Comments from the Chair, Robert W. Hastings:
I was honored to be notified recently that I would be given a Special Service Award by the National Sierra Club at its September meeting in San Francisco. My membership in the Club dates back to 1982 when I joined the New Jersey Chapter, with later affiliations with the Louisiana (Delta) and Alabama Chapters. I soon realized that the contrast between environmentalism in the two areas is striking. New Jersey with its high population density and rather limited natural environments has a relatively high level of environmental awareness among its citizens, and the need to protect these remnant natural habitats. Alabama and Louisiana, in contrast, have large expanses of natural areas, but relatively low appreciation for these natural environments and their need for protection. This contrast is especially evident in the politicians elected in each state. For example, League of Conservation Voters scorecards for 2014 (based upon favorable votes for the environment) average 10% (Senate) and 13% (House) for Alabama; 30% and 11% for Louisiana; and 80% and 57% for New Jersey. Obviously we need to do more to elect politicians in Alabama (as well as in other states) who are more inclined to vote in favor of environmental protection.
Another observation that became apparent as I reviewed my own history in working with the Sierra Club is how much more I could have done. In my 30+ year association with the Sierra Club, there have been many environmental victories, but also many defeats. We all need to do more to avoid such defeats. The Club needs more dedicated activists willing to fight to protect our environment, including clean air and water as well as natural areas. This need is especially critical in states such as Alabama where apathy is high in spite of many serious threats to our environment. I strongly encourage each of you to become involved with your local Group and State Chapter to help win more victories. Throughout the state there are threats to our waterways, drinking water supplies, aquatic biodiversity, and fisheries production from sewage, heavy metals, and other pollutants. Our forest lands are being devastated to provide wood chips as an energy source for power plants in Europe. Burning of coal and other fossil fuels pollutes our air and contributes to global warming. The resulting coal ash becomes a hazardous waste that further contaminates our air and water. Oil and gas pipelines and oil trains pass through our state with the potential for catastrophic explosions, and additional pipelines are being proposed. In the Mobile area, expanded coal and oil terminals are being planned, with proposals for increased dredging of Mobile Bay. Continued offshore oil drilling will threaten our coastlines with additional spills. In northwest Alabama, the proposed mining of massive amounts of sandstone for meager amounts of oil threatens to devastate large areas. State parks are threatened with closure because state politicians can’t agree on a state budget. And most of these state politicians refuse to recognize the scientific evidence for global warming and the critical need to address this worldwide environmental issue.
So obviously the need is great. We need YOU to do more and help lead the fight for environmental protection in Alabama. And maybe in 30 years you will be recognized with a Special Service Award. But more importantly, you will have a better environment to enjoy with your grandchildren.
Bob Hastings to Recieve National Sierra Club Award
The National Sierra Club Awards Program recognizes people within the Club and outside the Club who have made outstanding contributions to protecting the environment. Awards are given in a variety of areas, including conservation, outings, administration, photography, journalism, and working with youth.
We are happy to announce that our own Bob Hastings has been selected to receive the Special Service Award. This award honors a Sierra Club member, committee or group for strong and consistent commitment to conservation or the Club over an extended period of time.
Bob is most deserving of this award. His commitment to protecting the environment and to educating young people, as well as adults, throughout his life is very evident in all of his accomplishments. He is currently serving as the Alabama Chapter Chair. Bob will travel to San Francisco to receive the award in September. (pictured at left:Dr. Bob’s Traveling Snake Show with kids)
Support our State Parks!
As our chair, Bob Hastings, wrote in the May 2015 Sierran, some of our state parks are under threat of being closed. The May 1 scheduled closing has been delayed until further notice. However, we need to make sure they won't be closed in the future.
We encourage you to continue visiting the state parks. You can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, swim, fish, camp, stay in a cabin, go birding, geocache, picnic, golf plus other outdoor activities. Bring a friend, your family, or your outings group. The state parks are beautiful treasures for all of us to enjoy!
Save the Date! October 23-25, 2015
Alabama Sierra Club Retreat
Explore, Enjoy, Protect… on 440 acres at the beautiful Living River Center on the Cahaba River.
The focus will be on outings with experienced guides, hands-on learning, and exploring the beauty of the river and surrounding area. There will be opportunities to hike, bird, hunt for fossils, and canoe the Cahaba.
Lodging and meals will be available on site.
Look for your registration form coming soon!
Thursday, July 16th from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM. "Building Bridges for Justice: Boykin, Al"
A full day designed for community members, advocacy leaders, farmers, students and the general public.
All of the events are free of charge and open to all ages.
Local residents will be leading and hosting the community tour and community meeting. This event is created to unite citizens from across Alabama's Black Belt and the Southeast US to accomplish the following:
- Connect all peoples and their struggles in the Black Belt region
- Tour and learn from local leaders currently working sustainable agricultural projects
- Educate and train community members with skills to empower and engage in local and state-wide campaigns
- Identify communities' needs on environmental justice issues including clean & abundant water, public health and sanitation, and proper enforcement & permitting from state regulatory agencies
- Build plans and concepts for community development based upon economic justice, equity, and creating local agricultural systems
- Unite community leaders with non-profit organizations to continue movement building focusing on diversity and inclusion
- Address the causes and results of poverty and systemic discrimination
- Support grassroots organizations with peer-learning, mentoring, and networking
- Tour and learn from local leaders currently working sustainable agricultural and renewable energy projects
- Build plans and concepts for community development based upon economic justice, equity, and creating local agricultural and renewable energy systems
WHEN: Thursday, July 16th from 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM
WHERE: Boykin or Gee's Bend, Al 36723: Take County Rd 29 South from Al Hwy 5
WHAT:
8:30-9:30 AM: Registration and Check-in
9:30-11:30 AM: Workshop Opens with Ceremony and Farm Tour at Robinson's Farm
11:30-12:30 PM: Community Lunch (Bring your own Brown Bag Lunch)
1:00-3:00 PM: Community Listening Session & Workshop on local efforts for environmental and economic justice at Boykin Ferry Terminal
What to bring?
LUNCH
Water and Snacks
Notebooks and Pens
Hat, Comfortable Clothing
A Friend or Family Member
Local Knowledge and Passion
Thirst For Justice!
Questions? Email or call Adam Johnston (205-300-0555)
PROCEDURE FOR SENDING MATERIAL TO THE ALABAMA SIERRAN
Many thanks to Roe Hyche, Bob Hastings, Lucina Horner, and Peggie Griffin for agreeing to be the new newsletter committee.
The newsletter is put together monthly, and material for the newsletter should be sent to plgriffin@comcast.net, with a subject line of "For the Editorial Board" no later than the 15th of the month.
Group newsletter editors may continue sending group meeting information and calendars of events to Joe Watts at joe@joewatts.com, no later than the 25th of each month.
Guidelines for Material:
The newsletter committee is seeking articles about Alabama environmental issues, articles highlighting Alabama’s special beautiful places, and engaging write-ups about group and chapter activities.
Articles should be originally written for the Alabama Sierran, factual, and timely.
A link to another publication should only be used rarely, but if a link is to be used, a full summary of the information (at least a paragraph long) should be written, with the link provided for more detailed information.
The newsletter committee has the right to make any changes, so that material will meet these guidelines.
