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2Among Environmentalists, Part IIby Daniel AronsonIn the last issue of the Sierran, Iexplained that improvements in energyefficiency, including effective masstransit, would improve material well-beingwhile reducing household costs. I’m writingagain to point out that reductions incosts would make it more feasible to useincreases in labor productivity to reducethe workweek without a cut in pay.A common response to the idea ofshorter hours without a pay cut is, “Greatidea, but it will never happen.” But infact technological progress—which leadsto continual increases in labor productivity—normallydoes provide us withgreater leisure time without a cut in compensation.For example, in the first halfof the 20th century, the workweek fellby about 25% while total pay increased.And recent surveys (conducted by Harrisand the Families and Work Institute) indicatethat both men and women do wantto spend less time at work in favor ofmore time with family.After expressing strong interest inshorter hours in 1993, unions have aban-POPULATION REPORT:The Sierra Club works for a woman’sright to decide how many children shewill have and when she will have them.When given a choice, women choosesmaller families and space their childrenfarther apart, thereby ensuring healthierbabies, healthier mothers, and in thelong run a healthier environment. Toachieve these goals, the Sierra Club’sGlobal Population and EnvironmentProgram promotes education throughnational and international programs thatallow women to make responsible choices,in addition to lobbying for safe, effectivefamily planning services.At a recent United Nations regionalmeeting on population, held in Bangkok,US officials said that they were acting onthe Administration’s authority in refusingto reaffirm support for the CairoProgram of Action, a model agreementto improve women’s health and helpslow population growth that was adoptedby 179 countries at the InternationalConference on Population andDevelopment in 1994.The Cairo agreement affirmed themost basic of human rights: the right ofall people to decide freely how manychildren to have and when to havethem, as well as the right of all individualsto reproductive health care.If the Administration’s plan is to withdrawUS support for Cairo, it wouldmark a fundamental shift in US foreignassistance policy and conflict sharplywith this Administration’s often statedsupport for women’s rights, family planningand related health programs.Despite constant political conflict overthese family planning programs, untilrecently the U.S. government’s populationassistance program has maintaineddoned this goal. But with the increasingnumber of women in the workforce—aswell as the increase in the time that menare devoting to household obligations—union members should certainly bereceptive to resuming the fight for areduced workweek.On average, managerial employees aremore overworked than hourly workers.But while they are most in need of shorterhours, managerial employees do nothave the ability to organize and makedemands. Yet there are ways to overcomethis problem. First, to the extentthat environmentalists can help bringabout a more energy efficient economy,Americans would be able to enjoy animproved quality of life without havingto work so many hours.Second, if environmentalists helpedunions to achieve shorter hours withouta cut in pay, managerial employeeswould start resisting long hours; after all,if your subordinates get to go home after,say, six hours, you’re not about to acceptslavish hours. Third, we should publicizeBUSH ABANDONING SUPPORTFOR FAMILY PLANNINGby Bonnie Tillery, our Population Issues Coordinatorremarkable continuityin both focusand investmentthrough the administrationsof sixPresidents, bothRepublican and Democrat, and sixteenCongresses. The United States was oneof the first countries to provide familyplanning aid. US leadership, both technicaland financial, has been indispensableand has encouraged other nations tostrengthen their support for these criticalprograms. The Cairo Program ofAction has served as the model foraffordable, safe family planning programsaround the world that in turnhave helped to slow population growth,thereby helping reduce demands on theenvironment.To voice your support for internationalfamily planning programs, call the WhiteHouse at 202-456-1111 or email toPresident@WhiteHouse.gov. Urge thePresident to reaffirm the U.S. commitmentto the Cairo Program of Action. Askhim to uphold the long-standing worldwideconsensus, which recognizes thecritical importance of family planning andreproductive health services in improvingthe lives and health of women, children,families and the environment.For more information, please call me(609-259-6438) or send e-mail(blt44blt@aol.com).I also wanted to mention that newlyreelectedSenator Frank Lautenberg, aNew Jersey Sierra Club lifetime achievementaward recipient, credits his recentelection success to concentrating ondomestic issues; in particular, abortionrights and the effort to keep abortionopponents off the US Supreme Court. SierraActivist.org!An interactive website for New Jersey’s Environmental community.FEATURING…• 20,000 Articles• Discussion Forums• Photo Gallery• GreenFind• Calendar of Events• 1,000 Links• Ask An EnvironmentalExpertENTER YOUR ZIP CODE AND GET LOCAL!FIND:• Recycling, Pollution Prevention and Environmental Information• Political Donations: Find Out Who’s Giving,Who’s Getting• Polluters in Your Neighborhoodthe fact that both men and women wantmore time to spend with family, andemphasize that this is consistent withold-fashioned values. This would createpublic sympathy for employees, managerialor hourly, who express a desire forshorter hours. Finally, the idea of havingtime for sports, academic study, the arts,or just walking outside with your family,should be seen as the ultimate in the“good life.”Environmentalists should not viewshorter hours as a side issue. Unions oftenperceive steps toward energy efficiency asa threat to job creation. (Remember theTeamsters stand on drilling in ANWR?) Butshorter hours without a cut in pay wouldhelp avoid higher unemployment, andunder this scenario unions would be morewilling to join with environmentalists tosupport efficiency. (Daniel Aronson (daronson@raritanval.edu)teaches courses in environmentaleconomics at Raritan ValleyCommunity College.)ANNUAL APPEALUPDATEThank you to everyone who gave sogenerously to our Sierra Club NewJersey Chapter’s annual appeal campaign.All the money that is given inthis gift drive will stay in NJ to be usedon our Chapter’s goals.There are so many caring and givingNew Jersey Sierra Club members.Without your charitable contributionsto our cause, we would not be able toachieve results on our important Stateenvironmental issues.If you have not had a chance to sendin your donation, there is still time. Weappreciate whatever you can give.Thank you,Tina Schvejda,Departing Chapter ChairThanks for your invitation to theSierra Club reception (held on Nov17). And thanks for your warmgreeting—it was worth hanging in thereall those years for that.I joined the Club in 1946, the year Iwent to Berkeley for my graduate workin chemistry. That summer I joined aClub-sponsored two weeks of climbing(in) the Teton Range in Wyoming. Wescrambled up everything of significancethere. After that, I went out on weekendswith the Rock-Climbing Section topractice - on rocks in the Bay area. Thenthere were week-long trips to Yosemiteand to various sites in the Sierras, andskiing in the winter from Clair-TappanLodge. It’s fun to think about all that. Irealized then that the Club was aThe Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003Report fromSan FranciscoJane Tousman is the Chapter’sDelegate to the annual national SierraClub “circus” meeting (officially knownas the Council of Club Leaders = CCL),which took place Sept 18-22, 2002. Shefiled this report:The CCL passed resolutions urging theClub’s Board of Directors as follows:1. To mobilize all possible lobbyingresources in support of Congressionalratification of the UN Convention on theElimination of Discrimination againstWomen (CEDAW).2. To adopt a strong policy on theenvironmental aspects of national security,including guidance on environmentalsecurity.3. To lobby toward a peaceful resolutionof US-Iraqi differences - because ofthe dire potential for negative environmentalimpacts of war, and theprospect for much loss of human life.(The debate on this resolution was contentious.)4. To improve the coordinationbetween the Club’s national staff and itsChapter volunteers, to reduce the likelihoodof conflicts such as occurredrecently in a poor district in Los Angeles:where the two Club entities took oppositesides over the placing of a newschool on a former toxic waste site.I was pleased to accept a nationalClub award (known as the Susan Milleraward), for Dick Colby, a long-servingNew Jersey Chapter leader, currentlyeditor of this newsletter. (DennisSchvejda, our erstwhile ConservationChair and now NJ Chapter’s Ken LloydConservation Director, received theClub’s Special Service Award in 2000 forhis outstanding leadership, dedicationand service.) (For a list of the Club’s nationalaward categories, and the names ofwinners in recent years, go towww.sierraclub.org/awards/.)Letter from our Chapter’s LongestServing Membercommunicated by Joan DenzerDon McClure has the honor of being the “senior” member of the Club in NewJersey. He joined in 1946, at a time when membership required approval by amembership committee. He would have known David Brower, Phil Berry andother Club ‘names’ as young men. He attended our annual Appreciation Dayreception, and sent this commentary:remarkable organization; it has evolvedfrom a local California group to a nationalone in the past 55 years, becomingmore and more of a force for the environment.Getting married slowed downmy activities, but some years later I tookthe family (five of us) on a wildernessthreshold trip and my older son (a Clubmember) has done some climbing in theSierras.I met people in Berkeley who putmountain climbing as number one intheir lives, with all the other stuff servingthat passion. In my case science wonout, but I could see their point.My hat’s off to you for promoting theactivities of the Sierra Club.Warmest regards, Don McClureTry out the DEP’s New Map ServiceNJ DEP has put much of its GIS information on the web athttp://www.state.nj.us/dep/gis/imapnj/imapnj.htm. And you don’t need GIS softwareto use it. By zooming to an area that you are interested in, you can retrieveknown contaminated sites, soil types, streams, wellhead protection areas, state planningareas, legislative districts, and locations with threatened or endangeredspecies. As you zoom in, you can pick up more of the digital imagery, includinginfrared aerial photos, for the site you are interested in. Take a look and use it to learnmore about where you live or what you care about.contributed by Steve Knowlton, Jersey Shore Group Chair, 23 Oct 02Thanks to all members who responded to our annual fund-raising appeal

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003EditorialPERMIT ME TOCONSIDER SOME BIGISSUES IN AMERICANHISTORYby Dick ColbyI was reminded, in a recent PBS programon the life of Thomas Jefferson, ofhow the SINGLE ISSUE OF SLAVERYdominated American politics for the first80 years of our country’s history. Then,after the Civil War, there were two newdominant issues: INDUSTRIALIZATION(and the growth of Corporations), andWESTWARD EXPANSION. These twoissues combined to produce a new politicalaxis separating the interests ofRURAL citizens from URBAN citizens,although both groups accepted increasingnumbers of immigrants.In the first half of the 20th Century, theUnited States became a WORLD POWER,with resources devoted to two World Wars,and to international corporate expansion.To now be more controversial, I suggestthat the dominant political issue in the secondhalf of the 20th Century, even morethan the Cold War, has been domestic SUB-URBANIZATION. Enormous quantities ofnatural resources, both domestic and foreign,have been consumed to make theAmerican suburban lifestyle possible: theper capita use of petroleum, wood, metal,water, even oxygen — is dramatically higherfor a suburban resident compared to theattached-house resident of the “streetcarera.” Emissions of CO 2 and other pollutantshave also risen dramatically. The contrastbetween American and European consumption-levelsof gasoline and home-heatingfuels is particularly striking, since bothareas claim similarly high standards of livingand qualities of life.Now those resources are running out.I suggest that the defining AmericanThere is one last task that I want tocomplete before stepping down asChapter Chair. We’ve outgrown ourpresent Princeton headquarters locationand need to find a better place — a placethat is closer to mass transit, and environmentallyfriendly to those who use it. Asafe place. A place we can be proud of andthat’s located closer to where the action is.The action is in Trenton. The Legislature isin Trenton. All major press offices arelocated in Trenton. Other environmentalorganizations are in Trenton. Our Chaptershould have its office in Trenton!My vision is that the office should servemany purposes. It should have space forcurrent staff and room for future stafferstoo. Our staff of two has now become astaff of three with the expectation ofadding another fulltime staff person andpossibly a part time one. There should be aplace for Jeff Tittel, Chapter Director, andDennis Schvejda, Conservation Director, tohold press conferences. We should be ableto hold our Executive, Legislative,Conservation, Litigation Oversight,Personnel, Financial and PoliticalCommittee meetings there. It should be aplace where volunteers and studentinterns can come to participate in projects(or simply answer the phone and sortmail). It should be a place where LoriHerpen, our office assistant, can be utilizedto the fullest. It might be a place that otherenvironmental groups can visit and usewhen they’re doing business in Trenton.So we’re moving, hopefully by the timeyou read this article. There are severalways in which you might help us out.We’d like the new office to look professionaland be more current in office andcomputer equipment.In the last issue of the Jersey Sierran Irequested a copier, fax machine and printerpolitical issue of the new century will beSUSTAINABILITY. It will become as disruptiveas slavery once was! We arealready seeing increasing opposition toimmigration. In New Jersey there arealready three critical areas for WaterSupply. Global Warming (and otherClimate Change) are undesirable sideeffects of unsustainable combustion offossil fuels. Smart Growth is aeuphemism for an antidote to suburbanization.There will be battle over thefreedom to drive cars everywhere, andthe right to water lawns. Some of ourmost precious American images will bepunctured, such as the freedom to roamover wide open spaces. Our biggest corporations(General Motors, Ford,Daimler-Chrysler) will be challenged tofind new existences. Every square inchof parkland will be needed for housingor offices, and fought for. Populationcontrol will be advocated by mainstreampoliticians. Thomas Malthus will be honoredfor having seen the future first.No real society has ever dealt rationallywith the Tragedy of the Commons,even when the handwriting was (IS!) onthe wall. (Individual politicians haveoccasionally been prophetic, but mainstreampolitics has always been dominatedby the here-and-now.) I wish therewere more that I (and we) could do toconvince both our leaders and our followersto anticipate—and PREVENT—the consequences of continued sprawl(i.e. suburban growth). My New Year’sprediction is that America, and Americanpolitics, will soon be consumed by it. Our Office is moving, anopportunity for you too!by Tina Schvejda, Departing Chapter Chairfor our Conservation Director. Within 24hours a very generous member donated abrand new combination unit to us.Another couple gave us a computer rightaway. So here is the “wish-list” of what theNJ Chapter will need in its new office:1. Conference table that can seat 10-12people comfortably - at least 12 ft long2. Matching upholstered chairs for theconference table3. Computer terminals: 4-6 needed4. Fast copier (28-50 copies a minute),auto doc. feeder, 10-bin sorter5. Book shelves- preferably wooden, 8feet high. Need 4-6 of them6. Filing cabinets both lateral andhigh style. Need 6 of each8. Four credenza office desks9. Four desk chairs, upholsteredadjustable, swivel type10. 4 large comfortable upholsteredchairs, matching sets11. 3-foot round table12. Folding chairs: at least a dozen13. High quality digital Camera14. Portable podium w/ sound system15. Oriental rugs: three 9 x 12 feet andtwo hall runners16. Small refrigerator17. Microwave oven18. Floor lamps: need 419. Desk lamps: need 420. Brass coat racks and umbrellastands: need 2 each21. Folding machine22. Chalk board, large, movable23. Large peg/cork boards 3x5 feet. Need 5Even if you can’t personally donatethese items, a monetary donation wouldhelp towards the purchase of much neededoffice supplies. This might also be away for corporations who are downsizingto find a “good home’ for their used officeequipment. If you have furniture that youwould like to donate to the Chapter,please call Tina Schvejda (973-427-6863)or Lori Herpen (609-924-3141). Chair’s MessageSTEPPING DOWN ASCHAPTER CHAIRby Tina Schvejda, Departing Chapter ChairAll good things must come to anend! One of them, that is near anddear to me, is my time as NJChapter Chair. I would like to speak toyou for one last time as NJ ChapterChair, if you will indulge me.I appreciate all that you have given methese past four years. Your strength andfocus on environmental issues has beenmy inspiration. I have lead by example. Ihave brought people together. I havegiven you my visions and dreams for theNJ Chapter. I have put the NJ Chapter ofSierra Club as one of my top priorities. Ibelieve completely in the NJ Chapter.To briefly recap my past four years asNJ Chapter Chair, the following haveoccurred:• Membership has gone up from13,500 to over 22,000.• Staff has increased from two to hopefullyfour people in the near future.• Our annual fundraising campaignproceeds have gone from $8,000 to$32,000.• Three new committees have startedup: financial, litigation oversight andoffice.• NJ Chapter has added a new(eleventh) Group—in HunterdonCounty, and reorganized two: theHudson-Meadowlands and Raritan ValleyGroups.• Weekly conference calls betweenstaff and (volunteer) officers are nowheld.• E-mail has come a long way and wenow utilize it to its fullest capacity.When I first got e-mail in 1994 therewere only 3 other people who had it.Now the Executive Committee(ExCom)uses it on an hourly basis!• We now have an annual AppreciationDay event to honor life members,donors and outstanding volunteersI joined the Sierra Club to meet and bearound like-minded environmental conservationpeople. I started attending CentralJersey Group meetings. In the JerseySierran I perused the hikes/ outings listand noticed one about a raptors watch upin northern part of the state. DennisSchvejda was the leader of the raptorwatch that day. We met and enjoyed discussingsimilar topics of interest.After dating Dennis for a few months,he invited me to a monthly ChapterExCom meeting held at our headquarters3in Princeton. I was very impressed withthe Chapter Chairperson, Mary Penney.She handled the meeting with such aprofessional yet caring way. Vice Chairwas Bill Green, who became ChapterChair during that meeting. I rememberthat there were many people attending.Everyone was so knowledgeable aboutenvironmental issues and concerns. Themeeting went on for a marathon lengthof time till 9pm. Dinner was provided inthe way of pizza. Believe me when I saythat I have never had a date quite likethat one.For the next four years I attendedevery monthly ExCom meeting as an “atlarge person” with no voting power.Bill Green was Chapter Chair for thenext two years. Dick Colby was ViceChair. During that time Dennis and I gotmarried and had our reception at theClub’s Princeton headquarters. ThenDick became Chapter chair, with BartSemcer as Vice Chair and “heir apparent.”I ran for ExCom that year but wasn’telected. Unfortunately for Dick andthe Club, Bart moved away and Dick hadto scramble to find another person toreplace him. (There is a long tradition inthe Sierra Club for volunteer officers takingresponsibility for finding their successors!)Dick approached me in the summer of1998. Thinking quickly I realized that itonly left me a few months’ time to learnthe ropes. I realized that we already hadone NJSC leader in the Schvejda household.The time that I would have tocommit would be tremendous, yet Iknew the rewards would be as great.The other problem was that I was noton the ExCom. “Not a problem,” I wasreassured by several supporters.Sure enough, I was elected, and in theJanuary meeting of 1999 I was approvedby the ExCom as NJ Chapter Chair.The next big and final step for me toaccomplish is to move our headquartersto Trenton. Trenton is the capital of ourstate and that is where all the action is.The NJ Chapter needs to be there.In closing I’m not saying good-bye justsaying adieu. Thank you for your confidence,collaboration, and cooperation. Icould NEVER have done it without yourhelp. Thank you! PAST CHAPTER CHAIRS: (L to R) Dennis & Tina Schvejda, Mary Penney 1993-4, Bill Green1995-6, Dick Colby 1997-8.SierraActivist.org offers Headline NewsCare about the environment? Need to know what’s happening? Don’t have the time tosearch dozens of newspapers and websites each day? Subscribe to SierraActivist.orgHeadline News. Your Daily guide to dozens of important stories, each summarized andlinked to the original article. Other features include Quote of the Day, Announcementsand Events, New Links, Green Living, and Reader’s Comments!Subscribe via the web: http://sierraactivist.org/cgi-bin/sa/mojo/mojo.cgiOver 15,000 items summarized and posted last year!How do YOU define SPRAWL, and what do you think should be done about it?

