DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAY Nonprofit Organization-Sierra Club U.S.Postage PAID The Jersey••••••••••• IERRANIERRAN Vol. 34, No. 3 SS More than 23,000 Members in New Jersey October-December 2005 2005 Assembly Sierra Club Endorses SIERRA CLUB Legislative Candidates BALLOT Endorsements 2005 Election of Chapter Dist./County SC Group Party Candidate 1 CpMay† South D Nelson Albano for November Elections & Group Officers: 2 Atlantic South D Jim Whelan By Rich Isaac, Chapter Political Chair Five members of the Chapter 2 Atlantic South D Damon Tyner Executive Committee (ExCom) will be 3 Salem† West R Phil Rhudy On November 8th, the 80-member State elected to two-year terms, joining the 3 Salem† West R Jim Zee Assembly will be up for reelection, with vot- four members elected last year, and the 4 Glous,Cam West R Frank Winters ers in each of 40 districts electing two assem- 10 Group Chairs or their delegates. (The 7 Burl,Cam West D* Herb Conaway blypersons. The Democrats currently enjoy a four members elected last year are 7 Burl,Cam West D* Jack Conners 47-33 majority; it is possible for enough George Denzer, Ken Johanson, Lee 8 Burl West D Don Hartman Republicans to be elected to accomplish a Snyder and Bonnie Tillery.) 8 Burl West D Sandy Weinstein change of control. And with uncontrolled (This 19-member ExCom elects, at 10 Ocean† Shore R* James Holzapfel sprawl, water quality problems and air quality problems – and each January reorganization meeting, the 10 Ocean† Shore R* David Wolfe the continuing threat of fast-track regulation looming – it is Chapter Chair, Vice-Chair, Conservation 11 Monm'th Shore R* Sean Kean more important than ever for Sierra Club members to make Chair, Legislative Chair, Political Chair, 11 Monm'th Shore D James Reilly their voices heard at the polls. Treasurer, Secretary, Delegates to 12 Monm'th† Shore D* Michael Panter The Sierra Club’s New Jersey Chapter recently complet- National Council, Delegates to the 12 Monm'th† Shore D* Robert Morgan ed its endorsement process, a lengthy procedure beginning Northeast Regional Conservation 13 Monm'th† Shore R Amy Handlin with questionnaire responses from major party candidates, Committee (NERCC), Delegates to vari- 14 M'sex,Mer Central D* Linda Greenstein then rigorous interviews, and finally voting by both the ous Ecoregion bodies, and other officers 14 M'sex,Mer Central D Dan Benson Chapter Political Committee and Chapter Executive included on the Leader List – back page 15 Mercer Central D* Reed Gusciora Committee. In particular, we looked at the candidates’ of this Newsletter.) 15 Mercer Central D* Bonnie Watson-Coleman positions on the following environmental issues and pend- Six candidates were selected by a 17 M'sex† Raritan D* Upendra Chivukula ing legislation: Nominating Committee (consisting of Lee 18 M'sex Raritan D* Patrick Diegnan Snyder, Ruth Prince and Dick Colby). 21 Union† Loantaka R* Jon Bramnick The Issues There was an opportunity, (announced in 21 Union† Loantaka R* Eric Munoz. (1) Repeal the Fast-Track Act law, currently on hold by exec- the July-September issue of this 22 Union† Loantaka D* Linda Stender utive order. See story on the lower left of this page. Newsletter), for nomination of petition 25 Morris Loantaka D Thomas Jackson (2) Restoration of the Department of the Public Advocate in the candidates, but no petitions were 25 Morris Loantaka D Janice Schindler Executive Branch, including the Office of Environmental received this year. 26 Morris† Loantaka D Avery Hart Advocate. There’s good news: since the questionnaire was sent Please detach the entire ballot along the 27 Essex Essex D* John McKeon out, a bill has been passed and signed into law! dashed line on this page. If it includes your 31 Hudson Hud-Mead D* Lou Manzo. (3) Reduction of diesel emissions by requiring the statewide mailing label, the label will authenticate 35 Passaic† North D* Nellie Pou retrofitting of diesel vehicles — that is, upgrading diesel vehicles your ballot and will be removed before any 36 Bergen† North D Gary Schaer with the installation of cleaner filters and exhaust equipment. A ballots are counted. 37 Bergen North D* Loretta Weinberg. bill accomplishing this objective has also since been passed and Vote for UP TO FIVE candidates. The sec- 38 Bergen North D* Bob Gordon signed into law! More good news! ond column of boxes is for the second mem- 38 Bergen North D* Joan Voss (4) Requiring health insurers that provide prescription drugs ber of a FAMILY membership. Candidates’ 39 Bergen North R* John Rooney to cover the cost of prescription female contraceptives. statements are on p. 2 of this Newsletter. 39 Bergen North R* Charlotte Vandervalk (5) Amending the Municipal Land Use Law to require that Please mail the entire completed ballot 40 Berg,Pass,Essex North R* David Russo every municipality conduct a build-out analysis within its six- in your own separate envelope to Ballot, year reexamination of its master plan, offering citizens a better Sierra Club, 139 West Hanover Street, * - Incumbent Bolded - Races likely to be CLOSE. opportunity to prevent sprawl. Trenton NJ 08618 — to arrive by Nov 30; † - District includes small portions of adjacent county or counties (6) Establishing the New Jersey Clean Water, Drought Notes: District 6 and 13 have been selected to participate in NJ's ballots are traditionally counted at our Mitigation and Water Resource Security Trust Fund, and annual holiday party in December. fair and clean elections project, i.e., those campaigns will have imposing user fees on water, thereby establishing a mecha- access to public financing. nism, supported by a substantial and stable source of revenue, Randomized name order: to transfer water between public water systems throughout the state during a water emergency, protecting existing water ‰‰ Rich Isaac ‰‰ Jane Tousman supplies through the acquisition of watershed and wetlands ‰‰ Michel Cuillerier ‰‰ Chris Mills Thank you, Gov. Codey, areas, and maintaining existing open space in a manner which ‰‰ Bob Johnson ‰‰ Mike Herson would be protective of water supplies. (7) Authorizing the State, with prior approval by the State ‰‰ Write in:______for extending the Fast House Commission, to use the power of eminent domain to On page 2, the ballot continues with sections for acquire lands for recreation and conservation purposes — pro- electing members of GROUP and SECTION vided such lands are protective of drinking water sources. ExComs. If your Group/Section(s), (based on your Track moratorium (8) Support for the Electronic Waste Producer county of residence, or Group attendance), is By Kelly McNicholas, Conservation Program Director Responsibility Act, which would shift financial responsibility included, please follow the instructions. Please for the collection and recycling of discarded electronic waste return all ballots without separating them. ([email protected]) (e.g., computers, televisions, telephones, photocopiers, lmost a year to the day after Governor McGreevey signed which contain lead, mercury, chromium, cadmium, polyvinyl the worst environmental law in New Jersey’s history, chloride, mixed plastics, beryllium, and other hazardous sub- AActing Governor Codey issued an Executive Order on July stances), from the taxpayers to the manufacturers, and which NSIDE THIS ISSUE... 12, further delaying implementation of the Fast Track law. would require them to implement a program for financing I “Governor Codey has stopped Fast Track in its tracks,” praised the environmentally-sound management of discarded and Jeff Tittel, Director, Sierra Club New Jersey Chapter. “He has stood obsolete electronic equipment. Ballot for electing Group/Section officers...... 2 up to special interests and did what’s right for the people of New We also asked candidates for their positions on pending legisla- Statements from Chapter Officer Candidates ..2 Jersey and the environment.” tion regarding land use at the shore, and the stewardship of Population Issues Coordinator’s Report ...... 2 This new order follows a previous executive order signed by already protected lands. Editorial: Terrorism and the Environment...... 3 former Governor McGreevey the week before his resignation. Chair’s Message: Katrina...... 3 That order was due to expire in the middle of July. Endorsed Candidates Resolutions Passed by Chapter ExCom...... 3 Codey’s Executive Order will stop the law from being imple- It would be impossible in this space to provide particulars LTE: Selfishness and Quality of Life...... 4 mented until all of the necessary rules in the Departments of for each endorsed candidate. Club members (and other read- Community Affairs, Environmental Protection and ers) are invited to direct questions to the Group Political Chair Meet Bonnie Tillery, ExCom member...... 4 Transportation have been finalized. The order also requires that in your area, identified in the Group News section of this Thanks to our Financial Supporters...... 4 these regulations first be fleshed out in an Interested Party newsletter. Please review the table listing the endorsed candi- Report fromTrenton: Protecting the Highlands.....5 Review process and vetted by the federal Environmental dates by district, as well as take particular notice of the races Debate: Supreme Court and Eminent Domain....5 Protection Agency. in Districts 3, 4, 7, 11, 12, 13, 14, and 36, which are most like- More Debate: Wind Energy...... 6 The Sierra Club along with the Save NJ Coalition of environmen- ly to be close for Club-endorsed candidates. Boycotting ExxonMobil...... 6 tal, labor, and housing advocates, led efforts to obtain this Group and Section News...... 7-11 Executive Order by gaining 60 cosponsors on a bill to repeal Fast Remember, YOUR VOTE IS IMPORTANT! If you want to Outings ...... 11-12 Track, including the leadership of Senators Leonard Lance and know your election district, more about the race in your dis- Shirley Turner, Assembly members John McKeon, Robert Morgan, trict, or help us campaign for a candidate, please call Richard Leadership List and Membership Form ...... 12 John Rooney, and resolutions from over 40 municipal councils. K Isaac at (H) 973-716-0297. K QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB 2 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005

GROUP BALLOTS POPULATION ISSUES REPORT: (Please don’t detach from the Chapter ballot.) Statements from Vote only those ballots for Group(s) and Section(s) in which you participate. Club rules Candidates for require the nomination of at least two more candi- Choices Made, dates than the number of positions open. When those additional candidates haven’t been identi- Chapter ExCom fied, write-in slots are provided instead. The first column of boxes is for “individual” Choices Denied RICH ISAAC members. Family (joint) members are entitled to By Bonnie Tillery, our Population Issues Coordinator express two opinions by using both columns. A Club member since 1976, Rich has To learn more about the candidates, contact any served as Chair and Political Chair of the Kakenya Ntaiya's regal bearing and quiet beauty tell of her of the officers listed in the Group News section in North Jersey, Loantaka, and Essex County heritage from the Masai community in the western highlands this newsletter. Groups, and organized the Hudson- of Kenya. The oldest of eight children, she helped her mother Candidates for Northwest Group Executive Meadowlands Group. Now serving as both with the cattle and in the fields, and remembers times when Committee: Vote for seven, maximum. the Chapter’s Political Chair and its Group there was no food to eat. Her mother wanted a better life for Effectiveness Chair, Rich was recently Kakenya and encouraged her to go to school. Kakenya could ‰‰Karl Jensen ‰‰ Dennis Miranda appointed to the Club’s national Political see that education was the way to improve her circumstances, ‰‰Charles Kopp ‰‰ Ruth Prince Committee. For his efforts, he has received but her father wanted her to follow the traditional ways -- to ‰‰Leah Mallon ‰‰ Sue Rotter the Chapter’s Political Action Award in 1992, its Outstanding be circumcised and then to marry, like all the other girls in her ‰‰Pat Mangino Group Chairperson Award in 1994, and in 2000, an award for village. Kakenya was so determined to get an education that ‰‰Write in:______being Essex County Group Chair. Rich enjoys walking with his she made an agreement with her father: she would submit to ‰‰Write in:______wife, son, and Frisky (his cocker spaniel) together in the woods. circumcision if he allowed her to finish high school. At age 15, after ceremonial preparation, "...with what seemed like the Candidates for North Jersey Group Executive Committee: Vote for five, maximum. MICHEL CUILLERIER entire village crowding in (to the cow pen behind her house) Michel Cuillerier is actively involved to watch, (she) lifted her skirt and spread her legs and the ‰‰Tricia Aspinwall ‰‰Write-in: with the Sierra Club on a local and state- grandmother grabbed her most intimate pieces of flesh and ‰‰Mark Becker ______wide level: Vice-Chair of Conservation with a fast, deep, scooping slash tore them out."(1) This is ‰‰Betsy Kohn ‰‰Write-in: gives me the chance to really make a dif- such a painful and traumatic memory that even today Kakenya ‰‰John Mikalonis ______ference in protecting the remaining natur- has difficulty talking about it. ‰‰Mary Ellen Shaw al areas that still exist in New Jersey. I Her father kept his part of the bargain and Kakenya was have photographed, written about and allowed to finish high school, and even went to college. This Candidates for Essex County Group Executive defended the environment against pol- young woman who never had a textbook until high school, Committee: Vote for five, maximum. luters and abusers. What brings me to this was able to graduate from Randolph-Macon Woman's College ‰‰Chris Weis ‰‰Lori Tanner point is a commitment to preserving and conserving all of the in Lynchburg, Virginia, where she attended on scholarship. ‰‰Walter Clarke ‰‰Michel Cuillerier valuable natural land in our state and the world. Voting me into Kakenya now works as a youth advisor for the United ‰‰Linda M. Stiles ‰‰Walter Goldenbaum a spot on the Chapter level Executive Committee will give me Nations Population Fund (UNFPA). She wants to pursue a ‰‰Janine Schaeffer the freedom to work together to make an impact on the envi- law degree, after which she plans to return to Kenya to teach ronmental movement. the next generation of girls to get an education, delay mar- Candidates for Loantaka Group Executive riage and have careers. Committee: Vote for five, maximum. BOB JOHNSON Circumcision, also known as female genital mutilation Member since 1993. Life Member, Issue (FGM) or cutting, has now been banned in Kenya and some ‰‰Paul Sanderson ‰‰Jeff Huppert Coordinator for Transporta-tion, Loantaka other African nations. Educating communities about the ‰‰Bob Johnson ‰‰Eric Hausker Group Outreach Chair, NERCC Alternate, health risks of infection, infertility and death have helped ‰‰Meiling Chin ‰‰Sonya Kaloyanides Singles Section Chair. Sprawl, driven by end the practice. However, tradition dies hard and in poor ‰‰Write-in:______the automobile, is the most serious envi- villages FGM is often performed by the old women who ronmental issue facing New Jersey today. Candidates for Central Jersey Group now must be trained in other occupations so they can con- Executive Committee: Vote for four, maximum. Transportation planning can significantly tinue to make a living. improve land use patterns and air quality. Baba Jallow from The Gambia also had to make a decision ‰‰Nancy Carringer ‰‰Laura Lynch I continue to explore ways that environ- which he describes in his book, "Dying for My Daughter." One ‰‰Bonnie Tillery ‰‰Bill Wowk mentally efficient transportation can improve the quality of life day his wife called him at work and told him that his father ‰‰Write-in:______in New Jersey. I practice what I preach by bicycling to work and was arranging for the older of his two daughters to be "taken ‰‰Write-in:______to Sierra Club meetings and functions. The Sierra Club is the to the bush." This meant that arrangements had been made for best organization to spearhead positive environmental changes, the daughter to be circumcised. It was the tradition in his vil- Candidates for Raritan Valley Group Executive and I am proud to be a part of it. lage and "...was also a way of purifying women, a way of initi- Committee: Vote for five, maximum. ating girls into womanhood, a way of teaching them the ways ‰‰Randy Gill ‰‰Don McBride JANE TOUSMAN of womanhood and a way of reducing sexual promiscuity and ‰‰Sunil Somalwar ‰‰Jane Tousman Jane is a devoted activist who helped protecting virginity."(2) Baba, the first born son, defied his ‰‰Write-in:______save the Dismal Swamp with over 200 father and told him that if he took Baba's daughter to the bush ‰‰Write-in:______acres of wetlands and forests. She is a cer- he would commit suicide. Obedience and deference to one's ‰‰Write-in:______tified paralegal and a former President of elders are important in The Gambia society, and having to take the Edison Township Council. Efforts this action showed disrespect to his father, causing Baba great Candidates for South Jersey Group Executive have gone into the saving of Roosevelt emotional pain. However, he stood his ground, his daughter Committee: Vote for three, maximum. Long Term Care Facility from was not circumcised, and Baba was eventually able to make privatizing. It is now on the Federal and amends with his father. ‰‰Tom Boghosian ‰‰Dick Colby State Registers. She worked with a One of the complications of FGM is obstetric fistula. This ‰‰Write-in: ______citizen group that successfully saved a Revolution War site from usually occurs when women have had the most radical form of ‰‰Write-in: ______being developed by Walgreens. She is now an active member of cutting and stitching. When they become pregnant they are in ‰‰Write-in: ______the “Edison Open Space Committee”. Currently on the labor for many days. The baby's head, unable to pass through Candidates for Singles Section Executive Executive Committee she represents the Chapter at Annual the birth canal, cuts off blood flow, tissues die and a hole is Committee: Vote for seven, maximum. To be eligi- Meetings in California. created which causes leaking of urine and feces. In most cases ble to vote in the Singles Section ExCom election, the baby is stillborn, and the woman, if she lives, is ostracized you must have attended at least one Singles meet- CHRIS MILLS by her community because of her uncleanliness. Other causes ing (not other events, only second-Monday-of-the- Chris Mills joined the Sierra Club in of fistula are malnutrition, small stature, poor health, a pelvis month meetings at a library) within the past year. 2001, spurred by the Bush administra- not fully formed and multiple pregnancies in older women. ‰‰Adriana Allegri ‰‰Bob Johnson tion’s anti-environmental policies, and The World Health Organization estimates there are at least since then he has been active in his local PHOTO 50,000 to 100,000 new cases of obstetric fistula each year (for ‰‰Lynn Forrest ‰‰Dave Ogens UNAVAILABLE ‰‰ Walt Goldenbaum ‰‰Mary Walsh Loantaka group. He has been the Morris more information go to www.endfistula.org). ‰‰Joyce Haddad ‰‰Joyce White County conservation chair since 2001, This past summer, the U.S. Foreign Relations Authorization ‰‰Diana Christine Eichholz and has coordinated Sierra Club opposi- bill contained a program to prevent fistula. Contraceptives tion to several damaging proposals in the were an important component, since delaying pregnancy until County, including massive overdevelop- a woman is fully formed and well nourished, or enabling older Vote Yes on Ballot Question #2: to ment of the Exxon Tract in Florham Park, the proposed women to space pregnancies are the most basic means of pre- Expand Uses of Dedicated Corporation “retirement community” at Delbarton in the Washington vention. But, Rep. Chris Smith's (R-NJ) amendment to the bill Business Tax Revenue Valley, the proposed mega-church in Rockaway Twp and (which passed) removed contraceptives from the list of pre- Earlier this year the New Jersey many others. In 2005 Chris was elected as Chapter ventive measures. In New Jersey, the following representatives Legislature approved a bill to require Membership Chair, and has developed a “best-practices” voted against birth control for poor women in developing that diesel school busses, public transit forum for group membership chairs. countries, denying them the choice and the opportunity for a busses and municipal vehicles be retro- healthful life: Ferguson (Dist. 7), Garrett (Dist. 5), LoBiondo fitted to reduce harmful emissions. But MIKE HERSON (Dist. 2), Saxton (Dist. 3), and Smith (Dist. 4). the bill didn’t provide funds to pur- I believe that I can put my planning We as human beings are deeply touched by these practices, chase and install the required pollution board and environmental experience to but why should we as environmentalists care? When women control equipment. good use for the Sierra Club at the state are educated they have their first child later, they space their On Nov. 8 voters will be asked to level. As Conservation Chair for the North children farther apart, and have fewer children, thereby reduc- approve a New Jersey constitutional Jersey Group, I have worked on the ing impact on our natural resources. Not only do the women, amendment to permit excess preservation of the Highlands and the their children, their families and communities all benefit, but Corporation Business Taxes, now dedi- Meadowlands and on water protection and the environment does, too. cated to the underground storage tank land use issues statewide. I was recently program, to be used instead for the pur- named to the NJ Highlands Council’s (1) "A Road Paved with Pledges and Pain" by Amy chase and installation of diesel emmis- Brownfields Technical Advisory Committee. Serving as a Planning Argetsinger, Washington Post, 12/29/03. sion controls. The New Jersey Chapter Board member, Environmental Committee Chair, Cross (2) Dying for My Daughter by Baba Jallow, Wasteland Press, of the Sierra Club urges you to vote YES. Acceptance Rep and Stormwater Coordinator in my town helps 2004, p.3. me to understand the issues that face all of us in New Jersey. Contact Bonnie at [email protected] or 609-259-6438. K

