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From: Juniper Group News <OREGON-JUNIPER-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG> on behalf of
Gretchen Valido <0000002a62f175a1-dmarc-request@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG>
Sent: Tuesday, March 17, 2015 11:21 PM
To: OREGON-JUNIPER-NEWS@LISTS.SIERRACLUB.ORG
Subject: Juniper Group Sierra Club March 2015 Newsletter
Juniper Group Sierra Club March 2015 Newsletter
Greetings!
Fresh home from the Environmental Law Conference in Eugene earlier this
month, I’m still charged with the energy of that weekend community looking at
Changing Currents. Activation, in motion, melding, gelling—the globe is
caught up in changing systems initiated decades and decades ago, and it feels like fellow
beings are catching on that we’re walking through a one-way tunnel. Fact, Future Climate
will be less friendly. That being said, momentum seems to be positive when it comes to
the conviction that we here now can do, want to, must work hard for climate stabilization.
A 14-year old keynoter from Colorado with a name no one can pronounce—Xiuhtezcatl
Martinez—blew an audience of hundreds away at the conference with his incisive, quicktempo, compelling message of Earth Guardianship that is imperative for his generation
and beyond, punctuated, by the way, with three amazing rhythmic rap songs with enviro
lyrics. That’s one talented, smart kid! Observe further below, there are numbers of good bills in the Legislature supporting solar
energy, wildlife, kids, forests, and tougher oil train standards. And, you can join the
volunteer lobbying team for a face-to-face with our local state reps and their staff to give
the grassroots voice. Staccato sounds of hammering and drilling will escape from the
Environmental Center Wednesday night as we build Native Bee Blocks. Ahead in April
are a Hardball Panel (not quite rock ‘em sock ‘em) update with various stakeholders in the
Deschutes Forest Collaborative, and then we’ll celebrate Earth Day at the Fair. In May, a unique, substantial opportunity to learn the latest climate science and about the
Public Trust Doctrine: Prof. Mary Wood will explain how this calls on governments, as their
duty, to preserve and restore the environment for the benefit of people now and
generations hence. The oceans, the atmosphere, these are common earth resources
necessary for life, and polluters cannot, must not spew, spoil or sully. Supported by Mary
Wood, the Children’s Climate Crusade youth all over this country are bringing atmospheric
trust litigation before the judicial system on the basis of the Public Trust Doctrine. Woohoo, exciting! One other thing. Being March—yes, of course, March Madness. Our own variety of
March, though, is our Chapter and Juniper Group appeal for your monetary support of our
ongoing work right here in Oregon. Our new Chapter Director Andy Maggi’s letter has
probably reached many of you, and I urge you to give what feels comfortable. To make a
donation to the Juniper Group for our local programs and campaigns, see the end of this
newsletter for our address. We humbly thank you.
PROGRAMS
-- Wednesday, March 18 – BEE BLOCK WORKSHOP. You know about
honey bees and how they're in trouble, but their sidekicks, native wild
pollinators, are also vital in pollinating our flowers, vegetables, fruit and nut
trees. They need homes, too, because their natural habitat is disappearing.
Join us for this bee block building workshop, everyone welcome. We'll
provide blank wood pieces cut to size, hardware, and some of the tools. If
you have a hammer, electric or battery drill, 1/4 or 3/8 inch drill bit, and/or
sandpaper, please bring those along. We've been selling native bee blocks
for three years and you, too, can buy one while supporting our Keep Waldo
Wild campaign. Special offer for workshop helpers, $3 discount off the
regular price of $18. Learn more about native bee blocks and how to order them at
our Native Bee Block web page. At the Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend,
6:30 pm—come by when you can.
-- Tuesday, March 24 – LOBBY DAY IN SALEM. 71% of voters
agree that it’s time for Oregonians to get the clean energy they
want. Join us on a trip to Salem to help make this happen by
showing your support for a bill that transitions Oregon beyond coal
to clean energy! Join our Bend Beyond Coal team’s carpool to the
capital—we’ll call on our Legislators to encourage their support of the Coal to Clean
Energy Bill now in the Oregon Senate and House. We will be leaving Bend at 6:00 AM,
do pre-lobby training in Salem at 9:00 AM, visit with reps, and then leave for home at 4
PM. Training and lunch will be provided. Contact: Diane 541-815-7923 or Connie 559284-4172.
-- Wednesday, April 15 – BEYOND FOREST
HARDBALL, Can Enviros and Loggers Get Along in
the Deschutes? Part Two, a panel update on the
work of the Deschutes National Forest Collaborative.
