Spring 2010 Pelican Newsletter, Florida Sierra Club
Content
T H E O F F I C I A L P U B L I C AT I O N O F S I E R R A C L U B F L O R I DA
Florida Legislature 2010
Time to Get Involved
The 2010 session of the Florida Legislature opened on March 2 and runs through April 30. Every year Sierra Florida watchdogs the proposed bills and spurs our grassroots effort to communicate with legislators about bills that affect Florida’s environment and human health. The issues claiming center stage include: off/ near shore oil drilling, waste minimization, growth management, transportation, and water allocations. To view our platform visit: florida.sierraclub.org, and click on “Ramp up for 2010 Legislative Session.” The budget will attract a lot of attention again this year because Florida’s income is projected to fall $2.6 billion short. This means environmental programs will continue to be at risk. Sierra Club volunteers made a difference during the last legislative session and are doing the same for 2010. Please consider taking part. Last year Sierrans made hundreds of calls, sent emails, wrote letters to the editor, and personally contacted their legislators. This activism was instrumental in several cases and our best defense against the huge lobbying effort developers and others make to get “their” laws passed. Legislators tell us they need to know that their constituents care about the environment. To help Sierra Florida have an impact in 2010, sign up for our listserv, FL-FLORIDAREPORT to receive updates on our progress and alerts when immediate action is needed. Sign on at: www.sierraclub.org/memberlists (have your membership number available). Bills can move fast, especially near the end of the session, so it’s important that all Sierrans participate to let your legislators know your views on specific bills. For example, we are closely watching House Memorial 563, which would have the state - continued on page 3
Spring 2010
Inside this issue
Spring Outings Volunteers Wanted Sierra Club in Action Florida Panther New EPA Standards Growth Mgmt Committee Recycling FHD Speaking for Sierra New SC Director 2 3 4-5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8
Reflections on COP15
by Joseph Manning
Two years ago the world decided at the UN Climate Change conference in Bali that by December 2009 a treaty would be established to ensure a comprehensive strategy regarding how the world would deal with climate change. As a result of this decision, during two weeks last December more than 40,000 people gathered in Copenhagen for the United Nation Convention’s 15th annual Conference of the Parties (COP15). As a 17-year-old organizer with the Sierra
Student Coalition, I was among the participants. Accredited by the Sierra Club, I arrived in Copenhagen with 18 other youth organizers, and about 30 Sierra Club volunteers and staff. I was full of hope, and prepared to take - continued on page 7
1
florida.sierraclub.org
Get Outdoors
Sierra Club welcomes non-members to join us on our outings. All participants are required to sign a standard liability waiver. To read the waiver, visit sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or call the Outings Department at 415-977-5528 or ask the trip leader for a copy. March 20 - 21 Fisheating Creek camping paddle (Palmdale- north of LaBelle). Downstream paddle for the paddler who wants to experience a true wilderness experience. This is one of the most pristine areas through which to paddle in SW Florida. Cypress trees overhanging this creek provide partial shade. You can jump in the shallow water along the way to cool down, but we will also see many gators! We will paddle downstream, primitive camp along the river Saturday night, and get a shuttle ride back on Sunday. Limited to 6 participants. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol. com. (Suncoast) March 27 – 28 Overnight backpack trip to Mossy Island Campsite - Myakka River State Park. We will explore this beautiful park and learn a little about what Florida’s prairie was like. An easy backpack of only about 5 miles total. Limit 6. Leaders: Ben Berauer, [email protected], 727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast) April 24 – 25 Overnight backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs Wilderness Area. Easy total 9 mile trip. Learn about forest fires and forest management. Primitive camping. Limited to 10 participants. Leaders: Ben Berauer, [email protected], 727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast) April 24-25 Wilderness First Aid Class, Paynes Prarie State Park Park, FL. The University of Florida College of Medicine is hosting a class on Feb 6 & 7. This will be held at Payne’s Prairie State Park near Gainesville from 9:00- 5:00 each day. Cost: $150. Reserve space at: 727-726-8375 or rudy@ adventuresworldwide.com. Visit the following website for directions www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie. May 7-9 Cayo Costa Weekend Kayak and Camp, Ft. Myers, FL. Weekend at one of the state’s premier island state parks. This Gulf Coast paradise west of Fort Myers (Lee County) has one of the top-rated beaches in the nation. On the island, hike through native oak hammocks, pine forests and large stands of sea grape; the park service has gone to great efforts to eradicate exotics such as Australian pine. Paddle out Friday morning with a stop at legendary Cabbage Key restaurant for lunch, and paddle back on Sunday. Primitive cabins and tent sites available. For those who wish to take it easy, there is a ferry—Tropic Star (239-283-0015; www.tropicstarcruises.com). Rated moderate to strenuous because of open water and possible wind conditions. Be sure to reserve early. Contact Don Kirkley at 941-493-3085. (Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37115)
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IN MEMORIAM Remembering Ellen Winchester
We sadly report that a most rare of creatures—a National Sierra Club director from Florida— passed away on December 1, 2009 in Tallahassee, at the age of 86. Ellen Winchester was a formidable force at the local, state and national levels. She was a primary founder of the Big Bend Group, served as chair of the Florida Chapter for the 1973 term, and was elected to the National Board for the years 1977-80. Joe Fontaine, a past director who served with Ellen said, “She was an outstanding Director and did a good job of bringing the issues she cared deeply about before that board.” In her time, she chaired national issue committees on energy and nuclear waste, and hers was one of the first informed voices speaking out against nearshore drilling off Florida’s coasts. Ellen was a model for citizen activism; she identified critical issues, became knowledgeable about those issues and stayed active for the long term. - Frances Coleman
The Pelican, Vol. 43, No. 1
Kathy Criscola, Managing Editor The Pelican is published by Sierra Club Florida, 405 Inglewood Drive,Tallahassee FL,32301, and mailed to Florida Sierra Club members. Annual membership dues include $1 for the Pelican newsletter. Address all inquiries to PO Box 575, Tallahassee FL 32302-0575 or email [email protected]. Send change of address information to [email protected]
Steering Committee
