BROADSIDES VOLUME 27 | NO. 3 | FALL 2017 Fighting the Siege on Climate by Lionel Di Giacomo IT’S ALMOST AUCTION he country has been oil and gas infrastructure for means to reduce monuments caught in a deluge of years to come. such as Bears Ears and Grand TIME! bad news for climate The Obama administration Staircase-Escalante to free up T activists. Rollbacks gave us many rules and bargain-basement public lands and attacks on policies or decisions to moderate for coal, oil and gas, and other tools that could help combat industry’s contribution to development. climate change seem to come climate disruption, such In August, the Department of at such a staggering pace that as new climate guidelines the Interior set into motion sometimes it feels as if we are for public land agencies drastic cuts to National on a sinking ship, taking on and a new rule that would Environmental Policy water faster than we can plug require oil, gas, and mining Act (NEPA) reviews of the leaks. companies to disclose what infrastructure projects. In this While these attacks are severe, they pay foreign governments case “infrastructure” includes OCT. 28–NOV. 12 they are not unprecedented: for drilling rights across the energy production and Ronald Reagan pandered to globe. As promised on the generation from fossil fuels, oilmen and sagebrush as well as Do your “bid” for rebels; George W. railways, ports, wilderness Bush gave billions and pipelines. in tax breaks to dirty NEPA reviews energy companies; can take years BIDDERS and yet today, more to properly acres of federal land complete and WANTED! are protected than hundreds ever before. of pages to Gear But there’s no doubt document, but Goodies our public lands are many will be in peril. Fossil fuel constrained to Getaways and other extractive just 150 pages, industries are being with only Register NOW at invited to dig, drill, one year to auction.greatoldbroads.org and frack more complete them. Important help support aggressively with Cartoon by Pat Bagley, Salt Lake Tribune far less oversight. analyses will our work It is an old story of selling out campaign trail, President certainly be left out of the the long-term health of public Trump and the new Congress decision-making process, for the wild. lands and America’s citizens wasted no time reversing greatly weakening the effect for short-term private profits. those policies, protecting the of NEPA. Of course, NEPA industry from scrutiny and is not the only bedrock Doubling Down on making domestic energy environmental law under Dirty Fuels production on public lands attack. more appealing. The drive behind Endangered Species Broads Receives Trump’s energy policy is Next, the administration Act under Fire Global focused on making more “energy dominance”. The Environmental administration wants to “cheap” federal land available Despite year after year of extract and export large to fossil fuel companies. The staggering profits for oil and Challenge gas, the Endangered Species amounts of fossil fuels around sham “National Monument Award the world and invest in new Review” was no more than a Act (ESA) and the swaths ~ See Page 8 ~ (Continued page 14) A MESSAGE FROM OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SHELLEY SILBERT In a Great Old Broads BROAD for Wilderness PO Box 2924 • Durango, CO 81302 Sense 970-385-9577 [email protected] We are ALL www.greatoldbroads.org STAFF Wonder Woman Andy Gulliford Shelley Silbert, Executive Director Carrie King, Associate Director Susan Kearns, am not a big fan of superheroes. I've ranks are filled with women of wonder who Communications Director always been fascinated with spiderwebs, are stepping it up and finding their voices. Lauren Berutich, Grassroots and have imagined having Spiderman Broads are facing fears, donning veritable Leadership Director powers, throwing silk at the flick of shields and capes, and pressing onward to Peggy Malloy, Ia wrist and flying though the air on a ten- deflect the attacks on our democratic system Operations Manager second tapestry. Beyond that, spare me the and on our public Joyce Thomsen, “Pow” and “Kaboom”, or the heroic rescue of We cannot trade lands like sparks Membership Maven the damsel in distress. off wristbands (if Lionel Di Giacomo, our children's Research & Advocacy Associate But lo and behold, I've recently fallen under you haven't seen the spell of Wonder Woman. She's grabbed health and the the movie, BOARD OF DIRECTORS this image might Caroline Munger, CO - Chair my attention like no other scantily-clad, health of our ostentatiously-muscled, save-the-world not make much Rynda Clark, OR - Vice Chair figure has before. planet to meet sense!) Antonia Daly, NY - Secretary Cristina Harmon, CO - Treasurer Who could not La Plata feel smitten by this today's budget Diana Allison, UT Broadband Carl Rountree, TN morally-driven shortfalls. member Lauri heroine who, from Julie Weikel, OR Costello traveled Mary O’Brien, UT girlhood, dreams of to DC, with support from Sierra Club, to training to fight for testify against a delay in the EPA's methane ADVISORY BOARD Steve Allen, Joe Breddan, truth, beauty, and pollution standards. A retired family justice? Dave Foreman, Maggie Fox, physician, she became increasingly aware of Fred Goodsell, Ginger Harmon, We need Wonder methane's impacts after moving to the Four Vicky Hoover, Fran Hunt, Libby Ingalls, Frandee Johnson, Woman right Corners, a region rampant with oil and gas Matt Kenna, Linda Liscom, now. In this dark drilling. “They're ignoring us, but we won't Chuck McAfee, MB McAfee, night in America, go away,” she commented. “Out of 118 who Saralaine Millet, Erin Moore, we watch with testified, only two people opposed the rule. Marcey Olajos, Tim Peterson, Lynn Prebble, Liz Thomas, horror as the EPA And yet the Trump administration still wants Marilyn Price-Reinbolt, (Environmental Protection Agency) is the delay.” The federal appeals court ruled Cindy Shogan, Lois Snedden unraveled from within, national monuments this summer against a 90-day delay, but the Great Old Broads for Wilderness is a headed towards chopping and parks administration still plans to reconsider the national grassroots organization, led by elders, that engages and inspires towards drilling; white supremacists and rule. activism to preserve and protect neo-Nazis march in the streets, and our Broads’ board member Rynda Clark wilderness and wild lands. beloved democracy is threatened with Conceived by older women who love lobbied Oregon State Treasurer Tobias wilderness, Broads gives voice to the “deconstruction.” Is it any wonder that so Read, while other Broads lobbied their state millions of Americans who want their many flocked to witness the total eclipse of representatives. They aimed to save the 82,500 public lands protected as Wilderness the sun, traveling long miles to witness the for this and future generations. acre Elliot State Forest from sale to a private With more than 8,500 members and world go dark, then re-emerge again to light timber company—a move Read himself friends, we bring voice, knowledge, and normalcy? commitment, and humor to the recommended to the Oregon State Land movement to protect our last wild Wonder-full Broads Board to bring money to state coffers. places on earth. “As with any family budget, we cannot trade Please credit Broads for any Got Wonder Woman? Yes, indeed. Broads' reprinted articles. Internet Services Donated by Xmission (Continued page 12)