Please vote for Chapter and Group officers, using the ballot on this page. The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 3 Editorial Chair’s Message Sustainability Katrina by Ken Johanson, Chapter Chair in the Presence ([email protected]) Katrina had to happen. But man- induced global warming made the storm of Terror Credit: James Mendelssohn stronger than it otherwise would have by Dick Colby ([email protected]) been, Bush policies destroying protec- more. The sixties movement was charac- tive wetlands left New Orleans defense- terized by love, by understanding, by toler- was actually on a train heading for that, in the Third World countries of less from powerful gulf storms, and con- ance and by a commitment to caring for central London on the morning of Asia, Africa and South America (at least), gressional unwillingness to adopt envi- our fellow men. Are these such bad ideals? IJuly 7th (as were perhaps a million population growth alone will inevitably ronmentally sound measures to protect In today's society, yes. In my mind, no. other people), when cell phones started result in the instabilities that provoke population centers led to an unprece- So what happened in the past forty ringing all around me, and a passenger mass killings in those countries, and inci- dented loss of life. Add to this the failure years to turn things so completely informed everyone else that bombs had dents of terror in all countries. of government to provide for the evacua- around? Why is our society today charac- gone off in three subway The only thing that spared New Jersey tion of people living at the poverty level terized by greed, intolerance and indiffer- ("Underground") trains, and that all the from Diamond's consideration is the fact who do not own cars, and who have no ence to the plight of all living creatures London rail terminals had been closed. that he has never lived here. But our place to go, as well as the incomprehen- (other than the very rich)? I do not pre- My objective in this editorial is to view main problem is central to his analysis: sible failure of the federal government to tend to know the answer to this ques- the London bombings in association too many people, consuming too many respond on a timely basis, and the result- tion. But I do know that leadership with a superb book that I was just then resources, and producing too much ing calamity was inevitable. makes a difference and that the reading: Jared Diamond's "Collapse," and waste, for sustainable maintenance of A few days after the disaster I, like so American presidency is an incredibly to relate both to a Sierra Club perspec- our woodlands, farms, fisheries, water many of you, was feeling depressed and powerful position. President Kennedy tive on the New Jersey environment. supply and breathable air. angry, so I sent a message to my fellow reached out to the American people by Diamond ascribes the collapses of five In three reflective chapters at the end activists trying to put into words some of asking us to consider not what our coun- ancient societies (Easter Island, about of his book, Diamond offers "practical my feelings. While I expressed my out- try could do for us but rather what we 1600AD; Pitcairn and Henderson Islands, lessons" to help us understand how dis- rage at the indifference and complete lack could do for our country. President about 1500AD; the Anasazi Civilization of astrous economic and political decisions of caring by the Bush administration, I Johnson, for all of his faults, managed to northern New Mexico, about 1150AD; the get made, especially by large corpora- also suggested that not all of the 51 per- carry out much of Kennedy's agenda. Mayas, about 750AD, and the Norse tions, and to convince me (at least) that cent of the electorate who voted for Bush And President Nixon had a large role in colonies on Greenland, about 1410AD) - even the complete success of current necessarily share his "I'm number one - enacting many of the nation's basic envi- to a combination of five "environmental" efforts to achieve global population sta- the hell with everyone else" view of the ronmental laws. factors: the using up of natural resources, bilization will not be enough to prevent world. A good friend and fellow activist Today we have perhaps the most fit (in such as all the trees on Easter Island; cli- many "collapses" in the next fifty years. responded that I was deluding myself, terms of physical conditioning) president mate change; attacks by hostile neighbors; One poignant section of Diamond's that we are pretty much a stupid, selfish in our history, but also one of the least loss of support from friendly or "parental" book contains rebuttals for common "one- nation. I can't argue with that. We are in knowledgeable and least concerned pres- societies; and the constraints that cultures liner" criticisms of common environmen- large part a stupid, selfish nation. idents in terms of environmental issues impose on their own members, such as talist claims such as those of Bjorn But that doesn't mean that we can't and sensitivity to the plight of all but the environmental ethics or attitudes toward Limburg and Julian Simon, and of that change. I'm old enough to remember the very wealthy. The president sets the tone population control. made to me by New Jersey's former sixties - the era of drugs (I never inhaled) for the nation. There is hope for the He also considers five modern soci- Governor, Christine Todd Whitman: "the and free love (which somehow I man- United States of America and for the eties that have collapsed, or that are like- environment has to be balanced against aged to miss out on). Today's neocons environment upon which we all depend. ly to: Rwanda's genocide (of 800,000 the economy." Here's a fragment of look at the sixties as a low point in our But there is no hope while George Bush Tutsi) in six weeks of 1994; Haiti's Diamond's reply: "This one-liner puts the nation's history. I couldn't disagree remains our president.K decline in the 19th and 20th Centuries; truth exactly backwards. Environmental Australia's current precarious environ- messes cost us huge sums of money in mental situation; Montana's mining cont- both the short run and in the long run; aminations, and losses of forests, soil, cleaning up or preventing those messes Development Threat to and water supply; and the decline of Los saves us huge sums in the long run, and Angeles, with respect to quality of life, often in the short run as well. In caring for in the forty-odd years that Diamond has the health of our surroundings, just as of Liberty State Park lived there. our bodies, it is cheaper and preferable to I urge you to read the book, and to avoid getting sick than to try to cure ill- by Michel Cuillerier, Chapter Conservation Vice-Chair decide whether I am correct in inferring nesses after they have developed." K Members of our Essex and Hudson and a spiritually uplifting oasis. Its true County Groups have joined an effort to purposes, expressed by New Jerseyans oppose the permitting (by the NJ for 29 years, must be honored." Department of Environmental Protection In part the argument for preserving Resolutions Adopted by - DEP) of a second private marina in the Park has an economic class compo- Liberty State Park, right behind the nent, since marinas tend to be affordable Statue of Liberty. A developer (WA only by wealthy people. "The mostly ExCom: June-August, 2005 Residential Urban Renewal Co.) has not lower income urban people who regu- yet submitted an official application but, larly relax, picnic, play and fish at the We supported open space preserva- Lorterdan project on 249 acres on Sterling in a letter to the DEP, has proposed the Park's South End, middle income people tion of the Harsimus Stem Embankment Mine Road in Ramapo. (August) leasing of 42 acres of public water who do the same and who use the in Jersey City (Hudson County): This for- We approved political endorsements (including 2 grassy jetties) all along the Public Boat Launch, and all visitors have mer railroad route separates two nation- for the November 8th state and local southern end of this urban state park. the right to enjoy open, unblocked al historic districts, has developed natur- election, presented on p.1. (August) There is already the private "Liberty South End harbor views. Another key al upland vegetation, and has been pro- Notes: (1) Not all lawsuits actually Landing" marina at the north end of the issue of course is unfettered/uncluttered posed as a component of an interstate come to fruition. Approval must first Park, with 550 boat slips and a pump-out access by users of Public Boat Launch. (East Coast) Greenway. (June) be granted by the Club's legal staff in station; its 99-year lease allows dry-rack The Public Good must be chosen over We strongly opposed the expansion San Francisco, and other circum- storage of 288 boats. private interests." of Exit 13 of the New Jersey Turnpike stances may obviate a suit. For current The Sierra Club, along with NY/NJ It is a great sign that Commissioner (in Union County), since it would status, contact the Chair of the Baykeeper, an organization called Campbell, in a July 16 story in the Jersey require the filling of wetlands. We will Litigation Oversight Committee (p. 12). "Friends of Liberty State Park," and other Journal, stated that he "probably would take all necessary and appropriate (2) But volunteer legal services are environmental groups, has fought this reject" this proposal and that an over- actions including retaining Rutgers urgently needed! It should be obvious battle before! Plans to develop a golf whelming public benefit would have to Environmental Law Clinic. (July) from the above that Sierra Club members course in half of the Park were thwarted be shown for a privatization lease", which Air Pollution Control: The Chapter with legal credentials would be enthusias- in the early 1990s largely by a group of is an impossible standard for this "People's endorsed public question #2 on the tically welcomed by the members of our citizens who organized themselves into Park" which must remain free and green November 8 ballot that would initiate a Litigation Oversight Committee. Please the Club's Hudson County Group (now forever. The Sierra Club will stay vigilant State Constitutional Amendment to contact them via Kelly McNicholas, our Hudson-Meadowlands Group) in to protect Liberty State Park.K expand uses of dedicated tax revenue to Conservation Program Coordinator, in order to gain political "gravitas." The fund air pollution control and adminis- our Trenton office: 609-656-7612 or then-DEP Commissioner, Scott Weiner, trative costs of the underground storage [email protected] assured us that "any [development] pro- tank program. This measure would posal for Liberty State Park will depend authorize the use of revenues for diesel YOU HAVE MORE TO on a broad public consensus." Now we retrofitting required under the recently GIVE THAN YOU KNOW have asked for public hearings on the enacted diesel bill. (August) new development plans. We opposed residential development in Maybe you can’t make a gift to protect the In a letter sent to current DEP New York's Sterling Forest State Park environment during your lifetime, , to but you can become a financial hero by Commissioner Brad Campbell on July 4, increase the protection given to the entire remembering the Sierra Club in your will. Friends of Liberty State Park notes that, Highlands Region, with specific reference You can even direct your gift to a special "behind Lady Liberty, the Park is sacred to several massive sprawl developments Club program or to the New Jersey Chapter. land and water, with its urban open currently proposed: the 1,195-unit Tuxedo spaces and harbor views. Liberty State For information about making a Reserve on 2,000 acres in Tuxedo, 400 Park is New Jersey's 1976 Bicentennial bequest to the New Jersey Chapter units on the 1,000-acre Wrightsman gift to the nation, a powerful symbol of call George Denzer at 609-799-5839. Plateau in Ramapo and the 292-unit our democracy and America's values,