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The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003Celebrating the Donor of a Large Bequest tothe New Jersey Chapterby Dennis Schvejda, Chapter Conservation DirectorI first met Ken Lloyd in the early1990’s when I was Chair of the NorthJersey Group’s ConservationCommittee. We were working to protectHigh Mountain in Wayne, andPyramid Mountain in Kinnelon, among ahost of other issues. Ken was an avidhiker who loved the New JerseyHighlands, and we were working to protecttwo of his favorite places. For thenext several years, Ken attended justabout every Committee meeting. Henever missed any of the monthly WayneTown Council meetings, which weattended faithfully until we succeededin protecting 1,200 acres of HighMountain.Sometimes I wonder whether I readstuff in order to learn or, rather, tobecome more convinced that what Ialready believe is true. I suspect thatmost people daily reinforce, rather thanreconsider, their worldviews throughthe prism of their preferred politicallychargedmedia outlets. All ThingsConsidered, my eye!This may be why I enjoy readingbooks by Rutgers Professor DavidEhrenfeld. I fundamentally agree withhis notion that, since long before 9/11,the world has been degenerating environmentally,economically, sociallyand spiritually. He also thinkswe’re going downhill academically.I have less of a basis for anopinion on that, and less concern,as well.In his best known work, TheArrogance of Humanism (1978),Ehrenfeld took aim at the notion thathumans can systematically manage theworld. He points out that many efforts toimprove things fail and even cause otherproblems. Efforts to measure as a basisfor problem solving are intrinsicallyflawed, misleading and, well...arrogant.Fundamentally, he questions how weknow what we know. I recently read adoctor’s account of the first lecture heheard in medical school. The instructorsaid, “Half of what we will teach you iswrong. The only problem is we don’tknow which half.” While he was clearlyexaggerating to make a point, if that sentimentapplies to medical curriculum, howcan we structure the more complex naturaland social worlds with much confidence?Ehrenfeld observes that mostWestern people internalize— and mostinstitutions and inventions reflect—thedubious principle that every problem hasa rational, human-mediated solution.In Swimming Lessons (2002),Ehrenfeld updates these themes and purportsto provide instructions to stayafloat in a technomanic world.Swimming Lessons is an often charmingseries of 35 essays in which Ehrenfelddiscusses everything from dinosaurs toancient Jewish texts to detective novels—and spins anecdotes about gardening,raising children, bird watching, exoticcamping trips and turning down, as ateen, an opportunity to read books, forpay, to his father’s friend, some goingblindphysician he knew as “Dr.Williams” (a/k/a William CarlosWilliams), in Dr. Williams’ final year. Thelatter is about not perceiving treasuresplaced right before us.Ken was elderly, tall and gaunt, woreglasses and a pork-pie hat. He was quiet,never testifying or speaking out at publichearings. But he was there, offeringencouragement, advice and expressing aheartfelt gratitude for our efforts. Kenwas a fellow we all liked.After a time, Ken suffered from failinghealth, and he eventually stoppedattending our meetings. After anotherfew years, I learned of Ken’s death. Ihad expected it, Ken being elderly, andill, but it was sad news nonetheless. Iwas told Ken had left the Club a bit ofmoney in his will. Ken had lived frugally;in fact, I thought him to be “poor” inmeans but rich in spirit.BOOK REVIEW:THE WATER IS WIDEby Mark OshinskieIn this vein, while the author writeselegantly of his trips to Arctic isles, tropicalforests and remote Canadian lakes,he also finds neglected beauty in NewJersey’s outdoor spaces. He mentionsthe Millstone Canal and the HutchesonForest and centers a whole essay onNew Jersey microenvironments he visitswith his Field Ecology classes, such ashighwaysides and railyards. He suggeststhat, in its own way, New Jersey isundervalued in relation to better knownecotourist destinations. Besides, it’saccessible and it’s home.“...while the author writes elegantly of histrips to Arctic isles, tropical forests andremote Canadian lakes, he also finds neglectedbeauty in New Jersey’s outdoor spaces.”Like his literary predecessors LewisThomas and Wendell Berry (his friend,to whom the book is dedicated), theauthor’s method is to connect the microto the macro, the specific to the general.I do the same thing in my own head, inways that drive others, and sometimesmyself, a little crazy. For example, boththe author and I will agonize over thepurchase of a tool because of the social,economic and global impact this purchasemight have. I can’t help myself.But sometimes I think I overdo this, principallybecause the choices are alreadyso constrained and because my one votecounts for so little in this big world.We also agree that the benefits oftechnology are greatly overstated andthat technology often causes more problemsthan it solves. He slams geneticengineering and notes, for example, thatcomputers are supposed to save societygreat amounts of energy but that computersaccount for about 15% of alldomestic energy use. Do people driveless because of computer use?Ehrenfeld favors older, slower, moreface-to-face, more local, lower tech,more craftspersonlike ways of doingthings. He rails, inter alia, against globalizationand against Internet activism’sinability to serve as anything close to acommensurately countervailing force. Inso doing, he makes a lot of sense.The author’s instructions are mostoften subtly delivered. Most—the onesthat resonate best with me—are philosophicaland personal. Curtail emailing,Net surfing, TV watching and consuming.Instead, slow down, develop yourfaith, talk to your neighbors, make moreAlmost a year passes, and now I’mnotified by National Sierra that Ken’sbequest was the largest our NJ Chapterhas ever received. Ken was quitewealthy.Who would have thought that our worktogether would have made such animpression? I am deeply touched by Ken’sgift. He leaves a legacy that will affectmany lives. Ken’s bequest is an investmentin cleaner air and water, more open space,environmental laws enforced, and newlaws enacted. The NJ Chapter will workhard to make this happen.In my mind’s eye, Ken, I see you smiling,chuckling at the surprise you had instore for your Sierra friends. of your own food and, I would add,make some music, dance and do somethingathletic.A few other instructions are moreinstitutional and less helpful. For example,the author suggests that corporationsshould have charters for 20-yearterms, at which time their conductshould be evaluated in order to adjudgewhether they have been sufficiently virtuousto deserve charter renewal. Frommy legal experience, I perceive morethan a few practical problems with thisproposal including, but not limited to,the glacial pace of due process, theimpossibility of a thorough reviewof the multitudes of extant corporationsand the Black Hand of partisanpolitics.Setting aside these drier proceduralconcerns, is it really possibleto measure a corporation’s virtue?Consider, for example, even a superficialexamination of that paragon of corporateresponsibility, Ben and Jerry’s.Sure, they pay their farmers milk pricesabove federal milk order levels and paytheir scoopers twice the minimumwage. And Ben and Jerry seem so nice!They wear wire-rimmed glasses and tiedied shirts, have colorful stores and givetheir flavors hip, whimsical names. Butdoes their sugary, (saturated) fatty andsometimes hydrogenated productinduce cavities, obesity, heart-diseaseand prostate cancer? How many shopsdo they have in serious urban neighborhoods?Are they jovial, New Age redliners?Do they hire minorities or am I justvisiting the stores at the wrong times?Besides, haven’t Ben and Jerry succumbedto the endless growth businessmodel? And is it really so laudable to payteens enough that they can affordCamaros? Or should low wage labor bean adolescent rite of passage? If you canafford to routinely buy lunch out in yourearly twenties, you’ll have less to lookforward to in your forties.If it matters, we have a few other differences.The author’s views are morePC than mine. He also seems to see ameltdown in the nearer term than I do,after which things can be rebuilt betterthan before. I think the decline has—and will continue to be—gradual, deniableand partially exportable, and that itwill be hard to reconstruct much of thegood we have lost. But that’s just myopinion. I won’t try to convince you. Mark Oshinskie is an attorney andwriter on environmental issues.Director’s Report(continued from previous page)7happen. These projects were originallydone deals, and the fact that the Statemay not allow them to happen is amajor victory whether we win all orsome. We would like to win all.Last year’s State budget had a shortfallof more than $3 billion . One of theplaces from which the TreasuryDepartment raided money to close thegap was the Green Acres Program. Itwas the first time in the history of thatProgram where monies were taken forother uses. $20 million of interest onGreen Acres funds were used to paythe debt service on bonds (instead ofgeneral funds, which is what the lawcalls for). We were able to stop any furtherraids in this year’s budget.(Instead, $7 million were taken fromthe Garden State Trust to pay forstaffing at Green Acres.Two park diversions that were originallyapproved by Gov. Whitman’sDEP Commissioner Shinn went forwardunder the new Administration:the Cape May site for Atlantic CapeCommunity College and Park Madisonin Plainfield. Commissioner Shinn, aspart of a Consent Order with the CapeMay County Freeholders, settled a lawsuitand as a condition committed theDEP to support the transfer of parklandin Cape May County for a newcollege. We had testified before theState House Commission and asked thenew Administration to kill this project.Instead, the transfer was approved.Now the Sierra Club and other organizationsare suing to block this developmenton parkland. On his last day inoffice, Commissioner Shinn approvedthe diverting of four acres of parklandin Plainfield for a new county officebuilding and a strip mall. The SierraClub sued and won, stopping thediversion. However, special legislationwas passed to move this diversion forward.We have asked the Governor toveto it and we are working with theGovernor’s office on this issue.Early in the McGreeveyAdministration when the Open PublicRecords Act rules came out, many of uswho had worked to pass this legislation,felt the rules were weakeningtheir intent. We found that we wereable to work with the Governor’s staffand fix them.There are many issues still to beresolved: clean car, Highlands, steepslope protection, TDR. There is atremendous amount of opposition buildingagainst the changes that the newAdministration has made. There was apolluter’s paradise during the Whitmaneight years and those groups who areused to getting their own way are noworganizing to fight the newAdministration. Part of their strategy isto claim that the Sierra Club has toomuch influence over the newAdministration. Henry Hill, the Attorneyfor the Builder’s Association, had on hisweb site, “What Sierra proposes,Campbell disposes.” as a way of tryingto diffuse any influence with theCommissioner. Jim Sinclair, lobbyist forthe NJ Business & Industry Association,stated in his Environmental Notes that,“It seems that the main purpose of theDEP is now to please Jeff Tittel and theSierra Club.” So we have to be sure thatthe proposals for strengthening the protectionsof our waters, for implementingthe Governor’s sprawl agenda, as wellas other programs to protect the environment,will happen. We will have towork harder and be more diligent inorder to stop the special interests. If wedo, New Jersey will have a better environmentfor future generations. YOU HAVE MORE TO GIVE THAN YOU KNOWMaybe you can’t make a gift to protect the environment during your lifetime, but you can become a financial hero by rememberingthe Sierra Club in your will. You can even direct your gift to a special Club program or to the New Jersey Chapter.For information about making a bequest to the New Jersey Chapter call George Denzer at 609-799-5839.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003Hamilton-TrentonMarsh(continued from page 4)January air. “Fall is the fruiting time,” Maryadmitted, as berries bent boughs over ourheads. Charles and Mary remembered arecent full-moon walk. Striding betweenlake and marsh, they were startled by aGreat Horned Owl sailing past to a convenientstump. You never know what giftsthe Marsh will bring. Carolyn Foote Edelmann is a poet,writer, author and devoted naturalist.She expresses her love of nature and zestfor life as part of a seven-woman critiqueand performance troupe. The sevenwomanteam has been reading for audiencesever since Princeton’s MicawberBooks requested Valentines Poems inFebruary, 2000. “Hot Poems by CoolWomen,” their flip defense against expectationsof “Roses Are Red,” christened thegroup and won the press. Demand hasbeen such that they have published twovolumes of their collected work, the vividcovers painted by Cool Husband, GaryLott. The Princeton University Store willshowcase this year’s official reading onSunday, February 16, at 3pm.REPORT ON TRANSPORTATION ISSUES:TEA-21 RENEWALby Bob Johnson, our Transportation Issues CoordinatorTEA-21 is the federal TransportationEfficiency Act for the 21st century.This is the main source of federalfunding for surface transportation. Itcomes up for reconsideration every sixyears and the current law expires Sept30, 2003. For more information about it,see http://www.istea.org/ We need topay attention to the debate over therenewal of this bill, because its finalform will determine whether the UnitedStates will have more alternate trans-New Jersey Sierra Student CoalitionA Network of New Jersey College and High School Student Environmental ActivistsOnline at www.ssc.org/nj – or send messages to nj@ssc.orgcontributed by Dan Rosen, our SSC liaison. His contact information is below.The NJSSC is a community of studentactivists who feel that calling NewJersey the Garden State shouldn't befalse advertising. We are naive idealistswho refuse to believe that it is somehow"rational" and "practical" to exploit anddestroy the world and each other.An entirely student and youth run organization,the NJSSC Community is challengingassumptions about students and youthas we organize to achieve real progress forour communities and our environment.From being a district organizer to participatingin the planning of the NJSSC'sEnvironmental Justice and lobbying inWashington, there are numerous waysfor you to be actively involved in planningand organizing the NJSSC.DISTRICT ORGANIZERS NEEDEDNJSSC District Organizers work withhigh school and college students in theirdistrict as well as the national campaigncoordinators of the Sierra Studentportation or more sprawl-inducing highways.The Sierra Club is going to wage acampaign to get the most environmentallyfriendly bill possible.If you would like to get involved inthis campaign, the Chapter has created anew list-serve devoted to transportation.To join, send a blank messege to: NJ-Sierra-Transportationsubscribe@topica.comMembers withquestions should feel free to contact meat robert.johnson@comcast.net. Coalition to lobby the Member ofCongress in the district on crucial environmentallegislation. (A brochure withthe responsibilities of a DistrictOrganizer can be downloaded athttp://www.ssc.org/nj/districtorganizers/districtorganizer.pdf)A little hard work can make a very bigdifference. STEP UP TO ORGANIZEYOUR CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT!Being a district organizer is a great way tomake a difference in protecting the environmentwhile also meeting other studentactivists locally and around the country.Get more info and apply online athttp://www.ssc.org/nj/districtorganizers.ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICEORGANIZING COMMITTEEWhen locating their environmentallyhazardous operations, corporations oftentarget places where working class peopleand people of color live, because it tendsto be cheaper and easier to get awaywith. The situation is so bad here in the"Garden State" that, on average if you livein a low income community, you livenext to twice the number of toxicSuperfund sites as a person living in ahigh income community. (Read moreabout EJ at www.ssc.org/nj/ej/ej.html)The NJSSC Environmental JusticeOrganizing Committee is planning astatewide campaign for environmentaljustice, urban environmentalism, cleanenergy, and public transit. Plans includeorganizing in our schools to promotealternatives to cars and install solar panelson our schools, working with communityorganizations who ask for oursupport, and lobbying state legislators tofight sprawl while addressing environmentalracism and classism. A student EJsummit/activist training is being planned9for this Spring.For more information, contact DanRosen at (201) 670-1980 ordanrosen85@hotmail.com.PUBLIC LANDS ACTION SUMMIT INDC — MARCH 7th-11thLess than a year ago, 150 students from45 states descended on Washington, D.C.They came from high schools and colleges,from cities, suburbs, and smalltowns. All were united by a commonbelief: “Wilderness needs no defense,only more defenders.” - Edward AbbeyThanks to our energy and passion, ourNational Forests and wilderness landshave received added support from lawmakers.We took the fight back home,waging strategic campaigns to get evenmore cosponsors. We did great work,but now there's a new Congress, and it'stime for students to return toWashington.At Public Lands Action Summit (PLAS)2003 we will be lobbying members ofCongress to protect our NationalForests, nine million acres of Utah'sRedrock Wilderness, and Alaska's ArcticNational Wildlife Refuge.High school and college activists fromaround the country will gather at PLAS inWashington, DC from March 7th through11th. By attending the Summit, you'll gainthe knowledge and skills to help win permanentprotection for magnificent andthreatened lands. You'll learn how towork with media, talk with your electedofficials, and plan a long-term campaign towin their support for wild lands protection.When the weekend is over, you'lltake these skills home with you.GET MORE INFORMATION ANDAPPLY ONLINE @ www.ssc.org - clickon “Public Lands Action Summit”. Book Summary(continued from page 1)dirt bikes, snowmobiles, and other twostrokegasoline-powered machines. Forone thing, their engines do not containcatalytic converters and other emissionscontrols. As a result, large amounts ofhydrocarbons are created, which thenturn into smog. An hour of water skiingcan create nearly as much smog as drivinga car from Washington D.C. toFlorida.When making decisions about transportation,know that your choices aretruly important to the environment.Buying a high mileage, low emissionsvehicle is the most obvious step. Today,excellent choices such as the HondaCivic hybrid provide a great combinationof high-mileage in an all-aroundpractical and reliable car. But there areother decisions we can make, such asdriving less by combining or eliminatingtrips, or travelling with others. Therereally are many opportunities to do thisif we keep it in mind before we use ourcar. Although we never previously consideredit an option, my wife and Irecently began commuting to worktogether. Not only does this reduce trafficand carbon dioxide emissions, it’senjoyable. Another major transportationdecision is to move close to where youwork or shop, or to a rapid transit station,so that you can reduce the amountof driving you do.The second most important consumptionchoice relates to WHAT WEEAT. Growing and raising food areresource-intensive activities that contributeto water depletion, water pollution,and land use. Once again however,some activities are more harmful thanothers. Raising cattle, chickens and pigsare the three most environmentallydamaging activities. For example, comparedwith pasta, red meat is responsiblefor 20 times the land use (due to cattlegrazing), 17 times the water pollution(due to animal wastes), and 5 times thetoxic water pollution and water use (dueto chemicals used on feed grains andwater for irrigation and livestock).Livestock are a very inefficient foodsource in that only a small fraction of thegrain fed to animals is ultimately convertedinto meat that people consume.One helpful choice is to reduce householdmeat consumption. There are manysatisfying meat alternatives available inregular grocery stores these days. Also,choosing certified organic fruits, vegetables,and other packaged food items is agood way support organic farming,which reduces the amount of chemicalsthat wind up in our water supply. Thischoice also reduces our pesticide intakeand exposure. By the way, because pesticidesbuild up in the fatty tissue of theanimals, eating meat may expose us toseveral times more pesticides than consumingfruits or vegetables. Of course,the best organic produce is that whichwe grow in our own gardens.The third most important consumptionchoice relates to the VARIOUSDECISIONS WE MAKE IN OURHOMES. Whether a house runs on electricity,natural gas, or oil, and whateverfossil fuel is used by the local electricutility, energy used at home pumps significanttoxins into the air and contributesto global warming. So reducingenergy consumption can directly reduceair pollution. Generally, the larger thehouse, the larger the fuel bills and thelarger the air pollution emissions.To reduce energy consumption, hereare five easy-to-implement ideas.a) Replace the incandescent bulbsused most often with compact fluorescentbulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbsgenerate much less heat, use four-fifthsless energy, and last up to 13 timeslonger than incandescent bulbs. As aresult, one such bulb, over its life, willavoid putting one ton of carbon dioxideinto the air if powered by a coal firedpower plant, and, if powered by oil, willsave the burning of a full barrel of oil(42 gallons) and all the attendant emissions.Think of the difference we couldmake if everyone replaced just onebulb. In addition, the energy savedtranslates into money saved over the lifeof the bulb, even accounting for thehigher initial cost of the fluorescentbulb. And if you buy a multi-pack at adiscounter like Costco, the savings areeven greater.b) Use less hot water. Efficient showerheads deliver as little as 1 gallon ofwater per minute (gpm) and still providerobust water flow. Older, inefficientones may deliver up to 6 gpm,though the current maximum is 2.5gpm. Modern front-loading washingmachines use far less water than oldertop-loading ones. Choose warm or coldcycles for more of your washing. Turndown the temperature on your hotwaterheater and be aware when thehot water is needlessly running, becauseit is running up your energy bill as well.c) Make sure the windows, doors andwalls are sufficiently weather-strippedand insulated. This includes making surewindows receive significant summersun (east- and west-facing) are blockedby window coverings or shade trees,and making sure that south-facing windowsare not blocked to maximize heatuptake from the winter sun.d) When you purchase appliances,consider the entire life cycle cost,instead of just the initial cost. This leadsto purchasing much more efficientappliances, especially governmentlabeled Energy Star® models. Therefrigerator is typically the biggest energyuser in the house, but they havebecome much more efficient and lesspolluting over the past decade.e) Choose a green energy supplier.In many places we can choose analternative to our local utility. Somepower companies provide completelyrenewable energy, such as wind orsolar. It may cost a little more rightnow, but will provide much neededhelp to a vitally important industry inits infancy.Good ideas are wasted unless we takeaction. What specifically will you do toreduce your automobile travel, to eat in amore sustainable manner, and toimprove the efficiency of your home?And don’t forget another timeless, butpowerful suggestion: plant a tree. Bysoaking up carbon dioxide and releasingoxygen, each tree offsets some of theharmful effects of our daily activities.Incidentally, based on a study of theenergy use and waste created, there islittle difference between choosingpaper or plastic bags. So choosewhichever you prefer, or choose areusable canvas sack. The key to makinga difference is to keep prioritiesordered and to focus time and energyon choices that matter most. Michael Minaides can be contactedat msminaides@hotmail.comThe book summary on this page highlights environmentally responsible choices in transportation, food and home energy consumption. How do you compare?

10The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003G roupNGN roup ewsFROMewsAROUNDTHESTATE•••••••••••••Northwest Jersey Group(Sussex and Warren Counties, approximately)Web site: http://pepin.home.att.net. We are also accessiblefrom the NJ Chapter Web site.OFFICERS:Chair: Ellen Pepin 973-252-5137epepin@worldnet.att.netVice Chair: Joseph Pepin 973-252-5137pepin@worldnet.att.netTreasurer: Donna Rubin 973-726-9278Secretary: Debbie Hambright 973-729-8015Political Chair: Dean Shemenski 908-684-1515dshemenski@billbehrle.comPublicity Chair: Claire Cifelli 973-726-8606Outings Chair: VacantAttention: Northwest New Jersey needs a strong SierraClub to protect its environment from the challenges ofincreasing over-development. We need to have the commitmentand talents of all of our members. We have aneed for people to help us in our conservation effortsand we also need the help of people who are willing toserve as outings leaders. Please help us by completingthe survey below and sending it back to Ellen Pepin, 4Cathy Place, Succasunna NJ 07876.MEETING SCHEDULE:Our general meetings generally take place in Sparta, at8pm. Please call for the dates and meeting place.Jan 15: Pot luck supper at home of Ellen and Joe Pepin,4 Cathy Place, Succasunna, NJ Please call Ellen Pepin ifyou need directions.NORTHWEST JERSEY GROUP ELECTION:The ballot published in the Oct-Dec issue of this newsletterwas FLAWED, so the election must now (sadly) beREPEATED. Group members should please clip and returnthe ballot below,by Feb 28, to: Sierra Club Group Ballot, 4Cathy Place, Succasunna, NJ 07876-1002.GROUP BALLOT for Northwest Jersey GroupExecutive Committee:Vote for two candidates, maximum. The first columnof boxes is for “individual” members. Family (joint)members are entitled to express two opinions byusing both columns. (To learn more about the candidates,contact Ellen Pepin at 973-252-5137.) Ellen Pepin Joe Pepin Write in:________________________ Write in:________________________Your membership # _________________(found on the address label of this newsletter or yourSIERRA magazine)SKILLS • KNOWLEDGE • ABILITIESI would like to volunteer the following skills: Accounting/Bookkeeping Photography Computer Expertise Political Organizing Cooking Public Speaking Data Entry Research Event Planning Teaching Fundraising Visual Arts Grant Writing Web Design/Maintenance Graphic Design Word Processing Law Writing/Journalism Medicine Other: _______________ Performing Arts_______________________VOLUNTEER ACTIVITIESI would participate in the following activities: Attend a Sierra Club Meeting Write Letters Attend a Community Meeting Perform Legal Services Answer the Club’s Phone Greet People at Meetings Work at a Mailing Party Work at a Sierra Club Testify at a HearingBooth at Fairs and Events Phone Calling Positions Fundraising Other:________________HOW TO IDENTIFY YOUR GROUP (BY COUNTY)Northwest Jersey Group: Sussex & WarrenHunterdon County Group: HunterdonNorth Jersey Group: Passaic & most of BergenRaritan Valley Group: Somerset & MiddlesexWest Jersey Group: Gloucester, Camden & BurlingtonSouth Jersey Group: Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland & SalemEssex County Group: EssexHudson-Meadowlands Group: Hudson & SE BergenLoantaka Group: Morris & UnionJersey Shore Group: Monmouth & OceanCentral Jersey Group: MercerThese designations are approximate: members are welcome to participate in whichever Group(s) they find convenientHunterdon County GroupOFFICERS:Chair: Ruth Prince 908-284-9103ruthp2@earthlink.netPolitical Chair: Arnold Kushnickapkushn@eclipse.netCo-Treasurers: Jeannie Geremiajeannieg@ptd.netand Arnold Kushnickapkushn@eclipse.netFor meeting times and locations, please contact RuthPrince.ACTIVITIES:• The Musconetcong Mountain 90-acre proposed developmentin Holland Township received conditional preapprovalfrom the Holland Planning Board in October,despite massive citizen opposition and excellent mediacoverage. However, the approval imposed many conditionswhich may not be met, and there were legal irregularitiesin the approval process. Friends of HollandHighlands is mounting a legal challenge to the approval,and we continue to aid them. In further opposition tothis proposed development, representatives of theClub’s Hunterdon County Group and Chapter, in concertwith Rutgers’ Environmental Law Clinic, held ameeting with DEP in October regarding their practice ofissuing stream encroachment permits for detentionbasins discharging to C1 streams. We have made it clearthat if DEP issues a stream encroachment permit for thisdevelopment, we will challenge it.• We provided testimony at the Hunterdon CountyOctober DEP hearing on the draft NJPDES permit forthe Milligan Farms development. Since Sydney Brookreceived a C1 designation in a DEP proposed rule enteringthe state register on November 18, 2002, werequested that discharge permits affecting this andother newly designated surface waters be frozen untilfinal rule-making.• During October we provided support to our endorsedpolitical candidate.• We respond to many citizen requests for adviceregarding a broad range of environmental issues.