SIERRA

   Since the events of September 11th there is renewed importance for the public minded interest of the Sierra Club. The Sierra Club is a grass roots organization with strong political concerns and with significant educational interest. Our efforts benefit the majority of people. Furthermore, we build coalitions with other organizations that are involved in public minded interest.

   Each of us can be involved in making ourselves a better individual and the nation a better place for all.

   Unfortunately, the economic downturn is motivating those primarily interested in wealth and power in ways that are not in the public's interest. Recent events concerning the destruction of wetlands, uncontrolled development, lack of mass transit, and problems with water quality indicate that wealth is a greater incentive for some than is patriotism. To think otherwise would be naïve.

   We dedicate ourselves this coming year to reducing our dependence on foreign oil, to energy conservation, to planned growth, to greater education for all, to better transportation, and to a healthy environment. A healthy environment benefits everyone. We will be active in the upcoming legislative session. You are invited to join Glen's "Email Activists." We will also continue with our outings program and enjoy the Nature we have in this area!!

   Our goal is to be proud of our country, our state and our community!!

   In preparation for the upcoming legislative session we are inviting everyone to become a part of an activists team.

   With the republicans running the House of Delegates with a large majority we are going to have a huge challenge holding what we have let alone losing even more environmental protection. Recent letters to the editors in the Virginian Pilot reveal how recalcitrant many people are in this community. To combat this lack of progressiveness the numerous environmental organizations in Virginia have banded together to support efforts in a number of areas that are beneficial to the public. These areas include: solid waste, air quality, transportation funding including mass transit, smart growth, water quality, farm preservation, and funding for land conservation.

   If you want to be a part of a local and state wide effort let us know by contacting me and expressing your willingness to put your email address on a list with Glen Besa. Glen will be providing alerts and information on how each of us can assist with meaningful legislation.

   I suggest you will benefit in several ways from this experience. You will feel connected to our community, you will feel you are doing something beneficial for others, and you will learn more about real world politics. All this will better prepare us for the future.

   Send your responses to Fred at warbler@exis.net and indicate your interest in participating in the "Email Activists" for the 2002 legislative session.

   We begin every year with our own version of a travel log. Members describe with slides or photos their outdoor travel experiences. We have had a member present their white water rafting down the Colorado. Another canoed the periphery of both North Carolina and Virginia. Another did a Sierra Club service outing clearing trails in Maine. So come and bring your slides and photos (ten is about a good number). The wonderful thing to find out is if other members can do something so can you.

   In addition, we will have a brief presentation by the manager of the Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge concerning the development of their Comprehensive Conservation Plan. This is particularly important because public comments will be invited near the end of January. This plan will be outlining what the Refuge will be all about for the next 25 years. We can help make the plan more effective for wildlife and more enjoyable for the public.

All this takes place at the VB Central Library on January 7, 7:00 PM

   We are privileged to have, once again, world renowned wildlife photographer, Ronn Maratea as our guest speaker for the February meeting. Ronn has traveled extensively in Africa, Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, Nova Scotia and many domestic locations photographing both flora and fauna.

   Ronn will show slides of his latest photo safari to Africa as well as personal favorites. A special selection of Ronn's extensive body of work from the last twenty years has recently been published in a book entitled "African Wildlife: A Photographic Journal." The book will be available at the meeting for perusal and sale. A portion of any sales will be donated to the Chesapeake Bay Group of the Sierra Club.

   This is always a popular meeting so come early for good seating. The date is February 4, 7:30 PM at the Virginia Beach Central Library.