Is there an environmental issue that we’re MISSING? If so, please call or write to Club officers. 4 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 Selfishness and the THANKS FOR YOUR Diminished Quality of Life SUPPORT! by Brian Boockoof, the West Jersey Group's new Anti-Sprawl Chair Contributed by Ken Johanson ([email protected]), our Chapter Chair recently drove past a plot of land regulate the carbon dioxide and oxygen As Chair of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, I would like to take this near the corner of Church Street and levels. This, in turn, leads to reduced air opportunity to thank all those who provided the Chapter with financial support IChurch Road in Mount Laurel, New quality and increased respiratory ail- during calendar year 2004. Without the generous support of our members and Jersey. This plot was probably no more ments such as asthma and a host of air- friends, we would not have been as successful as we were in opposing environ- than the length and width of a football borne allergens. Increased respiratory mentally harmful projects and promoting legislative and regulatory initiatives to field. Yet, they were tearing down the ailments lead to a decrease in the quality improve the quality of the air we breathe and the water we drink. trees to make room for new housing. As of life in the form of higher healthcare Following is a listing, by donor category, of those who contributed $100 or has become the norm, the developers will costs due to breathing treatments and more to the New Jersey Chapter during 2004. This is the first time we have probably build "McMansions" right on top medications (life is difficult to enjoy attempted to publish a list of donors, so please forgive us if we inadvertently have of each other to maximize their profit by when it's difficult to breathe). left your name off the list or included you in the wrong donor category. Also, if building as many homes as possible on a Let's hear it for open space. Increased your contribution was received after the close of the year, it does not appear in small plot of land with little regard for the surface coverage decreases the ability of this listing but will be included in the list of 2005 donors. And please be assured increased pollution or traffic that the ground to absorb rainwater. Runoff is that we are deeply appreciative of all donations to the Chapter, regardless of the inevitably arises from development. increased into the storm drains over- amount. You are the reason why we are as effective as we are. Thanks again for The fact that these houses will sit so whelming their capacity with the poten- your support! close to each other with barely a yard is of tial of flooding. Furthermore, when the no consequence to the "all about me's". ground cannot absorb enough water, the Benefactors ($1000 and above) Sean Carlin Susan McManigal They simply want to live in a house 10 water table decreases and wells go dry. Anonymous (3) Raymond A. Cassetta Peggy D. McNeill times too big for their needs and display it Wells need to be drilled deeper causing Richard H. Colby Ann Cavanaugh Lucinda L. Mercer as a trophy to illustrate how utterly ground instability. Finally, a variety of The Ettinger Foundation Sandra B. Chase Frederick Meyer important they are to the world. chemicals from lawn treatments and pave- The Environmental Adam Cohen Thomas G. Michlik Additionally, they are unconcerned ment salt are carried to the water supply Endowment of NJ Brooke Coneys Sondra K. Mittleman about the destroyed trees. Trees provide leading to possible poisoning and even The Geraldine R. Dodge Peter H. Craig Richard C. Moody twofold protection from the elements. more chemicals (supposedly of the "safe" Foundation Willard P. Crane Bill Morewood First, they provide shade in the summer variety) in the drinking water. Quality of James G. Gilbert William J. Cromartie Samuel P. Morgan by reducing energy costs in the form of life is decreased by flood potential, Ken and Wynn Johanson Barbara A. Cronin Joseph W. Morin less air conditioner use. They also act as increased ground instability, and The Prentice Foundation Patrick Crowley Jeffrey Morris natural barriers against the winter ele- increased healthcare costs associated with David O'Leary Elizabeth R. Cutler Benjamin Muckenhoupt ments, such as cold wind, to reduce ener- poisoned and over-treated drinking water. Edward C. Pfeiffer Elizabeth S. Cziffra Kathleen Murray gy costs and resource usage in the form of Let's hear it for taking action against Yo La Tengo, Inc Susan D. Dawson Joseph W. Myers less heating requirements. This equates to individual selfishness that diminishes the Kathryn N. Demos Harold A. Nash less pollution caused by ozone-depleting quality of life for all. Here's what you Patrons ($500 to $999) Michelle Dempsey Katherine T. Nelson air conditioning and less drain on our nat- can do: Anonymous James B. Dexter Robert L. Newton ural resources by decreased use of elec- • Inform and educate your neighbors. Doris R. Aaronson Thomas G. Doak Laura W. Noll tricity, natural gas, oil, or wood (since Make them aware of the detrimental Dennis Anderson Robert D. Dreeke William H. Osborne many of these "Starter Castles" have huge impact of new housing to property taxes Rollin A. Bush Paul L. Dunklee Glenn A. Palmer fireplaces) for heat. However, as long as (they rarely decrease, due to the additional Edward T. Cone Timothy G. Dyas N. Parkinson people have the money to pay the cost of new schools and infrastructure) and Judith S. Craig Patricia Eames Leonora A. Pedraja increased energy costs, they give no quality of life (increased pollution, traffic, Frank C. Hooper David J. Epstein Mary M. Penney thought to what their increased energy and, noise with decreased open space, Samuel G. Huber Shaness Farrell Sharon J. Pillon consumption costs the planet. plant life, and wildlife). Donald B. Louria Bud Feder Joanne Pizza Despite taking most of the heat from • Attend township planning and zon- Michael Protzel Peggy B. Fitzsimmons Nicholas H. Polombo, Jr the environmental community for ing board meetings. Don't let developers Glen M. Skar Harvey Flaxman Laurie A. Pyrch overdevelopment in the form of new and township officials sneak "greed- Scott Stekler Leo M. Flynn John C. Raby housing, the developers should hardly growth" housing construction or detri- Carl B. Ford, Jr Carol C. Rakowski shoulder all of the blame. It is the "all mental development past you and your Partners ($250-$$499) Carolyn Freeman Martha S. Reinehart about me's" that have created and sup- neighbors. Research the issues and pre- Anonymous Holly Frey-Dueland Nancy E. Reinhold ported a market for such housing with sent your case. Evelyne A. Axelrod Sheryl Fuhrmann Dorothy A. Rhu their desire, not need (as they define it), • Advise local politicians and other Wendy W. Benchley Norma Fund Lucie V. Rieger for new housing. How dare they be sub- township officials that they are account- N.N. Gladfelter Lucille B. Gaignault Ted Riskin jected to living in a "pre-owned" home? able to you. Tell them that you will only Stephen C. Gruber Perry S. Goldschein Joseph M. Roland Doesn't the world know how important tolerate development based on smart Ray Anita Hemphill William E. Gourgey Howard Rose they are? In all seriousness, the "all about growth principles and will not tolerate Helen Hirsch Nicholas Greendyk Arthur E. Roswell me's" have no idea what ramifications their economic interests superseding David Huemer Kathleen Haake Benjamin F. Rush, Jr their selfish acts have on the world and your quality of life. Peter W. Jewell Leslie Hamilton Loralyn Saporito our future -- so let's explore this. If we all stand up with one voice and Keitha Kinne Mariah C. Hasker Ronald Sauers The "all about me's" need a new house. shout, "No more!", we can go a long way Martin Lawrence, III Diane B. Hawkins Randi M. Scher This creates a market for new housing to improving our local environment and Jeffrey Liebman Paula J. Hayes Laura C. Schneider which the developers are more than will- the quality of life for everyone. Anne Glynn MacKoul Jay Heyman Frances Schultz ing to exploit. Development requires the Brian ([email protected]) is the Martin T. Maurice Robert Honsinger Noel P. Schulz loss of trees to clear the way for new Sprawl Chair for the West Jersey Group. Alessandra Mills George A. Hooper Joseph G. Shannon housing construction and increased sur- He has aspirations of influencing public Elise Wendel Murray Janet F. Hopkins Elizabeth Sherer face coverage. environmental policy. When not R. Eric Rush Michael W. Huber Grace Sinden Let's hear it for trees. High school sci- attempting to persuade / enlighten the Jean E. Schwarzbauer Margaret M. Hudak Sasha B. Slocum ence teaches us that trees are needed to masses to the ills of Sprawl, he actually Jessica W. Seaton Geralyn G. Humphrey Lee Snyder exchange carbon dioxide for oxygen enjoys the "benefits" of Sprawl: sitting in Lori A. Tanner Dwight A. Irving Thomas S. Sokolik and make the air clean and breathable. A unmoving traffic, breathing polluted air, Debra Tomajko Martin D. Judd Jordan Spencer reduction in trees leads to a reduction in and losing increasing amounts of real Janet White I. Michael Kadish Robert J. Stemcovski air quality since there are fewer trees to income to increased taxes. K Dan Karalis Robert A. Sternhell Supporters ($100-$$249) Kenneth N. Kavulia Carol G. Stewart Anonymous (10) Michael F. Keady Susan G. Stone Mary Anne Adams Eleanor S. Kelemen Alan J. Stultz Meet the ExCom: William G. Anderson, Jr Donis King Lee E. Synder Alice C. Andrews Carol M. Kleis Rush Taggart III An interview with Bonnie Tillery, Richard M. Anscher Deborah Knowling Edward D. Thomas Robert Atkinson Christa Koehler Mary F. Thomas Chapter Secretary and Margaret H. Babcock Julia Kozak Jana L. Tognoli Susan Barbuto Richard G. Kraeuter Elizabeth A. Toolen Population Issues Coordinator Kirk R. Barrett Sybil Kramer Jane Tousman WHEN AND HOW HOW DO YOU EXPLAIN YOUR WILL- George and Oney Barron Carol A. Kurtz Donald M. Ullmann DID YOU FIRST INGNESS TO LEAD, I.E., TO BECOME Margaret W. Bartlett John M. Lagos Jean Flood Unger BECOME INTEREST- MORE ACTIVE THAN THE AVERAGE Richard Batherman Jim Lanard James D. Vance ED IN ENVIRON- ENVIRONMENTALIST? Marshall M. Bazar Margaret L. Lancefield William C. Ward, Jr. MENTAL ACTIVISM? I feel that preserving the land, protecting Louis R. Beck Arthur S. Levy David A. Wasmuth All you parents out the water and having safe air to breathe are Jennifer Bell Karen Linder Sharon E. Waters there who think your vitally important to our health and the Thomas F. Boghosian Susan A. London Jessie Weeks children aren't pay- health of everything else on earth. I wanted Eve Bolkin John F. Lucas Bruce C. Weidenburner ing attention, take heart. My parents to try to convey this message to others, but Joyce T. Brady Beverly Luck Charles F. West were always active in their community was not a born or trained speaker. Then I Paul T. Brady William L. Lupatkin Barbara Westergaard and always trying to instil in their chil- listened to other activists and saw that their Doreen Brennan Laura Anne Lynch Ellen J. White dren a love for the environment. enthusiasm and commitment were just as Audrey L. Buckingham Catherine P. Magee Geoffrey Wiland Especially trees and birds. I was the typi- important as the way they made their pre- Thomas G. Burgess Alexander B. Magoun John J. Wolfe cal bored teen, but somewhere along sentations, and I told myself I could do it Michael J. Buriani Laura K. Maines Esther T. Woodward the way I began to see what they were too. Kathleen J. Caccavale John P. McLaughlin Kenneth M. Young so enthusiastic about. (Continued on page 6) Thomas F. Cardea Donald S. McClure John V. Zurlo

A variety of Club books, notecards, badges and clothing is available from www.sierraclub.org/store The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 5

