on Page 1 Page on “Wild Forest” Program Forest” “Wild LEAN IR www.dallassierraclub.org Page 1 To Help To C A Page 6 You Can Do You Find Out What The Compass Dallas Sierra Club April 20 & 21 April 2002

Dallas Executive Committee Adopt a Shoreline Carol Nash H: 214-824-0244 [email protected] John Rath, Chair H: 817-488-3489 [email protected] Becky Fisher H: 972-488-0529 [email protected] Conservation Committee Rita Beving Griggs W: 214-373-3808 [email protected] Carol Nash H: 214-824-0244 [email protected] Co-Chairs John Rath H: 817-488-3489 [email protected] Calvin Nichols H: 972-240-4141 [email protected] Joenie Mein H: 214-320-3275 [email protected] Conservation Issues Terry Sullivan H: 972-492-3038 [email protected] Leaders Tom Toland H: 214-871-7116 [email protected] Clean Air / Media Rita Beving Griggs W: 214-373-3808 [email protected] Liz Wheelan H: 214-739-2269 [email protected] Endangered Species Tom Green H: 972-684-5423 [email protected] Forests Cliff Rushing W: 972-701-6484 [email protected] Political Coordinator Multimodal Transportation Bud Melton H: 214-826-2144 [email protected] David Griggs H: 972-406-9667 [email protected] Population Gayle Loeffler H: 817-430-3035 [email protected] Sustainability Margie Haley H: 214-823-1537 [email protected] Newsletter Editor Recycling Tom Toland H: 214-651-5606 [email protected] Matthew Wales H: 214-575-5079 [email protected] Rivers / Wetlands Protection David Gray H: 214-342-2019 [email protected] Solid Waste Shirley Holland H: 972-294-8078 Webmaster Trinity River Joe Wells H: 214-948-3406 [email protected] Jay Davison H: 972-238-7847 [email protected] Urban Sprawl Charles Townsend H: 214-363-0924 [email protected] Water Coordinator Needed Photography Energy Lisa Silguero H: 972-307-6791 [email protected] Wendell Withrow H: 972-416-2500 Inner City Outings Chair Liz Wheelan H: 214-739-2269 [email protected] Sierra Club HQ / Austin 512-477-1729 Toll Free Numbers for Congress 800-962-3524 Media Rita Beving Griggs W: 214-373-3808 [email protected] 800-972-3524 Website www.dallassierraclub.org Membership Chair George Zimmerman H: 972-315-2049 [email protected]

Sierra Singles Jennifer Lehman H: 817-263-1357 [email protected] Dallas Sierra Club Non-Profit Organization PO Box 800365 US Postage Outings Committee Chair Mick Nolen H: 972-991-9351 [email protected] Dallas, Texas 75380 PAID Backpacking Volunteer needed Bicycling Volunteer needed Richardson (214) 369-5543 Canoeing / Kayaking Lige Balceszak H: 972-416-0630 [email protected] Permit No. 1181 Car Camping Jay Davison H: 972-418-8519 [email protected] Dayhikes Steve Longley H: 214-826-3993 [email protected] Family Outings Jay Davison H: 972-418-8519 [email protected]

Program Chair Kevin Yeats H: 214-368-1346 [email protected]

Program Sales Coordinator Patsy Huston H: 972-732-6566

Special Events Coordinator Volunteer needed Video Lisa Silguero H: 972-307-6791 [email protected]

Volunteer Coordinator Volunteer needed

Issue 0402 April 2002 April 2002 The Compass

A monthly publication of the Dallas Sierra Club DAVID CRABB HONORED BY ICO

ong time Dallas Sierran David LCrabb was recently honored for 10 years of volunteer service and leadership with the Dallas ICO group. Volunteers with Inner City Outings, Sierra Club's outreach pro- f people in general could be got out into the woods, even for once, to gram, are a group of special adults who take time out of their busy lives to hear the trees speak for themselves, all difficulties in the way of forest I share the great outdoors. They bring preservation would vanish." -John Muir the wilderness to those who, without We in Sierra Club recognize humanity's shared responsibility to pre- ICO, would probably otherwise not serve our wilderness for future generations. It is a task that will be hand- have the opportunity to experience the ed down to our children. Will they shirk, or shoulder it? If they too are to adventure, fun and value of nature. become loving and responsible stewards of this land, they too must learn David started with Dallas ICO in to hear the trees speak. 1992 and first volunteered to help with This is the commitment of the Dallas Inner City Outings Program. Inner our annual Earth Day Jamboree. He City Outings (ICO) is a community outreach program of the Sierra Club soon worked toward becoming a that introduces low-income, inner city youth to the joys and responsibilities Certified Trip Leader and helped coor- of the wilderness. With the guidance of ICO volunteer leaders, participat- dinate outings with a group of boys from Beckley Saner Recreation ing youth discover the beauty of wild lands and how to enjoy these places Center. With David's guidance over without harming them. several years these at risk youth learned how to prepare for and enjoy ICO NEEDS YOUR HELP camp outs and backpack trips, includ- ing trips on trails through Caney Creek The Inner City Outings' Annual JAMBOREE draws children from all over and Wichita Wildlife Refuge. David the Dallas, involving youth of differing races and cultures in a celebration also was chosen to lead a national ICO of nature. outing taking three boys on a five-day This year, Jamboree takes place the weekend of April 20 and 21 at the backpack trip through the Wind River Environmental Center in Lancaster, Texas. Volunteers will guide partici- Range in Wyoming. pating children, aged 8-14, through hands-on, fun activities including day David's dedication to ICO has not been limited to leading outings. He and night hikes, a pond study, and canoeing. Drawn from community cen- has been a Coordinator for ICO's ters and schools in underprivileged areas of Dallas, participating children Annual Earth Day Jamboree, also will learn to pitch a tent, toast s'mores, and prepare wilderness Chairperson of the Dallas group, "feasts". Regional Representative, and current- Volunteers will be asked to assist also in setup April 19, and all must ly chairs the National ICO Steering attend an orientation the evening of Monday, April 15. Committee. David also continues to If interested (and we sure hope so!), please contact volunteer coordina- lend his wisdom while serving on the tors Martha Germann at 972/503-5244; or Paul Zoltan at 214/941-4816(w) Dallas ICO Steering Committee. or 214/324-4249(h). And if you would like to make any type of donation See “David Crabb” towardsthe event or ICO in general, it would also be appreciated. Page 7

