Scenic North Alabama Author to Speak
The publication of Robert Schuffert's Scenic North Alabama has been a delight to all the people here who love the outdoors and appreciate the natural wonders of our area. We have been there ourselves; we know what those places look like and how easy or how difficult they are to reach. Our personal experiences enhance the reading of this successful travel guide.
A prize-winning photographer, Schuffert has included photographs of each featured site as well as color-coded maps. He has compiled a fabulous list of scenic routes, a quick reference guide and detailed information about 44 must-see sites in North Alabama.
Robert Schuffert will be our presenter at September's meeting. Please come out to see him, to listen and to talk with him. You might want to suggest more sites for a second volume. We have asked him to bring several copies of the current edition for any of you who haven't already purchased one. The program will begin at 7:00 (meeting at 6:30) in the large meeting room at the public library.
- Brenda Cummings
Questions?
Web page – Call Steven Baty
Want the newsletter by email? Email Tom at
Newsletter questions or comments - Email the editor at
drostj@bellsouth.net
Paper Company Sets Plan to Protect Forest Areas
International Paper has developed a program called Special Places in the Forest which is supposed to help protect and preserve unique areas of forest. It may be just a public relations ploy, but it bears watching. From the IP website.
A Special Places team is now developing a plan to address Special Places in the Forest™ sites. Some initial actions items they are working on include: reviewing all formal conservation partnerships to make sure we continue to live-up to our agreements, continuing to update the SPinF inventory to make sure we have all sites identified and documented and spending time with our Land Transactions team to make sure the sites are recognized by potential owners.
Under the program, IP voluntarily manages and provides protection for nearly 600 sites (totaling more than 77,000 acres) that have unique biological, ecological, geological, cultural or historic significance. In the U.S. alone, we have protected more than 1.5 million acres of unique and environmentally important habitat on its forestlands through conservation agreements and land sales to environmental groups.
The url is too long to print, but if you are interested in reading more, search Google for International Paper and Special Places.
- the Editor
Trail Work in the Sawtooth Wilderness
I volunteered to maintain trails with Wilderness Volunteers for the US Forest Service in Idaho in the Sawtooth Wilderness July 30th thru Aug 6th. The Sawtooth Wilderness is about 3 hours away from Boise in central Idaho. I believe this is the most beautiful place I have been to date.
We used hand tools (pulaskis, shovels, picks, hoes, etc..), and our group did the following in less than four days: dismantled a puncheon (wooden walkway over boggy areas), constructed one-eighth mile of new trail, re-surfaced a 100 yard section of rocky trail using dirt hauled by horses and mules, and widened a one-half mile section of steep switchbacks. We camped and worked at around 8,000 feet, and did work on the switchbacks at around 9,000 feet altitude.
We took a day each way to hike in/out the 6 miles to/from camp and got Wednesday off to explore the area.
The link should take you right to the yahoo photo album. Just click on the first photo and click "next" each time.
- Paul Pickett
New Members Wanted!
The new member contest is still under way! Remember, the club member who signs up the most new recruits will receive a cash prize of $100.00. The period of the contest is from June 1, 2005 thru June 1, 2006.
The membership coordinator will be keeping statistics on this contest and all new checks ($25.00) must be mailed to him. Send all checks for this contest to:
David Kostowny
116 Pebblebrook Circle, Madison, AL 35758.
Phone: 325-2296.
E-mail: divadlk@msn.com
Join the Sierra Club or Renew your Membership for $25
Name______________________________________________
Address____________________________________________
City/State____________________________Zip____________
Phone___________________Email______________________
Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are not tax deductible; they support our effective citizen-based advocacy and lobbying efforts. Your dues include $7.50 for a subscription to Sierra magazine and $1.00 for your chapter newsletter.
Enclose check and mail to:
David Kostowny
116 Pebblebrook Circle
Madison, AL 35758.
Wheeler Conservation Plan Needs Your Input
The WNWR Complex is in the process of developing a Draft Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Environmenal Assessment (CCP/EA) for Wheeler NWR, Fern Cave NWR, Key Cave NWR and Sauta Cave NWR. This is the public's opportunity to get involved in the planning process. A series of public meetings will be held in September.
Please attend one of these meetings and get involved.
- Tuesday, September 20, 8:00pm Fern Cave and Sauta Cave, Jackson Co. Health Dept, Scottsboro
- Thursday, September 22, 8:00pm Key Cave, Ala Cooperative Extension, Florence
- Tuesday, September 27, 8:00pm Wheeler NWR, Visitor Center, Decatur
For more information call John Beck 353-7243, x32,, or email him at john_beck@fws.gov
- the Editor
Duck River Dam to be Re-Proposed
The Cullman-Morgan Water District is renewing its efforts to construct a dam on Duck River near Highway 278. Many concerns were raised when the dam was first proposed in 1996, including justifying the need for such a large amount of additional water supply. In the 10 years since the initial studies were conducted, many additional social, economic, and environmental concerns have been raised regarding this potential dam and more concerns keep surfacing. A supplement to the Environmental Assessment has been prepared by the Water District, and the Corps will issue a new draft permit some time this year for public review and comment. To learn more, visit the Alabama Rivers Alliance site at http://www.alabamarivers.org
2005 ExCom Members
Chair Judy Jones 852-6179
Vice Ch/Treas. Sam Denham 539-1033
Web Page Steven Baty
Membership Dave Kostowny 325-2296
Conservation Bruce Martin 256-725-2168
Outings Lee Hollingsworth 461-3060
Publicity Liz Poleretzky 461-5819
Programs Logistics Coordinator
Doug Horacek 772-6788
Secretary Judy Burley 883-4267
Fund Raising Freddie DiPlacido 533-0651
Tuesday Hikes Nancy Dudney 882-9408
Programs Brenda Cummings 881-7447
General Meeting
Thursday, September 15, 6:30pm. Downtown Library auditorium. Robert Schuffert, author of Scenic North Alabama will speak.
