News

by Mark Lawler, Cascade Chapter National Forests Committee Chair

We've done it! After nine years of planning, organizing, mapping, writing letters, taking photographs, lobbying officials, presenting slideshows, leading tours, and engaging in untold thousands of hours of volunteer and staff effort, the Sierra Club celebrated on May 8, 2008 as the Wild Sky Wilderness Act was signed into law.

This is the first new wilderness to be added to Washington's national forests since 1984. Its 106,000 acres include ancient forests down tolow elevations not typically found in other wilderness areas, pristine lakes, soaring rocky peaks, numerous hiking trails, and even areas that were logged early in the 20th century but regrew into beautiful wild forests. With the contiguous Glacier Peak and Henry M. Jackson Wilderness Areas, a protected wild swath now extends from the banks of the Skykomish River all the way over the Cascade Crest to the upper reaches of the Wenatchee River.

Mr. President, I rise to celebrate a tremendous and hard-fought victory. Today, a week after this Congress approved it overwhelmingly, President Bush signed the public lands bill that includes my Wild Sky Wilderness Act. And I couldn’t be more thrilled.

The path to creating the first wilderness in Washington state in more than 20 years has been long and sometimes rocky. But with the President’s signature today, we have finally reached the top. Let me tell you, Mr. President, it feels great!

Monday, May 19th, 7-8:30pm. REI- Seattle (map) doors open at 6:30 with conversation and snacks. Program begins promptly at 7:00.

Please join us in a fun, lively and informative discussion: This month's Cool State Forum will be a panel discussing what a new, green economy will look like including:

• Opportunities in Washington State for green jobs and companies
• Making the shift to sustainable practices - what it might mean for our economy
• How businesses might benefit from going green

We'll have time for audience questions/discussion, so come learn about the green future

Climate change is real, it’s here, and it is arguably the greatest environmental challenge of our time. While climate scientists are continually converging on stronger consensus about the realities of climate change and its impacts, some say our individual and social responses are not . Others point to the economic opportunities of a new, green economy and to our state’s position at the forefront of climate change action.

 by Kathleen Ridihalgh, Senior Regional Representative

Governor Gregoire released the recommendations from the Climate Advisory Team, which map the myriad steps Washington needs to take to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. The steps outlined in the report will, if acted upon quickly, reduce our state’s climate pollution emissions to 1990 levels by 2020. The report can be reviewed at: http://www.ecy.wa.gov/climatechange/CATdocs/122107_1_recommendations.pdf.

by Mark Lawler, Chapter National Forests Committee Chair

Nestled in an out-of-the-way corner of the southern Cascades of Washington is a pristine mountain hideaway long cherished by backcountry skiers, snowshoers, hikers, and backpackers, not to mention a host of native wildlife such as mountain goats, elk, wolverines, bears, and spotted owls. Cross-country skiers find some of the best backcountry skiing in Washington. Hikers of all ages enjoy a walk up the Pacific Crest Trail through this mountain haven and savor views of nearby Mt. Rainier. Lower slopes of the basin are clad in old growth forests of subalpine fir, mountain hemlock, and Douglas-fir.

  by Kathleen Ridihalgh, Sr. Regional Representative

The Cascade Chapter is building on our success at helping cities to become “cool” by signing the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Agreement, initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels, and the beginning of “cool counties” led by King County Executive Ron Sims. Now, the demand for global warming solutions leads us to the state level with the Cool State campaign.

Washington State can take the lead on the fight against global warming and reach our goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% by 2050. By making smarter energy and transportation choices, we can save money, create jobs, reduce air and water pollution and improve the health of our families. Let’s seize this moment and work together as voters, community leaders, businesses and families. Let’s make Washington State a COOL state!

With great sadness we report the tragic loss of our friend, Shannon Harps, a beautiful human being who lived her life with unbelievable integrity and grace. Shannon was a tireless advocate for the environment in which we all live. Her dedication and passion shone through a radiant smile. 

 Shannon was focused and steady, always a calm and competent voice, guiding volunteers as to the best way to contribute. Even when a political issue got a little heated, or a threat to a wilderness seemed unstoppable, she was thoughtful and deliberate; always assuming an adversary's better nature would prevail. 

The Sierra Club sponsored a poll of 5000 voters in the RTA district covered by the failed Roads and Transit measure, Proposition 1. The results can be seen here:

Exit Poll Memo, Toplines, Crosstabs

One of the stories here is that 11% of all voters (20% of those who voted no) identified environmental concerns such as global warming as their primary reason for voting no. This was second only to those who voted no because of the tax increase. Another fascinating figure: when asked, "Would you support electronic tolls on the Lake Washington floating bridges to fund 520 replacement, I-90 maintenance, and more transit service between the eastside and Seattle?" 70% of all voters said Yes, 18% No, and 12% were Unsure.

The Sierra Club was out in force at this years Fremont Solstice parade.  We gathered over 700 postcards on global warming for Governor Gregoire.  We also had a booth at which we took photo petitions to deliver to the Governor, and took some video testimony for the Governor.

The video clips are below.  If you are interested in helping gather future petitions, have ideas to improve the process, or want to submit your own testimony, please contact us.