2 greatoldbroads.org “It is not yours alone to complete the work (of Advocacy corner justice), but neither are you free to desist from it.” Writing with a Purpose - Pirkei Avot, Ethics of the Fathers
by Lauren Berutich
ver hear the expression, “a picture is worth a thousand 1. Write to the words?” Well, what if a letter is worth a million acres? right person American citizens, nature lovers, and business owners Be sure you send your message across the country have been called to action to speak E to right elected official, public for the health of our planet on a variety of issues in recent leader, or decision maker. Is this months—and they have responded in droves. a local issue instituted through This was especially apparent after President Trump issued your city council or Mayor’s an executive order to review national monuments designated office, a county or state matter, since 1996 and greater than 100,000 acres—ironically, just or a federal campaign? Still unsure? Seek support from our four days after the celebration of Earth Day. American’s were office or ask a partner organization connected to the same given only 60 days to defend 27 national monuments and issue. Find your congressional representatives at: the country stepped up with pens in hand! The Wilderness https://whoismyrepresentative.com/. Society reports more than 2.8 million comments were submitted to Secretary of Interior Zinke. Of these comments, 2. Use your resources 99.2% were loud and clear, expressing that the American Support is out there. Check the Broads’ website for people love their public lands, support the monument campaign information, watch for action alerts, or contact designations in question, and want them to remain protected. your local partner organizations for the most updated and This overwhelming support is undeniable. comprehensive talking points. You don’t have to reinvent I have a feeling we will need to continue this pattern of the wheel or be the expert on the matter, but you do have pen and ink advocacy (or keyboard and modem) for years to have clear and accurate information. to come. So, how do we keep this momentum of political pressure and collective action? Keep those letters coming and 3. Tell your story make them good! Make sure you get personal and use examples from your travels, experiences, and memories from the landscapes you are writing about. Talk about how the issue will “A lot of people don’t realize the power of negatively impact you and your family. On-the-ground testimonials go a long way to provide validation to your writing a letter to their elected officials—just recommendations. a tiny fraction of citizens will ever take the 4. Be bold, be Broad, and be bossy time to do it, so one letter can speak as loudly Write your letter respectfully and with heart, but be sure as thousands of votes.” to be succinct and clear with your ask. Be specific about – Britni Rillera, The Trust for Public Lands your expectations; make suggestions on how you’d like the issue resolved, and why it is important to you and to your district.
The power of the pen 5. Share your gratitude Every letter counts! While online campaigns (where you sign Don’t forget to thank your representative for their time and a petition or send a letter with a few mouse clicks) can be a consideration of your letter and recommendations. Ask great way to raise awareness about an issue, “clicktivism” is them to join you and others in making the right decisions, not always an effective advocacy tool. Generally, duplicated and celebrate their power to do the right thing as they “canned” comments are counted as a single comment. move forward. Taking the time to personalize your communication makes the greatest impact. These days, congressional offices may receive only a handful of personally-written letters on most issues. Each time you take the time to write (or call) your representatives, you carry a lot of power as a participant in the democratic process.
Here are five strategies to write an effective, powerful, and meaningful letter…now go get ‘em.
greatoldbroads.org 3 Broadbands in Action Broads Walk the Talk: The roll-up-your-sleeves advocacy approach
by Lauren Berutich Boise Broads and Friends of the Owyhee show off the bags of thistle they removed. roads love to play outdoors and this summer was no exception. Our Broadbands walked the talk this all their hard work, they had the opportunity to explore the season and got down to business to give back to the beautiful backcountry area and hosted guest speakers in the landscapes they treasure and want to see protected. B evenings at basecamp. Hiking in gorgeous mountain country, Teaming up with partner organizations to offer their eyes, ears, sleeping under an endless starry sky, and making a difference and hardworking hands as stewards and citizen scientists, our for the places you love—does it get any better than that? Broadbands continue to take an “all hands on deck” approach. From day hikes to overnight camps outs, the La Plata Broads COLORADO also packed it in this summer! Our team partnered with La Plata Broads: the USFS to survey invasive species in the Weminuche and A Wilderness Broadwork and More Hermosa Creek Wilderness areas. The data collected will be used to develop a management plan to restore sections of the It is true—we can actually love a place to death. With the forest to native vegetation. increased enthusiasm for camping, hunting, and exploring After two training sessions hosted by the Forest Service to beautiful landscapes comes the inevitable increase in human school participants in plant identification and data collection, impact on these places as well. Broads in southwest Colorado the Broads enthusiastically surveyed several areas on multiple were called to day hikes and overnight trips. By the end of the summer, they action to help monitored and collected data on 40 miles of Wilderness trails. clean up the Now that’s commitment! recently designated Hermosa Creek Wilderness. IDAHO Planned by Boise Broads: Sticking to Stewardship Broads' member and U.S. Forest This summer the Boise Broadband joined the Friends of the Service (USFS) Owyhee for a prickly project to remove rampantly invasive representative thistle from the Succor Creek State Natural Area. Organized Anne Dal Vera, by Friends of the Owyhee, the crew had to climb a steep the Hermosa slope, remove a copious amount of thorny thistles, and load Creek Wilderness the weeds in bags to haul them back down the incline to the Broadwork vehicles. It was hard work, but the clouds kept it cool and involved a Broads report the scenery was gorgeous. Tired, but proud of 3-mile hike into their accomplishment, they celebrated avoiding rattlesnake the Salt Creek and tick bites, and headed home knowing they’d given native trail area of the plants the room to flourish once again. Wilderness. Four members of the La Plata Broads invade the Weminuche local Backcountry Wilderness to survey invasive plant species. Horsemen chapter enthusiastically joined the project to provide the “horsepower” to pack out the trash. Thank goodness for their WILD support because they were much needed. Our Broads collected and hauled out more than 600 pounds of trash! In addition to
“For going out, I found, was really going in…”
– John Muir La Plata Broads take a break from picking up trash to enjoy the spectacular scenery in the Hermosa Creek Wilderness.
