SIERRA

     2005 was our best year yet. We identified our major cause, funding for natural resources. That's the budget item where Virginia ranks 50th and spends less than all our protectorates. We were lead in this effort by Bill Pratt.

     We found our voice for numerous issues with Ellis James, who has done an absolutely marvelous job on our behalf.

     We established an issues and letter writing group. There is not enough time at our monthly meetings to do justice to what is happening, so we put together this group.

     We also got involved in a major project at First Landing State Park. The project attempts to control the spread of gypsy moths. After the first 6 weeks, we are about 20% completed. Finally, our outings program was continued due to the efforts of one person: Nancy McAdoo. Thanks Nancy!

     So what is the plan for the first half of 2006? We plan on concentrating on three key issues. For sure one of the issues will be to continue the effort for state funding of parks and natural resources. We need to move up one state to 49th. The other issues have not been decided as yet. This will require some brain storming on the part of the board.

     We will try something new with the format for our monthly meetings. We plan on having two presentations. One will relate to enjoying the outdoors like canoeing local waterways. The other will be informative about an issue or item of environmental concern. An example could be the status of the Chesapeake Bay.

     We will continue to enhance the efforts of the letter writing group. The more members the more effective this group can be. If you have an issue on which you want support join this group.

     We will build on the outings program that Nancy has so effectively maintained. There are so many great places to visit around here.

     There will be two elections this year. One will be for local city councils in May and the other in November will be congressional. We plan on being more active in both elections. Finally the management at the NARO has agreed to work with us to sponsor a couple of Sierra Club evenings at the movies. Movies that are of significance to the environment will be presented. We are looking now for suitable locations. It is our intention to create some social events with these movies.

     That's the plan for the first part of 06. Come and join in the fun and help with the causes.

Fred Adams [Click to email comments, or call 467-2775.]