STATE-WIDE WRAPUP Debating the US Supreme director’s Court’s “Kelo” Property report by Jeff Tittel, Chapter Director Rights Decision Compiled from a press release and from e-mail correspondence Sierra Club Celebrates n June 23 the U. S. Supreme Court's most right-wing members, joined Court in a split 5-4 decision sanc- by Justice O'Connor, dissented. Note Anniversary of Highlands Act Otioned the condemnation of pri- also that the Court did invite states to vate land by municipalities (eminent address inequities by enacting appropri- domain) -- for private development. ate legislation. I think that we need to Calls for Development Freeze in Region Under this ruling, based on a lawsuit that follow up on this suggestion. The statu- originated in New London, Connecticut, tory law in New Jersey is far too broad. On August 10 we celebrated the one waivers in order to protect health and cities and towns can condemn anyone's By amending existing statutory law we year anniversary of the signing of the public safety and to allow for redevelop- property, even if it is not blighted, and should be able to prevent future abuses Highlands Water Protection and Planning ment of certain areas, we believe the hand it over to big developers. of the power of eminent domain." Act. Passage of this law crowned 18 years provisions for implementing these "This creates open season on our An opposing view was proffered by of effort by the Sierra Club and other envi- waivers do not include a strong set of neighborhoods and validates and further Mike Selender, Conservation Chair of our ronmental groups to protect this treasured standards so that they will be open to expands the corrupt pay-to-pave system Hudson-Meadowlands Group: "as an region of New Jersey. abuse. For example, in the case of public in New Jersey," said Jeff Tittel, Director urbanite, I have to disagree with Ken. In the past year development pressure health and safety waivers, the rules must of the Sierra Club's New Jersey Chapter. This Supreme Court decision won't help in the Highlands has gotten worse as include provisions governing documen- The decision will have dire conse- the cities. It will help private developers many developers are trying to beat the tation of septic failure, documentation of quences on places like Petty's Island in with political connections. They are adoption of both the Highlands rules and and criteria for determining unaccept- Camden County, Cramer Hill in Camden, already subsidized heavily by tax abate- the Highlands plan. There are hundreds able public health risks, performance of Long Branch (Monmouth County), and ments in many cities. This decision will of property owners applying for exemp- an alternatives analysis, and express pro- virtually everywhere in the state -- as it is allow developers to run amok. An exam- tions. We are deeply concerned that this hibition on new connections to any not limited to redevelopment areas but ple would be the Cramer Hill section of rush to development will undermine our infrastructure installed to remedy the can apply to any place a municipality Camden being condemned for developer efforts to protect the Highlands and will public health threat. decides would be appropriate for eco- Cherokee. Will this decision be used for lead to the loss of many environmentally The DEP must also restrict brownfield nomic growth. We fear that this ruling the public good? I doubt it. It will more important properties as well as negative- sites to exclude those that would clearly will displace affordable housing for luxu- likely be used to condemn land for casi- ly impact our water supplies. Right now conflict with the Act or the ry housing, small business for big busi- nos, shopping centers and sports venues." the Highlands are at a crossroads, and Department's regulatory standards. For ness and will undermine battles won for Eric Hausker, Co-Conservation Chair of unless we put a development freeze in example, waivers should not be issued environmental conservation. our Loantaka Group, thanked Ken "for a place as we did in the Pinelands 20 years within buffers of C1 streams or In Edison (Middlesex County), where very nuanced and thoughtful comment ago, we will undermine the importance Highlands waters but should instead be environmentalists stopped development on the Supreme Court decision. of this historic law. The Highlands could issued when the redevelopment restores of a strip mall at Oak Tree Pond, the city Governments have always exercised this be destroyed by a loophole big enough and improves ecological function and then condemned the property across the right. A few blocks from me in Rahway, to drive a bulldozer through. water resources as consistent with the street for the same politically connected 13 homes were condemned which had Sierra Club wants the freeze to be put objectives of the Act. developers. The New Jersey courts ruled frequently flooded during the last few in place immediately and held until the Implement Strong Forest Protections against this action as being inappropri- decades. They lay next to a bend in the following are finalized: In order to uphold the Act's prohibi- ate. The Supreme Court ruling could Rahway River and were replaced by a • Highlands Plan for both the tion on forest disturbance, we believe now overturn that. dozen acres of newly created parkland. Preservation and Planning Areas the DEP must incorporate the latest sci- Urban areas in New Jersey are imme- So, the sword can cut two ways. • Capacity Analysis for the Highlands ence (edge and contiguity metrics) in diately threatened by this decision. At Enlightened progressive government will • Plan for Comprehensive Transfer of their regulations. We believe the burden Cramer Hill, where more than 800 fami- use this power to enhance a community. Development Rights (TDR) must be on the applicant to demonstrate lies are trying to save their neighborhood As long as the current market value of • Fix Department of Environmental that it is "not possible" to avoid disturb- from bulldozers, there could be devastat- the property is offered to the evictees, Protection (DEP) rules to eliminate ing a forest. This burden of proof should ing consequences. Long Branch resi- they will make out like bandits! Or cor- several major loopholes including lin- require the "alternatives" analysis to con- dents are fighting to stop the takeover of rupt governments can give in to any ear development sider: a) a demonstration of need; b) off- their neighborhood for replacement by powerful greedy pressure group and • Fix DEP rules to include public par- site development locations in more envi- luxury condos. In Jersey City (Hudson abuse the power of eminent domain to ticipation requirements for the exemp- ronmentally suitable locations; c) TDR County) there were efforts to tear down the disadvantage of the less powerful." tion process into growth areas outside the region; a neighborhood of family homes to build "The changes required to create a sus- • DEP and Highlands Council will and d) non-development beneficial use luxury high rise condominiums. Officials tainable society gradually freeing itself create a list of targeted acquisitions in options for the property. In the event in Pennsauken want to condemn Petty's from fossil fuels unfortunately can only be the Highlands that the applicant has demonstrated that Island, where there is a bald eagle's nest, carried out by a strong activist govern- • DEP must withdraw all sewer ser- avoiding forest disturbance is "not possi- for a golf course and luxury housing. ment with powers to seize property from vice areas and permitted capacity ble", the rules need to require mitiga- Some additional examples of areas private citizens (with just restitution). • Change State Plan in Planning Area to tion, based on biomass, productivity, threatened by the Kelo precedent More than just traditional property rights protect natural resources and water supply area contiguity, and edge metrics. include open space conversions to golf are at stake here. Some day somebody's • Towns in Planning Area should have Define Linear Development for Public courses, and the redevelopment of Holly hilltop property will be condemned in to get permission from the Council on not Private Benefit Farm in Millville (Cumberland County). order to restore a wildlife preserve or to Affordable Housing to change their COAH Linear development exemptions are lim- As a result of this decision, citizens install wind towers. Only committed citi- plans to both meet obligations and protect ited in scope under the Act to such things need to become more involved in local zen groups can keep the government environmentally sensitive areas as "infrastructure, utilities, and rights-of- government and planning deliberations. honest in its exercise of this power." Acting Governor Codey has the power way" and should not include new drive- "Many of us hoped and believed this Finally, here's what Sunil Somalwar, for- to enact a freeze in the Highlands as sup- ways and roads to serve private develop- Court decision would have gone the mer Chapter Chair, had to say, in defence ported by the U.S. Supreme Court deci- ment. The legislative intent of these provi- other way, to limit the abuse by towns in of the Court's decision: "what would have sion in Tahoe-Sierra Preservation sions is to allow critical public utilities and kicking people out of their homes and happened in Western States if the decision Council, Inc. vs. Tahoe Regional public infrastructure, such as power lines, destroying communities," said Kelly had gone the other way? There, water Planning Agency, allowing councils to pipelines, and other public infrastructure McNicholas, the Club's Chapter rights are property rights! Would "takings" enact building moratoriums until com- to traverse the region. The term "infrastruc- Conservation Coordinator. "It is a very then have become a property right viola- pletion of their plans. We urge him to ture" was clearly intended to apply to pub- sad day for our country." tion, endangering implementation of have the same courage as Governor lic infrastructure, not private, and was not Our Chapter Chair, Ken Johanson, a endangered species protections? What Brendan Byrne did to put a freeze in the intended as a loophole to serve sprawl in retired lawyer, had an opposite opinion. about the properties in many state parks? Pinelands until the regional plan there the region. He noted that, "in recent years there (My friend's grandfather built a lake in was finalized. Retract Exemptions have been many abuses of the power of Cuyahoga County near Cleveland, Ohio, Over the past year, the Council has The DEP has moved forward, outside eminent domain. But the power still con- by erecting a dam on a stream. With pre- shown a real commitment to the intent of of the scope of public review, with giv- stitutes an important tool in the exercise served forests all around, it justifiably the Highlands Act by hiring some expert ing exemptions for development and of legitimate governmental power. I per- became a state park and their summer staff, laying the groundwork for a strong permit applications for projects within sonally am relieved that the court has property was taken over for the public Master Plan and involving the public the Highlands Preservation Area. We upheld the power of governmental enti- good.) With New Jersey politicians scared throughout the process. A freeze would believe that this is outside their authority ties to condemn property and to transfer of crossing power brokers like George give them time to get their job done. and we also support a recent Attorney property to private interests for the Norcross, are urban areas such as NJ an The DEP also needs more time to fix General brief that pushes DEP to estab- greater public good. Our goal of rejuve- exception? Averaged over the entire its rules, including those permitting lish a process for public participation. nating our cities is doomed if this power nation, I wonder if the decision will do a overly broad waivers, weak forest pro- Many of these exemptions, including does not exist. And how about con- greater good! I think that forced urban tections, and those that exclude public those for Christ Church, Eagle Ridge and demning lands for open space preserva- renewal in the bombed-out south side of input or oversight when permits are con- Powder Hollow, are quite contentious tion and selling the lands to a non-profit Chicago or in Philadelphia has substantial sidered. The Sierra Club continues to and should be subject to public scrutiny. organization to manage? I only wish that environmental benefits." push for strong Highlands rules and Accordingly, the DEP should refrain from the Court could have found a way to "This decision could promote a major specifically requests the DEP to incorpo- providing any new exemptions and should address the abuses that have become so tool for establishing habitat corridors or rate the following recommendations in retract all exemptions given until a formal prevalent. Note that the decision was imposing transit-friendly urban planning the final rule proposal: process has been adopted that mandates written by the Court's most liberal jus- to reduce emissions. I can understand Narrowly Define Waivers public participation and establishes a tice and joined in by the Court's more why this decision was opposed by the While the Act provides for limited process for appealing their decisions. K liberal and moderate members. The Darth Vader wannabes on the Court?" K Sierra Club Calendars for 2006 are now available, at the Club’s web site or from some Chapter officials. 6 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 The Controversy over Environmental and Public Offshore Wind Turbines Interest Groups Expose the We received the following responses to 4-5 cents per kwh, which is remark- to the letter by Sidney Goodman, which able. However, power companies have Truth about ExxonMobil’s appeared in the July-September issue of even lower cost alternatives - they can this Newsletter: buy power "off the grid" for 2-3 cents, (1) from Bill Klitgaard : they can develop new co-generation Environmental Policies Wind power is not a realistic answer facilities with cost in the 3 cent range. Supplied by Brian O'Malley in the Sierra Club's Washington DC office to our power situation. There are a num- Even coal gets down to the 3 cent range. ber of factors that work against wind Moreover, the long-term nature of the Exposing and changing ExxonMobil's moved the U.S. backward, not forward, power, including: calculation can be deceptive. Wind irresponsible and deceptive behavior is on energy policy. Among the report's Its intermittent nature reduces the power has a much higher proportion of the mission of a new campaign called findings are: electricity value. First, the need for the cost front loaded in the installed cap- "ExxposeExxon.com," launched outside • ExxonMobil is the only oil company power may not correlate with times of ital base which skews comparison in an ExxonMobil service stations nationwide remaining in Arctic Power, the single- high wind velocities (unless by good unfavorable manner. on July 12 by a coalition of twelve of issue group lobbying to open the luck) and therefore the "economic From my personal perspective there America's largest public interest and Arctic Refuge to drilling. value" of the power produced by wind are better choices. environmental groups with a combined • Between 1998 and 2004, Exxon- turbines is problematic. Second, because First - push much, much harder on con- membership of more than 6.4 million. Mobil gave more than $15 million to wind is intermittent, alternative sources servation. The cost per kwh of added insu- ExxposeExxon.com is revealing the organizations working to hide the facts of power must be available. Switching lation, double pane windows, more effi- truth about the world's largest and most about global warming. equipment must be in place and "tuned" cient appliances, etc. is far superior to any profitable oil company's actions, includ- • As increased demand for dwindling to the variation from wind generators in power plant. These are choices we can ing actively lobbying Congress to open world oil and gas supplies earned order to provide uniform load balancing make right now with existing technology. the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to ExxonMobil a record-breaking $25.3 bil- between power sources. The alternative Second - push harder on the solar drilling, trying to avoid paying all the lion in net income in 2004, company power source needs to be easy and effi- panel front. Today the cost is wildly damages due to those harmed by the executives dismissed suggestions that cient to shut on and off, or scalable in an uneconomic (roughly 10 cents per kwh) 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill, and funding they invest in renewable energy, calling efficient manner. Large central station but the technology is still young and organizations that work to discredit the it "uneconomic." power plants (which are typically the there are many areas for improvement. science behind global warming. • While ExxonMobil has pledged $100 lowest cost per kwh source of power) I'm particular hopeful a push toward "For years, ExxonMobil has intentional- million over 10 years for research at don't meet those requirements, as they solar roofing panels (replacing normal ly put its own profits above a clean envi- Stanford University into new energy tend to work best when they can be roofing) would be a big win. New mate- ronment and the health of America's fami- technologies, such as burying carbon scheduled and run continuously at fixed rials and processes (like nanotech) hold lies. As a result, we are asking all dioxide emissions, the company's com- levels of output. the promise for reducing cost substan- Americans not to accept a new job at mitment is just two days worth of its Wind has negative siting aspects. tially in the future. ExxonMobil, invest in the company, or to 2004 profits and is dwarfed by its spend- These include visual and auditory pollu- Third - raise the cost of power. This is buy ExxonMobil's gas and products," stat- ing on oil and gas exploration in 2004 tion, large land use requirements, and hard to do since the impact is regressive ed the ExxposeExxon coalition in a letter alone - more than $1 billion. In addition, development of environmentally or cul- in economic terms. Yet, I believe price sent to ExxonMobil CEO Lee Raymond. the Stanford project has no goals and no turally sensitive land. This is the main is the most impactful factor in terms of Americans want clean sources of ener- guarantee that ExxonMobil will apply reason for negative reaction to the off- changing behavior and consumption. gy that protect public health, reduce pol- any of the technology it helps develop. shore NJ wind farm and the big bruhaha Higher prices will lead people to con- lution, curb global warming, and save "Our nation can chart a course towards a up in Massachusetts around the sume less and make alternative choices consumers money. Instead, ExxonMobil cleaner, healthier energy future by harness- Nantucket plant. I'd suggest that almost (as it did with cars and gasoline in the has continually worked to make the U.S. ing the American ingenuity that has every new wind farm runs into opposi- 1970's). Higher cost will make invest- more dependent on oil and failed to marked this country throughout its history. tion on the siting front. Examples ment choices migrate quickly. If I ran invest a significant sum of its consider- ExxonMobil can be a part of that solution include the Wind River project in the world, I'd do this through an imme- able profits into clean sources of energy, or continue to fight it tooth and nail," stat- Wyoming, where locals did not want to diate imposition of $5/barrel on oil com- unlike competitors such as BP and Shell. ed the coalition's letter to Mr. Raymond. see formerly undeveloped hillsides ing from the Middle East, by imposing a As part of the campaign, the coalition The ExxposeExxon campaign is reach- touched; the Boundary Mountains in carbon tax and by imposing a weight tax of groups will reach out to Americans ing out to the American public, calling Maine, where hikers did not want to see on vehicles. across the country and ask them to help on ExxonMobil to: turbines on hills opposite their hiking Finally - push hard for combined cycle "Exxpose Exxon" by refusing to work for • Protect, instead of drill, the Arctic trails; and if you look at the NY Times coal. Oh yeah, I know, coal is awful - but ExxonMobil, refusing to invest their National Wildlife Refuge and drop out of for July 4, (page 5) you see the same combined cycle technology has very low hard-earned dollars in ExxonMobil, and Arctic Power. fight over a proposed wind farm near lifetime cost and can be married up with refusing to buy ExxonMobil products. • Support mandatory caps on global the Lake District in the north of England. CO2 sequestration effectively. It's a The ExxposeExxon campaign has warming pollution and stop funding junk sci- Avian mortality. Wind turbines kill domestic power source as well. launched this effort in more than fifty ence to cloud the debate on global warming. birds. There is a huge debate over the Environmentalists hate coal - so much so cities from coast to coast, including • Save consumers money at the pump magnitude of this, which often becomes that it clouds their vision, in my view. Washington, DC, Austin, Boston, and ease our oil dependence by investing a question of how many and how severe But this would be one of the few choices Chicago, Des Moines, Honolulu, New in renewable energy and energy efficien- that is relative to alternatives, but there we could make where large amounts of York, Minneapolis, and Philadelphia. The cy and supporting fuel efficiency. can be no doubt about the effect. In the energy can be addressed right now. The coalition is reaching out to the public • Pay all of the punitive damages Altamont Pass in California for instance, shift to coal is happening anyway due to through the Internet, through the news awarded to fishermen and others harmed the bird deaths include red tailed hawks higher cost of petroleum - what I'm tak- media, through door-to-door contact, by the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill. and golden eagles; in Tarifa, Spain (near ing about is pushing to make the extra bumper stickers and t-shirts. "Thanks to ExxonMobil's refusal to pay the Straits of Gibraltar) the deaths investment (like about 15% higher initial As part of its education effort, the the $4.5 billion dollars in court-ordered include griffin vultures. That's not a cost) for combined cycle plants that will ExxposeExxon campaign, which punitive damages to victims of the Exxon great advertisement for green power. have much, much lower pollution than includes the Alaska Wilderness League, Valdez oil spill, thousands of fishing Limited availability. Wind varies in conventional coal power plants. Defenders of Wildlife, Greenpeace, industry workers like me were forced intensity and is only sufficiently strong Sorry for the long and rambling piece, Natural Resources Defense Council, out of the business or in a number of and consistent to provide a good siting but the article touched a nerve. Wind Sierra Club, and U.S. PIRG (Public cases had to declare bankruptcy," said location in a few spots. Many times power is not a realistic answer for our Interest Research Group), also released a Ross Mullins, founder and chairman of those sources are far from utility inter- needs and I'd rather spend time and new report, "ExxonMobil Exposed: More the Prince William Sound Fishermen connection and face long transmission effort on measures that lead to a broader Drilling, More Global Warming, More Oil Plaintiffs' Committee. lines (added costs and inefficiency from and more impactful outcome on energy Dependence." The report details how For more information, please visit power loss). Many times those sources policy and energy consumption. the Texas-based oil giant has consistently www.ExxposeExxon.com .K are in harsh environments which make generation of power difficult and main- (2) From Sunil Somalwar (svsomal- tenance expensive. Often the sites are [email protected]): Interview: Bonnie Tillery expensive to develop due to a lack of The thinking these days is that we (Continued from page 4) roads or severe working conditions. need an energy mix. Wind is only ONE DESCRIBE YOUR PARTICULAR ROLE distant organization; it’s right here in our Examples include offshore wind power, of the components. No one source, IN THE NEW JERSEY CHAPTER. neighborhoods, made up of committed mountainous terrain (subject to icing including combined coal, is the answer. I’m Secretary of the Chapter's Executive volunteers. We decide the issues or activi- conditions), and deserts. Even in an area Nuclear, I am afraid is also going to be a Committee, but my greatest efforts are to ties we want to work on and how much that seems logical, development may not component. Barring a breakthrough or educate people about population issues. I time we will spend. I first got interested in happen for a host of odd reasons - for major reductions in fossil fuel subsidies, see this as the core to preserving our plan- the Club through its hikes to interesting instance, eastern Montana has a great photovoltaic solar may be unrealistic at et for future generations. Population issues places in New Jersey. That’s one level of wind resource but is far from demand this point as a major new contributor to are also human rights issues. Mothers must activism. Reading Jeff Tittel's quotes in the and faces huge distribution disadvan- the energy mix. Mr. Klitgaard's concern be able to determine how many children daily papers got me more interested in the tages (plus the local utility climate is about wind fluctuations is irrelevant as they can capably carry and raise. When politics of preserving land. From there, I very much "pro coal"). long as there is a grid (which is basically women are empowered to make these just kept going. Cost. Wind advocates suggest that supported by coal). And he is very right decisions, they have fewer children -- so WHAT ADVICE HAVE YOU FOR wind power is cost effective and the about conservation. that they can adequately feed, shelter and SOMEONE CONSIDERING MORE lowest cost source of renewable energy. educate those they do have. This puts INVOLVEMEMT IN CLUB ACTIVITIES? A quick measure of this can be found in (3) Editor’s note: Wind turbines are far fewer strains on our natural resources. Jump right in. You don't have to be an "cents per kilowatt hour" which uses the more prevalent in Britain, now, than in WITH SO MANY ENVIRONMENTAL expert. For whatever you want to do, average lifetime cost of the power the US. They are quite visible (and noise- ORGANIZATIONS OUT THERE, WHAT'S there is training available. And, your fel- source divided by power expected to be less), both singly and in “farms,” in some SPECIAL ABOUT THE SIERRA CLUB? low Club volunteers are friendly, help- produced. Wind power has come down of the most pristine parts of Scotland. K The Sierra Club is not an amorphous or ful, and accessible.