It’s been two years since the massive Pole Creek fire,
and the highly visible West Bend restoration project is
about to begin. This is a good time to have another
public discussion about what’s happening in the Deschutes NF with some of the key
players on the Collaborative who are tasked with implementing the restoration of 140,000
acres running from Bend to Sisters and west to the Cascade Crest, and who determine
how we manage our forests. Plan on joining us for another stimulating discussion with panelists who may view the
world very differently from one another, but who have learned to respect and work
together toward a goal everyone agrees upon, a healthy Deschutes NF for all. Panelists
include Moderator, Dave Stowe, Sierra Club; Erik Fernandez, Oregon Wild; Alan Unger,
County Commissioner; Kevin Larkin, Deschutes NF District Ranger; Chuck Burley, Timber
Manager, Interfor; and a Collaborative recreation representative (to be named). At the
Environmental Center, 16 NW Kansas, Bend, 6:30 gathering and snacks, 7:00 program.
(Note: the graphic above should read April 15.)
-- Saturday, April 25 – EARTH DAY FAIR. Stop by after the Procession of the Species
Parade to visit the Sierra Club booth. Bee Blocks for sale, Waldo campaign update, and
more. Fair will take place on Kansas Street from Bond to Lava, in front of the
Environmental Center. Food, music, fun! -- Tuesday, May 19 – NATURE’S TRUST, CLIMATE
CHANGE AND THE LAW: The Public Trust Doctrine
and Oregon’s Climate Future. With the climate crisis
accelerating globally, what can ordinary citizens do? Author, University of Oregon Law professor and
environmental law expert Mary Christina Wood will discuss
what the latest science is telling us about stresses in the
global environment and the effect on Oregon’s climate and
ecosystem. She will also present her work around the Public Trust Doctrine, a legal
doctrine which holds that government at all levels is responsible for preserving and
restoring the environment for the benefit of present and future generations. This is a very
special event brought to Bend by a consortium of environmental groups. 7:00 to 8:30 PM,
at COCC’s Wille Hall, Campus Center Bldg, 2600 NW College Way, Bend. Ticket
information forthcoming in April’s newsletter.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
-- Mon., March 30 – FAMILY FARMER AND RANCHER DAY AT THE STATE
CAPITAL. This is about educating state decision-makers in Salem on the importance of
local agriculture and the need for policies that support farmers and ranchers in Oregon. Join fellow farmers, ranchers and food advocates from around the state to build power and
show there are folks outside of corporate agribusiness lobbyists that have a stake in our
food system. Sponsored by Friends of Family Farmers. For more information and to
register, link here. TAKE ACTION – IT’S OREGON LEGISLATIVE WATCH
- SB477 and HB2729, Coal to Clean Energy—Support. Would require electric
companies to reduce allocation of electricity from coal-derived generating sources to zero
on or before January 1, 2025, to customers of electric company who are located in this
state. Requires electric companies to replace coal-derived generating resources with mix
of energy resources that are at least 90 percent cleaner than coal-derived generating
resources. Email your State Representative and State Senator to ask for their YES vote
on this climate protection bill that will help transition Oregon to clean energy. To find your
representative and senator’s contact info, go to https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/, “Find
My Legislators” link. To track bills in the Oregon Legislature, link here to the Oregon Legislative Information
webpage. Our Oregon Sierra Club’s Conservation Director, Rhett Lawrence, is closely
monitoring bills and is a constant presence in the Capitol lobbying for the bills listed below
along with others. These deal with clean energy, toxics, protecting forests, protecting
wildlife, and oil trains. Look through this list, select a few, and then email your
Representative and Senator about your opinions. Move them with your sincerity. This will
have a substantial impact on what our representatives believe their constituents want
passed! Make your voice heard. - SB453, HB2050—Hunting Cougars with Dog—Oppose. Would weaken existing law
banning hunting cougars with dogs by allowing counties to exempt themselves from it.
- SB613, Aerial Spraying or Fire Treatment of Private Forests—Support. Requires
filing notice with State Forestry Department of proposed aerial spraying of pesticide or
proposed use of fire as planned forest management activity on privately owned forestland.
- SB478, Toxics in Kids’ Products—Support. Would require Oregon Health Authority to
establish and maintain a list of designated high priority chemicals of concern for children’s
health used in children’s products and to periodically review and revise list.
- HB2192, Carbon Fuel Standards—Support. Would repeal sunset on provisions related
to low carbon fuel standards.
- HB2447, Residential Energy Tax Credits—Support. This is a state tax credit for
residential solar panel owners. The credit assists with panel installation costs, and is set to
expire in 2018. HB 2447 would extend the program to 2022. The bill was introduced at the
request of the Oregon Dept. of Energy.
- HB2503, Lead in Ammunition—Oppose. Lead in ammunition poisons wildlife,
especially birds. Would vest sole authority to regulate hunting ammunition and fishing gear
with Legislative Assembly with specified exceptions.
- HB2537, Increased Poaching Penalty—Support. Would increase damages for
unlawful taking or killing of wildlife.
- HB2632, Solar Energy Generation—Support. Would direct the Oregon Dept. of
Administrative Services to establish a program to incentivize large-scale solar energy
projects.
- HB2745, Feed-In Tariff Generation of Renewable Energy—Support. The Feed-In
Tariff is a 2009 pilot program which pays solar panel owners a fair rate for the electricity
they produce with their solar panels. The Solar Pilot Program is set to expire in 2016, and
this bill would extend the program until 2021 and increase overall capacity of the program.
