BROADSIDES VOLUME 30 | NO. 2 | SUMMER 2020

While You Were Masked STOP THE by Susan Kearns ROLLBACKS ou may have had a brief chuckle The proposed and deceptively named Find an updated if you saw a cartoon of President Scientific Transparency Rule would restrict list of rollbacks Trump with a mask over his the use of scientific studies that have not Y at https://bit.ly/ListRBs eyes as a comment on his response to the been published. This limits the data allowed coronavirus. As the pandemic raced through for consideration and opponents say it will the country, however, skew the science to support deregulation. the mask was pulled The White House Office of over our eyes and Management and Budget cinched tight by an is looking at implementing administration eager a similar rule to constrain to slash environmental the use of science in regulations. decision making.

As people hunkered COVID-19 inspired down in their homes, EPA to “temporarily” or worse, dealt directly suspend oversight and with the onslaught enforcement. While of the virus, the feds industrial facilities are took full advantage by obliged to keep a record Enough is accelerating initiatives of non-compliance, they enough! to nullify or rewrite do not have to disclose regulations that protect that information to the public health and the environment. public—nor report it to the EPA! Eliminating BROADBANDS supervision without mandating reporting IN ACTION EPA Leads the Parade to ensure accountability is reckless and Members go PAGE The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) irresponsible. virtual in their advocacy efforts. 6 seems to be working at odds with its name— Furthermore, the EPA is making it more putting forth a plethora of proposals that difficult for public engagement by reducing contribute to, rather than reduce, pollution comment periods to 30 days, rather than 60 BROADER and greenhouse gas emissions. to 90 days. WILDERNESS In April, the agency finalized a revision to Critical bills are There’s a reason for the agency’s push for PAGE the way costs and benefits of public health languishing. It’s deregulation—any rule finalized before about time they are calculated for Mercury and Air Toxic 8 June will be difficult to reverse through started moving. Standards. This revision increases the the Congressional Review Act—should amount of mercury and 80 other dangerous Democrats win control of the Senate in the pollutants spewed into the air by coal- and coming election. (The Trump administration CES DEBUTS oil-fired power plants. It contradicts the used the 1996 Congressional Review Act ONLINE agency’s own findings in 2015 that the 14 times to overrule regulations from the PAGE The first Climate standards significantly reduced hazardous Obama administration. Prior to that, it had emissions—without increasing costs to Education & 12 only been successfully invoked once.) Stewardship industry. training inspires leaders. (Continued page 14) In a

Great Old Broads for Wilderness BROAD PO Box 2924 • Durango, CO 81302 970-385-9577 Sense [email protected] www.greatoldbroads.org STAFF Shelley Silbert Mission Critical for Uncertain Times Executive Director Lauren Berutich Associate Director t may be hard to remember what day Broads has worked to prevent fragmentation Susan Kearns it is in this brave new world we are of wild lands by roads, fossil fuel extraction, Communications Director living in, but none of us will forget this water development, logging, and overgrazing. Lisa Pool Imomentous, tumultuous year. Our hearts We’ve commented, testified, and rallied to Grassroots Leadership Director have sped up as our lives have slowed down. protect public lands for native wildlife and Kaye Berman Development Director The new mantra in the era of COVID-19: plants, including predators and endangered Katya Spiecker Befriend uncertainty. I ponder, how can species. We’ve sweated through restoration Grassroots Regional Coordinator this 2020 pandemic help us gain 20/20 projects to build the land’s health, and Sally Sharp vision–the power to see our way through proposed policies for a livable climate. Grassroots Regional Coordinator challenges and envision what the world Claire Attkisson Fragmentation, biodiversity loss, and might look like on the other side? Can we Communications Assistant climate change are among the biggest factors intensify our focus so the pandemic is both Jason Vaughn impacting natural systems and leading to Climate Education & Stewardship prelude and preparation for other crises we dangerous “spillover,” the jumping of disease Communications Coordinator are already living, such as climate change from wildlife to humans. Nearly half the Alyssa Rainbolt and plummeting biodiversity? Can we as Membership & Events Manager new diseases that spilled over since 1940 global citizens apply lessons learned to these Rachel Green resulted from wildland destruction, leading challenges that are hurtling towards us like Climate Education & Stewardship to increased Program Manager meteors? density and the BOARD OF DIRECTORS Unfortunately, intermingling of Rynda Clark, OR - Co-Chair these crises are not wild and domestic Micky Ryan, OR - Co-Chair Suez Jacobsen, CO - Vice Chair distinct. They are one animals—and Cristina Harmon, CO - Treasurer catastrophe created by humans—in new Antonia Daly, NY - Secretary Julie Weikel, OR all of us, the human ways. The media Mary O’Brien, UT species. What’s the has reported on Gary Skiba, NM most critical thing we wet markets and Anne Heikkila, GA can do to stop this wildlife trade in COUNCIL OF ADVISORS cluster from hitting Asia, but the killing Steve Allen, Joe Breddan, Rose Chilcoat, Dave Foreman, full force? Believe of predators closer Maggie Fox, Ginger Harmon, it or not, it’s the to home also leads Vicky Hoover, Libby Ingalls, “Here is a prediction: the decade Frandee Johnson, Matt Kenna, very mission of our to unnaturally ahead will be one of the most Linda Liscom, organization: Protect inflated Regina Lopez-Whiteskunk crucial breakdown or breakthrough Marcey Olajos, Tim Peterson, wild places. Our populations of Lois Snedden mission could not be moments in the history of our prey species, which Great Old Broads for more relevant at any species. It is not a game of paper, act as reservoirs Wilderness is a national other point in history. rock or scissors.” and spreaders of grassroots organization, disease. led by women, that engages From our origins more – Terry Tempest Williams and inspires activism from Erosion, 2019 to preserve and protect than three decades ago, (Continued page 15) wilderness and wild lands.

