Hike/Pool Party Thursday Evening, August 19th, 6:00 p.m.
Hike from Monte Sano down to Dug Hill Valley to swim.

August Meeting to be Hike and Pool Party

The Thursday August 19th monthly meeting will be a hike and swim party. This is the second in our series of summer outdoor meetings. (NOT AT THE LIBRARY!) Meet at 6pm at Sam Denham's house on Monte Sano, 4333 Chickasaw Dr. SE. We'll hike to O'Shaughnessy Point, and then down the Warpath Ridge and Red Lizard Trails to Freddie Diplacido's house in Dug Hill Valley. Freddie is graciously opening her home to us and will be providing snacks and cold drinks. The pool in the backyard has a wonderful view of the mountain. You'll be shuttled back to your cars on top of the mountain. Alternatively, you may skip the hike and drive to Freddie’s home off Dug Hill. Bring or wear your bathing suit and bring a towel, and water for the hike. This is rated easy because it's all downhill, but we shall be walking briskly, since the sun will set at 7:29. For more information call Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Tuesday Night Hikes

Join us at 6:00pm at the Hiker's Parking lot for an evening hike on the mountain

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? Email the editor at JDinHSV@aol.com

Flint River Cleanup set for Saturday, September 18

We are all concerned about the environment but sometimes feel powerless to do anything to help. On Saturday, September 18, you will have the opportunity to join over a hundred thousand volunteers across the United States in the Annual Waterways and Coastal Cleanup. From California to the Chesapeake Bay, volunteers will be making a difference by collecting garbage from America’s waterways. Here in North Alabama, the Flint River Conservation Association is organizing a cleanup of a section of the Flint River. Volunteers will canoe down the river picking up trash and others will concentrate on the banks, particularly under bridges. If you have helped in previous years you know what a good time everyone has and how well we get fed. Come join us Saturday September 18 and help make a real difference in North Alabama. Dress prepared to get wet and a little dirty, bring water, sunscreen and insect repellant. River sandals are helpful. For more information, call Soos Weber 539-3747(h), 427-5116(w). - the Editor

Bush Administration Abandons Roadless Rule in National Forests

One of the most popular conservation policies in American history was dealt a crippling blow with the Bush administration’s decision to abandon the landmark Roadless Area Conservation Rule. The Bush administration has proposed a convoluted process that will leave America’s last wild forests open to destructive commercial logging and road building. This controversial decision forces Governors to petition the Department of Agriculture to protect their wild, roadless National Forests.

Not only does the new policy threaten the pristine quality of our forests, it is also fiscally irresponsible. Roads in National Forests are built using federal tax dollars and amount to a subsidy of the logging industry. According to Taxpayers for Common Sense, the Forest Service spent $36 million on subsidizing logging just in the Tongass National Forest in fiscal 2002, yet received only $1.2 million in revenue; $750 million has been lost on Tongass logging alone over the past 20 years. This pattern of using taxpayer’s dollars to prop up the unprofitable logging industry is repeated all over the country.

The public comment period on the Roadless Rule officially began July 16th and continues through September 14, 2004. Already, 440,000 miles of roads are carved into America's National Forests. The wildly popular Roadless Rule helps protect our remaining wild forests and clean water, wildlife habitat and outstanding backcountry recreation opportunities from more taxpayer-subsidized commercial logging. Alabama has 12,400 acres of roadless areas that include beautiful places like Oakey Mountain in the Talladega National Forest.

The Roadless Rule was developed after three years of public hearings and scientific analysis. To date more than 2 million Americans have commented on the original rule, with 95 percent supporting the strongest wild forests protections. This policy change is the Bush administration’s latest effort to reduce or eliminate decades of National Forest protection and increase spending to benefit timber companies.

Take Action: Submit a Comment Today
ATTN: Roadless State Petitions
USDA Forest Service
P.O. Box 221090
Salt Lake City, UT 84122
Fax to: (801) 517-1014
Email to: statepetitionroadless@fs.fed.us
http://www.regulations.gov
- Kate Smolski – Regional Sierra Conservation Organizer

Forever Wild Tag Sales

For the nine-month period from September 1, 2003 through May 31, 2004, the Forever Wild Land Trust received $127,588 from the sale of the Forever Wild License Plates. While this figure is somewhat below the $200,000 level that we had hoped the tag would generate at this point, it is a start. 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. A percentage of the funds generated by Forever Wild Tag sales are used to buy public land for conservation throughout the state. Forever Wild Tags can be personalized 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 its inception, Forever Wild has purchased over 100,000 acres, with several tracts 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. - Joe Copeland