• We will be participating in Hunterdon County’sMaster Plan revision process, and will be involved witha County effort to design technically sound model ordinancesfor our municipalities to adopt as desired.Volunteer Interest Survey - Northwest Jersey GroupNEW MEMBERS AND OLD . . .PLEASE HELP US UPDATE OUR VOLUNTEER DATABASE!!!Grassroots action made the Sierra Club what it is today—the premier national organization working for, and winning,environmental reforms in our communities, our states, out nation, and our world. Let us know how you would like to beinvolved. Please fill out the form below and return to Ellen and Joe Pepin, 4 Cathy Place, Succasunna NJ 07876-1002.Date: ____________________________________________Name: __________________________________________Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________________City, State, Zip: ____________________________________E-mail: __________________________________________Phone: ( ) ______________ (h ) ( ) _____________ (w)Fax: ( ) ________________ Other: ( ) _______________Membership # (if known): ____________________________Occupation: ______________________________________ I’d like to spend ______ hours/month volunteering. I want to contribute financially only.CONSERVATION ISSUESI am interested in the following issues: Air Quality – Pa. Power Plants Political Endorsements Energy Public Lands and Forests Environmental Legislation Local Sprawl Issues Land Use/Transportation Toxics Rt. 15 Widening Water Quality Other: _______________Which of the issues you chose is most important to you?_________________________________________________OUTINGS I am interested in participating in Club outings I am interested in leading Club outings I am interested in providing first aid training to outings leadersE-MAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS Please send me Northwest New Jersey Group Updates,”a periodic update of Northwest Group events, outings, andmeetings. Please send me Northwest New Jersey Group Alerts,” amaximum of 5 messages each month updating you onimportant environmental issues in Northwest New Jersey.The Survey Form above is relevant to ALL our Groups. Consider completing it!North Jersey Group(All of Passaic County, Bergen County except forthe eight southern towns mentioned in the Hudson-Meadowlands Group’s description, below)OFFICERS:Group Chair: Betsy Kohn 201-461-4534BetsyKohn@aol.comVice Chair: Hugh Carola 201-692-8440HCarola@aol.comConservationCo-Chairs: Tom Thompson 201-848-1080etrans743@aol.comand Alexandra Sola 201-229-9638SOLAA7@aol.comMembership Chair: Ellen Friedman 201-587-1263EFrie@rcn.comOutings Chair: Kerry Millerksmiller2@juno.comPolitical Chair: Michael Cino 201-750-0447miata7@aol.comSecretary:open positionTreasurer: Mary Ellen Shaw 201-489-1588MaryEllenShaw@msn.comHighlands Committee: Bill O’Hearn 973-962-0562william_ohearn@juno.comEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE/CONSERVATION MEETINGS:Held at least four times a year (once every quarter). Fordate and location contact Betsy Kohn, Ellen Friedman orHugh Carola (see above).GENERAL MEETINGS: Held once a month at 7:30 pm onthe following THURSDAYS and at the locations indicated:Jan 23 at Paramus Public Library, E-116 Century Road,Paramus: “We are the Sierra Club” - an introduction to theconservation issues and hiking opportunities in northernNew Jersey - video and discussion led by Betsy Kohn.Feb 20 at Bloomingdale Senior Citizens Center, l01Hamburg Tpke, Bloomingdale: “The Lure of Caves andCaving” - a slide presentation by longtime caver AdrianSira, author of “A Guide to Responsible Caving” andinstructor of vertical caving, about the fragile environmentof caves and the adventure of exploring them. Histalk will also include his 1991 caving experience in theSoviet Union.Mar 13 at Flat Rock Brook Nature Center, 443 VanNostrand Avenue, Englewood: “The Future of theMeadowlands” - a panel discussion with representativesfrom Hackensack Riverkeeper and the NJ MeadowlandsCommission on the new Master Plan for theMeadowlands (to be published in early 2003). The plan,the first one to be drawn up since 1970, seeks to preserve7,000 acres of wetlands and shift district developmentto brownfields and upland areas.HIGHLANDS COMMITTEE MEETINGS:Held at 7:30 pm on the FIRST WEDNESDAY of themonth (EXCEPT JANUARY: SECOND Wednesday!) atPompton Lakes Public Library, 333 Wanaque Avenue,Pompton Lakes, NJ. Everyone interested in Highlandsconservation is invited. For information or to check themeeting schedule, contact Committee Chair BillO’Hearn at 973-962-0562 or william_ohearn@juno.comBECOME A SIERRA CLUB VOLUNTEER! Help with conservationissues to save our woodlands, wetlands and watersheds,and protect the Hackensack and Ramapo Rivers.Join the Highlands Committee (see above). Choose anissue to work on, such as water quality, air quality,brownfields redevelopment, environmental justice,nuclear energy, population, transportation, urban renewal,or wildlife and endangered species. Participate in ourpolitical endorsement process and help us interview StateAssembly and Senate candidates next year. Work on publiceducation programs, publicity, tabling at specialevents, river cleanups, petition drives, or fundraising. Tofind out how you can help, please contact Betsy Kohn orEllen Friedman or Tom Thompson (see above).E-MAIL NOTICES: If you would like notices of meetings,hikes and issue alerts, please send your e-mail address toBetsyKohn@aol.com. NB: it will not be shared with anyoneelse.NORTH JERSEY GROUP ELECTION:The ballot published in the Oct-Dec issue of this

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003newsletter was FLAWED, so the election must now(sadly) be REPEATED. Group members should pleaseclip and return the ballot below,by Feb 28, to: SierraClub Group Ballot, 2400 Hudson Terrace #5D, Fort Lee,NJ 07024.GROUP BALLOT for North Jersey Group ExecutiveCommittee:Vote for four candidates maximum. The first columnof boxes is for “individual” members. Family (joint)members are entitled to express two opinions byusing both columns. (To learn more about the candidates,contact Betsy Kohn at 201-461-4534.) Hugh Carola Michael Herson Monica Maye Tom Thompson Write in: ___________________ Write in: ___________________Your membership # _________________(found on the address label of this newsletter oryour SIERRA magazine)Hudson Meadowlands Group(Hudson County and southern Bergen County:Lyndhurst, Rutherford, East Rutherford, Carlstadt,Ridgefield, Edgewater, Cliffside Park and Fairview)OFFICERS:Chair: Steve Lanset 201-860-9870slanset@hotmail.comVice Chair: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754l.g.taylor@erols.comTreasurer: Steve Lanset 201-860-9870slanset@hotmail.comSecretary: Tina Munson 201-941-5784artina@rcn.comPrograms Chair: Open position!Publicity: Open position!Political Chair: Open position!Membership: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754l.g.taylor@erols.comNEWS: Keep up with Group happenings at warp speed!Please send your e-mail address to Steve Lanset(slanset@hotmail.com) and you will be added to our distributionlist. We are especially trying to network memberswho share similar environmental interests and tocall meetings on shorter (two or three weeks) noticethan usual. We are currently working on the BergenArches, Liberty State Park, and green transportationissues. Members are invited to help with these or otherlocal issues. For those interested in our open volunteerpositions, please contact Steve Lanset, at 201-860-9870,or at slanset@hotmail.com.GROUP BALLOT 2003Hudson-Meadowlands Group: Candidates for GroupExecutive Committee:Vote for five maximum. The first column of boxes isfor “individual” members. Family (joint) members areentitled to express two opinions by using bothcolumns. Please clip out and mail ballot to H-M SierraGroup, PO Box 347, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Place yourname and return address on outside of envelope toestablish eligibility to vote. Deadline for submittingthis ballot: Jan. 31, 2002. Bob Honsinger Don Kopczynski Steve Lanset Tina Munson Louise Taylor Write in: ___________________ Write in: ___________________Essex County Group“(Essex County)OFFICERS:Chair: Richard Isaac 973-716-0297risaacx@aol.comConservation: Kyle Lischak 973-218-9388Political: Janine Schaeffer 973-736-0898jschaeffer@sealtechcompany.comandBob Wolff 973-509-7331robert_wolff@urscorp.comMedia: Camille Gutmore 973-667-2203cgutmore@hotmail.comOutings: Dave Ogens 973-226-7107bandit29@aol.comOpen Space: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913schatzidog@earthlink.netTreasurer: Lori Tanner 973-857-0519LJensen@montclairlaw.comSecretary: Bob Wolff 973-509-7331robert_wolff@urscorp.comEnv. Justice: Dawn Breeden 973-763-8968rossbreeden@verizon.netFundraising: Kim McGuire 973-275-1030mackim@aol.comPrograms: Sue Slotnick 973-564-9589PSue82@juno.comMembership: George Cluen 973-744-7430gcluen@hotmail.comConsumption: Mike Minaides 973-470-0793msminaides@hotmail.comRahway River: Kirk Barrett 973-313-1218kbarrett@cimic.rutgers.eduACTIVITIES: Working to preserve wetlands in thePassaic River Basin and remaining forested areas inEssex County. Continuing to ensure that the EssexCounty Park and Open Space Trust Fund is implementedin a fair and consistent way. Addressing environmentaljustice (EJ) issues.**OPENINGS** The Group has openings for those interestedin our Environmental Justice Campaign, ourWetlands Campaign, and for those who interested inrecycling and consumption issues! For those interestedin helping please contact Rich at 973-716-0297, or at:risaacx@aol.com for details!! Thanks!!EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS:Held at 7pm the first week of the month. Please contactRich at risaacx@aol.com or 973-716-0297 for the locationand day of the week, which may vary.GENERAL MEETINGS: Held at 7:30 pm on the SECONDTHURSDAY of the month at the Verona Park Boathouse,corner of Lakeside and Bloomfield Ave., Verona (unlessotherwise specified). For directions, please call Sue,973-564-9589.Jan, 2003: No meeting scheduledFeb: No meeting scheduledMar 13: Can’t remember the last time NJ had a whiteChristmas, or when you could keep your windows openduring the summer months without getting heat stroke?Join Marc Brammer, founder of New York ClimateRescue (NYCR), for a slide show presentation on thescience behind global warming and a discussion on howyou can help make a change for the better. NYCR is acitizen-based action group, which is focused on climatechange initiatives and concrete actions to make the metropolitanNew York area “climate neutral”.Loantaka Group(Morris and Union Counties)OFFICERS:Group Chair: Paul Sanderson 908-233-2414paulmsanderson@aol.comTreasurer: Joyce White 908-272-4478joyce00201@yahoo.comSecretary: Open position.Conservation Chair:Morris County: Open position.Union County: Ed Johnson 908-687-2778Legislative Chair: Ken Johanson 908-464-0442kjohan@comcast.netPolitical Chair: Meiling Chin 908-490-1054 (8-10pm)chinmeiling@yahoo.comPrograms: Melody GocklinOutreach &Events Chair: Bob Johnson 908-771-9676robert.johnson@comcast.netPublicity Chair: Janice La Gala 973-895-2143 (before 9pm)jlagala@cs.comMembership: Open position.Air QualityCoordinator: Bob Campbell 908-273-5720wrobc@intac.comHighlandsCoordinator: Phil L’Hommedieu 973-425-2808plhommedie@aol.comInvasive PlantsCoordinator: Franz Leinweber 973-328-4625fjleinweber@aol.comGreenbrook: Bob Muska 908-665-2296rmuska@erols.comThe Loantaka Group welcomes the chance to meet youand to introduce ourselves at one of our general meetings.We have some interesting programs coming up. Please seethe meeting schedule which follows and join us!Members are encouraged to attend an ExecutiveCommittee meeting. Currently, there are open positionson our Executive Committee. If you are interested inbecoming more active, please contact Paul Sanderson.To join our mailing list, send a blank email to:Loantaka-Group-Announcements-subscribe@topica.comEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS:Meetings are held on the FIRST TUESDAY of the monthat 7:30 pm in the Library of the Chathams. We inviteyou to join us.GENERAL MEETINGS:Meetings are held on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of themonth at 7:30 pm in the Library of the Chathams, 214Main St. (Route 124), Chatham. Everyone is welcome!Library phone: 973-635-0603MEETING SCHEDULE:Jan 8, 2003: Emily Ferry, who is the Mid-Atlantic FieldOrganizer of the Alaska Coalition, is the scheduledspeaker.Feb 12: To be announced. Please refer to the website.Mar 12: Penny Jones Recycling Education Specialist withthe Morris County Municipal Utilities Authority, is ourscheduled speaker.Apr 9: To be announced. Please refer to our website.May 14: Bonnie Tillery, NJ Sierra Club Chair onPopulation Issues, will speak.Central Jersey Group(Mercer County, parts of Somerset and Middlesex)WEBSITES:www.sierraactivist.orgwww.sierraactivist.org/getbusy2003 OFFICERS(Appointments underway as issue goes to press)Co-Chairs: Harold Rapp 609-671-0435HalRapp@aol.comand Ed Pfeiffer 609-581-1660ECPfeiffer@aol.comTreasurer: Bill Wowk 609-587-0502bwowk@aol.comConservation Chair: Laura Lynch 609-882-4642llynch@mail.med.upenn.eduMembership Chair: Corinne Egnerconskayakr@aol.comPrograms Committee: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138kjmayberg@aol.comand Lisa Ridgelisa.haile@worldnet.att.netPublicity Coordinator: Janet Blackjblack8084@aol.comPolitical Committee: Tom Zolandz 908-874-4194earthsounds@yahoo.comand Kelly McNicholaskellymcnicholas@hotmail.comOutings Chair: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138kjmayberg@aol.comWildlands Coordinator: Dave Mattek 609-737-1342MattekDC@aol.comParks &Biodiversity Issues:Advisor:George SchindlerGESchindlerJr@worldnet.att.netand Pat SaylesPlsayles@aol.comMary PenneyPenney4Thoughts@aol.com11GENERAL MEETINGS:We hold our meetings at the Mary Jacobs Library inRocky Hill the SECOND WEDNESDAY of the monthfrom September to June. We meet in the communityroom on the second floor at 7:30pm. We welcomeeveryone at our meetings and hope you can participatein some way. We are involved in many conservationissues at the local, state and national level.Driving Directions: North on Rte 206 to just beyondPrinceton Airport. Turn right (or east) at traffic light onRte 518. Travel east on Rte 518 which becomesWashington Street as you go into Rocky Hill. Library willbe on left (setback from road). Park in lot and come tosecond floor community room. South on Rte 206 pastMontgomery Cinema and Shopping Center on left. Atnext intersection, get in left lane (WaWa on corner) andturn left on Rte 518. Travel east on Rte 518 whichbecomes Washington Street as you go into Rocky Hill.Library will be on left (setback from road). Park in lotand come to second floor community room.PROGRAM SCHEDULE:Jan 8, 2003: Dr. Thomas Darlington, former cranberrygrower and owner of Whitesbog Village will offer aglimpse into the history of the cranberry and blueberryindustry in the Pinelands. Whitesbog was the locationwhere blueberries were first grown commercially. Joinus for a slide program and discussion.Feb 12: Linda Barth, the author of the recently publishedArcadia book, The Delaware and Raritan Canal,will present a slide talk about the canal. A director of(Continued on page 12)Group meetings offer interesting speakers, involvement, friendship, and usually food!

