Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club
Outings Newsletter Local Action Resources Membership
Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club
Outings Newsletter Local Action Resources Membership
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National |
 | Clean Air |
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| Wildlands |
General Meeting
Each month, on the second Thursday, the Shawnee Group holds a general meeting to discuss local, national, and international environmental issues. This meeting is open to all Sierra Club members and the general public.
The highlight of the general meeting is usually a guest speaker knowledgeable in a particular field relating to a healthy environment.
The meeting serves as an excellent venue to meet others with common interests related to the environment.
The February general meeting of the Shawnee Group will take place at the Unitarian Fellowship building, at 7:30 PM on February 12, 1998. The Unitarian Fellowship is located at the corner of University Avenue (Hwy 51 south) and Elm Street, in Carbondale, Illinois.
This months featured speaker will be Beth Middleton, a botany professor at SIU-C, presenting on Cache Wetlands: Natural Wetland Restoration in the Cache.
Meet and talk with other members of the group and members of the Executive Committee before the meeting for dinner at Italian Village at 5:45. Italian Village is located in Carbondale one block south of Walnut St. on South Washington Street.
Dinner Before Meeting
Join some of the Executive Committee, the speakers for the evening's program, and other members for dinner at Italian Village restaurant at 5:45 PM before the meeting. The Italian Village is located at 405 S. Washington St. in Carbondale.
Sugar Creek
The Corps of Engineer is in the process of preparing a Draft Supplement II to the Final EIS for the proposed Sugar Creek/Marion City Reservoir project. In July, '97, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ordered the Corps to reconsider the alternative of supplying Marion and the Lake of Egypt Water District from separate sources. The Lake of Egypt Water District could get water from Lake of Egypt. The other small districts which presently get their water from Lake of Egypt could annex to other water districts (one already has). The City of Marion could still get water from Rend Lake, or another source (such as Cedar Lake).
The Shawnee Group is currently drafting a letter to the Corps to object to the fact that the City of Marion has not followed through with the court order to provide for a downstream water release plan to mitigate the destruction of habitat that will be caused by the dam, especially to the threatened and endangered Indiana crayfish and the least brook lamprey.
Damage already done by cutting trees and other vegetation could also have adversely affected other species: the endangered Indiana bat, the endangered gray bat, and the threatened bald eagle. Also, the City of Marion did not use "best management practices" to protect the riparian area. The city had no permit to cut the trees, but cut them anyway. They did not mitigate the erosion caused by the tree cutting, resulting in severe land erosion and silting of Sugar Creek..
Besides the fact that the Marion City Reservoir on Sugar Creek is an environmental and economic outrage, the outcome of this issue extends beyond Marion and Sugar Creek. The citizen resistance and lawsuits that have been pursued to stop this project already has caused some bureaucrats to think twice before trying to put a new dam and reservoir on a high quality creek. The outcome of the City of Marion/Sugar Creek controversy will help decide the fate of other proposed dams, such as the Georgetown, IL, dam, currently proposed for construction on a high quality tributary of the Vermilion River.
What you can do to help:
Write A.S.A.P. to the Corps and ask to be on their mailing list for the Draft Supplement II to the Final EIS for the permit application from the City of Marion re: Public Notice # 199401091C, Address your request to:
Colonel Harry L. Spear, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, P.O. Box 59, Louisville, KY 40201-0059.
In this way, you will receive the necessary information in a timely manner to write a letter to comment on the Supplemental Draft II, and also let them know that many people are still concerned and haven't given up Please write soon to make sure you are put on their mailing list!
Oppose H.R. 2259, The Izembek Road To Ruin Act
Representative Don Young (R-AK) is pressing for a floor vote as early as next week on HR 2259, a bill that would pave the way for construction of a road through Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and congressionally-designated wilderness. The proposed road would connect the two small communities of King Cove and Cold Bay in a remote section of the Alaska Peninsula. The bill would threaten a number of migratory birds and other wildlife species, waive existing environmental laws, set a dangerous precedent by establishing the only new permanent road in a congressionally-designated wilderness, and ignore consideration of viable transportation alternatives currently under review by the State of Alaska.
HR 2259 could have a devastating effect on wildlife populations, and especially migratory birds using the Pacific Flyway on their spring and fall migrations. The lagoons and wetlands on the refuge are essential habitat for the world's entire population of Pacific black brant and emperor geese, the federally threatened Stellar's Eider, Tundra Swans, Brown bear, caribou, wolf, and other wildlife. The Department of the Interior recommends President Clinton veto the bill if it is sent to him by Congress in its current form.
The bill passed the House Resources Committee last fall and could be brought to the House floor for a vote as early as next Tuesday, February 3. A companion bill, S. 1092, sponsored by Senator Frank Murkowski, was reported out of the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on October 15 and may soon go to the floor of the Senate as well.
What You Can Do!
