Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club Local News

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A Message Delivered About Gulf Fisheries

On Wednesday, August 1, 2007 at the Capitol in Montgomery at 10am the Sierra Club presented over 200 postcards to the Governor asking for his help on bycatch. We stood in front of the Capitol with a backdrop of the Gulf of Mexico with a fishing net full of fish (painted on 3 interior doors hinged together) encouraging ending bycatch. The Haslacker’s from Foley, AL, Lynette Morse of Montgomery and I wore bright yellow t-shirts that read One fish, two fish, reef fish, few fish—our Sierra Club Sustainable Fisheries Campaign shirts. Mary and Lynette also wore fish beads. Bob and David wore “No Bycatch” buttons. During the event the postcards were leaned against our backdrop in a dipping net “compliments of Bob Hastings”. I gave a brief message of our purpose for being there and introduced both Bob Hastings of Gulf Restoration Network Board Member/Sierra Club Alabama Chapter ExCom member and David Underhill, Sierra Club Mobile Bay Group Chair.

Bob said “Bycatch is present at some level for almost all gear-types, though some are more than others. The Gulf Council needs to include real amounts of bycatch when setting catch limits to ensure that we are fishing sustainably.” David spoke briefly on the effects of proposed open loop LNG terminals in the Gulf to the fish and wildlife and encouraged the Governor to veto those terminals as he has in the past. It seems that the energy issue affects so many. In closing I said “There must be action to protect these fish, these fishermen and the Gulf itself.” Every fish does count! The event was covered by two local television stations.

We had a couple join us from Foley, Alabama—Chris and Mary Baschab-Haslacker drove 3 hours to attend the event. Thanks! Also joining us was Lynette Morse of the Montgomery Chapter of the Sierra Club. They completed a postcard to add to our dipping net with over 260 postcards to the Governor. After the press event we all carried the dipping net full of postcards into the Capitol and delivered them to Erica McLain in Governor Bob Riley’s office. We felt very welcomed at the Capitol and hope to have a positive response from the Governor.
Thanks to all involved! We appreciate the time given and the distance traveled.

Sat. 8/18. Birmingham Local Foods Coalition.

The first goal for this group will be to build our numbers, in order to have a voice that will be heard in the B’ham area. We will be distributing information and putting on public education events to bring about awareness of food issues. The Coalition will work to bring about programs in the Birmingham area that bring more support to our small family farmers and that would make local foods more available in the Birmingham area. Some of these programs could include edible school yards, more community gardens, edible landscapes for residents, and the formation of a food policy council. The new Cahaba Group Chair, Mary Anne Sears, commented, “I am really excited about this campaign. I think local, sustainable food is a very important issue that not only affects our health, but also has important ramifications for our environment. I encourage all our members to join me in kicking off this campaign! Please join us for our next local foods meeting on Saturday, August 18 at 8:00 am at Jones Valley Urban Farm – the Gardens of Park Place at 7th Ave. N. and 25th St. Fruit and muffins will be served. Edwin Marty will be our speaker and will take us on a tour of the garden.

Wednesday. 8/1. Help Deliver a Message to Gov. Riley

Sierra Club and Gulf Restoration Network would like you to join us as we deliver a message to Governor Riley demanding action to protect the Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico has been devastated by catastrophic hurricanes, extreme red tied events and the decline of economically important fish like grouper and red snapper to critcally low levels. To have fish for the future we must address bycatch and end overfishing. Bycatch is the unintended take of fish or other wildlife when trying to catch something else during fishing. There is also threat of propsed offshore liquefied natural gas open loop wells that will endanger fish and wildlife. The Sierra Club in Alabama has collected over 200 post cards and letters with a message to Governor Riley to act as a leader on bycatch reduction in the Gulf of Mexico.

We are asking the governor to insist upon counting bycatch and including it in fish management plans. We support solutions like gear changes, gear prohibitions and are emphasizing time and area closures to protect the fish as well as their habitats. We are working with the governor's office to allow him or someone involved in fisheries work to respond at the event because we believe they will be supportive of our efforts.

Speakers at the event will include conservation group representatives. PLEASE NOTE: If any of you are anglers (of any type), scientists, biologists, or other advocates for sustainable fisheries in the Gulf and would like to join us and speak briefly that would be most helpful and encouraged. Please contact Lisa Evans at 205-933-9111 or email lisa.evans@sierraclub.org AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. We want to show strong support for sustainable fisheries to Governor Riley and his office.

WHERE: Alabama State Capitol, 600 Dexter Avenue, Montgomery, AL

WHEN: 10:00am Wednesday morning, August 1, 2007

Please contact Lisa Evans at 205-933-9111 Office or 205-515-3614 Cell or email lisa.evans@sierraclub.org. THANKS and I hope to see you there! EVERY FISH COUNTS!