Please credit Broads 2 Summer 2020 for reprinted articles. It’s been a roller coaster ride in the Broads’ event planning department over the past few months. But when the going gets Events Update tough, the Broads get going. Check out the latest line up and sign up today!

JUNE 23 • JULY 30 OCTOBER 2–4 Climate Change & Coasts Pam Houston Mountain Retreat Summer Webinar Series Writing Workshop FUNdraiser In lieu of the June 2020 High Camp Hut, Telluride, Colorado Maine Broadwalk, we There is still space available for this “Rocky Mountain present two virtual events High” trip, Broads style! Sharpen your writing skills with featuring experts on celebrated author Pam climate change and coastal Houston, who will ecosystems. Get a taste coach you to tap into for what you’ll learn at sensory details and the upcoming Broadwalk bring richness to your rescheduled for June 2021 writing. (see below right). Held at the world- These 1-hour webinars are FREE to members and up to renowned High Camp 100 people can attend each session. There’s still time to Hut in the beautiful San Juan Mountains, this hideaway register, so get your name on the list tout de suite. offers incredible mountain vistas and a wood-fired hot Learn more about the speakers and register at tub and sauna to enjoy at the end of your creative writing https://bit.ly/ClimWebinars sessions.

$1065 per person - single bed $1000 per person - shared queen (2 queens) RESCHEDULED, NEW LOCATION! Find out more and register at http://bit.ly/PHWrite SEPTEMBER 3–7 Women’s Watercolor RESCHEDULED FOR 2021 Workshop on JUNE 3–7, 2021 the Green River Climate Change & Coasts: FUNdraiser The MAINE Reason to Act Broadwalk …through Labyrinth Canyon, Utah Blueberry Cove Summer Camp, Holiday Rivers Expeditions St. George, will take you on a magical Maine trip to experience smooth red and orange walls encasing a tranquil, lush river corridor studded with sandbars and Open for registration enchanting side canyons. There are no rapids on this trip, for next summer, join and that is exactly why it’s so good. The scenery is the us on the coast at Blueberry Cove, featuring a beautiful main attraction; the calm and quiet are the main event. swimming beach, tidal flats, hiking, canoeing, and more. Acclaimed artist Suze Woolf will teach you foundational We’ll explore coastal ecosystems and climate change with watercolor methods that you’ll have plenty of opportunity regional experts such as Oceanographer Deborah Bronk, to practice as you capture artistic memories of this Ph.D., and conservationist and right whale expert Mark amazing adventure. Dittrick.

Treat yourself to a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Tent camping: $275 • Shared cabins: $315 No-share single cabins: $350 $1450 per person More info: http://bit.ly/MaineBwalk Learn more and register at http://bit.ly/lcynfun

greatoldbroads.org 3 Advocacy corner Mobilizing from Your Home

by Lauren Berutich

he New York Times posted development, to engaging communities there are several important bills that are alarming statistics on May 9, through climate education and ecological languishing in the House and Senate? T 2020. The headline read, “The restoration programs. We offered (See Broader Wilderness, page 8). Your Trump Administration Is Reversing webinars open to members on NEPA voice is needed. Let your elected officials Nearly 100 Environmental Rules.” This (National Environmental Policy Act), know the specific action you want them may be no surprise since we’ve endured Streamflow Restoration, Effective Public to take on issues, and thank those three-plus years of environmental, Comment Writing, and Fire Ecology who are champions for public lands social, and economic disasters imposed and Wildlife. Broadband chapters are protection and ask them to commit to by the current administration. More fully embracing online advocacy, using preserving the laws that protect them. than 60 environmental rule and Zoom as an important meeting and regulation reversals have been finalized collaboration tool (see Broadbands in AVENUES FOR and an additional 34 rollbacks are still in Action, page 6). ADVOCACY! progress. EXERCISE THOSE Do you receive our action alerts? Are What can we do? Thanks to varying you on your local Broadband chapter’s levels of quarantine and stay-at-home FINGERS! email list? You can get into the nitty orders, we are limited in the ability Stay connected with your elected gritty details of a campaign­—we have to safely go to the streets in protest, officials locally, statewide, and on a incredible resources. National office convene on the stairs of state and federal level. Despite COVID-19, they action alerts are sent out about once a national capital buildings with signs are still responsible for representing month and cover timely issues you can in hand, or gather at public hearings act on by calling your representatives, or meetings to raise submitting comments, awareness for the health or showing up for public and safety of our planet and hearings. Alerts also public lands. provide talking points, background information But we are not without and resources, and options. We can still flex other tools for effective those advocacy muscles engagement all in one and inspire people to stay place. educated, engaged, and connected to the issues. Your local Broadband leader communications ZOOM YOUR offer a variety of WAY TO ACTION! opportunities to engage on local issues! They can Zoom, an online video connect you to the tools conferencing tool, is a great way to their constituents and need to hear from and information to help you be an connect family, friends, and community you. Pick up the phone and call their informed advocate in your community. members alike. Using this platform, office, send an email, and write letters Broads recently trained more than three to show you are paying attention and So, friends, take a deep breath. This is a dozen volunteer leaders covering topics have issues you’d like addressed. Each challenging time, but together, we can from women’s leadership and grassroots personalized letter counts! Did you know grow stronger and more resilient. We may be limited in our social interactions, but we are not limited in the work “In every community, there is work to be done. In every we can do to speak for and protect nation, there are wounds to heal. In every heart, there is America’s wild public lands and waters. the power to do it. – Marianne Williamson