12The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003GROUP NEWS(Continued from page 11)the Canal Society of New Jersey, Mrs. Barth will showhistoric photographs and postcard views of the D&Rand will sign copies of her book. Light refreshments willfollow.Mar 12: Get limber with us on a cross country ski in theHigh Peaks region of the Adirondack Mountains. CentralJersey Group member Don Griffin will present a briefslide show of a delightful day around Marcy Dam andAvalanche Pass.Raritan Valley Group(Middlesex and Somerset Counties, approximately)OFFICERS AND CONTACTS:Chair: Steve Ember 732-926-8964sehiker@yahoo.comVice-Chair:open position!Conservation Co-Chairs: Debbie Cohendabblerdeb@aol.comand Kathy Haskellkmhaske5@aol.comMembership Chair: Sandi Phelpsabstract46@aol.comPolitical Chair: Dennis Andersondennisaza@aol.comPrograms Chair:Publicity Co-Chairs:Secretary:Treasurer:Webmaster:open position!Michael Pattonmikepatton@att.comKristy Throndsonkthrondson@earthlink.netopen position!Steven Zawidsteven.e.zawid@intel.comDon McBridedtmcbride@yahoo.comISSUES:We are coordinating efforts with the Hunterdon CountyGroup in opposing the extensive Solberg AirportExpansion project in rural Hunterdon County.Implementation of these plans will lead to noise, fueland light pollution, increased traffic and adverse impactson residential home values. A large underlying aquifermay also be affected.We are fighting development along streams, wetlands,flood plains and steep slopes. This includes working toprotect threatened and endangered species in theseareas. Help us stop developers from buying sub-standardlots and obtaining permits and variances to constructnew homes.We are monitoring the drafting of the HillsboroughTownship Master Plan to ensure that the existing agriculturallands, the Sourland Mountains, endangered andthreatened species and open spaces are protected fromdestructive development.We want to stop the Green Brook Flood Control Project.Besides wasting enormous amounts of taxpayer funds, thisproject will eliminate 100 acres of wetlands, build miles oftall unsightly levees, and increase development pressure inthe area where people are now hesitant to build.Calling All Volunteers: The Raritan Valley Group welcomesyou to our activities. Currently, several positionsare open. If you are interested in participating in ouractivities or filling any of the open positions, please contactSteve Ember, the Group Chair.GENERAL MEETINGS: Held at 7:30 pm on the SECONDTUESDAY of the month except for July and August.Currently, meetings are being held at the Bound BrookPresbyterian Church at 409 Mountain Avenue in BoundBrook. Take the Mountain Avenue exit off Rte. 22towards Bound Brook. The church is on the right handside at the first stop light (Union Avenue – Rte. 28). Thepublic is invited and refreshments are served.Executive Committee Meetings: Held at 7:00 pm on theFIRST TUESDAY of the month except for July and August.Currently, meetings are being held at the SomersetCounty Library on 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater. All SierraClub members are invited to attend. Please contact usfirst in case there is a change of plans.Jan 14: Steve Ember, long-time Sierra Club hike leader,will present a slide show of his hiking adventures in theCascade Mountains. These slides represent the highlightsfrom various backpacking trips in Washington. Duringthe 1990s, the Cascades became the favorite of many hikersdue to their sculpted peaks, ubiquitous waterfalls andcascades, numerous glaciers, ancient forests, and lushmeadows. Come and see the grandeur of the most underratedmountain range in the United States.Feb 11: Sailing - harnessing the earth’s natural resources totravel and live. (Mike and I are still working on this blurb)Mar 11: The Tongass - Alaska’s Rainforest. Emily Ferry ofthe Alaska Coalition will present this slide show. It is aninspiring look at one of the rarest and most biologicallyproductive ecosystems on earth. Before a stunning backdropof coastal mountains towering to 18,000 feet, overlookinghundreds of mist-shrouded islands, the Alaskatemperate rainforest spans a thousand mile arc along thepacific coast. The Alaska rainforest boasts 12 millionacres of ancient forest, including giant trees hundreds offeet tall and up to a thousand years old. It is also hometo the world’s healthiest remaining populations of grizzlybears, bald eagles and salmon.RARITAN VALLEY GROUP ELECTION:Group members should please clip and return the ballotbelow, by Feb 28, to: Sierra Club Group Ballot, 511Grandview Street, Middlesex, NJ 08846GROUP BALLOT for Raritan Valley Group ExecutiveCommittee:Vote for three candidates, maximum. The first columnof boxes is for “individual” members. Family (joint)members are entitled to express two opinions byusing both columns. (To learn more about the candidates,contact Steve Ember at 732-926-8964.) Kathy Haskell Michael Patton Kristy Throndson Write in: ___________________ Write in: ___________________Your membership # _________________(found on the address label of this newsletteror your SIERRA magazine)Jersey Shore Group(Monmouth and Ocean Counties)Web Site: http://njsierra.enviroweb.org/~njshore/OFFICERS:Group Chair: Steve Knowlton 732-747-7011knowlton@worldnet.att.net77 Church St., Fair Haven, NJ 07704Vice-Chair: George Newsome 732-949-0812newsome1@optonline.netSecretary: Judy Maxcy 732-458-5074Conservation:Monmouth Co.: Steve Knowlton (see above)Ocean County: (vacant)Ocean CountySection Chair: (vacant)Webmaster: George Newsome (see above)Treasurer: Judy Maxcy (see above)Political Chair: Laura Bagwell 732-741-8678lbagwell@rcn.comOutings Chair: Mike Verange 908-902-0718mjverange@aol.comMembershipChair: Steve Treson 732-933-1487xstre@comcast.netProgram Chair: Regina Maurer 732-335-1183rmaurer@sprintmail.comGENERAL MEETINGS:Held at 8pm on the FOURTH MONDAY of each month -except in July, August, and December - at the Old WharfHouse, Old Wharf Park, Main Street and OceanportAvenue, Oceanport, NJ. Come early to socialize and enjoyrefreshments. For directions and information, please callRegina Maurer at 732-335-1183, or visit our web site.Jan 27: How Dry We Are. Join us for a very informativeprogram on the drought in New Jersey. Our speaker isDennis Hart, Administrator of Water Supply and DroughtCoordination at the DEP. He will tell us all about thedrought, as well as what we can do to help ease the situation,both as individuals and as a group.Feb 24: Green Buildings for a Better Environment. Greentechnology incorporates environmentally friendly designand construction in both commercial and residential settings.Jason Kliwinski, an architect with the PriscoGroup, will present a program focused on commercialapplications, using as an example the three schools inHowell Township on which he is currently working.Mar 24: Xeriscaping. Low water use landscapes are evenmore important now, during the continued drought conditions.You can use very little water and still have abeautiful yard. Monmouth County Master Gardener, BobMellert, will show us how.EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETINGS:The Group’s Executive Committee and ConservationCommittee meet monthly at members’ homes. All arewelcome to attend. For more information, please callSteve Knowlton at 732-747-7011.West Jersey Group(Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties,approximately)Web site: users.snip.net/~ginacee/home.htmOFFICERS:Group Chair: Gina Carola 856-848-8831ginacee@snip.netVice-Chair: open positionSecretary: Karen Zbikowski 856-667-8853Treasurer: Trish Clements 856-768-5639psclem@aol.comPublicity Chair: Bud Kaliss 856-428-8071budmilmilbud@yahoo.comPolitical Chair: Marie Hageman 856-589-0606mdhageman@mail.comPinelands Rep: Lee SnyderConservation Chair: open positionMembership Chair: Mike Brown 856-547-9221eyebrown@snip.netFundraising Chair: Reiss Tiffany 856-829-6405r-stiffany@home.comPrograms Chair: open positionOutings Chair: open positionInner City Outings: Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512and Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156GENERAL MEETINGS: are held at 7:30 pm on the SEC-OND TUESDAY of each month, at the Unitarian Church,401 N. Kings Highway (Rte. 41), Cherry Hill (locatedbetween Rte. 70 and the convergence of Rtes. 38 and 73,just north of a traffic light at Chapel Avenue). Handicapaccessible parking and entrance in rear of building.Jan 14: Jane Nogaki of the NJ Environmental Federationwill present “Alternatives to Chemical Pesticides foryour Home.”Feb 11: Stuart Chaifetz will speak about WildlifeManagement and the Environment in New Jersey.Mar 11: To be announced. Please check the website andlocal papers.ACTIVITIES:The West Group is working to prevent the environmentallydangerous Delaware Deepening. We are also workingon developing an Inner City Outings program andare looking for volunteers. To help, contact either of thetwo leaders above.South Jersey Group(Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and SalemCounties, approximately)OFFICERS:Group andOutings Chair: Tom Boghosian 609-272-9005boghosia@atlantic.eduVice-Chair: Donna Strack 609-927-6344dnzi@aol.comConservation Chair: Fred Akers 856-697-3479akers@gowebway.comPolitical Chair,Calendar Sales: Dick Colby 609-965-4453dick.colby@stockton.eduMembership Chair: Gary Roman 609-625-3438Secretary/Treasurer: Julie Akers 856-697-3479akers@gowebway.comCape May Issues: Douglas Jewell 609-463-8423jewell@avaloninternet.netThe central conservation issue, for which the Groupwas founded in the 1970s, continues to be protection ofthe Great Egg Harbor Wild & Scenic River, and continuesto consume the energies of those few officers whoremain active—both within the Sierra Club and in twoother organizations that have “spun off” from the SouthJersey Group. Very few of our local members seeminterested in the meetings we’ve scheduled in the pastfew years, and many of them have been cancelled forlack of interest. For the present, we’ll continue to belisted in this Newsletter, and offer a point of contact forClub members in South Jersey who want help with localissues. If you have topics (and places) for meetings,please let the officers know about them. Those scheduledbelow are tentative. Please contact the officer(s)specified in advance of each meeting, if you wish toattend; otherwise we’ll cancel. We welcome generalcomments from Club members in South Jersey.Jan 27 (Mon), 7pm: Trekking in the Himalayas. Slideshow of the Anapurna Circuit in western Nepal. Notedexplorer Dick Colby will describe a trip he took in1983. Call him at 609-965-4453 for meeting location ifyou wish to be included.Feb 15 (Sat), 10am: Morning walk in the Big GoosePond, an open grassy expanse of protected land andPlease vote for your Group officers if there’s a ballot on these pages.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003water near Egg Harbor City, hopefully in conditions thatwill permit observation of mating salamandars. FredAkers will guide us. Bring wading boots (Wellingtons orequivalent). Possibly followed by a meal at a local diner.RSVP to Dick Colby.Mar 25 (Tues), 7pm: We’ll piggyback on the annualmembership meeting of the Great Egg HarborWatershed Association, to discuss River protection. FoxNature Center, Atlantic County Park in Estell Manor,Milepost 15 on Rte 50, 4 miles south of Mays Landing.No need to RSVP (to the Akers) unless you’d like to joinus for dinner nearby, beforehand.Singles Section(A chapter-wide special interest activity includinghikes/cleanups, social gatherings, cultural outings,meetings, etc.)The NJ Singles Section was specifically created to offer avariety of singles-oriented activities to New Jersey SierraClub members and their guests. We are not a localgroup; we are a statewide additional “layer” of Clubinvolvement. We welcome you! You do not have to besingle, or even a member, to attend our events. Comeout and meet fellow Club members and others who careabout the environment. We can only offer as many activitiesas we have volunteers to run them – if you have theslightest urge to get involved, please give in to it!Webpage: http://njsierra.enviroweb.org/~singles/Phone announcements: (973) 364--7573Press 1 for: Old Movie Nights (currently the lastFriday of each month)Press 2 for: Ron Pate’s upcoming hikePress 3 for: 2nd Monday monthly meeting at theChatham LibraryPress 4 for: 3rd Tuesday of the month dinnerin MontclairPress 5 for: 1st Wednesday Morristown social dinnersPress 6 for: Patrick Montague’s hikesPress 7 for: Joyce Haddad’s upcoming hikePress 8 for: any special events we may haveThe best way to be notified of upcoming events is tojoin our listserver by sending an empty email message(no subject, no message) to: NJ-Sierra-Singles-Announcements-subscribe@topica.com. All events,including those planned after publication, will beannounced by an email message sent directly to youremail account.If you prefer not to receive email, you may view all messageswhich have been sent to the listserver by going to:http://www.topica.com/lists/NJ-Sierra-Singles-Announcements/read. This is a good idea every so often,even if you’ve joined the listserver, because it’s possibleto get dropped from the list and not know it.OFFICERS:Chair:Bob Johnsonrobert.johnson@comcast.netOutings Chair: Joyce Haddadjkhaddad@juno.comConservation Chair: Bob Johnsonrobert.johnson@comcast.netTreasurer: Joyce Whitejoyce00201@yahoo.comWebpage designer: David Szalaydszalay@comcast.net.Social Chair: Kathy HolushaKathleen.Holusha@pfizer.comPrograms: Open Position!Publicity:Lynn ForrestLVF77@msn.comA special thanks to those volunteers who have helpedout with our events: Diane Maroukian and Susan Long.Also, special thanks to Starbucks and Dunkin Donuts fortheir generous donations during cleanups, to PaulCunningham, a retired carpenter who has spent manyhours volunteering his skills in the rehab of theEnvironmental Center, and to Nancy Sullivan for helpingwith hikes and dinners.Volunteers needed for the positions of: outings leaders,secretary, membership chair/co-chairs, fundraisingchair/co-chairs, and members of all committees, includingsocial event planners for Plaza Grille. Please attend aPlanning/Executive Committee meeting or email any ofthe officers if you are interested.GENERAL MEETINGS:Casual pizza gathering and introduction to club issuesand activities. SECOND MONDAY of each month at7pm, latecomers welcome. Library of the Chathams, 214Main St., Chatham (Main Street is Route 124.) Guestspeakers at most meetings at 8pm — please join the listserveror call (973) 364-7573, ext. 3 for details. $5 donationat door and RSVP required for pizza only tojoyce00201@yahoo.com or (973) 364-7573, ext. 3, bynoon the day before. (Please specify plain or veggiepizza.) Free (and no RSVP required) if you’re not havingpizza.Directions: From I-287: Take Rt. 24 East to Exit 8 forSummit Ave. Turn left at the top of the ramp and then leftagain so that you go back onto Rt. 24 headed West. Takeexit 7A for Chatham and bear right onto Rt.124 (Main St.)Follow Main St. through the traffic lights at University andHillside Avenues. The Library is to your right about ½block past the Hillside Ave traffic light. To get to parkinglot, go right at the next light, and turn right at the swimmingpool into lot. If you need further directions, pleasesee our webpage or call the library at 973-635-0603.PLANNING/EXCOM MEETINGS preceding each generalmeeting.SOCIALS:FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at 6:30pm. Join usfor dinner in Morristown at the Famished Frog. RSVPrequired; join our listserver for further details.THIRD TUESDAY of each month at 7pm. Join us for dinnerin Montclair. Restaurant to be announced. RSVP isrequired to jkhaddad@juno.com or (973) 364-7573option # 4.LAST FRIDAY of the month – join us for the FINAL FRI-DAY FILM FEST! Come see a great movie on the big(well, pretty big) screen, in an intimate setting. Moviesstart at 7:45pm, and the cost is $5.Dec 27, 2002 – keep the holiday good cheer going with aside-splitting collection of comedy shorts from yesteryear:Keaton, Chaplin, Lloyd, and Stooges are likely suspects.Bring the dreaded fruitcake you got for Christmas, orwear the ugly sweater your aunt knitted for you!Location: the Shillelagh Club, 648 Prospect Ave., WestOrange.Jan 31, 2003 – “Blue Angel” (1930) made MarleneDietrich a star. See her lead poor Emil Jannings downthe road to ruin. We show the German version (Englishsubtitles) – impress your friends! Location: the ShillelaghClub, 648 Prospect Ave., West Orange.Feb 28 – “Detour” (1945) This classic film noir packs aload of action into its 69-minute running time. Our heroTom Neal has more than a bad hair day. Location: theVerona Park Boathouse, Verona.Mar 28 – “Suddenly” (1954), starring Frank Sinatra. SeeOl’ Blue Eyes play a bad guy! Location: the ShillelaghClub, 648 Prospect Ave., West Orange.Please ALWAYS CONFIRM these movie dates by checkingour announcement at 973-364-7573, ext. 1. A lot can happenbetween now and then, and locations could change.You can also email abc77@msn.com with questions.DIRECTIONS to the Shillelagh Club: Take Rt 280 to Exit 8A(Prospect Ave South). Go through 3 lights (the first 2 areclose together as you pass the Essex Green shopping centeron your right). Look for a small white sign (“FriendlySons of the Shillelagh”) on the left about ¾ of a mile afterthe 3rd light. Food/beverages available in the Club.DIRECTIONS to the Verona Park Boathouse (corner ofLakeside and Bloomfield Ave.): Take Route 280 West toExit #7 (Pleasant Valley Way) towards Millburn/Verona.Merge onto Pleasant Valley Way. Pleasant Valley Waybecomes Lakeside Avenue. Stay on Lakeside approximately3 miles until it dead ends at Bloomfield Avenue.Turn right onto Bloomfield, then take your first rightinto Verona Park. The Boat House is approximately a ¼mile up the road, on your right.Other special social events are scheduled throughouteach month, such as our Dinner-And-A-Movie event onvarious Saturday evenings. Be sure to sign-up for the listserveremail announcements for specific details regardingeach