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The monthly state newsletter for the Tennessee Chapter Sierra Club Volume 39, Number 9 - October, 2008
Tennessee Chapter Makes Legislative Endorsements
Explore, Enjoy and protect the planet
The Tennessee Chapter has finished a firstround of endorsements in state legislative races.These candidates have been voted upon by thechapter political committee and the chapterexecutive committee. The first round of endorse-ments was basically incumbents, and the com-mittees considered their recorded voting recordson environmental issues. Other factors that wentinto the endorsements include: position in theparty, rank in the House or Senate, long historyof being a friend, behind the scenes help andcommittee assignments. The endorsements are:
Candidate District
HouseJim Hackworth D 33 Mike McDonald D 44 Stratton Bone D 46 Kent Coleman D 49 Gary Moore D 50 Mike Turner D 51 Mike Stewart D 52 Janie Sontany D 53 Brenda Gilmore D 54 Gary Odom D 55 Beth Harwell R 56 Sherry Jones D 59 Ben West D 60 Bob Bibb D 66 David Shepard D 69 Jeanne Richardson D 89 Mike Kernell D 93Eddie Yokely, D 11Bill Dunn, R 16David Seal, I 17John Dowdy, D 94
SenateJamie Woodson R 6 Joe Haynes D 20 Jim Kyle D 28 Beverly Marrero D 30 Mark Norris R 32Jim Hawkins, D 18Randy Camp, D 26
Bill Terry & Penny Brooks, Co-ChairsChapter Political & Legislative Committees
The Model Forest Policy Program[www.mfpp.org] is seeking an experi-enced project director to lead a newmulti-year project with the City ofCookeville/Putnam County to enhancetheir climate action plans with foreststewardship measures to protect waterresources and mitigate climate change.We are seeking an energetic, selfreliant leader with demonstrated suc-cess as an organizer, networker, andfacilitator. Please send resume/coverletter to: [email protected]
Project Director Job
At the end of the 2008 session, Chapter Legislative Committee Co-Chair Bill Terry and Chapter Lobbyist MikeMurphy presented Senator Mark Norris with a special recognition award for his valuable work and leadership inpassing the budget bill last year that included the funds for the North Cumberland Plateau land acquisition pro-gram. Senator Norris was instrumental in keeping these funds in the approved budget. The Tennessee Chaptergives Senator Norris a hearty thank you.
Sierra Club OfficersTENNESSEE CHAPTER:Chair: Katherine Pendleton (615) 943-6877
[email protected] Chair: Gloria Griffith (423) 727-4797
[email protected]: Carl Leathers (615) 662-4178Treasurer: Rachel Floyd (615) 406-9204
[email protected]: Gary Bowers (615) 714-3185
[email protected]: Judith Hammond (901) 276-2819
[email protected] Delegate: Don Richardson (901) 276-1387
[email protected] Alternate: Katherine Pendleton (615) 943-6877
TN LOCAL GROUPS:Cherokee Group - Chattanooga (in reorganization)www.tennessee.sierraclub.org/cherokeeContact: Barbara Kelly (423) 718-5009
Chickasaw Group - Memphiswww.tennessee.sierraclub.org/chickasawChair: Nancy J. Ream (901) 759-9416
[email protected] Chair: Amy Stewart-Banbury (901) 292-5354
[email protected]: Nancy J. Ream (901) 759-9416
[email protected]: OPEN
Outings: Judith Hammond (901) [email protected]
Membership: Juliet Jones (901) [email protected]
TV Program: Judith Rutschman (901) [email protected]
Harvey Broome Group - Knoxville/Oak Ridgewww.tennessee.sierraclub.org/broomeChair: David Reister (865) 670-8991
[email protected]: John Finger (865) 573-5908
[email protected]: Axel Ringe (865)387-1840
[email protected]: Ron Shrieves (865) 922-3518
Middle Tennessee Group - Nashvillewww.tennessee.sierraclub.org/mtgChair: Rachel Floyd (615) 406-9204
[email protected] Chair: Diane Perschbacher Phifer, 615-895-1236
[email protected]: Betsy Garber, 615-668-1977
[email protected]: Katherine Pendleton (615) 943-6877
State of Franklin GroupChair: Tom Mozen, (423) 232-0827
[email protected] Chair: Diana Mozen, (423) 232-0827
[email protected]: Janice Kasten, (423) 276-8751
[email protected]/Membership Mary Glavik, (423) 773-1594
Watauga Group - Johnson & Carter Countieswww.tennessee.sierraclub.org/wataugaChair: Gloria Griffith (423) 727-4797
[email protected] Chair: Dr. Earl Taylor (423) 727-7211Conservation: Dean Whitworth (423) 727-7214Outings: Webb Griffith (423) 727-4797
Upper Cumberland Group - Cookevillewww.tennessee.sierraclub.org/ucgChair: Mary Mastin (931) 268-2938
[email protected]: Josie McQuail (931) 372-6142
[email protected]: Ralph BowdenSecretary: Peggy EvansConservation: Easton EvansOutings: Vacant
National Sierra Staff in Tennessee:Rita Harris, Community Organizer
Environmental Justice Program (901) [email protected]
Bill McCabe, Central Appalachian EJ Organizeroffice - 423-944-3220 fax - 423-944-3221 (call first)
The monthly newsletter of the Tennessee Chapter of the Sierra Club.
SEND CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO:
*Email: [email protected]*Snail Mail: clip the Moving? coupon below and mail
*Address changes are processed much faster if youinclude your Sierra Club membership number. To findyour membership number, look on the address label ofthis newsletter.
SEND ARTICLES TO:
Email: [email protected] Mail: Lynne Baker, Tennes-Sierran Editor
108 Pepper Ridge Circle, Antioch, TN 37013(615) 831-6782
ARTICLE SUBMISSION GUIDELINES:
Submission DEADLINE is the 10th of the month pre-ceding the new month’s issue.1. Email and email attached files are preferred. Send [email protected] either with embedded text messages, orattached files in PC-based formats. Attached files are pre-ferred. Mac users should embed text in body of an emailmessage only.2. Photographs should be scanned in a .jpg or .tif file formatthen either attached to email or mailed via US Postal Service(USPS) on a 3 ½ diskette or CD Rom. Please include astamped, self-addressed envelope if you would like yourdiskette or photo prints returned.3. Hard-copy handwritten or typewritten articles may beaccepted; however, pre-approval from the Editor is required.4. Any materials submitted via USPS mail cannot bereturned unless a stamped, self- addressed envelope is pro-vided.The opinions expressed in the Tennes-Sierranare those of the contributors and do not neces-sarily reflect the official views or policies of theTennessee Chapter, or the Sierra Club.
