North Ala. Sierra Club
Newsletter
May 2004
General Meeting Thursday Evening, May 20th, 6:30p.m.,
Huntsville Public Library
Avis von Swearingin of the Huntsville-based National Speleological Society will
present a program on caves in Alabama:
Alabama Caves
In 1971 the National Speleological Society chose to
establish its national headquarters in Huntsville, Alabama. Several separate
situations came together simultaneously, like the strings of separate
helium-filled balloons being pulled together to form one balloon bouquet. The
NSS, formed in the Washington, D.C. area, had outgrown its facilities (the
basement of the current secretary of the organization). The Board of Governors,
representing member organizations from across the country, was looking for a
site where property values were less than those in the DC area. Additionally,
they wanted a more centrally located office in a medium sized city, in an area
where caves existed and where there was an active caving club.
In 1968 the Huntsville Grotto, with a loan from The
Nature Conservancy, purchased property on Cave Avenue in Northwest Huntsville
in order to protect the cave there.
The church that was located at the corner of Cave
Avenue and Pulaski Pike needed more room for parking. "Hmmmm," they
probably said, as they perused the wooded property behind their parking lot.
Shortly thereafter, representatives of the church attended a Grotto meeting,
and offered to purchase the wooded property from the Huntsville Grotto. Upon
being informed that their purchase agreement with the Nature Conservancy forbad
sale of the property, the church representatives re-huddled.
"Well then, do you want to buy our
property?" they asked.
Jim Johnson, area representative on the NSS Board of
Governors, was present at that meeting. The next meeting of the Board was held
in Huntsville, and after a six month waiting period to allow alternate sites to
be considered, the deal was closed. Thanks to Bill Torode of the NSS for this
information.
Avis van Swearingin of the NSS will present the May
program on caves in Alabama, on Thursday night, May 20th, at the Huntsville
Public Library. With access to the fabulous slides made by JV (John van
Swearingin) as well as those in the office, and with her own extraordinary experience,
the presentation could be–excuse the expression--awesome.
–Brenda Cummings May, 2004
* Trouble accessing our WebPages? Email natberry@yahoo.com or call Nat Berry at
256-461-8107.
* Want to get the newsletter by email? Email Tom Burley at tdburley@knology.net.
* Questions, comments or articles to submit to the
newsletter? Email the editor at JDinHSV@aol.com
Anti-immigration forces defeated in Sierra Club election
Sierra Club leaders beat back an effort by
anti-immigration forces to gain control of the nation's largest and most
influential environmental group. In elections for the Sierra Club's 15-member
board of directors, candidates picked by the leadership won all five open seats
in a landslide. The bitterly contested election had been conducted by mail and
online since March 1.
The five board members elected from a pool of 17
candidates were Nick Aumen, Dave Karpf, Jan O'Connell, Sanjay Ranchod and Lisa
Renstrom, said club spokeswoman Kerri Glover. All but Ranchod and Karpf have
served on the board before, and each received at least 110,000 votes. None of
the runners-up received more than 43,000 votes. A record number of members --
171,616 out of 757,058, or nearly 23 percent -- participated in the vote. Less
than 10 percent of the membership took part in other recent elections.
The election was widely seen as a referendum on the
San Francisco-based club's neutral stance on immigration. In recent years, a
growing faction has called for restrictions on U.S. immigration, saying the
nation's growing population and its consumption of natural resources are the
greatest threat to the environment. Before the election, Sierra Club leaders
warned that anti-immigration forces were trying to take over the organization
and its $100 million annual budget. With the board's consent, the club sent out
a ballot notice warning members that non-environmental groups were trying to
influence the vote. In addition, some club leaders organized Groundswell
Sierra, which used volunteers to reach out to club members by phone, e-mail and
postcards and encouraged them to vote for candidates picked by the club's
nominating committee.
Three of the challenger candidates -- former Colorado
Gov. Richard Lamm, Frank Morris and David Pimentel -- filed a lawsuit in
February, claiming that club leaders were interfering with the election. They
later dropped the suit under threat of a countersuit seeking reimbursement for
legal fees. None of the three received more than 15,000 votes.
Club leaders who supported the challengers said they
weren't surprised by the vote. Board member Paul Watson, who heads the Sea
Shepherd Society, accused the club's leadership of unfairly trying to influence
with the election. Watson said the Sierra Club cannot afford to ignore the
population issue. "It's the most pressing environmental issue of the 21st
century," Watson said. "I find it cowardly for any environmental
organization to avoid talking about the issue of human overpopulation."
