State Parks Funding Update from Conservation Alabama
The State Senate voted 29 to 1 to pass SB 260, which calls for a vote on a constitutional amendment to protect state parks' funding. This is a great step in the right direction so we can make sure our parks stay open for generations to come.
More than 2,500 messages were sent to our state senators in support of passing SB 260 as written, and this vote shows us they heard you loud and clear.
Of course, our work isn't over yet. SB 260 will go to the State House of Representatives next, where we hope for a quick passage of this bill so it can be sent to Governor Bentley for his signature. Then we'll go to the polls in November to pass this constitutional amendment and truly protect our parks.
The next step is to let the House know SB 260 should be passed. Add your voice to the thousands who have stood up for our state parks since 2015. Use this handy link provided by Conservation Alabama. We are so grateful for your work supporting our parks. You are the key to making our state the best it can be.
(Pictured: Desoto State Park falls. Photo by Joe Watts)
Celebrate Earth Day this Year!
Celebrate in the Mobile area
Celebrate Earth Day in North Alabama
Saturday, April 23, from 10 am – 2 pm. Come join the Sierra Club and dozens of other exhibitors for Earth Day at the Hays Nature Preserve on Hwy 431 south of Hampton Cove. There will be more than 70 earth-friendly exhibitors and vendors who will have informative exhibits and demonstrations throughout the day.
- Mass butterfly releases at 11am & 1pm
- Exhibits on having a more energy-efficient home, solar power and electric vehicles
- Get up close to an owl, snakes, gopher tortoise and more as you learn about wildlife in Alabama from the Coosa River Science
Pack a picnic lunch or enjoy healthy fare which will be available for purchase at the Preserve.
Welcome to new Hike Leaders
The North Alabama Sierra Club just completed its bi-yearly hike leader 101 training and Red Cross Certification, taught by Outings Chair Tom Burley. There were 24 attendees, some from other groups around the state. With this latest training session the Club now has six new hike leaders - Richard Williams, Susan Ghaneei, Aaron Lesky, Jerry Davis, Wayne Causey and Paul Brown, bringing the total number of active hike leaders in the North Alabama Sierra Club to 24. Look for more outings from our new leaders! The North Alabama Sierra Club remains committed to introducing people to nature through leading a variety of outdoor outings.
from Carolyn Brooks
March Pinhoti Trail hike in the Talladega National Forest
8.9 miles from Porter's Gap to Clairmont Gap. Lots of fun and good group of 22 hikers for what looked like a rainy day. But we had only a few drops in the morning and nothing else. Not enough rain to wet a bug. We got to see lovely redbuds and wild dogwoods blooming along the way, plus the blueberry bushes, oak leaf hydrangeas and many other plants were leafing out. We walked through young longleaf pines at times, and rock gardens at other times. Since most of the trees were still leafless, we had plenty of views. Good meal after the hike.
Tell Congress to Stop Siding with Dirty Coal Ash Polluters
(from National Sierra Club) In December of 2014, EPA finalized the first ever federal standards on the disposal of toxic coal ash. While the standards did not go far enough to stop the unsafe disposal of coal ash, it has given new tools to the affected communities to hold dirty coal plants accountable. However, if Senate Republicans have their way, they will strip even these modest wins from citizens living with coal ash pollution to completely let polluters off the hook with their new bill, S. 2446, the “Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016.”
Introduced by Senators Hoeven (R-ND) and Manchin (D-WV), the bill guts the EPA rule of public health protections and places American communities at increased risk of toxic exposure and catastrophic disasters. Tell your Senator to oppose this bill and stop letting dirty coal plants pollute our water! (sample letter below or use the online form here)
As your constituent, I urge you to oppose the new coal ash bill, S. 2446, the “Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016” introduced by Senators Hoeven (R-ND) and Manchin (D-WV). This bill threatens health, safety and the environment while relieving owners of coal-fired power plants of their responsibility to safely dispose of toxic coal ash. The bill greatly increases the potential for harm to communities by removing critical and long-awaited safeguards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) on December 19, 2014 in their final coal ash rule.
Coal ash is one of the largest waste streams in the country, with nearly 140 million tons produced each year. This toxic waste, which contains dangerous chemicals like arsenic, mercury, chromium, selenium, lead, and boron, is stored in more than 400 landfills and 1,070 wet impoundments across the country. The public health hazards and environmental threats to nearby communities from coal ash pollution have been known for many years, and include increased risk of cancer, learning disabilities, neurological disorders, birth defects, reproductive failure, and asthma. I ask that you oppose the “Improving Coal Combustion Residuals Regulation Act of 2016” because the bill places the health of our communities and environment in great danger and fails to guarantee consistent nationwide protection. This bill would particularly harm the nation’s most vulnerable communities, since coal ash ponds are disproportionately located in communities of color and low-income neighborhoods.