Alabama Sierra Chapter Strategic Planning Meeting

The Alabama Sierra Chapter held its Strategic Planning meeting in Birmingham, July 23-25. Bruce Martin and John Allen attended as the regional representatives from North Alabama. The purpose of the meeting was to examine the effectiveness of the state chapter, improve communication among the six Sierra groups in Alabama, and increase member and non-member participation. There was no discussion on how to spend a recent $99,000 donation to Alabama Sierra. The meeting ended with a prioritized list of hot issues to focus on in the coming year, including:

a.. ADEM oversight (already being addressed)
b.. Save small state parks from being closed
c.. Theft of Alabama stream water by Georgia
d.. Environmental educational programs for children
e.. Improve chapter communication within the state
f.. Merge group newsletters with the chapter newsletter
g.. Establish an Alabama mission statement and goals
h.. Organize contacts via computer, including links
i.. List the issues and how to take action
j.. Advertise all local outings in the state newsletter

In addition there was discussion on club-building. Suggestions included hosting a camping weekend, Tupperware-like parties to discuss environmental issues, and having an occasional meeting in which the executive committee sits at the head table and answers questions. All members are encouraged to become actively involved in Sierra Club projects.

- John Allen, North Alabama Chapter Political contact

Alabama Sierra Sets Annual Retreat

Imagine spending a weekend with kindred spirits on 700 beautiful acres of canyons, forest and waterfalls in central Alabama, while enjoying planned outings and a series of speakers. The annual Alabama Chapter Sierra Club retreat is set for Friday, October 29 – Sunday, October 31 at Camp McDowell in the Bankhead Forest, 15 miles from Jasper. The camp has conference facilities and lodging ranging from private cabins to dormitories to camping. Meals are family style or buffet. Friday evening will be a social gathering and presentations on environmental topics will begin Saturday morning after breakfast. A banquet is planned for Saturday night. There will be planned outings during the weekend. For more information and to register, go to http://alabama.sierraclub.org/newchapter/retreatregistration.pdf or call 205-387-1806. ----- John Allen

The following articles are courtesy of the Bama Environmental News

July 13, 2004 #228

3M Foundation Donates $1.5 Million To Paint Rock - The 3M Foundation has selected The Nature Conservancy's Paint Rock Project in North Alabama to receive a $1.5 million gift. Citing the region's biological significance and the area's community significance, 3M's gift will help the Nature Conservancy leverage critical land purchases in the region. At 3M's Decatur facility, Jim Fincher, site manager, said the company recognized the global significance of the unique Southern Cumberlands habitats and the need to protect the Paint Rock River and its branches, which supports more than 100 species of fish and 45 species of mussels. For more information about this important project contact the Nature Conservancy at 205-251-1155.

North Alabama Sierra Club - Outings and Events Calendar

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.

Monte Sano Evening Hikes

Tuesday Evening Hikes continue through the summer on Monte Sano. Typically, we'll hike about 3 miles or until sunset, depending on the weather and inclination of the hikers that day. This year the park is requesting a $1 donation to help with maintenance costs. For more info, contact Liz Poleretzky, 461-5819 or hiker@knology.net

Saturday, August 14, Cave trip to Limrock Blowing. 9:00 am Winn/Dixie parking lot Winchester Rd. Bring 3 sources of light, change of clothes and shoes, lunch and water. Helmets optional. Mostly upright cave with a couple of crawl areas and some water. Cool place for a hot summer day. Joette 776-3551.

Sunday, August 15, 2pm. Spider Lily walk Meet at Monte Sano State Park, Hiker’s parking lot. Bring sturdy boots and water. Contact Doug 772-6788.

Tuesday, August 17, 6pm. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park, Hiker’s parking lot, Info Virgil DeStefano, 539-0348.

Thursday Aug 19, Evening Hike and Pool Party. 6:00 pm. Hike from Sam Denham's house on Monte Sano to Freddie Diplacido's house for pool party. Takes the place of our monthly meeting for August. See article above for details. Info Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Friday-Sunday August 20th-22nd, Obed River Gorge Hike/Car Camp. Part of the Cumberland Trail, the Obed Wild and Scenic River Gorge cuts a wild path through the Cumberland Plateau. Its gorges are cut deep with green waters that delight the eye. We will leave Friday August 20th at 12 Noon from the Winn Dixie on Winchester road. We will camp Friday night at the Rock Creek Campground at the Nemo trailhead. The trail is 14 miles one way so we will shuttle between the trailheads. After hiking the trail we will stay Saturday night at the campground and return on Sunday. This hike is exploratory and hike leader approval is required. If you would like to go, please contact Tom Burley by August 18, either by email or telephone 883-4267 or tdburley@knology.net.

