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Greetings! We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of the media outlets for promoting Earth Day. Many of the newspapers produced special "green" issues that covered a variety of the issues we have raised. THANK YOU. We would like to invite you to our annual SPRING FLING annual fund raiser May 4th. Now that you have celebrated Earth Day, why don't you come on out and join us! This Month----Groups join the Glades Coal plant opposition. Florida Legislature has an opportunity to pass renewable energy standards. The Sierra Club- Miami Group (all volunteers) Submitted its comments to the Virginia Key Master Plan. Natacha Seijas killed the Watershed Study.that would have promoted smart sustainable growth. Come out for Dianne Marshall's Solar Energy Presentation in May's meeting! Robinson- Miami Group
This year, the Spring Fling Dinner and Silent Auction will be held on the 20th floor of the Double Tree Hotel on South Bayshore Drive surrounded by great views. The buffet and open bar will be accompanied by music for your dancing and listening pleasure, and a silent auction. It all begins at 7:30 PM and lasts until 11:30 PM. In order to make our Sierra Club "Spring Fling" fundraiser on May 4th more inclusive and readily affordable to Sierra Club members and their friends, it has been decided to cut in half the price of the ticket per person, from $100 to $50. Non-members are especially welcome. Miami-Dade County Commissioner and environmental champion Katy Sorenson will be our guest speaker. There will also be delicious food, open bar (cocktails and wine), great music for your listening and dancing pleasure, and a silent auction. (Donations of goods or services will be greatly appreciated.) We REALLY want you to attend- don't miss this unique opportunity to have a good time and support the environment. Please respond right away! Call Maria Papazian at 305-519-0877 or send an e-mail to: mdpapazian@msn.com
Susan Etchey (azaroa40@earthlink.net) With a sense of urgency, a determined group of Glades and Hendry County residents, joined by prominent environmental groups, are confronting elected officials with the unpleasant specter of a coal- burning power plant being sited in a pristine area of Florida once described as "gloriously natural" Glades County. In an effort to educate Floridians, and the small population of this county that borders Lake Okeechobee, about pollutants emitted from burning coal that are deposited into waterways and into the air that we breathe, an organization has been formed called Save It Now, Glades, Inc., (SING). The goal is to halt FP&L from building a 1,960 megawatt coal plant that the electric utility claims will not harm the environment or the health of the citizens in South Florida, or cause irreparable damage to the Everglades National Park and the Caloosahatchee estuaries. "Coal is the hands down dirtiest method by which to generate electrical power. Hand-waving promises by FP&L and the watered down EPA aside, this proposed Glades County coal plant will pollute in many, many ways," said Dr. William Louda, associate scientist and Environmental Chemistry professor at Florida Atlantic University. "This pollution will not be just a local occurrence, but it will spread in the air and the water throughout South Florida and is contraindicated in light of the national 10 billion plus dollar effort to rejuvenate the Everglades and associated watersheds." NEWS ALERT ADDITIONAL GROUPS HAVE JOINED A COALITION TO STOP THIS MONTROSITY. What have you don to help??? Contact the website for more info and CALL YOUR STATE REPRESENTATIVE!!!!!
Robinson It seems that the "Sunshine State" is failing to get the message that Floridians want their utility companies to utilize renewable energy instead of oil rigs off our tourist filled beaches. Senators Constantine and Bennett merged their "Energy Bills SB2666 and SB99. Originally these bill provided incentives for renewable portfolio standards that would have required utilities to purchase up to 15 percent of their energy from renewable energy sources but this was conveniently stripped from the bill. Senators Constantine and Bennett have been previous supporters of common sense proposals like a renewable energy standards.. (Your Local group passed a resolution in favor of this 1.5 years a go...) However, between now and the last week, negotiations will occur to build the bill back up again. YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE. Contact one of our star legislators like Dan Gelber of Miami Beach and let him know you want Renewable Energy standards for the "Sunshine State"
Susie Caplowe We want you to know that the majority of legislators get that the planet is heating up. It is refreshing that we don't have to convince most legislators that global warming is real; we just have to educate them about the least destructive/invasive solutions. Right now, they are convinced that the solutions to achieving energy independence are market-driven solutions. We need to keep up our steady message of conservation, building energy efficient homes and buildings, and using the sun in the SUNSHINE State. Just read the bills we have posted, click on the bill or on "find more," and you will then be on the next page for that particular bill. Click on the other features and you will be taken into the legislative bill information, where you can read the bill history, bill language, find out who the sponsors are, and more.