The EPA’s modest 2014 coal ash rule will help provide immediate protection and tools to our most vulnerable communities and our irreplaceable water resources. Congress must refrain from causing irreparable harm by denying and delaying such protection.
Pledge to Support Public Lands
For more than 100 years, America's national parks and public lands have provided opportunities for all of us to experience the natural, cultural, and historical heritage of this great nation. As we reflect on the centennial of the National Park Service, we're also taking time to look forward to the next 100 years. Our national parks and public lands belong to all of us, so let's ensure that every American has a chance to get outside and enjoy our parks and public lands. Learn more here.
National Sierra Club Elections are Underway - VOTE!
A Democratic Sierra Club Demands Grassroots Participation
The annual election for the Club's Board of Directors is now underway.
Those eligible to vote in the national Sierra Club election will receive in the mail (or by Internet if you chose the electronic delivery option) your national Sierra Club ballot in early March. This will include information on the candidates and where you can find additional information on the Club's web site.Your participation is critical for a Strong Sierra Club.
The Sierra Club is a democratically structured organization at all levels. The Club requires the regular flow of views on policy and priorities from its grassroots membership in order to function well. Yearly participation in elections at all Club levels is a major membership obligation.
In a typical year less than 10% of eligible members vote in the Board elections. A minimum of 5% is required for the elections to be valid. Our grassroots structure is strengthened when our participation is high. Therefore your participation is needed in the voting process.
How can I learn about the candidates?
Members frequently state that they don't know the candidates and find it difficult to vote without learning more.
Each candidate provides a statement about themselves and their views on the issues on the official election ballot. You can learn more by asking questions of your group and chapter leadership and other experienced members you know. You can also visit the Club's election web site for additional information about candidates:
http://www.sierraclub.org/board/election
Then make your choice and cast your vote!
Voting Online is Quick and Easy!
Even if you receive your election materials in the mail, we encourage you to use the user-friendly Internet voting site to save time and postage. If sending via ground mail, please note your ballots must be received by no later than Election Day, April 27, 2016.
Our chance to prevent new offshore drilling
from Michael Brune, National Sierra Club Executive Director. The Obama administration announced it is withdrawing plans to drill off the Atlantic coast in mid-March! We thank President Obama for this big victory for the climate and for coastal communities, made possible by tireless grassroots activism. But the administration is still considering allowing oil and gas drilling in the Arctic and the Gulf of Mexico. We can't stop until the Arctic and the Gulf are also protected from Big Oil's drills and oil spills. It's time to speak up and have your voice heard.
Take action right now to show the Obama administration that you support keeping dirty fuels in the ground, and oppose any new offshore oil and gas drilling!
Take Action: Cut Big Rig Pollution
Freight trucks are one of the fastest-growing sources of oil use and carbon emissions in the United States. Averaging just 6 mpg, these vehicles move 70 percent of U.S. freight, consuming nearly 2.5 million barrels of oil per day and producing nearly half a billion tons of carbon pollution a year. Take Action Here.
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.
Don't miss any of the outings and events across Alabama this month
Check out our outings and events page!
Cahaba Group
Saturday, May 14, 2016. Outings Leader Training. The Cahaba Sierra Club is having a leader training day on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at the Hoover Library. The all-day class will include a first aid class as well as the leadership training for Sierra Club outings. We will provide each person with a first aid kit and a binder of sign in sheets. The Cahaba Sierra Club covers the cost of the training and asks that each leader lead or co-lead at least one event per month - hiking, walking, biking, water activited, etc. Please contact me, Lucina Horner at lucinamarie@gmail.com to get on the list.
For many Sierra Club, Cahaba Group outings (plus some non-Sierra Club outings), check out the Birmingham Adventure Group on Meetup: http://www.meetup.com/BirminghamAdventureGroup/
Typical Monthly meetings - 2nd Thursday every month at 6:00 pm at the Birmingham Zoo Auditorium (building to the right of entrance gate) NOTE: locations do vary, so check the facebook page for the latest infomraiton.
Business meeting at 6:00, presentation at 6:30.
Coosa Valley Group
April 23, Wildflower Hike in Brasher Woods, led by Dr. Larry Brasher. Join us for this wonderful hike to see beautiful, local wildflowers. Time and meeting place to be announced. Participation will be limited, so sign up soon! To sign up, call outing leader Peggie Griffin at 256-538-9444.