Lisa Evans, Sierra Club
Sustainable Fisheries Campaign
1330 21st Way South, Suite 100
Birmingham, AL 35205
Phone: 205-933-9111

The 2007 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature

By David Newton, Chair,
Legislative Committee, Alabama Chapter

The 2007 regular session of the Alabama Legislature resulted in the passing of the 2007-2008 budgets for education ($6.7 billion) and general governmental operations ($1.8 billion). Legislators also passed, and the governor approved, the sale of $1.1 billion of construction bonds for Alabama’s schools, kindergarten through higher education. Another major allocation was in the form of tax breaks and other inducements to attract a ThyssenKrupp steel mill to Mobile County. In May, Manufacturing.net reported, “The company was lured by several tax breaks and a $400 million incentives package approved by the Alabama Legislature.” Regarding the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Director Trey Glenn reported on June 29 that the budget was increased about $1.5 million, but mandated salary increases will consume most of that amount. The legislature increased ADEM’s Environmental Justice Program by $100,000 to a total of $200,000. Director Glenn also reported that federal funds for FY 2007-2008 are anticipated to be “flat.”

In April, 30 people representing several environmental organizations, participated in a successful “lobby day” at the State House in Montgomery. Plans call for this event to be repeated each year, in conjunction with the Alabama Rivers Alliance, on the second Tuesday in April. (See SJR68 below.) That’s April 8 in 2008. Mark your calendar now, and plan to participate. There is an urgent need for legislators to receive input from citizens, especially citizens who are constituents. Through positive interactions with legislators, especially those who represent you, you can make a difference.

The quotes associated with the bills cited below were taken directly from the bills on the website of the Alabama State Legislature, http://www.legislature.state.al.us/. Conservation Alabama lobbyist Jeff Martin provided assistance in developing this list of bills.

HJR26 – Representatives Wren, Morrison, Jackson, McDaniel, and Knight. “[T]he Permanent Joint Legislative Committee on Energy Policy is created for the purpose of developing the Alabama Energy Plan to recommend to the Governor and the Legislature courses of action to address the State’s long-term and short-term energy challenges.” This measure “died in the basket” in the House, without action. SUPPORTED

HB558 – Repesentatives Lindsey and 58 co-sponsors. “This bill would enact the Farm to Fuel Act of 2007 and would provide a tax credit against state income taxes for a portion of the capital costs incurred in the course of constructing a qualified commercial facility for alternative fuels. . . . This bill would also provide a state sales tax credit on certain purchases of hybrid, flexible fuel, and compressed natural gas vehicles purchased within the state for a five-year period. [It] would also provide a credit against state income taxes to encourage sustainable feedstock production and conservation practices associated with the development of bio-fuels in Alabama.” The bill was assigned to the Education Appropriations Committee of the House where it was pending committee action. Also note the summary of SB341 below. MONITORED

HB743 – Representatives Schmitz, J. Robinson, and Hinshaw. “This bill would include certain energy efficient products within the exemption from the sales and use tax during the annual sales tax holiday.” The bill was assigned to the Education Appropriations Committee of the House where it was pending committee action. SUPPORTED

HB763 – Representatives McLaughlin and Hill. “This bill would require approval of the governing bodies of municipalities and counties affected by the proposed granite and limestone surface mining operation prior to the issuance of the permit for operations by ADEM.” The bill was assigned to the Commerce Committee of the House where it was pending action. SUPPORTED

SJR68 – Senator Ted Little. This resolution designates the second Tuesday of every April as “Rivers of Alabama Day.” Its purpose is “to recognize the many valuable assets rivers bring to the State of Alabama.” The resolution was passed by both houses of the legislature. SUPPORTED

SB241 – Senator Benefield. This bill would “authorize the State Board of Health to establish minimum standards of operation for home-based food processors; to require certain home-based food processors to obtain a permit from the board; to authorize the board to assess civil penalties for violations; to authorize the board to promulgate rules; and to provide for a limited repealer of existing laws.” The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry where it was pending committee action. MONITORED

SB285 – Senators Benefield, Glover, Byrne, Marsh, Means, Holley, and Bishop. “This bill [designated ‘The Alabama Family Farm Preservation Act’] would provide that a farm operation operated by an owner or principal may not be found to be a public or private nuisance or a violation of county or municipal ordinances or resolutions unless certain conditions are met. Generally, the farm or an expansion of the farm could not be found to be a nuisance or to be in violation of county or municipal ordinances or resolutions if the farm is operated in accordance with applicable laws and regulations and does not violate certain designated practices. The bill would also authorize the owner of [the] farm to recover legal fees in the event the owner of the farm prevails in any legal action to declare a farm operation to be a nuisance.” The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry. The committee held a public hearing that was packed with interested citizens, but the bill was never voted on. OPPOSED

SB341 – Senators Bedford, Z. Little, Beason, Singleton, Poole, Erwin, French, and Smith. “This bill would enact the Farm to Fuel Act of 2007 and would provide a tax credit against state income taxes for a portion of the capital costs incurred in the course of constructing a qualified commercial facility for alternative fuels. This bill would also provide a tax credit against state income taxes for bio-fuel producers located within the state. This bill would also provide a tax credit against state income taxes for alternative fuel suppliers on sales of alternative fuels to public school systems for use in school system vehicles. This bill would also provide a state sales tax credit on certain purchases of hybrid, flexible fuel, and compressed natural gas vehicles purchased within the state for a five-year period. This bill would also provide a credit against state income taxes to encourage sustainable feedstock production and conservation practices associated with the development of bio-fuels in Alabama.” The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation – Education where it was pending committee action. MONITORED