4 Summer 2020 A Point of Reckoning? by Suez Jacobson

s the COVID-19 virus spread, reclaim habitat. Mother Earth takes a has been devastating. Unimaginable taking lives, and threatening breath. The New York Times reported job losses have crippled households. A to overwhelm our medical that global emissions will probably fall Approximately 30 million people applied system, we bought toilet paper and flour. an unprecedented 8% this year, to the for unemployment in six weeks. We Things that we, in developed countries, 2010 level. But the United Nations also need support for those without jobs— equate with a basic human need—plus tells us that emissions would have to job creation and basic income. But we a want—home baked goodies as a balm decline 8% every year until 2030 to need to restructure our economy from for tragedy. This cruel virus has focused avoid the worst catastrophes of climate the ground up to create what Kimmerer our energies, swamped our news, and change. would call a contentment rather than a distracted us from other plagues in our consumption economy. Perhaps, as Robin Wall Kimmerer, reality—species extinctions and climate author of Braiding Sweetgrass, “In a consumer society, contentment change. suggests, this is the time to implement is a radical proposition. Recognizing This is because these other plagues a “democracy of species, rather than a abundance rather than scarcity are insidious erosions rather than the tyranny of one.” In a moment of human undermines an economy that thrives terrorizing firestorms of illness and suffering, we can consider the “biological by creating unmet desires. Gratitude death. But a United Nations report dated vulnerability” that threatened species cultivates an ethic of fullness, but the May 2019, characterizes species decline endure their whole lives. For some, economy needs emptiness.” as “dangerous,” “unprecedented,” and the message is lost. For example, as Our current economy needs emptiness “accelerating,”—estimating that over one the sage grouse population continues that million species of plants and animals to collapse, the Trump administration marketers are currently in danger of extinction. announced in February that sage grouse falsely And, the parts per million of carbon habitat will re-open for business—the oil promise dioxide (CO2) in our air, over 414 ppm and gas business, that is. This despite to fill. on April 28th, far exceeds the safe level science that predicts this will probably Ubiquitous determined by scientists of 350 ppm. result in the birds’ extinction. Such is ads bombard the dirty business of oil extraction, the Extensions of human greed into Mother us, telling same business that pushes the CO2 level Earth’s abundance have brought us to us products, beyond sustainable levels, bolstered this point, a point of reckoning. The hair care for by an administration that pushes an coronavirus is said to have jumped example, will economic engine restart, death sentences from bats to fill our need for companionship, make us disguised as profit. “...this is humans— popular. But we can rebuild an economy the time to zoonotic they But it’s past time for us to plan for a based on gratitude, sharing, simplicity, implement a call it—in a live different world, post COVID-19, if we are enough. animal market going to avoid the disasters of climate Many years ago, I baked for a living. democracy of in Wuhan, change and the devastating loss of all Lots of identical loaves without much species rather China. People those with whom we share this planet. thought. But recently, when I found thirsty for We need a new economy, a different way than a tyranny a bag of bread flour on the grocery animal protein of being. of one.” shelf, I felt deep gratitude. Maybe toilet exposed In the first quarter of 2020, the paper and flour go a lot further toward themselves to the virus and then passed economy contracted by 4.8%, the contentment than we have ever given it on, at first without knowing. Not greatest decline since the 2008 them credit for. We cannot emerge from knowing until the deaths multiplied and financial crisis. But second quarter this crisis with the idea that we will go our global economy, an economy that predictions are far more dire—perhaps back to business as usual. If we do, we has long sought efficiency and profit at a 30% decline. In an economy where will have squandered these tear-filled the expense of life, carried death around consumption accounts for almost 70% days, ignored the painful opportunity to the world. of GDP (investment for the future and teach ourselves to be ethical members In response we turned off engines. Skies government spending account for the of Mother Earth’s family, and given up are blue again; mountains appear in the small 30% piece of the pie that’s left), the chance to slow species extinction and distance; waters clear, and wild animals shutting down the consumer economy global warming.

greatoldbroads.org 5 Broadbands in ACTION! Transforming for the Times

by Katya Spiecker and Sally Sharp need to stay vigilant and continuing to comment is crucial for those with the privilege of good technology—plus the time, “Who says old Broads can’t learn new tricks?” toasted means, and health. “Some of us are fortunate in that we can Broad-in-training Chandra LeGue as the Willamette Valley turn our attention to issues that will affect the health of our Broadband held their first ever web-based Zoom advocacy communities and our planet.” meeting this spring. The pandemic has made it more difficult and time consuming for Rio Grande Valley Broadband co-leaders Susan Ostlie and Linda Starr and Aldo’s Silver City Broadband co-leader Dianne Maughan to navigate through the mass of maps and spreadsheets to comment on the Gila National Forest Revision Plan.

New Mexico comes in 49th for broadband access. “It is much more difficult for people living in the boonies with limited internet access,” Susan said. Normally hard copies of the plan are at the Forest Service office and library. This time Susan and Linda had to do it all on the computer. They persevered and got their comments done just in the nick of time!