Are you receiving Dennis Schvejda’s News Bulletins and alerts? Go to http://SierraActivist.org The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 7

North Jersey Group Scandalous Federal (Passaic and Bergen Counties, approximately) OFFICERS: Energy Bill Passed Group Chair: Betsy Kohn 201-461-4534 [email protected] Vice Chair: Mike Herson 201-262-9472 [email protected] (From a National Sierra Club Press Release) Conservation Chairs: Tom Thompson 201-848-1080 [email protected] Mike Herson 201-262-9472 [email protected] On 28th July the Senate approved the lower gas prices or cut America's oil Membership Chair: Barbara Quigley [email protected] energy bill conference report (H.R. 6) by a dependence, then the heat wave must Outings Chair: Ellen Blumenkrantz [email protected] vote of 74-26. This followed on the heels be affecting their judgement. Political Chair: John Kashwick 201-660-8820 [email protected] of the House vote the previous day to "Americans don't want to give free Political Alternate: Greg Tondi 201-935-7162 [email protected] approve the conference report 275-156. reign to the energy industry to spend Publications Chair: Emily Stoecker 201-265-5889 [email protected] The energy bill next went to President their tax dollars and evade environmen- Secretary: Barbara Quigley [email protected] Bush, who signed the bill into law. tal and consumer protections. What Treasurer: Tom Thompson 201-848-1080 [email protected] Note: Both of New Jersey's senators, they want is for Congress to address Wildlife: John Mikalonis 201-930-7804 [email protected] Corzine and Lautenberg, supported the high energy costs by putting real solu- Sierra Club position by voting against tions to work. The energy bill confer- GROUP WEB SITE: http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/northjersey.asp the bill. Our Congressmen were also ence failed on multiple occasions to mostly on "our" side, with only demonstrate that kind of leadership and EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Held at least four times a year (once every quar- Fergussen, Frelinghuysen and Garrett as a result produced a bill that continues ter). For the date and location, please contact Betsy or Mike (see above). voting for the bill. New Jersey supplied America's downward spiral of increasing 3 of the 31 Republican Congressmen oil dependence and rising prices. CONSERVATION COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Held 7:30 pm every THIRD THURSDAY of who bucked the Bush Administration's "It's unfortunate that, as Americans the month at Buehler Cultural Center, 950 High Mountain Road, North Haledon, NJ. position supporting the bill. head to the beach for summer vacation, Help identify issues and goals, develop strategies and campaigns, and inspire and moti- Those were sad days for our environ- their representatives in Congress [are] vate the public. For more information, contact Mike (see above). ment and the country. Here is part of a opening up these very coasts to destruc- statement prepared by Carl Pope, the tive oil and gas drilling. Approving an GENERAL MEETINGS: Held once a month (except July, August and December), as follows: Sierra Club's Executive Director. inventory of oil and gas reserves off "America needs a safer, cleaner, and America's coasts - a destructive process Oct 6: 7:30 pm at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 Van Nostrand Avenue, more secure energy future. Sadly, the itself - is the first step toward dismantling Englewood, NJ: “The Natural and Social History of the Palisades, with slides and film energy bill that has emerged from the decades of important coastal protections. footage from the early 20th Century, by Eric Nelsen of the Palisades Interstate Park. House and Senate conference commit- BY THE NUMBERS: tee fails on all counts. Instead of cutting $2.32: Average retail price for regular Nov 10: 7pm at Clifton Public Library, 292 Piaget Avenue, Clifton, NJ: Program to be America's oil dependence, boosting pro- gasoline, up 39 cents over the last year. arranged. Check the group website or contact Betsy (see above). duction of renewable energy, and lower- (Energy Information Administration ing energy prices, this bill funnels bil- (EIA) - www.eia.doe.gov) ISSUES: Across the border in NY State, the Ramapo River watershed (an important lions of taxpayer dollars to polluting $2,873: Amount average family of four source of New Jersey’s drinking water) is under intense development pressures, espe- energy industries, and opens up our will spend on gasoline this year cially in the rural parts of Tuxedo and Ramapo. Tuxedo Reserve will add 1,195 units to coastlines and wildlands to destructive (Consumer Expenditure Survey from more than double the town’s population. Other residential projects of concern oil and gas activities. Bureau of Labor Statistics and the include the 292 units on 249 acres on Sterling Mine Road and 400 units on "If Congress believes that this bill will Energy Information Administration)K Wrightsman Plateau. Meanwhile, Sterling Forest still faces the threat of 107 McMansions in the State Park. Back in NJ, vegetative riparian corridors along the Hackensack River and its tributaries need to be protected from encroachment to main- tain habitat and aid in flood control. In West Milford, water supplies and quality of life are jeopardized by the massive Eagle Ridge development. To find out more, contact FROM Mike or Tom (see above). rouproup AROUND MANY WAYS TO VOLUNTEER! Join us to protect open space, air and water, or choose candidates to endorse, or monitor legislation. Or help with public education GG THE programs, fundraising, tabling at events, or promotion. Or take on one issue that inter- STATE ests you, such as environmental justice, global warming, forests, oceans and marine ewsews life, population, recycling, transportation, or another of your own choosing. To dis- NN ••••••••••••• cuss the possibilities, contact Betsy or Mike (see above). RECYCLE YOUR USED PRINTER OR FAX CARTRIDGES! Bring them to Whole Foods HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR GROUP (BY COUNTY) Market, 905 River Road in Edgewater, NJ, open from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week and leave them in the Sierra Club box in the front window by the exit door. (Please Northwest Jersey Group: Hunterdon, Sussex & Warren note, already recycled cartridges not accepted.) Thanks for recycling! North Jersey Group: Passaic & most of Bergen Essex County Group: Essex Hudson-MMeadowlands Group: Hudson & SE Bergen Hudson-Meadowlands Group Loantaka Group: Morris & Union (Hudson County and southern Bergen County: Lyndhurst, Rutherford, East Central Jersey Group: Mercer Rutherford, Carlstadt, Ridgefield, Edgewater, Cliffside Park and Fairview) Raritan Valley Group: Somerset & Middlesex Jersey Shore Group: Monmouth & Ocean OFFICERS: West Jersey Group: Gloucester, Camden & Burlington Chair: Louise Taylor 201-674-8949 [email protected] South Jersey Group: Atlantic,Cape May,Cumberland & Salem Vice-cchair and Conserv. Chair: Mike Selender 201-451-5411 [email protected] These designations are approximate: members are welcome to Treasurer: Charlotte Ermoian 201-224-4553 [email protected] participate in whichever Group(s) they find convenient Secretary: Connie Ftera 201-869-7950 [email protected] Political Chair: Melissa McCarthy 201-230-8365 [email protected] Publicity: Betty Leung 201-224-3542 [email protected] Northwest Jersey Group Parks: Rosemary Arena 201-861-6222 [email protected] (Sussex,Warren and Hunterdon Counties; note that the former Hunterdon ExCom Members: Gil Hawkins 201-944-5799 [email protected] County Group has merged into the Northwest Jersey Group) Donald Kopczynski 201-224-2641 [email protected]

OFFICERS: NEWS: As you can guess, the Hudson-Meadowlands Group is suffering “growth pains.” Chair: Dennis Miranda 973-209-1814 [email protected] It takes active volunteers to operate the Sierra Club, people interested both in local Special Events Chair: Pat Mangino 862-432-7552 [email protected] issues (environmentally responsible development of the Hoboken waterfront area, Vice-CChr, oversight of Liberty State Park, motivations for using public transport, local parks, Membership Chair: Susan Rotter 973-347-8849 [email protected] Meadowlands issues, etc.), and people interested in the larger regional and statewide Treasurer: Charles Kopp 973-770-7718 [email protected] issues discussed at monthly Chapter ExCom meetings and pursued by our Issue Political Chair: Arnold Kushnick 908-788-5637 [email protected] Coordinators. Hudson (and southern Bergen) County always presents interesting polit- Group Delegate ical election endorsement issues. to Chapter ExCom: Ruth Prince 908-284-9103 [email protected]

GENERAL MEETINGS: The Northwest Group meets at 7pm on the LAST TUESDAY of Essex“ County Group each month. For locations and details, please contact Susan Rotter, 973-347-8849. We web site: http://NJSierra.org/NJS_Groups/Essex. We are also accessible from the NJ feature guest speakers, plan hiking trips and address conservation issues. Chapter web site.

ACTIVITIES: In Hopatcong Boro, the Northwest Group mobilized the residents to OFFICERS: oppose a 200-acre development in the Highlands for 700 new adult housing units. Chair: Janine Schaeffer 973-432-2043 [email protected] Attending the Planning Board meetings, representatives of the Northwest Group man- Vice-cchair: Dave Ogens 973-226-0748 [email protected] aged to have over 1,000 people show up in opposition as well. The application was Conservation: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913 [email protected] postponed when we raised issues that violated the Boro’s land use ordinances. Political: Chris Weis 973-224-0474 [email protected] Media: Walter Clarke 973-723-1642 [email protected] The Northwest Group is helping to mobilize and support citizen groups in Andover Outings/Parks: Dave Ogens 973-226-0748 [email protected] Borough and Township to fight poorly planned development. In Wantage, Northwest Open Space: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913 [email protected] helped a citizen’s group successfully oppose a large-scale development by identifying the correct COAH requirements for the township’s planning board and council. (Continued on page 8)

Become active in one of your Group’s conservation campaigns! Attend a Group meeting! 8 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005

Mountain chain. We’ll see photographs of the region’s little-known treasures, includ- GROUP NEWS ing internationally significant migratory songbird habitat, recreation opportunities and (Continued from page 7) historic resources. Recent federal and state legislation will help protect the region and its water supply. Your questions about the NJ Highlands Act answered. And – how Secret’y-TTreasurer: Lori Tanner 973-857-0519 [email protected] you can help! Fundraising: Linda M. Stiles 973-736-2224 [email protected] Event Coordinator: Maria K. de Wakefield 973-736-0913 [email protected] Dec 14: Impact of Mercury on Human Health. Speakers: Jeffrey Huppert, Loantaka Group Membership: Camille Gutmore 973-667-2203 [email protected] Education Coordinator, and Bob Campbell, Loantaka Group Air Quality Coordinator. Energy Conserv’n: Mike Minaides 973-470-0793 [email protected] Jeffrey and Bob will explain how mercury gets into our bodies, what it does when it gets West Orange: Sally Malanga 973-736-7397 [email protected] there, the probable link to autism and brain damage, fish consumption advisories, envi- GIS/Maps: Billi Schloss 973-467-8154 [email protected] ronmental significance and more. There will be time for questions and concerns. This topic is a must for anyone who is pregnant or has growing children at home. ACTIVITIES: Working to preserve wetlands in the Hatfield Swamp in the Passaic River Basin and remaining forested areas in Essex County, continuing to ensure that the Essex Activities: (Look at our website for more information.) County Park and Open Space Trust Fund is implemented in a fair and consistent way, and The Loantaka Group is working with concerned citizens and local environmental organi- addressing environmental justice (EJ) issues. Working to bring an energy audit to Essex zations to protect open space and wildlife habitat in Morris and Union Counties, and to County through the D.O.E.’s ReBuild America Program and to establish a commission to safeguard the water resources on which we all depend. We are also organizing volunteers study the feasibility of expanding the current light-rail project in Newark. to help maintain and improve trails in the Morris and Union County Park Systems. In addi- tion, the Group is actively involved in State-wide initiatives involving air quality, trans- EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: portation, and environmental legislation. Volunteers are always welcome. Call Paul (908- Please contact Janine (see above) for dates and locations. 233-2414), Chris (973-377-1742) or Bob Johnson (908-771-9676) for more information.

GENERAL MEETINGS: Please call Maria de Wakefield at 973-736-0913 for possible A Loantaka Fall Hike: dates and locations. Below are some free events taking place, usually at 7pm, at the Oct 30 (Sunday): Pyramid Mountain Natural Historical Area: 4-5 miles at moderate Essex County Environmental Center, which may be of interest to Group members. pace, starting at 10am from the parking lot adjacent to the Visitor Center just off The Center is on Eagle Rock Ave. in Roseland. Refreshments are provided. Contact Boonton Ave in Montville Twp. Detailed directions to the park are provided on the Rosemarie (973-736-0913) for more information: Morris County Park Commission website: http://www.morrisparks.net/parks/pyrmtn- main.htm. The leader will be Douglas Vorolieff, a Park Commission Senior Teacher Oct 12: The basics of backpacking, presented by Drew Kahn. Naturalist and a Sierra Club member. Douglas has a Masters Degree in Environmental Sciences form Montclair State Univ, and has been an educator for the past 10 years. Nov 9: Exploration of the Costa Rican rainforest: the plants, animals, insects and poli- Bring 1 qt of water, hiking boots, and clothing appropriate for the weather. Children tics of Le Selva Biological Station. A documentary video by Jay Kantor, Ph.D. When welcome (aged 8 or older) so that they too can learn about the trees, shrubs, and ani- ecologists first began studying biodiversity in the rainforests of Costa Rica, 80% of the mals that inhabit the Park. country was forested, and currently only 25% remains forested. Even in the country’s biological preserves like Le Selva, wildlife is being negatively impacted, as surrounding The Loantaka Group conducted an on-lline auction with our land is being converted into agriculture, and rare hardwood trees are being cut down by poachers. In his first hand documentary video, Jay Kantor takes on a fascinating Morris/Union County membership over the Labor Day weekend. hike through the rainforest, guided by a passionate and dedicated Costa Rican biolo- The following businesses generously provided auction-ssuitable items: gist. This video discusses some of the issues surrounding the challenge to protect the country’s precious biological preserves. Ahrre’s Coffee Roastery (six bags of Fair Trade Coffee) Our friend Jim Burchell of Peaceworks (two bags of Fair Trade Coffee) Dec 7: Conscious consumption - thoughtful gift-giving for the holidays. Presented by The Community Theater of Morristown (free tickets for two) Clare Mayer of the Garden State Earth Institute. The New Jersey Renaissance Kingdom (tickets for their Fall festival) The New Jersey Symphony (tickets for two at an upcoming concert) The Office Beer Bar & Grill (dinner for two at the Summit or Cranford locations) Loantaka Group Sages Pages ($25 gift certificate at their bookstore in Madison) Sterling Hallmark Shops (two $50 gift certificates good at their Stirling, (Morris and Union Counties, approximately) Summit and Madison locations) Village Hardware & Paint ($50 gift certificate at their Chatham retail store) WEBSITE: http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/loantaka.asp Westfield Symphony (four silver tickets for any subscription concert for 2005-06) Whole Foods ($50 gift certificate good at their Millburn location) OFFICERS: Group Co-CChairs: Chris Mills 973-377-1742 [email protected] Please consider patronizing the above places of business and thank them for their and Paul Sanderson 908-233-2414 [email protected] generosity. Treasurer: Joyce White 908-272-4478 [email protected] Secretary: Sonya Kaloyanides 973-275-0288 [email protected] Conservation Chairs: Central Jersey Group Morris County: Chris Mills 973-377-1742 [email protected] (Mercer County, parts of Burlington, Middlesex and Somerset) Union County: Eric Hausker 732-669-0719 [email protected] Political Chair: Meiling Chin 973-514-2179(8-10pm) [email protected] OFFICERS: Programs: Steve Yafet 908-354-2537 [email protected] Chair: Laura Lynch 609-882-4642 [email protected] Education Coord: Jeff Huppert 973-263-0344 [email protected] Vice Chair: Lisa Ridge 732-658-6440 [email protected] Fundraising Chair: Eric Hausker 732-669-0719 [email protected] Treasurer: Bill Wowk 609-587-0502 [email protected] Outings Chair: Joyce White 908-272-4478 [email protected] Conservation Chair: Rocky Swingle 609-587-7568 [email protected] Outreach & Events: Bob Johnson 908-598-0656 [email protected] Membership Chair: Tim Ridge 732-658-6440 [email protected] Publicity Chair: Wynn Johanson 908-464-0442 [email protected] Programs Chair: Lisa Ridge 732-658-6440 [email protected] Membership: Doug Williams 973-263-8404 [email protected] Publicity Coordinator: Caroline Kulesza [email protected] Air Quality Coord: Bob Campbell 908-273-5720 [email protected] Political Committee: Tom Zolandz 908-874-4194 [email protected] Webmaster: Melissa Goss Outings Chair: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138 [email protected] Greenbrook: Bob Muska 908-665-2296 [email protected] Outreach Coordinator: Harold Rapp 609-671-0435 [email protected] Forest Issues Coord: Nancy Carringer 732-438-8688 [email protected] To find out our activities, go to: http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/loantaka.asp WEBSITES: To get the most up-to-date information and news on our issues and activi- To join our emailing list, send a blank email to: ties, visit http://www.sierraactivist.org/getbusy/central.html. http://lists.sierraclub.org/archives/NJ-LOANTAKA-NEWS.html EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Meetings are generally held on the FIRST EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (ExCom) MEETINGS: are held on the FIRST TUESDAY of the THURSDAY of the month at 7:30 pm. Please contact Laura Lynch (above) for the loca- month at 7:30 pm at Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham, NJ. tion, which may vary. These meetings are open to all Sierra Club members.

