

New location this year
This year we will meet at the Pine Lake Retreat, with its more convenient location and excellent facilities. It’s located in central Florida, about 30 miles south of Ocala and 40 miles west of Orlando. It’s just south of Leesburg and the Florida Turnpike (address: 21725 County Road 33, Groveland, FL). Directions from turnpike: If coming from the east: Turnpike to exit 296. Turn right onto C.R. 470 and go for approx. 2 miles to traffic light. Turn right onto C.R. 33 and go for 6- 6 ½ miles to Pine Lake Retreat on the right. If coming from the west: I-75 south to Turnpike exit 296. Coming off exit, turn left on C.R. 470 and go for approx. 2 miles to traffic light, which is C.R. 33. Turn right and go 6- 6 ½ miles to Pine Lake on right. More directions and other information on the facilities and lodging layouts can be found at the retreat’s website: www.pinelakeretreat.com. To attend, please fill out the registration form. Send it in early to get the best accommodations, which in my opinion are the chalets and the Bambi lodge. Please note that in addition to your food and lodging, there is a $15 registration fee to cover our costs such as rental of the two meeting rooms and other expenses. Any questions? Feel free to e-mail or call me. Telephone 941-729-9248; email: [email protected]

Rosalie Shaffer
Conference Coordinator

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The Pelican

Conference Registration Form
Include the names of all the people you are registering. PLEASE print clearly. (Attach extra sheet with additional names.) Note: In addition to meals and lodging, there is a conference fee of $15 per person. Deadline to order meals and lodging is November 1. No refunds after November 1. Name(s): ______________________ _______________________ _______________________

Address: _____________________________________City ___________________Zip__________ Phone (incl. area code) _________________ E-mail: _____________________________________

Meals: Please reserve; we have to book at least 25 dinners in order to “make” a meal Fri Sat Sun No. of meals No. of meals Price per Total 11/10 11/11 11/12 vegetarian carnivore meal Breakfast X $7.00 Lunch X $8.00 Dinner X $9.00 Total meal $ $ Overnight options; Friday and Saturday nights, Nov. 10-11. All lodgings have kitchens and linens. Chalets: 2 bedrooms, 2 baths, sleeper sofa, living room, porch. Lodges A and B: Lodge A has 3 br. (bunks), 2 ba.; Lodge B has 2 br. (bunks), 1 ba.; shared porch, lr., fp. North Shore and Bambi Lodges: 2 br., bunk rms., 2 ba., sleep sofas, lr. White House A: 1 br., 2 bunk rooms, 2 ba., lr., porch; B: 4 bunk beds, 1 ba., lr. South Hall: 2 br., 10 bunk rooms, (2/rm), 2 ba., k, porch. RV and tent camping: Bath houses available; RV sites include full hookups; bring your own linens. Check in after 3:00 pm Friday; Check out by 11:00 am Sunday See website for layout of lodgings: www.pinelakeretreat.com. Children: discounts vary; check with coordinator Total Number of No. of nights Price/night/ person persons Chalets X X $21.00 Lodge A & B X X $18.00 North Shore, South X X $14.00 Hall & Bambi White House A & B X $12.00 RV sites n/a X $18.50 Tent sites n/a X $9.00 Total lodging $ Meals $ _______ + Lodging $ _______ + $15 fee per person $ _______ = Grand Total $___________ MAIL this form and check payable to Florida Chapter of Sierra Club to: Rosalie Shaffer, 11264 28th St. Cir. E., Parrish, FL 34219 For more information e-mail: [email protected] or call 941-729-9248 Register early. We will drop lodgings that are not being reserved. The Pelican Page 9