4 greatoldbroads.org MINNESOTA Wild Waters Broads are On Point
In early September, Broadband Leader Jan Bourdon and her treasured spot off the historic Gunflint Trail out of Grand Marais, adventurous Broadband held the Minnesota. As you may guess, this three- Boundary Waters Broadwork in day outing was not “all work and no northern Minnesota. In partnership play.” The Broads explored the area in a with Northwoods Volunteer pontoon boat, swam at a beautiful beach, Connection and the USFS, they and hiked the lush trails surrounding the adoped an entry point for Daniels camp that overlooked several BWCAW Lake in the breathtaking Boundary lakes. Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Participants traveled from all over (BWCAW) and took tools in hand. Minnesota to join this incredible event. After a fun orientation and a Leave I’m selfishly hoping they offer it again so No Trace workshop, the Broads I can shut my eyes, click my heels, and hopped in canoes to paddle to magically appear there to join them. their worksite to clean up this
Growing your Grassroots: Commenting on Public Land Issues by Lionel Di Giacomo
ave something to say about a decision on public recreation and the local economy. Meet with agency staff lands? Agencies will take your comments, but just working on the project to discuss your concerns. saying “NO!” doesn’t cut it. Writing substantive • Take a field trip. Visit the project area and note wildlife, H comments drawn from your own experience, habitat conditions, prior damage, and anything else that knowledge, and research is stronger than canned talking stands out or could potentially be affected by agency points. Commenting also allows you to request notifications actions. Take photos to include with your comments. about further opportunities for feedback and final decisions. • Talk with specialists. Call up or meet with people who Here are tips geared toward commenting on public land may have special knowledge—scientists, academics, field projects and decisions proposed by local, state, or federal observers, graduate students, anglers, etc.—to dig further agencies: into details about the area. Retired federal agency staff can • Visit the local agency office. If you live near public land, also be a great source of information. chances are an agency office is nearby. Get to know the staff • Write and submit your comments. Talk about your and never be afraid to ask questions! connection to the area, your concerns, and how you • Get maps of the project. Agencies create and keep maps think the land should be managed to best protect it. Be for most projects, and sure to provide a vision of ideal the staff can help you management rather than simply interpret maps and answer saying a project is unacceptable. questions—or connect you with someone who Researching and writing good can. Discussing a map is comments can take an hour, days, a great way to learn about or weeks depending on your time the project’s impacts on and how much help you have. water, habitat, endangered Having a team tackle it together species, cultural sites, and can break up the work, ensure you more. cover all the important points, and keep you inspired. • Develop your list of concerns. Common issues Want to start tackling issues? Visit include threats to wildlife greatoldbroads.org or call the national and habitat, risks to public office to learn more about Broadband health (i.e. air and water chapters and public land issues near quality), and effects on you.
greatoldbroads.org 5 THE BROADER WILDERNESS
by Carrie King USDOI
Broads' least favorite cowboy, Secretary Zinke (left), surrounded by Say No to the Ochoco Summit Trail System! the hind ends of horses, possibly postulating on his plans to protect (oil and gas interests on) America's public lands.
More motorized trails means more dust in the air, which reat Old Broads for Wilderness and allies filed a decreases air quality. More trails also increase erosion, causing complaint against the Forest Service, challenging the sediment to find its way into precious rivers, degrading water construction of 137 new miles of off-highway vehicle quality and harming fish habitat, which has negative impacts (OHV) trails in Oregon’s Ochoco National Forest. The G on threatened and endangered aquatic species. Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) proposed the additional motorized trails, despite concerns from the public and steady The good news—our complaint stops construction until opposition from the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. the Forest Service complies with federal regulations and environmental laws. They must take an honest, scientific look The Ochoco National Forest already contains 674 miles of at the direct, indirect, and cumulative impact of the project OHV trails. If the proposed trail system is completed, almost on the forest’s natural resources. We believe once they do, the half of the new trails would be within 656 feet of an existing Forest Service will be forced to abandon this project. road or another motorized trail. The trails would cut through old growth stands of ponderosa pine, described as a “mecca” for more than 400 species of wildlife. Monument Update: Secretary Zinke’s “Review”
e aren’t sure why this Secretary of the Interior, Ryan Zinke, continually compares himself to the renowned conservationist Teddy Roosevelt. You W may recall, Zinke rode a horse to report to his first day on the job. For those of us at Broads HQ, it brings to mind the phrase, “_____ you and the horse you rode in on.” Sometimes, humor is the best defense in these troubling times. As this newsletter was going to print, Secretary Zinke slid his “secret” final recommendation for 27 national monuments under the door to #45. We hear Bears Ears and Grand Staircase- Escalante National Monuments are at the top of the “hit list”. Both are in Utah, a state whose delegation is overtly hostile toward conservation and public lands. Oregon’s Cascade- Oregon's Bitterbrush Broads in the Ochoco National Forest Siskiyou National Monument is also likely to be reduced encounter a vandalized sign that was installed to alert OHV riders (insert chainsaw sounds here as the admin’s cronies set their that the area is closed to motorized vehicles. sights on timber harvest). It is rumored that Trump will reduce the size of these monuments despite that 99% of the 2.8 The effects of existing motorized trails on wildlife, rivers, and million comments made in favor of keeping all our national fish are bad enough. But if new trails are constructed, then the monuments intact. added effects (known as cumulative effects in NEPA language) Colorado’s Senator Michael Bennet (D) nailed it when on habitat fragmentation for wildlife, would be exponentially he released a statement in response: “Keeping today’s worse. One example: this project cuts through 21 miles of recommendations secret is further proof that this ill-conceived critical winter range for elk and 69 miles of deer fawning and unnecessary review process is not in the best interest of habitat. The EIS states the combination of the old trails and local communities and tribes. Despite claims of transparency, would not new trails affect the endangered gray wolf. However, it is troubling that Secretary Zinke would leave the American science shows that wild animals need large expanses of public in the dark, while the President decides the fate undisturbed and undeveloped habitat to survive and to avoid of our public land and water. Stakeholders and tribes… human activity. Period. worked tirelessly to protect their ancestral home from future