This is your club and there is always an open invitation to attend an ExCom meeting. GENERAL MEETINGS: We meet on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each month at 7:30 pm Right now, we have open positions on our Executive Committee. If you are interested in at the Lawrence Branch of the Mercer County Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrenceville a position and would like to find out more, please contact Paul Sanderson. There will be 08648. Check our website for a map. Our meetings are free and open to all members and no ExCom Meetings in July and August. Join us on September 6. the general public. We always share information about our involvement in local, state and national conservation issues, and suggest ways in which everyone can get involved. GENERAL MEETINGS: Meetings are held on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of the month at 7:30 pm at the Library of the Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham. (Directions are PROGRAM SCHEDULE: posted on our website: http://Loantaka.NJSierra.org) Oct 12: DVD presentation of THE END OF SUBURBIA: Oil Depletion and the Collapse Come to a general meeting and learn something new and make some new friends. of The American Dream. As the population of suburban sprawl has exploded in the We’d welcome the chance to meet you and to introduce ourselves at a general meet- past 50 years, so too has the suburban way of life become embedded in the American ing. Please see the meeting schedule which follows and join us! consciousness. Suburbia, and all it promises, has become the American Dream. But as we enter the 21st century, serious questions are beginning to emerge about the sus- DIRECTIONS: Directions to the Chatham Library are posted on our website tainability of this way of life. The End of Suburbia explores the American Way of Life http://Loantaka.NJSierra.org and its prospects as the planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip supply. As energy prices skyrocket in the coming years, how MEETING SCHEDULE: will the populations of suburbia react to the collapse of their dream? And what can be Oct 12: Meet the Candidates Night. Members will have a chance to meet and interact done NOW, individually and collectively, to avoid The End of Suburbia? Duration: 78 with Sierra Club-endorsed candidates up for election in Morris and Union Counties. mins. Popcorn provided. Read more at http://www.endofsuburbia.com/.

Nov 9: Highlands Treasures at Risk - Slide Show and Talk. Speaker: Wilma E. Frey, Oct 15: Service Outing at the Hamilton Trenton Marsh, 9am to 12 Noon. Please join us Project Manager, the Highlands, New Jersey Conservation Foundation. Wilma works and the Friends for the Marsh for a fall cleanup. Experience for yourself the wonder with the Highlands Coalition. With forested ridges, sparkling lakes and reservoirs, and and beauty of this urban wetland and help pick up trash and remove weeds & out-of- abundant wildlife, the New Jersey Highlands provide drinking water for over half of place species. Wear long sleeves & long pants; bring clippers, work gloves, hat, water- New Jersey’s residents and form a nationally significant link in the Appalachian proof boots, and drinking water. Trash bags will be provided. Meet at 9am at Spring

Contact one of our Issue Coordinators (see the list on p. 12) if there’s a state-wide issue that interests you! The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 9

Lake - Roebling Park. Directions: From U.S. 1 South exit onto S. Broad St./Rte 206. GENERAL MEETINGS: Held at 8pm on the FOURTH MONDAY of each month - except Turn right onto Sewell Ave. after church with steeple and green dome. Continue to in July, August and December - at a NEW location: the Unitarian Universalist end of Sewell and turn left onto dirt road. Drive down hill to parking lot. Contact Meetinghouse at 1475 West Front Street in Lincroft (please check the congregation’s Harold Rapp (above) for more information, or visit http://www.marsh-friends.org/. website for directions, at http://www.uucmc.org/where-we-are.htm). Come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. For additional directions or information, please call Nov 9: We will visit Vietnam this evening as Central Jersey Group Outings Chair Ken Regina or Steve Knowlton at 732-335-1183, or visit our web site. Mayberg shares a slide presentation of this past summer’s trip. Vietnam has recently opened its doors whole-heartedly to western travelers. We’ll see pictures of colorful Oct 24: “The End of Suburbia”: Subtitled, “Oil Depletion and the Collapse of The mountain hill tribes, river life on the Mekong Delta , cone hatted women working in American Dream”, this film “explores the American Way of Life and its prospects as the rice paddies, and monuments from the days of emperors. Ken has bicycled and hiked planet approaches a critical era, as global demand for fossil fuels begins to outstrip sup- extensively around the world, and his talent as a photographer rivals that of any pro- ply.” Learn what you can do NOW to help avert the collapse of our current way of life. fessional. You don’t want to miss this! Nov 28: Green Night: Here is your chance to do something positive for the environ- Dec 14: Please join us for our annual Holiday Party at the library. Bring your favorite ment. We present current environmental issues — you write letters to elected officials holiday treat to share as we celebrate our 2005 successes and wash down our disap- and others. We supply the pens, paper, and stamps! pointments together! Are 2006 Sierra Club calendars on your shopping list? Buy them from our Group at the party and provide direct support to our local work! Enjoy a Dec 4 (Sunday): Holiday Party: No meeting this month, but join us for a party to toast Happy and Safe Holiday Season. See you next year! the holiday season. The fun starts at 3pm, at the home of a group member. For more information and directions, please visit the Group website in the Fall. E-MMAIL NOTICES: If you’d like to receive those last minute reminders of meetings or outings, please send your e-mail address to Tim Ridge (above). If you’d like to receive IMPORTANT NOTICE: issue alerts, please send your e-mail address to Laura Lynch (above). We need volunteers to replace two of our Committee Chairs, both of whom are “retir- ing” from their current positions at the end of 2005. Anyone willing to serve as Conservation Chair, please contact Steve Knowlton or Dennis Anderson. If you wish to Raritan Valley Group serve as Program Chair, please contact Regina Knowlton or Dennis Anderson. Or if you (Middlesex and Somerset Counties, approximately) and a friend would like to split the duties of either of these positions, give us a call. This is a great way to become more active and to learn more about your local environment. WEBSITE: www.njsierra.org/~njrar/ OFFICERS AND CONTACTS: EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: The Group’s Executive Committee meets Chair: Sandi Lowich 732-247-5760 [email protected] monthly at members’ homes (no meetings in July, August or December). All are wel- 44 Chestnut St, Milltown NJ 08850-1140 come to attend. For more information, please call Dennis Anderson at 732-888-3158. Membership: Sunil Somalwar 732-572-7721 [email protected] Conservation Chair: Jane Tousman 908-561-5504 [email protected] Outings: Open Position! New Ocean County Group Political Chair: Randy Gill 732-525-2612 [email protected] Now being formed Programs & Publicity: Sandi Lowich [email protected] OFFICERS: (All currently in acting capacity): Secretary: Open position! Chair: Greg Auriemma 732-451-9220 [email protected] Treas’r, Webmast’r: Don McBride 732-560-0369 [email protected] Vice-CChair,Prog, Outings: DawnMarie Johns 732-644-634 [email protected] ISSUES: We are fighting development along streams, wetlands, flood plains and steep Conservation slopes. We are pro-farmland preservation. Group members are involved in local issues, Chair: Margrit Meissner-Jackson 609-296-4367 [email protected] answering questions for concerned citizens regarding development, and Secretary: Corinne Washik [email protected] monitoring/reviewing all township/regional land use master plans in our area. This Treasurer: Richard Washik 732-616-2775 [email protected] includes working to protect threatened and endangered species. Help us stop develop- Publicity: Howard Schwartz 609-242-9304 [email protected] ers from buying sub-standard lots and obtaining permits and variances for new homes. Fund-RRaising (pro tem): Joyce Isaza 732-920-9270 [email protected] Calling All Volunteers: The Raritan Valley Group welcomes you to our activities. Delegates to Chapter Currently, the position of secretary is open. If you are interested, contact Sandi ExCom: Michelle Dillon 732-341-7699 [email protected] Lowich, the Group Chair. and Carolyn Sarles 732-929-0871 [email protected] Membership GENERAL MEETINGS: Held at 7:30 pm on the THIRD WEDNESDAY of the month Chair: Open position! except for July and August. Meetings are held at the Unitarian Society of New Political Brunswick, 176 Tices Lane, East Brunswick. Take the Ryders Lane exit off Rte 1 Chair: Open position! towards East Brunswick. Make a left turn at the first four-way intersection onto Tices Lane, and the church is the second driveway on the right. The public is invited and ACTIVITIES: The Group is just starting up, but plans to work on a number of local refreshments are served. For further directions and information, visit our website. open space, sprawl, and air and water issues, together with a comprehensive political program. Volunteers now needed for Ocean County membership outreach, tabling at PROGRAM SCHEDULE: local events, fund-raising and a computer-based voter education program. Oct 19: Delaware and Raritan Canal: Back by popular demand, Linda Barth has a new slide program based on her latest book “The Delaware and Raritan Canal at Work.” See **OPENINGS** The Group has openings for Membership Chair (providing new mem- rarely-seen historic photographs of the canal, the mills, distilleries, quarries and busi- bers with information about the Club, our Chapter and our Group), and Political Chair nesses along the canal, and the vessels that plied the waterway. (being involved in the Club’s political elections program). For those interested in help- ing on these or other issues, please contact Greg at 732-451-9220, or Nov 16: Endangered Species: Julia Huff of the Environmental Law Clinic of Rutgers [email protected]. University presents a slide program about endangered species such as wolves, the big predators, and the changing aspects of the Endangered Species Act. The clinic is a EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS: Please contact Greg at 732-451-9220, or hes- vital partner of the New Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club. [email protected] for the location and day of the week, which may vary.

Dec 21: Alaska Wilderness: We will explore the challenges facing Alaska and its mag- GENERAL MEETINGS: Held monthly at 7pm on the FORTH MONDAY of the month at nificent wilderness with Julia Millan Shaw of the Alaska Wilderness League, an advoca- the Dover Community Room, Dover Township Municipal Building, 33 Washington cy organization working to protect the natural lands and waters of Alaska, particularly Street, Toms River. For directions, please call Greg: 732-451-9220 or Howard: 609-242- the Tongass National Forest and the Arctic Refuge. After the breathtaking slide pro- 9304. A Holiday Party is planned in lieu of a General Meeting in December. gram, find out what you can do to help.

Executive Committee Meetings: Held at 7pm on the FIRST THURSDAY of every other West Jersey Group month beginning with September except for July and August at officer’s homes. All (Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties, approximately) Sierra Club members are invited to attend. Please contact the group chair for location. Web site: users.snip.net/~ginacee/home.htm

Jersey Shore Group OFFICERS: (Monmouth and Ocean Counties, approximately) Group Chair: Gina Carola 856-848-8831 [email protected] Vice-CChair: Wayne Zanni 856-728-4507 [email protected] Web Site: http://njsierra.org/~njshore/ Secretary: Becky Payne 856-488-5510 [email protected] Treasurer: Trish Clements 856-768-5639 [email protected] OFFICERS: Publicity Chair: Bud Kaliss 856-428-8071 [email protected] Group Chair: Dennis Anderson 732-888-3158 [email protected] Political Chair: Wayne Zanni 856-728-4507 [email protected] 612 Second St., Union Beach, NJ 07735 Pinelands Rep: Lee Snyder [email protected] Vice-CChair: Open position! Greenways Coord’s: Frank and Ellen Zinni Secretary: Joe DeLuca 732-389-1835 [email protected] Conservation Chair: Stacey Ayala [email protected] Conservation Chairs: Membership Chair: Mike Brown 856-547-9221 [email protected] Monmouth Co: Steve Knowlton 732-747-7011 [email protected] Fundraising Chair: Reiss Tiffany 856-829-6405 [email protected] Ocean County: Open position! Sprawl Chair: Brian Boockoff 609-937-5022 [email protected] Ocean County Section Chair: Open position! Programs Chair: Open position Webmaster: George Newsome 732-308-1518 [email protected] Outings Chair: Open position Treasurer: Judy Maxcy 732-458-5074 Inner City Outings: Need volunteers! Political Chair: Laura Bagwell 732-741-8678 [email protected] Outings Chair: Mike Verange 908-902-0718 [email protected] GENERAL MEETINGS: are held at 7:30 pm on the SECOND TUESDAY of each month, at Membership: Alan Roseman 732-780-1308 [email protected] the Unitarian Church, 401 N. Kings Highway (Rte 41), Cherry Hill (located between Rte. Program Chair: Regina (Maurer) Knowlton 732-335-1183 [email protected] 70 and the convergence of Rtes 38 and 73, just north of a traffic light at Chapel Avenue). Handicap accessible parking and entrance in rear of building. (continued on page 10)

Group meetings offer interesting speakers, involvement, friendship, and usually food! 10 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005

others who care about the environment. We can only offer as many activities as we have vol- GROUP NEWS unteers to run them – if you have the slightest urge to get involved, please give in to it! (Continued from page 9) Webpage address: http://singles.njsierra.org Oct 11: A speaker from PSE&G will describe their Resource Recovery Center. email: [email protected] (mention “Sierra Club” in your subject line) Phone announcements: (973) 364--77573 Nov 8: The “Turtle Lady”, Cindy Pierson, will present the research and rehab efforts Press 1 for: Final Friday Film Fest (last Friday of each month) underway to save the snapping turtles of Pompeston Creek. Press 2 for: Ron Pate’s upcoming hike Press 3 for: 2nd Monday monthly meeting Dec 13: Year-end Wrap-up and Holiday Party. Bring your favorite holiday treat to share Press 4 for: 3rd Tuesday of the month dinner in Montclair as we review our successes for the past year and plan for the challenges that we will Press 7 for: Joyce Haddad’s outings face in 2006 as we work to save the planet. Press 8 for: Singles Dance-and-a-Movie or Volleyball South Jersey Group The BEST way to be notified of upcoming events is to join our listserv by visiting http://lists.sierraclub.org/archives/nj-ssingles-nnews.html (long, isn’t it). All events, (Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and Salem Counties, approximately) including those planned after publication, will be sent to your email mailbox. If you prefer not to receive email, you may view all messages which have been sent to the OFFICERS: listserv by going to http://lists.njsierra.org/pipermail/nj-sierra-singles-announcements- Group, Outings Chair: Tom Boghosian 609-625-0878 [email protected] njsierra.org/. Vice-CChair: Sally Nunn 609-704-1790 [email protected] Conservation Chair: Open position! OFFICERS: Pol. Chair, Calendars: Dick Colby 609-965-4453 [email protected] Chair: Bob Johnson [email protected] Membership Chair: Gary Roman 609-625-3438 Outings Chairs: Joyce Haddad [email protected] Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Akers 856-697-3479 [email protected] Dave Ogens [email protected] Conservation Chair: Mary Walsh [email protected] The central conservation issue, for which the Group was founded in the 1970s, con- Treasurer: Joyce White [email protected] tinues to be protection of the Great Egg Harbor Wild & Scenic River, and continues to Webpage designer: Tom Miller [email protected] consume the energies of those few officers who remain active — both within the Social Chair: Adriana Allegri [email protected] Sierra Club and in two other organizations that have “spun off” from the South Jersey Programs: Diana Eichholz [email protected] Group. Very few of our local members seem interested in the meetings we’ve sched- Publicity: Lynn Forrest [email protected] uled in the past few years, and many of them have been cancelled for lack of interest. Membership: Walter Goldenbaum [email protected] For the present, we’ll continue to be listed in this Newsletter, and offer a point of con- Calendar Chair: Nancy Sullivan [email protected] tact for Club members in South Jersey who want help with local issues. If you have topics (and places) for meetings, please let the officers know about them. Please con- Volunteer Opportunities: We need volunteers in all areas of the state to run events. tact the officer(s) specified in advance of each meeting, if you wish to attend; other- Volunteers needed for the positions of: hike leaders, Fundraising Chair/Co-Chairs, and wise we’ll cancel. We welcome general comments from Club members in South members of all committees, including social event planners. Please attend an execu- Jersey. To be placed on a carefully guarded distribution list for local issues and meet- tive committee meeting or email any of the officers if you are interested. You may co- ings, please e-mail [email protected]. chair any position with a friend, if desired. We’re happy to help you learn the ropes.

