Florida Chapter
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Loxahatchee
Group Florida Chapter |
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| NEWS:Turtle Tracks Newsletter |
Help us move Scripps off Mecca Farms
- By John Koch
The Sierra Club and Florida Wildlife Federation are suing the Army Corps of Engineers over a permit the Corps granted authorizing Scripps to build on part of the Mecca Farms site without the environmental and other studies needed to permit the entire site. Our case is going well. The judge ruled that Palm Beach County and Scripps could not sign on as co-defendants with the Corps, and there is legal precedent against splitting a site into two permits to avoid stiffer requirements. We have excellent attorneys, the Environmental Land Use and Law Center.
Our objective is to get Scripps to move to a site east of I-95 already zoned for research and across the road from Scripps’ temporary facilities at Abacoa. This would leave Mecca available for water storage and adjoining Vavrus Ranch as an undisturbed wetland, both connectable to the water-starved Loxahatchee River.
Your Sierra Group and Chapter have committed thousands of dollars to this legal action, but we need a commitment from our members. Our attorneys are confident our lawsuit will prevail and we agree. Our opponents realize that this is a serious threat and will use their deep pockets to lengthen the process in hopes we will give up. This means there will be appeals and stalling by the opposition -- anything to bully us into giving up. We are not going to give up. We are serious about this and we ask you, our members, to be serious too.
Please consider a TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution to our legal challenge. Make checks payable to SIERRA CLUB FOUNDATION (this insures tax deductibility), write LOXAHATCHEE GROUP on the “For” line in the lower left hand corner and mail to Sierra Club, P.O. Box 6271, Lake Worth FL 33466-6271.
NOTE: Funds received but not needed for this cause will be used for other conservation issues.
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Holiday party & silent auction 2005
- By Sheila Calderon
Time is fast approaching for our 2005 Holiday Party and Silent Auction to be held on Saturday, December 17, at the beautiful Community Foundation for Palm Beach and Martin Counties in West Palm Beach. We’ll have one terrific party with music, wine, great raffle prizes and fantastic auction items. Top this all off with seeing old and new Sierra friends and enjoying great pot luck dishes that our Sierrans are known for.
Donation offers for our Silent Auction are off to a good start. Gift certificates have started rolling in and include tickets to the beautiful Nutcracker Ballet at Kravis, a sail on the Heritage Schooner in Biscayne Bay, a family day at Sea World or “hopping” around the Disney World Theme Parks. Choose to bid on a beautiful tree or plant for your garden; or share a weekend sail with family or friends on a catamaran with our own Capt. Gary Lehnertz and his special 1st Mate Margi. We will have a great choice of restaurants, Florida attractions, an escape to one of our beautiful Florida beaches, theatre tickets, and other great gift items including beautiful framed photographic art and a hand painted lamp shade.
Funds raised by the silent auction will be used to support our Inner City Outings Program, the Elaine Usherson Environmental Camp Scholarship program and other local projects. Call me at 561- 968-4166 or send an e-mail to shecal@bellsouth.net, with donations of new auction items (min. value - $25) or any gift certificates you procure from your favorite restaurants or attractions.
Remember, save the date, December 17th.and check the December issue of Turtle Tracks for final party time and details. Please call or e-mail your RSVP as soon as possible to Kay Gates at 561- 742-9218 or johnkay@mindspring.com.
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From the Easy Chair. . . . .
- Maryvonne Devensky, Vice-Chairperson
In September, Chairperson, Kay Gates, Conservation Chair Drew Martin, and Legal Chair Barbara Curtis, attended the Sierra Summit in San Francisco. They reported that: Florida had the largest delegation with 35 attendees. Several delegates came from Mississippi, Alabama and New Orleans in spite of Katrina. Summit attendees raised $40,000 for rebuilding New Orleans as new green city.
Summit delegates chose energy, acquiring state and federal lands, and reducing pollution as the Sierra Club’s three top goals for the next 5 years. Executive Director Carl Pope and President Lisa Renstrom helped us feel the importance of our input.
Al Gore, Robert Kennedy Jr. and Arianna Huffington gave inspiring speeches. Huffington called indifference a weapon of mass destruction. Echoing a common theme of the Summit that we must organize around visions and solutions, not issues and problems, Huffington warned we should stop celebrating insignificant victories because then we settle for a "tyranny of low expectations." She said "If there is one problem with the environmental movement, it is that we are willing to settle for crumbs. We can demand more because the American public is longing for true leadership and authenticity. Leadership won't come from politicians. It will come from us, the grassroots." In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Huffington called this a "teachable moment" of which we should take full advantage, and it’s our responsibility to connect the dots between issues like global warming, over-reliance on fossil fuels, and national security. "Hurricane Katrina's real name is global warming..." said Huffington.