April’s Program SAVING THE WILD FORESTS Cliff Rushing will be speaking at April’s General Meeting. ince President Bush took office An Untrustworthy Service? The General Meeting will be held Sthere have been repeated on Wednesday, April 13, at the Over the years the informed public attempts by the Bush E.D. Walker Vanguard School. Administration to weaken the protec- has learned that it can not trust the tions established for our public lands. Forest Service. Our national forests President Clinton signed an executive were established to create watersheds Galleria Valley View order protecting the Roadless Areas on to cleanse our drinking water and to protect public forested areas for future our public lands. The Bush generations. The Reagan LBJ Freeway Administration has attacked this exec- Administration decided that our public utive order on several fronts, and con- lands should pay for themselves. That Harvest Hill tinues those efforts today. The Bush administration established harvest E.D. Walker Administration wants to open up the quotas in our forests. Trees on Forest Vanguard School Arctic National Wildlife Refuge for oil Service lands have been cut even if drilling. This administration is trying to there is no demand for the lumber or wood products. Cutting continued re-write the rules for the oversight of Wozencraft our public lands to remove the public's even with low lumber prices resulting right to comment, to appeal and to in very little revenue to the Forest affect changes. They have established Service. When the Forest Service tim-

ber hits already low market, wood Monfort / Nuestra Preston Road a process called Categorical Tollway Forest Lane prices fall even lower. Low lumber Exclusions to bypass existing environ- prices and high harvesting costs result mental safeguards. It’s time for this to in large and continuing loses from The Dallas Sierra Club’s general meetings are stop. We need to create laws that will these efforts. The costs include build- held the second Wednesday of each month. safeguard our forests and wild lands ing roads and payments to counties Meetings are open to all interested persons. from environmental destruction. We and school districts in lieu of taxes. The meetings begin at 7pm at the E.D. Walker need to stop these roadblocks to our “Clearcutting” See “Wild Forests” School on the corner of Montfort and democratic freedoms. Page 7 Wozencraft, MAPSCO 15S. The Compass April 2002 1 The Compass Volunteer Of The Month April 2002 Letter From Chair Volume 100, Issue 0402 The Compass is the monthly publica- Beth Harty tion of the Dallas Group of the "It Only Takes A Passion Attorney General John Cornyn and Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter. To Make Things Happen" the companies in litigation; it is a eth Harty has been a mem- Members of the Dallas Group sup- Dallas Sierra Club triumph for the Bber for 16 years. She port The Compass and receive the Dear Fellow Sierrans: entire citizenry of the Lone Star served on the Executive publication as a part of their mem- State. Although the effort is still not Committee (Excom) for 2 years. bership. "Never underestimate the ability of over and there are still some stiff This past fall she co-chaired the REI Gift wrap (our annual fundraiser). Subscriptions. For information con- a few sincere, committed individuals challenges to achieve our original When she couldn't find a volunteer cerning your subscription, call Arthur to change the world. Indeed, that's all objective, there is cause for celebra- for a gift-wrap time slot she worked Kuehne at (214) 353-2927. Non-mem- that ever has". Margaret Mead. tion; AND RECOGNITION. the shift herself. Beth has helped out ber subscriptions are available: one For this month's message I can Thanks to the courageous 1999 at garage sales and holiday parties. year, $10 (includes postage). To sub- think of no better quote. A little over 3 Dallas Sierra Club Executive She always jumps in where needed. scribe, send a check made payable to years ago a small group of Dallas Committee for their leadership, the She has led backpack trips, car- “Dallas Sierra Club”. Sierra Club leaders said "no more" to Lone Star Sierra Chapter staff for the dangerous and disgusting toxic their encouragement and expertise, camps, dayhikes and bike rides. Sierra Club waste filling the air and lungs of our Stuart Henry for being our strategist She is an inspiration for us all. The Dallas Regional Group club members and millions of citizens and front line soldier, Rita Beving, our club needs more people like her. P.O. Box 800365 downwind of the TXI cement plant in inspirational crusader/ media Please join us in congratulating Beth Dallas, Texas 75380 Midlothian, TX. The Dallas Sierra expert/protest organizer/fundraiser as volunteer of the month. Club joined a few other committed and finally you the member for saying Address Changes. If you have ques- concerned groups and sued TXI to yes to the ideals of John Muir. It won't tions or comments regarding your stop the pollution by making the com- be the last time we seek your psy- membership, change of address, or pany stop burning toxic wastes. You, chological, physical and financial sup- mailing problems and delays, please our club members, supported that port/involvement as long as there's a GENERAL mail or e-mail Sierra Club headquar- stance with your encouragement, need to change the world through ters at: time and financial contributions. protection of our environment. CALENDAR Sierra Club Member Services This February, after 3 years of I hope you enjoy this Compass edi- 4/3 • 5/1 First Wednesday. Executive PO Box 52968 court testimony and an appeal to the tion and find a way you can "make a Boulder, Colorado 80322-2968 Supreme court of the United States, change". Our great outings, commu- Committee Meeting 6:30PM at REI the underdog (that's us) is not only nications and conservation programs 2nd floor metting room (I-635 [email protected] still in the game, but gaining momen- are here to help you do just that. between Welch Road & Midway Submissions. Article and photograph tum. The Supreme courts ruling (see Road, MAPSCO 14Q), to discuss submissions are always welcome. the conservation section of this pub- John Rath Club projects, policy and finances. All Please send submissions by the lication) is much more than turning Honored Chair of the members are welcome to attend and deadlines given in the General back a malicious challenge by TX. Dallas Sierra Club participate. Call Terry Sullivan at Calendar. Send submissions to (972) 492-3038. the newsletter editors at the e-mail address and phone numbers listed on 4/10 • 5/8 Second Wednesday. Sierra the back fold. Club General Meeting 7:00-8:30pm in the auditorium at ED Walker School © 2001 Dallas Sierra Club (Corner of Montfort & Wozencraft, MAPSCO 15S), come early to pick up activity materials and afterwords join the socializing at Juan’s Cantina.