The following comments were made to EDSA, the consultant, and the City of Miami in response to the first public presentation of the conceptual plan for the Virginia Key Master Plan. Virginia Key is a 1000-acre barrier island on Biscayne Bay with a spectacular but fragile environment. The island possesses one of Biscayne Bay's most diverse natural environments, especially in the tidal flats and mangrove marshes. The island also contains mangrove stands, dune systems, and coastal hardwood (maritime) hammock, one of the few remaining in Southeast Florida. The island's ecologically important areas provide habitat for hundreds of species of fish, marine invertebrates, reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds and plants: dozens of which are on the rare or endangered species lists. The wild areas of Virginia Key also offer an attractive haven for numerous migrating and wintering birds along the over-built shores of Miami-Dade County. Between two and three thousand birds are counted on the Key each December, representing 75 species or more. The shores are nesting grounds for the endangered sea turtle and both the sea turtle and the endangered manatee can be found in the waters surrounding the island. The Sierra Club believes that the majority of additional commercial development proposed for Virginia Key is a threat to the wildlife of the island. Furthermore, the commercial development is in direct violation of the applicable zoning and deeds for Virginia Key as well as Article 6 of the Miami-Dade County Charter. The "Composite Analysis" of Virginia Key produced by EDSA identifies specific properties, including the existing Marine Stadium and parking areas (25.5 acres) and the existing Marine Stadium Lagoon area, which borders the Bill Sadowski Critical Wildlife Area and the Biscayne Bay Aquatic Preserve as a "major source of tax base/revenue." The "Conceptual Land Use Plan" of Virginia Key produced by EDSA proposes a second, new marina in the ecologically sensitive Marine Stadium Lagoon area and the construction of a retail "Village" for commercial, restaurant, marine/dry-stack storage, parking, etc. In addition, the proposal to elevate the Rickenbacker Causeway for a significant distance from the Marine Stadium Area to Bear Cut in order provide parking underneath for thousands of new vehicles suggests a massive amount of development is contemplated in that area. Any plans for the Key should be in concert with the existing zoning, deeds and restrictions. State of Florida deed restrictions for the Marine Stadium basin limit uses to "public purposes only." Furthermore, a 1963 deed from Miami-Dade County to the City limit the uses in the marine stadium basin to "marine stadium and allied purposes only." According to the County Charter, these lands "shall be held in trust for the education, pleasure and recreation of the public and they shall be used and maintained in a manner that will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations as a part of the public's irreplaceable heritage. They shall be protected from commercial development and exploitation and shall be preserved." The Sierra Club believes that the focus of any planning efforts should be to maintain or enhance the Key's deed uses for the community and preserve and protect its environmental, historical and cultural assets. It appears the focus of some of the proposals in this plan, as referenced above, is the generation of revenues for the City of Miami rather than on maintaining or enhancing the area for public or protecting and preserving the Key's existing assets. As a result of ongoing financial problems and lack of commitment and focus in the past, the City of Miami has been either unable or unwilling to maintain nor keep open areas of Virginia Key. In order to ensure public access to Virginia Key and provide for adequate maintenance, the City should identify partnership opportunities with other local governments, including Miami-Dade County Parks and Recreation Department and DERM, the Miami-Dade County School Board, the State of Florida Parks Division and the U.S. Department of Interior, National Parks. Many of these organizations have experience managing and maintaining these types of public and conservation lands. In 1999, the Sierra Club, in response to threats of commercial and piecemeal development on Virginia Key, filed an application with the Miami-Dade County's Environmental Endangered Lands Programs to manage and maintain the island's natural areas. Subsequently, EEL conducted a biological assessment of the island, including a cost analysis for removal of exotics and ecological restoration. After public hearings and comments, Virginia Key was accepted into the EEL program, pending approval by the City of Miami. This matter is still pending. The EEL program represents an opportunity for the City of Miami for funds and expertise in the management of the island's natural areas. This is but one example of the kind of partnerships that should be pursued. Please see attached EEL application and EEL draft analysis.