Mobile Bay Group
Montgomery Group
Sat. 4/16. Cherokee Ridge Trail Day Hike, AL. This area has 7 miles of hiking trails along scenic Lake Martin. At this time of year, wild Azalea, Rhododendron, and Mountain Laurel should be blooming. We will hike the trails with the most flowers (about 6 miles). Bring trail snacks and at least two liters of water. Rated moderate. Meet 9 AM at the north entrance to Chantilly Walmart (behind the gas station) on Hwy 110 just south of I-85, Exit 11. It takes about an hour to drive there. Free.
Sat. 5/07. Cheaha Wilderness Day Hike, AL. We will hike the ridgeline south of Mount Cheaha State Park for about a 7 mile round trip. Specifically, we will start on the Cave Creek Trail, then connect to the Pinhoti Trail for the return trip. We will also take a quick peek at Cave Creek Cave, so bring a flashlight if you wish to enter the cave. Wear good hiking shoes since the trail is quite rocky. Bring trail snacks and at least two liters of water. Rated moderate. Meet 8 AM at the Hwy 231 Winn Dixie parking lot (near the Laundromat) just south of Wetumpka. The drive is about two hours. Free.
Note: These trips can change at any time, so please contact trip leader, Roger Wolczek, 334-361-7354, rwolczek@knology.net, for the latest information.
Note that regular Group meetings are held on the third Thursday of each month at 7:00 PM at Aldersgate Methodist Church (Room 25), 6610 Vaughn Road, Montgomery, AL 36116. (334) 272-6152
North Alabama Group
Saturday, April 2 - Chasing Waterfalls and Photo Ops: Short Springs Natural Area and Old Stone Fort. Strenuous. The last of this year’s Waterfall series, we’re rating this hike strenuous not because of distance but areas that are technically difficult. This is a camera must. The falls and streams are spectacular! The wildflowers should be in bloom. To reach one of the main waterfalls, dependent on water level, we will be wading in the stream and or crossing rocks. There is also a steep ascent on a narrow trail to access another view. Group size is limited. Bring snacks, lunch, water, water shoes (optional), towel (optional), wear good hiking boots, and dress for the weather. For more information, contact Sandy at sandykip56@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, April 5 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com
Saturday, April 9 - Sipsey Wilderness Hike. Moderate. Join Jerry and Sandy for an approximately 9-10 mile hike in the beautiful Sipsey Wilderness. Following a loop involving three trails, 202, 209 and 201, we'll pass an old cemetery, talk about the surrounding plants and a notorious resident, look at and most likely wade through a colorful stream, and search for the 'Eye of the Needle' while enjoying camaraderie in this Alabama gem. Per Wilderness regulation, group size is limited. You must contact the hike leader for approval and if you reserve a spot, please commit to showing up. Bring snacks, lunch, water, a towel, water shoes optional, bug spray, dress for the weather, and wear good hiking shoes. For more information and to reserve a slot contact Sandy atsandykip56@gmail.com. RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, April 12 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3-5 miles. For directions or questions contact Patricia Wales at pwales77@gmail.com
Saturday, April 16 - Sipsey Wilderness Thompson Creek Hike. Strenuous. Join Chris Bolton and Tom Burley for an 8-mile hike with no major creek crossings. We will take the White Oak Trail across to the Bee Branch Trail up to the big tree. After a long break for lunch we will leave the Big Tree and head back down Bee Branch to the Sipsey River and trail 209 and head up the river to trail 207. We will follow 207 to Thompson Creek back to the starting point. There is much beautiful scenery on this hike including old growth hemlock trees along the White Oak Trail plus beautiful rock formations. We will also explore the Ship Rock and the Eye of the Needle along trail 207. Per Wilderness regulation, group size is limited. You must contact the hike leader for approval and if you reserve a spot, please commit to showing up. Bring snacks, lunch, water, and bug spray. For more information and to reserve a slot contact Tom Burley at tdburleyhiker@bellsouth.net RAIN CANCELS.