Dianne and her team took advantage of newfound technology as well. They met several times via Zoom to finalize their comments. “There’s plenty of advocacy work to do while we The Willamette Valley Broadbands’ online advocacy night are at home,” Dianne says. where old Broads learned new tricks. As Broadbands adapt activities to a trying and unpredictable Growing a Broader Reach time, their resilience and flexibility are inspiring. Broads When Oregon’s Governor banned large gatherings to slow the don’t give up easily, pandemic or not, and we hope their spread of COVID-19, the Cascade Volcanoes Broadband faced perseverance inspires you, too. the cancellation of their educational event Say No to Jordan Broadband Access and Advocacy Cove. Felice Kelly, a member of the Broadband leadership team, jumped into action. She consulted a few tech savvy Loren Karro, co-leader of the Alaska Soles Broadband, says friends, who convinced her to transform the event into a the pandemic has increased her resolve to participate in the webinar. public process. As the federal government rams through extraction projects on public lands, while refusing to extend “They really helped me feel confident we could pull it off, and comment deadlines during the pandemic, Loren said agencies then, when I told my co-organizers, Jane Heisler and Micky are “forcing people from isolated native villages to try to Ryan, that we had a tech support team, they were enthusiastic attend meetings via Zoom.” about trying it.”

Many remote residents The webinar went swimmingly, with 63 participants—more do not have high speed than may have attended in person! Because the Federal internet or the proper Energy Regulatory Commission’s misguided approval of the technology to participate liquefied natural gas pipeline and terminal came out the same and elders and people day, it motivated an even stronger call to action. of different cultures “The Jordan Cove Energy Project is a major threat to the may not be familiar or climate, human health, and several different ecosystems here comfortable using an in Oregon, and we don’t have time to waste in opposing it,” online format. Alaska is says Felice. ranked last for broadband Check out the recording of the webinar and learn what you Kathy O’Reilly-Doyle (left) and internet access among can do to help stop Jordan Cove: https://bit.ly/JCoveWeb Loren Karro (right), co-leaders U.S. states. Loren sees the of the Alaska Soles Broadband.

6 Summer 2020 Roz Switzer, from the • Recording the event is easier and provides an enduring Middle Gila Broads in resource to galvanize further support. Arizona, knew she had to Roz Switzer presents a program get the word out on the Re-imagining a Relaunch on the Mexican gray wolf at the scoping period for the 10(j) Janifer Larson, Barb McConvill, and Di Allison, co-leaders Borderlands Broadwalk (2019). management rule change of the Greater Wasatch Broadband in Utah, are not wasting to advocate for the reclassification of the Mexican gray wolves any time. They are relaunching their Broadband in the midst as an “essential” experimental population. This important of the pandemic. Since Barb and Jan attended our WALTS rule directs how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fulfills its webinars, they are filled to the brim with ideas, including a obligation to manage the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf to virtual book club, socially-distanced stewardship projects, a sustainable wild population. With the scoping period due to and three Peak to open any day, Roz planned to take her ideas on the road. She Trail Challenges. actively sought out invitations to speak in small venues across For each challenge, Arizona. Then the pandemic struck. Roz immediately switched participants track gears, hopped on the phone with her conservation partners their mileage and and proposed a webinar format. She contacted possible elevation gain on speakers, settled on the format and date, and they were good personal hiking to go. Two days after she made the arrangements, the scoping The Greater Wasatch Broads on a winter trips. Then, with period opened. hike in February before their community the hope that went into lockdown. What were the take-aways after moving to virtual events? COVID-19 cases decrease and guidelines become more relaxed, the groups • You can reach a larger, more diverse audience, including will climb a local peak in October together. Hikers will take those who are geographically distant, have physical mountain top photos and send them to their legislators and limitations, or difficulty attending a live event. thank them for the trails, while building critical relationships. • It’s easier to recruit speakers, who can comfortably lounge Jan says the activity is really pulling people together as they at home while making presentations. track their individual hiking accomplishments. Welcome!

We’d like to extend a warm welcome to our new We’re taking our efforts to the next level with the hiring of Kaye Membership & Events Manager, Alyssa Rainbolt! Berman as Development Director. Kaye brings infectious Alyssa has taken over for Ellie Stevenson, who decided to enthusiasm and more than eight pursue a career in science. We wish Ellie the best in her new years of fundraising experience. adventures! She’s worked with Animals Asia Foundation, where she established a Alyssa brings a passion for wild places and plenty of broad and diversified national fund creative ideas to Broads. We know she’ll be a hit at the development program, and served Broadwalks thanks to her extensive experience hiking and as Grants Manager and Mobile rock climbing throughout the west for NOLS (National Pantry Coordinator for Food Bank Outdoor Leadership School), teaching environmental of the Rockies. She holds a Master’s Kaye Berman ethics, leadership, inclusion, and degree in Nonprofit Management from Regis University, in outdoor skills to a diverse student Denver, Colorado. She is impassioned about relationship-based population. fundraising and finding new opportunities to inspire others. She has a BS in Journalism from When she’s not working, you can find her cooking up a storm, the University of Kansas and loves walking her pup, Grit, hiking in the mountains, playing in the rock climbing, mountain biking, surf, or planning a trip to a foreign land. wildcrafting, or sunbathing on a slab of granite next to an alpine Alyssa Rainbolt lake, with her dog Osa.

greatoldbroads.org 7 THE BROADER WILDERNESS A Sticky Senate Floor—Stagnant Environmental Bills

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it by Lauren Berutich cares about.” and Susan Kearns – Margaret J. Wheatley

here is Congress during the pandemic? While the health and safety of Americans is a priority, it’s Recreation and Working Forests Act (a topic of our 2017 time for our elected officials to get serious and W Redwoods Broadwalk). Broads has educated, testified, advance important environmental legislation to protect public organized, and lobbied for these protections in state offices lands and waters, endangered species, and critical habitat. and Washington D.C., so we are pushing for progress. The health and resilience of our planet depends on this, and it will slow the rate of climate change brought on by human This bill has passed in the House and is now awaiting action in impact and greed. the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

Yet as of this writing, there are 295 introduced bills in Contact your Senators and ask for their support on Congress related to environmental protection. The majority of this legislation to meaningfully expand protected these important public lands protection bills sit at a standstill wilderness in our country. or are awaiting acknowledgment from elected officials to move forward.