Call the Capitol Switchboard and urge your Representative to oppose HR 2259, and protect the integrity of our national wildlife refuges and wilderness areas. Call the Capitol Switchboard and urge your Senators to oppose S. 1092, the Senate version of H.R. 2259. CAPITAL SWITCHBOARD:
202-224-3121. Call President Clinton and ask him to veto such a bill if it does pass both houses @ (202) 456-1414. For more information contact Tom Uniack, at 202-682-9400 ext. 248.
The Arctic National Wildlife Refuge located on the northern coast of Alaska is threatened by oil exploration. The Arctic Refuge is home to more than 160 animal species. The 180,000 member Porcupine Caribou herd needs the coastal plain for calving. They have used the coastal plain for thousands of years and now may be sacrificed for lack of a sound national energy policy. Oil development would impact on human life as well, and is opposed by the Native Americans of the area. The Gwich'in, a trans-boundary nation of Native North Americans, rely on the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge for their existence as a people. The Gwich'in have lived in harmony with the land, wildlife and harsh environment of the Arctic for thousands of years. They depend for 80% of their food on the Porcupine Caribou herd.
Their entire lifestyle is based upon their complex relationship with this herd. "The Last Great Wilderness", a multimedia slide presentation, which offers a close-up look at the fragile and beautiful Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, is a program open to the public on Monday, February 16th at 7:30 pm at SIU, Lawson Hall. Lenny Kohm, a nationally known photojounalist will introduce the show. Joe Tetlichi a member of the Gwich'in tribe from the Canadian Arctic will also be present. The 90 minute program will feature the controversy over oil development versus Wilderness protection of the refuge's coastal plain. Admission is free.
Bring a friend! Don't miss this spectacular presentation. This event is sponsored by the Student Environmental Center, SIU Recreation Society, Phoenix Audubon Society, Peace Coalition of Southern Illinois, RACE, and the Shawnee Group of the Sierra Club.
Arctic Potluck with Arctic Warriors
Saturday Afternoon February 14th
Lake Tacoma, Laurel Toussaint and Tom Bik's house. Photojournalist , Lenny Kohm and Joe Tetlichi, Gwich'in tribe spokesman will hike and socialize with Sierrans on Saturday the 14th.
Please join the party beginning at 1:00 pm with a 2 hour hike in Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge. Bring a dish to share and a beverage. We will eat about 4:00 pm. Bonfire! Discussion on the impact oil drilling would have on the Gwich'in people. Non-hikers welcome! Bring a friend.
For directions call Laurel or Tom at 618-964-1339.
May 14-21, 1998
For anyone interested in seeing breathtaking tropical evergreen rain forests, giant leatherback turtles, deciduous tropical forests, coral reefs, mangroves, and exquisite tropical birds.
Based at the world-renowned Asa Wright Nature Centre and Lodge, a 200 acre wildlife sanctuary in Trinidad's rainforested Northern range and at the charming Blue Waters Inn in Tobago, we will visit several unique natural areas throughout both islands. We will also have an opportunity to experience the unique culture of this island-nation through its food, music, and history.
To register for the trip or for more information call Nelda Hinckley at (618) 549-5588 or 549-7335, Ext. 323.
There are more than 510 species of plants and animals on the Illinois Endangered Species list. You can help save Illinois wildlife by giving a donation to the Illinois Wildlife Preservation Fund on your Illinois Income Tax Return. Donate dollars to keep the birds, the fish, the flowers, and the butterflies from vanishing.
Line 15a, IL-1040 on the state income tax form. Line 7a on the IL-1040 EZ simple form.
February 14, 1998
Eagle Outing. This annual outing will bring us through the Union County Conservation Area and down to Horseshoe Lake Wildlife Refuge. Meet at the First National Bank parking lot in Carbondale at 9:00 AM. A van, courtesy of the Shawnee Group, will be available for carpooling. Bring your binoculars and lunch. For more information call leader Jim Balsitis at 618-893-4545.
March 21, 1998
Jackson Hollow Hike. Meet at 9:00 AM at the First National Bank parking lot in Carbondale. We'll carpool to the trailhead. The hike will take most of the day, so bring a lunch and water. It could be muddy in spots so wear your boots. For more information and alternate meeting spot call leader Sandy Anderson at 618-893-4545.
Senator Dick Durbin, 267 Russell Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510, (202) 224-2152 (D.C. Office), 250 West Cherry, Rm. 115B, Carbondale, IL 62901, (618)457-3653.
Senator Carol Moseley-Braun, 320 Hart Senate Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20510, (202)224-2854.
U. S. Congressional Dist. 12, Jerry Costello, 2454 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515, (202) 225-5661, 250 W. Cherry St., CarbondaIe, IL 62901, (618) 529-3791.
US. Congressional Dist 19, Glenn Poshard, 2334 Rayburn Office Bldg., Washington, D.C. 20515, (202)225-5201, New Rt. 13 West, Marion, IL 62959, (618)993-8532.
Illinois (Government)
Governor Jim Edger, State Capitol, Room 207, SpringfieId, IL 62706, (217) 782-6830, 1-800-642-3112.