Consumer Corner

Conserving Gas
The price of gas has caused us all to rethink our needless driving. Combining trips is one of the most obvious ways to keep our fuel costs down, but besides moving closer to work and buying a more fuel efficient auto, there are a number of things you can do to save energy and impact global climate change in a positive way. Here are a few things to think about: Ø Lighten your load. Two hundred pounds of extra junk in your car can add as much as one mile per gallon in fuel consumption. Empty your trunk for the environment. Ø Accelerate gently and advance through your gears as quickly as your gears allow to save fuel. Sudden stops and starts cost fuel. Ø Put your luggage inside your vehicle. Luggage bins on top of your car cause wind drag and consume more fuel. Ø Maintain proper tire pressure. Under-inflated tires cut fuel efficiency by two percent per pound. The correct tire pressure is written on the side of your tires. If your tires have 27 psi and they are supposed to have 32 psi, you are wasting 10 percent of your fuel. Ø Change your air filter. A dirty air filter can waste as much as 10 percent of your fuel. It is easy to change yourself. Ø Drive slower. The faster you drive, the more fuel you waste. Ø Avoid traffic jams. Driving too slow also wastes gas. Drive when others don’t drive. Ø Use public transportation. Have you ever tried it? Maybe you could get rid of one of your cars. Ø Eliminate short car trips. Ride your bike or walk; you’ll also reap health benefits from the extra exercise. -- from the National Sustainable Consumption Committee

Facts About the Florida Chapter
The Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club was formed in 1972. We now have approximately 33,000 members. The Chapter is managed and run by volunteers without paid staff. Over the years, the Chapter has organized and formed the 18 local Sierra Club groups that now are active in Florida. By joining Sierra Club, you become a member of National Sierra Club, the Florida Chapter, and the local group nearest you. To keep you informed of Sierra’s positions and actions, the Club sends each member the bimonthly Sierra magazine, Chapter newsletter The Pelican and his/her local group newsletter. The Florida Chapter uses Sierra Club funds and contributions from our members to: Ø Provide quarterly financial support to Florida Sierra Club groups. Ø Pay for the Sierra Club lobbyist in Tallahassee, Susie Caplowe. Ø Fund (collaboratively with our groups) the Chapter’s legal action program, which brings numerous Sierra Club cases throughout Florida each year. (See page 5). Ø Support volunteer Sierra Club conservation advocacy and education throughout Florida. Ø Publish The Pelican.

“Rustle The Leaf” Comics characters courtesy of Go Natur’l Studios, LLC, 2006. The “Rustle The Leaf” comics properties copyright and trademark of Go Natur’l Studios, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Website: www.rustletheleaf.com

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The Pelican

Letter to the Editor
Biofuels Article Perpetrates Ethanol Myths
Having recently returned from the World Bioenergy Conference in Sweden (www.worldbioenergy.se), I was appalled to read Karen Orr’s virulent attack on ethanol in my own state’s paramount environmental group’s newsletter. I have witnessed an entire nation’s total commitment to reaching and surpassing the Kyoto Protocol, all through biomass and biogas energy, and ethanol, and all linked to sustainable agricultural, forestry, and industrial practices. Instead of advocating and advancing sustainable practices here in Florida, the state Sierra Club energy group seems more intent on perpetrating rhetoric and myths regarding ethanol, myths that conflict with the national Club and most other environmental groups’ position regarding biofuels. Myth #1: “It takes more energy to produce ethanol than ethanol produces.” Orr’s central anti-ethanol source, a wellknown UC Berkeley employee, has been widely distributing his theories while being a highly paid consultant for the Big Oil companies. His own university colleagues have been so disturbed by his ethics and erroneous ideas that they have recently published an exhaustive statistical rebuttal (“Science Mag,” Jan. 27, 2006.) See www.journeytoforever.org/ethanol_energy.html. Myth #2: “Energy crops’ land use will lead to food shortages.” Simply proven untrue by numerous studies. See www.journeytoforever.org/biofuel_food.html. Myth #3: “Ethanol production is necessarily highly polluting and cannot be linked to sustainable agricultural practice.” Brazilian sugarcane-to-ethanol production (8x more efficient than corn-to-ethanol, and very possible in Florida) is presently implementing far-reaching sustainable agricultural practice. The U.S.’s first major cellulosic ethanol plant (a many times more efficient and more sustainable source of ethanol), to be built in Georgia, is already beginning to engage in sustainable practice by reusing an old pharmaceutical plant site (www.climate.org). The Florida Sierra Club would serve us far better by more thoroughly doing their homework regarding the differing forms of ethanol production, by promoting sustainable agricultural practice (see the pro-biofuel www.eco-farm.org), and by concentrating their opposition more precisely to some of the poor practices of the corn-to-ethanol industry. Otherwise, you are only adding more fuel to the Big Oil and offshore oil-drilling lobby that profit from these anti-ethanol myths. -- Stephen Breslow, Ph.D., LEEDap, Tampa Bay Sierra Club Member Editor’s Note: Florida Sierra Club has formally petitioned National Sierra Club to revise its energy policy to oppose the growing, harvesting and processing of crops for biofuels.