Please notify the Editor when changes are needed
TTeennnneess--SSiieerrrraann
4300
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MTG has a great volunteer opportunityfor someone who would like to help theSierra Club through a specific task. Ourprogram chair has retired from the posi-tion after two years, but she has alreadyscheduled speakers through the end ofthe year! This means that a new volun-teer could have time to ease into theresponsibilities. Training provided.Contact Adelle Wood for more info. 665-1010, [email protected].
Middle Tennessee GroupOffers Volunteer
Opportunity
CCoorrnneerrDear TennesseeChapter Members,
As we move into autumn, it is a goodtime to reflect on some of our recentsuccesses. The Watauga Group had abountiful harvest from their communitygarden during the growing season, pro-
viding organic produce to their communityand to chapter supported events. TheChickasaw Group co-sponsored a sustainabil-ity summit in Memphis the end of Septemberthat brought people together for generatingsupport for a sustainable Tennessee. TheTennessee Chapter and Watauga Group spon-sored a national level outings leader trainingthe last weekend in September that drew par-ticipants from across the nation. The MiddleTennessee Group helped stop a sprawl issue inthe Bells Bend area of Davidson County.Cherokee Group continues to regularly holdre-organizational meetings.
Clark Buchner and I represented our chapterat the Council of Club Leaders meetings inSan Francisco during the week of the SierraClub annual meeting in September (Clark wasour CCL delegate and I was our alternate del-egate). We learned of upcoming fundingchanges that will affect the Tennessee Chapter.Our own Tennessee Chapter member, NationalBoard of Director Jeremy Doochin, is plan-ning on attending our quarterly chapter meet-ing later this month and wishes to speak to usabout changes in our club. Please plan onattending our chapter meeting October 24-26and meet and speak with Jeremy.
Congratulations go to Ann Harris from theState of Franklin Group for receiving the 2008National Sierra Club Special RecognitionAward for her anti-nuclear work. A full storyand photo will appear in the NovemberTennes-Sierran.
I will be attending the Georgia Chapter retreatOctober 17-19 at Cohutta Lodge in the northernGeorgia mountains. Registration is still open forthis event. If you are interested in attending,please contact me. Jeremy Doochin and Iattended this event last year held on the Georgiacoast, which was enjoyable and an opportunityto get to know our Georgia neighbors.
There will be an outings leader retreat atFoster Falls near Tracy City October 31-November 2. This car camping outing is opento all current and potential outings leaders aswell as to those who enjoy participating in out-ings. Please contact me for more information.
Many thanks go to those of you across thechapter serving this year on ExecutiveCommittee Nominating Committees. Nextmonth, you will receive your ballots for thegroup and chapter fall elections. Please take afew moments of your time and vote. I want tothank everyone who agreed to run for group orchapter positions.
I look forward to seeing you at the chaptermeeting later this month.
Enjoy the changes of the season and thebeauty of the foliage.
Katherine PendletonChair, Tennessee Chapter Sierra Club
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TDEC Offers Free Radon Test KitsThe Tennessee Department of Environment
and Conservation is offering free single-useradon test kits and educational brochures onradon-resistant new construction techniques toTennessee residents at their local Ground WaterProtection Division offices, via email or a toll-free phone call.
According to US EPA estimates, radon is thenumber one cause of lung cancer among non-smok-ers. It is the second leading cause of lung cancer inthe United States overall.
“Preventing exposure to radon is extremelyimportant,” said Lori Munkeboe, director ofEnvironment and Conservation’s Office of
Environmental Assistance. “By utilizing new con-struction techniques that make homes resistant tothis gas or by correcting high radon levels in existinghomes, Tennesseans can protect themselves andtheir families.”
“The only way to know if a home has elevatedradon levels is to test,” said Amy Inabinet of theTennessee Radon Program. “We encourage allTennesseans to take action to identify and to fixradon problems in their homes.”
For information on how to order a free test kit andprevent radon exposure, contact the TennesseeRadon Program by phone at 1-800-232-1139 or e-mail at [email protected].
State of Franklin Group ExecutiveCommittee
The State of Franklin Group solicits inter-ested members to run for executive committeepositions for 2009-2011. Please contact TomMozen at [email protected] or (423) 232-0827 before October 10, 2008 if you are inter-ested in being considered to run for an execu-tive committee position.
Cherokee Group ExecutiveCommittee
Cherokee Group is looking for membersinterested in serving on their executive com-mittee. Please contact Katherine Pendletonfor additional information at 615-943-6877 [email protected] before October 10,2008 if you are interested in being consideredto run for an executive committee position.
Chickasaw Group ExecutiveCommittee
Please send your contact information and aparagraph about why you want to be on theExcom (or why you are nominating someone)and what you can contribute to the group’sefforts. Nominees must be Sierra Club mem-bers and live in West Tennessee. Send infor-mation to Judith Hammond at (901) 276-2819,[email protected]
Middle Tennessee GroupExecutive Committee
The nominating committee of the MiddleTennessee Group requests nominations to theexecutive committee for a two-year term
beginning in January 2009. We are seekingmembers who care about environmentalissues and who are willing to accept theresponsibilities of the office. The executivecommittee meets in Nashville on the fourthTuesday of each month, and we would askyou to be willing to attend and participate inthose meetings. The program meetings areheld on the second Thursday of each month,and we would welcome your attendance andparticipation there as well. We would alsoask you to participate by working on orchairing one of our standing committees,including programs, outings, conservation,membership, or legislative/political.
This year the terms of four current membersexpire or have been vacated, so this is anexcellent opportunity to become involved. Weare happy to provide training and guidance tonew delegates, and we are always in need offresh perspectives and input.
