Index - March/April 2006

Angeles Chapter Awards Banquet

As State Grows, So Does Threat to Parkland

BLM to Dispose of 5,040 Acres of Amargosa River

Boots on the Ground, Birds in the Nest

California Wilderness Bill

Developer Tactics and CEQA

Environmentalists Say Simitian Is Tops
Good Energy Projects

Nature Knowledge Workshop

Owens Lake Alert

Sierra Club National Energy Options Survey

Sierra Club Opposes Chevron Polluter Protection Initiative

Volunteer/Attend Earth Day April 15, Santa Monica
Wild Heritage Bill

 

Resolution Passed: Urban Gardens, Wild Life Habitats, and Green Open Spaces

 

Useful Information

Chapter Conservation Committees Calendar
Chapter Conservation Management Committee
Chapter Conservation Grants Committee
Chapter Conservation Committee Agenda
Orange County Conservation Committee Agenda

 

California Wilderness Bill introduced by Boxer and Solis

Coalition Applauds Boxer-Solis Vision For Future California Wilderness

 

SACRAMENTO, CA - The California Wild Heritage Campaign, a coalition of hundreds of businesses, organizations, elected officials, outdoor enthusiasts, and other Californians praised US Senator Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Representative Hilda Solis (D-El Monte) for re-introducing the California Wild Heritage Act. The legislation outlines a comprehensive vision for protecting some of the Golden State's last remaining wilderness and wild and scenic rivers. The bill seeks permanent protection of roughly 2.5 million acres of wilderness. It grants wild and scenic status to portions of more than 20 rivers throughout California.

 

Preservation of our states wilderness and free flowing rivers provides a number of recreational, economic, public health and environmental benefits. Numerous studies have found that wilderness designation contributes to economic growth in nearby communities. One study of California wilderness found that new wilderness visitors generate an additional $44 per acre per year of spending in nearby communities. That means that every 550 acres of wilderness contribute one new job to the community.

 

"In urban areas like Los Angeles County, we know the rarity of finding places to recreate, picnic with our families, breathe clean air, enjoy a healthy lifestyle and celebrate our natural wonders," said Louie Lujan, Mayor of La Puente in Los Angeles County. "Here and around the state there is long-standing, well-established support for the bill. I applaud Senator Boxer and Congresswoman Solis for having the foresight to act to protect California’s wild heritage for individuals and families of all backgrounds. Wilderness is our common ground."

 

Many recreational opportunities are permitted in wilderness and on wild and scenic rivers, including hunting, fishing, hiking, rafting, camping, and horseback riding. Each year, millions of families, groups and individuals flock to wilderness areas to recreate and escape to the outdoors.

 

Participation in wilderness camping and hiking by California residents increased 42 percent from 1990 to 1998, reaching 24 million visitor days of backpacking and nearly 64 million visitor days of hiking in 1998.

 

More than 60% of our state's clean drinking water comes from California’s wild lands and free-flowing rivers. But over the last 25 years, nearly 700,000 acres of our state's unprotected wilderness—an area nearly the size of Yosemite National Park—have been lost. Wilderness also provides critical habitat for California's rich diversity of plants and animals. California is home to a spectacular variety of more than 5,800 plant species and 800 species of wildlife, including the majestic condor and ancient bristlecone pine trees. Many of these depend on habitat found in protected and unprotected wilderness areas. In fact, more than 200 rare, threatened and endangered native plants, and over 50 threatened animals are found in California’s unprotected wilderness.

 

Californians are working to protect many special wild places around the state, such as the Upper Owens River, because we know those areas are crucial to ensuring outstanding fishing and hunting opportunities today and for future generations. Healthy waterways mean thriving trout and other fish populations. "The California Wild Heritage Act has long been a priority of California’s conservation community. It will allow our grandchildren to inherit a true natural legacy," stated Brian Stranko, President of California Trout, a statewide conservation organization dedicated to protecting and restoring wild trout and steelhead and their waters throughout California.

 

Many of California’s extraordinary public lands and waterways are included in the bill. Potential wilderness includes Eagle Peak in San Diego County, an area critical to the region's water supply and to many sensitive species such as the arroyo southwestern toad, coastal rosy boa, and sensitive habitats such as the oak and sycamore woodlands/riparian areas. Potential wild and scenic rivers include the Clavey River, one of only four remaining free-flowing rivers in the Sierra Nevada.