Tom Larson, Janet Larson and Linda Bremer (back) deep in discussion. Photo by Alice Platt.

NE Fla. Group Participates In Leadership Program
In June, five members of the Northeast Florida Group joined several other Florida Sierra groups for the first session of the Leadership Development Program in St. Petersburg. Led by a research team organized by National Sierra, the year-long program is intended to teach Club members leadership "based on relationship, motivation, strategy and action," according to Greg Casini, administrative vice-president of the Sierra Club. Group Chair Tom Larson; executive committee members Alice Platt and Ed Schlessinger; and committee chairs Janet Larson, Karen Kempf, and Linda Bremer participated in the first session at Eckerd College. The first evening set the stage for the leadership training program, which plans to meet again on at least four more occasions during the next 12 months. The best part of the opening weekend of the training, according to Larson, was "getting to know better other members of our group's delegation." The sessions were developed with several breakout sessions for the individual groups, inevitably creating bonding sessions as well as strategy sessions. Members of the NE Group found there is plenty to learn about being a good leader. "The knowledge we have gained during our years of being an ‘expert’ must be left behind for others to find and use on their own," Conservation Chair Linda Bremer said. -- Alice Platt, Northeast Florida Group Editor’s Note: Florida was one of only four chapters selected (along with Washington state, New Mexico, and California’s Loma Prieta Chapter). The second workshop, “Relationships and Motivation” was held in August. Contact any chapter or group officer for more on this exciting new opportunity. The Pelican

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Sierra Endorsements
(Continued from page 4) attitudes of his opponent. Rep. Davis pledged that, if elected Governor, he will create a responsible growth task force, charged with coordinating state spending decisions impacting economic development, transportation, water availability and other infrastructure. Rep. Davis voiced his concerns that state government must facilitate regional planning in growth management, which usually cannot be left to local officials. As Governor, Davis would encourage state agencies to use alternative fuels. He pledged to put teeth in the state’s regulatory agencies by prioritizing the environment. His focus on “quality of life” issues recognizes the value of the public’s interest in planning, growth and environmental issues. In Congress, Rep. Davis has been a strong supporter of banning oil and gas drilling in the Gulf. He has also voiced strong opposition to recent efforts to limit citizen participation in development issues. Rep. Davis consistently scores in the top quarter of rankings in LCV scorecards. In 2005, his score of 89 percent tied for fourth place among our 25 Florida congressional representatives. In the 108th Congress (2003-2004), his score was a near-impossible 100 percent. Charlie Crist’s past, as well as commitments to the future, made the endorsement an easy one. In 2005, Florida Attorney General Crist opposed legislation, dubbed “land grab” bills, that would have given away thousands of acres of state lands to large private landowners. They were defeated with his help. In 2003, Crist asked Gov. Jeb Bush to veto legislation that would have obstructed Ocklawaha River restoration efforts. The Governor eventually vetoed it. Crist built upon the leadership of former Atty. Gen. Bob Butterworth in the legal battle against Coastal Petroleum, to protect Florida’s territorial waters from oil and gas drilling. Crist also joined environmentalists in protecting Wakulla Springs by challenging Tallahassee’s proposed permit for five more years of spraying sewage effluent and expanding capacity by 50 percent. Crist also extended an invitation to discuss the need for whistleblower protections; increased citizen participation; and “clean money, clean elections” ideas. Atty. Gen. Crist’s stated priorities on the environment are: Ø Ensuring that Florida’s water resources remain public and their quality and quantity are protected. Ø Protect Florida’s coast from oil and gas drilling. Ø Advance state efforts to restore the Everglades and Lake Okeechobee and improve the water quality of the St. Lucie and Caloosahatchee Rivers. Ø Continue Florida’s public land acquisition process. Ø Initiate a program to achieve more public access to beaches, rivers and lakes. -- Dan Hendrickson and Curt Levine, Political Committee Page 12