Please seriously consider this opportunity.In these times when our environmental protec-tions are being eroded, we need volunteersmore than ever. The nominating committeewill consider all potential candidates, and can-didates may also qualify by petition. To nomi-nate yourself or to nominate another candi-date, or to receive more information, pleasecontact Dave Bordenkircher at (615) 333-3377or [email protected]. Thedeadline for receiving your nomination isOctober 10. After agreement to run for office,we will ask you to submit a small ballot write-up about yourself, which will be published inthe November newsletter.
Call for Potential Candidates
also works with the Chapter (statewide) PoliticalCommittee regarding state legislature endorse-ments. Electing the right people makes a differencefor all areas of the environment.
The Chickasaw Group’s political committeemakes recommendations regarding endorsementsof local candidates by the Sierra Club, based uponthe candidates’ record or responses to our question-naire. We will have an opportunity to endorse a can-didate on the Memphis City Council due to the res-ignation of the incumbent.VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: Must be aSierra Club member. We need someone to monitorthe Shelby County Commission committee and reg-ular agendas. This requires email and will take about2 hours per month. Contact: Sue A. Williams, 274-0524 or [email protected] for more information.Chickasaw Group Strategy Meeting: October 13& November 10, 6:30pm - Prescott MemorialBaptist Church, 961 Getwell, Memphis, TN. -- Thismeeting of the Executive Committee is open also toall members of the Sierra Club. Contact NancyReam by October 10 (October meeting) orNovember 7 (November meeting) to place items onthe agenda: (901) 759-9416 or [email protected] Group Sierra Club ProgramMeeting: “What Is E-Waste?” Thursday,October 23, 6:30-8:00pm, Benjamin HooksCentral Library, 3030 Poplar Avenue.
It’s all around and can be a mess if not doneproperly…that’s disposal of e-waste. KarenBirkenstock of 5R will provide insight into e-waste,such as TVs – How is the problem of proper dispos-al being addressed and what are current industrypractices? She will also provide a short presenta-tion on local e-waste recycler, 5R, and their capabil-ities. For more information, contact Tom Lawrenceat (901) 237-4819 or [email protected]
TELEVISION PROGRAM:WPYL - Channel 18, Memphis, Tenn. -Mondays at 1:30am, Tuesdays at 3:30am and10:00pm, Wednesdays at 8:00pm, Thursdays at5:30am and noon, Fridays at 11:30pm, andSundays at 2:00am and 11:00pm.
“The Nature of Conservation” is the SierraClub’s Chickasaw Group TV Program on cablechannel 18. For complete schedule listings oncable channel 18, please see the website:www.memphislibrary.org/tlc18/schedule. Formore information about “The Nature ofConservation,” or if any groups or individuals inthe community have a special concern and wouldlike to see a program on it, please contact JudithRutschman at (901) 767-5916 [email protected] Yahoo Group for the Sierra Club
Sierra Club-Chickasaw Group and Friends is aYahoo group for members and friends of theChickasaw Group of the Sierra Club (Memphis/WestTN). It is an announcement-only email list to sendnotices of upcoming events and other “green” infor-mation of local interest. All announcements areaccessible to the public, so you can look up the latestposts anytime! To view and/or join the Yahoo group,go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sierraclub-chickasaw/
WATAUGA GROUP (North Eastern TN)
PROGRAM MEETINGS: Every secondTuesday at 7 p.m. Please contact Gloria Griffith [email protected] or 423-727-4797 for moreinformation.
gal courses at the Kaplan Career Institute (former-ly the Southeastern Paralegal Institute).
Join us for an evening with the stars!
STRATEGY MEETING: Tuesday, October 28at 6:30 p.m. in the old St. Bernard’s AcademyBuilding, 2021 21st Avenue South, 4th floor.
Conservation issues are first on the agenda, andall members are invited to attend this conservationand administrative meeting to get the news onwhat’s happening in our Middle Tennessee Group.We welcome you to be with us to learn about thegroup’s conservation initiatives and communityactivities. For more information regarding themeetings, send a message to Rachel Floyd [email protected] or call 792-2590. If youcome to the meeting and the building doors arelocked, call Rachel’s cell at 406-9204.
STATE OF FRANKLIN GROUP (Tri-Cities)
STRATEGY/PROGRAM MONTHLY MEET-ING:, Oct. 1, 6:00 p.m., at the “The AcousticCoffee House- Next Door” at 450 West Walnutin Ole Town Johnson City.
A letter writing initiative to our political repre-sentatives in Congress to voice support for keyissues involving the Sierra Club’s need for support.Contact Tom Mozen at [email protected] or423-232-0827 for more information.
UPPER CUMBERLAND GROUP (Cookeville)
MEETING: Every 4th Thursday at 7 p.m. in thedownstairs meeting room of the Putnam CountyLibrary.
Alternating program meeting with planningmeetings every other month. For more information,contact Mary Mastin at [email protected] (931) 268-2938.
CHEROKEE GROUP—UNDER RE-ORGA-NIZATION (Chattanooga)
MEETING: Monday, October 27, 2008 from6-8 p.m. at the Hamilton County BicentennialLibrary in downtown Chattanooga. For addi-tional information, contact Barbara Kelly at 423-718-5009 or [email protected].
CHICKASAW GROUP (Memphis)
Monthly First Thursday Members Gathering:October 2 & November 6, 5:30-7:00pm --
Otherlands, 641 South Cooper, Memphis, TN --Join us for Chickasaw Group’s “First Thursday”monthly gathering where Sierra Club members,activists and friends can meet in a casual setting totalk about issues and interests. Anyone interested inlearning about the Sierra Club is invited. For moreinformation, contact Juliet Jones at (901) 374-0582or [email protected] Committee Meeting: October 2,7:00pm, Otherlands, 641 S Cooper St.Memphis. (after 1st Thursday gathering.)
Committee members must be members of theSierra Club. Contact: Sue A. Williams, 274-0524 [email protected] for more information.
If you would like to make a difference in decid-ing who is elected to government positions, join thegroup political committee! The upcoming presi-dential, House of Representatives and Senate cam-paigns will be an opportunity to let our membersknow who the club has endorsed. The committee
HARVEY BROOME GROUP (Knoxville)
OCTOBER PROGRAM MEETING: Tuesday,October 14, 7:30 p.m., Tenessee Valley Unitarian-Universalist Church 2931 Kingston Pike.