 

The California Wild Heritage Campaign is a non-partisan, broad-based coalition of everyday citizens who share a common goal of ensuring the permanent protection of California's remaining wild lands and rivers. We are business-owners, anglers, hunters, vintners, scientists, outdoor enthusiasts, people of faith, conservation groups, and much more. Visit us at http://www.californiawild.org/

 

Good Energy Projects

As you probably know, the Sierra Club has received accolades for its recent Building Better report showcasing good development projects around the country that the Club supports. The report, www.sierraclub.org/sprawl/report05, earned praise in many quarters, and not just from the likely suspects—for example, the Wall Street Journal speculated that the Club would gain new allies, both in local communities and in Congress, for focusing on projects we are FOR, not against.

 

In this spirit we would like to promote the Club’s new conservation initiative, Smart Energy Solutions, by doing a similar round-up of energy projects around the country that we support. We’re looking for projects both public and private, small-scale and large. Is there a project that your chapter, or a group within your chapter, has endorsed? It could be a wind or solar installation, the conversion of a municipal bus or car fleet to hybrid vehicles, a dirty power plant converting to cleaner-burning fuel—the list goes on. If there is evidence that the project also saved money or made good financial sense while simultaneously promoting clean energy, so much the better. And needless to say, we’d like to know about the people who deserve special kudos for making these projects happen. It doesn’t matter if they are longtime Club activists or non-traditional allies such as business, church, or union leaders; we’d like to know who they are.

 

If you know of projects or people who fit the bill, please contact us at this e-mail address (Tom.Valtin@sierraclub.org) or at planet@sierraclub.org. As always, good photos—the higher-resolution the better—are a plus.

Thanks for all that you do,

 

Tom Valtin
Senior Editor, The Planet
(415) 977-5742

Developer Tactics and CEQA

by Bill Allayaud

The California Building Industry Association (CBIA) represents the big home builders in this state. They are on the warpath against our environmental laws. Sierra Club California is fighting back. The developers released a new report that got a lot of press that correctly cites the low rate of home ownership in our state, but incorrectly blames environmental laws such as CEQA, the Coastal Act, and the Endangered Species Act. I was quoted in two newspapers (see below) and on NPR radio this morning in response to the lies and scare tactics the builders are perpetrating.

 

It is my job to let the Legislature know that the builders are scapegoating CEQA and other laws, trying to take advantage of the "housing crisis" which is one of affordability. One example: The CBIA report says there are "rampant" CEQA lawsuits by NIMBYs to stop housing development. They have no facts to back this up—the last study (now over 10 years ago) showed that less than 1% of CEQA decisions are taken to court.

 

Here is my quote from the Riverside Press Enterprise: Sierra Club California Director Bill Allayaud accused the CBIA of using the tremendous run-up in California home prices in recent years to "scare people into believing it is because of environmental laws." Allayaud argued that the laws the association is targeting, including the California Environmental Quality Act, enjoy broad public support and add very little to home prices.

 

The main reason for soaring prices, Allayaud said, has been low-interest rates. "Rather than blame environmental laws, (builders) should look at the choices they are providing consumers—which is sprawl and large houses on large lots," Allayaud said. "I think there is a huge pent-up demand for a modest-sized home on a modest lot."

 

Here is my quote from the San Francisco Chronicle: "We acknowledge the fact that most Californians want to own their own homes, but Californians don't want to see runaway growth, they want planned growth," said Bill Allayaud, state director of Sierra Club California.

 

Instead, his group and others support the development of underutilized urban plots as well as so-called inclusionary housing ordinances. Such measures, which are already on the books in many cities including San Francisco, require builders to make a certain portion of any home development affordable to low and moderate income households.