Hike Ratings
Easy-Less than 5 miles, no serious elevation changes, no trail obstacles.
Moderate-5 to 10 miles, some elevation changes 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 the leader has not experienced before, may fit any class above.
NOTE: Mountain Evening Hikes End on Sept 13th Tuesday Evening Hikes will move downtown starting September 20. Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408 or nanmoo@bellsouth.net
Tuesday, Sept 13, 6:00pm - Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet Monte Sano Hiker's Parking lot. Bring $1. Trail Fee. Leader: Judy Burley, 883-4267.
Fri-Sun, September 16-18 - Fall Creek Falls Backpack. Strenuous.
Traversing the Tennessee's Cumberland Plateau this 26 mile three day backpack explores a remote area of the park. We will pass through upland forests over three suspension bridges and descend into the depths of Cane Creek Gorge past Piney Creek Falls, an 85 foot cascade. We will depart at 8:00am Friday and stop for breakfast along the way. Contact Tom Burley at 883-4267 or tdburley@knology.net
Saturday, Sept 17 - Flint River Canoe\ Cleanup. Easy. The Sierra Club is joining the Flint River Conservation Association in a cleanup/canoe trip on the Flint River as part of national Public Lands Day 2005. Bring your own canoe, or rent one for $5 per person. (Sierra Club will pay the fee for you, but you must call by Sept 12.) Bring gloves, hat, sunscreen, water, and snack. Expect to spend 3-4 hours on the river. Meeting place, call Sam Denham 539-1033(h) 961-0436(w).
Saturday, Sept 17 - Wade Mountain Evening Hike. Easy. Meet at Jade Palace at 6:30pm for dinner. Meet at 8:00pm at Wade Mountain Trail Head for full moon walk. Hike will be canceled if overcast. Will walk around the Race Track and back. Call Doug Horacek at 772-6788 for more information.
Tuesday, Sept 20, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St., . Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Excom Meeting
Thursday Sept 22th -Outings 5:15, Excom 5:45. Info Brenda Cummings, 881-7447.
Sat-Sun, Sept 24-25 - Bankhead Bike Ride and Car Camp. Moderate. Meet 8:00am at Hardees on South Parkway and Weatherly or 9:30am at Wren. We’ll set up camp at Brushy Creek, then bicycle 30 miles of Forest Service roads for the day. Return to camp and BBQ dinner. Short 15-mile bike ride on Sunday, then return to Huntsville. You’ll need bicycle and helmet, water and camping gear. Also available as a dayride. Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, Sept 27, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Meet Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Ice cream and lemonade provided. Leader: Bruce Martin, 256-725-2168.
Thurs-Mon, Sept 29-Oct 3 - Smokies 4-Day Backpack. Strenuous. See the early fall colors as we knock off several trails generally northwest of the Cades Cove area of the Park. For this strenuous trip we'll start at the Abrams Creek Ranger Station and backpack approximately 40 miles including 6 miles on "dead-end" trails and 3.5 miles along park roads. Departure 2pm Thursday. Campground stay Thursday night. Contact Steven Baty, 489-0990.
Fri-Sun, Sept 30-Oct 2, Outings Leader Training Workshop.
The Group Lodge at the Cedars of
Lebanon State Park in Lebanon, TN.
Check-in & dinner 6:00
pm. Workshop ends with lunch on Sunday at 1:15pm. $45 Includes meals (Fri.
dinner-Sun. lunch) & bunk-style lodging. To
register or for more information, go to
http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/training or call 415-977-5711.
Tuesday, Oct 4, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Downtown Evening Hike. Meet Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408 or nanmoo@bellsouth.net
Fri-Sun October 7-9 - Cold Mountain Backpack. Strenuous. Join us on this strenuous trip to a great campsite at 6000 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. We'll see remnants of damage last Season's hurricanes Frances and Ivan did to the area and likely see near- peak fall colors at this elevation. Departure 1pm Friday. Campground stay Friday night. Contact Steven Baty, 489-0990.
Saturday, Oct 8 - Outings Leader Training. Become an accredited Sierra Outings Leader by attending the free daylong workshop provided by the Chapter. All materials will be provided, but bring a pen and your lunch. Rated necessary for all outings leaders. Meet at Barbara Martin Realty conference room in basement at 300 Clinton Avenue West (northwest corner of Clinton Avenue and Church Street in The Bank building). Bruce Martin 256-725-2168.
Tuesday, Oct 11, 6:00pm - Downtown Evening Hike. Easy. Downtown Evening Hike. Meet Huntsville Land Trust Office, 907 Franklin St. Info Nancy Dudney, 882-9408 or nanmoo@bellsouth.net
Newsletter Labeling
Wednesday, August 10th, 5:30pm. Barbara Martin's office, Holmes Ave at Church St. Info: Judy Jones 852-6179.
Saturday, Oct 15 - Wade Mountain Dayhike. Easy. Meet 9:00am at Wade Mountain Trail Head and look at late fall wild flowers. Bring water, bug repellent and sturdy hiking boots. Call Doug Horacek for information at 772-6788.
Sunday, Oct 16 – County Bike Ride. Easy. The bike ride will start at 1:00pm in the New Market area. We will ride to the County Lake and surrounding area. We will ride about 20 miles at a moderate pace. Brenda Cummings, 881-7447.
Other Outings / Events
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, 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, October 8th, Madison County Heritage Festival. 10am to 4pm at the Hays Nature Preserve. Call Soos Weber at 427-5116 or look on the website www.hsvcity.com and find Hays
Preserve under Tourist Info.