Linda Bremer, Jacksonville Craig Diamond, Tallahassee John Swingle, Altoona Betsy Grass, Miami Tom Larson, Jacksonville Beach Marian Ryan, Winter Haven Rudy Scheffer, Safety Harbor
Communications Committee
Liz Cantarine, Bradenton, [email protected] Kathy Criscola, Tallahassee, [email protected] Betsy Grass, Miami, [email protected] Ron Haines, Lantana, [email protected] Frances Howell-Coleman, Winter Haven, [email protected] Corbett Kroehler, Orlando, [email protected] Rosalie Shaffer, Bradenton, [email protected]
Visit florida.sierraclub.org
florida.sierraclub.org
SC Florida Committees
Sierra Club Florida Wants YOU
Volunteers are the heart of the Sierra Club. We have volunteers working statewide on issues like Florida legislation, growth management, waste minimization, and coastal preservation. You can join them in working on interesting projects, with as much or as little time as you have available, and usually without even leaving home. Local group or state leaders and staff will provide any training and advice needed. Here are some current opportunities. Web Designer: Dreamweaver experience needed for shortterm setup project. Redesign florida.sierraclub.org. We have some outlines and suggestions, or submit your own. For more info, email Betsy Grass, [email protected]. Pelican layout: Someone trained in InDesign and newsletter production, to be available as a backup person to do the layout for the Pelican newsletter. Send an email to Betsy Grass, [email protected]. Data entry/MS Excel skills: One time project to set up an Excel spreadsheet with information we have from sign-in sheets. Call Linda Demler of the Waste Minimization Committee, or email [email protected]. Legislative liaisons: We are looking for Sierrans who can keep their local state legislators and local Sierra members abreast of pending legislation important to Sierra Club. They would help mobilize the local members to act when needed. Most activities are by email and phone. No experience necessary. We will provide you with what you need to know. This is a short-term position. The Florida legislature is in session March through May. Please call Kathy Cantwell, Sierra Florida Legislative Advisory Committee chair, 352-395-7441 or email [email protected]. Former Sierra Leaders: Are you a Sierran who used to be active in the club but have been away from the scene for a while? Do you have skills that would help Sierra Groups (organizing, fundraising, educating, training new activists), that you would like to share? The Group Advisory Council is looking for volunteers. We are planning conference calls, picnics, and other activities to help groups strengthen and grow. If you have some time to help on a project, or have an idea for a project, email Debbie Matthews, [email protected]. Researcher: For a short-term research project on various waste disposal methods. Email [email protected]. Facebookers: We need someone to help us finish and freshen our Facebook page. If you are on Facebook anyway, how about helping us out? Email the Waste Minimization Committee, [email protected]
Florida Legislature
- continued from page 1 legislature urge Congress to support the removal of moratoria prohibiting exploration and production of oil and natural gas in federal waters surrounding Florida. Ask your representatives to oppose this bill, or to let them know you want funding restored for the Florida Forever program. In addition to joining the Report list, now is the perfect time to meet with your legislators in their district offices to let them know what is important to you. You can find their contact information at www.myfloridahouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov. The Legislative Advisory Committee of Sierra Club Florida works with our lobbyist, David Cullen, to research and prioritize issues, craft arguments, and educate our legislators. The newly appointed committee chair is Kathy Cantwell. Other members are: Dwight Adams, Cecilia Height, Lisa Hinton, Terry Janssen, Tom Larson, Drew Martin, Demetra McBride and Rosalie Shaffer. To volunteer to help with our lobbying efforts e-mail Kathy Cantwell at [email protected]. - Dave Cullen
Newsletter Survey
Can you spare 5 minutes to help us?
The Sierra Florida Communications Team is looking ahead and wants to be able to meet all Pelican readers’ needs in the future. To help us we’re asking each of you to spare 5 minutes to let us know - how you want to receive this newsletter: by mail, by email or not at all? Please send us a note stating your preference. Include your name, address and email address. You can mail your comments to Kathy Criscola PO Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 323020575, or send an email to [email protected]. Sierra Club Florida spends a great deal of money mailing out this newsletter, so let us know what you think of it, and, if you would like to see an online version or prefer to keep getting the hardcopy.
florida.sierraclub.org
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Sierra Florid
Loxahatchee horse sense: Loxahatchee Gro
Chair John Koch and Program and Events Chair K Gates showed up at a meeting of the Port Authority Palm Beaches with a horse and a cart to make visu the Authority members they were “Putting the Cart the Horse” in approving use of an area vital to Ever Restoration as a site for a huge warehouse and dis complex. The concept of such an ‘Inland Port’ is du enough, but to prematurely designate a site for it th existing rail and road access before the restoration is complete is truly putting the cart before the horse Department of Environmental Protection Secretary and Department of Transportation Secretary Steph Kopelousos have urged the Port to hold off until fur study on where such a transport complex might go and whether it is needed.
Photo by Palm Beach Post
Phot
iz C os by L
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Commissioner Joe McCl Jan. 20 became the firs county commissioner to Amendment 4 that will b Nov. 2 ballot. Sarasota-M Sierrans came out to sup the commissioner at his conference where he an his endorsement .Backe Club, Amendment 4 is a amendment to the Florida Constitution sponsored by Florida Hometown Demo non-partisan, grass-roots group. Over 1 million Florida voters signed the FHD qualify this important citizens’ reform for the November 2010 ballot. Amendme Florida voters a vote on growth in their communities. Sandra Ripberger, Mana Conservation Chair of the Manatee-Sarasota Group, helped arrange the news
Sarasota-Manate & FHD: Manatee Cou
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florida.sierraclub.org
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Photos by Miami Group
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Sierrans dressed as NRA members, wild animals, backpackers and trees at the annual Mango Strut in Coconut Grove to portray the absurdity of a new policy that allows guns in national parks. The Strut is Miami’s major “alternative” parade of the year and the Miami Group always gets into the spirit. In tune with our theme, “Thanking Congress for Allowing Guns in National Parks,” everyone was armed (with toy guns) and shooting at everyone else as we walked the parade route Dec. 28. A great time was had by all, and the audience got the message.