- HB2941, Community Solar Projects—Support. Allows individuals or businesses who
cannot put solar panels on their homes to buy off-site panels in an array owned by a third
party. Participating parties would receive all the same benefits as if these panels were
installed on-site.
- HB3225, Oil Trains Spill Prevention and Response—Support. Would direct
Environmental Quality Commission to adopt rules applying certain oil spill prevention and
emergency response planning requirements to railroads that own or operate high hazard
train routes in this state.
- HB3474, Elliott Forest Land—Support. Would establish Trust Lands Transfer
Commission.
- HJM7, Transfer of Federal Land to Oregon—Oppose. Would urge President and
Congress to transfer federal lands within Oregon to State of Oregon.
- Take a Stand for Responsible Trade. Say NO to Fast Track Authority! The Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a massive secretive trade agreement under
negotiation among 12 Pacific nations that’s been called NAFTA on steroids, written with
the input of 600 corporate advisers—but not Congress. None of the details of this
sweeping trade agreement are available to the public. It threatens to undermine
democracy by entrenching corporate power in virtually every area of our lives, from the
environment and food safety to worker rights and access to health care. Sign the petition urging NO on Fast Track (Link here) and/or write your Congressional
representative, particularly Sen. Ron Wyden who appears supportive of Fast Track. For
further information, here’s a link to a video press conference of Congresspeople and a
diversity of groups on why we should oppose Fast Track of the TPP. VOLUNTEER CALL
- Nature Outings with Kids Our Inner City Outings (ICO) program is looking for people to join our team and lead
outings with children who ordinarily don’t get to hike. Being in nature can have a
profoundly positive influence on children’s lives. Outings Leader training in May. For
more information on ICO, link here. Contact Gretchen at
gretchen.valido@oregon.sierraclub.org. - Snacks for Program Nights
Sign up to bring a snack/finger food to one of our program nights during the
gathering/networking time. Contact Gretchen at gretchen.valido@oregon.sierraclub.org. - Become a Pacific Crest Trail Angel
The film Tell It On the Mountain, the Story of the Pacific Crest Trail that we showed in
February sparked a conversation about Trail Angels, those valiant souls who ease the
lives of PCT hikers. Learn more about becoming a Trail Angel. Meet hikers from all over
the world, know you’re making a difference in someone’s dream. The local Trail Angels
group is seeking volunteers for the 2015 summer season. Volunteers should be available
“on call” during all or parts of the months of June, July, August and September. Preferably
be equipped with a four passenger vehicle with cargo/trunk space for four large, long
distance hiker packs. Contact Brian Douglass bdouglass2014@centurylink.net or 541213-8510. Happy Trails.
QUOTES, FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What we need to do is have a deliberate economy. That’s an economy that grows in
areas that are light on the Earth — the caring professions, care-giving, teaching, arts —
that expands in how we treat each other, and contracts when it comes to the mindless
use of resources, particularly finite resources. ~ Naomi Klein
Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us; and
that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips and shows itself in
deeds. ~ Theodore Roosevelt
It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what
you can. ~ Sydney Smith
Learn all you can.... Get to know their families, clans and tribes, friends and enemies,
wells, hills and roads. Do all this by listening and by indirect inquiry. ... Get to speak their
dialect ... not yours. Until you can understand their allusions, avoid getting deep into
conversation or you will drop bricks. ~ T.E. Lawrence, from "The Arab Bulletin," 20 August
1917 Unless we are willing to encourage our children to reconnect with and appreciate the
natural world, we cannot expect them to help protect and care for it. ~ David Suzuki
Bring nothing but silence
Show nothing but grace
Seek nothing but shelter
From the great human race
Take nothing but pictures
Kill nothing but time
Leave nothing but footprints
To show you came by
So very few places that man hasn't scarred
Taken for granted or taken in vain
I wonder, my child as we lie here beneath the stars
What will be left for your children to claim
Maybe some day you'll be walking on Venus
Maybe some day you may live in the sea
Remember I taught you to love Mother Nature
For it was She who once gave you to me ~ John Kay, Rambunctious Music
FACEBOOK and MEETUP
Look and See
- “Like” Keep Waldo Wild on Facebook! Check out KWW at this link. - Sierra Club Juniper Group Meetup. Learn about Juniper Group hikes, outings,
campouts, programs, special events and field trips. It’s easy to join, easy to sign up for
activities, is optionally identity-sheltered, and is entirely separate from Facebook. Check
out the Juniper Group’s Meetup here.
Save the date: The Waldo Campout has been scheduled, so pencil in Aug. 28-30 at
Shadow Bay Campground at Waldo Lake for a wonderful adventure in one of Oregon’s
most treasured places. More info later.
We hope to see you soon! Welcome, new members and transfers! Sierra Club—Explore, Enjoy, Protect the Planet
Thank you all!
Gretchen Valido, Chair
Sierra Club Juniper Group
c/o The Environmental Center
16 NW Kansas
Bend, OR 97701
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