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Committee Chairs
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Conservation
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Environmental Education
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Outings
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Bill Armstrong
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Website
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Bill Armstrong
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Programs, Ponte Vedra
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Larry Lickenbrock
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Programs,
Duval
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Janet Larson & Pauline Berkeley
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Membership
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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| Newsletter |
Julianne Mammana
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Legal
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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Publicity
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Volunteer for this position! Call 247-1876
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| Legislative |
Gabe Hanson
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How did our Florida representatives to the U.S. Congress vote on the Environment in 2015?
Kudos and Raspberries--Remember in November
Regarding the NE Florida delegation, Thank You to Bill Nelson (84%) and Corrine Brown (97%).
The scores represent favorable votes as a percentage of total votes on enviro legislative votes. 100% is the best score with 0% being the worst-no correct environmental votes. Florida scored only a "fair" score in its overall vote by its US Congress people.
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House: 36%
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Senate: 42%
Kudos to the Winners
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100% perfect scores
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House: Al
a
n Grayson and Lois Frankel
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Senate: none;
Bill Nelson scored 84%
Corrine Brown: 97%
Raspberries: 0% Score:
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House: Crenshaw, Mica, Miller, DeSantis, Ross and Rooney
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Senate: Marco Rubio
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3rd Annual International Migratory Bird Day
Spread your wings for bird conservation
Birds and beaches go together like people and beaches-they're a natural fit, but sometimes we humans forget that we share the shore with birds. By learning about how birds use the beach we hope to increase public awareness and involvement in bird conservation. If we all make small changes in our beach going behaviors, we can ensure birds thrive at Little Talbot Island and Timucuan Preserve for years to come. For the 3rd year in a row, on
Saturday, April 16, 2016
, the National Park Service is co-hosting International Migratory Bird Day (IMBD) with the Florida Park Service at Little Talbot Island State Park (LTI). Spread Your Wings for Bird Conservation is free with paid admission to Little Talbot Island State Park ($5.00 per vehicle).
Little Talbot Island State Park is located at 12157 Heckscher Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32226. This family-friendly event will be held from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Pavilions 9 and 10. It includes special spotting scope talks and interactive bird themed activity stations. Spotting scopes will be used during the event to bird watch without disturbing birds.
The Timucuan Preserve provides important places for migratory birds to nest, winter, or stopover during migration. Nature related activities such as birding are enjoyed by visitors year-round. Find you park and celebrate the centennial of the National Park Service and the upcoming centennial of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act with us.
Volunteers of high school age and up are needed to make this event happen. If you are interested in helping out with this program, register here.
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Unhealthy environments result in 12.6 million deaths per year
About 12.6 million people die each year from diseases linked to unhealthy environments, says a World Health Organization study. "If countries do not take actions to make environments where people live and work healthy, millions will continue to become ill and die too young," WHO Director-General Margaret Chan said in a statement reported in the Voice of America of March 15.
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Ponte Vedra Program
April 4 @ 6:00pm
Wildlife Photography: "The Creatures that Live Among Us"
The NE FL Sierra Club in Ponte Vedra will host a presentation by local photographer Craig O'Neal about wildlife photography. He will show slides of his work and explain how the photos were taken. As one of N.E. Florida's most recognized nature and wildlife photographers, Craig has taken thousands of photos within the First Coast region. His insight as a Florida Master Naturalist allows him to capture images of Florida's creatures in their natural state.
As a photographer with over 15 years' experience, Craig's nature images are published in local newspapers and licensed to national publications such as First Coast, The National Wildlife Federation, Discovery magazine, The Travel Channel and the GMT Research Reserve (Guana) to name a few. He is also a freelance correspondent with the Times-Union Shorelines newspaper, for his column "In Focus", a feature generally centered on nature and wildlife.
As an environmentalist, Craig is always looking to promote our natural resources through photography, and speaking presentations throughout North Florida. He was also the recipient of the Local Hero's award for environmentalism from the Ponte Vedra Rotary Club in 2011.
All are welcome! For further information, contact Larry Lickenbrock at (904) 537-6047. The program will be held in the Main Meeting Room of the Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library on Library Road at A1A (blinking light south of the intersection of A1A and Solana Road, on A1A about two miles south of Butler Boulevard).