4/12 • 5/10 Second Friday. Deadline for electronic materials to be submit- ted to The Compass. E-mail to sierra- McCOMMAS BLUFF NATURE PRESERVE [email protected] or deliver Saturday April 13, 2002 9:00am to 4:00pm diskettes to editors during the General Meeting. Enjoy the Season on the McCommas Bluff overlooking the Trinity River Explore the upland woods and fields and 4/17 • 5/15 Third Wednesday. Outings the riparian bottomland hardwood forest Comittee Meeting 7:00PM REI Identify wildflowers, native flora and fauna (Mapsco 14Q), to discuss outings schedules and issues. All outings Interpretive Nature hikes and information booths leaders, future outings leaders, and del A. With Learn about the history of Dallas' locks and dam interested Sierrans are welcome. Call Wen row Bring a picnic and enjoy the Great Trinity River Forest Arthur Kuehne at (214) 739-2927 for Attorney at Law Come and go at anytime more information. Board Certified Civil Trial Law Jim Flood 972 557-1144 • [email protected] 4/22 • 5/20 ICO Meeting. Fourth & Monday. 7PM at REI. Contact Liz Personal Injury Trial Law Wheelan at (214) 739-2269. Location: Mapsco 68B Texas Board of Specialization W ithrow , Fiscus Directions: From I-45 exit East Loop 12 and drive east to Longbranch. I-635 take 4/24 • 5/22 Fourth Wedensday. & Mongogna US-175 (CF Hawn Fwy) to Loop 12 (Buckner) and exit West/South. Go about one Newsletter Party 7:00PM at the block (to the West) and turn left (South) on Longbranch at the Fina Station. Chruchill Recreation Center at Follow the signs. Longbranch changes into Riverwood and ends at the Preserve entrance. Hillcrest & Churchill Way (MAPSCO 972•416•2500 Or 15V). Help sort, bundle and label the Fax 972•417•0685 From I-20 east of I-45 exit at Dowdy Ferry Road and turn North. Go about a mile- newsletter. Socializing afterward. 1120 Metrocrest, Suite 200 and-a-half and turn left (West) on Fairport. Turn left (South) at the first intersec- Contact Joe DeVito at (972) 562- tion at Riverwood and follow the signs to the parking area. Carrollton,TX 75006 0082.

2 April 2002 The Compass Have You Always Dreamed of Being an Executive? National ooking for that next lucrative Lmulti-million dollar insider trad- ing deal or a discrete off-shore Forest hideaway? One place to start might be the Sierra Club Executive Committee. They must all be Executives, right? Well, not exactly. But the good news is Protection that you don't need to wear a tie or panty hose and you don't need to check your ethics at the door. The Saturday, April 6, 9AM-7:30PM main requirement is dedication to the When: goals of the Sierra Club and a willing- MEMBERSHIP ness to commit your time and energy to Where: Davy Crockett National Forest in East Texas your local club. POTLUCK Leslie March has moved to Louisiana, and since her new home Registration only $20, including meals and job are just a bit too far away for M•I•X•E•R easy commuting, she has resigned her position on the Executive Committee. unday, April 14, All members Registration: Please reserve your spot by April 3 by We know Leslie will be having fun and Sand prospective members are contacting Ayelet Hines at the national Sierra Club office, working hard for the environment down invited to attend the monthly (512) 472-9094 or [email protected]. Cost if you're spending on the bayou. However, her departure Membership Potluck. Melvin and Saturday night, which includes meals and snacks, is $30. If you're not leaves a vacancy on the Executive Linda Sharp are hosting our get togeth- spending the night Saturday, cost with meals and snacks is $20. There Committee and we need someone to er this month. They live at 12126 will be fun activities for those staying over Saturday. take her place. This person could be Vendome Place in Dallas. We'll meet YOU! If you are interested in joining from 6:30 till 8:00 P.M. Bring a dish to the Dallas Sierra Club leadership team, share and your eating utensils. This is please contact John Rath or any of the a great opportunity for new members other members of the Executive to meet other members and for some Committee. Their names and numbers good clean fun. are listed on the back of this newsletter. For more information please call (Recently unemployed Enron Mick Nolen at (H) 972-991-9351. Executives need not apply.) E-mail: [email protected] Sierra Club TV

