An update from Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties
August 7, 2024
Come and join us on the trail!
We are excited as we enter our third year as the local Uplands Network, connecting Monroe and surrounding counties. Since June, 2022, we have held monthly informational meetings (mostly virtual) and regular hikes in the area. We partner with local groups to uplift social and environmental justice while working to conserve our public lands and protect the watershed. Our mission includes facilitating “Outdoors for All” while supporting other local groups working on conservation and equity.
A prime opportunity to expand and preserve our public lands in Indiana
Flourishing natural areas and parks are indispensable to people’s health, prosperity, cultural traditions, and enjoyment. They also play a critical role in combating the climate and extinction crises. Hoosiers have an important role to play in helping us achieve this goal by supporting legislation that would more than double the size of the Charles Deam Wilderness Area and establish the Benjamin Harrison National Recreation Area.
Help us protect our State Forests and call the forest office at 812-829-2462 or the Governor’s office at 317-232-4567. You can also submit written comments online by visiting Indiana’s Division of Forestry public comment page . Let them know, “Logging has its place, just not every place. All public recreation areas should be protected from logging that reduces Hoosiers enjoyment of our public forests”.
Uplands Network member Kurt Kemp reports that there is a new portal on the DNR website called “State Forest Management Dashboard,” along with a “Classified Forest Management Dashboard.” Both of these contain information on growth, mortality, invasives and carbon, so will be useful in our efforts.
Read more about the RMGs on our website: Act Now to Protect Public Forests (written by Lora Kemp, Chapter ExCom Vice Chair and Uplands Network Member).
Upcoming Public Hearing on August 8 in New Albany to say NO to dirty coal!
Public pressure is working -- on July 12 the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor, the state agency who represents customers interests, recommended that Duke’s rate case be reduced by more than 60%. Let’s make sure the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission doesn’t allow Duke to have more money for polluting coal!
Thank you to all the Hoosiers across the state who are demanding Duke move away from polluting and expensive fossil fuels -- keep an eye on your emails and on Indiana Beyond Coal Facebook page for news and opportunities to take action. Click here to sign-up to volunteer with Beyond Coal. Questions? Contact Senior Campaign Organizer, Megan Anderson at megan.anderson@sierraclub.org
Take action to protect old-growth forests across the country!
Did you know that old-growth forests on our federal lands are still not protected from logging even though they are loved and cherished across the country? Our National Forests -- managed by the Department of Agriculture -- are too often treated like crops to be harvested, rather than the valuable climate resources that they are. The U.S. Forest Service is taking comments on a proposal that could protect old-growth forests from logging.
Upcoming events, outings, and ways to get involved!
August Uplands Network Meeting
Please join us virtually Monday, August 12, at 6:30PM to hear updates and our guest speaker, Brandon Olson, Bloomington Parks and Recreation Naturalist.
Brandon will share his current projects and his special interest in herpetology.
Our Uplands Network has been partnering with the National Forest Service to remove invasives along trails, resulting in more native plants thriving along the Hayes and Pate Hollow trails.
Now is the time to tackle Japanese Stiltgrass along with our partner, MC-IRIS (the coalition of citizens aimed at reducing the environmental and economic impact of invasive species). Mary Reardon, outings coordinator has set up several sessions which began last week. Please register here: Hoosier National Forest/Deam Japanese Stiltgrass Wrangle.
We continue our focus on local parks by partnering with Gillian Field of Urban Greenspace as we plan for the year.
The Old Growth trees of Latimer Woods and the newly planted beginning of tree canopy at Crestmont Park will afford us the opportunity to protect old grown and rewild patches of city park land to provide a swath contiguous wildlife habitat. Watch for updates on our outings page.
Thanks to Steven Higgs for providing continuity!
This flier is for a Sierra Club Uplands Group meeting 41 years ago, featuring a photographic journey through the Deam Wilderness with photographer Steven Higgs.
Some of you recall that our second meeting of the revived group (July, 2022), known as the Uplands Network, was also held at the main library with Steven Higgs sharing his knowledge of the history of the same area.
A few of you were at both meetings! Let us know if you were!
About the Uplands Network
Our leadership team includes dedicated people who plan meetings and outings, table at events, and connect with other groups. We welcome anyone who wishes to volunteer with our network.
Open volunteer positions are: vice chair, treasurer, social media coordinator, conservation committee members and outings leaders. Shorter volunteer commitments include tabling at events and at local farmers’ markets. To volunteer write Marilyn at marilynbauchat@gmail.com.
To view upcoming outings and events, check this page - Events and Outings
Mary Reardon and Gillian Field stand in front of a tree damaged in the June 25 storm. Only the front loop of the trail is open for hikers.