SB414 – Senators Brooks and Byrne. “This bill would require the Alabama Department of Environmental Management to adopt rules regulating the disposal, collection, and removal of mercury switches, mercury-added components, and other hazardous and toxic substances from end-of-life vehicles. This bill would require vehicle recyclers to fund, design, and implement a plan to remove and recycle mercury switches, mercury-added components, and other pollutants from end-of-life vehicles. This bill would provide civil penalties.” The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Governmental Affairs where it was pending committee action. SUPPORTED

SB504 – Senators Singleton, Coleman, and Ross. “This bill would create the Alabama Low Income Home energy Assistance Program (ALIHEAP) to provide energy assistance resources [including weatherization] directly to low income communities; would provide for the program to be administered by the Community Action Association of Alabama; would provide funding from the Alabama utility tax revenue resources; and would provide for distribution of funds.” The bill was assigned to the Senate Committee on Finance and Taxation – Education where it was pending committee action. SUPPORTED

These results underscore, again, the importance of each of us getting to know our legislative representatives and informing them of our environmental concerns. If you need information about Alabama legislators or legislation, consult the website of the Alabama Legislature at http://www.legislature.state.al.us/. Check it out, and help educate both of your Alabama State legislators!

AEMC Rejects Cancer Risk Proposal

On June 29th the Alabama Environmental Management Commission unanimously rejected a petition proposed by 18 organizations to decrease cancer causing chemicals discharged into the state's river, streams and lakes.

The Petitioners' petition asked the Commission to upgrade Alabama's environmental regulations to a more protective of health cancer risk standard (from 1 cancer to every 100,000 to 1 cancer for every million), joining 28 other states, including neighbors Mississippi, Florida and Georgia who have adopted and implemented the more health protective standard.

After the Commission's denial of the petition, the Commission asked ADEM's director Trey Glenn to appoint a committee to study and address the issue. Glenn identified five state agencies including Medicaid, Department of Conservation, Department of Agriculture, the Alabama Development Office and Department of Public Health to serve on the committee. The director also announced his intention to invite 12 industry groups or companies to report to the committee the financial impact of changing the rule. The Commission then decided that commissioners suggest members for the water quality committee and asked for the group's work to be completed by the end of the year.

In response to the use of economic factors to determine water quality standards, the attorney for the petitioners, David Ludder, stated that the commission under state and federal laws cannot consider the economics of changing the water quality standard. It may only report the economic impact to a state legislative committee, he said.

After the meeting, Commissioner Dr. Laurel Gardner, in the Birmingham News provided a glimmer of hope to advocates wanting to strengthen Alabama's water quality standard, stating, "The petition has been denied. It has not been killed. It still is very much alive."

Below are links to a video of the Commission meeting, the petition, comments and responses, and the reaction from the editorial pages of several state newspapers.
(from bamanews.com)

Video of the Commission Meeting
Website with Petitions, Comments and Responses
Anniston Star Editorial
Birmingham News Editorials - before meeting and after meeting
Tuscaloosa News Editorial
Daily Home Editorial

Make Our Cities Cool Cities

The Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club has developed some materials to help you--yes YOU--talk to your mayor about Cool Cities, the Sierra Club program designed to encourage communities around the U.S. adopt better policies relating to global warming. Information is coming out in the July issue of the Alabama Sierran, but you can get a head start on all the other groups by downloading the information and getting started TODAY. Just visit the following site and download the information. You'll be moving Alabama toward Cooler Cities in no time!

http://alabama.sierraclub.org/coolcities/

Annual Chapter Meeting Scheduled for October 19-21, 2007

The annual chapter retreat will be held jointly this year with the Mississippi Chapter at Plymouth Bluff Environmental Center on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway just outside Columbus, MS. This is approximately 1 hour west of Tuscaloosa, just across the stateline. The weekend of Oct 19-21 will be filled with interesting speakers from both states, covering a variety of topics. A number of outings are also being planned. There will be ample time to network with various Sierra leaders and to form new alliances with groups working on similar issues on the other side of the state line. A star gazing session is planned for Friday night and attempts are being made to have our meals prepared using locally and sustainably grown foods--a long term project of the Alabama Chapter.

Plymouth Bluff Center is located in a secluded area on a high bluff overlooking the waterway. There are 4 miles of walking trails on site as well as canoeing on a small pond. Nearby parks offer more hiking, boating, biking, fishing, golfing and birding opportunities. The city of Columbus, as well as nearby Starkville, are both known for antiquing and their historical antebellum homes.

Motel type lodging and campingwill be available at Plymouth Bluff. Other lodging options are also available in Columbus, less than 10 minutes away. The conference building offers a number of rooms of varying size for different presentations. Some presentations may be made at the outdoor amphitheater or teaching pavilion if the weather cooperates. Registration information should be available next month.

Strategic Planning Session

The Executive Committee and interested members of the Cahaba Group met to brainstorm strategies for 2007.

