July 2005
Welcome to e-Sierra
The email newsletter of the Sierra Club North Star ChapterJuly 2005 - Issue 37
HELP PROTECT BWCAW FROM AIR POLLUTION AND OUR NORTHERN LAKES AND STREAMS FROM HARMFUL MERCURY
STEP ONE: SEND A LETTER TODAY
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) has a Citizens' Board
that will be reviewing a proposal to build an iron processing
plant in northern Minnesota. Experts predict it would create
a haze over the Boundary Waters and pollute North Shore streams
with mercury. Take action today to encourage the MPCA citizen
board to send the Mesabi Nugget permit back to the agency
for improvement and better analysis at their meeting on July
26th.
http://northstar.sierraclubaction.org/takeaction.asp?aaid=1425
STEP TWO: SPEAK UP TO STOP 75 LBS OF MERCURY AND BWCAW HAZE
The Sierra Club Mining Without Harm Campaign encourages people
to speak up at the MPCA Citizens' Board meeting on Tuesday, July
26 at12:30pm. Get there early for a good seat! The meeting is
at the MPCA office in St. Paul. Directions and MPCA Agenda If you
sign in as a speaker, we can provide background info. Check out our
webpage at Mining Without Harm or the MPCA Website for information.
PROMOTE A NEW ENERGY FUTURE - HELP US EXXPOSE EXXON!
Let ExxonMobil's CEO Lee Raymond know how you feel about ExxonMobil's policies on global warming, attempts to drill in the Arctic Refuge, and refusal to pay full damages for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Send him a letter pledging not to buy ExxonMobil's gas, invest in ExxonMobil's stock, or work for the company. www.ExxposeExxon.com Contact to help hold ExxonMobil accountable.
WELCOME TO THE BIG STONE II AGE - A MODERN DAY COAL RUSH
Did you know energy utilities want to build Big Stone II, a giant polluting coal-fired power plant, in South Dakota right on Minnesota's border? This out-dated "business as usual" approach to energy denies the opportunity to develop wind energy and continues to spew global warming gases and mercury into our environment. Right now, the federal government is seeking public comments on what should be considered in the environmental review, visit www.northstar.sierraclub.org for more information and to submit your own comments.
SIERRA NEIGHBORHOODS: SEE WHAT'S BLOOMING IN SEWARD & LONGFELLOW!
Check out our wonderful calendar of summer events that promote good water quality in the two local neighborhoods. There will be stenciling & door to door outreach, a landscaping for water quality event, and other neighborly activities. http://northstar.sierraclub.org/campaigns/water/stormwater/index.html
Live in Seward or Longfellow? Want to host your own activity? Contact Cesia Kearns at 612-659-9124 or email .
CELEBRATE THE 10th ANNIVERSARY OF TOUR DE SPRAWL
Mark your calendar for September 17, 2005. The special route for this year's 10th Anniversary Tour de Sprawl route has been determined! This unique "conference on (bicycle) wheels" will explore the communities of St. Paul West Side, South St. Paul, West St. Paul, and Mendota Heights. Look for more info in the next North Star Journal or contact Joshua Houdek at 612-659-9124.
DON'T FORGET TO EXPLORE THE PLANET YOU ARE PROTECTING!
The Forest Watch program is taking a series of field trips to explore parts of Superior National Forest next to the Boundary Waters that are threatened by logging. Come see it before it's gone!
July 23 weekend: Forest Watch around Isabella, MN.
http://northstar.sierraclub.org/activities/outings/200507.html#20050722
July 29-31: Minnesota Underground Tour,
to Soudan and Hill City Mine State Parks.
http://northstar.sierraclub.org/activities/outings/200507.html#20050729
WANTED: YOUTH AGENCIES
Sierra Club Minnesota Inner City Outings is looking for youth agencies to partner with to provide quality outdoor experiences to underprivileged youth. This community outreach program provides opportunities for urban youth and adults to explore, enjoy and protect the natural world. If you have ideas or contacts, please contact or call 612-659-9124.
BIRCH CLOTHING OPEN HOUSE/SIERRA FUNDRAISER
Friday, August 19, 6-8pm @ Birch Clothing. Exclusively for Sierra Club members. 15% of all purchases will go to the Sierra Club. Refreshments will be provided.
Birch Clothing is located at 2309 West 50th St. (50th and Penn Ave.) Mpls. 612-436-0776. Questions, please contact Jessica Willey (Communications Committee Chair) @ .
ST. CLOUD SIERRA CLUB GROUP MEETING
The St. Cloud area is taking action to address local environmental concerns! Help us plan how we will address the issues raised during our initial community meeting, and take steps to oppose a proposed road beside the beloved woods in St. Joseph. The next meeting will be on July 21, at 7:00pm. The Sisters at college of St. Benedict in St. Joseph have offered to host the meeting on campus. Specific location details to be announced. For more information or to RSVP contact Cesia (saysha) Kearns at (612) 659-9124 or email .
MINING WITHOUT HARM MINE TOUR
Join other Sierra Club members on a tour of the proposed Birch Lake copper mine in August, with travel via boat to the mine site. Copper mine drainage include a strong acid that kills living things. Watch the web site or subscribe to the campaign's listserve for email notices. Contact Clyde Hanson, or 218-387-9081 for more information. Mining Without Harm
SCHEDULE OF UPCOMING EVENTS
Wed July 20: Outings 7pm
Thurs July 21: St. Cloud Sierra Club Group Meeting 7pm
Thurs July 21: Population 6:30pm
Mon July 25: Sierra Neighborhoods 5:30pm
Tues July 26: Clean Air 7pm
Tues July 26: Marathon Refinery Public Meeting, Newport City Hall 6:30pm
Wed July 27: Big Stone II Public Comments Due
Wed July 27: Excom 7pm
Mon Aug 1: Transportation 5:45pm
Mon Aug 1: Land Use 7pm
Wed Aug 3: Forests 7pm
Tues Aug 9: Conservation Committee 6:30pm
Tues Aug 9: EJAM 6pm
Wed Aug 10: Wetlands 5:30pm
Wed Aug 17: Outings 7pm
Tues Aug 23: Clean Air
Sept 17: Tour de Sprawl
For More Calendar Information or for Interesting Submissions Contact: .