Current Issues: Club officers and staff have been following closely the several studies GENERAL MEETINGS: Casual pizza gathering, introduction to club issues and activi- seeking to determine sustainable water supply levels for southeastern New Jersey, ties, and activist letter-writing. SECOND MONDAY of each month starting at 7pm with with the hope that findings will be used by planners (such as those employed by the optional pizza, at the Chatham Library (214 Main St). Guest speakers at each meeting Pinelands Commission) to limit population growth. Another hot issue is proposals to at 7:30pm. $5 donation at door and RSVP (required for pizza only) to develop several large tracts of environmentally sensitive land in Millville. [email protected] or 973-364-7573, ext. 3, by noon the day before. (Please leave name and specify plain or veggie-topping pizza.) Free (and no RSVP required) if you’re Great news: On July 29, Julie Akers, our Group Secretary and not having pizza. Treasurer, received the NJ Governor’s Award for Volunteerism — for her many environmental accomplishments as a volunteer. Oct 10: Movie or speaker to be decided. Please join our listserv or call our phone line to find out more details as the date nears. Beyond service to the Sierra Club, Julie’s activities have included: Nov 14: One of our most popular speakers, Ken Mayberg, will be sharing slides of • Organizing Atlantic County Friends of the Park, which promotes the County Vietnam. This country, still emerging from years of war and economic challenges, pos- Park System, sesses rare beauty. See traditional tribes wearing colorful costumes, women working • Chairing the Buena Vista Township (BVT) Environmental Commission, and the rice paddies, the river-based lifestyle of the Mekong Delta, and monuments to past resisting the siting of a landfill, empires. Get ready to see a side of Vietnam you’ve never seen before. • Spearheading the 20-year effort to achieve federal Wild & Scenic Status for the Great Egg Harbor River, Dec 12: Ultra-fabulous holiday party! Join listserve for details. • Organizing the Watershed Association for the River, • Leading an effort to provide environmental education in local schools, Directions to the Chatham Library: From I-287 take Rte 24 East to Exit 8 (Summit Ave). • Serving in the DEP’s Wildlife Conservation Corps, monitoring locations of Turn left at the top of the ramp and then left again so you go back onto Rte 24 headed endangered frog species, West. Take exit 7A for Chatham and bear right onto Rte 124 (Main St). Follow Main St. • Serving on the Atlantic County Parks and Environment Advisory Commission, through the traffic lights at University and Hillside Avenues. The Library is to your • Managing BVT’s Clean Communities Program, which cleans roadsides and right about 1/2 block past the Hillside Ave traffic light. From Parkway take I-78 West to reports illegal dumpers. Rte 24 West. Take exit 7A for Chatham and follow above directions. For further direc- tions, call the library at 973-635-0603. Relevant Meetings: Sep 27 (Tues): 7pm: Opportunity to catch up on conservation planning for the Great ExCom MEETINGS take place once a month at various locations. All welcome. Contact Egg Harbor Wild and Scenic River, at a public (membership) session of the Watershed any officer for location. Association (an organization that once got its start as our Group Executive Committee!). Clay Sutton, ornithologist, will report on bird sightings on the River in SOCIAL GATHERINGS: 2005. For more information or to confirm, call Fred Akers, 856-697-6114. Warren Fox SOCIAL DINNER: FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at 6:30 pm. Join us for dinner in Nature Center. Morristown at the Famished Frog. RSVP required; join our listserv for further details.

Oct 19: (Wed): 7pm: Great Egg Harbor River Council: Comprehensive Management SOCIAL DINNER: THIRD TUESDAY of each month at 7pm. Join us for dinner in a Plan implementation meeting. Contact Fred Akers, 856-697-6114. Warren Fox Nature Montclair restaurant. Location will be announced 2 weeks before the social. RSVP is Center, Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor (milepost 15 on NJ Rte 50). required to [email protected] or 973-364-7573 option # 4.

Nov 9: (Wed): 6:30pm: Bi-monthly meeting of Citizens United to Protect the Maurice Oct 6, Thursday, 9pm – “Young Sierrans” Bar & Music Night. For environmentally- River and its Tributaries. Meeting place: Millville Public Library, 210 Buck Street. minded singles 20-39 years of age. We are forming a new sub-group within the Sierra Cumberland County development issues are usually discussed, including updates on Club Singles Section for the 20s and 30s age group. Houlihans Restaurant, 1288 US Rte the Holly Farm and the Airport Race Track. Call Julie Akers, 856-697-6114 22, Bridgewater. Gather with the Young Sierrans at the bar for some nice conversa- tion, cocktails, and friendly atmosphere. At 10pm a guest DJ will rock and roll the night away with 80s music. RSVPs recommended by 10/5 to Seniors Section [email protected] or call 973-364-7573 push option # 1. (A new chapter-wwide special interest section offering hikes/cleanups, social gatherings, movies, meetings, etc.) Oct 15, Saturday, 6-99pm – “Young Sierrans” Exotic Dinner & Belly Dancing. Marakesh Restaurant, 321 Rte 46 East, Parsippany, NJ. For singles 20 to 39. Approximate Cost: The Section hopes to promote Senior participation in letter writing campaigns, in $36 for members, $39 for non-members. Price is subject to change; please contact social outings, and in increasing membership in a dynamic group component of the event coordinator close to the time of event for exact pricing. Price includes a 6- NJ Sierra Club. For further information, contact Nancy Carringer course Moroccan dinner, appetizers, dessert, tax, tips, along with exotic belly dancing ([email protected]) or Richard Isaac ([email protected]). show of both men and women in traditional garb. The restaurant limits us to 20 seats; only RSVP if you are serious about coming. RSVPs required by 10/14 to [email protected] or call 973-364-7573 push option # 1. This event is not Singles Section recommended for vegetarians. (A chapter-wwide special interest section offering hikes/cleanups, social gatherings, movies, meetings, etc.) Nov 9, Wednesday, 5-77pm: Happy Hour with Optional Dinner Afterwards. Mortons Steakhouse at the Shops of Riverside, One Riverside Square, Hackensack. Singles Please join us! The NJ Singles Section was specifically created to offer a variety of singles-ori- Mortini Nights. Enjoy a select offering of $4 martinis and complimentary filet mignon ented activities to NJ Sierra Club members and those who would like to know more about sandwiches during this midweek Happy Hour. For those who would like to get to know us. We are not a local group; we are a statewide additional “layer” of Club involvement. others better over an optional steak dinner you may head into the dining room after- Everyone is welcome to attend our events. Come out and meet fellow Club members and wards. Our group has reserved space in the bar area limited to 40 people; RSVPs required by 11/1 to [email protected] or call 973-364-7573 push option # 8.

Please share this newsletter with a non-member friend, inviting use of the coupon on p. 12 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 11

HIKES: Hammonton, Burl. Co., Overnite camping is available at Bass River SP contact leader for information. Leader Please see the Outings section of this newsletter for our hikes. Many of Paul Serdiuk’s Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. or [email protected] South Jersey hikes/events are also oriented toward singles. Oct 1 (Sat) 10:30 am: Delaware Water Gap/Sunfish Pond. Moderate paced 11-mile hike includes steep climb up to Mt. Tammany and then ridge walk to Sunfish Pond & return on AT. Fall colors should be great. Bring lunch & lots of water. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417, eblu- Sierra Student Coalition [email protected] Oct 2 (Sun) 9:30 am: Singles Kayak Trip, Atlantic County. We will do the Egg Harbor River and view the bril- (a semi-aautonomous organization of college and high school students) liant fall colors along the river. Easy paddle. Wear proper paddling clothes as well as a change of clothes. Pizza party after the trip with volleyball game. Call leader to reserve a kayak, space limited. Meet at Palace Resturant, 6924, Black Horse Pike, Mays Landing, Atl. Co. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eves. or Website: www.ssc.org/nj [email protected] Contact Tejal Kuray; 732-770-2142; [email protected] for information. Oct 9 (Sun) 9am: Southern Allaire State Park (Special Interest: Geology) 4.5-mile moderate hike is in the north- ern fringes of the Pine Barrens. Bring drink and snack. Hiking shoes preferred. Meet at the large dirt parking lot on the right, off Hospital Rd., in Wall Township. Take GPS to exit 98, turn right on to Allenwood Rd. At Inner City Outings Section “T” intersection (Ramhorn Rd) turn right. Make next left (Hospital Rd.) the parking area is approximately 1 (another Chapter-wwide special interest activity) mile on the right. Bad Weather Cancels Confirmation/Questions call Leader Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or [email protected] (JS) OFFICERS: Oct 14-116 (Fri-SSun): Alpine Inn, Catskill Mts. NY. Fall Hiking Weekend. Hikers can explore and photograph the scenic mountain beauty of the miles of spectacular state maintained trail system covering this mountain Chair range. Our several hiking trips offered each day are rated from the easiest to more difficult. In the evening by (North/Central Jersey): Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953 [email protected] fireside we plan a great mountaineering color slide program and/or a magic show. Excellent accommodations Co-CChairs and gourmet food! Total cost for 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and one trail lunch with all taxes & gratuities $200. This is a joint trip of the AMC, Sierra Club and UCHC. Leader: Al Tatyrek (eve 973-763-2303 - (South Jersey): Joy Booth 856-486-1574 [email protected] no calls after 10pm, please). Send transportation info, activities planned and other info with $100 deposit and and Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512 [email protected] SASE envelope to our co-leader and registrar. Balance of payment is due on arrival at the Alpine Inn. Registrar and Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156 [email protected] & Co-leader: Peter Beck, H (201) -274-4471, P.O. Box 267, Wharton, New Jersey 07885 Oct 16 (Sun) 5:30 pm: Moonlight Hike-DD&R Canal Towpath. Hike under the full moon along the easy 3.7-mile Inner City Outings is a community outreach program which provides wilderness towpath trail. We will walk from the Rocky Hill entrance to the towpath to Kingston Lock and back. Meet at Rocky Hill entrance to towpath, Rte 518. Please bring a flashlight. Rain cancels. Leader: Sandi Lowich, adventures for inner city youth of NJ. Volunteer certified outings leaders conduct out- [email protected] (RV) ings on weekends, generally day trips on Saturdays. Oct 18 (Tues) 6:45 pm: Singles Moonlight Hike, Wharton Tract. Easy 6-mile brisk hike on sand roads. Hike the Pines under the Hunter Moon as we relieve the tension of the week. Bring snack food to share at our tailgate NJ is currently served by two ICO groups, one in the northern/central region and one social after the hike. Meet in open field by Atsion Office, on Rte 206, between Rte 70 and Hammonton, Burl. in the southern region/Camden area. If you would like to experience the rewards of Co. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. or [email protected] introducing NJ inner city youth to the wonders of nature, your involvement is encour- Oct 21-223 (Fri-SSun): Singles Hike, Bike & Camp Weekend Lehigh Gorge SP, PA. 10am Saturday. 6 miles mod- aged and you are requested to contact us at the above email addresses. To learn more, strenuous hike Mt. Pisah Sat. with its beautiful views of the Lehigh River and the town of Jim Thorpe. Sunday visit our webpage at http://www.sierraclub.org/ico/newjersey/, or send an email to mountain bike/hike trails along the river. Camping Fri & Sat nights at Mauch Chunk Lake SP. Or just come up for hike or bike portion. NP/NC. Great time to be in the Pocono Mts. with the fall colors. Contact leader for [email protected]. additional info. and meeting place. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. or [email protected] Oct 22 (Sat) 10am: D&R Canal Path and Baldplate Mountain. 8 miles: Moderate+ Meet: Washington Crossing Park: Parking Lot (NJ) next to river (turn left off of Rte 29 north, immediate right). Leader: Ken Mayberg, 609- 443-9138 [email protected] Oct 23 (Sun) 12 Noon: Cheesequake State Park. Easy 2.7-mile hike. The trail will take us past pine barrens, a Learn more about your dark, mysterious freshwater white cedar swamp, and a hardwood forest. Meet at the parking area. Call park environment… for directions: 732-566-2161. Rain cancels. Leader: Sandi Lowich, [email protected] (RV) Oct 29 (Sat) 10:15 am: Gertrude’s Nose, New Paltz Moderate paced 10-mile hike from Lake Minnewaska to OutingsOutingsOutings take a Sierra Club Gertrude’s Nose. Great views and some scrambles. Bring lunch & lots of water. Limit 12 people. Must prereg- ister. Optional dinner in New Paltz after hike. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417, eblumenkrantz@hot- educational hike! mail.com Oct 30 (Sun) 9:15 am: Pine Meadow Lake Loop. Beautiful 10-mile moderate paced hike along the streams to/from Pine Meadow Lake and the Egg for NY skyline views. Bring lunch & lots of water. Optional GROUP OUTINGS COORDINATORS ty, welfare and enjoyment of all participants. Leaders pizza/beer stop after the hike. Limit 12 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417 determine qualifications to participate, adequacy of [email protected] Central Jersey: Ken Mayberg equipment, routes to be followed, and special precautions to be taken. Please arrive adequately prepared and Oct 30 (Sun) 9:30 am: Singles Hike - Hawk Mountain PA. 7 miles at moderate pace. Hawk Mt. Bird Sanctuary, [email protected] Hamburg, PA. Observe a variety of hawks and other migratory birds in a natural setting. Spectacular views of Essex County: David Ogens 973-226-7107 (H) equipped. If you have any allergies, please remember to the valley and ridge. Good boots and physical shape required. Bring binoculars. NC/NP. Optional family style bring your medication. The leader has the final word in [email protected] dinner at a local eatery after hike. Contact leader for carpool/caravan information. Meet at Hawk Mt. Visitors the conduct of the trip. Your cooperation will help assure center. Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. or [email protected] 29 Hatfield Street, Caldwell, NJ 07003 a safe and pleasant outing. Hudson-Meadowlands: Vacant Please arrive early at the meeting place so that the out- Jersey Shore: Mike Verange 908-732-8364 (H) ing can start on time. For day hikes, lunch, water (at least NOVEMBER [email protected] a liter), extra clothing, rain gear, and emergency equip- 1497 W Front St, Lincroft, NJ 07738 ment should be carried in a small daypack. For all except Nov 5 (Sat) 10:30 am: Social Hike/Clean-uup in Harriman State Park NY. We will hike 3 to 4 miles of somewhat Loantaka: Joyce White 908-272-4478 (H) easy hikes, sturdy over-the-ankle shoes or boots should rocky terrain in and around Lake Skannatati at a leisurely pace. Have fun and do a good deed as we make this [email protected] be worn. For most trips, you are expected to have your scenic lake more scenic by getting rid of litter. Highlights include the rugged beauty of Harriman & Lake Skannatati. Work gloves will be provided. Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good con- North Jersey: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417 own equipment. In some cases, it may be rented from outdoor/camping suppliers -check the yellow pages or dition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet at parking lot for Lake Skannantati and Lake Askoti on [email protected] call the trip leader. If the weather is questionable on the Seven Lakes Drive. Garden State Parkway north to exit 163 (or I-287 North) and take the Rte 17 exit. Proceed north on Rte 17 into New York. Immediately after the town of Sloatsburg, turn right onto Seven Lakes Drive. Northwest Jersey: Pat Mangino, [email protected] date of the outing, you may assume that it will take place, Raritan Valley: Vacant The parking area is about 8 miles up Seven Lakes Drive, just after on Kanawaukee Circle. Rain cancels. unless the schedule indicates otherwise. Leader: Joyce White, 908-272-4478 or [email protected] South Jersey: Tom Boghosian 609-625-0878 (H) Unless registration is required, such as for weekend [email protected] trips or river tours, or if you have a question about the Nov 18 (Fri) 7pm: Singles Moonlight Hike and Campfire, Wharton Tract. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike the 3722 Lehigh Ct., Mays Landing, NJ 08330 outing, it is not necessary to contact the leader before Pines under the Beaver Moon and return to a campfire. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NC/NP. Meet at Atsion Lake, Burl. Co. From Rte 206 take Atsion Rd. west 1 mile, go to Goshen Pond West Jersey: Dan Procida 609-767-2149 (H) the trip. Do not call to join a trip after the posted dead- Group site sign turn left go to camping area. Camping is available Friday; call to reserve space. Leader: Paul 813 Old White Horse Pike, Waterford Works, NJ 08089 line date. When phoning a leader, please honor his or Serdiuk, 609-463-3593 eve. or [email protected] River Touring: Fred Tocce 908-453-2205 (H) her requested calling times and call 3 to 5 days before the outing. Please include a self-addressed, stamped Nov 19 (Sat) 10am: Tallman Mountain State Park, NY. 7 miles. We will hike through Tallman Mountain State Rd 1 Box 277, Washington, NJ 07882 envelope (SASE) when writing to a leader. On popular Park and view the berms and salt marsh. We will then walk the mile-long Piermont pier halfway across the Inner City Outings: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953 (H) trips, Sierra Club members will be given preference. Hudson! Trails include the Long Path. Bring lunch and water. You can take the 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A NJ-ICO, 17 Mt. Horeb Rd. Warren, NJ 07059 bus from the Port Authority terminal to meet Leader in Piermont by 10:15. Drivers meet in front of 450 Watercraft trips let you experience the unspoiled parts Piermont Ave. (building with mural) at 10am. Leader: John P. Jurasek, 845-365-3618 (no calls after 10pm) or Chapter Outings: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417 of our region, but water safety does impose special [email protected] (ACOC) [email protected] requirements. The size and skill of each party must be appro- priate to each river, so participation in each trip must be at the Nov 20 (Sun) 10am: Singles Hike: Washington’s Crossing SP, PA. Hike 6 miles at a moderate pace. Historic Outing Leaders: Please send January-March 2006 write- discretion of the leader. We ask you to register at least one trails through rolling wooded hills. NC/NP. Bring picnic type food for tailgate social after the hike. Contact week in advance. Unless a phone number is provided, leader for carpool/caravan information. Meet at Park HQ on Rte 32, on the PA side . Leader: Paul Serdiuk, 609- ups to your Group Outings Coordinator before November 2. 462-3593 eve. or. [email protected] If you are planning to lead an outing close to the beginning please send a SASE with an honest assessment of your of one of our quarterly publication periods, please submit it paddling experience, whether you need or can offer a ride, Nov 25 (Fri) 10am: New Jersey Horse Country Bike Ride - 25 miles – includes lunch stop. Moderate pace. for the previous Sierran, due to the occasional lag in mail- your phone number, and any questions you may have. You Meet at Allentown, NJ Elementary School Parking lot (by playground) Take I-195 to Rte 539 towards ing. Also, please send outing rosters or sign-up sheets to will receive a description of the trip, with directions, where you Allentown. Follow signs for Walnford Mill. Leader: Ken Mayberg, 609-443-9138 [email protected] the Chapter Office as soon as possible after each outing. can rent a canoe, and what you will need to bring. Almost all Nov 27 (Sun) 9am: Manasquan River Reservoir, Monmouth County. (Special Interest: birds) Enjoy an easy 5- trip leaders can arrange for partners to share a canoe if you mile circular hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe water-fowl. Bring snacks, Note: If possible, leaders should send their trip descrip- will be coming by yourself. Unless stated otherwise: rental drinks, bird books or binoculars. Hiking shoes are not required. This is a great family hike. Meet at the main tions to the Group Outings Coordinator instead of directly canoes are available, trips do not require advanced paddling entrance to the reservoir on Windeller Rd. Take the GSP exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rte 9.) Go to the Chapter Outings Coordinator. This is particularly skill or exceptional physical conditioning, public transportation north on Rte 9. Make first right onto Windeller Rd. The main entrance is 1.5 miles on your left. Meet in the important for occasional leaders. is not available, non-members may participate, and responsi- parking area at the far left toward the back. Bad weather, cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange @aol.com (JS) Group Outings Coordinators: Please submit your ble smokers are welcome. January-March 2006 trip write-ups by November 9. If you are a Sierra Club member interested in becoming NOTES ON OUTINGS: All Outings are open to Club mem- an Outing Leader or have suggestions for new outings, DECEMBER bers, guests and anyone interested in outings. Unless oth- contact your Group Outings Chair or the Chapter Outings erwise specified, the events are free and open to the pub- Chair for assistance and further information. The Sierra Dec 3 (Sat) 10:15 am: Minnewaska/Lake Awosting, New Paltz NY. Scenic 11-12-mile loop at moderate pace along trails and carriageways to Lake Awosting. Bring lunch & lots of water. Limit 12 people. Optional dinner lic. ALL participants must sign liability waivers on ALL out- Group contributing each outing is given at the end of the write-up, as follows: stop in New Paltz after hike. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417, ings sponsored by Sierra Club. This is a new policy. Please [email protected] check with the leader before bringing small children on an (C) Central Jersey (JS) - Jersey Shore Dec 4 (Sun) 10am: Ramapo Reservation. Moderate paced 10-mile loop connects Ramapo to Ringwood State outing. A parent or other responsible adult must accompa- (L) - Loantaka (N) - North Jersey ny persons under 18. At their discretion, leaders may per- Park. Bring lunch & lots of water. Limit 12 people. Optional pizza/beer stop after hike. Must preregister. (NW) - Northwest Jersey (S) - South Jersey Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417, [email protected] mit pets on outings if the event description specifically (W) - West Jersey (NJ) - NJ Chapter includes bringing pets. (H) - Hudson (RV) - Raritan Valley Dec 10 (Sat) 3pm: Walk & dinner in Princeton NJ. Easy 4-5 miles. Meet: Main gate leading into Nassau Hall: Intersection of Nassau and Witherspoon Streets Leader: Ken Mayberg, 609-443-9138 [email protected] Sierra Club outings are arranged by volunteer leaders (IC) - Inner City Outings (RT) - River Touring who are in charge of the trip and responsible for the safe- (E) - Essex County (ACOC) - Atlantic Chapter Dec 11 (Sun) 10:15 am: Tallman State Park NY. This fairly easy 6-7-mile hike has just two hills as we walk Outings Comm. from Piermont up to the ridge in Tallman State Park and on to Sneedens Landing. Optional lunch in Piermont after walk. Limit 15 people. Must preregister. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, 201-784-8417, eblumenkrantz@hot- mail.com OCTOBER 2005 Dec 11 (Sun) 9:30 am: Singles Hike in Wissahickon Gorge PA. 8 miles moderate pace over hills. Hike the Gorge in late fall with its spectacular views. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. Proper Oct 1 (Sat) 4:45 pm: Singles Sunset Hike, Star gaze and camping, Burlington County. 6 miles at moderate hiking shoes required. Contact leader for carpool/caravan information. Meet at Valley Green parking lot in pace. Hike between two rivers as we watch the sun set over the pines. We come back to our social and then park. NP/NC. Leader Paul Serdiuk, 609-462-3593 eve. or [email protected] meet with the Willingboro Astronomical Society to view the night stars. NP/NC. Bring picnic type food to share, blanket or chair to sit on. Meet at the northern parking lot Batsto Village, Rte 542, 8 miles east of (Continued on page 12)

