by Cynthia Andre
The lack of an established organization with a strong environmental voice may have been a major factor in the defeat of the anti-coal plant campaign in Springfield in May of this year. Many of the organizations that were expected to oppose a new pollution-spewing power plant did not do so for reasons ranging from the presence of utility company employees on their boards to direct and indirect funding of the organizations by the utility company and/or a desire to preserve relations with leaders in the community.
Motivated by this lack of representation, a small group of southwest Ozark Chapter members met on August 8 to begin the process of reorganizing the White River Group. Two weeks later the group had an executive committee, three officers, a set of by-laws to submit to the Chapter and plans for programs through the end of the year.
Environmental Issues in Southwest Missouri
Like Sierra Club groups in all areas of Missouri, the White River Group has its work cut out for it. There are numerous environmental issues of concern in the area, ranging from forest management issues—ATV misuse, mining and the proposed sale of our National Forest—to problems in Ozark streams—declining aquatic species, damage from gravel mining and pollution from poultry raising and processing, just to name a few. Rampant development and declining water resources are also of concern in the area.
In order to effectively address these and other issues, it will be necessary to rebuild connections with the community and with the Club members, as there has been no group in the area for some time. All Sierra Club members in southwest Missouri are encouraged to actively support the group’s efforts by attending meetings and volunteering for various activities and projects.
Programs and Outings
Not surprising, several of the group’s programs for the next year will address energy issues. Join us on Saturday September 16, 2006 in the outdoor pavilion at the Nature Center at 1:30 p.m. for the first in the series. We will be celebrating one family’s attempts to fight global warming by converting their family vehicles to use biofuel. Those attending the program will have an opportunity to view the vehicles and share in the family’s unique experiences as they traveled to Montana and back.
Outings are also an important part of Sierra Club activities and the White River Group is currently seeking members with an interest in leading outings. With an abundance of public lands, hiking trails, and floatable streams in the area, there are many opportunities for outings within a short distant of Springfield and surrounding areas. To help members prepare for these activities, the second program—on October 10, 2006 in the Sunrise Room at the Nature Center at 7 p.m.—will feature the newest in basic gear for hiking and canoeing.
To receive notice of future programs and outings, Sierra Club members in southwest Missouri are invited to subscribe to the online listserv at missouri.sierraclub.org; click on “outings and local groups” (on the left) and then “White River.” Members can also phone (417) 581-8318 for more information.