An environmental land committee chaired by Natacha Seijas voted AGAINST the meticulously studied Watershed plan that would have placed future development along transit corridors where urban infrastructure currently exists. The net effect will be to move the Urban Development Boundary Line much sooner. While we are not surprised by Commissioner Seijas actions, I find it incredibly ironic how University of Miami, who is famous for "smart urban planning" is located in a political district where its elected political leader is defying the university's intellectual wisdom. Carlos Gimenez, who represents the district voted to support WESTWARD SPRAWL DEVELOPMENT. Carlos Gimenez, who represents the district voted to support WESTWARD SPRAWL DEVELOPMENT. This is too bad because Commissioner Gimenez has supported some of issues in the past. Also note that the NIMBYISM exhibited by the cities of Coral Gables and Pinecrest was deplorable. These cities passed resolutions against increasing density along US1. CALL YOUR COMMISSIONER The committee's vote will go before the entire commission for a full vote.
The South Florida Water Management District has enacted necessary water control measures aimed to keep us alive while the Miami Dade County Commission sucks the remaining water out of the Everglades. Please do your part... Future water treatment facilities are now projected to total over 2 billion dollars. Which developer will pick up this tab???
On behalf of the Sierra Club, Miami Group, I would like to invite you to submit an application explaining the activities that you and your students have been doing to protect the environment and to encourage others to do the same. This is the seventeenth year that the Miami Group recognizes student, teachers and schools for their efforts in environmental education. Each applicant is recognized with a trophy, which is presented at the Sierra Club's General Meeting on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 8:00 PM. All participants and their families are invited to attend the ceremony which is held at the Coconut Grove Sailing Club. We know that you are an environmental educator. We encourage you to share your projects and activities with others in the community by submitting an application for the Seventeenth Annual Green Awards. Should you need more details, please feel free to contact me at 786-268-0455, 305- 519-0877 or at mdpapazian@msn.com
Ken Smith Sierra Singles are individuals that are concerned about the environment who wish to meet others for fun and entertainment. Always try to bring at least two single friends with you to our events. Couples are welcome to participate in all our events but please bring those single friends along. Activity schedule March /April 2007
Our Outings list keeps its exponential growth pace! Do you feel Like you need to get away and into NATURE? Join us for an outing! Saturday, April 21, 4 PM - Ecowalk at Frenchman's Forest Natural Area in Palm Beach Gardens. We will walk, with frequent stops to look, listen and absorb, for about 1½ hours and hopefully, see some of the spring migration. Bring your water, hat, sunscreen and binoculars. There are NO facilities at this natural area. Frenchman's Forest is located on the west side of Prosperity Farms Road, one mile north of PGA Boulevard. FREE. Leisure. Limit 10. Lisa Hanley, 561-732-9578, lisa.hanley@Juno.com Saturday, May 5, 9 AM - Butterfly ecowalk at the Lantana Natural Area. This lovely little preserve is full of butterflies and birds and we hope the Jamaica Capers will be in full bloom. Meet in the parking lot and bring your water, hats, sunscreen and binoculars. The Natural Area is on the north side of Lantana's Ocean Ave, between the bridge and A1A. FREE. Leisure. Limit 20. Lisa Hanley, 561-732- 9578, lisa.hanley@juno.com. Sunday, May 20 Biscayne National Park Snorkel. Snorkel a beautiful reef five miles from Elliot Key with a gourmet supper afterwards in Biscayne National Park. Moderate. Limit 15. $55 members, $60 non-members. Diane Jacobs, 305 667 6962, diane@cobb-ebin.com. Lee Jacobs, 305 667-6962, eeljac@earthlink.net. Note: Must sign up and pay in full no later then May 1! 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 2007 Diane Marshall and the FIU Engineering meeting. SOLAR ENERGY in the Florida Keys (Maria Papazian will briefly present Miami Dade Public Schools Education Awards) June 2007 Christopher Boykin "Saving Miami's Reefs July 2007 Christopher Boykin Sea Beans of the Caribbean August 2007 Christopher Boykin Costa Rica's Osa Peninsula (Corcovado NP) It's a new year with new opportunities! Do you know someone who wants to speak to your Sierra Club-Miami Group?? Contact Ken Smith 305-758-3121
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