event. All events are posted via listserver, but manydo not make it into this Sierran or to the phone line.HIKES:Please see the outings section of this newsletter for ourhikes. Many of Steve Ember’s North Jersey hikes andPaul Serdiuk’s South Jersey hikes/events are orientedtoward singles.North/Central Jersey Inner CityOutings Section(another Chapter-wide special interest activity)Chair: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953Njicoutings@aol.comVolunteer Coordinator: Patti LynchNjicoutings@aol.comInner City Outings is a community outreach programwhich provides wilderness adventures for inner cityyouth of NJ. Volunteer certified outings leaders conductoutings on weekends, generally day trips on Saturdays. Ifyou would like to experience the rewards of introducingNJ inner city youth to the wonders of nature, your involvementis encouraged and you are requested to contact us atthe above email address. To learn more, visit our webpage at http://www.sierraclub.org/ico/newjersey/NJ ICO has changed it’s name to North/Central JerseyICO due to the addition of a new ICO group in theCamden area, known as South Jersey ICO. If you areinterested in volunteering with either group in NJ,please send email to the address.GENERAL MEETINGS: Meetings are held every othermonth. Regional dinner meetings are scheduled as follows:September - New Brunswick, October -Morristown. New volunteers are welcome. Please call ore-mail Anne Dyjak for meeting, application and outingsinformation.Bart Semcer ReachesOut to Hunters andFisherfolkfrom Melanie Griffin, in the Club’s WashingtonDC office400013Bart Semcer, formerly the New Jersey Chapter’sBiodiversity Issues Coordinator, and now aNational Sierra Club staff member, has agreedto head up the Club’s hunter/angler outreach campaign,which is an important part of ourEnvironmental Partnerships Program. Bart will alsocontinue in his role on the D.C. Land Protectionteam as primary defender of the Endangered SpeciesAct (ESA).Much of Bart’s work as a lobbyist on wildlife andESA issues has involved forming relationships withvarious hunting and fishing groups, and he is asportsman himself. He very much enjoys this aspectof his job and believes that it will be even more crucialin the current political climate.The Club will be expanding its program to formpartnerships with national and regional organizations,as well as facilitating more Club work withhunters and anglers on the ground. Many of ourmajor campaigns and state programs consider thisconstituency to be of great importance to the successof their efforts, and we will clearly need to workclosely with them during these defensive times.Feel free to contact him (Bart.Semcer@Sierraclub.Org)with your ideas for hunter and angler partnerships. A variety of Club books, notecards, badges, and t-shirts is available: www.SierraClub.org/store

14The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003Learn more about your environment…take a Sierra Club educational hike!GROUP OUTINGS COORDINATORSCentral Jersey: Ken Maybergkmayberg@washington.trenton.k12.nj.usEssex County: David Ogens 973-226-7107 (H)29 Hatfield Street, Caldwell, NJ 07003Hudson-Meadowlands: VacantHunterdon: VacantJersey Shore: Mike Verange 908-732-8364 (H)1497 W Front St, Lincroft, NJ 07738Loantaka: Bob Muska 908-665-2296 (H)95 Delmore Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922North Jersey: Kerry Miller, ksmiller2@juno.comNorthwest Jersey: Joe Pepin 973-252-5137 (H)4 Cathy Pl., Succasunna, NJ 07876Raritan Valley: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com, see phone and address belowSouth Jersey: Tom Boghosian 609-272-9005 (H)3722 Lehigh Ct., Mays Landing, NJ 08330West Jersey: Dan Procida 609-767-2149 (H)813 Old White Horse Pike, Waterford Works, NJ 08089River Touring: Fred Tocce 908-453-2205 (H)Rd 1 Box 277, Washington, NJ 07882Inner City Outings: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953 (H)NJ-ICO, 17 Mt. Horeb Rd. Warren, NJ 07059Chapter Outings: Steve Ember 732-926-8964 (H)511 Grandview Street, Middlesex, NJ 08846Outing Leaders: Please send April-June write-ups to your Group Outings Coordinator before January 31. If you are planningto lead an outing close to the beginning of one of our bimonthly publication periods, please submit it for the previousSierran, due to the occasional lag in mailing. Also, please send outing rosters or sign-up sheets to the Chapter Office assoon as possible after each outing.Note:If possible, leaders should send their trip descriptions to the Group Outings Coordinator (or the Chapter OutingsCoordinator, if there is no Group Outings Coordinator), instead of directly to the Chapter Outings Coordinator. This is particularlyimportant for occasional leaders.Group Outings Coordinators: Please submit your April-June trip write-ups by February 5.NOTES ON OUTINGS: All Outings are open to Club members, guests and anyone interested in outings. Unless otherwisespecified, the events are free and open to the public. ALL participants must sign liability waivers on ALL outings sponsoredby Sierra Club. This is a new policy. Please check with the leader before bringing small children on an outing. A parent orother responsible adult must accompany persons under 18. At their discretion, leaders may permit pets on outings if theevent description specifically includes bringing pets.Sierra Club outings are arranged by volunteer leaders who are in charge of the trip and responsible for the safety, welfareand enjoyment of all participants. Leaders determine qualifications to participate, adequacy of equipment, routes tobe followed, and special precautions to be taken. Please arrive adequately prepared and equipped. If you have any allergies,please remember to bring your medication. The leader has the final word in the conduct of the trip. Your cooperationwill help assure a safe and pleasant outing.Please arrive early at the meeting place so that the outing can start on time. For day hikes, lunch, water (at least a liter),extra clothing, rain gear, and emergency equipment should be carried in a small daypack. For all except easy hikes, sturdyover-the-ankle shoes or boots should be worn. For most trips, you are expected to have your own equipment. In somecases, it may be rented from outdoor/camping suppliers -check the yellow pages or call the trip leader. If the weather isquestionable on the date of the outing, you may assume that it will take place, unless the schedule indicates otherwise.Unless registration is required, such as for weekend trips or river tours, or if you have a question about the outing, it isnot necessary to contact the leader before the trip. Do not call to join a trip after the posted deadline date. When phoninga leader, please honor his or her requested calling times and call 3 to 5 days before the outing. Please include a selfaddressed,stamped envelope (SASE) when writing to a leader. On popular trips, Sierra Club members will be givenpreference.Watercraft trips let you experience the unspoiled parts of our region, but water safety does impose specialrequirements. The size and skill of each party must be appropriate to each river, so participation in each tripmust be at the discretion of the leader. We ask you to register at least one week in advance. Unless a phonenumber is provided, please send a SASE with an honest assessment of your paddling experience, whether youneed or can offer a ride, your phone number, and any questions you may have. You will receive a description ofthe trip, with directions, where you can rent a canoe, and what you will need to bring. Almost all trip leaders canarrange for partners to share a canoe if you will be coming by yourself. Unless stated otherwise: rental canoesare available, trips do not require advanced paddling skill or exceptional physical conditioning, public transportationis not available, non-members may participate, and responsible smokers are welcome.If you are a Sierra Club member interested in becoming an Outing Leader or have suggestions for new outings,contact your Group Outings Chair or the Chapter Outings Chair for assistance and further information. TheSierra Group contributing each outing is given at the end of the write-up, as follows:(C) Central Jersey(L) - Loantaka(NW) - Northwest Jersey(W) - West Jersey(H) - Hudson(IC) - Inner City Outings(E) - Essex CountyOutings(JS) - Jersey Shore(N) - North Jersey(S) - South Jersey(NJ) - NJ Chapter(RV) - Raritan Valley(RT) - River Touring(ACOC) - Atlantic Chapter Outings Comm.JANUARYJAN 1 (Wed) New Years Day Hike at Clayton Park, Upper Freehold Township, MonmouthCounty (Special Interests: land conservation, watershed protection. A moderate 6 mile hike inone of the area’s “quietest” parks. Meet at 9 AM at the Wawa convenience store on CountyRoad 537, just south of I-195 (from the Turnpike & GSP, follow the signs to Great Adventureuntil reaching the Wawa.) We will car pool from the Wawa. Please bring drink and snack.Hiking shoes are suggested. Bad weather or snow cover cancels. Confirmation/questions pleasecall. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)JAN 4 (Sat) Social Hike in Delaware & Raritan Canal State Park. We will hike about 6 miles oflevel terrain at a moderate pace. Highlights include the Delaware & Raritan Canal and its locks.Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack& 2 quarts of water. Meet before 10:30 AM at the park office parking lot on Canal Road. TakeRoute 206 to Hillsborough to Route 514 east (Amwell Road), then make right onto Route 533south (Millstone River Road), proceed 2.1 miles. Take first left across bridge onto BlackwellsMills Road and then make right on Canal Road, see park office and parking lot on left. Rain orsnow cancels. Leader: Joyce White at (908) 272-4478 or e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com (L)waterfall and a spectacular view of New York City and South Jersey. Bring water, snacks andwear hiking boots. Meet before 10:00 AM in the Tulip Springs parking lot just off Cherry Lanethat runs between Northfield Avenue and South Orange Avenue in South Orange. Rain Cancels.A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers. Members must show their membership cards.Leader: Ronald Pate (973) 364-7573, option 2 (E)JAN 5 (Sun) Singles Hike Apple Pie Hill. 7-8 miles. Moderate pace. Hike the highest point in SJfor a great panoramic view of the pines. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social afterhike. No children/pets. Meet by 9:30 AM at Carranza Memorial parking, 6.7 miles SE ofTabernacle, Burl. Co., on Carranza Road. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net (W)JAN 11 (Sat) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participantsmust pre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader toregister and obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)JAN 11 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild arow home. This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for theclub. Bring lunch, water and boots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt.70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369. Call in advance if possible so we know howmany to expect. (W)JAN 12 (Sun) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participantsmust pre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader toregister and obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)JAN 12 (Sun) Blue Mountain Lakes Circular. Meet 10:00 AM at Dale’s Market on Route 94,Blairstown. Hike or XC to Hemlock Pond, one of the hidden treasures of the Delaware WaterGap NRA. Leaders: Joe and Ellen Pepin 973-252-5137 (NW)JAN 12 (Sun) Ramanessin Hike. A mostly flat 5 mile hike over old farm roads and horse trails onthe Ramanessin Greenway in Holmdel. We may make a side trip to Bayonet Farm. Bring comfortablewalking shoes (or hiking boots) and water. Meet at 1 PM at the shelter building inHolmdel Park. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Fritz Schwager (732)708-1181 (JS)JAN 17-20 (Fri-Mon) Catskill Mountain Winter Weekend (Martin Luther King Weekend). AlpineInn, Catskill Mts. Enjoy all of winter’s white magic in the special beauty of the high peaks ofthe central Catskills by skiing the numerous alpine and cross country ski trails. Hikers andsnowshoers can explore and photograph the scenic mountain beauty of the miles of the spectacularstate maintained trail system covering this mountain range. In the evening by firesidewe plan a great mountaineering color slide program or magic show. Excellent accommodationsand gourmet food! Total cost for 3 nights lodging, 3 breakfasts, 1 trail lunch, 2 dinners and alltaxes & gratuities $290. This is a joint trip of the AMC, Sierra Club and UCHC. Our several crosscountry skiing and hiking trips are rated from the easiest to more difficult. Leader: Al Tatyrek(eve 973-763-2303 - no calls after 10:00 PM please). Send transportation, activities planned andother info with $100 deposit and SASE envelope to our co-leader and registrar. Balance of paymentis due on arrival at the Alpine Inn. Trip details are athttp://petebeck.freeyellow.com/page1.html . Registrar & Co-leader: Brant Collins W (732) 458-8334, 1480 Route 88 West, Brick, NJ 08724 (E)JAN 18 (Sat) Eight Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participants must preregisterfor this hike. Group size limited to 12 experienced hikers. Please e-mail the leader toregister and obtain details. Leader: Kerry Miller, ksmiller2@juno.com (N)JAN 18 (Sat) Singles Moonlight Hike: Campfire & Campout. 6 miles moderate pace. Hike underthe Wolf moon as we walk on moonlit sand roads and return to a roaring fire. Camping is availablecall to reserve space. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. NoChildren/pets. Meet by 7 PM at Bryne (Lebanon) State Forest group camp site. Entrance to forestis on Rt. 72 1/2 mile from jtc. of Rts. 70 & 72 . Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net (W)JAN 25 (Sat) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participantsmust pre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader toregister and obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)JAN 25 (Sat) Tallman Mountain State Park. 7 miles. We will hike through Tallman MountainState Park and view the berms and salt marsh. We will then walk the mile-long Piermont pierhalfway across the Hudson! Trails include the Long Path. Bring lunch and water. You can takethe 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the Port Authority terminal to meet Leader inPiermont by 10:15. Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building with mural) at 10 AM.Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10 PM) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)JAN 26 (Sun) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participantsmust pre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader toregister and obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)JAN 26 (Sun) Social Hike In South Mountain Reservation. We will hike seven miles over easyterrain. Highlights include a 25-foot waterfall and some very inviting woodlands in the heart ofSuburbia. What a great way to celebrate Super Bowl Sunday! Please bring warm clothing, waterand lunch. Hiking boots are required and participants should be in good condition. MeetBEFORE 10 AM at the South Mountain Arena parking lot in West Orange. Take Exit 10 on Route280 West. Turn left onto Northfield Avenue. After a steep hill, the South Mountain Arena willbe on your left. Rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)JAN 26 (Sun) Washington Crossing State Park, NJ Side in Titusville. Join us for a 5-6 mile hikethrough this historic park. Meet promptly at 2 PM in the parking lot on Route 29 next toDelaware River, across from Faherty’s Pub. If you are traveling west from Pennington Circletoward Pennsylvania follow Route 546 (Washington Crossing Pennington Road) to intersectionwith Route 29. At traffic light, proceed through intersection and down small hill and make aright before you reach bridge. Precipitation cancels. Leader: Ken Mayberg, kjmayberg@aol.comor (609) 443-9138 for questions. (C)JAN 26 (Sun) Singles Hike and Haddonfield Tour. 5 miles easy pace. We will hike Cooper RiverPark and then have a guided tour of historic Haddonfield, fee possible. We will eat lunch at alocal eatery. Meet by 10 AM at Coastline Lounge, Brace Road off Rt. 561, Cherry Hill to caravanto park starting point. No children/pets. Leaders: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net and Joe Russo 856-667-2295 sjoer2002@aol.com (W)JAN 31 - FEB 2 (Fri-Sun) Catskill Mountain Winter Weekend. Alpine Inn, Catskill Mts. Enjoy allof winter’s white magic in the special beauty of the high peaks of the central Catskills by skiingthe numerous alpine and cross country ski trails. Hikers and snowshoers can explore and photographthe scenic mountain beauty of the miles of the spectacular state maintained trail systemcovering this mountain range. In the evening by fireside we plan a great mountaineeringcolor slide program or magic show. Excellent accommodations and gourmet food! Total costfor 2 nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 trail lunch, 1 dinner and all taxes & gratuities $190. This isa joint trip of the AMC, Sierra Club and UCHC. Our several cross country skiing and hiking tripsare rated from the easiest to more difficult. Leader: Al Tatyrek (eve 973-763-2303 - no calls after10:00 PM please). Send transportation, activities planned and other info with $75 deposit andSASE envelope to our co-leader and registrar. Balance of payment is due on arrival at the AlpineInn. Trip details are at http://petebeck.freeyellow.com/page1.html . Registrar & Co-leader:Peter Beck, H (973) 625-4191, PO Box 267, Wharton, New Jersey 07885 (E)JAN 5 (Sun) Singles Hike at South Mountain Reservation. We will hike 6-7 miles at a moderatepace and see some of the many highlights this 2000-acre tract has to offer including a 25-footHow do you like our new masthead and interior formatting? (Comments gratefully received by your Editor.)