The Dallas Sierra Club has a televison program that airs on the Dallas, Carrollton, Plano, Richardson, Garland and Rowlett Community Access chan- Death & Taxes nels. If you do not have cable, you can pick up a VHS copy at the Dallas Sierra We Can't Help You With Death, Clubmeeting. The Dallas Sierra Club program needs your support! Watch it and let us know what you think. But We Can Help You With Your Taxes! If you have some video production experience, give us a call. Simple Wills Please call (214) 369-5543 or video committee chair at (972) 307-6791. $75.00 per Person to the First 50 People Project I : EARTH - PROGRAM AIR TIMES Dallas-DCTV AT&T Cable Services Contact Wendel Withrow, Attorney at Law WED 10pm 13B 972-416-2500 SAT 2pm 13B SUN 9am 13B All proceeds go to purchase video projector Carrollton AT&T Cable Services and sound equipment for the Sierra Club. TUE 9am 74 THU 8pm 74 Plano/Richardson AT&T Cable Services TUE 7pm 10A Garland/Rowlett AT&T Cable Services TUE 10pm 74

The Compass April 2002 3 April 2002 Sierra Club Outings

www.dallassierraclub.org

East Texas event you won't want to 214-824-1128 (Steve) Backpacking miss. [email protected] Contact: Arthur Kuehne APR 6 (SAT) FOURTH ANNUAL 214-902-9260 or Canoeing WORLD'S LONGEST DAYHIKE. If [email protected] you're tough enough, come and join your fellow Sierrans for a 23-mile day- APR 13-14 (SAT-SUN) BUFFALO Car Camping hike on the White Rock Creek and NATIONAL RIVER TRAIL BACK- White Rock Lake trails. Meet at 8:00 PACK. Explore the beginnings of the AM at the north end of the White Rock APR 13 (SAT) WHITE ROCK LAKE Buffalo National River Trail in northern Cycling Creek trail in Valley View Park, on CLEANUP. Help clean up the Dallas Arkansas. We'll hike fifteen miles of Valley View, just east of the intersection Sierra Club's Adopted Shoreline. Meet beautiful trail winding through the hol- of Hillcrest and Valley View (just north at the For the Love of the Lake office lows and bluffs of this protected area. Day Hiking of 635, Mapsco 15-R). We'll hike down parking lot on level below Eckerd's in Hike begins Saturday morning at the to White Rock Lake, around it, and Casa Linda Plaza (on Buckner facing Steel Creek Campground on the banks back. Bring your most comfortable Doctors Hospital, just north of Garland of the Buffalo River. Saturday's travel Education walking shoes, Mole Skin, extra socks, Road, Mapsco 38-J) at 8:00 AM for will be about 9 miles. We will camp water (water and bathrooms are avail- registration and refreshments. Saturday night in one of the many val- able along the trail), lunch, and rain Leader: Carol Nash ley hollows that mark this area. Service Project gear (if rain is in the forecast). Optional 214-824-0244(H) Sunday, we will complete the journey dinner / funeral / foot replacement after [email protected] by about 2:00 PM. Moderate difficulty the hike. due to the ups and downs. Waterfalls, Notice: To receive this outings list Leader: Arthur Kuehne wildlife and great views. monthly via e-mail, send message to: 214-902-9260(H) Leader: Bill Beach [email protected] [email protected] 214-662-3224 APR 13-14 (SAT-SUN) HIGH ISLAND 214-824-4584 Type SUBSCRIBE OUTINGS LIST on BIRDING. No camping, stay in motel the subject line. two nights. Best birding experience in APR 17 (WED) OUTINGS COMMIT- Texas to see return of migrants. TEE MEETING. Meet in the upstairs HOW THE OUTING APR 6-7 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER Leader: Don Purinton program room at REI (on north side of PROGRAM WORKS BACKPACK on the 4-Cs TRAIL. 972-985-1774 LBJ between Midway and Welch), at Beginner backpack trip on the north [email protected] 7:00 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings are open to mem- half of the 4-Cs trail in Davy Crockett Dallas Sierra Club Outings program. bers and non-members. Some trips may require National Forest (East Texas near We will be planning summer outings special qualifications and capabilities. The leaders Rusk). Total of 10 relatively flat hiking and bus trips. All outings leaders, of each outing / trip are serving in a volunteer miles in pine forest, 6 miles on future outings leaders, and interested capacity and assume no responsibility above that Saturday and 4 miles on Sunday morn- APR 13-14 (SAT-SUN) LITTLE MIS- Sierrans welcome. of trip organizer. If you have a medical problem, it ing. Dogwood and redbuds should be SOURI RIVER BEGINNER BACK- Contact: Arthur Kuehne is your responsibility to inform the leader before the outing / trip. Outing / Trip leaders are encouraged in bloom. PACKING TRIP. We will do a leisure- 214-902-9260(H) for details. to participate in training and classes to increase Leader: Kent Trulsson ly backpack of approximately 6½-miles their skills, but they are not paid professionals. 