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Greetings! It's been a busy month! Hold the Line came to its conclusion (for this year..), Mining companies tried to place a cap on their enviornmental responsibilities, and the Florida Legislature made some crucial energy decisions. Educators packed the May General Meeting for the coveted Sierra Club Green Award. Earth Day was filled with Festivities all over the county...... The Miami Group endorsed Katy Sorenson, The Miami Street Car Project, and will be purchasing an LCD projector for our speakers....PHEW!!!! Thanks for everyone's efforts this past month! Be sure to check out the FUN outings that Jim Gross has planned for the remainder of this year.... There are many singles and family oriented outings planned! Robinson- Vice Chair Sierra Club-Miami Group
YOU MADE A DIFFERENCE!!!!! On Wednesday, April 19, the Miami-Dade Couty Commission voted down all but one request to expand the Urban Development Boundary! Over the past year 9 out of 10 original requests to ease or allow expansion of the unique Urban Development Boundary were withdrawn or denied approval. Our quality of life campaign has been a great success due to the outpouring of citizen support that you have been a part of! Click here to see how the County Commissioners voted on the UDB applications this week. Applications 6, 7, 11, and 24 were all denied during the Commission hearing. Hialeah's expansion to the Florida Turnpike was the only approved request in the year- long "Comprehensive Development Master Plan" process. Please send a thank you to the following County Commissioners who took a stand to Hold the Line:
We thank you for being involved and urge you to continue to keep an alert eye on this issue. Massive "Developments of Regional Impact" (DRI's) west of Kendall and in South Dade still wait in the wings and could open up even larger swaths of land outside the UDB. Thankfully, your support has shown that the people of Miami-Dade county will unite around the UDB and any further attempts on our quality of life. By Holding the Line we direct our attention inward to the needs of our communities, and for now we say: Thank You !!!!
Sierra Club Citizens sprang into action last week when an alert went out for members to call (R- Hialeah) Rudy Garcia. The alert was to protest a bill proposed by Rudy Garcia that would have capped the liability of the Rock Mining Industry for damages they caused to South Florida Environment Whether the language finally incorporated in Senator Garcia?s bill will truly protect taxpayers from footing the bill for all the costs associated with a water treatment upgrade remains to be seen. We are concerned because a trap in the language assumes that rock mining fees will continue to be generated through the expansion of mining in the Lake Belt. This is not at all assured, given Judge Hoeveler?s recent ruling. Four years ago, the Bush administration issued permits for the first phase of Rock Mining that would have dynamited 30 square miles of the Florida Everglades to create 80-foot deep pits. Sierra Club- Miami Group sought legal action against the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A court ruled in our favor and delivered a stunning setback to the administration and its mining allies. In his ruling, the judge chastised the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for rushing to issue the permits at the mining industry's behest, ignoring clear evidence of environmental dangers, while misrepresenting the facts and disregarding the law The Garcia Bill would have capped damages to this industry at $112 million and passed cleanup expenditures to taxpayers. No one knows what the total cost will be, yet, but Miami Dade County has contracted with a major engineering firm to find out. Taxpayers already overburdened with a South Florida metropolis with inadequate school, transportation, and park infrastructure were not amused. You expressed your displeasure and you made a difference! Thanks to your support. Stay tuned
Crucial language from Florida Energy Bill SB888 that provided an environment and public health test to power plants was deleted. Passage of this bill will make it easier for utility companies to construct coal and nuclear power plants. The language that was deleted was on page 97, 403.5175 (4) (c) & (d): here is the deleted language of current law that is proposed to be made law by Governor Bush?s signature:
<< On a brighter note this bill provides a token 2.5 million dollar solar energy rebate. It?s a start but not nearly enough for the ?Sunshine? state. Other states like Oregon are decommissioning their nuclear reactors (see picture from CNN and AP)and California invests nearly 100 times this amount each year on solar subsidies. Florida's Energy policy needs modernization.
The Sierra Club Miami Group's monthly General Meeting is moving to the Coconut Grove Women's Club. The first meeting at the new location will be on June 12, 2006. The address is 2985 S. Bayshore Dr, Coconut Grove. The Coconut Grove Women?s Club Building was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. Local architect Walter C. DeGarmo designed the building to take full advantage of its site overlooking Biscayne Bay. A twelvefoot- wide porch with broad arched openings wraps around three sides of building, which is constructed of native oolitic limestone. The building still serves as the headquarters for Woman's Club of Coconut Grove, one of Florida's oldest woman's clubs.