6 greatoldbroads.org development with the designation of Bears Ears National The messenger was Monument—yet the Trump administration failed to consider our fabulous caterer their input or address their concerns in the review. We will for the Broadwalks. continue to oppose this wildly unpopular effort to dismantle She relayed how 100 national monuments with all the tools at our disposal in the people traveled from United States Senate.“ around the country Please thank Senator Bennet and all others who have opposed to learn about this the reduction of Bears Ears or any other monuments. Stay spectacular region. tuned for action steps and legal action from Broads once the They fell in love results of Zinke’s review are made public. with it and wanted to ensure long-term protection of these Mexican Wolf Recovery Plan— ancient forests and A Trajectory to Extinction? pristine watersheds. Additionally, she ur Middle Gila Broadband chapter (AZ), led by Roz discussed the Switzer, signed Great Old Broads for Wilderness onto importance of comments with other partners for the 2017 U.S. Fish geotourism as an O and Wildlife Service’s Draft Mexican Wolf Recovery economic driver for Plan. The plan quashes the best available science and kowtows rural communities, to the state’s illegal demands to take over “management” which supports local of Mexican wolves businesses including her catering company and boyfriend’s even before they kayaking business. Broads will be taking Huffmans’ bill to are considered Washington, D.C. on October 16-20, when we will meet with recovered (i.e. more than 40 Senators and House Representatives to garner delisted). To sum it support. up, previous iterations of recovery plans To learn more about the bill, visit mountainsandrivers.org. have called for three To write a letter of support, go to http://bit.ly/NCMRltr. “naturally connected” populations, with each population maintaining 200–350 wolves, totaling at 2018 W.A.L.T.S. least 750. However, a population of 750 wolves does not guarantee the long-term Wilderness Advocacy Leadership Training Sessions survival of the species because of challenges associated with genetic inbreeding. This draft plan cuts the previous number of wolves in half and recommends 320–380 individuals are all that is needed for species recovery. And, the plan does not address habitat connectivity, which is critical to ensure movement and genetic exchange between populations. For more information, visit http://mexicanwolves.org.
Help Protect Northern California’s Public Lands
he proposed Northern California Conservation and Recreation Act is gaining traction after California’s Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA2), held a series of T public meetings across northern California to present It’s our Broadband Leadership the bill and get feedback from local communities. This bill Program's 10th anniversary! “safeguards and restores important public lands, rivers, and streams in Mendocino, Humboldt, Trinity and Del Norte Ready to step it up for mother nature? Become a counties.” Broadband Leader and learn the creative, effective, Broads and Bros attending our Redwoods Broadwalks learned and WILD ways of a grassroots advocate. Your wild about this effort and were inspired to write letters in support public lands need you. For more information visit of the legislation. These letters were hand-delivered to Rep. Huffman at one of his public meetings in August, in front of a our website or call Lauren at 970-385-9577. packed audience.
greatoldbroads.org 7 Broads Receive Global Environmental Challenge Award
On September 15, 2017, the Walden Woods Project honored Great Old Broads for Wilderness with a Global Environmental Challenge Award. The award, which is given to three to four organizations and/or individuals every other year, recognizes efforts that Walden Pond create new opportunities and solutions to environmental challenges, drawing inspiration from the foundational thinking of Henry David Thoreau Nature and building upon his principles of environmental stewardship, global interconnectedness, and personal O Nature! I do not aspire responsibility. To be the highest in thy choir, - Broads’ board members Antonia Daly and Rynda Clark accepted the award, To be a meteor in thy sky, which was presented by songwriter and recording artist Don Henley, who founded the Walden Or comet that may range on high; Woods Project in 1990. Paul Simon gave a special performance Only a zephyr that may blow at the event, which was held at Boston Among the reeds by the river low; Symphony Hall. On the same Give me thy most privy place stage, E.O. Wilson, Where to run my airy race. Harvard biologist and author who is well-known as the “father of biodiversity,” was presented the Global Environmental Leadership Award. In some withdrawn, unpublic mead The Walden Woods Project preserves the land, literature and legacy of Henry David Thoreau to foster an ethic of Let me sigh upon a reed, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. The organization achieves this mission through the integration of Or in the woods, with leafy din, conservation, education, research, and advocacy. Whisper the still evening in: The Project uses the land it has protected in Walden Woods to foster an ethic of environmental stewardship and social Some still work give me to do, - responsibility, both cornerstones of Thoreau’s philosophy. Only - be it near to you! Executive Director Kathi Anderson first encountered Broads through a piece on a news program. She researched Broads, and later we came to her attention through a sign-on in support of Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. For I'd rather be thy child “We have long admired the fine work of Great Old Broads for And pupil, in the forest wild, Wilderness and value the opportunity to share its mission and accomplishments with the media and those in attendance at Than be the king of men elsewhere, the Awards Dinner,” said Anderson. And most sovereign slave of care; In addition to the recognition award, Broads received a $1,000 contribution to further our work for the wild. To have one moment of thy dawn, “We couldn't be more honored than to be recognized for Than share the city's year forlorn. carrying out Thoreau's principles,” said Broads’ Executive Director Shelley Silbert. “We will hold this honor in high regard as we move forward to protect nature, educate others, – Henry David Thoreau and even practice civil disobedience as needed.”