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003FEBRUARYFEB 2 (Sun) Singles Tundra Swan Hike. 6 miles. Moderate pace. Hike the wintry beauty amongponds filled with Tundra Swans. Bring binoculars. Dress for the cold weather. Nochildren/pets. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. Meet by 10 AM atWhitesbog Village parking lot. Take Rt. 70 east to Rt. 530 north (Browns Mills/Ft Dix) go 1 mileturn right on Whitesbog Road to parking lot. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net (W)FEB 8 (Sat) Singles Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation. We will hike 4-5 miles at a moderate pace.Well behaved dogs are welcome. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking boots. Rain cancels. Meetbefore 10:00 AM at the Highlawn Pavilion Parking lot off Eagle Rock Ave. in West Orange. TakeRte. 280 to Prospect Ave (exit 8B) head north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave, left turn intoreservation. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers. Members must show their membershipcards and all participants must sign a liability waiver. Leader: Joyce Haddad (973) 364-7573option #8 (E)FEB 8 (Sat) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participants mustpre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader to registerand obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)FEB 8 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild arow home. This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for theclub. Bring lunch, water and boots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt.70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369. Call in advance if possible so we know howmany to expect. (W)FEB 9 (Sun) Eight to Ten Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participants mustpre-register for this hike. Group size limited to 10 hikers. Please email or call the leader to registerand obtain details. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)FEB 9 (Sun) Assunkpink Wildlife Refuge. Join us for a brisk 5-6 mile hike through this wonderfularea. Meet promptly at 2 PM at Roosevelt Post Office, Route 571, Roosevelt, NJ. Precipitation cancels.Leader: Ken Mayberg, kjmayberg@aol.com or (609) 443-9138 for questions. (C)FEB 9 (Sun) Hartshorne Woods Hike (Special Interests: recent history). Moderate six mile hikehas elevation gains and lots of scenery. Please bring a drink and a snack. Hiking shoes suggested.Meet at 9 AM at the Rocky Point parking area. Take the GSP to Exit 117 for Rt. 36 and SandyHook. Exit Rt. 36 at Miller Street (approx. 10 miles). At the top of the hill, make a left and, then,make the first right. Again, go to top of the hill and make a right. The parking area is straightahead. Bad weather or snow cover cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: MikeVerange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)FEB 9 (Sun) Singles Orangina Hike. 7 miles moderate pace. Annual classic hike to old clay pitsused to make pottery. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. No children.Dress for the weather. Meet by 9:30 AM at mile marker #12 on Route 72 E., on dirt road oppositeAuto Wreakers, allow for extra driving time. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net (W)FEB 15 (Sat) Social Hike In Washington Crossing State Park. We will hike about 7 miles on mostlylevel terrain following Washington’s march on Trenton and the Delaware & Raritan Canal.Highlights include historical buildings and a reproduction of the wooden ferryboats used by theContinental Army in 1776. Hiking boots are preferred and participants should be in good condition.Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet before 10:30 AM at the parking lot offRoute 546. Take Route 287 to Route 202 South. Then follow Route 202 South to Route 29 (lastexit in NJ). Go about 10 miles on Route 29 South to Route 546. Turn right toward bridge to PA,but do not cross bridge. Immediately turn right again, onto park road along river. See parkinglot by river. Rain or snow cancels. Leader: Joyce White at (908) 272-4478 or e-mailjoyce00201@yahoo.com (L)FEB 15 (Sat) Eight Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participants must preregisterfor this hike. Group size limited to 12 experienced hikers. Please e-mail the leader toregister and obtain details. Leader: Kerry Miller, ksmiller2@juno.com (N)FEB 15 (Sat) Singles Moonlight Hike, Campfire &Campout. 6 miles moderate pace. Hike thePines under the Sap Moon and return to a campfire. Overnight camping available, call leader toreserve space. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. Atsion Lake, burl. Co.,From Rt. 206 take Atsion Rd. west 2 miles, go past Goshen Pond Group site sign, take next roadon left, look for OCSJ, follow dirt road to open field . Meet by 7 PM. No children/pets. Leader:Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)FEB 16 (Sun) Manasquan River Reservoir. A 5 mile hike around the reservoir. Bring hiking bootsor good walking shoes and water. Meet at 1 PM at the main entrance to the reservoir. Take GSPto exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rt. 9). Go north on 9 and take the first right atGeorgia Tavern Road. Go approx. ½ mile and take the next right onto Windeller Road.Continue to the main entrance which is 1.5 miles on your left. Meet in the parking area at thefar left towards the back. Inclement weather cancels. Leader: Fritz Schwager (732)708-1181 (JS)FEB 22 (Sat) Clausland Mountain. 6 Miles. We will climb up Clausland Mountain (700’ Climb)through historic Rockland Cemetery to an old Nike missile base. Bring hiking boots, lunch, 2quarts of water. You can take the 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the Port Authority terminalto meet Leader in Piermont by 10:15. Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (buildingwith mural) at 10 AM. Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10 PM) orJurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)FEB 23 (Sun) Singles Hike Spring Hill. 7-10 miles moderate pace. Hike flat forest roads withgreat views of the Pygmy Pines, a Pine Barrens phenomena. Bring lunch and water with youplus a snack to share at the tailgate social after the hike. Meet by 10 AM at Lake Oswego parkinglot off Lake Oswego road, off Rt. 563, 10 miles S. of Chatsworth, Burl. Co. Leader: PaulSerdiuk 856-697-3870 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)FEB 28 - MAR 2 (Fri-Sun) Catskill Mountain Winter Weekend. Alpine Inn, Catskill Mts. Enjoy allof winter’s white magic in the special beauty of the high peaks of the central Catskills by skiingthe numerous alpine and cross country ski trails. Hikers and snowshoers can explore and photographthe scenic mountain beauty of the miles of the spectacular state maintained trail systemcovering this mountain range. In the evening by fireside we plan a great mountaineering colorslide program or magic show. Excellent accommodations and gourmet food! Total cost for 2nights lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 trail lunch, 1 dinner and all taxes & gratuities $190. This is a jointtrip of the AMC, Sierra Club and UCHC. Our several cross country skiing and hiking trips arerated from the easiest to more difficult. Leader: Al Tatyrek (eve 973-763-2303 - no calls after10:00 PM please). Send transportation, activities planned and other info with $75 deposit andSASE envelope to our co-leader and registrar. Balance of payment is due on arrival at the AlpineInn. Trip details are at http://petebeck.freeyellow.com/page1.html . Registrar & Co-leader:Peter Beck, H (973) 625-4191, PO Box 267, Wharton, New Jersey 07885 (E)MARCHMAR 1 (Sat) Social Hike In the Great Swamp. We will hike about 5 miles on mostly level terrainat a moderate pace. Waterproof boots are required since the trails are often underwater andparticipants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet before10:30 AM at the parking lot at the end of White Bridge Road. Take Route 287 to Exit 30A(North Maple Ave. & Basking Ridge). Follow Maple Ave. about 2 ½ miles, then turn left ontoLord Sterling Road. Go about 4 miles on Lord Sterling Road (which becomes White BridgeRoad) and then see the parking lot at end. Rain or snow cancels. Leader: Joyce White at (908)272-4478 or e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com (L)15MAR 2 (Sun) Singles Hike at Hatfield Swamp in West Essex Park. We will hike 5 miles at a moderatepace through forested wetlands along the Passaic River. Meet before 10:00 AM at theEnvironmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Ave. in Roseland. Take Rt. 280, exit 4A (EisenhowerPkwy South), go right at 1st light onto Eagle Rock Ave., ½ mile on left. Sign reads: “Rutger’sCooperative Extension”. Bring water, snacks and hiking boots. Lunch to follow at local restaurantto be announced after the hike. Rain cancels. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers.Members must show their membership cards. All participants must sign a liability waiver.Leaders: Patrick Montague and Ron Pate (973) 364-7573 option# 2 (E)MAR 2 (Sun) Singles Birthday Hike and Brunch. 5 miles moderate pace. Help celebrate the leadersbirthday as we hike the pines in winter and then enjoy an all you can eat buffet at RenaultWinery Restaurant. No children/pets. Meet by 9 AM at Atsion Office on Rt. 206. BetweenHammonton and Red Lion Circle, Burl. Co. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve.pis1@cccnj.net (W)MAR 8 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild arow home. This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for theclub. Bring lunch, water and boots. Meet 8 AM at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rt.70, Cherry Hill. Leader: Tom J., 856-234-9369. Call in advance if possible so we know howmany to expect. (W)MAR 9 (Sun) Social Hike At Schooley’s Mountain County Park. We will hike about six easymiles in a scenic area of western Morris County. Please bring warm clothing, water, lunch anda small backpack. Hiking boots are required and participants should be in good condition. MeetBEFORE 10 AM at the upper parking area beyond the main entrance. Take Route 24 or 206 toChester. Drive 5 miles on Route 24 West to Long Valley. At the traffic light, turn right to continueon Route 24 West. After .7 miles, turn right onto Camp Washington Road. Go .7 miles onCamp Washington Road and bear right onto East Springtown Road. After .3 miles, turn right onEast Springtown Road and turn right into the park. Continue straight to the upper parking lot.Rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)MAR 15 (Sat) Eight Mile Hike at a moderate pace in Harriman State Park. Participants must preregisterfor this hike. Group size limited to 12 experienced hikers. Please e-mail the leader toregister and obtain details. Leader: Kerry Miller, ksmiller2@juno.com (N)MAR 15 (Sat) Social Moonlight Hike ,Campfire, & Campout. 6miles moderate pace. Hike sandroads around the lake under the full Sap moon and return to a warm campfire. Overnightcamping is available, call leader to reserve space. No children/pets. Bring picnic type food toshare at tailgate social after hike. Meet by 7 PM at Goshen Pond group campsite, Atsion Lake,Burl. Co., from Rt. 206 turn west onto Atsion Rd. go 1.5 miles to Goshen Pond Sign, followroad to campsite. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)MAR 21-31 (Fri-Mon) Hiking, Kayaking and Wildlife in Costa Rica. This 10 day trip includes 3days at Manual Antonio National Park (considered by many the most beautiful in the country)at Hotel Plinio (www.hotelplinio.com), a comfortable hotel with its own private preserve with9 miles of walking trails; and 5 days at Corcovado (rated by National Geographic as most biologicallydiverse area on the planet) at La Paloma Lodge (www.lapalomalodge.com), a deluxelodge nestled in the woods directly off miles of pristine beaches. First and last nights at beautifulcoffee plantations (www.cafetal.com and www.xandari.com). Price of $1500 includes alllodging, meals, guided day hikes, kayaking, snorkeling and transportation within the country.Call or email for daily itinerary. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)MAR 23 (Sun) Highlands Hike At Pyramid Mountain (Special Interest: Conservation). We willhike about five miles in the New Jersey Highlands. Tripod Rock, a famous archeological site, isthe primary feature. Come see a pretty area, close to Suburbia, which was saved thanks to theefforts of many good people. Please bring warm clothing, water and lunch. Hiking boots arerequired and participants should be in good condition. Meet BEFORE 10 AM at the MarsCourt/Route 511 intersection north of Boonton. Take Route 287 North to the Wootton Avenueexit. Turn left onto Wootton Avenue and go through the traffic light. Turn right at a blinkinglight onto Route 511 North. Mars Court is about three miles to the north. Park on Mars Court -not at the Pyramid Mountain Park office. Rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember,sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)MAR 23 (Sun) Manasquan River Reservoir Hike (Special Interest: Birds). Easy 5 mile circularhike. On one of the largest reservoirs in the area, we may observe waterfowl. Bring bird books,binoculars, drinks and a snack. Bad weather cancels. Hiking shoes not required. Great for families.Meet at 9 AM at the main entrance of the reservoir on Windeller Road. Take the GSP toExit 98. Head west on I-195 to Exit 28 for Rt. 9. Go north on Rt. 9 and take first right ontoGeorgia Tavern Road. Go approx. .5 miles and take next right onto Windeller Road. Travelapprox. 1.5 miles to Reservoir entrance. Meet at parking area on far left towards back. Badweather or snow cover cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)MAR 23 (Sun) Whitesbog Village, Browns Mills. Meet promptly at 2 PM for 5-6 mile hike. Learnabout the Pinelands and search for the Jersey Devil. Precipitation cancels. Leader: KenMayberg, kjmayberg@aol.com or (609) 443-9138 for questions. (C)MAR 23 (Sun) Singles Hike Tyler SP in PA. 6-9 miles at moderate pace. We will hike gravel andpaved trails that are hilly for the most part and reveal much of what Bucks Co. is known forrolling hills, open fields and stone farm houses. We hike through a restored covered bridge.Optional visit to New Hope Village or winery. Meet by 10 AM at park office. From Phila., takeRt. 95 north to Newtown-Yardley exit 30, then drive west on the four Lane bypass aroundNewtown. The park entrance is at the intersection of Swamp Road And the four-lane bypass.Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 eve. pis1@cccnj.net (W)MAR 29 (Sat) Social Hike In Hacklebarney State Park. We will hike about 4 miles on rocky terrainat a moderate pace. Highlights include waterfalls & the Black River Gorge. Hiking boots arepreferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts ofwater. Meet before 10:30 AM at the parking lot of Hacklebarney State Park. Take Route 78 toExit 29(287 North). Then take Exit 22B off 287(202/206 North). Follow 202/206 North untilfork, and then take 206 north to Chester. Make left onto Route 24 West (Route 513) and proceedabout 1 mile and make sharp left onto State Park Road. Drive about 2 miles & make rightonto Hacklebarney Road. Drive about 1 mile & make left at entrance. Follow entrance road toparking lot and meet group near the park ranger office. Rain cancels. Leader: Joyce White at(908) 272-4478 or e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com (L)MAR 29 (Sat) Hook Mountain Hike. 7 miles. Excellent views of the Hudson River and CrotonPoint. You can take the 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the GWB terminal to meet Leaderin Upper Nyack at the junction with Old Mountain Road and Route 9W at 10:30 AM. Leader:John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10 PM) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)FUTURE OUTINGS – ADVANCE NOTICEAPR 6 (Sun) Social Hike In Stokes State Forest. We will hike eight miles primarily along theKittatinny Ridge on the Appalachian Trail. Highlights include panoramic views from SunriseMountain and the Culver Fire Tower. Hiking boots are required and participants should be invery good condition. Meet BEFORE 10 AM at the park office off Route 206. Proceed north onRoute 206 past Branchville and Culvers Lake. Turn right into Stokes State Forest into the parkoffice parking area. Rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)APR 16-26 (Wed-Sat) Hiking, Kayaking and Wildlife in Costa Rica. This 10 day trip includes 3days at Manual Antonio National Park (considered by many the most beautiful in the country)at Hotel Plinio (www.hotelplinio.com), a comfortable hotel with its own private preserve with9 miles of walking trails; and 5 days at Corcovado (rated by National Geographic as most biologicallydiverse area on the planet) at La Paloma Lodge (www.lapalomalodge.com), a deluxelodge nestled in the woods directly off miles of pristine beaches. First and last nights at beauti-(Continued on page 15)Have you enjoyed an OUTING lately?