The November 21 session included Dennis Adams, Audrey Alverson, Jim Binnings, Joe Copeland, Jeannine Dorroh, Richard Dyar, Andy Freeland, Lisa Harris, Maggie Haughton, Del Kelso, Cecelia Latham, John Latham, B.J. Morgan, Paul Perret, Tom Powell, Margo Rebar, David Slobodin, Mallie Smith, John Walker, Joe Watts and Jianhua Zhang.
After enjoying gourmet pizza from Dave’s Pizza in Homewood, we got down to business.

OUTINGS: We will hold Outings Leadership Training on February 10 (see related article in the newsletter). In the meantime, we will continue to focus on exciting, varied outings each month, which will be publicized in the newsletter, in local publications and on our web site alabama.sierraclub.org/cahaba.

CONSERVATION: ExCom member, John Latham, generously agreed to head up the Conservation Committee, or ConsCom. In the coming year, we will initially tackle BARD, the proposed new I-459 bypass (“the Beltway”); and the Highway 280 elevated roadway. As new members to the committee are recruited, additional issues will be explored.
If you would like to help with these or other conservations effort, contact John Latham at (205) 870-8974 or jlatham_us@yahoo.com.

OUTREACH & EDUCATION: ExCom member, Andy Freeland, continues to spearhead our educational outreach efforts. The Cahaba Group plans to set up booths at a number of events in 2007 with information on membership, conservation, outings, etc. A partial list includes Earth Day at the Botanical Gardens, Samford Earth Day, Oak Mountain Outdoor Expo, Ruffner Mountain Birthday, canoe and kayak races at Mulberry, and canoe and Kayak races at Locust Fork.
If you can assist us for a few hours at one of these events, please contact B.J. Morgan at bjmorgan1@excite.com or (256) 734-4024.

PROGRAMS: Lisa Harris will continue to do a great job in coordinating monthly programs. When anyone identifies a good potential speaker, he/she should contact Lisa with the information—(205) 335-7718 or pturkett2240@bellsouth.net.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (EXCOM): ExCom elections are currently underway, and if you are a member of the Cahaba Group, you should have received a ballot in the mail. Please be sure to mark your ballot and return it as soon as possible. The deadline for our receiving ballots is February 20, 2007. See related article in the newsletter.

GROUP SURVEY: Also included with the ballot mailing was a survey where you could express your interest on various issues, and offer suggestions. We want to urge every member of the Cahaba Group to take advantage of this survey to let us know your ideas and opinions. You can also sign up to receive fast-breaking alerts and reminders via e-mail. If you have misplaced your survey, you can download a copy from our web site: http://alabama.sierraclub.org/cahaba/index.html

MEMBERSHIP: The Cahaba Group continues to hold strong at about 1,200 members. We would like more members to become involved with the Group, and to provide them with exciting, new opportunities to do so.

If you can assist for only one hour each month to help get our members more involved, we will provide complete training and ongoing support. This would consist of attaching labels to about 50 postcards each month, and dropping them into the mail, a task that can be done at home in your spare time. Contact B.J. Morgan at bjmorgan1@excite.com or (256) 734-4024.

Outings Leader Training Scheduled for February

Perhaps you, like so many Sierrans, first learned about the Club on an outing. Perhaps it was to Oak Mountain, the Pinhoti Trail, the Sipsey, or, like me, a day on the lake.

The outings program is the backbone of the Sierra Club. In the late 1800’s, founder John Muir recognized the power of taking people to the outdoors to show them firsthand what he was trying to protect and preserve. By inciting their passion for wild places, educating them about the threats to these areas and activating their efforts, he found their collective efforts could save sweeping swaths of wilderness. Based on this premise, he formed the Sierra Club in 1892.

Today, that premise still holds true. The Cahaba Group has a particularly proud tradition of outings. Through the years, hundreds of certified outings leaders have introduced thousands of local people—members and non-members alike—to the wonders of Alabama nature.

However, this tradition requires the coordinated efforts of numerous volunteers. Key to the effort are those certified outings leaders.

Perhaps you have a favorite place in the outdoors you would like to share. Perhaps you enjoy hiking, biking, camping, canoeing, backpacking, rafting, swimming, tubing, or trail maintenance. You can share your enthusiasm and experiences with others by becoming a certified outings leader.

The Cahaba Group, in conjunction with the Alabama Chapter of the Sierra Club, will hold a one-day Outings Leader Training Workshop on Saturday, February 10th in the Birmingham area. Chapter Outings Chair, Bruce Martin, of Huntsville, will conduct the workshop which will give you the information you need to help lead groups to the outdoors for the Cahaba Group.

No prior experience is necessary. The Cahaba Group is picking up the cost, and we’ll even provide you with lunch (as well as coffee and donuts in the morning). All the training materials will be provided, as well. Space is limited, and you must be a Sierra Club member in good standing to participate.

Interested? Contact me, and let’s talk about it.bjmorgan1@excite.com (preferred) or 256-734-4024.

Executive Committee elections slated for January

Executive Committee elections are coming up--and we're seeking nominees. And yes, it's perfectly OK to nominate yourself.