214-704-4253. over 2 days along one of the most sce- They will assist you within their limitations. It is the nic backpacking trails in Southwest responsibility of the participant to be aware of any Arkansas. Because the trail follows the personal limitations before going on an outing. upper reaches of the Little Missouri APR 20-21 (SAT-SUN) LAKE MINER- Radios and firearms are prohibited from all out- River there is minimal elevation AL WELLS STATE PARK HIKE and ings. Pets are not allowed unless specifically stat- APR 6-7 (SAT- SUN) BEGINNER change, but do be prepared for stream BIKE CARCAMP. Camp at Lake ed. All outings officially begin at the trail head or BACKPACK in BEECH CREEK, OK. crossings. There will opportunities for Mineral Wells State Park, a beautiful outing start point. Leaders cannot assign carpools, but may help coordinate ride sharing for energy An easy 4-mile hike through the beech optional exploratory dayhikes also. nearby park featuring steep hills, deep conservation and to promote fellowship. All non- trees to camp, then dayhike Saturday Drive up Friday night and return ravines, open savannah and a lake commercial transportation is the responsibility of afternoon. If it's warm there's a good Sunday. Preference will be given to surrounded by timber-covered hills. the individual. Car-pooling is SOLELY voluntary, swimming hole! graduates of the Beginner Saturday we will bike the Lake Mineral but the costs are shared. The usual method of Leader: Bill Greer Backpacking Class. Wells State Trailway to Weatherford, sharing transportation cost is for all riders in the 972-964-1781 Leaders: Steve Longley about 30 miles round trip. Sunday we car, including the driver, to divide the cost of trans- [email protected] Marcos Jorge will hike one of the park's scenic trails. portation equally. The recommended method of computing cost is to multiply round trip mileage by $0.13 a mile for small cars, $0.16 for large cars and $0.19 for vans. Before leaving, be sure this or some other method is agreed upon. Most outings require reservations. To participate APR 12-14 (FRI-SUN) TWENTY- in an outing contact the leader, who will decide if THIRD ANNUAL TEXAS WILDER- the trip you are interested in is suitable for you NESS POW-WOW. This year's POW- based on your capabilities and the demands of the WOW will be held at Ratcliff Lake trip. There is usually a limit to the number of peo- Recreation Area in Davy Crockett ple allowed on a given outing / trip. Reservations National Forrest. Plan now to join us are necessary for outings unless otherwise noted. for a wonderful weekend of guided If you must cancel, inform the leader as soon as possible so that someone else can go in your nature walks, interesting speakers, and place. entertainment by the Environmental Please respect the wishes of your leader who Troubadour, Bill Oliver. The proposed has volunteered his / her free time to allow you to Upper Neaches Scenic River will be go on the trip of your choice. If you have any ques- featured. Learn why this designation is tions, or if you are interested in becoming a leader, needed to protect this beautiful river contact either the Outings Chair or the appropriate from unneeded dams. Sponsored by Outings Committee Coordinator on the newsletter TCONR, the Sierra Club, and many back page. other organizations, this is an annual 4 April 2002 The Compass Plan to camp Friday night as well or We won't carry a heavy pack, but since 90 miles in the area of Richland to outdoor fun. River Legacy Park, arrive Saturday by 10 AM for the bike the trail runs north-south and the Vienna. The exact river dates and Arlington. Bring your own picnic lunch ride. Bring your bike, helmet mountains go east to west we'll earn locations are to be determined (dates or your own veggie grillers. We have (required), repair kit and water bottle. our supper! We'll do two different sec- listed include driving time from Dallas). four large grills. A little cold or drizzle Call park at 512-389-8900 or visit the tions of the trail; about 6 to 8 miles Camping will be at primitive sites along and this event is still on. This is an Texas State Park website for campsite each day. This trail is a few miles east the river. There will be some small unofficial Sierra Club activity. reservations. Sign up is required. of Caney Creek Wilderness. We'll car rapids on this river, so some canoe Leaders: Mark and Jeanni Capell camp Friday and Saturday nights. camping experience and intermediate Monday, March 18 at 7:00, join us for 214-821-7557 Leader: Bill Greer 972-964-1781(H) canoeing skills are required. For more dinner at Marco Polo Italian restaurant, [email protected] [email protected]. information on this river, see located at 1001 NE Green Oaks in http://members.aol.com/mmcbs2/gas- north Arlington. conade.html. Contact: Jenny Lehman. Leader: Mark McClain [email protected] Saturday, April 13 join us for a 2 - 3 APR 26 (FRI) ILLINOIS RIVER MAY 11-12 (SAT-SUN) BEGINNER 972-253-4449 hour hike at Tandy Hills Park in east CANOE TRIP in OKLAHOMA. Stay in BACKPACK TRIP at BEAVERS Fort Worth. Meet in the Tandy Hills cabin or camp out on Thursday night, BEND STATE PARK, OK. We'll hike a parking lot at 10:00 a.m. BRING: canoe Friday, return Fri night. Canoe section of the David L. Boren Trail. Water - Snacks or sack lunch. Wear rental available. Moderate river. We'll hike about 5 miles on Saturday sturdy hiking shoes because, we will Leader: Don Purinton and about 3 miles on Sunday. This trail JUL 13-14 (SAT-SUN) 13TH ANNUAL not always be hiking on the trail. After 972-985-1774 is hilly so it is rated as a moderate BASTILLE DAY CANOE TRIP on the the hike, if you want, we may adjourn [email protected] beginner hike. Red River. Come celebrate this famous someplace close for eats. (Forth Worth Leader: Arthur Kuehne French holiday with a 20-mile trip down Mapsco 87C) 214-902-9260 the Red River above Lake Texoma. Leader: Rebecca Mehrer [email protected] We will camp Saturday night on a large (214) 904-8184 sand bar and enjoy French food and [email protected] MAY 4 (SAT) LAKE MINERAL WELLS MAY 15 (WED) OUTINGS COMMIT- wine. Participants must have some Co-leader: Jenny Lehman STATE TRAILWAY BIKE RIDE. We TEE MEETING. Meet in the upstairs canoeing experience and they must will ride this easy bike trail from program room at REI (on north side of bring something French or they will be Monday, April 15 join us for dinner at Weatherford to Lake Mineral Wells LBJ between Midway and Welch), at guillotined at dawn. China Terrace restaurant, located at State Park. Total round trip distance is 7:00 PM. Bring your ideas for the Leader: Arthur Kuehn 5435 N. Macarthur Blvd in Irving. about 30 miles. Bring your bike, helmet Dallas Sierra Club Outings program. 