Struttin’ in Miami: Miami
NOT PICTURED?
Send us your best shots: Do you want your group featured on these pages?
Then focus those cameras and get ready to shoot your group’s 2010 Earth Day activities. Send your best shots (high-res) to the Pelican for consideration in our next (Summer) issue. Deadline for submissions is June 30. Be sure to state the name of your group and the name of the event as well as who shot the photo(s). We love pix for the Pelican that show off our members and what you do to explore, enjoy and protect the planet! Send photos to Ron Haines at [email protected]. Our feature pages in the next winter issue (submissions due Sept. 30) will celebrate Sierra outings, and will include outings that span the generations. So this is a heads up to Inner City Outings folks as well as all outings leaders.
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Sierra Takes Legal Action to Protect Florida Panther Habitat
Sierra Club has filed suit to protect the Florida panther from the danger of extinction. The U.S. Dept. of the Interior (DOI) is required by law to designate critical habitats for endangered species. The suit filed says that DOI’s and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) failure to do so in Florida runs counter to their duty “to properly conserve and protect the Florida panther.” Today there are fewer than 100 Florida panthers left. They are rapidly declining as a consequence of urban sprawl encroaching deeper into the panther’s habitat each year. New homes come with thousands of cars which cut across panther pathways, leading to many tragic collisions. Last year alone, out of 24 total deaths, a record 17 of the big cats were killed by cars. Habitat fragmentation due to development combined with the threat of additional habitat loss due to global warming may wipe out these rare animals. Sierra Club is now urging FWS to expand the Florida panther’s habitat to protect the species from the these threats. “In the face of global warming, protecting the places where panthers live right now just isn’t enough,” Sierra regional representative Frank Jackalone said. “We need to help the few remaining panthers migrate, adapt, and survive.” Other environmental groups are also calling on FWS to designate critical habitat for panthers. The Center for Biological Diversity, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), and Council of Civic Associations filed a formal 60day notice in December.
ited there by stormwater. And the economic damage caused by toxic algae outbreaks can reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars. This is the first time anywhere in the U.S. where the EPA has been forced to impose such standards on a state. The change in federal policy comes more than a year after Earthjustice, representing Sierra and four other environmental groups, filed a major lawsuit to compel the EPA to set strict limits on nutrient poisoning in public waters. A 2008 Department of Environmental Protection report concluded that fully half of the state’s rivers and more than half of its lakes had poor water quality—a dangerous reality for a state with an economy based on tourism and water-based recreation. In addition to the economic and environmental damage, exposure to these algae toxins—when people drink the water, touch it, or inhale vapors from it—can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, serious illness and even death. The problem is compounded when nutrient-poisoned waters are used as drinking water sources. Earthjustice filed the suit in July 2008 in the Northern District of Florida on behalf of the Sierra Club, Florida Wildlife Federation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, and St. John’s Riverkeeper. The suit challenged the unacceptable decade-long delay by the state and federal governments in setting limits for nutrient pollution. Sierra Club representative Frank Jackalone said, “For our fish and wildlife, which are being poisoned by excessive fertilizer runoff and sewage spills, the new rules will mean the difference between life and death. For the people of Florida, this action promises to make our drinking water cleaner and our economy stronger.” For more information and photos see: www.earthjustice.org; type nutrient pollution into search box. - Earth Justice
Growth Management Update
The Sierra Florida Growth Management Committee moved its agenda forward in three areas this winter. First, we have been identifying point people in many of our Sierra local Groups. Second, we have a liaison with the State Legislative Committee so we can help them with growth management legislation, which is expected to be critical in the current session. A number of bills are being considered that would seriously compromise the ability of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to enforce the state’s Growth Management Act. The third area of activity supports the campaign for adoption of the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment (FHD)—Amendment 4 on the November 2010 ballot. Materials explaining FHD/A4 have been sent to all group newsletter editors. The committee is also working with the FHD, Inc. organization in a number of areas. There are still openings on the committee. Anyone with growth management knowledge interested in participating should contact Linda Bremer at [email protected]. We are still looking to identify growth management point people in each of our 18 groups, to communicate on growth issues and assist them with issues in their communities. To reach us, email Bob Weintraub, [email protected].
florida.sierraclub.org
EPA Proposes Limits on Florida Water Pollutants
Recognizing the pollution levels of its water bodies, the new limits to curb sewage and fertilizer pollution proposed recently by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency represent a historic first step toward cleaning up Florida’s waters. “These standards aren’t as stringent as we would like, but they are a huge improvement,” said David Guest, attorney for the public interest law firm Earthjustice. “All you have to do is look at the green slime covering lakes, rivers and shorelines during our warm months to know it is worth the investment to reduce fertilizer runoff, control animal waste better and improve filtration of sewage. The most cost-effective way to handle this problem is to deal with it at its source.” While nitrogen fertilizer costs well under $5 per pound at the hardware store, it costs communities $235 to clean each pound of nitrogen out of lakes and streams once it is depos6
Florida Hometown Democracy
The Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD) campaign is a grassroots effort to win voter approval of Amendment 4 in the November 2010 election. This amendment to the state constitution will require that land use changes to county and city comprehensive plans go before voters in referenda once they are approved by local commissions and the Department of Community Affairs. The opposition has raised millions of dollars for an advertising campaign. Unable to match this financial muscle, the FHD campaign strategy is to reach voters on a personto-person level. FHD coordinators have been established in Florida’s largest counties and the effort is continuing to recruit activists throughout Florida. Coordinators are building organizations to take the issue directly to the people. FHD, Inc. is also opposing a proposal that would enable county and city commissions to use taxpayer money to fight Amendment 4, something currently prohibited by state law. A fight about this issue is expected during the current state legislative session. More information about FHD/A4 can be found at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com. To get involved, contact your local Sierra Group, or Robert Weintraub, [email protected].