16Chair* Sunil Somalwar (732) 572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.org1015 South Park Ave., Highland Park NJ 08904-2954Acting Vice-Chair* Dick Colby (609) 965-4453dick.colby@stockton.edu127 Liverpool Av, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215-1319Conservation ChairLaura Lynch (609) 882-4642llynch@english.upenn.edu11 Lumar Rd., Trenton, NJ 08648-3127Legislative ChairMarty Sayne (732) 922-2637mmartinws@netscape.net12 Seward Dr., Ocean NJ 07712-3725Political Chair* Rich Isaac (973) 716-0297risaacx@aol.com47 Fellswood Dr., Livingston NJ 07039-2235Political Vice-ChairMeiling Chin (908) 490-1054chinmeiling@yahoo.com106 Cedar Green Lane, Berkeley Hts NJ 07922Treasurer* George Denzer (609) 799-5839gdenzer@mymailstation.com127 Dey Rd., Cranbury NJ 08512-5418SecretaryBonnie Tillery (609) 259-6438blt44blt@aol.com389 Sawmill Rd, Hamilton NJ 08620Outings Chair* Steve Ember (732) 926-8964sehiker@yahoo.com511 Grandview St, Middlesex NJ 08846Newsletter EditorDick Colby (609) 965-4453dick.colby@stockton.edu127 Liverpool Av, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215-1319WebmasterGeorge Newsome (732) 308-1518newsome1@optonline.netCouncil Delegate*Jane Tousman (908) 561-5504jdtous@aol.com14 Butler Rd., Edison NJ 08820-1007Alternate: Rich Isaac - (see above)NERCC RepresentativesJoan Denzer (see George Denzer above)and Jane Tousman (see above)Financial CommitteeSunil Somalwar**, Tina Schvejda,Steve Ember, Rich Isaac,George Denzer, Dick ColbyLegal ChairBill Singer, Esq. (908) 359-7873ExCom at large* Tina Schvejda (973) 427-6863tschvejda@mindspring.com40 Marilyn St., North Haledon NJ 07508-2441Personnel CommitteeDick Colby**,Sunil Somalwar,and Mary PenneyLegislative CommitteeMarty Sayne**, Dennis Anderson,Ken Johanson, Dave Mattek,Maria Kelly, Kelly McNichols, Jeff Tittel,Patrick Maloof, Carolyn FreemanLitigation Oversight Committee*Ken Johanson** kjohan@comcast.netSteve Knowlton, Tina Schvejda,Sunil SomalwarMembership ChairLinda Isaac (973) 716-0297lmisaac@aol.com47 Fellswood Dr., Livingston NJ 07039-2235Atlantic Coast Ecoregion DelegateJoan Denzer (see above)Inner City Outings CoordinatorAnne Dyjak (see Group News pages)* Indicates Chapter-wide elected ExCom members.** Indicates committee chairIssue CoordinatorsATV IssuesFred Akers (856) 697-3479akers@gowebway.comPO Box 395, Newtonville, NJ 08346-0395Cape May IssuesDoug Jewell (609) 463-8423jewell@avaloninternet.net5 Timber La, Swainton NJ 08210NEW JERSEY CHAPTERLEADERSHIPClean AirBob Campbell (908) 273-5720wrobc@intac.com18 Shadyside Av, Summit NJ 07901-2111Bill Green (908) 276-2357William_Green@eisai.com2 Roger Av, Cranford NJ 07016-2715Delaware River DredgingGina Carola (856) 848-8831ginacee@snip.net534 Elberne Av, Westville NJ 08093-1715Forestry IssuesGeorge Schindler, Jr. (609) 252-9299GESchindlerJr@worldnet.att.net2 Center Dr, Skillman NJ 08558-1926GrazingDave Mattek (609) 737-1342MattekDC@aol.com4 1/2 Park Av, Pennington NJ 08534-2313Hackensack MeadowlandsHugh Carola (201) 457-1582hcarola@aol.com30 Maple Av, Hackensack NJ 07601-4502Bill Sheehan (201) 692-8440captain@keeper.org1000 River Rd #T090c, Teaneck NJ 07666Highlands CommitteeBill O’Hearn (732) 962-0562william_ohearn@juno.comMarine IssuesTina Schvejda (see main leader list)Passaic River BasinRich Isaac (see main leader list)PopulationBonnie Tillery (see main leader list)RecyclingMaria Kelly (609) 777-5563MiaKelly@earthlink.netSierra Student CoalitionDan Rosen (201) 670-1980danrosen85@hotmail.comTiger ConservationSunil Somalwar (see main leader list)Transportation* Bob Johnson (908) 771-9676robert.johnson@comcast.net65 Holly Glen Lane South, Berkeley Hts NJ 07922-2615Utah WildernessBarbara Hayes (732) 572-4331BHayes@sadat.com331 Crowells Rd #B, Highland Park NJ 08904-3309Chapter Office 609-924-314157 Mountain Av, Princeton NJ 08540fax: 609-924-8799Chapter Director: Jeff Titteljefft1@voicenet.comConservation Director:Dennis Schvejda 973-427-6863Dennis.Schvejda@SierraClub.orgChapter Office ManagerLori Herpen 609-924-3141lori.herpen@sierraclub.orgIf no one is in the office to take your call, please leave a message onthe answering machine. Please SPELL YOUR LAST NAME, andstate whether the phone number you leave is for daytime or evening.Upcoming ExCom Meetings:All members are welcome to attend these monthlystatewide policy deliberations, held on second saturdays.Details, including agendas, are available inadvance from Sunil Somalwar, the Chapter Chair.JAN 11 (Deciding Chapter Priorities)FEB 8 (Reorganizing Leadership)MAR 8Meeting locations still to be determined. We’lluse our new office location in Trenton if themove has been completed.Conservation and Political Committee meetings startat 10am. Lunch is shared at noon. The main meetingstarts at 1pm. We usually continue discussions informallyover dinner at a nearby restaurant, at 5pm.NEW CHAPTER OFFICERS ELECTED:Chapter ballots counted on Dec. 14 resultedin the following changes to our ExecutiveCommittee, effective in January: Newly electedto two years on the ExCom: Ken Johanson.Re-elected: Dick Colby, George Denzer andTina Schvejda. Continuing through 2003:Steve Ember, Rich Isaac, Bob Johnson, SunilSomalwar and Jane Tousman. The ExCom alsoincludes delegates from each of our 11 Groups.The Jersey Sierran is the newsletter of the NewJersey Chapter of the Sierra Club. Readers are encouragedto submit articles, photographs, artwork, cartoonson environmental subjects, letters to the editor, poetry,press releases and expressions of opinion.Articles and letters should be submitted typed anddouble spaced (or preferably by e-mail or on disk: callfor format information). Send submissions to: DickColby. The deadline is the 10th of the month twomonths prior to the issue date.The opinions expressed in The Jersey Sierran arenot necessarily those of the New Jersey Chapter. theSierra Club or the editor. Nor does publication of anadvertisement imply Club endorsement of the advertisedproduct(s) or service(s).Copyright 2002. All rightsreserved. The contents of The Jersey Sierran may beused without permission in publications of other entitiesof the Sierra Club. Acknowledgement of the sourcewould be appreciated.Some display advertising may be accepted. Pleasecontact the Advertising Manager before submitting anad. Placement of any ad is contingent upon availabilityof space and must meet Sierra Club guidelines.The Jersey Sierran is published quarterly by theNew Jersey Chapter of the Sierra Club, 57 MountainAvenue, Princeton, NJ 08540.The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2003OUTINGS(Continued from page 15)ful coffee plantations (www.cafetal.com and www.xandari.com). Price of $1650 includes alllodging, meals, guided day hikes, kayaking, snorkeling and transportation within the country.Call or email for daily itinerary. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)APR 20 (Sun) Singles Hike and Clean-up at Eagle Rock Reservation. We will hike 3-4 miles at amoderate pace and clean up as we go. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking boots. Rain cancels.Meet before 10:00 A.M. at the Highlawn Pavilion Parking lot off Eagle Rock Ave. in WestOrange. Take rte. 280 to Prospect Ave (exit 8B) Go north, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave, leftturn into reservation. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Work gloves will be provided.Leader: Ron Pate (973) 364-7573 option #2 (E)APR 20 (Sun) Thompson Park/Brookdale Community College. Moderate 6.5 mile hike that followspart of the perimeter of the Swimming River Reservoir. Bring drinks and snacks. Hikingshoes preferred. Take GSP to Exit 109. Head west on Monmouth County Rt. 520 approx. 2miles to Brookdale Community College. Make first right and proceed to parking area #2. Meetin the back right corner at 9 AM. Bad weather cancels. Confirmation/questions please call.Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)APR 26 (Sat) Blauvelt Parks: Piermont-South Nyack. Strenuous 10 miles. Visit RocklandCemetery, an old Nike base and an abandoned National Guard rifle range. 2 quarts water.Hiking boots. You can take the Rockland Coaches 9:15 9A bus from the Port AuthorityTerminal to meet the leader in Piermont. Meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building withmural) by 10:15 AM. LP out, return via abandoned RR. Leader John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (nocalls past 10 PM) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)AUG 1-11 (Fri-Mon) White Water Rafting and Wildlife in Costa Rica. This 10 day trip includesrafting 2 of the most beautiful rivers in Costa Rica, visiting Tortuguero Canals during the giantsea turtle nesting season, and a small rainforest lodge for great hikes to waterfalls, horsebackriding, tree climbing, and a day at the beach. First and last nights at beautiful coffee plantations.Price of $1350 includes all lodging, meals, guided day hikes, white water rafting, and transportationwithin the country. Call or email for daily itinerary. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@nrldirect.com,Phone 201-784-8417 (N)ELECTION ANALYSIS:RURAL VS. SUBURBAN VS. URBANfrom @Agriculture On-Line, and circulated on the Sierra Club’s Political Chairs E-mail ForumCultural issues and strong support for President Bush among rural voters helped pushRepublican candidates to victory in last month’s elections, despite concerns about theeconomy, according to a pre- and post-election analysis released Thursday by the W.K.Kellogg Foundation.The research suggests that while rural and non-rural voters largely shared the sameconcerns about the country, particularly the economy, their support was driven by theirconservative views about religion, gun control, and abortion.Widening a 21% margin of victory established in the 2000 election, Republicans thisyear won rural voters by a margin of 24%, with 60% of rural voters choosing Republicancongressional candidates, Thirty-six percent of rural voters selected Democratic opponents.Democratic congressional candidates were competitive as recently as 1996, butby 1998, GOP won solidly by double digits (24%), the study found.“If we were to write off the rural vote as simply echoing national trends, we’d miss aseismic shift in American politics,” Bill McInturff, partner, Public Opinion Strategies,said. “There’s a divide in US voting patterns separating America’s heartland from urbanand suburban areas. Data makes it clear that rural voting patterns are motivated to agreat degree by cultural issues and generally conservative political views, distinguishingvoters in rural areas from their counterparts in non-rural areas.”The study also found stronger support for President Bush among rural voters, 69% ofwhom approve of him, than among voters nationally, who gave him a 64% approval rating.Fifty-three percent of rural voters said they chose a candidate who supported Bush’spolicies or programs, compared to 44% of voters in the suburbs and 37% of urban voters.The President’s position on Iraq is also supported more strongly in rural Americathan in other areas.The study also found that rural women are more loyal to their party and more conservativein their political views than rural men, and unlike women elsewhere, their votingpatterns closely mirror those of rural men. In short, the gender gap that is commonlyaccepted as political wisdom barely exists in rural America, distinguishing rural womenfrom their urban and suburban counterparts.Forty-nine percent of rural men and women voted Republican on Congressional ballots,compared with 51% of suburban men and 43% of suburban women, versus 33% of urbanwomen and 46% of urban men who voted for GOP candidates in the latest elections.Another of the study’s more interesting findings is that 42% percent of rural voters supportthe National Rifle Association (NRA), compared with 28% of suburban voters and 27%of urban voters. What’s more, the NRA’s standing among rural voters is steadily improving.In 1998, 34% of rural voters supported NRA positions; in 2002, 42% supported the NRA.Also 37% of rural voters said they were likely to vote for a pro-life candidate, comparedto 34% of urban voters and 31% of suburban voters. In contrast, only 29% percentof rural voters reported they were more likely to vote for a pro-choice candidate, comparedwith 42% of urban voters and 40% of suburban voters. In addition, 35% of ruralvoters said they were highly supportive of conservative religious groups, compared to27% of suburban voters and 22% of urban voters. THE JERSEY SIERRANMembers, send changes of address toaddress.changes@sierraclub.org or to Sierra Club,P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80328 and to theChapter Office, 57 Mountain Avenue, Princeton, NJ08540 or call 415-977-5653.Editorial Board: Tina Schvejda, Jeff Tittel, RichIsaac, George and Joan Denzer, Mary Penney,Sunil Somalwar, Dick Colby, Paul Sanderson.Editor: Dick Colby, 609-965-4453,dick.colby@stockton.eduLayout/Design: Karen Brown, 856-547-9221Advertising Manager: Sunil Somalwar, 732-572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.orgContributors to this issue: Rich Isaac, MichaelMinaides, Tina Schvejda, Bonnie Tillery, JaneTousman, Steve Knowlton, Michael Gallaway,Carleton Montgomery, Bill Sheehan, Hugh Carola,Carolyn Foote Edelmann, Bob Johnson, DanielAronson, Mark Oshinskie and Dan Rosen.Thank you to all who contributed. The Jersey Sierran isproduced mostly by volunteers.Visit our Website at http://www.enviroweb.org/njsierra/Printed on Recycled Paper