 

Environmentalists Say Simitian Is Tops

The Sierra Club and California League of Conservation Voters have recognized state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, for his 100-percent voting record on environmental issues in 2005. The Sierra Club honored Simitian with the top grade on its annual legislative scorecard. The club used Simitian's SB 426 as one of ten bills to grade lawmakers. That bill establishes a process for California to evaluate, rank and permit proposed liquefied natural gas terminals. The California League of Conservation Voters acknowledged Simitian for unwavering support of environmental legislation. That group used Simitian's SB 107 as one of 27 bills with which to grade legislators. SB 107 accelerates the requirement for California to achieve a 20 percent renewable electricity portfolio by 2010 instead of 2017. Simitian is the chair of the Senate Committee on Environmental Quality and the Select Committee on Coastal Protection and Watershed Conservation.

 

Boots on the Ground, Birds in the Nest

When you think of the Endangered Species Act, the US Marine Corps probably isn't the first group that comes to mind. But the Corps has proven to be an excellent caretaker for the native plants and animals on its bases. In Hawaii, it has helped raise the population of endangered Hawaiian stilts from 60 birds 22 years ago to 160 today. How'd that happen? Just before nesting season, the Corps conducts "mud ops" training exercises with amphibious assault vehicles on the Nu'upia Ponds wetlands. By churning up the ground, they kill invasive pickleweed and provide better nesting sites and feeding opportunities. The Corps has also helped on the mainland with the desert tortoise in California and the red cockaded woodpecker in North Carolina.

 

The Department of Defense sponsors range tours of its installations, promoting interaction between the environmental community and the armed services to protect native habitats and species while balancing the military's demands for on-site training. The tours began in 2000, and Maribeth Oakes, the Sierra Club's Lands Program Director, believes that the program is becoming increasingly productive. Read Maribeth's journal of her experience on a range tour to three facilities in Hawaii.

As State Grows, So Does Threat to Parkland

 

On Saturday, March 25, 2006, The Los Angeles Times published a major article by Dan Weikel listing threats to California’s State Park system from efforts to build railways, roads, utility lines and commercial ventures that threaten its scenic preserves and historical sites.

 

Weikel said that lands set aside for “health, inspiration and education” of the people of California is also coveted by transportation agencies, local governments, utilities and other interests that view parks as the path of least resistance for their projects.

 

Weikel reminded us that state officials in the past have managed to fend off proposals to build a luxury resort at Crystal Cove in Orange County and highways through the redwoods of Northern California.

 

He listed some current threats—a six lane toll road through San Onofre State Beach, a major street through Candlestick Point State Recreation Ares, a proposed raceway and a wind farm with 400 foot turbines adjacent to the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve, proposed plans for an expressway, rail projects, two major utility lines, a river project and housing tracts at Chino Hills State Park, and a massive transmission line for San San Diego Gas and Electric Co in Anza Borrego State Park with steel towers up to 160 feet in height.

 

A Bill to Protect Some of the Eastern Sierra’s Wild Heritage

On April 6, 2006, Congressman Howard “Buck” McKeon (R-District 25) introduced the Eastern Sierra Rural Heritage and Economic Enhancement Act (HR 5149/SB 2567). Senators Barbara Boxer and Dianne Feinstein have introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

 

This important bill seeks Wilderness designation for 40,000 acres of the proposed Hoover Wilderness Addition and adds approximately 640 acres (containing two miles of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail in the Leavitt Bowl) to the Emigrant Wilderness, just north of Yosemite National Park. In addition, 24 miles of the Amargosa River would be designated as a Wild and Scenic River.

 

These areas are truly unique and beautiful areas. They represent remarkable natural, recreational, economic, and cultural values. The Hoover Wilderness Additions present a wide array of opportunities for day hiking, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, backpacking, and cross-country skiing. It is the headwater of the West Walker River. It provides habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including black bear and mountain lions.

 

The Amargosa River is the only river flowing into Death Valley. Cutting through ancient, rugged canyons, this unique desert river supports a wide array of wildlife, including 260 types of birds and offers outstanding recreational opportunities.

 

Take Action!

 

The California Wild Heritage Campaign urges you to join us in thanking our legislative representatives for their leadership and efforts. Please send them your “Thanks” today:

 

Congressman Buck McKeon, 26650 The Old Road, Suite203, Santa Clarita CA 91381
mckeon.house.gov

 

Senator Barbara Boxer, 112 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
boxer.senate.gov

 

Senator Dianne Feinstein, 331 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington DC 20510
feinstein.senate.gov

 

Owens Lake Alert
An action alert from MIKE PRATHER of the Owens Valley Committee <www.ovcweb.org>

The Federal EPA is proposing to eliminate regulation of windblown dust such as that which blows off of the bed of Owens Lake. In addition, EPA is proposing to abandon the OEPM10 particulate [coarse particle] regulations in rural areas across the country and to no longer monitor it. The changes are part of a rule change in regulations for the Clean Air Act.