Here are essential bills that need your voice to advance them in the legislative process. HR2546 Protecting America’s Wilderness Act Introduced by Representatives Diana DeGette (D-CO), Jared Huffman (D-CA), Derek Kilmer (D-WA) Judy Chu (D-CA), Salud Carbajal (D-CA) and Adam Schiff (D-CA).

HR2795/S1499 Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act Introduced by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) and Representative Don Beyer (D-VA).

This bipartisan bill, introduced in 2019, establishes a National Wildlife Corridors System and designates funding toward a system of corridors to provide uninterrupted passage and habitat on federal, state, tribal, and private lands. HR2546 designates 1.37 million acres of federal lands in Colorado, California, and Washington as wilderness and Habitat fragmentation due to development and industrial protects more than 1,000 river miles under the National activities is extremely detrimental to maintaining biological Wild & Scenic Rivers System. It combines six previously diversity, healthy ecosystems, and distinct genetic populations separate bills including the Northwest California Wilderness, of flora and fauna.

8 Summer 2020 The Wildlife Corridors Conservation Act has been a priority • Allow the use of economic assessments—rather than science campaign for Broads. It was the topic of a 2017 Broadwalk and climate impacts—to determine whether a species held in Colorado’s South San Juan Wilderness where should be protected under the ESA. This places priority participants learned about the essential need for wildlife on industry profits over species survival. corridors. Broads have written letters, made calls, and held Keeping the ESA intact is a key advocacy campaign for Broads’ dozens of lobbying meetings in D.C. to support this bill. national office and the subject of a 2018 Broadwalk held in The Senate Subcommittee on Water, Oceans, and Wildlife the Sawtooth Mountains of Idaho. The ESA has effectively reviewed the bill, but it needs public backing to move it prevented extinction of 99% of the species under its protection forward to a vote. Though it has widespread support in the since 1973. We have to overturn the administration’s attempts conservation community, including luminaries such as Dr. to dismantle the ESA. So far, this bill has 127 cosponsors and Michael Soulé, Dr. Reed Noss, and Dr. E.O. Wilson, there are has been introduced into the House. only 13 cosponsors in the Senate to date. Contact your members of Congress and urge them to Contact your Senators to bring their attention to bring this important legislation to a vote. this important legislation. Ask them to become a cosponsor and if they are a proponent, thank them. S3422 - Great American Outdoors Act Introduced to the Senate by Senator Cory Gardner (R-CO).

Introduced in March, this bill has widespread support from both sides of the aisle and we’re fans because it fully funds the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which finances conservation projects, recreational construction, and the preservation of national landmarks. S3422 also establishes the National Parks and Public Land Legacy Restoration Fund to address long-deferred maintenance projects on federal lands. 50% of the federal revenue from energy development on public lands and waters will provide the money to fund maintenance activities.

HR4348 Protect America’s Wildlife and Fish in Need of Conservation Act (PAW and FIN Act) Introduced in the House by Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ), Don Beyer (D-VA), and Debbie Dingell (D-MI); and, in the Senate by Senator Tom Udall (D-NM).

The PAW and FIN Act repeals rule changes made by the Trump administration that undermine the foundation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The administration’s These bills are a powerful means to gain ground for damaging revisions: conservation and protections for our wild lands and the creatures that inhabit them. • Remove critical protections from threatened species and their habitat. Previously, threatened species received Please take the time to make your voice heard and the same considerations as endangered species. contact your elected officials today.

• Change criteria for when land management agencies Find contact information at https://bit.ly/House-Sen must consult with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service— the lead agencies for WISH LIST implementing ESA! This rule change bypasses We wish you good health, peace of mind, authority and reduces oversight and evaluation and strong fingers to call and write on behalf of of actions that could harm habitat and species our wild lands and waters. survival.

greatoldbroads.org 9 Advocacy Wins!

by Lisa Pool states, conservative Utah Governor Gary Herbert Keeping the Clean Water Act voiced his opposition Intact to leasing these two controversial parcels, In April, the Supreme Court ruled to close what and the BLM removed would have become a major loophole put forth by them. The fact that the Trump administration. For nearly 50 years, these parcels were even the Clean Water Act has been prohibiting polluters nominated is direct from discharging waste into oceans, rivers, and evidence of the Trump other navigable bodies of water without a permit. Administration’s Energy However, Hawaii’s Maui County was pumping Dominance agenda, but wastewater into groundwater via injection wells we find hope in that this and arguing they didn’t need a permit because public outcry didn’t fall they weren’t polluting a navigable body of water. on deaf ears. Thankfully, the Supreme Court pointed out, “We do not see how Congress could have intended to Montana had a recent create such a large and obvious loophole in one of victory that included the key regulatory innovations of the Clean Water not just two, but 287 Act.” In its decision, the court held that the Clean parcels covering 145,063 Water Act “require[s] a permit if the addition of the acres. Some parcels

pollutants through groundwater is the functional equivalent of a direct discharge from the point source into navigable waters.” If this decision had gone the other way, it would have been disastrous for our rivers, lakes, and oceans, and worse, polluting industries wouldn’t be held accountable!