Robert Kennedy Jr.’s speech was a reminder that the protection of the environment is not a partisan issue, it is a public health issue. For more on speakers’ messages, visit www.sierraclub.org.
Be involved in your Club to work on our newly-set goals.
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General Meetings
October General Meeting: Tsunamis and Hurricanes, the Untold Story
Tues., Oct. 18, 2005, 7:30pm, Mounts Botanical Garden, IFAS Extension Building, 531 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, Florida 33415.
This is a joint meeting with Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Native Plant Society. Jim Egan, Executive Director, Marine Resource Council, www.mrcirl.org, will share personal observations of the impacts of the 2005 tsunamis. He will present before and after pictures of the hardest hit areas and demonstrate how the places with the greatest loss of life were those with the most human disturbance of native habitats and vegetation, areas where humans have removed dunes and coastal vegetation and inlet stream vegetation. Where native habitat was intact, there was no loss of life! This will be a poignant story of how stewardship of the environment saved lives and lack of stewarship resulted in loss of thousands of lives. Free admission; native plant raffle; refreshments.
Directions: From Florida's Turnpike: Take Okeechobee Blvd. exit East to Military Trail, then South on Military Trail 1.25 miles to Mounts Botanical Garden ,1/4 mile South of Belvedere, west side across from Palm Beach International Airport.
From I-95: Take Southern Blvd. exit West to Military Trail, then North on Military Trail 1/2 mile to Mounts Botanical Garden , west side across from Palm Beach International Airport.
November General Meeting: Environmental talk and nature walk, Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area - Bring your own folding chair!
Sat., Nov.19, 3:30 to 5:30pm, Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area (formerly Overlook Scrub) South side of Hypoluxo Rd. between Overlook Rd. and Dixie Hwy.
The Hypoluxo Scrub Natural Area owes its existence to the activism of local Sierra Club member Mike Fitzpatrick and others. Lisa Hanley will speak about the efforts to save the scrub and about the flora and fauna found there which include gopher tortoises, Florida scrub jays and several endangered plants. Sabrina and Scott Carle, Natural Area Stewards at Hypoluxo Scrub, will share their experiences as hands-on environmentalist volunteers. The natural area features a paved ADA trail through the scrub and a longer trail leading into piney flatwoods. We’ll split into groups for guided nature walks after the presentation. Optional dinner at a local restaurant will follow.
Directions: Take I-95 Hypoluxo Rd. exit and go east one mile to the park, on right. Look for the tall observation towers.
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Please visit Events.
Want to get involved? Here's your chance.
It's Executive Committee election time again for the Loxahatchee Group, Sierra Club. Terms are for two years. Once seated, the Executive Committee selects officers for Chair, Vice chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Before you pass this opportunity by, please read on. There are three reasons to seriously consider joining the Executive Committee.
-- One, you don’t need to be an expert on the environment. All that counts is an interest in getting involved. Everyone just helps each other!
-- Two, it's a great opportunity to meet interesting and enjoyable, nice people. Friendship is an important benefit!
-- Three, think about the terrific things the group does: A variety of outings; fabulous picnics; interesting speakers; group efforts to promote environmental stewardship in our community; vibrant environmental scholarship program for youth, very active Inner City Outing (ICO) program. These things don't "just happen." If you've enjoyed any of them, perhaps it's your time to give back a bit... and have a heck of a good time while doing it!
If you're interested -- or just want to talk about it -- call a current ExCom member. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are here.
Your friendly Nominating Committee, Charles Hunt, Ron Haines and Marcia Karasoff
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BYLAW 4: NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS
3.1 Annual Election
An Annual Election shall be held in the fourth quarter of each year to choose ExCom members. This election and any special elections shall be conducted by secret written ballot mailed to all Group members at least four weeks before the closing date of the elections, and shall be conducted in such a manner as to ensure facility of voting and tabulations, and secrecy of ballot. The ballot shall allow each voter to vote for as many candidates as there are positions to be filled. A voter may not cumulate votes for any candidate.
For the annual election, the ExCom shall specify the calendar dates and deadlines for appointing a Nominating Committee (NomCom), production of eligible voter lists, receipt of names for consideration by the NomCom, receipt of ballot issue petitions, the NomCom report of the names of nominees, receipt of candidate petitions, appointment of the Election Committee, printing and mailing dates for ballots allowing at least four weeks for return of the ballots, receipt of returned ballots, and the date, time and place for counting ballots. The ExCom shall provide written notice of this schedule and of the opportunity to nominate candidates by petition to all Group members.
