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October 2017 Edition
October 12, 2017 — Input to Protect Texas National Forests and Grasslands with speaker Rob Potts
On Thursday evening, October 12, Rob Potts with the NFGT Supervisor's Office (Natural Resources and Planning Team Leader) will talk about the once-in-20-year opportunity for us to provide input to ensure that the National Forests and Grasslands in Texas are managed to protect endangered species, streams and rivers, rare plants and ecosystems, and lakes and ponds.
The event is free and open to the public at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 1805 West Alabama, Houston. Main program starts 7:30 PM. Doors open 7:00 PM.
By Brandt Mannchen
It is sad when your elected officials disappoint you. Sometimes you must call them to account for their actions. In response to Hurricane Harvey, Mayor Sylvester Turner and Land Commissioner George P. Bush have come out in favor of the Ike Dike (coastal barrier). Mayor Turner and Land Commissioner Bush have been sold a bill of goods that will not work as advertised. They have been “buffaloed”. Here is why.
Go here for more information.
Recently, the Houston Sierra Club (Sierra Club) provided input to the General Land Office for the Texas Coastal Resiliency Master Plan (Plan). The Plan currently focuses on ecological restoration projects for the entire Texas Coast. Additional human infrastructure projects will be added in the future.
Go here for more information.
In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and air pollution, a growing number of U.S. cities have introduced electric buses, and some are already committing to go 100% electric. In July Los Angeles METRO, the second largest transit agency in the country, voted to transition its entire bus fleet to zero emission electric vehicles by 2030.
Go here for more information.
The City of Houston has suspended curbside recycling pickup for an indefinite period to concentrate manpower and available trucks on flood debris removal. This curbside pickup suspension could last for a few months.
In the meantime, curbside recycling items can be dropped off at the Neighborhood Depositories/Recycling Centers and the Neighborhood Recycling Centers.
Go here for more information.
Monday, September 25th, 2017, the Houston Sierra Club raised a glass in celebration of the world’s oldest club dedicated to protecting the planet.
The Houston Sierra Club invited Mike Lange, Senior Project Manager for the Trust for Public Land, to speak to attendees about the need to save coastal lands from development.
Go here for more information.
In general, the Houston Sierra Club supports the protection and restoration of land for the conservation of our natural resources, wildlife, and well-being of people to enjoy green spaces. Among the half dozen propositions on the November 7 ballot, Proposition C addresses our wild urban spaces and the funding the City of Houston will need to manage them.
Go here for more information.
If you are interested in learning about climate change and identifying ways Houstonians can make a difference, then join our reading group dedicated to climate change.
Go here for more information.
Confronting Climate Change:
What Can the U.S. and Japan Contribute to Creating Sustainable Societies?
Wednesday, October 18 (6 pm reception, 7 pm program)
Asia Society Texas Center
Go here for more information.
Houston Group Executive Committee Election 2017
Each December the Houston Group holds an election to fill positions on the Group’s nine member Executive Committee (Excom). The Houston Sierra Club is now soliciting nominations for the election that will be held this December 2017. Members of the Group’s Executive Committee serve terms of 2 years. Typically either 4 or 5 positions on the Excom are up for election in any given year, depending on the number of vacancies.
A nominating committee works to recruit candidates each year, and any member of the club may make candidate suggestions to the nominating committee. Members who are interested in running may also submit petitions to the nominating committee, should the nominating committee decline to select a proposed candidate.
Go here for more information.
Welcome, tell us about yourself.
I practice environmental law with Irvine & Conner PLLC and work with individuals and non-profit organizations to protect endangered species, prevent or recover from flood damage, and promote environmental justice through litigation. Outside of work, I am in the process of being trained as a Texas Master Naturalist and enjoy wandering along the bayous (and wading through post-Harvey sand dunes).
Go here for more information.
Get Outdoors!
For information on upcoming outings in the Houston area, check out our MeetUp site or our Outings Calendar on our website.