214-902-9260(H) Contact: Jenny Lehman. (required), repair kit, lunch and water. We will be planning summer outings [email protected] Signup required. and bus trips. All outings leaders, Friday, April 26 7:45-10:15 p.m., Ice Leader: Arthur Kuehne future outings leaders, and interested skating at Polar Ice rink (972) 874- 214-902-9260 Sierrans welcome. 1930...Come join us for an evening of [email protected] Contact: Arthur Kuehne skating and fun, with an optional 214-902-9260(H) AUG 30-SEP 2 (FRI-MON) HIGH UNI- restaurant stop afterwards to recount TAS UTAH BACKPACK TRIP. our great moves and spills! Meet by Backpack in the High Unitas (60 miles the skate rental counter at 7:30 p.m. or from Salt City). Most highly rated place at the open end of the rink at 7:45 p.m. MAY 11 (SAT) WALKING TOUR of in Utah Mountains. Suggested fly/ drive when the session begins. If you can't CLYMER MEADOW. Tour this 1,000- MAY 24-28 (FRI-TUE) MEMORIAL leaving Thursday night and return find the group, look for Tammy or acre virgin Blackland Prairie on the DAY BUS TRIP to the GILA WILDER- Tuesday mMorning. If you want to fly, Jeneanne who will be wearing Unity rolling hills of northwestern Hunt NESS. Join our first bus trip to the Gila you need to purchase air tickets now to and American flag pins - please feel County, near Greenville. Join our Cliff Dwellings National Monument in get low prices over popular weekend. free to wear yours to more easily iden- Nature Conservancy guide as we southwest New Mexico. If you want a Leader: Don Purinton tify our group. No reservations--just explore one of the largest and most leisurely Memorial Day, you can camp 972-985-1774 show up. $7.50 admission + $3.25 diverse remnants of the Blackland right where the bus drops you and [email protected] skate rental; coin-operated lockers (75 Prairie and one of the most scenic enjoy short hikes to cliff dwellings and cents) available. Grapevine Mills Mall. areas in North Central Texas. On this hot springs, or you might choose easy This skating event is an unofficial easy dayhike we will learn about the to moderate backpack trips to camp in Sierra Club activity. meadow's plants, history and efforts to meadows or mesas. Serious hikers will Contact: Tammy Monasco preserve it. A $5 per person donation be able to traverse rivers, forests, and [email protected] to the Nature Conservancy will be col- mesas seeing glorious scenery and (972) 291-8221 lected to help further their conservation back country hot springs. Our char- Sierra or Jeneanne Carson efforts. Sign up required. tered sleeper bus will leave Dallas at [email protected] Leaders: Mark and Jeanni Capell 4:30 PM on Friday, May 24 and return (817) 860-1870. [email protected] at about 5:00 AM on Tuesday, May 28. Singles 214-821-7557 The cost is only $160 for Sierra Club Friday - Sunday, May 10-12, join us at members and $175 for non-members. Caddo Lake for a canoe / trip. We will A $10 fee is charged for cancellations Outings camp in shelters at Caddo Lake State and no refunds will be made after May Park and canoe rentals are available 11 unless a replacement is found. To Saturday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. join there for $30 per canoe. Maximum 24 MAY 11 (SAT) WHITE ROCK LAKE sign up, send a check made payable to us for a day hike at the Dallas Nature people, including leaders, allowed on CLEANUP. Help clean up the Dallas Dallas Sierra Club to Jay Davison, Center, located at 7171 Mountain this trip so sign up early! Please RSVP Sierra Club's Adopted Shoreline. Meet 2521 Lake Bend Terrace, Carrollton, Creek Pkwy. Plan to hike at a brisk to DeAnn by March 29 and pay a at the For the Love of the Lake office 75006. pace for about 6-7 miles. No reserva- deposit of $15. After you officially sign parking lot on level below Eckerd's in Bus trip leader: Jay Davison tions necessary. Rain or severe up you will receive a more detailed trip Casa Linda Plaza (on Buckner facing 972-418-8519 weather will cancel. description. Doctors Hospital, just north of Garland [email protected] Leaders: Jenny Lehman Leader: DeAnn McDaniel Road, Mapsco 38-J) at 8:00 AM for reg- Jeff Schmidt (469) 467-7007 istration and refreshments. [email protected] [email protected] Leader: Carol Nash (972) 228-1908. Co-leaders: Jenny Lehman, Larry 214-824-0244(H) Shindel and Beth Burgeson. [email protected] JUN 15-23 (SAT-SUN) WEEK LONG Saturday, March 16 is VSOD's CANOE CAMPING TRIP on the GAS- (Vegetarian Society of Dallas) celebra- Just a reminder that all events official- CONADE RIVER. This canoe trip will tion of Great American Meat-Out. ly begin at the event site / trailhead. be on the Gasconade River, in the Come and go from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm. northern Ozark region of Missouri. The Join VSOD and other non-profit Contact for Sierra Singles information: MAY 11-12 (SAT-SUN) DAYHIKING on trip will involve 5-7 days on the river groups, for a vegetarian picnic, sharing Jenny Lehman, (817) 263-1357 or the ATHENS-BIGFORK TRAIL, AR. and cover a distance of approximately of general information, and a day of [email protected]. The Compass April 2002 5 Conservation News Darker Skies & Dirty Lies New The Undermining of the Clean Air Act EPA Plan

