SIERRA

     We don't do book reviews, but this is an exceptional book. Wilson has that remarkable ability to express very complicated issues in a language that we can understand. He is definitely an outspoken environmentalist who remains optimistic, but after reading this book one wonders why. His reasons are important.

     He frames the debate in terms of those who believe that "Human ingenuity has always found a way to accommodate rising populations and allow most to prosper" and those who now believe that: "The planet is exhausted and in trouble." One of the concerns of the environmentalist is expressed as follows: " A country that levels its forests, drains its aquifers, and washes its topsoil downriver without measuring the cost is a country traveling blind."

     Wilson states that the change that is not being adequately addressed is the magnitude of the population change. In 1800 the world's population was about 1 billion, and in 1900 it still only about 1.6 billion. By October 1999 that number reached the 6 billion mark. The population is currently increasing by 200,000 people per day. Experts estimate that by 2050 the population will be 7.3 to 8.9 billion.

     Unfortunately, the earth's carrying capacity is estimated at 5.5 billion.

     Another of the interesting facts he calculates is: if the world's population all were at the same standard of living as those in US, then there would be the need for 5 more planets just like the earth. We have a lot of work to do to establish what he calls a " permanence culture" or a sustainable population.

     Finally: "We and rest of life cannot afford another hundred years like that".

     This book is recommended in part because it deals with a serious subject in a non judgmental way.

     We have selected "Adequate Public Facilities" as our number one priority legislative issue. In several Virginia localities the rate of growth is so rapid that it is outpacing local governments' ability to provide adequate schools, roads, police and other services. Chesapeake is a perfect example of the problem. Surprisingly, currently Virginia localities have no authority to limit this rapid growth. Virginia is almost unique in this situation. In other states with home rule style of government such authority rest in the localities.

     There is practically nothing good that comes from this lack of authority in Virginia localities. There is over crowding in schools and on the roads. There is a lack of public safety resources with increases in crime and decreases in park spaces. There are definite decreases in the quality of life and the value of personal property value.

     Northern Virginia legislators have proposed corrective legislation, but local politicians have quickly rushed the issue into committees and study efforts.

     It may be that nothing will change until some of these legislators are replaced, but we can learn a great deal by getting very involved during this session. We are going to follow the legislation in committee in both houses and write to the committee chairpersons and to our local delegates and senators and share their responses.

If you are interested in making our community a better place for all call Fred at 467-2775 or email him at warbler@exis.net.

     We will continue with our education effort on wetlands as provided for by Wetlands Watch (WW). WW is a local organization dedicated to the preservation of wetlands in this region. It is a very capable and successful group worthy of our support.

     Come for some very pertinent and effective information on how we can work together to be more effective and efficient.

     I think you will be impressed and encouraged with this collaboration.

     The presenter will be Jay Taylor, current chair person for Wetlands Watch.

FOR BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON WETLANDS See the Chesapeake Bay Group website at www.virginia.sierraclub.org/cbg An excellent "Introduction to Wetlands" is posted.

     In addition, we have invited back Mr. Skip Stiles from the Virginia Conservation Network. VCN has 5 priority areas of legislation. We are concentrating our efforts on the "adequate facilities" legislation. Skip will update us on the progress of legislation and how we can best influence along the proposed legislation. After this meeting we will decide when to hold a letter writing session.

     We will also provide an update of our Service Outing efforts.

     Day is Monday, 2nd of February at the Great Neck Library near the Virginia Beach General Hospital and the time is 7 to 8:45 PM.

     The singles continue with their outings. The February outing will take place on Saturday, February 28 at First Landing State Park. Nancy says to meet at 9:30 am in front of Trail Center, the walk will be about 4 miles. Contact Nancy McAdoo at 464-4483 for more details.

     We have a past manager of "THE DENALI NATIONAL PARK" of Alaska as our speaker!

     This area sometimes absolutely amazes me with the talented and experienced people that live in our midst. RUSS BERRY was the manager of this remarkable park for 5  years.

     He will discuss the size and beauty and the wilderness and wildlife of this special place. He will also discuss some of the threats to the park and its wildlife. Essentially, the government of Alaska would like to exploit all the natural resources just like the lower 48 states have, seems only fair! If Alaskans had the same "property rights" that Virginians have there probably wouldn't much wilderness left. Unfortunately, this is not an exaggeration.

     Come and hear all about Alaska and Denali, including the best time to visit to avoid mosquitoes and why people love it but find it difficult to stay forever.

     Date is Monday, March the 1st, time is 7-9 PM, and the location is the Great Neck Area Library.

     We are also inviting a representative of the local Volksmarsch organization to tell us about their activities.

     Here's our chance folks ... we've been invited to join in the outing generally limited to the singles among us! Nancy says, "Come on out! We'll take a hike through beautiful First Landing State Park ... see the Woodpeckers ... the Osprey soaring overhead ... and have a glorious time on a beautiful day."

     Meet at the FLSP Visitor's Center parking lot at 9:30 AM, Saturday March 27. For more details, email Nancy or call her at 474-4483

     A luncheon at the Chesapeake Convention Center on Friday, 13 February will be the occasion for recognizing this refuge as a part of the UNDERGROUND RAILROAD in the eradication of slavery and evolution of national civil rights.

If interested and need more details call Delores Freeman at the refuge office at 986-3705. Cost for the luncheon is $8.