Sunday, August 22, 1:30pm. Green Mtn. Hike. Explore the Certain property on the north end of Green Mountain. This property is also under consideration for acquisition by Forever Wild. The North Ala. Sierra Club pledged $1000 toward the purchase in order to help the Land Trust, the City, and the County show that there is a lot of local support. We'll walk on part of the old Spacewalk 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, the Four-mile post extension over the Mt). Rated medium due to off trail; about 4 hours. Dairy Queen afterwards. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Tuesday, August 24, 6pm. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408.

Thursday, August 26, Outings meeting 5:15pm, Excom meeting 5:45pm. Info, John Allen 539-5287.

Saturday, August 28, 8:00am. Fiery Gizzard Dayhike. Perhaps one of the most diverse and beautiful trails in Tennessee. The terrain in the gorge is steep and extremely rocky. We will begin at the Grundy Forest picnic shelter and follow the Fiery Gizzard trail to Raven point, a spectacular overlook. Along the way we will see a 500 plus year old hemlock tree, "Blue Hole" falls and swimming hole, Sycamore Falls, and pass through the Fruit Bowl before beginning our arduous climb to Raven Point. We will return via the Dog Hole trail. Hike is approximately ten miles and rated strenuous. Hiking boots are definitely recommended. Bring water and lunch. Afterwards we will dine at a local restaurant. Meet at Winn Dixie on Winchester Road at 8:00 a.m. Info Tom Burley 883-4267.

Sunday, August 29, Monte Sano Dayhike. Info Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.

Tuesday, August 31, 6pm. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.

Saturday-Monday, Sept 4-6. 3-day South Cumberland Backpack. Day 1 to Hobbs Cabin (9 miles); Day 2 to Stage Coach Rd. campground via connector trail (challenging 6 miles); Day 3: 6 miles back to the Ranger Station. Optional: drop by Joette's Labor Day picnic on the way home (near Winchester). Rated strenuous due to the route on Day 2. For meeting location and time Liz Poleretzky at hiker@knology.net or 461-5819.

Sept 6 (Labor Day) , Party/Picnic at Carter Mt. Small lake party in Tennessee, 11 am until. Bring picnic lunches, drinks. 5 mile hike at 2 pm. Swimming, canoeing, paddleboats. Grill provided. Directions: North on Winchester Rd to Huntland, TN, turn left and go about 2 miles and turn right onto hwy 64 east, go to Winchester, pass UNDER overpass and turn right (south) on hwy 16, go about 10 miles to Jehovah Jireh Lane (between mile markers 22 and 23) turn left and follow gravel road to lake. Joette 776-3551 before Sun, Sept 5 for more information.

Tuesday, September 7, 6pm. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Liz Poleretzky, (wk)461-5819.

Newsletter Labeling Wed, Sept. 8, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office downtown. Holmes Ave at Church St. Judy Jones 852-6179 (h).

Saturday, Sept 11, 8:30am. McComb Property Hike. Explore the McComb property on Monte Sano, east of the Stone Cuts. We got blown away by a storm the last time, so we'll try again. The property has been nominated for purchase by Forever Wild, and the Sierra Club may spearhead a fund raising effort to secure local support in order to sway the Forever Wild Board's vote. The property does NOT contain the famous Flat Rock, but it does indeed contain about 1/2 mile of the Flatrock trail, and 1/5 mile of the Keith's Point Loop. Rated strenuous because of off-trail elevation changes. About 4 hours. Bring water and snack. Meet at Monte Sano Hiker’s Parking Lot. Sam Denham 539-1033(h), 961-0436(w).

Tuesday, September 14, 6pm. Mountain Evening Hike. Monte Sano State Park, Hiker's Parking Lot, Info Judy Burley, 883-4267.

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.

Sunday, Sept. 12, 1:00 p.m.Wetland Hike Goldsmith Schiffman Wildlife Sanctuary Rated moderate to easy. No trails, just overland hiking. We will meet at Publix at Hampton Cove and take about a 2-3 hour tour of the Wildlife Sanctuary. The option is open for going to El Olmeca afterwards. This is a wetland so wear bug spray, a hat, and appropriate clothing. Call Soos Weber for more info 427-5116.

Saturday, Sept 18. Flint River Canoe Cleanup. Call Soos Weber for more information. 539-3747(h), 427-5116(w).