The Miami Group of the Sierra Club endorses Katy Sorenson for re-election as County Commissioner. We endorsed Katy Sorenson in her two previous elections for commissioner and her actions and words have shown that our endorsements were well deserved Katy is a leader for responsible growth management and environmental policies in Miami-Dade County. Her position on nearly every issue is synonymous with the Sierra Club's position. Urban development line, injection wells, rock mining, preservation of open space, clean water, protection of Biscayne Bay, Miami River, the Everglades, and Florida Bay have been part of Katy?s agenda. Katy Sorenson is a breath of fresh air on a commission that smells from the cigar smoke of backroom deals.
Press Release From DERM Website Miami-Dade County, long known for its famous beaches and warm winters, is surprisingly lacking in any significant tree cover. A 1996 tree cover analysis by the non-profit group - American Forests - showed that Miami-Dade's urban areas averaged only 10% tree cover. The County's environmental department (DERM) was alarmed at the additional loss in shade trees caused by the removal of citrus canker impacted trees and petitioned the State Department of Agriculture for money to begin restoring the communal loss of additional shade. The program is designed to help bolster the condition of our community's tree canopy. Therefore, the trees selected for "adoption" are ones that make good shade trees in their adulthood. The program provides both native "ornamental" shade trees and a variety of non-citrus fruit trees. You can also volunteer to plant trees for the Disabled and Elderly http://w w w.treemendousmiami.org/ through the TREEmendous MIAMI Project. Volunteers receive instruction on how to properly plant trees by an experienced hand. It?s a great way to enhance everyone?s quality of life by assisting a neighbor in need!
PRESS RELEASE As a part of Miami-Dade County's continuing commitment to public participation in local government, the Park and Recreation Department in coordination with the National Park Service, City of Homestead, and Florida DEP Office of Greenways and Trails invites area residents to attend a public meeting for the: BISCAYNE-EVERGLADES GREENWAY PLAN COMMUNITY WORKSHOP Biscayne National Park to Everglades National Park MIAMI-DADE COLLEGE - HOMESTEAD CAMPUS 500 College Terrace Aviation Building ?F? Second Floor ? Room F222- F223 Homestead, FL 33030 Thursday, June 22, 2006 6:30 ? 8:30 PM Light refreshments will be provided, so Please R.S.V.P. by calling: 305-755-5461 or send an e-mail to Mark Heinicke, Park Planner, at: mheinic@miamidade.gov
The Sierra Club- Miami Group honored over a dozen teachers during last month's packed general meeting. Each month we will provide a short synopsis of the teacher and their accomplishments. This Month we will honor Yoly McCarthy Yoly McCarthy, Science Teacher Palmetto Senior High School Coordinator of Plant the Pride at Miami Yoly has been the organizer for Plant the Pride for the past 6 years. This year, she organized over 400 science students (9th to 12th grades) and 15 faculty members who planted hundreds of new trees and bushes on April 1st, 2006. Over the past 6 years they have planted over 2,000 native trees, shrubs, ferns and grasses. Their school is an oasis of hands-on outdoor education. Their school is composed of a pineland mini forest, three hardwood hammocks, three butterfly gardens and a cypress swamp. Yoly has been the driving force behind this amazing effort to raise awareness about the importance of planting native plants and increasing the amount of green space in Miami. Congratulations Yoly!
Robinson On May 25, The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) voted to eliminate the controversial 14th street I-95 ramp on in the County Commission Chambers from the Long Range Transportation Plan (LRTP). The Florida Department of Transportation project (FDOT) was proposed to be located adjacent to Booker T. Washington Senior High School, the Ovetown Youth Center, and Gibson Park. The project was opposed by an overwhelming number of residents and elected leaders citing pedestrian safety concerns to students. The Sierra Club- Miami EXCOM Board approved a draft resolution denouncing the I-95 Ramp FDOT project #4107261. For more information on this issue contact Denise Perry at info@poweru.org
The Sierra Club endorsed the Miami Street Car Project during its May Board Meeting. The Miami Street car is a mass transit system that incorporates smart growth principles instead of the sprawl induced congestion attacks our city leaders were promoting 10 years ago. Street cars have been cited as a key component for downtown revitalization and rejuvenation. The city of Portland has used them extensively to enhance urban mobility. The system will connect the Miami Design District with downtown along its North South Route. The system will also connect Wynwood and Overtown residents to Jackson Memorial Hospital. The Sierra Club- Miami Group also endorsed the Extension of Metrorail along 27th avenue to the Broward County line.
Inner City Outings wishes to thank Centerra Wine Company for their donations to make the Annual Canoe Fondue a success. The event was SOLD OUT this year and we look forward to future collaborations.
