September 2006
Welcome to e-Sierra
The email newsletter of the Sierra Club North Star ChapterSeptember 2006 - Issue 51
Click your issue of interest!
Ride the Tour de Sprawl this Saturday!
Sierra Club Sheds Light on Legislators' Environmental Records
We Don't Need Another Polluting Coal Plant - Demand Clean Energy!
Tell Legislators: THE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS!
Birch Clothing Open House Sierra Fundraiser
Kilowatt Ours - A Plan to Re-Energize America - Monday, October 2nd - 7:00 -8:30pm.
Grand Rapids Renewable Energy Fair
What Does Population have to do with the Environment?
Happy Hour! With the Environmental Justice Support Committee
Protect Minnesota from Mining Damage - join the Mining Without Harm Campaign!
Off-Road Vehicle Damage Prevention - Be a Leader
We Want You - For the North Star Chapter Executive Committee
Calendar of Events
Ride the Tour de Sprawl this Saturday!
Clear your calendar and pump up those bicycle tires . . . the popular Tour de Sprawl is this weekend! It's not too late to save $5 and pre-register, or just join us on Saturday morning to enjoy 24 miles of beautiful bicycling in Woodbury, Cottage Grove, and historic Hastings.
More info and registration at:
Tour de Sprawl
Questions? Contact at 612-659-9124.
Sierra Club Sheds Light on Legislators' Environmental Records
With election season heating up, do you know whether your legislators are voting for safe and healthy communities? The Sierra Club just released our 2005-2006 Legislative Scorecard, where we've identified 35 votes taken by Minnesota Representatives and Senators over a two-year period, and disclosed the voting records of legislators on issues relating to clean air and water, renewable energy, transportation funding, forest protection, and more. Check out the cool interactive web version or download the whole report at http://northstar.sierraclub.org/2006scorecard.
We Don't Need Another Polluting Coal Plant - Demand Clean Energy!
Stop dirty coal-fired power coming into Minnesota and help lay a deeper foundation for renewable energy like wind power. In October, attend a public hearing to tell the Public Utilities Commission that Minnesota does not want new coal-fired power from the proposed Big Stone II coal plant - we want clean energy! If you can attend a public hearing October 9th -16th or help organize to pack the house, please contact Cesia at 612-659-9124 or cesia.kearns@sierraclub.org For information on the Big Stone II coal plant expansion and hearing dates and locations go to http://northstar.sierraclub.org/campaigns/air/coal/bigStoneProposal.html.
Tell Legislators: THE ENVIRONMENT MATTERS!
This fall, we want to make sure our officials hear that clean air, water, and energy are important in Minnesota. We need volunteers for the Environment 2006 Campaign to get this important message out to the public. Can you help for a few hours with this good cause? Join action nights at 6:00pm on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at the Sierra Club office; directions at http://northstar.sierraclub.org/about/contacts.html. Call Sierra members and enjoy FREE PIZZA.
To sign up: Erika at 612-659-9124 or .
Birch Clothing Open House Sierra Fundraiser
For Sierra Club members — 15% of all purchases will go to the Sierra Club. Friday, September 29, 6-8pm @ Birch Clothing. Birch Clothing is located at 2309 West 50th St. (50th and Penn Ave.) Mpls. http://www.birchclothing.com, 612-436-0776. Refreshments provided. Questions, contact Jessica Willey (Communications Committee Chair) .
Kilowatt Ours - A Plan to Re-Energize America - Monday, October 2nd - 7:00 -8:30pm.
Join us for this short film, discussion, and action night. "Kilowatt Ours" is a great "Energy 101." Learn more about the environmental and health hazards of coal-fired power, what you can do to reduce energy consumption, and more information on the Big Stone II coal plant fight. Stay and write a letter to a decision-maker about Big Stone II. Held in the hospitality hall of St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church - 4537 - 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis. RSVP or questions contact Cesia (saysha) at 612-659-9124 or .
Grand Rapids Renewable Energy Fair
Join Sierra Club activists in Grand Rapids as we distribute materials about renewable energy and we sign up new activists. The fair is Saturday, Sept. 30 from 9:00-4:00. For more information contact Elanne Palcich at or 218-969-9557.
What Does Population have to do with the Environment?
Sarah Fairchild, Sierra Club National Director of the Global Population and Environment Program, will visit the Twin Cities Sept. 20-22 and give three presentations on population growth and the environment, health care education and training on reproductive health, and "Beyond Family Planning". Please visit Sierra Club web link for full schedule and details. Attend Sierra Population Committee event on Sept. 20th at 6:30pm at Hamline University for presentation "What Does Population Growth Have to Do With the Environment? EVERYTHING!" http://northstar.sierraclub.org/campaigns/population/index.html. Contact Laura Kelnhofer with questions or more info: 612-869-5006
Happy Hour! With the Environmental Justice Support Committee
Need a place to talk about the state of the world? Want to learn about environmental justice and meet like minded people? Join us for upcoming Fall Happy Hours at 5:30pm- Thurs. Sept. 21 at the Blue Nile Restaurant. Thurs. Oct. 19th at the Cafe of the Americas. Environmental Justice Now! Call Steve to RSVP or for more info: 612-968-5171
Protect Minnesota from Mining Damage - join the Mining Without Harm Campaign!
Our campaign to prevent air, water and wetlands damage from metallic sulfide mining (copper, nickel, platinum, palladium, gold) in Minnesota just south of the BWCAW is moving statewide. Volunteers are needed to write letters, meet with their legislators, reach out to union members to raise the visibility of this looming threat and to promote recycling and positive alternatives. Help protect Lake Superior and BWCAW from mining damage. Time commitment is 1-5 hours a month. Contact Co-Chair John Doberstien at 218-522-0595.
Off-Road Vehicle Damage Prevention - Be a Leader
Hobby users of off-road motorcycles, trucks and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are pushing government to turn public lands over to their use, thereby taking away wild and scenic places that hikers, bicyclists, and hunters have long used. Help us protect places like the North Shore State Trail by promoting responsible motorized vehicle use, and preserving sensitive places. Use your skills or learn new ones — writing, speaking, lobbying, and mentoring. To learn more about the needs and opportunities available, visit the North Star Chapter website, or call Clyde Hanson at 218-387-9081
We Want You - For the North Star Chapter Executive Committee
Build your leadership skills and help move the Sierra Club's conservation agenda forward in Minnesota by running for the Executive Committee. Four seats are up for election by our members for a 3 year term. Monthly meetings (phone participation for non-metro folks) plus individual or sub-committee work of 5-9 hours per month. Hire and supervise the state director, set organizational development strategy, endorse candidates for public offices, set and monitor budgets, and manage fundraising. Most conservation policy is managed by the conservation committee, which reports to the Executive Committee. Call Clyde Hanson (218-387-9081) of the nominating committee for more info or to nominate yourself or others. Candidates may also get on the ballot by petition.
Calendar of Events
http://northstar.sierraclub.org
For More Calendar Information or for Interesting Submissions Contact: .