Forests and Wildlife Stewards
North Star Forest and Wildlife Stewards have reached out to the Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN) to assist in their efforts to create a national network of protected old-growth forests. OGFN seeks to identify old-growth forests, ensure their protection, and inform people of their locations. These forests must be protected and accessible to the public.
The Minnesota DNR has agreed to register all its designated old-growth into the OGFN. The process will take some time, incorporating a few forests each year. This year, OGFN wants to register the Lost 40 and Itasca Wilderness Sanctuary Scientific and Natural Areas, both in Itasca County, Minnesota. OGFN is looking for an Itasca County Coordinator to assist; this is a volunteer position. North Star Forest Stewards hope to find a volunteer among their many Sierra Club members. Come check this (and many other things) out at the next Stewards’ meeting.
Outings
With new volunteer leaders coming in all the time, our outings program has grown rapidly, and more outings are scheduled all the time. Check here for upcoming dates. These events fill up fast, so RSVP early.
Military Outdoors
At least 10% of the Sierra Club's membership has a connection to the military community, either through members who are serving, veterans, or family members. A Military Outdoors program is starting here in Minnesota, and volunteers are needed. If you would like to help, please contact Matt.
Land Use and Transportation
The Land Use and Transportation Team is very pleased to announce that Risa Hustad was elected as our new team chair. Risa has been a fierce advocate on the team for many years, and we are excited for their continued leadership.
This month, we welcomed staff from Metro Transit to talk about the new recommended route for the Blue Line Light Rail Transit extension, which is slated to run along West Broadway Avenue in North Minneapolis. This route was chosen to best improve transit equity and accessibility, and will receive final approval this summer.
Disappointingly, the Minneapolis Public Works Department removed 24/7 bus lanes from the layout for the Hennepin Avenue South reconstruction prior to approval by the Minneapolis City Council. Please send an email to Minneapolis city leadership urging them to include these vital bus lanes.
Anti-environment leaders in the Minnesota Senate are trying to dedicate 100% of auto parts sales tax to highways and roads, which is unacceptable in our climate emergency. Call your legislator now to request that 40% of this sales tax goes to funding transit.
Zero Waste Task Force
A new study finds the U.S. is recycling just 5-6% of its plastic waste. Even when recycled plastic is turned into something new like a sweater or carpeting, we are still exposed to the toxic chemical additives in the plastic and the microfibers that constantly flake off. Plastic is getting into the environment and into our bodies. The most important way to address the plastic crisis is to use less of it.
Forty percent of the plastic produced is used for packaging and single-use items. The Zero Waste team is working on legislation to hold producers responsible for the costs of managing packaging waste and incentivize them to redesign packaging to make it more recyclable, to use safer plastic chemicals, to produce less, and to begin the switch to refill/reuse systems. Join the team to learn more.