September 2003
Welcome to e-Sierra The email newsletter of the Sierra Club North Star ChapterSeptember 2003 / Issue 18
TAKE ACTION TODAY TO PROTECT OUR REMAINING WETLANDS!
It is very easy and makes a difference. Please send your message
today. Make your voice heard!
http://northstar.sierraclubaction.org/
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT FOR CLEAN AIR TODAY OR TOMORROW!
Nearly two years in the making, Xcel Energy's voluntary Metro
Emissions Reduction Project has the makings of being a real winner,
but the decision-makers need to hear from you! The Public Utilities
Commission has granted our request for public hearings, and now
it is up to citizens, like you, to attend a hearing near you and
voice your support for cleaning up the coal plants.
Tues. Sept 16th West 7th Community Center, St.Paul
Wed. Sept 17th Minneapolis Urban League, Minneapolis
For more information about Xcel's proposal or the
hearings please contact Michelle Rosier at 612-659-9124 or
see
http://northstar.sierraclub.org/campaigns/air/coal/MERPhearings.html.
If you are unable to attend a public hearing, submit comments in
writing to Burl W. Haar, Executive Secretary, Public Utilities
Commission, 121 7th Pl E, Suite 350, Saint Paul, MN 55101 through
September 29th.
MEMBERSHIP
Are you a member of Sierra Club yet? Find out the benefits by dropping a note to and join the Club.
A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE CAN GO A LONG WAYS
All fish tested in Minnesota waters contain some levels of mercury, and in response the Minnesota Department of Health has developed guidelines for the safe consumption of fish (eval(unescape('%64%6f%63%75%6d%65%6e%74%2e%77%72%69%74%65%28%27%3c%61%20%68%72%65%66%3d%22%6d%61%69%6c%74%6f%3a%6d%61%74%74%2e%6c%69%74%74%6c%65%40%73%69%65%72%72%61%63%6c%75%62%2e%6f%72%67%22%20%3e%6d%61%74%74%2e%6c%69%74%74%6c%65%40%73%69%65%72%72%61%63%6c%75%62%2e%6f%72%67%3c%2f%61%3e%27%29%3b')) and let him know which group you could approach with the letter.
TOUR DE SPRAWL
Tour de Sprawl is coming this way on Sunday, September 28 starting at Springbrook Nature Center. Join the Sierra Club for a ride like no other. The Tour de Sprawl highlights community development and environmental preservation issues facing Minnesota's communities. More importantly, its a fun and relaxing way to close out our beautiful Minnesota summer. Join 150 riders from across the Twin Cities for our 8th annual Tour de Sprawl saving open spaces. To register, or for more information visit: http://northstar.sierraclub.org/campaigns/open-space/tour-de-sprawl/2003/index.html.
RUNNING OUT OF TIME TO SIGN UP FOR THE CHAPTER 35TH ANNIVERSARY
Sign up today! The North Star Chapter turns 35 this year! To celebrate, we're throwing a 35th Anniversary Gala on October 26th, 2003. Join us for an evening of great music, excellent conversation, wonderful food, and dare we say good company.
POLITICS - THIS TIME A WHOLE NEW MEANING
Get involved early and often. 2004 elections are just around the corner and the Chapter is gearing up its political committee. First meeting in late September. If you want to dive in, contact Ginny Yingling at or Heather Cusick at .
LOCAL FARMERS AND ENVIRONMENTALISTS FORGING PARTNERSHIP
Join others in a conference of local farmers and environmentalists on Saturday Sept. 20, 2003. Meeting of Sierra Club members with independent sustainable farmers of Southeastern Minnesota in Harmony, Minnesota. Discuss environmental issues of mutual concern to both groups. Contact Tarah Heinzen at 612-659-9124 at the North Star Chapter office or Wasioja Group leader, Jon Rosenblatt at 507-282-7911 or for more information.
WAKING AND SHAKING THINGS AROUND ROCHESTER
Join other folks for the Wasioja Group of the Sierra Club meeting on Thursday Sept. 25, 2003 at 7 pm. Contact Jon Rosenblatt at 507-282-7911 or for more information.
WHERE DOES THE WATER GO WHEN IT RUNS OFF?
Curious about your neighbors sidewalk watering project? Meet Jay Michels from the Minnesota Erosion Control Association. He will be discussing alternative control technology for storm water runoff at the Water Committee meeting on Wed, September 24 at 5:30. For more information contact Water Committee Chair, Karen Harder at .
PRESIDENT BUSH AND CONGRESS WATCH
Need a little dinner talk and some facts to get you mad? Keep track of the Bush Administration's efforts to weaken our environmental protections. http://www.sierraclub.org/wwatch/
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Sept. 16: MERP Hearing St. Paul
Sept. 16: International Committee
Sept. 17: MERP Hearing Minneapolis
Sept. 18: MERP Hearing Minneapolis
Sept. 23: Political Committee Kick Off
Sept. 24: Excom
Sept. 24: Water Committee
Sept. 28: Tour de Sprawl
Oct. 1: Forestry Committee
Oct. 8: Communications
Oct. 9: Land Use Committee
Oct. 18: EPEC Fall Outreach
Oct. 22: Excom
Oct. 22: Water Committee
Oct. 26: 35th Anniversary
For More Calendar Information Contact:
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Heather Cusick
Conservation Director
Sierra Club - North Star
2327 East Franklin Ave. Suite 1
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55406
phone: 612.659.9124
fax: 612.659.9129