deposit legislation passed. These are exciting times for those of us who live in large cities that still do not have curbside recycling and who faithfully bring bags with us everywhere. We know the grassroots has the power to make effective change. What you can do right now to help us reach the 75 percent recycling goal: • If you are on Facebook join us at: www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=71200026130&ref=ts. • Contact your state senator and house member and tell them you support the 75 percent recycling goal. • Go to our Web page at florida.sierraclub.org/wastemin.asp and download key articles and flyers such as “Incineration is not recycling” and, “The problem with plastic bags,” for your meetings and tabling events. • Volunteer to be the group liaison to the Waste Minimization Committee by contacting Beth Connor at: [email protected]
Copenhagen Report
- continued from page 1
Recycling: Legislate Waste Reduction Now
Sierrans must seize the opportunity this spring to help shape and move real recycling legislation through the state legislature this year. Senator Lee Constantine, (R) Altamonte Springs will introduce waste reduction legislation in the Senate. Representative Michelle Rehwinkle-Vasilinda, (D) Leon County will file a companion bill in the House. There have been many twists and turns over the past year with the draft recommendations prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as mandated by F.S. 403.7032 (2008) for presentation to the legislature this session. DEP staff did a terrific job and are to be commended for moving out of Tallahassee to gather comments mid-state, answer questions and synthesize them all into cogent, strong recommendations. But an astonishing incident happened when the draft retail bag recommendation, which was incredibly comprehensive and worthy of full support, mysteriously disappeared from the DEP Web site after being up for only 24 hours. The explanation given was “it needed more work.” The truth was, there was tremendous behind-the-scenes industry pressure to take it down. We must continue to apply counter-pressure to make sure resources are conserved and protected, and we reach the 75 percent goal by 2020. Articles and editorials have been popping up around the state regarding the need for plastic bag reform, and the drum is beginning to beat for a bottle bill. Some of the loudest drum beats are coming from former industry foes of the 1980’s bottle bill, when many of us tried to get
florida.sierraclub.org
the conference by storm. I couldn’t wait to carry a message calling for a fair, ambitious, and binding deal from the people of Florida to the U.S. and international negotiators at the Summit. However, the world didn’t get that deal out of Copenhagen. What was produced is being called the Copenhagen Accords, but unfortunately they are neither scientifically based nor binding in nature. The Accords were acknowledged by the COP, but not ratified – meaning that negotiations will resume this year and we will continue to push for a real deal. I’m disappointed, angry even, at the failure of the negotiations process. But even as I acknowledge this, I also realize that I saw people work together at the Summit who had never worked together before. This recognition gives me hope that with a little more time, something substantial will actually result from the COP. What I took away from COP15 was the story of activists and young people from around the world standing together and calling on the delegates to deliver a moral treaty - one that incorporates the rights of indigenous people, and one that acknowledges the necessity for survival of all life on this planet. During the 15 days I was in Copenhagen, the youth delegates (Youngos) spoke out. Young people at this conference served as a voice of moral reason, and they called for action on the part of our leaders, while reminding them that our future is in their hands. It’s funny, how differences – in each country’s economy, policy, ideology, and self-interest – kept the conference from being successful. Yet, those differences brought the youth of the world together around our common purpose: survival. For us, comprehensive action on climate change must be a necessity—not a maybe or a luxury. As Americans, we need to educate and mobilize ourselves as a cohesive movement, and to pressure our leaders in Congress to take action domestically on climate change. To accomplish this feat, we must all work together—NGOs, labor, indigenous people, minorities, environmentalists, conservationists—all of these different interests must start to show a united front about what we want to happen.
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Sierra Club Florida The Pelican P.O. Box 575 Tallahassee FL 32302-0575
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Sierra Club has a New Executive Director
A year ago, Carl Pope announced he was stepping down from his position as Executive Director, and the search began. The Club is now very pleased to announce the new director is Michael Brune. Carl’s announcement stated, “Mike comes to Sierra from Rainforest Action Network (RAN) where he has served as Executive Director for seven years. He has been called ‘a hard-nosed activist with a twist.’ At age 26 he led a winning campaign to convince Home Depot to stop selling wood from endangered forests, which Time magazine called ‘the top environmental story of 1999.’ Under Mike’s leadership, RAN won more than a dozen landmark commitments from America’s largest corporations...” Not only does the Executive Director run the operation of the Club, but on national issues the director is the face of Sierra. Most Americans became very aware of Carl Pope and Sierra during Ken Burns’ series on National Parks, which aired on PBS this past year. Carl will be a hard act to follow, but the Board of Directors has made an excellent choice to lead our organization through a challenging period.