Marvelously, two conservative-leaning justices, Chief Justice Lund Ken John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined the Supreme Court’s four Democratic appointees in their 6–3 were adjacent to or near the Upper Missouri River Breaks ruling. National Monument, the Beartooth Mountains, and along the Tongue River Valley. These areas contain fragile watersheds Stopping BLM Oil and Gas Lease Sales due to the impact of climate change on water volume in the region (thereby affecting ecosystems, agriculture, and local At the beginning of the year, the BLM had the nerve to communities’ drinking water supply). Back in December schedule two parcels for the June oil and gas lease sale within 2017 and March 2018, the BLM nominated this huge swath the Sand Flats Recreation Area above Moab, Utah. Not only of land for lease as part of the rush for an oil and gas boom in are these parcels next to the world-famous Slickrock Bike Montana. However, in that rush and due to pressure from the Trail, but also the aquifer that provides drinking water for Trump Administration, the BLM neglected to take into account most of Grand County’s population. After extensive public fracking impacts on water quality and quantity and the outcry, including from local elected officials as well as several changing climate. U.S. District Judge Brian Morris scathingly

10 Summer 2020 ...FROM THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS wrote, “The Court does not fault BLM for providing a faulty analysis of cumulative impacts or impacts to groundwater, it Broads’ Rapid Response Team largely faults BLM for failing to provide ANY analysis.” by Rynda Clark, Board Co-Chair

Broads created the COVID-19 Rapid Response Team (RRT) in the first weeks of the pandemic to develop strategies, inform decision-making, and provide resources needed to confidently face our current challenges. The team meets weekly and includes our Executive Director, several Board members, with additional staff and experts as needed.

Court Victory for quiet parks During these uncertain times, most of the discussions at our Sounds of nature are one of the top enjoyments of National RRT meetings begin with questions. For example: Park visitors. However, increased helicopter and airplane How can we best communicate with members overflights within National Park boundaries, which serve a during quarantine? We have increased the frequency of disproportionately small number of park visitors, disrupt the phone calls, letters, and relevant emails. Staff and Broadband majority of visitors’ on-the-ground experience. In response leaders have become experts at hosting online, interactive to this, the National Park Air Tour Management Act of events, sometimes attracting larger audiences than similar 2000 required the Federal Aviation Association (FAA) and in-person programs (pre-COVID). the National Park Service (NPS) to collaboratively write Can we keep our staff and Broadband members and establish Air Tour Management Plans (ATMP) for 25 safe? Yes. Staff are working productively at home, many national parks. Yet only two were completed by the 2002 planned events have been rescheduled on Zoom, and safety deadline. guidelines have been developed for live events. Great Old Broads for Wilderness has been involved with Do the Broads qualify for the federal stimulus the Quiet! Glacier Coalition from the start. This group is package and can we get support for payroll? Yes working to restore the natural soundscape and wildness of and Yes. The thorough preparation and timeliness of our Glacier National Park through establishing a fair ATMP. application resulted in approval of a Payroll Protection Glacier National Park and 22 other too-noisy national parks Program Loan within days. fell victim to an incredibly frustrating 19-year bureaucratic stalemate by the FAA and NPS. This infuriating inaction was Can the Broads weather a downturn we are already ended on May 1 when Public Employees for Environmental seeing in income/grants? Fortunately, the Board and Responsibility (PEER) and Hawaii Island Coalition Malama staff have budgeted a 3-month reserve for challenging Pono won their court case when the U.S. Court of Appeals times, which we’ve raised through our Women for the Wild for the DC Circuit ruled to end the interagency turf war. The Comprehensive Campaign. The reserve account and the court mandated that the remaining 23 national parks must stimulus funding allow our organization to be strategic, complete their Air Tour Management Plans within 120 days. responsive, and sensitive in future planning decisions. We remain confident and committed to inspiring activism for High Five to Governor Inslee! wild places. (We are Broads!) In order to save Southern Resident orcas and Chinook Can we find “green linings” or opportunities as we salmon from extinction, Broads has worked tirelessly to move forward? Absolutely YES! Our Broads’ spirit is educate and advocate towards the removal of the four lower expressed daily by our staff, Board, and members. It is more Snake River dams in Washington state. In early May, the important NOW to care for our wild places, wildlife, each Washington Department of Ecology, supported by Governor other, and ourselves. We are confident the organization will Inslee took a historic step to exercise its authority to require continue to support our public lands, while developing new eight federal dams on the Lower Columbia and Lower and unique ways to educate the public and our members, Snake rivers to meet safe temperature limits to help ensure steward our wild places, and advocate for the protection and endangered salmon survival. The Governor’s actions resulted restoration of our planet. in the Environmental Protection Agency finally recognizing and adding heat pollution mediation to their plan, further If you have ideas or suggestions for the RRT, please evidence dam removal is necessary to restore salmon and email [email protected]. We thank all of orcas. This win means we’re one step closer to saving these you for your continued passion and support. species!

greatoldbroads.org 11 Climate Education & Stewardship Training Debuts by Rachel Green