Conservation Report
By Betsy Roberts, Conservation Chair The Conservation Committee has been very busy and dedicated to a long list of environmental issues; we have 20 issue chairs/committees. I report to the Florida Chapter Executive Committee (FLEXCOM) at every meeting. We have a new structure for the Conservation Committee and it is working well. It is modeled after the National Conservation Initiative Committees: Smart Energy Solutions, America's Wild Legacy (ours is Florida’s/America's Wild Legacy), and Safe and Healthy Communities. We also added a fourth committee, Democracy and the Environment and included the Political and Legal Chairs and the Legislative Liaison. This new structure has involved more people in making decisions and sharing the always-growing workload. Other chapters around the country have begun copying our structure. For years, the Chapter’s Conservation Chair has been responsible for supervising the organization’s contract employees. I am very pleased to report that FLEXCOM renewed our contract with Lobbyist Susie Caplowe for 2007, because she continues to do a stellar job for us and gets better and better each year. We are so lucky to have her. She assists us all year-round on a more than part-time basis, organizing training sessions for the Chapter and groups to make us stronger. She helps us refine our political and lobbying skills, assists in leadership development, travels all over the state to speak at group meetings and raises funds (she has raised $15,200 for the Chapter this year already). She does all of this and more, and she pays her own taxes and benefits. I also want to thank Helen Spivey as Legislative Liaison, Rosalie Shaffer for her input on legislation and conference calls, and Karen Orr for trips to Tallahassee and her research. Lots of you have lobbied at home and in Tallahassee, made lots of calls and worked really hard. Without you, we would be nowhere. Thanks and kudos to you all. We volunteers continue working to preserve Florida’s wild lands, educate the public about red tide, stop the loss of lands to phosphate mining, and challenge poor land use and destructive wetlands permitting decisions. We continue to network with other concerned groups to make our efforts stronger. Thank you for your membership and continued support.

Everything is hitched to everything else…
Make a commitment to the next generation by remembering the Sierra Club in your will. Your support will help others to preserve the intricate balance of nature. Bequests have played a key role in the Sierra Club’s environmental successes over the years. There are many gift options available. We can even help you plan a gift for your local Chapter. For more information and confidential assistance, contact: John Calaway, Director of Gift Planning, nd 85 Second Street, 2 Floor, San Francisco CA 94105, 415-977-5639 or [email protected] The Pelican

Sierra Club Fla. Chapter Election For 2007
The Florida Chapter Executive Committee (FLEXCOM) consists of nine (9) members-at-large elected by the Chapter’s membership plus one or more representatives from each of the Chapter’s local groups, depending on the group’s size. The purpose of this election is to select five (5) members-at-large; each will serve a two-year term.. Four current members-at-large (Barbara Curtis, Pedro Monteiro, Rosalie Shaffer and Bob Sullivan) have terms that will expire at the end of 2007. The ballot includes nine (9) candidates. Four were selected by the Chapter Nominating Committee, chaired by Barbara Curtis. Five additional candidates qualified by petitions signed by at least 50 eligible Chapter members. You can vote for up to five (5) candidates. Following the election, FLEXCOM will elect from among the nine members-atlarge the following: Chair, Conservation Chair, Administrative Chair, Treasurer, Recording Secretary, Council Delegate, Alternate Council Delegate, Gulf Coast Regional Conservation Committee Representative (GCRCC) and Alternate GCRCC Representative. The next two pages (14 and 15) contain the candidates’ statements, the ballot and instructions for completing and submitting the ballot. Please take care to follow the instructions. Invalid ballots will not be counted.

Membership:
Ensure You Are Assigned to Correct Group
Since National Sierra assigns new and transferred memberships to local groups by five-digit ZIP code -- instead of county of residence -- many memberships wind up in incorrect groups. This shows up in virtually every new report downloaded from MUIR (Membership Update & Information Resource), the database management tool provided for the use of Group and Chapter activists. If you’re in a group other than the one to which your county is assigned by the Florida Chapter (see map above or consult http://florida.sierraclub.org/groupmap.asp), or the one in which you want to be, you can change to the group of your choice. Simply send your complete information, including 8-digit membership ID number, to: [email protected] or mail to Sierra Club, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder CO 80322-2968, telling them the Florida group to which you want be moved. -- John S. Glenn, Chapter Membership Chair