3.2 Nominating Committee
A Nominating Committee of at least three Group members, at least one not an ExCom member, none of who may be a candidate, shall be appointed annually by the ExCom not later than four months before the designated closing date of the election. Sufficient opportunity shall be given for Group members to submit names for consideration by the NomCom. The NomCom shall attempt to nominate at least two more candidates than the number of ExCom members to be elected, and shall report the nominees' names to the ExCom at least two weeks before the deadline for submission of nomination petitions and five weeks before the scheduled mailing of the ballots. Nominees shall be Group members who give their consent. If the NomCom chooses not to nominate a willing candidate, the NomCom shall promptly inform that candidate of the opportunity to seek nomination by petition.
3.3 Petition Candidates
The name of any Group member proposed in writing by a least fifteen Group members prior to the deadline, and who gives consent, shall also be included on the ballot. The nomination petitions shall be retained until the ballots are destroyed.
3.4 Election Committee
An election Committee of at least three Group members, at least one not an ExCom member shall be appointed annually by the ExCom prior to the scheduled date of mailing of ballots. No candidates may serve on the Election Committee. The Election Committee shall cause the ballots to be prepared and mailed and shall count the returned ballots. Challenges of the conduct of candidates or their campaigns shall be referred to the Elections Committee. Decisions of the Election Committee may be appealed to the ExCom.
3.5 Mailing Ballots
Ballots shall be mailed to all Group members of record according to the voter list obtained prior to the election.
3.6 Return of Ballots
Ballots shall be returned to the Elections Committee as directed the ballot instructions. Return of a minimum number of valid ballots shall not be required for the validity of an annual or special election.
3.7 Counting Ballots
The Election Committee shall count the ballots on the closing date of the election, or as soon as practical after the closing date of the election. The candidates or their authorized representatives shall be permitted to be present. The candidates receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected. Any tie shall be resolved immediately, first by a recount, then if necessary by lot at the ballot counting. The Election Committee shall report the results immediately to the Secretary. The Secretary shall immediately notify the candidates, the ExCom, membership and other interested parties, and shall report the results to the ExCom at its next meeting. The ballots shall be retained until the ExCom directs their destruction.
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Conservation Committee Meeting
- Drew Martin, Conservation Chair
There will be a conservation meeting on the Second Monday of October and November.
In October we’ll discuss how to protect the Florida manatee. Palm Beach County has a proposed Manatee Plan which does not improve protections for the Manatee. One problem is that more docks and boat marinas may be added in manatee habitat but no new speed limits are suggested. Our group needs to involve itself in the public comment process. We’ll discuss the best way to provide our input and suggestions we can offer. We can discuss the Endangered Species Act, how it helps species such as the manatee and how to prevent special interest groups from watering down this most important law for wildlife protection.
In November we’ll discuss how we can improve environmental protections for oceans and what actions our group should be taking. One important area is protection from over-fishing. A number of ocean-going animals are being threatened, including sea turtle and mantas. There is currently a huge decline in large predator fish. Another important area is the occurrence of red tide which kills sea life.
The meetings will be held at the Quaker House, 823 North A Street in Lake Worth. North A Street is just to the East of and parallel to I-95. Exit I-95 at 10th Street Exit, go east and then take the first right turn onto A Street. The meeting starts at 6:30. If you have any questions email me at DMandCH@aol.com.
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Note From Inner City Outings (ICO) Chair
By Sheila Calderon
We are pleased to announce that the Boys and Girls Club of Martin County has joined the ICO. This brings us to three groups participating in our program. Our first scheduled outing with the group will be on October 1st --- we have invited the children, their families and the Boys and Girls Club Leaders to a picnic in Halpatiokee Park.
If there is anyone who would like to volunteer and participate in our ICO Group, please contact me at shecal@bellsouth.netor phone 561- 968-4166.
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Inner City Outings (ICO) National Training Conference 2005
- By Chris Sember
The weekend of Aug. 4-7 the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Highland Center played host to the 2005 ICO National Training Conference for about 100 volunteers from 40+ ICO chapters. The conference is a biennial event to gather the troops and sharpen the focus, network ideas, discuss current issues, have fun, meet other great volunteers and connect with people behind the scenes at ICO and Sierra National.
The AMC Highland Center is in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, near 6,288-ft Mt.Washington which holds the record for the highest wind speed on the planet at 281mph! The center is truly a “Green” building with tremendous engineering considerations including water treatment, climate control, material usage, recycling, and spring water!
Lori Haynes and Mike Yustin, my compadres from Loxahatchee ICO brought our contingency to three. Lori, a Fish and Wildlife Commission employee, is a Project Wild trainer and conducted a workshop on the program. She gets two thumbs up for a great presentation!