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Speaking for the Sierra Club
Members speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club, in Florida and elsewhere, assume significant responsibility to accurately represent established policies and positions as well as follow the decision- making processes of the club. Anyone who purports to officially represent the Sierra Club must be authorized by the Club entity that has jurisdiction over the subject matter and/or the area involved. Any member can speak consistently with positions that have already been taken, to take advantage of the clout of the Sierra Club. You can find out what our positions are by working with existing Sierra leaders in your local group and by using the Sierra Florida and national Web sites. For more guidance on position taking see: florida.sierraclub.org/PosTak.asp.
florida.sierraclub.org
Florida Legislature 2010
Time to Get Involved
The 2010 session of the Florida Legislature opened on March 2 and runs through April 30. Every year Sierra Florida watchdogs the proposed bills and spurs our grassroots effort to communicate with legislators about bills that affect Florida’s environment and human health. The issues claiming center stage include: off/ near shore oil drilling, waste minimization, growth management, transportation, and water allocations. To view our platform visit: florida.sierraclub.org, and click on “Ramp up for 2010 Legislative Session.” The budget will attract a lot of attention again this year because Florida’s income is projected to fall $2.6 billion short. This means environmental programs will continue to be at risk. Sierra Club volunteers made a difference during the last legislative session and are doing the same for 2010. Please consider taking part. Last year Sierrans made hundreds of calls, sent emails, wrote letters to the editor, and personally contacted their legislators. This activism was instrumental in several cases and our best defense against the huge lobbying effort developers and others make to get “their” laws passed. Legislators tell us they need to know that their constituents care about the environment. To help Sierra Florida have an impact in 2010, sign up for our listserv, FL-FLORIDAREPORT to receive updates on our progress and alerts when immediate action is needed. Sign on at: www.sierraclub.org/memberlists (have your membership number available). Bills can move fast, especially near the end of the session, so it’s important that all Sierrans participate to let your legislators know your views on specific bills. For example, we are closely watching House Memorial 563, which would have the state - continued on page 3
Spring 2010
Inside this issue
Spring Outings Volunteers Wanted Sierra Club in Action Florida Panther New EPA Standards Growth Mgmt Committee Recycling FHD Speaking for Sierra New SC Director 2 3 4-5 6 6 6 7 7 8 8
Reflections on COP15
by Joseph Manning
Two years ago the world decided at the UN Climate Change conference in Bali that by December 2009 a treaty would be established to ensure a comprehensive strategy regarding how the world would deal with climate change. As a result of this decision, during two weeks last December more than 40,000 people gathered in Copenhagen for the United Nation Convention’s 15th annual Conference of the Parties (COP15). As a 17-year-old organizer with the Sierra
Student Coalition, I was among the participants. Accredited by the Sierra Club, I arrived in Copenhagen with 18 other youth organizers, and about 30 Sierra Club volunteers and staff. I was full of hope, and prepared to take - continued on page 7
1
florida.sierraclub.org
Get Outdoors
Sierra Club welcomes non-members to join us on our outings. All participants are required to sign a standard liability waiver. To read the waiver, visit sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or call the Outings Department at 415-977-5528 or ask the trip leader for a copy. March 20 - 21 Fisheating Creek camping paddle (Palmdale- north of LaBelle). Downstream paddle for the paddler who wants to experience a true wilderness experience. This is one of the most pristine areas through which to paddle in SW Florida. Cypress trees overhanging this creek provide partial shade. You can jump in the shallow water along the way to cool down, but we will also see many gators! We will paddle downstream, primitive camp along the river Saturday night, and get a shuttle ride back on Sunday. Limited to 6 participants. Leader Ben Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol. com. (Suncoast) March 27 – 28 Overnight backpack trip to Mossy Island Campsite - Myakka River State Park. We will explore this beautiful park and learn a little about what Florida’s prairie was like. An easy backpack of only about 5 miles total. Limit 6. Leaders: Ben Berauer, [email protected], 727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast) April 24 – 25 Overnight backpacking trip in the Ocala National Forest, Juniper Springs Wilderness Area. Easy total 9 mile trip. Learn about forest fires and forest management. Primitive camping. Limited to 10 participants. Leaders: Ben Berauer, [email protected], 727-392-2821 or Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 (Suncoast) April 24-25 Wilderness First Aid Class, Paynes Prarie State Park Park, FL. The University of Florida College of Medicine is hosting a class on Feb 6 & 7. This will be held at Payne’s Prairie State Park near Gainesville from 9:00- 5:00 each day. Cost: $150. Reserve space at: 727-726-8375 or rudy@ adventuresworldwide.com. Visit the following website for directions www.floridastateparks.org/paynesprairie. May 7-9 Cayo Costa Weekend Kayak and Camp, Ft. Myers, FL. Weekend at one of the state’s premier island state parks. This Gulf Coast paradise west of Fort Myers (Lee County) has one of the top-rated beaches in the nation. On the island, hike through native oak hammocks, pine forests and large stands of sea grape; the park service has gone to great efforts to eradicate exotics such as Australian pine. Paddle out Friday morning with a stop at legendary Cabbage Key restaurant for lunch, and paddle back on Sunday. Primitive cabins and tent sites available. For those who wish to take it easy, there is a ferry—Tropic Star (239-283-0015; www.tropicstarcruises.com). Rated moderate to strenuous because of open water and possible wind conditions. Be sure to reserve early. Contact Don Kirkley at 941-493-3085. (Florida Seller of Travel Ref. No. ST37115)
2
IN MEMORIAM Remembering Ellen Winchester
We sadly report that a most rare of creatures—a National Sierra Club director from Florida— passed away on December 1, 2009 in Tallahassee, at the age of 86. Ellen Winchester was a formidable force at the local, state and national levels. She was a primary founder of the Big Bend Group, served as chair of the Florida Chapter for the 1973 term, and was elected to the National Board for the years 1977-80. Joe Fontaine, a past director who served with Ellen said, “She was an outstanding Director and did a good job of bringing the issues she cared deeply about before that board.” In her time, she chaired national issue committees on energy and nuclear waste, and hers was one of the first informed voices speaking out against nearshore drilling off Florida’s coasts. Ellen was a model for citizen activism; she identified critical issues, became knowledgeable about those issues and stayed active for the long term. - Frances Coleman
The Pelican, Vol. 43, No. 1