Thank You!
Chapter Fund Appeal a Smashing Success
Thanks to you, our members, the Chapter’s annual fund appeal netted an all-time high of $44,422. Of this amount, $33,361 went to our general fund to support our effective advocacy and lobbying efforts and $8,061 went to our political fund to support our political activities. A total of 1,078 donations were made by 973 members (some donated to both funds). The average donation was $41.21. A special thanks goes to Don Lieb, who has superbly handled the appeal monies for the past 10 years. The Pelican

Curtis Named New Chair
In July, FLEXCOM selected Barbara Curtis as Chair of the Florida Chapter, replacing Bob Sullivan. She previously served as Administrative Vice Chair. Curtis will serve as Chair until November. Officers for 2007 will be chosen after the Chapter election. Page 13

Chapter Elections for 2007 (continued from page 13)
Each candidate has provided a statement. Dwight Adams, Suwannee-St. Johns Group (Petition Candidate) -- Sierra Club member since 1982; activities include: Group chair 1985-86, SSJ excom since 1985, frequently as political chair; Chapter solid waste issue chair 1986-2005, lobbied for recycling legislation, first Chapter legislative liaison 1988, charter member National Solid Waste Committee, wrote National solid waste policy; landuse at state and local level, lobbied Tom Pelham (DCA) to stop huge RV park along Suwannee River, Florida and National Wildlife Foundation “Land Conservationists Award” in 1990; Emeritus professor of physics, UF. I’m interested in helping to end FLEXCOM divisiveness so Chapter, through its many activists, can be effective in protecting environment. But don’t vote for me, vote for the other candidates who share this objective. Ben Fusaro, Big Bend Group (Nominating Committee Candidate) -I am a retired professor and am now a fulltime activist. I remember the real Florida of the 60's and am witness to the paving over of our wildlands. I am the Chapter's Protecting Native Habitats Issue Chair and speak before the Governor and Cabinet and agencies; local group program chair; participant in the Chapter's energy platform; legislative volunteer. I create educational power point presentations to present to our elected officials to fight off the walmarts and developers attempts to pave over our creeks and streams for roads. I am a certified Master of Wildlife Conservation Specialist and my energies are directed for Nature, wildlife in particular and Environmental Mathematics. I would appreciate your vote. Thank you. John Glenn, Nassau Group (Nominating Comm. Candidate) -Nassau Group member, since 1991. I'm no stranger to public service, having once served as a City Commissioner. Organizational roles, such as elected representative of firefighters, had already taught me how to organize members and work with public officials. Those Page 14 experiences prepared me for the tasks I've taken up during years of expanding involvement with Sierra. Roles included: Political and Membership Chair, Flexcom Delegate; Chapter appointments to Membership Chair, Bylaws & Standing Rules Committee, Parliamentarian, Training Coordinator, Safe Drinking Water Chair, Flexcom Officer and Council of Club Leaders Delegate; National Sierra Water Committee and SDW Task Force. Your vote will allow me to continue with my enduring commitment to restoring and protecting the threatened natural places and resources for our families, for our future. Cathy Harrelson, Suncoast Group (Petition Candidate) -- Cathy has served as the Suncoast Group Chair since 2005. She has represented the group at various forums throughout Pinellas County, including print, radio and television media, and has testified before the St. Petersburg City Council, Pinellas County BCC, Coastal Forum and various neighborhood associations. She created and serves as Chair of the Tampa Bay Coastal Task Force. As canvass and phonebank captain, Cathy was active in GetOutTheVote in 2004, and other community campaigns. She served in the coalition that defeated the wetland Wal-Mart in St. Petersburg, and is fighting the Wal-Mart on the Anclote River. As Co-Chair of the Building Environmental Communities Steering Committee, she was instrumental in St. Petersburg’s resolution to become a Green City, and creation of the Pinellas Living Green Expo. Dan Hendrickson, Big Bend Group (Nominating Comm. Candidate) -Tallahassee, Big Bend Group secretary; volunteer positions since '88: chapter, regional, & national levels, conservation & political campaigns, organizationbuilding (Co-ordinated Florida in Sierra's Summit & the Leadership Development Pilot Project- Largest delegation nationwide in both), Chairing Florida's expanded Legal Committee(dozens of cases),volunteer lobbyist 17 years, Citizen Enforcement/Toxics, vice chair of our Clean Elections Committee. As lifelong organizer & community journalist, spent many years building coalitions to multiply Sierra's impact on policy making. If re-elected, I look forward to building on our contacts within the "Council of Club Leaders" who last year elected me as one of 5 Excom members. Nationally, we advocate more funding for group & chapter activists, where grass roots strength should be. Thank you for your vote. Pat Kiesylis, Suncoast Group (Petition Candidate) -- .As a long time Sierra Club activist (95') I would be honored to accept a leadership position on FLEXCOM. I am familiar with the conservation, political and regional issues of Florida. I will work cooperatively with activists and promote visionary solutions to problems and opportunities and I am willing to think outside of the box. I will seek to limit issues that divide us and promote a healthy and united front to our members and friends. Currently, I am enrolled in the Leadership Development workshop sponsored by Sierra Club and Harvard Kennedy School. Group Chair, Chapter Secretary, Group Rep to FLEXCOM, One Club Committee, Conservation Chair, Building Environmental Communities Committee, Coastal Protection Task Force. I am currently working for Defenders of Wildlife as program coordinator. Michael G. Miller, Suncoast Group (Petition Candidate) -- I have led and assisted successful conservation campaigns. BS degree in environmental science. Suncoast Group experience Excom Chair and Vice Chair. I have chaired the political, awards, election and fundraising committees. Chapter experience: two years as Flexcom delegate and served on the Flexcom emergency committee. None of these details qualify me to serve as an at-large delegate. Leadership is about bringing out the best qualities in the people around you. Service is about bringing out the best qualities of the club. We need delegates who are truthful, personable, energetic, cooperative, (continued on page 15) The Pelican