Tuesday, April 19 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3-5 miles. For directions or questions contact Alan Greene at agreene256@comcast.net
Tuesday, April 26 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3-5 miles. For directions or questions contact Carolyn Brooks at dr_c_brooks@msn.com
Thursday, April 28. 6 pm. Basic Tent Camping Equipment and Procedures. Have you been wanting to do some tent camping but didn't know what equipment to get or how to get started? Come join us Thursday, April 28 at the next meeting of the North Alabama Sierra Club to learn all about it. Frazier Douglass will present several practical tips and suggestions for families that want to enhance their overall comfort and enjoyment of tent camping trips to developed state and federal campgrounds. Many of these suggestions are based on over 50 years of tent camping experience and cannot be found in any other camping book. Some suggestions add important details for well-known generalizations while other suggestions correct popular misconceptions. In addition, the program will present several photographs of basic tent camping campsites and demonstrate equipment and procedures that are not described in any other book. The program will also explain how Alabama State Parks compare with other state parks in the Eastern United States.
Frazier Douglass was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama and currently lives in Madison, Alabama. Since the age of twenty, he has been an avid tent camper—at first for economic reasons but later for enjoyment— and has camped in about 150 public campgrounds located primarily in the southeastern and Midwestern United States. He has also visited another 150 campgrounds located throughout the eastern states. He has authored four books about tent camping, posts videos to his Modern Tent Camping YouTube channel, and maintains a website www.BasicTentCamping.com
The meeting starts at 6:00pm and will be in the training room of the National Children’s Advocacy Center at 210 Pratt Avenue. This is at the corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. Meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
Tuesday, May 3 - Monte Sano Tuesday Evening Hike. Moderate. Depart at 6:00 p.m. sharp from the Monte Sano State Park Hikers’ parking lot on Nolen Avenue. There is a small fee to enter the park and all dogs must be on a leash while in the parking lot and during the hike. Though not strenuous, hikes may be vigorous and range from 3 to 5 miles. For directions or questions contact Suzanne Cawthon atatirawolf@yahoo.com
Saturday, May 7 - Sharps and Bice Mountain Hike. Strenuous. We will get views of Jackson County and the Paint Rock water shed to the east then hike west to get views of Madison County. We will visit an old coal mine and a sink. Hike is 7 miles round trip with half of the hike being off trail; it has an initial steep ascent with the hike having a total 1000 feet elevation gain and 1000 feet descent. Depending upon your condition and ability to hike off trial this could be either a moderate or difficult rating. Bring lunch and water; there should be water sources for filtration. Bring water, snacks, lunch and dress for the weather. Wear hiking boots. Hiking poles are optional but may be advantageous due to off trail hiking. This outing is limited in participant number. You must contact the hike leader for approval and if you reserve a spot, please commit to showing up. Hike leader will notify you of meeting location. We will meet at 8:30 and carpool to the trailhead. The hike starts at 9:00 and we will return about 1:30. Contact Steve Jackson at covecrawler@gmail.com RAIN CANCELS.
North Alabama Sierra Club Meetings for 2016
Mark your calendars for meetings of the North Alabama Sierra Club. Meetings start at 6:00pm and will be in the training room of the National Children’s Advocacy Center at 210 Pratt Avenue. This is at the corner of Pratt and Meridian streets. The North Alabama Sierra Club meets quarterly and meetings are open to everyone. Come join us!
- June 30 - Alabama Wildlife Center
- August 18 – Darryl Patton, Wilderness Survival and Medicinal/Edible plants in the woods.
- November - Program to be determined
- December - Holiday Party. This will be held in the auditorium of the public library downtown.
West Alabama Group
Visit our website for up-to-date info.: http://www.sierraclub.org/alabama/west-alabama
Thurs. 4/21. “A Wild Flower called Dandelion” Dr. Ellen McLaughlin, Professor Emeritus, Samford University, St. Francis Parish, Mulvoy Building, 811 Fifth Avenue, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401.
Sat.-Sun 4/23-24. Cheaha State Park Hike and Campout. Let's go to the "Great High Place"- as it is known to the Cherokee Nation. Alabama's highest point and surroundings have special meaning to me also, as it was one of my first hikes with the Sierra Club. I've been back many times since, but I do not remember ever having gone to Cheaha in late April. We should be able to see some unique wildflowers, maybe some migrant warblers and other birds, and definitely some unique old-growth forests and massive sandstone boulders and cliffs. Those who wish to camp please contact the park by going to www.alapark.com or by calling 1-800-ALA-PARK to make reservations. Day-use only fees are $5 per person for ages 12-61; $2 per person for seniors age 62+ and children 6-11 years. Children under 5 are free. If you are not camping out at the park and plan to hike, please meet on Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 a.m. at the old Books-A-Million lot. Pack a lunch, water, sturdy shoes, walking stick, etc. The hike will be approximately 6 miles and is moderately strenuous. Those who are day hiking only should expect to arrive back in Tuscaloosa sometime after 7:00 p.m.