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Jacksonville Program
April 11 @ 6:30 pm
Less Lawn/ More Ground Covers
A green lawn is beautiful, but the cost is high- Fuel for power mowers, toxic emissions, fertilizers, and pesticides, not to mention using our precious drinking water supply to quench its thirsty needs! All this to maintain a green monocuture!
Come hear Master Gardener Brenda Daly relate about using ground covers instead, that can be grown in our area to reduce our dependence on lawns as a 'cover crop'.
Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W., rear of education bldg. 6:30-7:00 Social time. Program begins at 7:00. Free. All welcome.
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Meeting Calendar
Ponte Vedra Program
Ponte Vedra Beach Public Library- Main meeting room
Monday, April 11 @ 6:30pm
Jacksonville Program-
Less Lawn/ More Ground Cover
Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 2001 University Blvd W
Wednesday, April 20 @ 6:30
Combined ExCom & Conservation Committee Meeting
6850 Belfort Oaks Road, Jacksonville
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National Marine Fisheries Service Expands Critical Habitat for North Atlantic Right Whales
Brian Paradise
The National Fisheries Service (NFS) has recently published its final rule designating nearly 30,000 additional square miles of critical habitat. All told, this means nearly 40,000 square miles of ocean habitat will now receive special management consideration and protection.
North Atlantic right whales are protected under both the Endangered Species Act (ESA) and the Marine Mammal Protection Act. These laws have helped bring the right whale back from the brink of extinction caused by 18th and 19th century whaling. With only around 500 animals left, however, the right whale still has a long road ahead to recovery.
Today, the two biggest direct threats to right whales are ship strikes and entanglement in fishing gear. Defenders of Wildlife and other environmental allies including the Sierra Club have worked tirelessly to protect right whales from these threats by advocating for slow-speed zones to prevent whales from being hit, as well as fishing gear restrictions to reduce the number of entangling vertical li
nes whales may encounter.
Unfortunately, ship strikes and entanglement are not the only threats to right whales. Their ocean habitats are increasingly busy and threatened with development pressures from new industries (such as offshore energy and aquaculture), as well as oil spills and other water pollution. Under the ESA, the Fisheries Service designates critical habitat for a species when it finds that specific areas are essential to that species' conservation. Critical habitat requires federal agencies to make sure human activities requiring federal permits (i.e. offshore energy development and aquaculture facilities) do not damage or destroy the habitat that whales need to survive. The right whale's previously-designated critical habitat has covered only about 4,000 square miles - a mere fraction of the 55,000 square miles of ocean habitat that this highly migratory species needs. Thankfully, the new designation protects two
more key pieces of right whale habitat.
Despite the new critical habitat regulations, additional protection needs to be extended to right whales by designating the migratory habitats that link their feeding grounds and breeding grounds as critical.
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Join Hands Across the Sand
On May 21st at noon in corresponding time zones, people around the world will join hands on beaches and in cities for the sixth annual Hands Across The Sand to oppose expanded offshore drilling, hydraulic fracking, mountain top clearing, coal plants and tar sands and to call for clean energy solutions for a sustainable planet.
Hands Across The Sand is a movement made of people of all walks of life, and crosses all borders and political affiliations. It is about supporting the advancement of clean energy sources that will sustain our planet. This movement is not about politics; it is about protecting coastal economies, oceans, marine wildlife and fisheries from the threats of expanded offshore drilling and the accidents associated with that drilling. It is about protecting our ground water from carcinogenic chemicals used in fracking and protecting our lands from oil spills.
Hands Across The Sand participants will join hands on May 21 to say NO to the use of filthy fuels and YES to clean energy. They are joining hands to implore leaders and decision-makers to end the United States' dependence on oil and coal and embrace a clean energy future for a sustainable planet.
Locally, we will meet in Jacksonville Beach at the end of Beach Blvd located just beyond the Life Guard Station starting at
11:00 a.m
for sign in. Be there to make a stand and show our state and national legislators that we are united in our message of NO more dirty fuels poisoning of our oceans and waterways while we say YES to clean, sustainable energy.
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Obama Pulls Plans to Allow Oil Drilling off Southern Atlantic Coast
On March 15, in a major reversal, the Obama administration announced that it is dropping its year-old plan to allow companies to search and drill for oil and natural gas in the Atlantic Ocean off of four southeastern states. Department of Interior Sally Jewell said in a statement that objections from the Pentagon and strong opposition from nearly a hundred coastal communities in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia factored into the decision to not offer leases to companies starting in 2017.