8 greatoldbroads.org Keep the Land & Water Conservation Fund Alive! by Vicky Hoover
ere’s an Few understand that opportunity the LWCF will expire for you to H help make at the end of 2018 key private lands public unless Congress acts through the campaign to reauthorize the Land to reauthorize it. & Water Conservation Minnesota, Missouri, Fund (LWCF). Nebraska, New Jersey, Using a small part of New York, North Carolina, the royalties paid to the Ohio, South Carolina, federal government by Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, or oil and gas companies Wisconsin, your senator and for offshore energy, the congressional representative LWCF provides funds could be an important addition for agencies to purchase to the co-sponsor list. If you private inholdings within national coming. As of mid August, the House live in other states—your representative parks, national forests, Bureau of Land reauthorization bill, HR 502, has 174 may deserve some thanks. Management (BLM) lands, and wildlife bipartisan co-sponsors, and Senate bills, Call your congressional office in refuges. The stateside program of LWCF S 569 and S 896, have 39—impressive Washington, D.C. and ask for the staffer provides grants that allow counties numbers that show the LWCF’s who works on public lands/natural and communities to acquire land and popularity. resource issues to urge them to get their develop new community parks and If the bills are so popular, then what boss to co-sponsor HR 502, or S 569 and other outdoor recreation facilities—like is the hang-up? Alas, one powerful S 896. swimming pools, bike paths, tennis opponent, Utah Congressman Rob courts, and campgrounds. For more specific info on where your Bishop (R), chair of the Natural representatives stand and how to make Americans enjoy the benefits LWCF Resources Committee vents his dislike an effective call to Congress, contact brings to their communities, but take for public lands by not allowing the Broads’ member Vicky Hoover (Sierra the source of the funds for granted. Few House bill to be heard in his committee. Club LWCF task force chair) at Vicky. understand that the LWCF will expire at There is only one way to overcome his [email protected] or 415-977-5527 the end of 2018 unless Congress acts to malice. We need MORE Republican reauthorize it. co-sponsors. Calling YOUR member of Reactivating the LWCF is especially important now, because more Many members of Congress are aware Congress can make it happen! Americans than ever live in urban areas of this impending expiration and want If you live in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, and need public places to enjoy nature. LWCF’s “free” funding to keep on Indiana, Kentucky, Kansas, Michigan,
2017 RAFFLE! Among The Redwoods In case you haven't heard, for our 2017 raffle, we are pleased as punch to present this breathtaking piece of art created by celebrated fabric artist Patricia Hastings- Sargent (Trish). Trish and her husband John joined us at the first Redwoods Broadwalk, where she shared her inspiration for the art piece (the audience was moved to tears). She also talked about the innovative techniques she employs to achieve this beautiful effect with fabric. We are grateful for her generous donation! To purchase raffle tickets ($5 each or 5 for $20), visit http://bit.ly/BroadsRaffle. The drawing will be held December 1, 2017.
greatoldbroads.org 9 StudyStudyJanice a aShepherd: BBrroadoad Belle of the BLM
by Susan Kearns
f you’re a member of snow; the big things, such as a grand vista; and everything in the Grand Junction between,” Jennifer recalled. “Meeting Janice was pure joy and Broadband or the opened up my life in new ways.” I Bureau of Land The Grand Junction Broadband has worked the last few years Management’s (BLM’s) gathering native seed and replanting areas to restore damaged Grand Junction Field Office, landscapes. Keeping people off these fragile areas to allow you’re likely part of the recovery has been a challenge, so Janice helped design a sign— Janice Shepherd Fan Club. and even paid for it with a portion of the money she received This exceptional Broad, with for the national BLM award. the heart of an explorer, is a documentation dynamo esteemed Sherry has worked with Janice to train students and at-risk for her keen sense of organization, and land restoration and youth about ecological restoration through the Western hike planning skills. She has not only won the admiration Colorado Conservation Corps. She, along with others, of her fellow Broads but also that of the BLM. In January, comment on Janice’s gift for keeping young people engaged Janice received a state award for her volunteer activities; and motivated. then, in May, she was given a national award for Outstanding Achievement as part of the BLM’s “Making a Difference” “I have seen her in action on a trails cleanup event with Volunteer Recognition Program. 25 eighth graders who were wielding scrub brushes and firefighter water packs,” said Broadband member Renee A retired computer programmer, Janice is involved in a Brown. cornucopia of activities that take her outside and give her a chance to learn, grow, and help others. She said her activities For Janice, every undertaking is an educational adventure. were first inspired several years ago when she attended a talk Fascinated by archaeology, she is a member of the Colorado about Broads’ Healthy Lands Project Archaeological Society and is a trained cultural resources site She's inspired given by former associate director, steward. She documents all artifacts in her exploration—not Rose Chilcoat. just those from ancient cultures—which provides a unique the rest of us insight into the lives of early settlers. Janice’s love of exploring feeds to do more her innate curiosity and desire to Janice organizes and leads many hikes, regaling fellow see new places. She’s documented trekkers with interesting and enlightening tidbits, while also in the way of everything from roads to climbing raising awareness of the importance of land protections. routes to grazing conditions and “Every hike is likely to be a data collection site—whether it is volunteering wilderness characteristics. She’s old rusty cans found on the trail, lithics that indicate tool and discovered unknown trash dumps, arrowhead building, or sheep fences that need recording,” cabins, and other oddities, such as a pond filled with dead shared Broadband member Mary Hertert. salamanders in the Uncompahgre National Forest. Last year, the Grand Junction Broadband logged 849 volunteer Armed with a camera and GPS, Janice is highly adept at hours and Janice’s time commitment represents about half incorporating the data she gathers into that figure. On top of that, she had 365 meticulous reports that serve as important more hours dedicated to the BLM. All resources for land management planning. these hours working with the BLM has Grand Junction Broadband Leader Sherry given Janice a better appreciation for just Schenk says Janice has an amazing ability to how tough their job can be. She observes read large, complex documents and point out the agency’s staff is pushed and pulled in missing components. As skilled in paperwork many directions, but despite that, they try as she is in fieldwork, Janice has proven to be to be evenhanded in their actions. invaluable to the BLM’s Grand Junction Field “She’s inspired the rest of us to do more Office. They’ve armed her with a top-of-the- in the way of volunteering—and her line GPS and turned her loose on projects with volunteer work has also made Janice our the utmost confidence in her abilities. expert on all affairs BLM,” says Sherry. Many Broads sing Janice’s praises, saying she’s Janice helped design and fund this Words of wisdom from this volunteer smart, funny, warm, and a great storyteller. sign to protect fragile areas that extraordinaire? Janice says getting involved Jennifer O’Donnell met her on a Western Slope have been replanted. with land management agencies takes Adventurers hike, where Janice was the hike extra effort. While you would think the leader. agencies would greet volunteers with open arms, you have to “One of the characteristics I loved about Janice was her remember it takes time for staff to interact with volunteers. She keenness to observe all that was around her. She noticed advises patience—don’t give up—just keep on being helpful to the little things, like how a leaf settled lightly atop the build those relationships.