In the beginning of May, more than 20 Broadband “I have attended other Climate Change action Leaders and leadership team members from the presentations with other organizations, but Northwest convened over Zoom with national this presentation was the most researched, well office staff for the first-ever Climate Education and organized, well documented, and best by far! Stewardship (CES) Program Training. With a pen in I am very impressed!” said one participant in one hand and coffee in the other, leaders seamlessly the post-training survey. adapted to this online training experience, which we had intended to hold in person before the coronavirus The Northwest leaders now have a suite of struck. customizable educational materials and planning resources—and most importantly—a shared passion The CES Program is a grant-funded program formed and excitement to put these tools to use. CES event in November 2019. In this program’s first year, planning through August 2021 is now full steam Northwest Broadbands ahead. We eagerly look forward will teach the public about to the collaborative and creative the connections between programs our Broads envision, public lands and climate both online and in-person, when change while empowering the time comes to gather safely communities to build once again. As each Broadband climate resilience through cultivates a unique approach stewardship and ecological that complements their group’s restoration projects. These skill sets and passions, we will Broadband-led education and support the development of stewardship events will invite diverse projects, ranging from diverse audiences to explore educational hikes to tree- and become inspired by the planting workshops or socially- connections between climate distanced invasive species change and public lands. removal. Our goal for the May training: Although participants missed equip Northwest Broadband shared meals and quality time leaders with the resources and together at the Northwest confidence to lead future CES Regional Rendezvous, we events. We convened over three half-day sessions. received overwhelmingly positive feedback from Day one began with a discussion of best practices leaders about how well the training worked in an for presentations and group facilitation techniques, online format. Many found the training far more and then moved into “Public Lands & Climate 101” engaging and interactive than they had imagined. tools, including key talking points, a customizable We are so grateful for our leaders’ adaptability, focus, PowerPoint, and an educational activity. On day and can-do attitude that made this training such a two, we took a deep dive into “Forests and Climate success. Change.” We unveiled three experiential, place-based activities that explore ecosystems, wildfire, climate Stay tuned as we develop the next two modules impacts, and public land-management decisions. focused on climate change as it relates to Northwest On the last day, we presented tools and guidelines river and coastal ecosystems! Much like the existing to help Broadband leaders navigate the event and “Climate & Public Lands 101” and “Forests & stewardship planning process while fostering lively Climate Change” modules, these units will include peer-to-peer learning among our leaders, many of a PowerPoint presentation and customizable script, whom come from teaching, research, or scientific talking points, and interactive activities. With each careers. Throughout the training, our leaders shared of our modules, we seek to bring the topic of climate invaluable knowledge with one another related to change and public lands to life through a dynamic, planning, leadership, and community outreach. interactive, and place-based approach.

12 Summer 2020 Giving Through an Inherited IRA by Micky Ryan

Being a lawyer, you would think you start the process: 555 Rivergate Lane, Unit B-110, I would be more on top of estate Durango, Colorado 81301. planning. But no! I know enough The form provided by my financial institution would not to be assured that what I have allow me to enter the entire name of the organization (too will go where I’ve planned it many characters, cutting off the second “s” in Wilderness). to go, but I have a very simple Leave a little behind. So, I called the company and talked to a staff person who estate. No kids, no living parents, “made a note of it” to be sure they had the complete and one deceased spouse, and two brothers I love. correct name. While that may not happen to you, it points out Somehow, revising my will just kept falling to the bottom the importance of informing your will executor and family of the list. Yet I wanted to make sure I left something to the about the bequest. Broads, an organization that I love and that has done so much I recommend one of two books to assist you in preparing for me, public lands, and the earth. Creating the bequest your family for your wishes. They are simple workbooks turned out to be much simpler than I thought. that are REALLY helpful to those left behind. I know this I decided to leave the Broads an inherited IRA that my from personal experience. They are, I’m Dead, Now What?: mother left me when she died three years ago. It was very Important Information about my Belongings, Business easy, because I had an online account and could change the Affairs, and Wishes and Putting Things in Order: A Journal beneficiaries online without needing to call or write anyone. I to Organize Your Life for the Next Generation. Both are have a few tips but it may be even easier for you. available online.

I was able to choose whatever percentage of the inherited Lastly, my financial institution sent me written confirmation IRA I wished to give to Broads (in my case, 100%), and could by U.S. mail of the change in beneficiaries. I put a copy with have chosen to leave the remaining percentage to other my financial papers and sent a copy to the Broads’ office. It beneficiaries. You can change this percentage at any time, too. was so easy!

One piece of information I needed was the physical address Feel free to email me at [email protected] if you for the Broads’ office, so be sure you have that handy when have questions.

Every Dollar Counts!

The momentum continues with the Women for the Wild Comprehensive Campaign to raise funds to secure our future and deepen our impact at a time when women’s leadership is paramount in the fight for a livable planet. We’ve raised more than $1 million so far toward the $3.1 million goal.

No matter the amount—$25, $10, or even $5—every dollar you give helps expand our work to: • Train and mobilize grassroots advocates across the country • Recruit and retain an inspired, professional staff • Build a diverse and equitable organization • Improve the health of our public lands and waters and achieve more legislative and administrative wins Learn more at https://bit.ly/W4WildCC

greatoldbroads.org 13 (While You Were Masked...Continued from page 1)

Oil, Gas, and Mining Free-for-All Lease sales for hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands and waters have escalated—and at bargain basement prices in Utah, Colorado, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, and Wyoming. Opening up drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge continues to be a priority for the administration.