or those still doubting the Is FPresident’s intent on undermin- Worthless ing clean air, the letter of resig- nation by Senior EPA Official Eric itizens predicted it, and now Schaeffer is a must read (The letter CEPA has confirmed it: the lat- can be found at est government ozone clean- www.BlueSkiesAlliance.org). up plan for Dallas-Ft. Worth fails to Schaeffer, an attorney and Director of bring the area into "attainment" with Regulatory Enforcement with the EPA, the Clean Air Act. Based on the com- left the agency saying that "We are ... puter modeling that drives these fighting a White House that seems things, the plan only had a margin of determined to weaken the rules we are error of less than one part per million to trying to enforce." begin with. That is sure to be exceed- Although this isn’t the first time the ed many times over with the recent Administration’s EPA has distorted news that auto emissions were under- the truth to seek dirtier environmental SIERRA CLUB KO’S TXI estimated in the adopted proposal by policies, this is the first blatant and up to 90%. unabashed attempt to gut the Clean Sierra Club Wins Over citizen may have been denied the right As many of you might remember, Air Act. For even the most informed of Attorney General At to appeal to a higher court such as the several environmental and public inter- readers it is difficult to discern the dif- Texas Supreme Court District Court and upwards, where per- est organizations including the Dallas ference between facts and political In TXI Case mit cases are more apt to win. Sierra Club, SEED Coalition, propaganda so provided below are a This case will be in the law books Downwinders At Risk, and Public few facts to help readers wade ell, the verdict is in and the and will be talked about in law schools Citizen predicted the plan's failure through the political rhetoric. WSupreme Court Justices of in Texas. when the plan was adopted by the • Fact Number 1: The Clean Air Act Texas rendered a unani- And now we can move forward with TNRCC in 2000. has worked to improve air quality mous decision giving the Sierra Club a our long-awaited appeal. Already 4 of Now, EPA has not unexpectedly con- while the economy has grown and victory over the Attorney General John our 35 litigants near and around firmed that their improved computer energy supplies have increased. Cornyn and the TNRCC. The verdict Midlothian whom we were trying to modeling of auto emissions, called According to the EPA’s own analysis marks a 3-year journey of the Dallas help have died. It is time to help clear MOBILE6, reveals larger volumes of the Clean Air Act hasn’t hampered the Sierra Club and its allies in the Texas the air and stop this cement plant from pollution coming from vehicles than its economy or energy supplies. Since Industries (TXI) permit case in their continuing to burn without the modern older one, MOBILE5. A lot more. 1970 the gross domestic product efforts to appeal the initial permit deci- technology it should have on its aging In an EPA test run of the MOBILE6 increased by 158%, vehicle miles trav- sion by the TNRCC commissioners to 4 kilns. Please look for a letter to modeling on DFW's smog problem, it el increased by 143%, and energy allow the cement kiln to almost double come from the club in your mailbox found 90% more Nitrogen Oxide (NOx) consumption increased by 45%. At its burning of hazardous waste without regarding funds needed for the and 21% more Volatile Organic the same time the total emission of the Compounds (VOCs) coming from cars sufficient pollution controls. appeal. Now we need your help. six primary pollutants decreased 29%. in 2003 than the previous model If the Attorney General would have Let's get the job finished that this club Clean air is not taking a toll on the (MOBILE5) had predicted. Even after won the case, it would have set a set out to do 5 years ago. economy or energy supply. precedent to possibly deny all Texas new cleaner car technology is factored • Fact Number 2: The Clean Air Act, in by 2007, these pollutants are under- citizens the right to a permit appeal to if it’s enforced, will continue to make Thank you, Rita Beving, Conservation estimated by 44 and 2%, NOx and a court higher than the State Office of dramatic improvements in air quality. Co-chair VOCs respectively. Administrative Hearings. In other Numerous electric power companies, NOx and VOCs, when cooked under words, if a citizen had a permit for a refineries, and other industrial sources In memory of Cecil Booth of Midlothian sunlight, are the ingredients that cause have violated a key provision of the polluting permit dealing with air, water, who passed away in March 2001. ozone. Ozone exposure has been Clean Air Act named New Source solid waste, or hazardous waste, etc. a linked to long term health problems Review. New Source Review requires including respiratory illness. facilities to get cleaner as they under- Furthermore, air quality is not only go major modifications. The U.S. Friends of Clean Air Fund exasperated by pollution levels coming Department of Justice has brought from vehicles, but it’s also exasperated lawsuits against these lawbreakers __ Yes, I want to help Sierra help clean the air by a county that’s out of compliance but court cases are in limbo due to a with federal law and an industry which halt on enforcement by the from TXI’s emmissions. is working to sabotage attempts to Administration. clear the air. • Fact Number 3: Big polluters have __ $10 __ $50 __ Other $_____ In North Texas there is one persist- gone to the Vice-President Dick __ $25 __ $100 ent Clean Air Act violator which has Cheney and the Department of gone unpunished for its violations: Energy in an effort to evade complying Please mail your donation to: Ellis County. Ellis County has broken with New Source Review. In turn, Sierra Club Foundation the federal clean air law but yet the Cheney, the Department of Energy, PO Box 800365 state has failed to force Ellis County and other White House figures have Dallas, Texas 75380 into writing a clean-up plan. In addi- strong armed the EPA into weaken tion, sitting less than one mile south of enforcement actions and they’ve been Dallas County are the largest industrial This donation is tax deductable. You will receive an See “Dirty Lies” aknowledgement from the national office for your gift. See “EPA Plan” Page 7 Page 7 6 April 2002 The Compass EPA PLAN SAVING THE From Page 6 WILD FORESTS emitters in North Texas. According to From Page 1 the most recent TNRCC Emissions Data (1999) four facilities in Ellis 300,000 miles of all weather roads are dedicated to logging. Funding to coun- County contribute almost half of all the ties and school districts is so sporadic, industrial emissions. That’s four facili- that they are unable to establish budg- ties compared to 395 facilities (pollu- ets. The General Accounting Office tion graphs can be found on the web at calculates that Americans paid $2 bil- www.BlueSkiesAlliance.org). lion between 1992-1997 