10 greatoldbroads.org Event Recap: Oh! The fun we had! The Redwoods National Broadwalk by Monica Gray
o celebrate public land in the Redwoods we drove Continent, helped us to late into the night, with a 19-hour highway ride from understand that the death Montana lying ahead of my mother and I. When we of one species may T found the Broadwalk spot, after much (and yet not correspond with the enough) exploration, the air was sweet-smelling of cedar and prosperity of another Doug fir and full of forest sound. We had arrived. species. The food chain is Susanne Twight-Alexander was the first whom I met; a poet an ever-changing web of and I did not even know it. I introduced myself to a few other consumption. tellurian and alluvial broads and circling up, we shared tidbits Yoga in the morning was about ourselves including our spirit animal. Choosing a place lovely. Carol Savonen A tellurian Broad contemplates to put a tent was simple enough, and I soon let the day come reminded us to look Sequoian toweriferousness. to an end. for the carnivorous A cloudy Friday morning, I awoke to a banana slug halfway in Darlingtonia californica, the California pitcher plant or cobra lily, my teacup, halfway out. Setting the mug atop the coffee station which grows on serpentine soils in the area. Some of us took near our kitchen tent for all to extol, the slug drifted down and, off for a hike down the lush canyon above the Smith River on with the veracious guidance of Jan Ewing, freed itself from a trail cleared of a wet and snowy winter’s fallen oak trees and the hum of the tea party, going back to the earth. Almost a brush by Broads the day before. We discussed “factioning,” dozen Forest Service rangers arrived during our scrumptious pondered the term “environmentalist,” and reflected on breakfast to prepare us for our stewardship project. the origins of such terms as “liberal,” “conservative,” and “pigeonhole.” While admiring the twisted Madrone trees and Who knew service of the forest could involve leaf blowers Sword Ferns, Joe Gillespie from Friends of Del Norte explained and weed whackers, some of the heaviest machinery I have how the Carter Administration coined the term “sustained operated? About 11 of us Broads cleaned up the nearby yield” and how that evolved to “departure from sustained campsite, scrubbing picnic tables and scooping ashes from yield” to facilitate logging and money grabbing. He also told pits. One of the rangers explained that this type of flat, natural us about “Hugelkultur,” an example of using traditional meadow in the forest is unusual to find. ecological knowledge to rehabilitate ecosystems. After dinner, Broads enjoyed a presentation by Dan Sealy, of Upon return to our meadow camp, we wrote letters to Northcoast Environmental Center, about the history of women Representative Jared Huffman (D-CA2), who will introduce in the redwoods. Then, Ryan Henson, the Northern California Conservation from the California Wilderness and Recreation Act. We also wrote Coalition, kept us laughing with to Secretary Zinke, imploring the “punny stories” throughout his preservation of national monuments presentation about the proposed under fire. Northwest California’s Mountains & Rivers legislation (since retitled as That evening held a discussion about the Northern California Conservation trout populations presented by and Recreation Act). Phillip Barrington from California Fish & Wildlife. Our second speaker, Saturday morning came quickly Kimberly Baker, educated us about and we headed off for a paddle. the historic liquidation of biomass that Advised by the raft-guide bros on happened in these unique and rare, how to do this thing, with implicit mixed conifer, temperate rainforest understanding, we set off on the biomes, and shared the story of the placid Smith River. My attention Redwood Summer of the 1990s. cast from the clear waters to the tremendous cedars on the shore, On Monday, the Broads concluded with teatime and goodbyes. Martha with an optimistic eye peeled for the Monica (left) and her mother, Bozeman Broadband marbled murrelet bird. I experienced Harnly and I settled on a few things: leader Nancy Ostlie (right), put pen to hand on behalf a personal struggle to remain with local knowledge is validity and a of the Northern California Conservation and Recreation the group instead of diving into the healthy forest does not involve fire Act and public lands. tranquil watercourse. The highlight fighters or logging of any kind. of the float for me, was chatting Considering tree sitting as an with Eva while strolling the well-trodden path through occupation, mother and I set out for a day of swimming and magnificent Sequoioideae. continuance of our journey, leaving no trace behind. That evening, preceding dinner and the sharing circle, Mary Ellen Hannibal, author of Citizen Scientist and Spine of the
greatoldbroads.org 11 (We are ALL Wonder Woman...Continued from page 2)
our children's health and the health of the planet to meet A Broad Tribute today's budget shortfalls,” Clark told him, "Sometimes the Effie Neth, 1946–2017 solutions to problems cannot be determined until you have committed to do the right thing."