Drilling off the Florida coast had previously not been permitted.
"We heard from many corners that now is not the time to offer oil and gas leasing off the Atlantic coast," Jewell said. "When you factor in conflicts with national defense, economic activities such as fishing and tourism, and opposition from many local communities, it simply doesn't make sense to move forward with any lease sales in the coming five years."
We wish to thank our partner Oceana who has taken the lead role in protecting our Atlantic marine environment, St Augustine City Council, and St Johns County Commission as well as Senator Bill Nelson who filed legislation to oppose the drilling.
Unfortunately, blasting is still a possibility. Oil companies can still do seismic blasting to evaluate the potential for oil and gas. This process is highly damaging to marine life, especially whales, dolphins and sea turtles. Fishing in blasted areas is off by 40%.
Therefore, we will still keep the pressure on the Administration and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) who administer permits and leases off shore. To learn more, click here.
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"Plum Pudding": A Podcast that Tells a Story
Janet Stanko
SSJ SC, Stand By Our Plan,
PriceOfSprawl.com and George Sibley, videographer, have finished working on a podcast related to Growth Management. As you know Growth Management issues can be a little dry and hard to comprehend.
We decided to do a podcast that tells a story so even if you know nothing about growth management issues, you will still be able to understand and learn about the process. Remember the movie "Sunshine State?" I cry every time I watch it because despite the happy ending, I know that isn't true for Florida.
What's it about?
Plum Pudding tells the story of how the largest landowner in the country is trying to turn swamplands in Eastern Alachua County Florida into a 65,000 acre residential/multi-use development. Sound familiar? But the story only starts there. A citizens group called Stand By Our Plan formed to fight the development by using the county's very strong comprehensive plan. This isn't a story of just Alachua county, but of of all communities in Florida.
Plum Pudding narrates the ups and downs of this David and Goliath fight in a six-episode podcast that will attract a broad aud
ience through its narrative and inform folks about the vagaries of developer tactics. But we don't stop there, we want to illustrate appropriate practices for citizens - win or lose. At the time of this writing, we do not know how the decision will go with Alachua County. But win or lose, citizens need to protect the quality of life. We feel Plum Pudding helps people see how it all works together.
Help needed:
Here's where I need help: I have promoted it with "the choir," Sierra, and
environmental
contacts. However, I haven't shared it with the media yet. I need people to listen to the podcast and either send me their comments via email, post on the Sierra or my personal Janet L. Stanko Facebook, or the PriceOfSprawl Facebook. I need this ASAP (like in the next few weeks) so I can use the comments in my promotion to the broader media.
Comments:
I would like some comments on whether you liked it, think there are parallels with development projects in our area, other connections with your observations and experiences in our community. If you could make any comments on the public interest vs. private commercial interests and quality of life, it would be helpful. Thank you!
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Monthly Outings
Saturday, April 9, 9:00 a.m.: Kayak in the Timucuan Preserve
We'll put in at the Pumpkin Hill State Park launch area and paddle through the beautiful salt marsh to Tiger Point where we will see a variety of birds and a beautifully preserved, natural area.
The address is approximately 13802 Pumpkin Hill Road, Jacksonville, FL. Exit on to Heckscher Drive north from I-295 (9A), turn left (north) on New Berlin Road. Turn right (east) on Cedar Point Drive. Turn left (north) on Pumpkin Hill Road. Drive to the end of Pumpkin Hill Rd. Parking area and put-in are to the right just before Betz-Tiger Point Preserve entrance. Look for the Sierra Club sign.
Bring water, sun block, and clothes appropriate for the weather. Bring your own kayak. You must have a personal flotation device and whistle. RSVP on
Meetup or to
Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at
[email protected].
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Saturday, April 16, 9:00 a.m.: Hike the Florida Trail in the Ocala National Forest
We'll hike for about 7.5 miles from Rodman Dam to Lake Delancy. Floridahikes.com describes this hike: "One of the most awe-inspiring sections of the Florida Trail ... (it) immerses you into longleaf pine forests that seem to go on forever ... the Florida Trail through this area is simply superb." I agree; it's beautiful!