For next year's club election, board members have agreed to ask voters whether
the Sierra Club should take a position on immigration.
Reprinted with permission - Associated Press, 22 April 2004
Update on Eowyn
On March 20th, Joette led a group of 39 people from
the N. Alabama Sierra Club, the Tennessee Trails Assn. and the Cahaba group to
Reuben Creek, TN, where the group saw beautiful wildflowers, small falls and a
scenic creek along the hike. To get to the area, the group had to hike along
some railroad tracks for about 1/2 mile. All went well except on the return
trip. As Joette was counting everyone coming across the creek, the group by the
creek heard a train and wondered why it kept blowing its horn. As the group
reached the railroad tracks, they saw that some hikers who had forged ahead had
been on the tracks. Everyone had gotten out of the way when they heard the
train except for one scared dog, Eowyn, who tried to outrun the train. The
train struck the dog which ended up under the train. When the dog tried to
stand up, she was struck again. Miraculously, she stayed on the tracks under
the very long train until it passed.
Several hikers helped carry out the very bloody dog to
the vehicles, and Joette, Freddie and Cathi took off for the vet in
Fayetteville. Amazingly, Eowyn walked into the vet’s office unaided and
suffered only a skull fracture and possibly a detached retina. Cathi was able
to bring her home two days after the accident. Cathi says she is doing fine,
but may lose sight in one eye. Several people asked to contribute toward the
vet bill and the response was very heartening. Thanks to all the generous
people who wanted to help out.
- Joette Carter
Sign up for Green Power for as little as $4 per month Call Huntsville Utilities
at 535-1255 Connect to www.cleanenergy.org
for more information
The following articles are courtesy of Bama Environmental
News www.BamaNews.com April 26,
2004 #223
Litter Cleanup Costing Alabama $5.3 Million a Year
Here is a figure that is hard to believe. This year,
the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, is receiving approximately
$3.9 million from the Alabama Legislature. ADEM's budget decreased 18% over the
past year and may lose an additional $300,000 in this year's budget.
In contrast, according to a recent article in the
Birmingham News, taxpayers pay $5.3 million every year in Alabama to pick up
litter alongside federal and state highways.
The litter pick-up cost is the Department of
Transportation's 3rd highest maintenance cost after the mowing of right-of-ways
and rest area operations. In Jefferson County alone, the state picks up 296
tons (5,920,000 pounds) of litter each month or approximately 3552 tons
(71,104,000 pounds) of litter a year. It costs the state $198,000 a month (or
approx. $2.4 million a year) just to pick up litter in Jefferson County.
Appalachian Trail : From Alabama to Maine
Last month, the Calhoun County Commission passed a
resolution supporting an effort to purchase 1800 acres of land spanning the
Alabama-Georgia border. If the purchase is successful, the land would link the
Pinhoti Trail in Alabama with the Appalachian Trail in northern Georgia.
One of the world's most famous trails, linkage with
the Appalachian Trail would provide a significant economic impact through
eco-tourism according to Calhoun County Commissioner Robert Downing.
Acquisition of the land, which lies in two parcels, one on each side of the
state line, is expected to cost more than $4 million in federal funding.
Tennessee River #4 Most Endangered
Last week, American Rivers, a national rivers protection
organization, placed the Tennessee River at the #4 slot on the Most Endangered
Rivers list for 2004. The group cited the river's severe problem with sewage
discharges and spills and the potential for that problem to increase due to population
growth along the river, as the reason for the river's placement on the national
list.
To learn more go to
http://www.americanrivers.org/mostendangeredriversof2004announced.html
Hike Ratings
Easy-Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate-5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes and/or rough trail (rock
hopping), or trail obstacles such as creek crossings.
Strenuous-More than 10 miles, substantial elevation change (1000 ft or more),
trail may be rocky, obstructed or nonexistent.
Exploratory-any event that the leader has not experienced before, may fit any
class above.