The Executive Committee, or “ExCom,” as it’s called, is the governing body of the Cahaba Group. There are seven voting members on the committee, with numerous additional advisory members composed of committee chairs. The ExCom meets monthly to discuss actions, plans and strategy. Elected terms are for two years, and there are a variety of positions available, both voting and non-voting.

This year, four voting positions are open, and we already have several people who have expressed their interest.

If you’re interested in running for a position (or know someone who would make a good candidate), or if you have questions and would like to know more, contact the Chair of the Nominating Committee, Dick Echols. The deadline for announcing candidacy is Sunday, January 14th, so contact us ASAP: 205-871-1981 or riverbendinst@wwisp.com.

Cahaba Group Appoints New Chair

The Executive Committee of the Cahaba Group has appointed B.J. Morgan as its new Chair, taking the place of Margo Rebar, who stepped down recently.

Morgan returns to the group after a six-year hiatus during which time she lived in Spokane, Washington. While in Washington, she continued her involvement with the Sierra Club, acting in various capacities, including newsletter editor and membership coordinator. In addition, she sat on the political committee, led outings and staffed the Sierra Club booth at public events.

“It’s great to be back home,” said Morgan. “I’m very excited about this opportunity to once again be involved with the Cahaba Group. I look forward to helping the Group grow and expand into an even more exciting, dynamic organization.”

Morgan explained that, to kick things off, plans are underway for an expanded December Social involving even more members. Some new, fun awards are planned as well as the official recognition of long-time members. If you haven’t been involved with the Club for a while, or if you’ve never attended a meeting, the December Social will be an outstanding opportunity to meet other like-minded people in a relaxed, fun atmosphere. Mark your calendar now for Tuesday, December 19, and check for further details in next month’s Alabama Sierran and here on the website .

“In the meantime, I urge you to get outside and enjoy this beautiful autumn weather on one of our great outings—perhaps I’ll see you there!”

B.J. Morgan

bjmorgan1@excite.com

256-734-4024

An Inconvenient Truth Comes to Birmingham

Birmingham AL – The hybrids are here! The hybrids are here! On Friday June 30, sixteen hybrid car owners formed a CARavan of change. The gas-sipping cars, their owners, and other people organized by the Sierra Club carpooled to meet members of Alabama Rivers Alliance, Cahaba River Society, and Black Warrior River Keepers for the opening night showing of “An Inconvenient Truth,” the new film about global warming.

The cars arrived with much fanfare—American flags waving from the cars, police escorts, and on-lookers waving. Peggie Griffin, Sierra Club Associate Regional Representative commented, “We are really excited this evening to show you one of the technologies available now—to help curb global warming. I drive a hybrid —and I don’t get 40 mph—I get 50! What a difference it could make for global warming, if everyone drove a hybrid!

hybrid_car_caravan We need to send a message to America’s auto makers to build more hybrids!
In this film version of his oft-given speeches on global warming, former vice president Al Gore makes line graphs funny and shocking as he explains how carbon dioxide emissions are leading up to a deadly “collision between our civilization and the Earth.” Though much of the news is dire, Gore deftly uses the metaphor of Earth as seen from space to show that our planet is small enough for us both to harm and save. In a study conducted of 100 of the nations top climate researchers, those who had seen the movie—and who responded—gave the movie five stars for accuracy. Associated Press writers conducted the study.

“The hybrid caravan illustrates that we do have the tools to start saving the planet,” commented Lisa Evans, of the Southeast Office of the Sierra Club here in Birmingham. “We didn’t want to leave a trail of carbon dioxide down the interstate as we go to watch a film about what that pollutant is doing to our climate.”

“Al Gore gets two thumbs up for educating the public about the potentially disastrous effects of climate change. And I give myself another thumbs up for choosing to drive a car that goes further on a gallon of gas,” said Alabama Sierra Club Chair and hybrid owner Paul Perret. “I know I’m not adding to the problem.”

Speakers at the press conference indicated that there is much that each individual can do to alleviate global warming, such as becoming energy conscious in daily lives, supporting sustainable agriculture, and calling on legislators to raise CAFÉ standards. A demand was made for Southern Company to clean up its coal-fired power plants.

Adam Snyder represented the Alabama Rivers Alliance, David Whiteside represented the Black Warrior River Keepers, Bryan Burgess represented the Sierra Club, while Peggie Griffin presided at the press conference.

Water Sentinel Bryan Burgess and Lisa Evans manned a very popular Cool Cities table outside the door of the theater. Many global warming materials were distributed—and the good news is that eighteen folks signed up to join the work of the Sierra Club!

To learn more about the national Sierra Club's "Cool Cities" Campaign, click here.

Help Create “The Homewood Forest Preserve”
Friends of Shades Creek and The Homewood Environmental Commission are recommending that the Homewood City Council place a 100 year conservation easement on 65 acres of city owned forest land. ( A conservation easement provides a high degree of legal protection so the property stays available for passive recreation for a specified time period, ideally 100 years. ) This property on the north slope of Shades Mountain is prime forest land containing an abundance of natural treasures including many species of salamanders, migratory and resident birds, and native trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. There is also lots of space for passive recreation. Abundant hiking trails provide easy access to the property. Your support will help to protect this critical habitat and recreational resource. Letters, emails, phone calls, and face to face appeals will make a difference. Also if you have friends or acquaintances who live in Homewood, please encourage them to support this effort and to communicate their support to Homewood City representatives. ( Contact info listed below.) Your call may stir someone to action. Please participate in this effort!!! The council has been supportive of land preservation, a portion of this property is very loosely protected, but we need to take the next step to insure permanent protection. Let the council members know that you think this is a good idea.

OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION IS A GOOD IDEA FOR HOMEWOOD

Hazardous Waste Disposal Day | April 23
With the support of Birmingham, Bessemer, Hoover, and dozens of volunteers, the Jefferson County Commission sponsored its first countywide Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Day in April of 2003. In the last two years, almost 450,000 pounds of HHW have been collected. Jefferson County will hold its Annual HHW Day on April 23 from 8 AM until noon. The plan calls for four drop-off locations manned by a mixture of contract HHW professionals, municipal workers, and lots of volunteers. Sites are the Hoover Met, the Bessemer Civic Center, the Center Point Courthouse, and the Alabama State Fairgrounds in Birmingham.

HHW is waste routinely found in the home that can catch fire, react, or explode under certain circumstances, or that may be corrosive or toxic. Some of the more common varieties include certain kinds of paints, paint thinners, car batteries, old pesticides or herbicides, unusable gasoline or kerosene contaminated with water, and used motor oil, to name just a few.

As you might suspect, most basements and storage sheds boast an ample amount of these products which can not be introduced into the traditional waste stream. Because of the significant expense associated with disposing of this kind of waste in an environmentally responsible way, Jefferson County is once again relying on a low cost outreach strategy of grassroots networks, media attention as the event approaches, and word of mouth to generate participation. They are asking for your active support in telling friends, neighbors, and colleagues about this chance to properly dispose of these troubling items.

If you would like to volunteer for this half-day event, please call the project coordinator's office listed below.
Mike Higginbotham
Project Coordinator, Jefferson County Household Hazardous Waste Day Jefferson County - Environmental Protection Division 205/325-8712

Thursday, March 10, 2005--Bill to Gut Forever Wild Funding Dead
Hello my Friends, You may have read this article or one similar in your newspaper, but the following is a quote from the Birmingham News. "Bill to Alter Forever Wild Is Dead. The Chairman of the legislative committee said a bill ot take away funding from the Forever Wild land aquisition program appeared dead after dozens of people showed up to oppose it at a public hearing Wednesday. The Senate Economic Expansion and Trade Committee did not vote after the hearing, but Chairman Pat Lindsey, D-Butler, said the bill was dead. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Gerald Dial, D-Lineville, would transfer one-third of funding for Forever Wild ......"

The hope and expectation is that the bill will not be reported out of committee before the legislature adjorns.

While this is an apparent rare victory for those of us in the preservation community, the old axiom that "nothing is safe while the Alabama Legislature is in session" holds true with this issue. Carroll Wilson, Julia Mortenson, Valya Mobley, Lisa Harris, Ken Wills, Jim Shaddox and I car-pooled down to the hearing. The house was packed with those of us who were opposed to the bill, with some 30+ signed up to speak. Only 2 individuals spoke in favor of the bill. Time limited the number who spoke opposing the bill, but is was very apparent to the committee that the numbers were on our side. The results of the hearing is a victory for everyone who wrote, called, or faxed messages opposing this bill. Savor this, because we have had very little to celebrate in recent years. Thanks to everyone for your help.

A public hearing will take place March 9th at 1:00 p.m. in Montgomery on a bill that will attempt to take 1/3 of Forever Wild's funding away--funding that the people of Alabama voted to give it! Read more on the local alerts page by clicking here!

Support the move by Colorado Senators Allard and Salazar and Kentucky Senator McConnell to block the Pentagon-directed study on transportation of chemical weapons!

Last week, in the shadow of proposed massive budget cuts that would bring construction of chemical weapons disposal facilities in Colorado and Kentucky to a screeching halt, the Pentagon initiated a study on the viability of transporting weapons out of those states, rather than complete construction of the two weapons neutralization plants.

Because of the many and huge risks involved in moving lethal chemical weapons by air, rail or over highways, transporation of such weapons has been been illegal by federal law since the 1980s; and in 1988 the Army decided to destroy the weapons on-site at each storage depot. But now with a budget shortfall, caused by the ongoing war in Iraq and the Army's fruitless search for WMDs there, the Pentagon wants to transport our own WMDs and put hundreds of thousands of U. S. citizens along transportation corridors at unnecessary and deadly risk. In addition, moving these weapons to incinerators in Alabama, Utah, Oregon or Arkansas would extend by years the time the residents of these communities would be exposed to daily doses of toxic emissions.

Several federal, state and local elected officials at stockpile sites have already expressed their opposition to the transportation possibility.

And just today, Colorado Senators Wayne Allard and Ken Salazar and Kentucky Senator Mitch McConnell introduced legislation that would prevent the Pentagon from spending money on feasibility on transporting the chemical munitions stored at the Colorado and Kentucky Army depots to another site out of state to be destroyed.