In addition, we'll be joining Sierra Club chapters throughout the U.S. in kicking off nationwide celebrations by highlighting 100
outings in April in honor of our National Park Service's 100th anniversary.
We'll meet at the Rodman Dam Florida Trailhead at
9:00 a.m. Some of us will then shuttle a few cars to our endpoint at Lake Delancy. Once we return, we'll begin our hike. This is a moderate hike with some ups and downs. Total length is 7.5 miles.
Bring water, bug spray, and sun block. Please bring dollar bills to help pay for parking at Lake Delancy ($6 per car). Restrooms are available at Rodman Dam and at Lake Delancy. No pets.
Directions: From Jacksonville, take US 17 south to Palatka. Turn right on US 19 and continue about 12 miles south into the Ocala National Forest. Immediately after crossing the old Florida Barge Canal on a large bridge, turn right toward Rodman Dam. Continue for about 4 miles, drive over the dam and continue for about 1/4 mile. The trailhead is on your right. The address is 640 Rodman Road, Palatka, FL. Look for the Sierra Club sign. Travel time is about 1 1/2 hours. Please arrive by
9:00 a.m so we can get cars shuttled and start our hike by
10:00.
RSVP on
Meetup or to
Outing Leader Bill Armstrong at
[email protected].
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Saturday, April 16, 2016, 10:00 am: Bike the Palatka to St. Augustine State Trail
We will bike approximately 17 miles round-trip on the beautiful
Palatka to St Augustine State Trail. The trail runs through the communities of Armstrong, Elkton, and Vermont Heights in northeastern Florida just west of St Augustine. Much of the route follows State Route 207. Views are a mix of woodlands and rural landscapes.
From I-95 south, take exit 311 and turn right/south on SR-207 towards Palatka. In 2.5 miles there is a slip road on the right side of the road where we will park and begin the bike ride. There is not a building or any facilities there, but
this map link will help you locate it. Also look for the Sierra Club sign!
You must bring your own bike (no rentals available) and wear a helmet to participate in the
outing. Also bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Once the ride is over, feel free to join a group lunch at
Jim's Place, located just 1.5 miles from the
outing meeting location.
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Saturday-Sunday, May 14-15, 2016: Jekyll Island, GA Hiking, Biking and Kayaking Tri-Sierra-Thon Weekend Getaway
Come on up to Jekyll Island, Georgia for a Tri-Sierra-Thon weekend getaway! We will kayak about four miles on clam creek at
3:00 pmSaturday; hike about five miles, half of which on the beach, including beautiful driftwood beach, at
9:00 am Sunday; and bike about 14 miles of the island's trail system at
12:00 pm Sunday. Saturday night will be a great time for fellowship around a fire pit talking, eating and drinking!
Don't delay; make your reservation today at Jekyll Island Campground to ensure you can reserve a camper or tent site! Here is the campground map. We are staying at site J-01 Fri-Sun nights; site J-01 is very close to the top of the map. If you want to camp near us call
912-635-3021, as you cannot reserve a specific site online. The fee for camping is $35 per night, plus $6 to enter the island; oversized vehicles are $10.
Helpful notes: 1) in addition to signing up on
meetup.com, you must contact the campground for your actual reservation, 2) check-in time is a firm
2:00 pm; check-out time is
12:00 pm, and 3) tents and RVs can share the same site with only one reservation so long as there are no more than six people staying at the site...buddy-up!
The address for the campground is 1197 Riverview Drive, Jekyll Island, GA 31525. Plan accordingly, as it's about a 1.5 hour drive from Jacksonville. Once in Georgia on I-95 north, take exit 29 and head east/right on GA-520 east for 5.4 miles, then continue right on GA-520 east for 6.6 miles to Jekyll Island (don't go over the big bridge). Once you pay the entrance fee, continue straight ahead until the traffic circle and take the second right onto Beach View Dr North. The campground will be 4.5 miles on your left.
The kayak
outing will meet across the street from the campground at the Jekyll Fishing Center, 10 Clam Creek Road. The bike and hike
outings begin at our campsite (J-01). You MUST wear a life jacket/PFD on the kayak
outing and a helmet on the bike
outing...no exceptions. Suggest also bringing a hat, bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses. Finally, don't forget your camping supplies and food!
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"When we heal the Earth, we heal ourselves."
- David Orr-
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