October 2002
From the North Star Chapter of Sierra Club
Food
Choices for Stewardship of the Land
7:00 p.m. Monday October 7,
Stillwater Public Library
Forum speakers include Wayne Monsen,
Energy and Sustainable Agriculture Program, Minnesota Department of Agriculture,
Ann DeLaVergne, River Market Food Cooperative, Charlie Kersey, Natural Harvest
CSA Farm, Brian DeVore, Land Stewardship Project, Kendra Kimbirauskas, Sierra
Club. Moderator: Dana Jackson, Land Stewardship Project, co-editor The Farm as
Natural Habitat: Reconnecting Food Systems to Ecosystems. Sponsored by Land
Stewardship Project, River Market Cooperative, and St. Croix Group, Sierra Club.
Info: www.northstar.sierraclub.org/GRP_scv.htm
or call 612-379-3852
October 9 - Call Ford and ask for more Fuel Efficient Cars
National Call-In Day to Ford
Headquarters. The Ford Freedom Option Campaign asks you to tell Ford we
demand the choice of a more fuel efficient car. Ask Ford to produce
vehicles with latest best technology represented in Freedom Option Package.
Call 313-337-3244 on October 9th. More info at: www.sierraclub.org/freedom
October
12 Saturday Bud-Capping
TETTEGOUCHE
or TEMPERANCE State Park, North Shore Lake Superior.
Bud-Capping is the art of stapling a
small slip of paper on the terminal bud of young white pine to prevent deer
browse ( deer stop, take a lick, and move on rather than eating them ) which
results in stunted tree growth. Free Camping in a beautiful state park. Best
bunch of people and snacks in the park, at this time of year! Contact Karen
Johnson 218-525-0283 or Joshua Davis, Forestry organizer 612-379-3852. Hosted by
Northern Lights Group, Sierra Club.
CARL
POPE, SIERRA CLUB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR VISITS MINNESOTA
SUPPORT
THE TOXIC TWELVE CAMPAIGN - OCTOBER 19
Fundraiser for Sierra Club Political Committee. Help win the 2002
Elections for the environment. Get latest information on how the
environment is doing nationally as we approach the November elections.
Support the Toxic Twelve Campaign, an award winning local effort to hold our
state legislators accountable for votes that are bad for the environment.
October 19th, 6pm at the home of Michael Shoop and Joyce Pruddens. Contact
Sierra Club North Star Chapter Office 612-379-3853 or
north.star.chapter@sierraclub.org
Our
Stolen Future A Toxics Committee Book Club - October 22nd
Join a reading of Our Stolen Future by Theo Colburn. Share thoughts on great books about Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxins ( PBT's ). Meet similarly interested people, or simply enjoy a good book. Everyone's welcome. Tuesday, October 22nd 7 - 9 pm at Macalester College. 10% off purchase of the book from Ruminator Books on Grand Avenue, St. Paul. More info on Toxics Book Club or join listserv. Contact Michelle Rosier, Air Toxics organizer 612-379-3852 or michelle.rosier@sierraclub.org.
Take
Action: Support Coal Plant Clean Up
Excel
Energy's coal plant emissions reduction plan (MERP) is the largest voluntary
proposed clean up of coal plants in the nation. Proposal would convert
coal plants to natural gas in Minneapolis and St Paul area, and install
pollution control equipment at the Stillwater coal plant. To make reduced
harmful emissions a reality we need a strong showing of public support for the
MERP plan. Help get petitions signed and write letters to hold Excel to its
promise to clean up its dirty Metro area coal plants. Build grassroots support
so Excel and state regulators are not allowed to back away, in the face of big
industrial power consumers' pressure. For more info: http://northstar.sierraclub.org/Air_Toxics_HOME.htm
To
help with petitions or letters,
Contact Michelle Rosier 612-379-3852 or michelle.rosier@sierraclub.org
World
Population Awareness Week October 20th - 26th
Increasing
human population plays a role in pollution, depletion of natural resources, and
her environmental concerns. To learn more about the connection between
population and environmental issues, attend the presentation on Oct. 24 or the
conference on Oct. 26. http://www.northstar.sierraclub.org/POPULATION.htm
VOTE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT NOVEMBER 5th
It's that time of year when our government is literally in the hands of the
people. Sierra Club Political Committee spent hundreds of hours going through
questionnaires, interviewing candidates, and preparing for the November
Election. Take a look at which candidates are best for our air, water, and
natural areas at: www.northstar.sierraclub.org/GOVT_2002_Endorsements.htm
Not
certain where you vote? or which district number you live in? Find out at
Minnesota Secretary of State's website: http://enrupload.sos.state.mn.us/oss/default.htm
GO THE EXTRA MILE THIS ELECTION YEAR ... ACTUALLY IT COSTS YOU NOTHING.
Give to the candidate of your choice and / or a Sierra Club Endorsed Candidate.
The Minnesota Political Contribution Refund Program provides you a 100% refund
on first $50 contributed each year ($100 per couple.) Contribute and in return
candidates provide you a receipt, which when is then sent to the Dept. of
Revenue. Your refund check will arrive 4-6 weeks. More info: www.cfboard.state.mn.us/PublicSubsidy/conrefund.htm
Take Action - Ask your Grocer for Meat Raised without Routine Antibiotics
Make
a difference. Tell your grocer you want healthy meat raised without the
routine use of antibiotics. Print out, sign and mail the below postcard
and make sure your voice gets heard!
http://www.northstar.sierraclub.org/Antibiotics_POSTCARD.pdf
Read
about the Sierra Club in the News
We
have successfully countered the Bush fire plan in the media, with letters,
opinions, and editorial meetings. No national editorial board now supports
the Bush fire plan / industry timber giveaway. Read an opinion published
in the Duluth News Tribune: http://www.northstar.sierraclub.org/forestry_hanson_letter_on_bush_plan.htm
Care
about Minnesota Forests? Tell your Congressperson to do the Same!
Congress
is still trying to increase logging giveaways by suspending long
fought for environmental laws for our Minnesota's National Forests. Write
your Congressional representative and tell them you care. Send one of our
letters or make your own changes:
http://www.northstar.sierraclub.org/Forestry_Congress.htm
Question? Please contact us at Sierra Club NorthStar Chapter Office 612-379-3853 or north.star.chapter@sierraclub.org.