Stephen Lyn Bales, marketing manager and natu-ralist for Ijams Nature Center, presents “Ijams: Past,Present and Future,” an overview of Knoxville’sforemost natural jewel during its nearly 100 years.“Lyn” is a native of Gatlinburg and in addition toworking at the nature center, writes regular columnsin the “Farragutpress” and bimonthly HellbenderPress. He is also author of Natural Histories: Storiesfrom the Tennessee Valley (University of TennesseePress, 2007). He will devote particular attention tothe recent acquisition of and future plans for the so-called “Dry Quarry Area” near Meads Quarry,which brings the size of the nature center to about278 acres. Everyone is welcome. For information,call John Finger at (865) 573-5908. NOVEMBER PROGRAM MEETING:Tuesday, November 11, 7:30 p.m., TennesseeValley Unitarian-Universalist Church, 2931Kingston Pike
Maryville backpacker Bert Emerson presents“From Canada to Mexico: Hiking the ContinentalDivide Trail,” showcasing his recent trek of some2,800 miles through varied terrain and challengingcircumstances: snow and freezing rain in the RockyMountains, searing desert heat in New Mexico,logistical snafus, and just plain exhaustion. In theend the scenery, animals, solitude, and occasionalsocializing with humans made it all worthwhile.Bert has joined an exclusive club of fewer than 80individuals who have traversed all of the “TripleCrown” trail routes: The Appalachian, PacificCrest, and Continental Divide trails. (HBG guestsmay recall his excellent program of July 2006 onthe AT and PCT.) Everyone is welcome. For infor-mation, call John Finger at (865) 573-5908.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE GROUP (Nashville)
PROGRAM MEETING: Thursday, October 9,7:00 p.m. at Radnor Lake Visitor Center, 1160Otter Creek Road, Nashville.
Do you remember what the night sky was likewhen you were a child? If you were a child longenough ago, you know there are millions of stars outthere, but we can’t see them because of light pollu-tion. The October 9 program on Light Pollution andLight Trespass will be presented by Sierra memberJoseph M. Boyd, Jr. J.D. Boyd is an attorney by pro-fession and an amateur astronomer. He has studiedlight pollution over the past several years, and willtalk about the effects of light pollution and trespasson the health of persons, the waste of energy andnatural resources, safety, and economics.
He is a member of the International Dark SkyAssociation and is a past president of the Barnard-Seyfert Astronomical Society of Nashville.
A Korean War veteran of the U. S. Navy, Boydgraduated from Vanderbilt University and theVanderbilt University School of Law. He lived inDyersburg, Tenn., for many years where he wasengaged in private law practice and served as exec-utive director of the Dyersburg Housing Authorityand district attorney for the 29th Judicial District.Since moving to Nashville, he served as generalcounsel for the Tennessee Department of MentalHealth and Mental Retardation. He has taught legalcourses as an adjunct faculty member at DyersburgState Community College and Volunteer StateCommunity College, and presently teaches parale-
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Page 5 - October, 2008The Tennes-Sierran
August Program Focused onHazardous Waste Removal
Lisa Williams of the Shelby County HouseholdHazardous Waste Facility gave a presentation atthe Chickasaw Group Meeting on August 28 at theBenjamin Hooks Central Library on Poplar inMemphis. She said that latex paint is one of themost frequently disposed items. If dried with catlitter it can simply be placed with other garbage forpick-up. It does not need to be brought to theHazardous Waste Facility unless it is still liquid.
The facility is open on Tuesdays and Saturdaysfrom 8:30am until 1:00pm. It is located at 6305Haley Road in Shelby Farms Park and is open toresidents of Shelby County only. NO TELEVI-SION SETS ARE ACCEPTED. One computer,including monitor, keyboard, and printer will beaccepted per household. There is a limit of 100pounds or 15 gallons of waste accepted per vehicleper month. For more information, call the recyclehotline at (901) 379-4460.
Water Sentinels Reach Out toHunters, Anglers at Sports Show
The Tennessee Water Sentinels recently con-ducted hunter - angler outreach at the Mid-SouthHunting and Fishing Extravaganza in Memphis,which was organized by the Tennessee WildlifeFederation. This type of outreach hasn’t been donemuch, with the Chickasaw Group’s previous effortbeing the Ducks Unlimited Great OutdoorsFestival in 2004.
Working a hunting and fishing show exposesSierra Club volunteers to a different audience thanour usual information table venues. It isn’t“preaching to the choir.” Occasionally, when dis-cussing issues with visitors to our table, we had towork hard to overcome skepticism and distrustwhen we heard comments that the Sierra Clubopposes hunting and fishing and supports gun con-trol. We also heard that America needs to allowmore domestic drilling for oil to reduce gas prices,and we tried to counter those arguments with pos-itive responses, however, some of those people stillwalked away skeptical of our organization.
Carl Pope said it best in an article in theMay/June 1996 Sierra Magazine article, ‘Waysand Means: A Sporting Chance:’ “Most often,urban environmentalists and hunters are dividedover philosophical and cultural differences that areclearly tangential to conservation goals: for exam-ple, animal rights or gun control. While the SierraClub takes no position on either issue, perceiveddifferences have often translated into mutual dis-trust and wariness to the detriment of all con-cerned.” For the full article, go to:
(continued on page 7)
Chickasaw Group News(Contributed by Various Members)
FALL FAMILY MEETINGFriday-Sunday October 24 - 26
Pickett State Park
Enjoy beautiful autumn weather and fall colors without having to fight the crowds.Have we got a deal for you!
FOR ONLY $40, YOU CAN ENJOY:Hiking - good food - pumpkin painting, face painting, an all ages Saturday night Halloweenmasquerade contest, and weather permitting, a bonfire with ghost stories and s’mores
PLUS,A silent auction to benefit our chapter's lobbying and legislative program.
The executive committee will be meeting on Saturday afternoon and Sunday morning, butthose not on the executive committee may join in the activities, strike out on your own onnearby trails, or just enjoy the peace and quiet of a fall weekend. Lodging is in cabins thataccommodate about 20, and family cabins (accommodating more than one family) will beavailable. Camping among the surrounding trees is another popular option (the cost for theweekend is the same for camping as for staying in the cabins). Bring your own bedding,towels and lunches. If you want additional beverages, you need to bring your own.Breakfasts on Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday night dinner are provided. You are on yourown for Friday dinner and Saturday lunch.
Directions: I-40 to Exit 317. Hwy. 127 north (46 miles). Turn right on Hwy. 154, travel 12miles to the park entrance. OR, I-75 north from Knoxville to Exit 141. Hwy 63 to Huntsville.Right onto Hwy 27 north to Oneida. Left onto Hwy 297 through Big South Fork NRRA. Rightonto Hwy 154, follow to Pickett State Park. The park’s office number is 931-879-5821.
2008 FALL FAMILY MEETING AT PICKETT STATE PARKREGISTRATION FORM
To register, please clip out and mail this registration form by Saturday, October 11, to:Chickasaw Group-Sierra Clubc/o Nancy Ream - ChairPost Office Box 111094Memphis, TN 38111If you know you will attend but are unable to mail your registration by the deadline, pleasecontact Nancy at [email protected] by the deadline date in order to be assured of meals.Name:Address:Phone:e-mail address:
Number of adults @ $40:Number of children under age 13 @ $20 (what ages?):
Number of vegetarians Number of omnivores
Total enclosed (Make check payable to Chickasaw Group - Sierra Club).
From left to right, Tim Guilfoile, leadorganizer of the Northern KentuckyWater Sentinels, Ed Jones and DonRichardson of the Chickasaw GroupPhotographer: James H. Baker.
From left to right, James Baker, lead organizer of theTennessee Water Sentinels, and Lindsey Mitchell, win-ner of the Temple Fork Outfitters fly rod. Photo courtesyof James Baker
All participants in Sierra Club outings arerequired to sign a standard liability waiver. Ifyou would like to read a copy of the waiverbefore you participate, please refer to:http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/SignInWaiver PDF, or call 415-977-5630 for aprinted version. Transportation to the outing,including carpooling, ride-sharing or anythingsimilar, is strictly a private arrangement amongthe participants. Participants assume the risksassociated with this travel.
HARVEY BROOME GROUP (Knoxville)
October 4-5. Gourmet Backpack, CherokeeNational Forest, along North Fork of CiticoCreek.
This trip has become a Harvey Broome Grouptradition, with everyone trying to make the mostoutrageous, non-backpacking type food that onecan imagine. If you can dream it up, you cancook it in the backcountry. Frozen margaritas,Caesar salad, roasted Cornish game hens,seafood Newburg, hot fudge ice cream sundaes,cheesecake, blueberry pancakes—it has beendone in the woods on this trip. (Limited to 12hikers.) Mileage is less than 3.0-miles on a rela-tively flat trail, but involves several creek cross-ings, so you may want to bring your “creekshoes.” Rated easy. Pre-register with BeverlySmith: [email protected] (preferred);865-531-8480 (evenings).
Wednesday, October 8. Day hike inGSMNP to Abrams Falls (the Back Way!)
This is a roundtrip hike of about 11 miles fromLower Abrams Creek Campground to AbramsFalls and back via Cooper Road and the LittleBottoms Trail. Moderately difficult because ofdistance and several fairly steep pitches. Most ofthe trail closely borders Abrams Creek and offerswonderful views of stream and valley. This routeis only lightly used and offers a quiet, contem-plative alternative to the shorter and much busiertrail to the falls from Cades Cove. Pre-registerwith John Finger: H 573-5908; Cell 599-1757;[email protected].
October 11. Day Hike, Bob's Bald (by wayof Beech Gap).
Enjoy great views from this high elevationdestination. This would also be a good opportu-nity to look for higher elevation early fall colors.6 miles round trip, but by starting at Beech Gapthere is only an 800 foot elevation gain on thehike. Rated easy to moderate. Drivingdistance/time 90 miles/2 hours. Preregister withPriscilla Watts: 966-4142; [email protected].
October 25-26. Backpack, Oconaluftee sec-tion, GSMNP.
We will begin on the Mingus Creek trail andfollow it for the six miles to site #52 on NewtonBald for a total of 6 miles our first day. OnSunday we will follow the Thomas Divide trailto Deeplow Gap to Mingus Creek and back toour cars for a total of 10.9 miles the second day.Rated Difficult due to the climb on the first dayand the length of the second day. Pre-registerwith Steve Harvey: [email protected]; phone865-271-7227.
November 1. Dayhike, Andrews Bald,GSMNP.
This short hike out to Andrews Bald on theForney Ridge Trail will hopefully allow us toenjoy the remaining fall colors. On the way backto the parking area, we'll take a side trip out tothe old abandoned boiler which lies off theForney Creek Trail. Total distance about 5 miles,
rated moderate. Preregister with Ron Shrieves:922-3518; [email protected].
November 15-16 . Backpack, Elkmont sec-tion, GSMNP.
We’ll take the Little River Trail for about 6miles (the guidebooks say 5.2 miles but the gatehas been moved further down the creek) from itsbeginning in the Elkmont area to its southern ter-minus at Three Forks Backcountry Campsite #30, deep in the heart of the Smokies and only 2.5air miles from Clingman’s Dome. An alternate,if the creek is too high to easily ford with back-packs, will be to camp at Campsite # 24, RoughCreek Campsite, 3.4 miles up the trail, and topossibly day hike on up to the end of the trail.Much of the trail is on the old logging railroadgrade along the Little River and is unusuallylevel, gaining only 1,200 feet in the 5.2 miles oftrail (one-way). This is a “hiker-only” trail as isthe campsite. The campsite is the site of the oldLumber Camp 19, surrounded by the headwatersof the Little River. Hiking distance is about 12miles total and it is rated Easy. Preregister withWill Skelton: H 523-2272; cell 742-7327;[email protected].
STATE OF FRANKLIN GROUP (Tri-Cities)
Contact Tom Mozen, SOF Group chair, at(423) 232-0827.
MIDDLE TENNESSEE GROUP (Nashville)
October 4-5, Jack & Back Bike RideThe Tennessee Chapter has a bike team to ride
the Multiple Sclerosis “Jack & Back” fromFranklin to Motlow College. There are tworoutes available. One is 75 miles each way andthe other is 50 miles each way. This is a fullysupported ride. If you can’t ride the entire route,transportation is available to take you to the fin-ish line! It is a fun event with refreshment sta-tions and meals provided. Each participant isrequired to collect $300 in donations. Last year,the TN Chapter bike team raised $3,300 for thisworthy cause. For additional information contactKatherine Pendleton at 615-360-3481 [email protected].
October 12, 2008 Day hike on Fiery GizzardTrail in Tracy City, TN on Columbus Day.
This trail is one of the most diverse and beau-tiful in Tennessee. The section that starts atTracy City and climbs the plateau to RavensPoint is possibly the most rugged and difficulttrails in Tennessee. It is steep and extremelyrocky. It is 4.4 miles to Ravens Point. Theremaining part to Foster Falls is relatively easy. Ihave been on the trail many times. We will hiketo a time at which we plan to eat lunch and thenwe will turn and hike back. We won’t try to hikefaster than anyone wants to go. We will meet inNashville at a parking lot at 8:00. We will drivean hour and a half on I-24 to go to Monteagle.From there we will drive to Tracy City. To regis-ter, send email to [email protected] or call 615-333-3377.
Sunday, October 12, Mount OlivetCemetery Walk
Ever wonder where some of the legendarypeople in Nashville’s past are buried? Come andfind out where they are laid to rest as we walk inMount Olivet Cemetery. Wear comfortable walk-ing shoes for this easy to moderate walk. Formore information, contact Katherine Pendletonat [email protected] or 615-360-3481.
October 17-19, Georgia Chapter AnnualGathering
You are invited to attend the Georgia ChapterAnnual Gathering at Cohutta Lodge nearChatsworth, GA in the north Georgia mountains.For additional information, visit georgia.sierra-club.org or contact Genie Strickland at 404-607-1262 ext. 221.
October 31-Nov. 2, Outings Leader RetreatThere will be an outings leader retreat for all
outings leaders and potential outings leadersof any group in the Tennessee chapter as wellas the Nashville ICO Group. It’ll be heldOctober 31-Nov. 2 at Foster Falls TVA camp-ground near Tracy City, TN. Activities duringthe weekend include hiking on the FireyGizzard Trail, evening campfires, fellowship,and more. Please register by October 27 so wewill know how many campsites to reserve.Contact Katherine Pendleton for more infor-mation at 615-360-3481 or email [email protected].
March 7-14, 2009, 3rd Annual ClairTappaan Lodge Ski Trip
Make your reservation now to go with theTennessee Chapter to Sierra Club’s ClairTappaan Lodge for a week that you will neverforget! This is the third year for the TennesseeChapter to host a ski trip for its members.
Clair Tappaan Lodge is located 7000 feet inCalifornia’s Sierra Nevada 45 minutes West ofReno, Nevada. Activities planned for our week atClair Tappaan include cross-country skiing andexploring the Lake Tahoe area. Skiing classes areavailable at the lodge. Accommodations are inbunk beds equipped with mattresses. Bring yourown bedding and towel. Restroom and showerfacilities are shared with two men’s and twowomen’s bathrooms. Meals are served familystyle.
Price for the trip is $600 per person andincludes lodging, all meals from supper onMarch 7 thru lunch on March 14 and trans-portation from airport to lodge and back to air-port. Trip price does not include airfare, skirental, ski lessons, ski fees, incidentals, break-fast and lunch on March 7 and supper on March14.
Reservations are limited to 6 participants.Non-refundable $100 deposit due by February1, 2009 made to TN Chapter Sierra ClubOutings, P.O. Box 290306, Nashville, TN37229. Remainder of fees due February 23,2009.
Complete information regarding equipmentrental rates, cross-country skiing activitiesplanned, accommodations, and any otherinquiries may be directed to KatherinePendleton at 615-943-6877 [email protected]. Paymentby credit card is available. (Educational,Conservation)
Sierra Club outings offer a variety ofwilderness and near-wilderness experi-ences. It is important to realize that whileall trips are guided by a leader, it is ulti-mately the responsibility of the individualto operate in a safe manner. To this end,the following is a list of essential itemswhich should be modified according tothe particular type of outing. These are:1. Adequate map2. First aid kit3. Compass4. Rain gear 5. Extra clothing (it is a good idea toalways have a wool hat)6. Matches 7. Knife8. Flashlight9. Extra food, water10. The tenth essential: You decidewhat is the most important thing tobring!
Ten Essentials for Hiking
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Page 7 - October, 2008The Tennes-Sierran
(continued from page 5)http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/199605/ways.asp
We did use one of the lessons we learned fromthe 2004 event, and that was to have some reallygood items for raffling to draw in people to sign upfor the Sierra Sportsmen Network’s e-mails. Thiswas successful in getting 227 names, and of those227, 142 provided an e-mail address. We raffled aTemple Fork Outfitters fly rod that has the logos ofthe Sierra Club and the Federation of Fly Fishers.For the fly fishers that read this, this rod was aLefty Kreh Signature Series, 8 and ½ feet long, 5weight that breaks down into two sections. We alsoraffled two $100 gift certificates from Bass ProShops. The fly rod was won by Lindsey Mitchell,and the gift certificates were won by Jake Estesand Jim Champion.
We also got a chance to network with represen-tatives of Ducks Unlimited, Mid-South FlyFishers, Tennessee Wildlife Federation, and theTheodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership,who all had booths at the show.
Tennessee Water Sentinels wants to thank TimGuilfoile of the Northern Kentucky Water Sentinels(http://sierraclub.org/watersentinels/no_kentucky/)for his assistance all three days of the show. Timhunts and fishes and he knows how to work thisaudience well. He showed Chickasaw Group’s vol-unteers how to gather people in to sign people up forthe Sierra Sportsmen Network.
We also thank Chickasaw Group’s volunteerswho gave of their weekend to help: Amy Stewart-Banbury, Don Richardson, Ed Jones, KeithHoover, Nancy Ream, and Walter Diggs. Pleasesee the website, http://www.sierraclub.org/sierras-portsmen/ for more information on the SierraSportsmen Network and the Club’s outreach tohunters and anglers.
Chickasaw Group VisitsHummingbird Migration
On Saturday, September 6, the ChickasawGroup held an outing at Strawberry Plains, nearHolly Springs, Miss. The event was the annualHummingbird Migration Celebration. Every year,thousands of hummingbirds come through theMid-South on their way to Mexico. The AudubonCenter puts out feeders to attract them. They flockthere by the thousands.
In addition to birding, the celebration consists ofhummingbird banding and lectures on humming-birds, bats, and snakes. Keith Hoover of theChickasaw Group helped everyone navigate thetalks, tents, and tables, providing helpful advice atthe appropriate times.
Chickasaw Members DiscussPlum Point on Public Radio
Chickasaw members Steven Sondheim andJames Baker were interviewed for a story thatwas heard on National Public Radio’s MorningEdition about Plum Point, a new coal-firedpower plant being constructed in Osceola, Ark.,about 40 miles from Memphis. You can hearthis interview at http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/wkno/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1350276
See this link http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/jun/23/coal-burning-plants-enjoying-resurgence/, for an article about Plum Point in the Memphis Commercial Appeal.
Since the NPR interview, WKNO, the local PBSstation, has asked for Steven and James’s help indoing stories on water and nuclear power. Theyhave been in touch with the Sierra Club’s NationalCoal Campaign, and are working with them on theissue of air quality in Memphis and on the seismicconcerns given that Plum Point is on the NewMadrid earthquake fault.
Rebuttal to News Story“Boom in old fuel source generates global
warming concerns. Arkansas electric plant partof coal-burning resurgence” ---This was the
Visitor and hummingbird. Photographer: Ed Jones
CHEROKEE GROUP (CHATTANOOGA)
October 17-19, Georgia Chapter AnnualGathering
You are invited to attend the Georgia ChapterAnnual Gathering at Cohutta Lodge nearChatsworth, GA in the north Georgia mountains.For additional information, visit georgia.sierra-club.org or contact Genie Strickland at 404-607-1262 ext. 221.
CHICKASAW GROUP (Memphis)
Tour Shiloh National Military Park withthe Chickasaw Group Saturday, October 4,9:00am, Shiloh National Military Park,Shiloh, TN.
History buff Keith Hoover will lead an easyhike at scenic Shiloh National Military Park.Points of interest will include the TennesseeMonument, Rhea Springs, Shiloh Church, andthe Shiloh Indian Mounds National HistoricLandmark. Admission to the park is $5 perfamily and $3 per individual. Please, no petsallowed. Bring your own snacks and water.We will eat lunch at a nearby restaurant after-ward.
To join the Sierra Club Chickasaw Group out-ing from Memphis, meet at 9:00am at Starbuck’sat 987 W. Poplar Avenue in Collierville (justwest of Byhalia road). For more information or ifyou wish to meet us at the park visitor’s center,contact Keith Hoover at [email protected] (901) 363-8299.
Yard Sale for Chickasaw Group, October18, starts at 7:00am 5071 Anchor Cove,Memphis – For more information, contact JulietJones at [email protected]
Chickasaw Group Sierra Club Hike MiddleFork of the Little Red River, North-centralArkansas Ozarks. Saturday, November 1, 2008
Meet at 9:00 a.m. at Shirley (Highway 9 &16). The Middle Fork of the Little Red River(MFLRR) is located in Stone County, upriverfrom Fairfield Bay and Greers Ferry Lake, afour-hour drive from Memphis. Camping facili-ties are available at the nearby Van Buren camp-ground (Hwy 330) on Greers Ferry Lake. Motelsare available in Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, Mt.View, and Clinton.
The hike will begin in the abandoned town ofAlberg along an abandoned railroad easementthree miles upriver to the Diggs’ cabin for lunch.The suggested car route is Hwy 64 west to BaldKnob, Hwy 167 north to Pleasant Plains, Hwy 87west to Concord, Hwy 25 west to Drasco, Hwy92 west to Greers Ferry, and Hwy 16 northwestto Shirley. Wildlife includes turkey, raptors, deer,otter, beaver, bass and ginsing. Up to nine peoplecan be accommodated overnight. There will be adiscussion of future plans for the Diggs property.For more information, contact Walter Diggs at(901)386-9751. [email protected].
Outings (continued from page 6)
Volunteer Coordinator needed for the recy-cle drop-off Site in Nashville that is spon-sored by the Sierra Club.
The Volunteer Coordinator will schedulevolunteers to staff the Drop-off Site from 9:00 to 12:00 on Saturday mornings from a list ofpeople who have expressed an interest in being there.
Interested people may contact BetsyGarber at [email protected]
Recycling CoordinatorNeeded
Chickasaw Group News (Continued)
lead-in to an article in the MemphisCommercial Appeal at http://www.commer-cialappeal.com/news/2008/jun/23/coal-burn-ing-plants-enjoying-resurgence/
Story Rebuttal by Steven Sondheim, Co-EnergyChair
New sources of global-warming pollution fly inthe face of the new wisdom that we have to dosomething about global warming. Building dirtycoal-powered plants is the wrong thing to do.Besides being the most prolific source of CO2,these plants also put out mercury (which ends upin our food chain), particulates (which end up inour lungs) and a number of other toxins responsi-ble for our worsening air quality problems. Thisresults in increased health problems such as asth-ma and emphysema. Memphis is currently out ofcompliance with the federal regulations on airquality and has just been downgraded.
Some are moving in the right direction byconstricting new building of dirty sources. Themayor of Austin, Texas, found it unnecessary tobuild a proposed coal-powered plant after con-serving an equivalent amount of energy.Recently, Kansas and Georgia ceased develop-ment of two of their new coal plants. Our ownTVA is proposing that we invest in efficiency andconservation first and renewable energy second.As energy savings and clean sources come online, we can retire the dirtiest sources such ascoal-powered plants. There is no such thing asclean coal. Sierra Club statement on Dirty Coal:http://kansas.sierraclub.org/Wind/CoalFactSheet-2008-05.pdf
There is a rush to develop new coal-poweredplants before they become more expensive to theconsumer due to an almost certain carbon tax ofsome kind. In fact, the power they supply couldsoon be more expensive in both direct costs, indi-rect costs of cleaning up pollution and the associ-ated costs of health care.
We challenge that demand by 2025 will growby one-third as stated in the Commercial Appealarticle. There are already decreases in energydemand and transportation due primarily to highcosts. It’s well established that major reductions inthe previously thought increased energy demandcan be found in energy efficiency and conserva-tion.
If this country invests in renewable energy in amajor way (a Marshal Plan), many think that with-in 20-30 years we can not only be completelyenergy independent, but we can supply most of ourenergy with clean, safe sources at a reasonablecost. There are already major efforts surfacing likeT. Boone Pickens’s recent announcement of majorinvestment in wind power. In addition, nuclear willbe unnecessary. It is the most costly to the con-sumer, is projected to increase in cost and is inad-visable for its waste, terrorism, and danger prob-lems. The huge amount of money slated for invest-ment in both coal and nuclear power would be bet-ter spent hastening the development of renewableenergy.
The Sierra Club-Middle TN Group
Tennes-Sierran2021 21st Avenue South, Suite 436Nashville, Tennessee 37212
Monthly Newsletter for the TN Chapter Sierra ClubVol. 39, No. 8 - September, 2008
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Attach mailing address label, or fill in currentname, address & Membership ID#
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Saturday, October 4, 2008 National Solar TourCelebrating the first two years of clean green electricityfrom 4 kw of solar panels on an energy efficient passive
solar home in Jackson County, Tenn.
11 AM to 4 PM (CDT) - See the solar home as part of the National Solar Tour.For a list of solar tours: www.ases.org/tour
Visit the solar home of Brian Paddock & Mary Mastin and learn about these energy effi-cient features:
•Active solar - 4 kw photovoltaic panels, Sunny Boy inverter, TVA Generation Partners•Passive solar - All glass on south side, 4 ft. overhangs that keep sun out April-Oct.
• Geothermal heat and air •Cool tubes •Solartube non-electric light• Heliocol Solar water heater for lap swimming pool
Stay Afterwards for a Beer- 4pm to 8pm. Some snacks provided. Sierra Club2009 Calendars for Sale. Your Contribution of $10 will support the environmen-tal organization of your choice (SOCM, Sierra, Tennessee EnvironmentalCouncil).
Directions: 360 Roberts Hollow Lane, Cookeville, TN. 38501 (931-268-2938). Going north out of Cookeville on HWY 135 (Burgess Falls Rd, WillowSt. Exit off Interstate 40), approx. 4 mi. past Jackson County Line, after DodsonBranch Elementary School on right and Community Center on left, take first left(opposite Dodson Branch Baptist Church) on to Lankford Hill. Take second roadto left, Roberts Hollow Lane & follow that past our gate to the end at our cedarhouse at the top of the hill.
Your Voice Needed at SecondSummit for a SustainableTennesseeBy Tennessee Environmental Council
Those of us looking for a greener lifestyle in our state could benefitfrom a structure of organizations working together and collaboratingtoward a common goal of a sustainable Tennessee. In 2007 theTennessee Environmental Council (The Council) and TennesseeConservation Voters (TCV) recognized this need and partnered to cre-ate the first Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee.
Under the banner “Many Voices. A Common Vision,” more than 200citizens representing at least 90 Tennessee communities, organizationsand agencies gathered at Lipscomb University in Nashville onNovember 15, 16, and 17, 2007 to begin a multi-phase, year-longprocess of crafting the state’s first sustainability agenda.
During the Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee, scores of scientists,engineers, ecologists, executives, farmers, educators, activists, organiz-ers, students and other interested citizens examined issues and opportu-nities related to clean energy, natural infrastructure, healthy communi-ties, quality growth and sustainable design and development.Topping the list of most popular strategies:
• providing creative market incentives for private business andconsumers making more sustainable choices
• developing a statewide public information campaign directedat business, consumers and students emphasizing the many practi-cal benefits of greener lifestyles and practices
• providing incentives and public-private partnerships to encour-age investment in and development of denser, more walkable,transit-oriented communities
• promoting healthier, more locally-sourced food systemsthroughout the state
• instituting new energy policies and land use planning at thefederal (TVA), state and local level based on energy efficiency andorganized along the state’s key watersheds
• purchasing and preserving up to a million acres of green spaceacross the state, beginning with land along the state’s MississippicorridorFollow-up continued throughout the year in a series of Regional
Opportunity Forums conducted in Knoxville and Chattanooga. Theseforums provided additional opportunities for input and brought in newand additional voices of those who had not yet had a chance to partici-pate. A third forum happened Sept. 19-20 in Memphis at the FogelmanExecutive Center on the University of Memphis campus.
All of the information that came from last year’s summit and thesubsequent forums have been compiled and are being used to developan agenda for the Second Annual Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee.This year’s summit will again be held at Lipscomb University inNashville and will take place November 13-15.
As we all strive for a greener, more sustainable life in Tennessee,opportunities like the summit offer meaningful ways to directly affectthe future of our state and its many diverse communities. However, asthe summit’s slogan implies, it takes many voices to create a futurethat is truly built upon a common vision. So bring your voice and yourideas to the Second Annual Summit for a Sustainable Tennessee. Tofind out how to get involved, you can visit www.sustainabletn.org orcontact our office at [email protected] / 615-248-6500. Together we canmake a more sustainable Tennessee and we look forward to seeing youin November!
A new regular section covering Energy Matters--articles, news, events, activist opportunities,group activities, successes, help wanted, localcampaigns and hot/cool issues having to do withenergy.
Energy Matters Conference Call-7-8pm CSTWed. Oct 15—How can we work together on theenergy issues facing us locally, statewide andnationwide.
Please email [email protected] or Diane Perschbacher Phifer<[email protected]> 615 895-1236 for instruc-tions on how to join the call which will discussworking together on energy matters, projects, andlocal issues.
On our last call we began learning what each ofus is doing—air quality, stopping the coal plantand mining proliferation, car/van pooling, and sus-tainable movements in Memphis, Nashville,Chattanooga and Knoxville. In Memphis theSustainable Shelby and the Cool County move-ments are beginning to work together. We want tobring local energy efforts into focus and we needyour help and ideas. Please email Steven or Dianewith news or ideas about local activities, groupefforts, energy issues, etc. We will work with youto join the effort.