Illinois Senatorial Dist. 59: Senator Jim Rea, State House Rm. M103F, Springfield, 62706, (217) 782-5509, 112 E. Market, Christopher, IL 62822, (618) 724-9444.
Illinois Senatorial Dist. 19: Senator David Leuchtefeld, State House, Rm., SpringfieId, IL 62706, (217)782-8137, (618)529-3866, Local address same as Bost.
Illinois Representative Dist. 115: Representative Mike Bost, William Stratton Office Bldg, Room 2002-G, Springfield, IL 62706, (217) 782-0387, 300 E. Main St., Carbondale, II, 62901, (618) 457-5787.
Illinois Representative Dist. 117: Representative Larry Woolard, William Stratton Office Bldg., Room 2050-L, Springfield, IL 62706, (217) 782-1051, Williamson County Airport, Terminal Drive Suite 106, Marion, IL 62959, (618) 997-1171.
Illinois Representative Dist. 118: Representative David Phelps, William Stratton Office Bldg., Room 2059, Springfield 62706, (217)782-5131, 617 E. Church St., Suite 8, Harrisburg. IL 62946, (618) 253-8001.
President Bill Clinton, The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. 20500, (202) 456-1414, e-mail. President@whitehouse.gov.
Vice President Al Gore, Same address & phone # as President, Vice President e-mail: Vice.President@whitehouse.gov.
**If not sure which Congressional or legislative district you are in, you can call your county clerk's office. The staff there should be able to give you that information, or look on your voter's card.
Sign up now to be on the Shawnee Group Action Alert Phone Tree
The Shawnee group now has a phone tree of over fifty households. Also, we are now part of the action alert system of the Illinois Chapter, the Illinois Telephone Action Network (I-TAN). Each group in Illinois is notified when there is an important, timely piece of legislation (state or national) that affects natural areas or the environment. Thus, Sierra Club members can act in concert to most effectively influence votes on legislation important to our members and the environment. We hope even more of you will decide to join our action system. To sign up contact Barbara McKasson, 899 Rowan Rd., Makanda, IL 62958, 618/529-4824, e-mail babitaji@aol.com .
SHAWNEE GROUP HOTLINE
The Shawnee Group's official phone number is (618) 549-9684. There is a message machine hooked up to the hotline. A detailed explanation of the current Priority One I-TAN action alert will be in mailbox # 6. Explanations of secondary priority I-TAN action alerts will be in mailbox #7. Information on how to contact your elected representatives will be in mailbox #2. Mailbox #4 contains information about Shawnee Group meetings. Other mailboxes will contain information on group outings, local action alerts, information about Sierra Club and how to join, etc. We will also have our phone number in both the white and yellow pages.
National and Group WWW and E-Mail Resources
The National Sierra Club office maintains both a World Wide Web site (http://www.sierraclub.org/) and an e-mail list to distribute action alerts. The home page includes a club history and conservation policies.
Documents on the page include the club's activist newsletter The Planet, Sierra magazine, listings of club chapters and groups, listings of outings, action alerts, and a membership form.
The Shawnee Group's homepage is on the Shawnee Free-Net at http://www.shawnee.org . Log on as visitor, then select "Community Resource Center", then select "Associations," then select "Shawnee Group, Sierra Club." You're There!!!
Handy e-mail addresses include address.changes@sierraclub.org, where you can update your name or address information (remember to include your membership number) and sierra.letters@sierrclub.org for sending letters to the editor of Sierra magazine. To receive the Shawnee Trails newsletter via e-mail, send request to lccw@midwest.net . Ex-com members e-mail addresses are listed on page 4.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair, Membership Chair, Delegate to Chapter-Mary Campbell, 529-7250, dandmcamp@midamer.net
Vice Chair-Laurel Toussaint, 964-1339, laurel.toussaint@sierraclub.org
Secretary-Cathie Hutcheson, 529-2022, hutche@siu.edu
Treasurer, Fundraising Chair, Book/Calendar Publications Rep.-Mary Swindell, 549-2720, mswindel@siu.edu
Conservation Chair, Phone Tree Coordinator, Alternate Delegate to Chapter-Barbara McKasson, 529-4824 babitaji@aol.com
Biodiversity, Lands Management, Population/Growth, Environmental Education,
Endangered Species/Habitat Chair-Mary Dresser, 827-4529
Shawnee Forest/Wilderness/Parks/Refuges Chair,-Ed Cook, 995-9309, ed.cook@sierraclub.org
Wetlands and Clean Water, International Chair-David Kvernes, 457-5570, dkver@siu.edu
Political Chair-Clara McClure, 457-2025
Outing Chair-Sandy Anderson, 893-4545
Computer Committee, Marine Chair-Don Lawrence, 457-8989, donaldlaw@aol.com, don.lawrence@shawnee.org
Shawnee Trails Newsletter Editor-Jim Balsitis, 893-4570, lccw@midwest.net Jim Balsitis
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