The senators called the transportation study an "incredible waste of time and scarce defense dollars." They suggested that the money be spent to "help pay for the rising cost of disposing of these weapons, not a meaningless intellectual exercise."

Call our legislators NOW and ask them to support the Allard/Salazar/McConnell legislation to block the Pentagon's transportation study! !

If you don't have your legislator's phone number handy, dial the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121, or check the Senate website at www.senate.gov.

For more information contact the Chemical Weapons Working Group at (859) 986-7565 or 986-0868, and check out the website at www.cwwg.org for updates.

“OK, I can do the administrative stuff, but don’t make me talk to the media.”
Paul Perret, upon accepting the chairmanship of the Cahaba Group, Jan. 2002

This month, the Cahaba Group says goodbye to Paul Perret, our chairman for the past 3 years. Paul is not leaving Sierra or even the Cahaba Group, however. He’s taking on more responsibilities on the ex-comm of the state chapter.

I still laugh when I recall Paul’s initial reticence to talk to the media. In our naïveté, the ex-comm assumed that only a few written statements from the chairman would necessary to promote programs and address issues. However, shortly after he took office, Paul agreed that the Cahaba Group had to have a presence at Jefferson County Commission meetings to voice our opposition to the Supersewer.

A Big Stink
You probably don’t need a reminder, but the Supersewer was a 7-ft sewer pipe inside a 12-diamter tunnel that was going to criss-cross under the Cahaba River in at least 14 places. The stated purpose of the supersewer was, variously, to fix the problem of “widespread septic tank failures” in the Cahaba Heights/Mtn Brook/Irondale area (later proven to be false) and to facilitate “economic development.”
To make a very long story very short, Paul’s appearances at County Commission, and his comments to the media helped put the Supersewer story on the front pages and helped stop the project.

Seeing Red
Remember the state’s plan to turn the Red Trail at Oak Mtn State Park into an automobile route? I can’t print Paul’s initial reaction to that news, but suffice it to say that he took that bull by the horns, too. This time his dog Bear shared top billing with him in media coverage. Now, thanks to the clarion call from the Cahaba Group, not only is the Red Trail still a hiker/biker-only trail, but the State Parks Authority and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources are working with the recently re-grouped Friends of Oak Mtn, with Beth Johns as the Cahaba Group representative.

North, East, West, South
During his tenure in office, Paul extended a hand to groups across the state: From the Shoals area to Gulf Shores, from Anniston to Tuscaloosa, Paul lent his support to efforts to save the TVA walking trail, prevent the incineration of chemical weapons, and raise awareness about CAFOs (Concentrated Animal Farming Operations), among other issues. And, yes, theses stories made the NEWS.

Economics and the Environment
As a financial planner, Paul also recognizes that most environmental threats are also economic insults to the average taxpayer (or ratepayer). He points to skyrocketing sewer rates as one example of “economic development” that John Q. Citizen cannot afford. Therefore, he often meets with faith-based and civic groups to share his message: “No public dollars should be used to promote private development that threatens a public resource.” In the Birmingham area, some of those public resources include the Cahaba River and many other area streams that are being degraded from sprawling development. We know that Paul takes that philosophy with him to his new post in the Alabama Chapter of Sierra Club and that he’ll be doing his level best to promote the state’s natural treasures and opportunities for outdoors activities while bird-dogging those projects that would threaten Alabama’s environment.

We’ll be Watching
I have a feeling that, even if we don’t see Paul at every monthly meeting of the Cahaba Group, we will be seeing him around. So, it’s not really “Goodbye,” Paul. With apologies to the old song, it’s more like, “We’ll be seeing you in all the old familiar places—in the news!”

ADEM Commissioner's Qualifications Questioned
full story. Alabama's Attorney General recently issued an opinion regarding long-time environmental activist Pat Byington's qualifications to sit on the ADEM board. Read the full story at www.al.com. The environmental community has long recognized Pat as a strong advocate for environmental preservation. Read the series of articles at www.al.com (type Byington into the search engine) and let the politicians know what you think.

Cahaba Watershed Study Meeting
Held Thursday, November 18, 2004--Stay tuned for an update on this meeting

Meeting Purpose: Learn about new ordinances and the Greenprint Plan being drafted as part of Phase II of the study to better manage growth to protect the watershed. The UCWS is developing useful tools the local governments can use to better plan and design development for river protection. Come support the process, comment on these proposals, and send the local governments the message that you want them to take action to restore the Cahaba watershed.

Gary White, Jefferson County Commissioner of Environmental Services, Suite 230
716 Richard Arrington Blvd. N, Birmingham, Alabama 35203

Resource preservation is a major concern of the Cahaba Group of the Sierra Club; therefore, the Cahaba Group takes the following position on the proposed Jefferson County sewer extension and expansion policy.

There should be no extension or expansion of the existing sewer system until the repairs and projects required by the consent decree are completed.

In deciding where, when, and whether to extend or expand sewer services, protection of the environment should be the first priority. Any decision regarding sewer services needs to be based upon sound environmental impact studies that address how the presence of sewers (and the subsequent development) will alter water quality and quantity, biological diversity, and demands on water resources.