PHOTO- ALANA DIMMICK June 10?Snorkeling 101 at Key Biscayne. Learn the fundamentals of snorkeling and have a great time doing it! In-water practice to familiarize you with equipment and techniques. Leisure. Limit 10. Cost: $25 members, $30 non-members. Leader: Ed Zaret, 305-586-3564. Asst: TBA June 10?Moonlight Culinary Canoe. (Fund Raiser) Enjoy an evening under the full moon on Biscayne Bay, with the delights of good company, delicious food, exquisite wine and a skyline view. No special diets.Rain or shine. Leisure. Limit 18. Cost: $45 members, $50 non-members. Leader: Ken Smith, 305-275-0180. (CV) July 1 through July 16 - Appalachian Trail Hiking. Leave sweltering, hot Florida to hike all or part of these dates with experienced AT hikers. We can work out airport pick-ups/drop offs. Experienced or novice ? M, F or couples. We?ll start northbound from Hot Springs, NC and average 10 miles per day camping in AT shelters or tents. Be ready for possible day hiking, flip-flopping toavoid climbs, and/or grueling 4 plus day legs and layover days. Share camaraderie, shutting and expenses. Strenuous. Limit 4. Cost: Transportation, Sierra fees and other ex penses to be determined. Leader: Kaatje Bernabei, 305-223-6551 (4 - 8 pm) e-mail: cbernabei@braddock.dadeschools.net. Asst: Alan Nowell, 305-270-5262 (days), e-mail: alan.nowell@sfefcu.org. July15, 16?Looe Key Snorkel. Snorkel on beautiful Looe Key Reef in the Florida Keys. Trip to Key West for dinner. Overnight stay at the Looe Key Resort. Visit Key Deer Refuge of Big Pine Key on Sunday. Leisure. Limit 14. Cost: $125 members, $135 non-members. Leader: Ed Zaret, 305-586-3564. Asst: TBA. August 12 ? Canoeing 101. Learn the basics of handling the canoe in a safe manner. Fundamental paddling (bow and stern) and elementary rescue techniques taught in a one day short course. Lunch is included. Moderate. Limit 16. Cost $20 member, $25 nonmembers. Leader: Jim Gross, 305-665-2401 e- mail: JMGross3013@aol.com.Asst: TBA October 14 -Noble Hammock Canoe. Paddle an interesting canoe loop trail in Everglades National Park located just north of West Lake. We will attempt to find the hidden canoe trail to West Lake. Join us in this adventure, observing lots of wildlife and gators as we go. Moderate. Limit: 16. Cost: $35 members, $40 non-members. Leader: Jim Gross, 305-665-2401, e-mail: JMGross3013@aol.com. Asst: TBA. (C) If you are interested in a trip, call or e-mail the trip leader and ask for details or come to the signup table at the general meetings. Our outings are listed as Leisure, Moderate, or Strenuous. Be realistic about your physical condition and the degree of challenge you enjoy. Come ready to paddle, bicycle or hike and share the work. There are no passengers on our outings, only participants. Family trips are open to everyone. Once you have made a reservation, we ask that you make a serious commitment to attend the trip. Cancellations are detrimental to our program. Our outings leaders are unpaid trained volunteers. Please sign up early for planning purposes. All reservations must be accompanied by a non- refundable deposit. Make all checks payable to Sierra Club Outings. Please write the name and date of your trip on your check and include your phone number. Deposits are $10 on trip fees of up to $100 and $20 on trips over $100 Fees on trips of $15 or less are to be paid in full with your reservation. Full payment is due 30 days in advance of the trip. Please send all payments to the trip leader. If you must cancel, call the leader or assistant leader as early as possible. If you cancel 30 days or more in advance, your deposit will be refunded. If you cancel less than 30 days in advance, you lose your deposit. If you cancel 7 days or less in advance, you will forfeit all fees.
May's speaker Roundup- Jenny Wynne in the hub of the conservation movement in Haiti. Ms. Wynne spoke about the Haitian conservation movement showed pictures of her work with bamboo, recycling and teaching her love of trees, pie bwa." June 2006 Serena Cruz Women's Health and the environment- Serena Cruz is a PhD student of International Relations and Geography at Florida International University. Serena's presentation, "A Mother's Promise", highlights the relationship between women's health, the environment, poverty, hunger, and family planning and reproductive. July 2006 TBA David Shorter From Virginia Key Beach Park Trust August 2006TBA David Shorter From Virginia Key Beach Park Trust September 2006 FECC Transportation Corridor Study ---Scott P. Seeburger Planning and Environmental Mgmt Florida Oct- December, 2006 open but filling up fast....Do you know someone who wants to speak?? Contact mike at miamisierra@gmail.com.
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