There were enough program choices with highly-qualified leaders, so that each of us attended different workshops to maximize our time.
Friday’s schedule included core workshops covering topics such as Recognizing Child Abuse, Working with Youth, and Well-Trained Leaders.
Saturday was a day of electives, some of which addressed planning and coordinating, safety and emergency issues. Leadership, development and fund raising rounded out the offerings.
We were treated to some movies about the area, and a guided climb up Mt. Willard (2000+ ft) for a vista of the valley heading out towards Crawford Notch. We hiked up the Gibbs Falls trail which is marked by a placard identifying it as the oldest continuously operated hiking trail in the US! Who knew?! We even had time to eat some wild blueberries, and winterberries.
Saturday night brought us all together to say goodbye to some old guard and hello to the new ones. Mark Walters of the Miami ICO Group is the successor to Sue Hamerstrom as our new SE Regional representative. We are all looking forward to working with him as our ICO group grows.
I can’t do justice to the knowledge and experience these folks brought to us for this weekend. Mike, Lori and I pledged to pass along everything we learned to benefit our chapter.
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Help reform Florida’s redistricting process
By Harriet Boggi
The Sierra club supports the citizen petition drive to reform Florida’s redistricting procedures.
Today, Florida’s districts are a partisan jig-saw puzzle. Politicians create their own districts after each census. Districts are not contiguous or even connected. They are drawn to ensure a politician’s re-election. A state legislator has no need to service his/her constituents since they cannot lose a bid for re-election.
In 2004 not one incumbent lost his/her bid for re-election. Of 142 seats up for re-election, 103 were uncontested by a major political party. An opposition candidate could not win given the voter bias in the existing gerrymandered district.
The proposed amendments will establish a non-partisan commission to redraw the district maps, create standards that ensure districts are compact, don’t split communities, have no “funny” boundaries, and set a timeline that ensures the redistricting process will be completed by 2008. You can change this and give the political voice back to the people. In order to to put three amendments on the ballot in 2006, 750,000 signatures are needed. Petitions will be available at all Sierra club events. Please visit www.committeeforfairelections.com to learn more and download the petitions.
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Next EXCOM Meeting - 7:00 p.m. on 2nd Tuesday of the month. October will be at Kay Gates’; November at Maryvonne Devensky’s. Call Kay Gates for directions if you plan to attend - 561-742-9219.
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Lox Group Newsletter Labeling Party
is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 13, 2005. Call Kay Gates 561-742-9219 or Lisa Hanley 561-732-9578 for details.
Join Our E-Mail Forum
- Ron HainesGet on board with the Loxahatchee Group's very own e-mail forum. This is a general e-mail discussion and announcement list for members of the Loxahatchee Group of the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club. Our forum is a strong network for communications, announcements, action alerts and just plain fun for members of the Loxahatchee Group. To sign onto the list, have your Membership Number handy and fill out the form on one of the following websites: http://www.sierraclub.org/memberlists or
http://www.sierraclub.org/memberlists?listname=FL-LOXAHATCHEE-FORUM
Sierra Summit 2005
- Marcia Karasoff
On September 8-11, 2005, an estimated 3000 Sierrans from throughout the country will gather at the Sierra Club’s first ever large-scale convention, Sierra Summit 2005, at San Francisco’s Moscone Center. There will be top-notch keynote speakers and entertainers, educational workshops, exhibits of outdoor adventure and "green" ideas, products and technologies, and a showcase of the Sierra Club’s work.
One thousand official Sierra Summit 2005 Delegates will have an opportunity to participate in special sessions to formulate recommendations to the Club’s Board of Directors to guide and integrate our Club-wide conservation priorities, strategic approaches, and organizational capabilities for the next five years.
Visit www.sierraclub.org/sierrasummit for more information and fees.
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Turtle Tracks is published bi-monthly by the Sierra Club Loxahatchee Group, P.O. Box 6271, Lake Worth, FL 33462-6271. Non-profit postage paid at West Palm Beach, FL. The purpose of this newsletter is to inform members about environmental issues and events. Members subscribe through their annual dues; nonmember subscriptions are available for $12/year. Send address changes to: Sierra Club Member Services, Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80322
Newsletter submissions are welcome. The deadline is the third Tuesday of each month. Email articles to Marcia Karasoff at karasoffm@bellsouth.net (phone 561/968-4058), or deliver Macintosh format 3.5" disc or Zip disc copy to general membership meeting. (Typed hardcopies are also acceptable, but not preferred).
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The Loxahatchee
Group is an environmental organization serving Sierra Club members in
Palm Beach
County, Martin County, St. Lucie County and Okeechobee County, Southeast Florida