Kathy Criscola, Managing Editor The Pelican is published by Sierra Club Florida, 405 Inglewood Drive,Tallahassee FL,32301, and mailed to Florida Sierra Club members. Annual membership dues include $1 for the Pelican newsletter. Address all inquiries to PO Box 575, Tallahassee FL 32302-0575 or email [email protected]. Send change of address information to [email protected]
Steering Committee
Linda Bremer, Jacksonville Craig Diamond, Tallahassee John Swingle, Altoona Betsy Grass, Miami Tom Larson, Jacksonville Beach Marian Ryan, Winter Haven Rudy Scheffer, Safety Harbor
Communications Committee
Liz Cantarine, Bradenton, [email protected] Kathy Criscola, Tallahassee, [email protected] Betsy Grass, Miami, [email protected] Ron Haines, Lantana, [email protected] Frances Howell-Coleman, Winter Haven, [email protected] Corbett Kroehler, Orlando, [email protected] Rosalie Shaffer, Bradenton, [email protected]
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SC Florida Committees
Sierra Club Florida Wants YOU
Volunteers are the heart of the Sierra Club. We have volunteers working statewide on issues like Florida legislation, growth management, waste minimization, and coastal preservation. You can join them in working on interesting projects, with as much or as little time as you have available, and usually without even leaving home. Local group or state leaders and staff will provide any training and advice needed. Here are some current opportunities. Web Designer: Dreamweaver experience needed for shortterm setup project. Redesign florida.sierraclub.org. We have some outlines and suggestions, or submit your own. For more info, email Betsy Grass, [email protected]. Pelican layout: Someone trained in InDesign and newsletter production, to be available as a backup person to do the layout for the Pelican newsletter. Send an email to Betsy Grass, [email protected]. Data entry/MS Excel skills: One time project to set up an Excel spreadsheet with information we have from sign-in sheets. Call Linda Demler of the Waste Minimization Committee, or email [email protected]. Legislative liaisons: We are looking for Sierrans who can keep their local state legislators and local Sierra members abreast of pending legislation important to Sierra Club. They would help mobilize the local members to act when needed. Most activities are by email and phone. No experience necessary. We will provide you with what you need to know. This is a short-term position. The Florida legislature is in session March through May. Please call Kathy Cantwell, Sierra Florida Legislative Advisory Committee chair, 352-395-7441 or email [email protected]. Former Sierra Leaders: Are you a Sierran who used to be active in the club but have been away from the scene for a while? Do you have skills that would help Sierra Groups (organizing, fundraising, educating, training new activists), that you would like to share? The Group Advisory Council is looking for volunteers. We are planning conference calls, picnics, and other activities to help groups strengthen and grow. If you have some time to help on a project, or have an idea for a project, email Debbie Matthews, [email protected]. Researcher: For a short-term research project on various waste disposal methods. Email [email protected]. Facebookers: We need someone to help us finish and freshen our Facebook page. If you are on Facebook anyway, how about helping us out? Email the Waste Minimization Committee, [email protected]
Florida Legislature
- continued from page 1 legislature urge Congress to support the removal of moratoria prohibiting exploration and production of oil and natural gas in federal waters surrounding Florida. Ask your representatives to oppose this bill, or to let them know you want funding restored for the Florida Forever program. In addition to joining the Report list, now is the perfect time to meet with your legislators in their district offices to let them know what is important to you. You can find their contact information at www.myfloridahouse.gov and www.flsenate.gov. The Legislative Advisory Committee of Sierra Club Florida works with our lobbyist, David Cullen, to research and prioritize issues, craft arguments, and educate our legislators. The newly appointed committee chair is Kathy Cantwell. Other members are: Dwight Adams, Cecilia Height, Lisa Hinton, Terry Janssen, Tom Larson, Drew Martin, Demetra McBride and Rosalie Shaffer. To volunteer to help with our lobbying efforts e-mail Kathy Cantwell at [email protected]. - Dave Cullen
Newsletter Survey
Can you spare 5 minutes to help us?
The Sierra Florida Communications Team is looking ahead and wants to be able to meet all Pelican readers’ needs in the future. To help us we’re asking each of you to spare 5 minutes to let us know - how you want to receive this newsletter: by mail, by email or not at all? Please send us a note stating your preference. Include your name, address and email address. You can mail your comments to Kathy Criscola PO Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 323020575, or send an email to [email protected]. Sierra Club Florida spends a great deal of money mailing out this newsletter, so let us know what you think of it, and, if you would like to see an online version or prefer to keep getting the hardcopy.
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Sierra Florid
Loxahatchee horse sense: Loxahatchee Gro
Chair John Koch and Program and Events Chair K Gates showed up at a meeting of the Port Authority Palm Beaches with a horse and a cart to make visu the Authority members they were “Putting the Cart the Horse” in approving use of an area vital to Ever Restoration as a site for a huge warehouse and dis complex. The concept of such an ‘Inland Port’ is du enough, but to prematurely designate a site for it th existing rail and road access before the restoration is complete is truly putting the cart before the horse Department of Environmental Protection Secretary and Department of Transportation Secretary Steph Kopelousos have urged the Port to hold off until fur study on where such a transport complex might go and whether it is needed.
Photo by Palm Beach Post
Phot
iz C os by L
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Commissioner Joe McCl Jan. 20 became the firs county commissioner to Amendment 4 that will b Nov. 2 ballot. Sarasota-M Sierrans came out to sup the commissioner at his conference where he an his endorsement .Backe Club, Amendment 4 is a amendment to the Florida Constitution sponsored by Florida Hometown Demo non-partisan, grass-roots group. Over 1 million Florida voters signed the FHD qualify this important citizens’ reform for the November 2010 ballot. Amendme Florida voters a vote on growth in their communities. Sandra Ripberger, Mana Conservation Chair of the Manatee-Sarasota Group, helped arrange the news
Sarasota-Manate & FHD: Manatee Cou
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da in Action
Photos by Miami Group
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Sierrans dressed as NRA members, wild animals, backpackers and trees at the annual Mango Strut in Coconut Grove to portray the absurdity of a new policy that allows guns in national parks. The Strut is Miami’s major “alternative” parade of the year and the Miami Group always gets into the spirit. In tune with our theme, “Thanking Congress for Allowing Guns in National Parks,” everyone was armed (with toy guns) and shooting at everyone else as we walked the parade route Dec. 28. A great time was had by all, and the audience got the message.