Ballot for 2007 FLEXCOM Election
Voting Instructions - Indicate your choices by checking the boxes next to the names of the candidates. Each member may cast one ballot, voting for no more than five (5) persons. A second column on the ballot is provided for joint memberships. Use the second column only if you have a joint membership. Write a 1 or 2 in the box provided to record the number of persons voting. The ballots will be checked to see if the membership is entitled to two votes. If an individual member votes in both columns, only the votes in the first column will be counted. For more information on this election, see pages 13 and 14. Mailing Instructions – Fold the ballot so that your membership number appears on the outside. Place the ballot in an envelope and mail to: Sierra Election Committee, C/O Mary Sheppard, 4220 32nd Court East, Bradenton FL 34208-7351. Ballots may not be submitted at the last meeting of the calendar year. Ballots must be received by midnight November 3, 2006. Votes will be counted starting at 7 p.m. November 10, at the Chapter Conservation Conference. See page 8 for location/directions. Winners will be announced at the conference. If a member does not receive a Pelican, the member may submit a ballot with his/her membership information (name, expiration date and membership number) on the opposite side of the ballot. FOLD ALONG THIS LINE.

Be sure to write a 1 or 2 in this box to record the number of people in your household voting.

Mail to:

SIERRA ELECTION COMMITTEE C/O MARY SHEPPARD 4220 32ND COURT EAST BRADENTON FL 34208-7351

Use this column for single memberships or the 1st voter in joint membership households. *Vote for up to 5 candidates* Dwight Adams o Ben Fusaro o John Glenn o Cathy Harrelson o Dan Hendrickson o Pat Kiesylis o Michael Miller o Betsy Roberts o Fred Zimmerman o
FOLD ALONG THIS LINE. DON’T CUT!

Use this column only for 2nd voter in joint membership households. *Vote for up to 5 candidates* Dwight Adams o Ben Fusaro o John Glenn o Cathy Harrelson o Dan Hendrickson o Pat Kiesylis o Michael Miller o Betsy Roberts o Fred Zimmerman o