to turn our Citizen’s have done their part. Even forests into stumps. This effort to make power plants in East Texas and the the forest pay for themselves has metroplex have done their part by cut- become a large boondoggle. We need ting their emissions by as much as to stop throwing away tax dollars to 80%. So isn’t it time that someone do subsidize money losing timber sales something about Ellis County? that wreck environmental havoc. Even if we only consider financial reasons, ark your calendars and plan to take a working vacation to Lake Whitney we need to stop logging on our public DIRTY LIES MState Park (60 miles south of Forth Worth) for an exciting line-up of lands. speakers and strategy sessions on Saturday, April 27. The Lone Star The Forest Service and other gov- From Page 6 Sierra Club, League of Women Voters of Texas Education Fund, Sustainable ernment agencies use clearcutting to successful as Schaeffer’s resignation Energy and Economic Development Coalition, Public Citizen, Peace Action harvest our public lands. Clearcutting indicates. Texas, the Peace Farm, US PIRG, and Representative Lon Burnam invite you to means cutting all the trees no matter • Fact Number 4: The EPA offered a participate in an invigorating day of nationally renowned speakers, serious plan- what size, scraping the land clean so conciliatory plan to industry in an ning and strategizing with activists from around the state, good food, and music there is no underbrush, then burning the leftover limbs and brush. This cuts attempt to maneuver the White House, around the campfire. many trees before they are ready for DOE, and industry’s desire to shred the harvest. It leaves the land exposed current Clean Air Act. The EPA and the The goals of the "Beyond Nukes" conference are: • To bring together a broad range of people who favor phasing out nuclear power and unprotected, so the topsoil washes DOE bickered privately over their ver- away. It takes hundreds of years for sions of clean air plans and in the end and replacing it with clean, safe, renewable energy sources that do not produce long-lived waste. topsoil to develop. The wasted topsoil the DOE won, the EPA lost. On then flows into rivers and streams • To educate ourselves on local, state, and national nuclear and energy issues Valentine’s Day President Bush causing siltation. This kills fish and • To begin to formulate strategies for the 2003 state legislative session, specifi announced his "Clear Skies" plan with other aquatic wildlife and continues on great fanfare, even though EPA career cally, to stop legislation creating a private radioactive waste dump in Texas up the food chain. Our rivers become officials knew he was talking about a • To strengthen and structure the connections between us, forming a lasting net murky and unappealing. Clearcutting rollback of the Clean Air Act. work. Activists from Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, San Antonio, Austin, and other and topsoil erosion also lead to the • Fact Number 5: Congressman Joe urban areas need to meet those from West Texas. many mudslides reported in the Barton, a representative from North • To have fun, share music and culture, and get to know each other Explore and Northwest in recent years. Texas, will be carrying the legislation discuss the role of the Texas-Maine-Vermont compact on behalf of the White House and big Why Clearcut? polluters. Over the course of the next Topics include: few months Barton plans to “overhaul” Nukes 101 Basics National Overview: Nuclear Energy and Waste and Status The Forest Service promotes the Clean Air Act which will entail the of State Compacts Texas Overview: 1) The Nuclear Industry in Texas, from clearcutting for financial reasons. gutting key clean air safeguards. uranium mining to waste disposal to nuclear weapons, 2) Texas Renewable Harvesting trees now rather than let- Energy PotentialWhat's Expected To Happen in the Texas Legislature in 2003 ting the trees mature brings revenue to Katy Hubener is the Director of the Results of the Sierra Club report on nuclear waste generation and storage the bottom line now. Re-planting in Blue Skies Alliance and Sierra Club in Texas. fast-growing tree species will produce member. More information on this revenue to the bottom line sooner in subsequent harvests. The money issue and others can be found on the Other sessions will address: earned from timber sales today can web at www.BlueSkiesAlliance.org, Organizing for action on nuclear waste disposal in Texas Developing a Pro- earn more in interest than the future or contact Katy at Active Plan to Phase out Nuclear Power and Replace it With Clean, Renewable value of subsequent harvests. [email protected]. Energy Forming a more structured statewide network and communications Selecting just the mature trees structure, and drafting a statement of principles on radioactive waste Blue Skies Alliance requires skilled labor. Someone has to evaluate the trees and decide which P.O. Box 763844 Sunday April 28: Demonstration at nearby nuclear power plant at 11:00 AM. trees to harvest. Next, a skilled lum- Dallas, TX 75376-3844 Details forthcoming. berman would have to cut the mature 400 N. Main St. tree without harming the immature Duncanville, TX 7116-3653 Space is limited! RSVP by April 22 (call 512-477-1729). The conference is trees around it. Uneducated unskilled (972) 293-8300 $5 per person (to cover lunch), plus the $2 park entry fee. labor can cut everything a lot cheaper, Fax (972) 293-8400 with no regard of the damage to The conference will be held in an air-conditioned room seating 70 with a ecosystems. kitchen and bathrooms. People can sleep in the room on a cot or sleeping bag, or camp Saturday night. For those who donít wish to camp, there are We need to remove the Forest hotels and B&Bs in the area. Service from the Business Directions: To reach the park from Interstate 35, take the Hillsboro exit. In of harvesting timber. Hillsboro take State Highway 22 west to Whitney; then follow the signs to Cliff Rushing the Sierra Club -Dallas Lake Whitney State Park. The park is located 3 miles west of Whitney on FM Regional Group Forestry Issue 1244 on the shore of Lake Whitney. Coordinator will present a slide show Volunteers to help with food preparation, puppet-making, banner-making, and and stories about our National Forests outreach are neededóplease contact the Lone Star Sierra Club (512-477-1729) - current and proposed policies and if youíre able to volunteer or e-mail [email protected] what we can do about these plans. GET THE WORD OUT WITH THE COMPASS... DAVID CRABB Do good business and a good deed at the same time. From Page 1 Advertise in The Compass today. Please join us in toasting David for The Compass reaches over 4200 members every month. all he has given to ICO, and for provid- ing unforgettable experiences for the Contact Matt Wales at 214-575-5079 many ICO participants with whom he or [email protected] shares his love of nature. Thank you, David. The Compass April 2002 7