Struttin’ in Miami: Miami
NOT PICTURED?
Send us your best shots: Do you want your group featured on these pages?
Then focus those cameras and get ready to shoot your group’s 2010 Earth Day activities. Send your best shots (high-res) to the Pelican for consideration in our next (Summer) issue. Deadline for submissions is June 30. Be sure to state the name of your group and the name of the event as well as who shot the photo(s). We love pix for the Pelican that show off our members and what you do to explore, enjoy and protect the planet! Send photos to Ron Haines at [email protected]. Our feature pages in the next winter issue (submissions due Sept. 30) will celebrate Sierra outings, and will include outings that span the generations. So this is a heads up to Inner City Outings folks as well as all outings leaders.
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Sierra Takes Legal Action to Protect Florida Panther Habitat
Sierra Club has filed suit to protect the Florida panther from the danger of extinction. The U.S. Dept. of the Interior (DOI) is required by law to designate critical habitats for endangered species. The suit filed says that DOI’s and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (FWS) failure to do so in Florida runs counter to their duty “to properly conserve and protect the Florida panther.” Today there are fewer than 100 Florida panthers left. They are rapidly declining as a consequence of urban sprawl encroaching deeper into the panther’s habitat each year. New homes come with thousands of cars which cut across panther pathways, leading to many tragic collisions. Last year alone, out of 24 total deaths, a record 17 of the big cats were killed by cars. Habitat fragmentation due to development combined with the threat of additional habitat loss due to global warming may wipe out these rare animals. Sierra Club is now urging FWS to expand the Florida panther’s habitat to protect the species from the these threats. “In the face of global warming, protecting the places where panthers live right now just isn’t enough,” Sierra regional representative Frank Jackalone said. “We need to help the few remaining panthers migrate, adapt, and survive.” Other environmental groups are also calling on FWS to designate critical habitat for panthers. The Center for Biological Diversity, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), and Council of Civic Associations filed a formal 60day notice in December.
ited there by stormwater. And the economic damage caused by toxic algae outbreaks can reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars. This is the first time anywhere in the U.S. where the EPA has been forced to impose such standards on a state. The change in federal policy comes more than a year after Earthjustice, representing Sierra and four other environmental groups, filed a major lawsuit to compel the EPA to set strict limits on nutrient poisoning in public waters. A 2008 Department of Environmental Protection report concluded that fully half of the state’s rivers and more than half of its lakes had poor water quality—a dangerous reality for a state with an economy based on tourism and water-based recreation. In addition to the economic and environmental damage, exposure to these algae toxins—when people drink the water, touch it, or inhale vapors from it—can cause rashes, skin and eye irritation, allergic reactions, gastrointestinal upset, serious illness and even death. The problem is compounded when nutrient-poisoned waters are used as drinking water sources. Earthjustice filed the suit in July 2008 in the Northern District of Florida on behalf of the Sierra Club, Florida Wildlife Federation, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the Environmental Confederation of Southwest Florida, and St. John’s Riverkeeper. The suit challenged the unacceptable decade-long delay by the state and federal governments in setting limits for nutrient pollution. Sierra Club representative Frank Jackalone said, “For our fish and wildlife, which are being poisoned by excessive fertilizer runoff and sewage spills, the new rules will mean the difference between life and death. For the people of Florida, this action promises to make our drinking water cleaner and our economy stronger.” For more information and photos see: www.earthjustice.org; type nutrient pollution into search box. - Earth Justice
Growth Management Update
The Sierra Florida Growth Management Committee moved its agenda forward in three areas this winter. First, we have been identifying point people in many of our Sierra local Groups. Second, we have a liaison with the State Legislative Committee so we can help them with growth management legislation, which is expected to be critical in the current session. A number of bills are being considered that would seriously compromise the ability of the Department of Community Affairs (DCA) to enforce the state’s Growth Management Act. The third area of activity supports the campaign for adoption of the Florida Hometown Democracy Amendment (FHD)—Amendment 4 on the November 2010 ballot. Materials explaining FHD/A4 have been sent to all group newsletter editors. The committee is also working with the FHD, Inc. organization in a number of areas. There are still openings on the committee. Anyone with growth management knowledge interested in participating should contact Linda Bremer at [email protected]. We are still looking to identify growth management point people in each of our 18 groups, to communicate on growth issues and assist them with issues in their communities. To reach us, email Bob Weintraub, [email protected].
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EPA Proposes Limits on Florida Water Pollutants
Recognizing the pollution levels of its water bodies, the new limits to curb sewage and fertilizer pollution proposed recently by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency represent a historic first step toward cleaning up Florida’s waters. “These standards aren’t as stringent as we would like, but they are a huge improvement,” said David Guest, attorney for the public interest law firm Earthjustice. “All you have to do is look at the green slime covering lakes, rivers and shorelines during our warm months to know it is worth the investment to reduce fertilizer runoff, control animal waste better and improve filtration of sewage. The most cost-effective way to handle this problem is to deal with it at its source.” While nitrogen fertilizer costs well under $5 per pound at the hardware store, it costs communities $235 to clean each pound of nitrogen out of lakes and streams once it is depos6
Florida Hometown Democracy
The Florida Hometown Democracy (FHD) campaign is a grassroots effort to win voter approval of Amendment 4 in the November 2010 election. This amendment to the state constitution will require that land use changes to county and city comprehensive plans go before voters in referenda once they are approved by local commissions and the Department of Community Affairs. The opposition has raised millions of dollars for an advertising campaign. Unable to match this financial muscle, the FHD campaign strategy is to reach voters on a personto-person level. FHD coordinators have been established in Florida’s largest counties and the effort is continuing to recruit activists throughout Florida. Coordinators are building organizations to take the issue directly to the people. FHD, Inc. is also opposing a proposal that would enable county and city commissions to use taxpayer money to fight Amendment 4, something currently prohibited by state law. A fight about this issue is expected during the current state legislative session. More information about FHD/A4 can be found at www.floridahometowndemocracy.com. To get involved, contact your local Sierra Group, or Robert Weintraub, [email protected].