“Sing all ye joyful, now all sing together! The wind’s in the treetop, the wind’s in the heather. ” — JRR Tolkien 12 The Jersey Sierran: October-December 2005 OUTINGS (Continued from page 11) Dec 17 (Sat) 10:30 am: Social Hike in Hacklebarney State Park. We will hike about 4 miles at a moderate pace. NEW JERSEY CHAPTER Highlights include waterfalls & the Black River Gorge. Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet at the parking lot of Hacklebarney State Park. Take I-78 West to exit 29 (I-287 North). Then take exit 22B (Rtes 202/206 North). Follow 202/206 LEADERSHIP North until fork, and then take Rte 206 north to Chester. Make left onto Rte 24 West (Rte 513) and proceed about 1½ miles and make sharp left onto State Park Road. Drive 2 miles & make right onto Hacklebarney Road. Drive about 1 mile & make left at entrance. Follow entrance road to parking lot and meet group near Chair Issue Coordinators the park ranger office. Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce White, 908-272-4478, [email protected] * Ken Johanson (908) 464-0442 Dec 17 (Sat) 7pm: Singles Moonlight Hike and Campfire, Wharton Tract. 6 miles at moderate pace. Hike the [email protected] Alaska Coalition Organizer Pines under the Beaver Moon and return to a campfire. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after 72 Laurel Drive, New Providence NJ 07974-2421 Julia Millan Shaw (215-732-5897) hike. NC/NP. Meet at Atsion Lake, Burl. Co. From Rte 206 take Atsion Rd. west 1 mile, go to Goshen Pond [email protected] Group site sign, turn left, go to camping area. Camping is available Saturday; call to reserve space. Leader, Vice-Chair Paul Serdiuk, 609-463-3593 eve. or [email protected] Ruth Prince (908) 284-9103 Clean Air Issues [email protected] Bob Campbell (908) 273-5720 Conservation Chair [email protected] FUTURE TRIPS Laura Lynch (609) 882-4642 18 Shadyside Av, Summit NJ 07901-2111 Jan 1, 2006 (Sun) 9am: Clayton Park Upper Freehold Township. (Special Interest: History). Ring in the New [email protected] Bill Green (908) 276-2357 Year with a moderate 6-mile hike in one of Monmouth County Park System’s best-kept secrets. Moderate ele- 11 Lumar Rd., Trenton, NJ 08648-3127 [email protected] vation gains. Hiking shoes not required. Bring snack and drink. Meet at the Wawa store near the intersection Conservation Vice-Chair 2 Roger Av, Cranford NJ 07016-2715 of County Road 537 and I-195 in Upper Freehold Township. Bad weather (including snow cover) cancels. Michel Cuillerier (973) 736-0913 Confirmation/ Questions call Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@ aol.com (JS) [email protected] Delaware River Issues Gina Carola (856) 848-8831 NEW YEAR’S IN QUEBEC — Dec 27, 2005 - Jan 2, 2006 — $875. Six days and six nights. Lodging at Loews’ Political Chair [email protected] Le Concorde. Alpine & nordic skiing at Mont St Anne. Includes New Years Eve party, lodging, buffet break- 534 Elberne Av, Westville NJ 08093-1715 fasts, four dinners, and transportation by motorcoach. $300. deposit & large SASE by Dec 1st. Please register * Rich Isaac (973) 716-0297 early: Call leader beyond this date for availability. Leader: Norman Adis, 163 Hillside Ave, Livingston, NJ [email protected] Environmental Justice 07039. Phone: 973-994-2933, [email protected]. Co-leaders: Dan Parietti, 212.781-2038, dparietti@world- 47 Fellswood Dr., Livingston NJ 07039-2235 net.att.net; and Rob Greenberg, 973.334-0125, [email protected] Political Vice-Chair Zoe Kellman (201) 321-4578 John Kashwick (201) 660-8820 [email protected] Madeira - The Garden Isle Hiking Trip - April 19-30, 2006: Madeira, considered one of the most beautiful [email protected] islands in the world, has a fabulous network of hiking trails throughout the island that will take us through Forestry Issues hillsides and mountains filled with flowers and lush vegetation. Some trails have outstanding views of the Secretary Nancy Carringer (732) 438-8688 mountain and ocean. The island, off the coast of Portugal, is the only place the ancient forests of Europe have * Bonnie Tillery (609) 259-6438 [email protected] survived. We will also visit a few small villages, gardens, vineyards (home of the famous Madeira wine) and [email protected] Global Warming stay at nice hotels/inns throughout the trip, changing location every 1-2 nights to see different towns/areas 389 Sawmill Rd, Hamilton NJ 08620 on the island. Hikes will be about 6 hours each day, at a moderate pace with a lunch break. Maximum 10 Faith Teitelbaum (732-229-0553) people. Trip price $2500 includes international airfare from Newark or New York, all lodging, all breakfasts, Treasurer [email protected] all dinners, all local transfers and a local guide. Flights to Funchal, Madeira via Lisbon or London. Or you can * George Denzer (609) 799-5839 Highlands Issues arrange your own airfare and pay $1500 for land-only portion of the trip. Contact leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz [email protected] Open position by email: [email protected] or 201-784-8417 for a detailed itinerary. 127 Dey Road, Cranbury NJ 08512-5418 Outings Chair Marine Issues THE JERSEY SIERRAN Tina Schvejda (see Dennis Schvejda, below) Ellen Blumenkrantz (201) 784-8417 The Jersey Sierran is the newsletter of the New Members, send changes of address to [email protected] Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club. Readers are encour- 43 Carlson Court, Closter NJ 07624 NY-NJ Trail Conference Delegate [email protected] or to Sierra Club, Dennis Schvejda (973-427-6863) aged to submit articles, photographs, artwork, cartoons P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80328 and to the Chapter on environmental subjects, letters to the editor, poetry, Office, 139 West Hanover St, Trenton, NJ 08618 or call Newsletter Editor [email protected] press releases and expressions of opinion. 415-977-5653. Dick Colby (609) 965-4453 Articles and letters should be submitted typed and [email protected] Passaic River Basin Issues double spaced (or preferably by e-mail or on disk: call for Editorial Board: Dick Colby, George and Joan 217 Liverpool Av, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215-1319 format information). Send submissions to: Dick Colby. Michel Cuillerier (see left column) Denzer, Rich Isaac, Ken Johanson, Laura Lynch, The deadline is the 10th of the month two months Webmaster prior to the issue date. Chris Mills, Ruth Prince, Paul Sanderson, Sunil George Newsome (732) 308-1518 Pinelands Issues The opinions expressed in The Jersey Sierran are not Somalwar, Bonnie Tillery and Jeff Tittel. Lee Snyder (see left column) necessarily those of the New Jersey Chapter, the Sierra [email protected] Editor: Dick Colby, 609-965-4453, PPA Laiason: Mike Gallaway Club or the editor. Nor does publication of an advertise- Membership Chair [email protected] ment imply Club endorsement of the advertised prod- [email protected] Chris Mills (973) 377-1742 uct(s) or service(s).Copyright 2005. All rights reserved. The Layout/Design: Karen Brown, 856-547-9221 [email protected] Population Issues contents of The Jersey Sierran may be used without per- Bonnie Tillery (see left column) mission in publications of other entities of the Sierra Club. Advertising: Contact [email protected] or 732-572- Group Effectiveness Chair Acknowledgement of the source would be appreciated. 7721. E-mail preferred. (Instructions available Rich Isaac (see above) Sprawl Issues Some display advertising may be accepted. Please at http://newjersey.sierraclub.org/njs_sierran/njs_adver- Jane Tousman (see left column) contact the Advertising Manager before submitting an tise.asp) Council Delegate ad. Placement of any ad is contingent upon availability of Tiger Conservation Issues space and must meet Sierra Club guidelines. Contributors to this Issue: Rich Isaac, Kelly McNicholas, *Jane Tousman (908) 561-5504 Jeff Tittel, Bonnie Tillery, Michel Cuillerier, Brian Brookoof, Sunil Somalwar (see left column) The Jersey Sierran is published quarterly by the New [email protected] Bill Klitgaard,Sunil Somalwar, and Ken Johanson. 14 Butler Rd., Edison NJ 08820-1007 Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, 139 W. Hanover St, Alternate: Rich Isaac - (see above) Transportation Issues Trenton NJ 08618. Thank you to all who contributed. The Jersey Sierran is Bob Johnson (see left column) produced mostly by volunteers. Other ExCom members at large * Bob Johnson (908) 598-0656 Wildlands Issues [email protected] Dave Mattek (609) 737-1342 174 Summit Ave #32, Summit NJ 07901 [email protected] * Sunil Somalwar (732) 572-7721 4 1/2 Park Av, Pennington NJ 08534-2313 [email protected] Enjoy the Beauty of 1015 South Park Ave., Highland Park NJ 08904-2954 Utah Issues * Lee Snyder (856) 596-0621 John Kashwick (see left column) [email protected] Student Outreach Coordinator Jeff Huppert (973) 263-0344 [email protected] Fall Regional Issues Committee Chapter Office 609-656-7612 *Joan Denzer** (see George Denzer, above), 139 West Hanover Street, Trenton 08618 Bob Johnson, George Denzer fax: 609-656-7618 Atlantic Coast Ecoregion Delegate Joan Denzer (see above) Chapter Director: Jeff Tittel Legal Chair [email protected] Bill Singer, Esq. (908) 359-7873 Conservation Program Coordinator Fundraising Committee Kelly McNicholas 609-656-7612 Ken Johanson**, Ruth Prince, Joan [email protected] and George Denzer, Sunil Somalwar, Tina Schvejda If no one is in the office to take your call, please Personnel Committee leave a message on the answering machine. Ruth Prince**, Ken Johanson, Sunil Please SPELL YOUR LAST NAME, and state Somalwar, George and Joan Denzer whether the phone number you leave is for daytime Legislative Committee or evening. Ken Johanson**, Dave Mattek, Joe Leist, Kelly McNicholas, Carolyn Freeman, Charles Sheard, Jeff Tittel, Dennis Schvejda, Laura Lynch Upcoming ExCom Meetings: Litigation Oversight Committee All members are welcome to attend these Ken Johanson**, Ruth Prince, monthly (except December) statewide policy Carolyn Freeman deliberations, held in the NEW BRUNSWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY, 60 Livingston Avenue, a Finance Committee 10-minute walk from the train station. Details, George Denzer**, Sunil Somalwar, including agendas, public transit and driving Ken Johanson instructions, are available in advance from Facilities Committee(office, Ken Johanson, the Chapter Chair. meeting sites) George Denzer**, Joan Denzer, October 22 • November 19 4000 Bob Johnson, Sunil Somalwar, Bonnie Tillery Conservation and/or Political Committee meet- ings start at 10am. Lunch is shared at noon. The * Indicates Chapter-wide elected ExCom members. main meeting starts at 1pm. We sometimes con- ** Indicates committee chair or co-chair tinue discussions informally over dinner at a nearby restaurant, at 5pm.

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