More Candidate Statements (Continued from page 14)
(Michael Miller statement continued) inclusive, analytical, rigorous, and determined. We need delegates who will protect the reputation of the club and who are steadfast to operating within the Chapter Bylaws. Select wisely. Betsy Roberts, Manatee-Sarasota Group (Nominating Comm. Candidate) -- I am running again for Flexcom as there is still a lot of work to do. I’ve been a member of Sierra since 1992 am active in the Manatee/Sarasota group was Group chair and am political chair. I‘m currently on the Chapter Political Committee and the last 2 years served as Chapter The Pelican Conservation Chair. We’ve been busy and productive, with new issue chairs and conservation leaders we’ve slowed growth in many areas. One big accomplishment was modeling our committee after national’s, allowing more input. Working as a team is vital as we all have talents that compliment each other. I believe I have the capabilities to continue our work in progress so WE can help make Florida a better place. I ask for your vote for Flexcom. Thanks, Betsy. Fred Zimmerman, Suncoast Group (Petition Candidate) -- I am running for FLEXCOM because I want to see it become an organization that appreciates the worth of all Sierra Club volunteers. I value and appreciate the contribution to the environment made by long-time activists, but feel that the time has come for the organization to be run on a more inclusive basis. I have been a member of Sierra Club since 1991 and am now a life member. I have served on the Suncoast Group Executive Committee as Treasurer and FLEXCOM representative for the last two years. I also have served on a number of other not-for-profit boards, including a community mental health organization and a non-profit low income housing board. Page 15

Political Committee Needs Your Support
The Sierra Club’s Political Committee is active at various levels of the Club: local (group), state (Florida Chapter) and national. The Florida Chapter has one Political Action Committee (PAC) which accepts donations for distribution to our non-federal endorsed candidates. At the federal level, our National Political Committee has the final say on endorsement approvals, as well as monetary contributions to our candidates. We strongly urge you to help out however you can -- whether it’s by writing a check to our PAC and/or to our individual endorsed candidates. (See articles on pages 1, 4 and 12.) Perhaps equally important, if you are able, is to volunteer to help our political committee at the local or state level and/or work towards the election of our many fine endorsed candidates. The challenges that lie ahead appear great, but they are not insurmountable. So, if you’d like to meet people, have some fun, hone your campaign skills, be trained or help train others, deal with the many legal requirements that must be strictly followed, etc., we’d love to hear from you. Please check your local group newsletter to contact your political chair or any EXCOM member to see how you can get involved. To make a donation (not tax-deductible), please make your check out to the Florida Sierra Political Committee and mail to: Geraldine Swormstedt, 1100 Imperial Dr. #204, Sarasota FL 34236. Be sure to include your complete name, address, ZIP and phone number. (We request complete contact information in case we need to verify any information, etc.) All donors contributing over $100 are required by law to also include their occupation (i.e. lawyer, retired teacher, homemaker, etc.) Include your group name if you want it to go to your group’s political fund. Florida Sierra Political Committee Curt Levine (Chair), [email protected] Karen Orr, [email protected] Dan Hendrickson, [email protected] Betsy Roberts, [email protected] John Koch, [email protected]

Fall Sierra Outings
October 14: Noble Hammock Canoe. Paddle an interesting canoe loop trail in Everglades National Park. Join us in this adventure, observing lots of wildlife and gators as we go. Moderate. Fee charged. Contact: Jim Gross, 305-665-2401 or [email protected] October 15: Gopher Tortoise Interpretive Hike. Join us for a hike through Boyd Hill Park's uplands led by a field biologist. For more information, call the park at 727-8937326. Free with admission and family-oriented. Limit 20; call to register. Contact Pat Kiesylis at 727-528-7220. October 15: Little Econ River Cleanup in Central Florida. ECO-Action will provide 10 one-person canoes. Call Ken Bowman at 407-435-2021 or 407-482-1837. October 21-22: Jonathan Dickinson State Park Camping near Jupiter. Join us for car camping, hiking, canoeing and BBQ. Leisure. Fee charged. Contact Ed Zaret at 305-586-3564. October 28: Sunset Boat Tour of the Rainbow and Withlacoochee. Float on a pontoon boat that specializes in educational tours. Bring a bottle of wine for happy hour. Fee charged. Contact Mary-Slater Linn at 407-481-4398. October 29: Afternoon Hike at Split Oak Forest. This nearly 2,000-acre area is located in Central Florida. We’ll visit the forest’s namesake, a spectacular 200-year-old live oak tree that was split down the middle and survived. Contact Mary-Slater Linn at 407-481-4398.

FLORIDA CHAPTER SIERRA CLUB THE PELICAN P.O. Box 575 Tallahassee, FL 32302-0575

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