deposit legislation passed. These are exciting times for those of us who live in large cities that still do not have curbside recycling and who faithfully bring bags with us everywhere. We know the grassroots has the power to make effective change. What you can do right now to help us reach the 75 percent recycling goal: • If you are on Facebook join us at: www.facebook.com/ group.php?gid=71200026130&ref=ts. • Contact your state senator and house member and tell them you support the 75 percent recycling goal. • Go to our Web page at florida.sierraclub.org/wastemin.asp and download key articles and flyers such as “Incineration is not recycling” and, “The problem with plastic bags,” for your meetings and tabling events. • Volunteer to be the group liaison to the Waste Minimization Committee by contacting Beth Connor at: [email protected]
Copenhagen Report
- continued from page 1
Recycling: Legislate Waste Reduction Now
Sierrans must seize the opportunity this spring to help shape and move real recycling legislation through the state legislature this year. Senator Lee Constantine, (R) Altamonte Springs will introduce waste reduction legislation in the Senate. Representative Michelle Rehwinkle-Vasilinda, (D) Leon County will file a companion bill in the House. There have been many twists and turns over the past year with the draft recommendations prepared by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) as mandated by F.S. 403.7032 (2008) for presentation to the legislature this session. DEP staff did a terrific job and are to be commended for moving out of Tallahassee to gather comments mid-state, answer questions and synthesize them all into cogent, strong recommendations. But an astonishing incident happened when the draft retail bag recommendation, which was incredibly comprehensive and worthy of full support, mysteriously disappeared from the DEP Web site after being up for only 24 hours. The explanation given was “it needed more work.” The truth was, there was tremendous behind-the-scenes industry pressure to take it down. We must continue to apply counter-pressure to make sure resources are conserved and protected, and we reach the 75 percent goal by 2020. Articles and editorials have been popping up around the state regarding the need for plastic bag reform, and the drum is beginning to beat for a bottle bill. Some of the loudest drum beats are coming from former industry foes of the 1980’s bottle bill, when many of us tried to get
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the conference by storm. I couldn’t wait to carry a message calling for a fair, ambitious, and binding deal from the people of Florida to the U.S. and international negotiators at the Summit. However, the world didn’t get that deal out of Copenhagen. What was produced is being called the Copenhagen Accords, but unfortunately they are neither scientifically based nor binding in nature. The Accords were acknowledged by the COP, but not ratified – meaning that negotiations will resume this year and we will continue to push for a real deal. I’m disappointed, angry even, at the failure of the negotiations process. But even as I acknowledge this, I also realize that I saw people work together at the Summit who had never worked together before. This recognition gives me hope that with a little more time, something substantial will actually result from the COP. What I took away from COP15 was the story of activists and young people from around the world standing together and calling on the delegates to deliver a moral treaty - one that incorporates the rights of indigenous people, and one that acknowledges the necessity for survival of all life on this planet. During the 15 days I was in Copenhagen, the youth delegates (Youngos) spoke out. Young people at this conference served as a voice of moral reason, and they called for action on the part of our leaders, while reminding them that our future is in their hands. It’s funny, how differences – in each country’s economy, policy, ideology, and self-interest – kept the conference from being successful. Yet, those differences brought the youth of the world together around our common purpose: survival. For us, comprehensive action on climate change must be a necessity—not a maybe or a luxury. As Americans, we need to educate and mobilize ourselves as a cohesive movement, and to pressure our leaders in Congress to take action domestically on climate change. To accomplish this feat, we must all work together—NGOs, labor, indigenous people, minorities, environmentalists, conservationists—all of these different interests must start to show a united front about what we want to happen.
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Sierra Club has a New Executive Director
A year ago, Carl Pope announced he was stepping down from his position as Executive Director, and the search began. The Club is now very pleased to announce the new director is Michael Brune. Carl’s announcement stated, “Mike comes to Sierra from Rainforest Action Network (RAN) where he has served as Executive Director for seven years. He has been called ‘a hard-nosed activist with a twist.’ At age 26 he led a winning campaign to convince Home Depot to stop selling wood from endangered forests, which Time magazine called ‘the top environmental story of 1999.’ Under Mike’s leadership, RAN won more than a dozen landmark commitments from America’s largest corporations...” Not only does the Executive Director run the operation of the Club, but on national issues the director is the face of Sierra. Most Americans became very aware of Carl Pope and Sierra during Ken Burns’ series on National Parks, which aired on PBS this past year. Carl will be a hard act to follow, but the Board of Directors has made an excellent choice to lead our organization through a challenging period.
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Speaking for the Sierra Club
Members speaking on behalf of the Sierra Club, in Florida and elsewhere, assume significant responsibility to accurately represent established policies and positions as well as follow the decision- making processes of the club. Anyone who purports to officially represent the Sierra Club must be authorized by the Club entity that has jurisdiction over the subject matter and/or the area involved. Any member can speak consistently with positions that have already been taken, to take advantage of the clout of the Sierra Club. You can find out what our positions are by working with existing Sierra leaders in your local group and by using the Sierra Florida and national Web sites. For more guidance on position taking see: florida.sierraclub.org/PosTak.asp.
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