Oregon Broadbands from Portland, Willamette Valley, and In January, we were saddened to lose Effie Neth, a Bend activated members to call, write letters, and demonstrate member of the Willamette Valley Broadband in Oregon. at the capitol to stop the sale of this treasure trove of carbon- She came to Broads for the same reasons many do… storing trees. To the public's shock and delight, the Land she liked the name and loved that this group of mostly Board reversed its decision in May and declared the forest will older women was “doing something” to protect public not be sold. Now Broads and partners will work towards a lands—and she was looking for hiking companions. conservation-oriented forest management plan. In an interview at the Owyhee Broadwalk in 2015, Effie In New Mexico, Rio Grande Valley Broads jumped in as a shared that preserving wilderness was close to her primary conservation voice at the table in the Zuni Mountain heart—particularly saving the land from the impacts of Collaborative Landscape Restoration Project in the Cibola overuse and keeping public lands in public hands—a National Forest. Helping to shape forest management decisions threat that has since come to the forefront of Broads’ in this rural and sparsely populated portion of the state, the concerns. Broads are looking at large-scale restoration and its impacts on wildlife and habitat, including installing monitoring equipment “Now that I’m retired, I want to give back in a way that to assess an endangered fish, the Zuni Bluehead Sucker. is meaningful to me—and what Broads does…works,” said Effie. And in California, Greater Bay Area Broadband leader, Maureen Forney, spoke at a public hearing in Eureka to The Owyhee was her support the California Conservation and Recreation Act, first Broadwalk and the crowd breaking into wild applause as they heard our Willamette Broadband organization's name. At the Crescent City public hearing, Co-Leader Cyndi another wonder woman—the lithe Chelsea Baier, who catered Anderson says that food for eighty people at our Redwood Broadwalks—delivered trip was a turning nearly 100 letters of support from our group to Congressman point for Effie. She Jared Huffman (see Broader Wilderness). Like so many Broads became more deeply across the country, our Broads in northern California are involved with the gearing up for action. Broadband, especially during the last year "I Am Wonder Woman" before her death. “She attended the Broadbands’ Hart Mountain This summer during the Redwoods Broadwalk, a group of us Broadwalk, and it was there we started to get to know walked in a spellbinding old-growth grove of coastal redwoods her and love her,” said Cyndi. on the banks of the aqua-clear Smith River. As we rounded a bend in the trail, we saw enormous fallen trunks, some Effie contributed in many ways, helping with meetings, growing thickly with sword ferns and huckleberries. A young social gatherings, and tabling at events. She was one woman, jet-black hair shining beneath a metallic gold ball cap, of the first to sign up when the Willamette Broadband hopped from trunk to trunk. chartered a bus to the Women’s March on Portland. She ran up an angled tree, Unfortunately, Effie fell ill and was unable to attend. taking an action pose as her She passed away just a few days after the march. friend shot photos. Effie continued her commitment even after her passing, "You look like Wonder honoring Broads with a generous bequest of stock. We Woman," I told her with a acknowledge and express our overwhelming gratitude grin. for Effie’s gift, her kindness and love for the natural world, and her devotion to Great Old Broads for "I AM Wonder Woman," she Wilderness. declared with confidence and glee. Our broadest appreciation, Effie, for protecting what you have always loved. That, I thought, is a broad in the making. If you have a passion for our work and would like With just that much to include us in your will or trust—or if you already determination and have—we’d love to know. Contact us at broads@ certitude, we must face the greatoldbroads.org or call our office. Thank you for conservation battles ahead, leaping from streamside to county your commitment to Broads! commission, from canyon to Congress, from tree to town square. Together, we can keep up the fight, against all odds, until we re-emerge again into the light.
12 greatoldbroads.org increased our desire to travel. We got A Broads’ Year: Wish you were here! to explore a local national monument Priceless Homestay and do some hiking and biking. The weather was lovely and the first of the Adventures season’s daffodils were blooming in their garden. by Laura Johnston Our last adventure was near Durango, ooking for a way to have an Colorado, where we stayed with two adventure and support Great scientists who have created an energy Old Broads for Wilderness at the efficient home on a remote property. same time? Consider bidding We saw turkeys roosting, great horned L owls, a small herd of deer, and many on homestays during the 2017 Wild for Wilderness Online Auction. It is songbirds. One highlight: they shared the perfect combination of travel and photos from a motion-activated camera adventure—plus your money goes to a that captured a mountain lion passing good cause! by their home two nights earlier! In 2016, my husband and I chose to bid Now we have many new friends, ideas home in town and a more remote home to stay in other people’s homes. We liked on how to live a better life, and huge twelve miles away. Both were a delight. the idea of meeting like-minded people appreciation for the kind people who Great breakfasts, good conversation around the west, learning about local opened their homes and lives to us. and more Nordic skiing highlighted the issues, traveling, and also stretching And guess what? Our comfort zone has visits. Learning about Broads by staying our comfort zone. If knocking on a stretched so far that we are going to with a current board member is the best stranger’s door to spend the night seems offer our home in the 2017 auction! because we could ask so many questions. uncomfortable, that was our starting If you are looking for a unique vacation point too. Now, after visiting six lovely Then on to Aspen, Colorado to a lovely consider bidding on one of the many homes, we are thrilled to report the condo, more skiing, and a chance to homestays in the Wild for Wilderness experience far surpassed anything we learn about the area from a long time auction this November. Whatever your could have hoped for. local conservationist. Seeing how people final bid, to experience a homestay with connect with their local communities and Our first stop was to a cozy garage Great Old Broads is “priceless”. the projects that they are involved with apartment in Ridgway, Colorado. The was a unique part of this trip. We skied owners of Stone House Cottage have up to the Maroon Bells Wilderness on a The Wild for Wilderness Online created a lovely space to relax and enjoy groomed track on a beautiful Colorado Auction is not only a great way to the beauty of the mountains. Our trip winter day. focused on cross county skiing, but get your hands on awesome gear there are many other outdoor activities The snow started melting, so we put and getaways, it also helps Broads to enjoy. We discovered that Ridgway away the skis and grabbed our bikes. We train, inspire, and support public headed down near Grants, New Mexico has great food for such a little mountain lands activists across the country. town. to stay at the handcrafted adobe Zuni House with two world travelers. Their Do your part and make a "bid" for Our next stop took us to Steamboat tales of the places they’ve visited only Springs, Colorado where we stayed in a wilderness! Are you WILD for Wilderness? October 29–November 12, 2017 auction.greatoldbroads.org B.S.-Broadly Speaking We want you to share thoughts, experiences, and creative expressions about your connection to Mother Earth. What moved you to be an advocate? What inspires you? Why Broads? Please share poetry, essays, art, and other musings. Please keep your word count to about 400 words. We may edit your piece, but will seek approval and let you know when it will appear in Broadsides. Not a writer? Give us a call, share your story, and we’ll write it down. We are accepting submissions online at: http://www.greatoldbroads.org/broadly-speaking ...or send by mail to P.O. Box 2924, Durango, CO 81302. If sending by mail, please double space and title the document, and include your name, address, phone, and email.
greatoldbroads.org 13 (FIGHTING THE SIEGE ON CLIMATE...Continued from page 1)
• Defend democracy. Bad judges may be here to stay, but they are a reminder that elections have consequences. Stay indivisible and step up involvement with community groups and local politics to strategize for elections, educate the public, and get out the vote.
This is the power of grassroots—when enough local efforts are pointed at the same goal, it yields global results as people across the U.S. and around the world are spurred to action to protect our Earth’s future.