 

Please write or email a quick letter the Federal EPA today. Deadline to receive comments is April 17, 2006.

Sierra Club National Energy Options Survey

The Club's national Global Warming and Energy Committee is seeking broad participation in an online survey whose subject is: Energy options—which ones should the Club support? This will help them develop the Club's new energy policy, which is expected to be presented to the Board of Directors in the next couple of months.

 

Please feel free to weigh in as an individual. If you are the chair of a group, section, committee or task force, please also complete the survey on behalf of your entity. Please make sure that you consult with the other members of your entity so that your response is a consensus or majority opinion.

 

You can go directly to the survey online at:

http://www.zoomerang.com/recipient/survey-intro.zgi?p=WEB2254LVXX4VM

 

I'm hoping our chapter will respond broadly to this survey.

 

Dean Wallraff
Conservation Chair

Angeles Chapter, Sierra Club
(818) 679-3141

 

Responses to Energy Survey
from the Chapter Energy Committee

The Energy Survey comes in five parts. Part 1 groups all the questions that the designers of the Survey considered "deserving of priority responses." Part 2 consists of options considered to be "acceptable." Part 3 groups options considered to be "less desirable." Part 4 groups options that "need more research." Part 5 groups options that should be "opposed."

 

The Angeles Chapter Energy Committee concurred with all these recommendations, except that it voted to oppose the Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) option. Jan Kidwell is the source of the responses from our Energy Committee. She says that these or not only her choices, but that of a great number of GWE Energy chairs and activists agree with these choices nationwide.

 

Volunteer/Attend Earth Day April 15, Santa Monica
Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade

Earth Day is the time to make the public aware of the environmental crisis and what we can do about it. The first major Earth Day event of the season is Earth Day on the Promenade, the Saturday before Easter—April 15, 10 am to 7 pm, Santa Monica 3rd Street Promenade. If you can't make this one, there are many other Earth Day events on April 22-23. See www.EarthDayLA.org.

 

To volunteer, call Katrina toll-free 1-866-220-2370.

 

An estimated 15 thousand people on the Promenade will see 75 wonderful environmental booths, including hybrid and biofueled vehicles, solar energy systems, environmentally responsible investing, organic gardening, hemp and organic cotton clothing displays, and much more.

 

Many kid-friendly exhibits include Star Eco-Station's and Children's Nature Institute's wild animals, Heal the Bay and Ballona Wetlands nature exhibits, Enviro-Nate Walking Earth, HippoWorks Games, and TreePeople's "dancing gopher." Plus kids will have a chance to sit in the driver's seat of a Big Blue Bus powered by natural gas. See below for a list of musicians.

 

HERE'S THE VOLUNTEER SCHEDULE:

 

There are the 3 main shifts, but any 2-3 hour block of time will help

6 am-10 am Set-up Stars, where we need the most help (see below)
10 am-7 pm Day Crew directing visitors on the Promenade
6:30 pm-10 pm Breakdown Heroes/Clean up/Recycling

 

VOLUNTEER OPTIONS

 

PRE-EVENT
Pass the word about Earth Day on the Promenade,
Invite your family, friends, neighbors, colleagues to be an Earth Day volunteer or to come to the event, Distribute flyers, Put up posters, etc.

 

SUNRISE SET-UP CREW, 6 am to 10 am
Put up banners / signs, assist with booth and grounds set-up, electricity connections, traffic and vendor guides, booth security. Set-up recycle bins

 

DURING FESTIVAL, 10 am to 7 pm
Info booth staff,
Recycling crew,
Assist vendors and Earth Day LA through out the day in various ways.
Bring over crowd from Saturday morning Farmer's Market

 

ANY 3+ HOUR SHIFT WILL HELP. THANK YOU!!!
Volunteer for a few hours, then enjoy the sights and sounds of the Promenade, or go to the beach, 3 blocks away!