All extensions and expansions need to comply with all federal, state, and local regulations, especially with regard to 303d impacted waterways. There must be sound scientific evidence showing that the extension or expansion of the sewer system will not further impact the TMDL levels, nutrient loads, stormwater flow, or threatened and endangered species.

Any proposal to expand or extend the system must provide for public notice and allow for public involvement from the earliest stages of the impending expansion. There need to be public hearings with adequate notice and ample opportunity to comment, sufficient detail to understand where and when the expansions are proposed, and availability of cost-benefit analysis documents and environmental impact studies for public scrutiny. Final decisions about when, where, and whether to extend services need to be responsive to the public.

All cost-benefit analyses must include the “no build” option and incorporate the costs associated with alteration to the environment. Some of the factors that need to be included are the costs from loss of habitat and biological diversity, loss of tree cover, future loss of potable water, cost of finding alternative water sources, and costs of treating water (both drinking water and sewerage).

All proposed expansions and extensions into previously developed but now vacant areas, usually called brownfields and greyfields, should be given priority. No expansion into undeveloped areas (greenfields) should be considered unless previously sewered areas are fully developed and impact studies show there will be no adverse impact on water quality or quantity.

All proposals must be accountable to the taxpayer and ratepayer.

The water quality of Village Creek has been degraded by injudicious decisions about sewer expansion and subsequent development and is no longer available as a source of drinking water for Birmingham area residents. The Upper Cahaba watershed, a replacement source for Village Creek, was nearly given the same fate by injudicious and covert decisions to install the so-called “super sewer.” Do not repeat the mistakes of the past. Do make this policy transparent, responsive to the public, and environmentally sound. Our lives depend upon clean and plentiful water supplies.

Sincerely,
F. Paul Perret, Chairman of the Cahaba Group Sierra Club
Cc: Commissioner Buckelew Commissioner Langford, Commissioner Collins,
Commissioner Smoot

The ADEM Reform Coalition (ARC) is made up of more than 35 environmental, environmental justice, good government, and local grassroots groups representing more than 20,000 Alabama citizens who want to see ADEM became an agency devoted to environmental protection. The Sierra Club of Alabama was one of the founding members of the ARC. ADEM has not been protecting the health, the wellbeing, natural resources or the economy of the people of the State of Alabama. ADEM is an inefficient and ineffective state agency. The Alabama Environmental Management Commission (AEMC) is the group charged with oversight of ADEM. The Governor appoints these people for 6-year terms. Two Commission members are scheduled to be appointed this September. One position is for a medical doctor and one is for an engineer. There are no women on the commission and only one African American. Too often in the past commissioners have been appointed who represent the special interests of industry. The Governor should appoint two Commissioners who recognize ADEM’s shortcomings and are willing to support efforts for fundamental change at the agency. What can YOU do to help? Write a letter to the editor of your local paper today asking Governor Riley to appoint commissioners who will establish/implement policies that protect our State’s natural resources. For more information, contact Maggie Wade Johnston, your Alabama Sierra Club vice-chair, at mwade@campmcdowell.com or call 205.221.7207.

Get Your Forever Wild License Plate and Help Buy Additional Acres To Be Preserved.
Walls of Jericho; 12,510 Acre Purchase Puts the Forever Wild Land Trust Over 100,000 Acres Preserved In Our State
For the nine-month from September 1st of 2003 through May 31st 2004, the Forever Wild Land Trust received $127,587.75 from the sale of the Forever Wild License Plates. While this is a start, we need to increase our sales if we are to reach the $500,000-per year figure that we eventually hope make. These results indicate the need to increase our efforts to “get the word out” about the virtues of the tag program. Unlike other special tag programs, we do not have funds for billboard and television adds. All the funds generated by Forever Wild Tag sales are used to buy public land for conservation throughout the state. Therefore, we have to rely on websites such as this and your members informing others to generate publicity for the tag. If you have access to other newsletters or websites that might print an article promoting the tag, please contact me at and I will write an article to be included in that publication.

Forever Wild Tags can personalize with up to 6 letters at no additional cost. Forever Wild purchases land for (1) nature preserves, (2) additions to state parks, (3) wildlife management areas, and natural recreation areas. Since it’s inception, Forever Wild has purchased over 100,000 acres, with several tract now being considered for purchase. Of particular interest to North Alabama is the recent 12,510-acre purchase of the Walls of Jericho. If you can help with our effort to publicize the Forever Wild Tag, contact Joe Copeland: email- joec@powernet.org ph. 256-287-1652 And don’t forget to go to your courthouse or annex and get your Forever Wild Tag when you renew.

Another Interchange for Liberty Park?
(Do taxpayers want to subsidize more development?)

Current Situation: The 9 mile section of I-459 from Hwy 280 to I-20 is served by 4 interchanges. The existing Liberty Parkway
interchange utilization is far below capacity.
Proposal: Construct another interchange on I-459 approximately 1.1 mile south
of existing Liberty Park interchange.
Cost: Uncertain at this time. Although exact cost is unknown, prior estimates
ranged from $35-50 million dollars per government officials. Current estimate
has not been finalized.
Environmental Impact: