The Engaged Sierran
Join us on our next outing
What: Mainly flat, 4.6 mile hike along the Sweet Trail
Who: Adults of all abilities and children with hiking experience
When: Sunday, May 26, 2013
Wear hiking boots or sturdy sneakers and multiple layers – it can be chillier near the coast; bring binoculars if you wish; no dogs allowed; insect repellent is a must; and pack a lunch.
RSVP Required: By May 24, 2013 to Peter Hope 603-863-6456
See the event on Facebook!
The Sweet Trail is part of the Great Bay area of the Seacoast. This area was scheduled to become an oil refinery in 1973, but fortunately, one year later, organized residents defeated this plan and saved the area. The Great Bay area is a unique inland ecosystem supporting more than 150 rare plants and animal species and 55 exemplary natural communities. It is part of the National Wildlife Refuge System and the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve because of the area's ecological importance, unique habitat and beauty. The Sweet Trail showcases some of the natural communities and diverse habitats protected by the Great Bay Resource Protection Partnership. Download a brochure about the Sweet Trail.
Have more questions? Contact Outing Leader Peter Hope 603-863-6456
Coming in June: Picnic on Lake Massabesic!
Three bills, three opportunities
Contact your legislators by Wednesday, May 21, to support the following bills:
HB306: Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI)
On the Senate Floor: The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative or RGGI (pronounced Reggie) is a 9 state program based on economic principles to reduce carbon emissions from power plants. This is a successful climate program for the state that needs your support.
HB542: Restore Renewable Energy for New Hampshire
On the Senate Floor: The Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), created by the state legislature, promotes the expansion of renewable energy. The goal of the RPS is to improve public health by reducing carbon pollution caused by power plants burning fossil fuels.
SB99: Support Study for Site Evaluation Committee (SEC)
In House Committee: The SEC is a group of state agency designees who determine if an energy proposal meets the criteria for approval. This bill asks the Office of Energy and Planning to hire an expert to do an analysis of the current statute of the SEC process. It also creates a legislative study committee that will meet over the summer and fall and produce a report in December. The goal is to make this process better.
For more information about all three bills, including links to their text, visit our website.
Featured Volunteer: Jerry Curran
Jerry Curran, chair of the NHSC Executive Committee is an avid outdoors person and advocate for protecting our wild places. A life member of the Sierra Club, he became active with the New Hampshire Chapter in 2005 and has held the Chair position for the last four years. An experienced hiker and member of the 4,000 Footer Club, Jerry has hiked many beautiful places in America and Europe, but still loves the White Mountains most. Skiing occupies his time in winter as both as participant and a coach. Jerry is also chair of the board at Granite State Progress.
Jerry's hopes for the chapter are to continue its strong advocacy for protecting New Hampshire's wild places and stopping the polluters who threaten them. Because most pollution in our state comes from energy production, he would like to facilitate a transition from polluting coal and natural gas to clean wind and solar. Reinvigorating the Outings Program is another priority and he feels the more time we spend in the wild places, the more energy we have to protect them.
Help Make Our Chapter Better Than Ever!
Saturday, June 8 ~ 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ~ Concord
All New Hampshire Chapter members are asked to help to create a vision of our chapter for the next five years. A Strategic Plan directs the chapter's resources and volunteer activities while expanding our volunteer base and effectiveness to protect the environment. The Strategic Plan gives the chapter orientation and direction. Your voice matters – help make the Chapter better!
Now, in 2013, a new plan is needed to set a new course and vision for the future organizational goals and environmental priorities for the next five years.
RSVP Today! You can respond online, or call the office: 603-224-8222.
Volunteer OpportunitiesOpportunities abound to spend time with other Sierrans and connect with new people. Volunteer to represent the NH Chapter during the Concord Market Days on July 18, 19 and 20. Or, volunteer to spend the 4th of July with the Sierra Club in Amherst, NH. Last year's Concord Market Days volunteers: Cindy Reid, Katie Irwin and Eric Orff. |
Climate Change Impacts NH Wildlife
On May 16, the National Wildlife Federation hosted a forum on the effect of climate change on wildlife in New Hampshire at the NH Audubon Silk Farm facility. The excellent and entertaining speakers were, from left, Jessica Carloni (UNH, NH shrimp industry specialist), Kris Rines (Moose Project Lead, NH Fish & Game), and Pamela Hunt (NH Audubon Society biologist). Much was learned about the significant problems occurring in the local shrimp, moose and bird populations, attributable mainly to rising temperatures. Eric Orff (on right), NWF, arranged the forum. |