Management plan revisions that favor extraction over conservation fuel some of this activity. The two million acres of public lands illegally removed from Utah’s Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments are now under a new Trump-influenced land-use plans that

prioritize oil and gas development and grazing. In Oklahoma, Peterson Tim Kansas, and Texas, federal land-use plans have been revised to focus on those same priorities. The Uncompahgre Resource At the state level, the Alaska Industrial Development and Management Plan, finalized in April, could open up 95% of the Export Authority took advantage of the pandemic to decide public lands in Colorado’s North Fork Valley—critical wildlife unanimously—completely ignoring significant public habitat—to oil and gas development. opposition—that an emergency allocation of $35 million was In a bid to boost uranium production, the White House has its needed to build a road to the Ambler Mining District that sights set on resurrecting mining (tax-subsidized, of course) would cross the Gates of the Arctic National Park. near Grand Canyon National Park and Bears Ears National Litigation and Legislation Monument. Meanwhile, the fight to prevent copper-sulfide mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Conservation organizations, coalitions, and states have Minnesota has erupted into another lawsuit after the BLM filed hundreds of lawsuits as the administration moves and USFS fast tracked the renewal of mineral leases, ignoring forward ignoring public outcry. Early signs show this is an evidence that mine runoff will pollute 1.1 million acres of effective strategy—in a majority of cases, court rulings have connected waterways. blocked environmental rollbacks initiated by the Trump administration.

In May, House and Senate representatives introduced the LEARN. EXPLORE. GROW. ReWIND Act (Resources for Workforce Investments, not Drilling Act) to prohibit bailouts for the fossil fuel industry PROTECT. using CARES Act funds. It puts a moratorium on new fossil fuel lease sales, extends comment periods that were under way, and suspends new rulemakings in response to the COVID-19 crisis until the national emergency is over. It also quashes the backroom dealings where fossil fuel companies have lobbied to sidestep paying cash royalties through an “in-kind” program.

Though it may sound discouraging, we must not back down or stop submitting comments on these rollbacks. It is vitally important that we exercise our right to participate in public lands planning processes. Public involvement and HAVE FUN DOING SERIOUS WORK. filing comments influences decision making and creates an important record for litigation. It also creates a history of Join the fight to public dissent with decisions made. While we may not see protect America’s immediate results, we will always work to achieve full public public lands and participation, and unmask the injustices of these fly-by-night waters for future actions that damage our environment and health. Stick with generations. us as we work to roll back the rollbacks!

WWW.GREATOLDBROADS.ORG/JOIN-US

14 Summer 2020 (Mission Critical...Continued from page 2) “Wilderness offers us a template to an enlightened citizenship…To care about wilderness is to grieve In early May, the Intergovernmental Science-Policy over what we have lost. To care about wilderness Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) is to fall back in love with the world and lament put blame for the pandemic squarely on human greed, and how lost we are, and how lonely we have become… recommended three crucial steps for countries to take: It is time to return to our senses and recognize that 1) strengthen environmental regulations and incentivize the bedrock of our sanity lies in every square inch restoration of natural systems through stimulus packages; 2) of wilderness that remains.” recognize the complex interconnections between the health of – Terry Tempest Williams, Erosion, 2019 people, animals, plants, and the environment as the basis for policy decisions; and 3) ensure adequate support for health care systems in the most at risk countries. The panel argued, These are historic times we’ve been living in, precisely the “This is not simple altruism—it is vital investment in the time for historic action. We need radical collaboration the interests of all to prevent future global outbreaks.” likes of which we’ve never seen before. It feels unfathomable right now, with the years-long crisis of leadership that’s led Wilderness and wild lands harbor the remaining biological to the current mess we are in. But we can never lose sight of diversity on our planet, and we now understand that we what we know to be true—that people are inextricably linked must protect at least 30% of what is left if we have any hope and wholly dependent upon nature. That building resilience of decelerating these crises. In terms of climate mitigation, into our natural systems is vital to building human resilience. And that something as ambitious as the 30x30 Campaign can only be accomplished if we commit to it now, with 20/20 vision. It starts with leadership, just the type of leadership and grassroots advocacy that Broads builds. It grows through education and action at every level of society. It expands through your direct involvement and your support through Broads’ Women for the Wild Campaign (see page 13). We can do the impossible, but only when we create more equitable, restorative, and resilient systems together. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get to work. NEW DATES! READY TO STEP IT UP? BECOME A BROADBAND LEADER wildlands reign when it comes to carbon capture and storage— and not just tropical rainforests. Perhaps you’ll be surprised to learn that America’s Pacific Northwest temperate rainforests, if left intact, store twice as much carbon per acre than the Amazon, while northern California’s giant coastal redwood forests store seven times more. This makes them among the best carbon sinks on the planet.

Broads has joined the 30x30 Campaign to Save Nature—a new movement that ambitiously calls for the protection Join us for a FREE five-day advocacy of 30% of land and oceans by 2030 in order to address the training and elevate your voice for our dual crises of climate and extinction. Such protection would wild public lands. also serve to lessen the risk of future pandemics. Senator Tom Udall (D-NM) has introduced Senate Resolution 372 2020 WILDERNESS ADVOCACY to establish a national goal to protect America’s land and LEADERSHIP TRAINING SESSIONS waters, and Congresswoman Deb Haaland (D-NM) introduced a companion bill in the House, HR835. These fit with the September 21–25, 2020 transformative change called for in the IPBES report. No Kensington, New Hampshire doubt, it’s a big hairy audacious goal. Apply today at http://bit.ly/BroadsTrain

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