Broads is committed to grassroots action and of critical habitat the Act protects consistently favoring the rights of oil real talk that builds community, educates have long been blamed for stifling and gas companies to do as they please people, and improves local decision-making. the industry. This year, dozens of over the objections of the public. Get involved with one of our 38 Broadband amendments and bills have targeted Grassroots Action for chapters across the country, or call Broads’ the ESA. Proposed “fixes” include office to step up your involvement. defunding enforcement of the ESA, Global Impact bypassing land managers and scientists For all the bluster and attacks on to delist species directly, and giving public lands and the climate, Trump’s industry outsized seats at the table energy policies have a core weakness: when determining which species need According to Pew Reseach Center, 61% protection. of the world’s population and 54% of Republicans in Congress justify these Americans know climate change is a proposals by questioning the ESA’s top threat facing humanity. Gallup effectiveness, however out of more than Poll reports that over two thirds of 1,600 plant and animal species protected Americans recognize that climate under the act, only 10 are now extinct— change is human-caused. HQ WISHLIST eight of which were suspected to be All the money-backed climate denial in We’ve worn out our welcome extinct before being listed. We cannot let the world is failing to suppress the facts, borrowing equipment from staff, this successful law be dismantled. and we can take action now: friends, and family. Donations Packing the Judiciary towards purchasing gear are • Make public lands part of the gratefully accepted as well! Administrations, Congress, and solution to climate change. laws are vulnerable to changes in With good management, our public Campsite Counters government leadership, but in the lands can protect carbon stores (river tables) judiciary, appointments are for life. Neil and absorb greenhouse gases. Get New, used, or something similar. Gorsuch’s confirmation made headlines, involved in protecting more public http://bit.ly/CampCounter but the dozens of federal judges land from oil and gas, mining, over selected by Trump have gone relatively grazing, and logging (especially old- Anodized 14” Aluminum unnoticed until recently. growth and long-established forests). Dutch Ovens Despite hundreds of key positions that Work with agencies on resource http://bit.ly/DOven remain vacant in the administration, and forest management plans to be
Trump has been diligent in nominating sure the conservation voice is key Hand washing stations http://bit.ly/HWstation federal judges faster than his to the discussion. (See Growing your predecessors. The reason is clear: the Grassroots on page 5 and Too Wild to Repair for Broads’ Honda Pilot Supreme Court handles only about 80 Drill on page 15.) Sadly for both, it met with a deer cases a year, while lower federal courts on the way to the Redwoods have the final word on more than 50,000 • Preserve the Endangered Broadwalk. Repair estimate: decisions annually. Species Act. $4,000. The new judges are generally pro- Contact your elected officials to ask industry, anti-regulation, and younger them to support the ESA and to than average. One of Trump’s protect critical habitat from dirty nominees, Allison Eid, is typical in energy companies.
14 greatoldbroads.org roads for W B i Too Wild to Drill ld ld O e t r a n e e r s s G
d BE BOLD il W e th BE BRAVEGet into BE A BROAD
ast spring, Broads began both organizational and a partnership with The member comments asking Wilderness Society that these parcels be deferred L(TWS) to protect public lands from leasing until a fuller, site- from new oil and gas leasing. specific analysis can be carried TWS appreciates our strong out that follows law and policy grassroots presence in rural mandates. Oil and gas drilling and urban communities in the on these parcels would impact interior west, and supports our prairie dogs, pronghorn, involvement to strengthen a mule deer, elk, as well as two “Too Wild to Drill” project. Our significant natural communities joint effort helps us get our and four imperiled mammal and members in the field to identify, lizard species. Development document, and photograph would also lead to deterioration lands at risk. In this way, we can of water resources, air quality, generate comments from local and climate. citizens on potential lease sales, Janice Shepherd (see Study A support media efforts, and find Broad) wrote an eloquent Letter Step up and join individuals with standing for to the Editor to the Grand legal standing the fight for legal challenges ( Junction Sentinel describing means that an individual has or how we need to balance oil and Mother Earth. will sustain direct injury from an gas extraction with other values action, such as a lease sale, and of our public lands, so we can Put your life experience therefore can serve as a plaintiff experience wide open spaces and passion to work. in a lawsuit). rather than memorialize them in In June, Broads’ staff expensive paintings on a wall. Get involved member Lionel Di Giacomo Broad continues to work closely with Broads today. accompanied Grand Junction with TWS to identify public and La Plata Broadband lands we must watchdog as the EDUCATION members to visit parcels in Trump administration continues Colorado’s Mesa and Garfield to grease the skids for new oil ADVOCACY counties. They documented and gas development. conditions and then submitted STEWARDSHIP AND FUN! WWW.GREATOLDBROADS.ORG/JOIN-US/ I saw old Autumn in the misty morn stand shadowless like silence, listening to silence. Support our work to save wild places – Thomas Hood for the future!
greatoldbroads.org 15 Great Old Broads for Wilderness Non Profit Org. P.O. Box 2924 US Postage PAID Durango, CO 81302 Durango, CO Permit No. 682
KEEP THE LAND & WATER CONSERVATION FUND ALIVE
~ See pg. 9 ~
Lorena Herron of the Cascade Volcanoes Broadband (OR) helps remove invasive Yellow Flag Iris Printed on Forest Stewardship Council® chain of custody from Pierce Nat’l Wildlife Refuge. certified paper from responsible sources using vegetable- based ink. Please recycle this newsletter. (Pass it to a friend.)
You do not have to be female, or old (or even great for that matter!) Join or Renew Today! to join—but you must be bold for wilderness. Please join us on the Do it online at http://bit.ly/joinbroads adventure. Wilderness needs your help! o Basic Broad $35 o Outrageous Broad $100+ o Free Spirit Broad $______o Dynamic Duo $50 o Wonder Broad $500+ (same household) o Bedrock Broad $1,000+ o Rockin’ Broad $50+ o Budget/Training Broad < $35 o Wild Broad $75+
Name
Address
City/State/Zip BROADS’ LOGO GEAR Phone/Email Go to greatoldbroads.org/shop-2 to check out all our new gear! Give a One-Year Gift Membership to a Broad-Minded Friend! * We will include a note that the gift membership is from you. Enclose additional dues for this membership. $
Name
Address
City/State/Zip
Phone/Email
PAYMENT TYPE: o Check Enclosed o Credit Card: Visa MC AmEx Discover (circle one) Total Enclosed/To Charge: $______
Signature Date
Card Number: Exp. Date Security Code o Please do not share my information with like-minded organizations. o Save paper and postage, no receipt is necessary. PLEASE RETURN WITH PAYMENT TO: GREAT OLD BROADS FOR WILDERNESS, PO BOX 2924, DURANGO, CO 81302