ExCom. Members
Chair
Judy-Jones 852-6179
Vice Ch./Treas.-Sam Denham 539-1033
Web Page-Nat Berry
461-8107
Newsletter editor – Jack Drost 880-2644
Membership – Dave Kostowny 325-2296
Conservation-Bruce Martin 725-2168
Outings-Lee Hollingsworth 461-3060
Publicity-Liz Poleretzky
461-5819
Political-John
Allen
539-5287
At Large-Doug Horacek
772-6788
Secretary-Joette Carter
776-3551
Fund Raising-Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651
At Large-Nancy-Dudney
882-9408
Programs-Brenda Cummings
881-7447
At Large-Rick
Riquelmy 881-0786
Saturday May 15 Family Farm Tour
Take a chartered bus tour to see beautiful North Alabama family farms and learn
why we need to support our family farms. Enjoy a delicious locally-grown
eco feast for lunch – and good food shopping opportunities! $12. Call Nat Berry
256-461-8107 or Peggie Griffin 256-538-3885 to register.
Saturday, May 15 Bicycle Ride - Chief Ladiga Trail
44 miles on smooth blacktop bike path on old railroad bed. Piedmont thru JSU to
Anniston and back. Bike at own pace. Meet 7:00am Hampton Cove McDonalds. Bike,
helmet, and water required. After a short morning ride we will return to
our cars for lunch, then complete the remainder of the trail. Lee Hollingsworth
520-6659
Sunday, May 16 Desoto State Park. Rhododendron Trail.
In past years, we have seen both the Rhododendron and Mt. Laurel blooming.
Awesome! Bring lunch & plenty of water. Hiking boots recommended. Moderate
hike. Meet at 8:30, Hampton Cove Shopping Ctr, Hwy 431. Info. Judy Jones
256-852-6179.
Tuesday, May 18, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike.
Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot. Dan Scott, 650-5128
Thursday, May 20, 6:30pm. General Meeting. Huntsville Public
Library.
Saturday, May 22 Rainbow Mtn. Breakfast Hike, 7:30am.
Meet at the Cracker Barrel Restaurant (I-565 & Wall-Triana) for a good
breakfast and then go to Rainbow Mountain for a short 2.5 hour
hike. Contact Dave Kostowny, 325-2296 for further details.
Tuesday, May 25, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike.
Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk) 461-5819
Thursday, May 27th, Outings meeting 5:15, Excom meeting
5:45. Bring your own dinner. Info Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651.
Saturday, May 29 11th Annual Pisgah Gorge Rock Hop.
Waterfalls, boulders big as houses, spiders big as dinner plates, swimming,
ticks, snakes, poison ivy, everything! The most beautiful scenery in Alabama is
worth it! Leader approval required. This hike is too strenuous for dogs; so no
dogs, please! Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Sunday, May 30, Green Mt Certain Property exploratory hike.
1:30pm.
Explore this property on the northern end of Green Mountain, which has been
nominated for purchase by Forever Wild. The Old Spacewalk Scout trail runs
right through the middle of the property. We'll walk the trail and come back
cross country (off trail), so come prepared for poison ivy. Meet at
Blevins Gap (the highest point on Cecil Ashburn Rd). Rated medium due to off
trail, about 4 hours. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Monday, May 31 Memorial Day Lake Party 11 am until?
Come enjoy the day in the woods of Tennessee. Small lake w/canoe and paddle
boats. Swimming, if warm enough. Bring something to grill and any food, drinks,
ice, etc. you want. 5-6 mile hike at 2 pm. Campfire for those who stay
late. Winchester Rd north to Huntland, TN. Turn left at stop sign, go
about 2 miles to another stop sign on Hwy 64 and turn right (east), follow 64
to Winchester, TN; go UNDER the overpass and turn right (south) on Hwy
16, up the mountain; driveway is between mile markers 22 and 23 with street
sign "Jehovah Jireh Lane", turn left and follow to lake. Restrooms
available. Joette 776-3551
Tuesday, June 1, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike.
Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot. Nancy Dudney, 882-9408
Saturday, June 5th Sipsey Dayhike Quillan Creek – Parker
Falls Bushwack. Strenuous, 8 miles off trail. Lots of water
crossings, most beautiful section of Sipsey. Meet 7:30am at Madison Cracker
Barrel or 9am Wren. Lee Hollingsworth, 461-3060 / 520-6659 night.
Tuesday, June 8, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike.
Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348
Newsletter Labeling Wednesday, June 9th, 5:30 Barbara
Martin's office downtown. Holmes Ave at Church St. Judy Jones 852-6179
(h)
Saturday, June 12th Collins Gulf
We’ll travel to the South Cumberland Recreation Area for a 13-mile loop dayhike
of Collins Gulf. Rated strenuous. Bring lunch, water, and good
shoes. Meet at Winn-Dixie on Winchester Road at 8:00 AM. Bruce
Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, June 15, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike.
Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot. Info Bruce Martin, 256-725-216
Saturday, June 19 Little River Canyon Rock Hop and
Swim. 8:30am
The section of the canyon between Wolf Creek and Lower Two Mile Trail. Bring
hat and sunscreen, lunch, and water. Strenuous. Leader approval required. Sam
Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
June 19-27 – Mt. Rogers AT Backpack 70
miles over a 7-day adventure. Full backpacking gear required. Limited to
8 participants. Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel will be in peak
color. Bring puppy biscuits for the ponies at Greyson Highlands State
Park. We’ll be on the lookout for “Fabio” the photogenic pony with the
flowing mane. Leader approval required. Bruce Martin
256-725-2168.
Sunday, June 20 - Wade Mountain 2:00 P.M. at trail head bring sturdy boots and
water. Call Doug Horacek at 772-6788 for more details.
Tuesday, June 22, 6:00 p.m. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park,
Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk)461-5819
Thursday, June 24 Forever Wild Board Meeting
10am-12noon.
Please attend this meeting and voice your support for purchase of the Certain
Property on Green Mountain, and the Flatrock Property on Monte Sano. Without a
lot of local support, the board will never vote to approve. In newly renovated
Lodge at Monte Sano State Park. For more information: Sam Denham 539-1033(h),
961-0436(w).
Saturday, June 26th Pinnacle Point Hike
Camp Jackson, (Boy Scout), near Scottsboro. Hike is short, but strenuous. Bring
lunch, water, and your camera to capture one of the most spectacular views in
Alabama overlooking looking the Tennessee River from a height of 700 ft. Info
John Allen 539-5287.
Saturday, July 17 Snorkeling Madison Aquatic Park Cost
9:00am $5.00 more if you rent snorkeling gear, I have extra gear. Bring a
lunch so we can spend the morning and part of the afternoon snorkeling. Take
I-565 to Wall-Triana, take Madison exit go north then East on Madison
Boulevard. Turn south at the railroad tracks until road ends, then turn east
and tend to the north into the stone quarry. Also look for the green or brown
signs that point the way to the park. Call Doug Horacek 772-6788 for more
details.
Sunday, July 18 Greeter Gulf Creekwalk and Swim.
Walk through Tennessee's Garden of Eden. Rated Strenuous because of slick
rocks and walking through water up to waist dep. Must wear boots in the
water for ankle support---river sandals are not OK. Bring water and
lunch. Meet Winn Dixie Winchester Rd. at 8:30am. Sam Denham
539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).
Sunday, August 15 Spider Lily walk
Meet at Monte Sano Parking Lot 2:00pm. Bring Sturdy Boots and water. Contact
Doug 772-6788.
Be Punctual for Hikes!
Trip leaders are encouraged not to wait more than 10 minutes past the posted
starting time for a hike. All participants should show up on time for hikes,
with gas in your car.
Other Outings
The following activities are not sponsored or administered by the Sierra
Club. The Sierra Club has no information about the planning of these
activities and makes no representations or warranties about the quality,
safety, or supervision or management of such activities. They are published
only as a reader service because they might be of interest to the readers of
our newsletter.
Saturday, May 15th Nocturnal Hike Hays Nature Preserve.
Begins promptly 7:30pm at the parking lot. About 3 miles. Easy hike. Call Soos
at 427-5116 for more information.
Thursday, May 20 - Alabama Invasive Plant Council Second
Annual Meeting - Montgomery, Alabama - Keith Tassin, 205-251-1155.
Saturday, May 29 - 15th Annual Cahaba Lily Festival in West
Blocton - Charles Adams, 205-553-5926
Saturday, May 29th Workday at Hall Memorial Native Plant
Garden Florence, AL 8:00am-2:00pm. Native Plant Garden is located at the Nature
Trails area on the TVA Reservation, behind the restrooms. Volunteers should
bring workgloves & handtools. For more info, call 366-1937.
June 5-12 Bicycle Across Magnificent Alabama, 2004.
Ride the train from Anniston to Meridian, Miss., and then bike back to Anniston
over 7 days. 400 miles, 100 riders max, $225. Sam Denham,
treasurer, B.A.M.A., 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w). More info and registration at www.bikebama.com
Saturday, June 12th Volksmarch featuring the Hays Nature Preserve.
This is family-oriented fun but anyone can do the 10K. Register in
advance for $7. T-shirt Included. For info call Soos Weber at
427-5116.