February 12 - FARMING FOR THE FUTURE

 

FARMING FOR THE FUTURE

A forum exploring ecosystem markets

February 12 ONLINE

 Join the Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership and organizations from Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, and Wisconsin, on Friday February 12, 2021 from 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM CST for a free, national webinar exploring environmental and carbon market opportunities for Midwest farmers. This event brings four prominent carbon markets to one table, Indigo Ag, Nori, Ecosystem Services Market Consortium, and the Soil and Water Outcomes Fund, providing farmers a side-by-side comparison of opportunities.

 

 

January 2021 Newsletter

Sierra Club Teams Orientation and Planning January 25, 27, 28 from 6 to 8 p.m.
More details at tiny.cc/wiscteams21 Beginning Monday, January 25, the Wisconsin Sierra Club will welcome new and old members to its important teams planning meetings. Teams are groups of member-volunteers who work with Sierra Club staff on important environmental issues from water quality to clean energy. For an overview, visit www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/volunteer

January 25 will include an orientation for new team members. On January 27, teams will review their current goals and resources, then plan campaigns for 2021. January 28 will be state budget planning for each team. This is a great opportunity for you to match your passion and experience with a campaign that can make a difference as the state works on its next two-year budget and responds to the recommendations of the Governor’s Task Force on Climate Change.

In a December 22 blog post, the Wisconsin Sierra Club says, “Monumental changes have been made this December by Lieutenant Governor Mandela Barnes and the Governor’s Task Force to address climate change in Wisconsin. The Climate Change Report that was released December 9th, includes 55 policy recommendations for climate action in our state. Although this plan was clearly long overdue, we are far from where we were just two years ago under the Walker administration when the Wisconsin DNR wasn’t even allowed to say the words ‘climate change’, let alone do anything to fix it. Over the past year, Wisconsinites from across the state have been involved in the Climate Task Force Process, making it clear that we urgently need ambitious action in the fight against climate change and equitable distribution of the benefits that would come from the transition to clean energy. Throughout this process and going forward, Sierra Club has and will continue to work with the Climate Task Force, Governor Evers, Lieutenant Governor Barnes, the Wisconsin Legislature, and other policy-makers to ensure that climate action remains a priority for Wisconsin.

“The Sierra Club is committing to take immediate action, alongside the Task Force, on some of Wisconsin’s most pressing issues such as environmental justice and racially sound climate solutions, deterring the prospective investment in the fossil fuel industry, conserving forests, and modernizing Wisconsin’s utility rate design. In fact, the Climate Change Report refers to the advocacy carried out by the Sierra Club numerous times, mainly on the topics of environmental justice and sustainable/equitable transportation.” [Blog post: www.sierraclub.org/wisconsin/blog/2020/12/wisconsin-s-long-awaited-plan-address-climate-change.  Task Force report: climatechange.wi.gov/Pages/Home.aspx

2021 Board of Directors  Thanks to those of you who mailed ballots to vote for the 2021 Coulee Region Group board of directors. Your 2021 board: Kathy Allen, Veronica Bauer, Ned Gatzke, Nancy Hartje, Dorothy Lenard, Avery Van Gaard, Cathy Van Maren, Pat Wilson. The board and members thank retiring board member, Maureen Kinney, who has been a member and leader in the Coulee Region Group for many decades.  

January 11 - Microplastics Film  The Wisconsin Sierra Club Great Waters Group will host a screening of the award-winning movie MICROPLASTIC MADNESS (76 minutes). Be inspired by Brooklyn youth to take plastic-free action! This virtual screening will be followed by a Q&A with movie co-director Debby Lee Cohen. A Zoom link will be sent to you after registration. Learn more at tiny.cc/wiscmicroplastic

CAFOs  In December 2019, the Crawford County Board voted for a one-year moratorium on CAFOs. Because of COVID-19 restrictions on meetings and investigation, many hoped that the moratorium would be extended for another year. But on December 15, the board tabled the motion to extend and the moratorium expired on December 31. County residents are urged to sign a petition demanding that the DNR require an environmental impact statement for CAFOs. Sign here: www.crawfordstewardship.org/eis-petition/

In Vernon County, the DNR, despite overwhelming public testimony against, reissued the permit for Wild Rose Dairy, LLC. on December 30. Read the final determination at tiny.cc/RepermitWildRose.

Vernon and Monroe counties will collaborate on updating decades-old manure storage rules in cooperation with the Wisconsin DNR. Read more: www.swnews4u.com/local/public-safety/counties-collaborate-update-manure-storage-ordinance/

Wisconsin 2021-2023 Budget and the Environment  In November and December, the Governor’s budget team hosted a series of online town halls linking big Wisconsin issues to the coming budget. Sessions on Healthcare, Environment/Infrastructure/Economy, Criminal Justice Reform, and Education drew hundreds of participants. While these sessions are over, there is still the opportunity for citizens to submit comments: appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/governor/voice-an-opinion

As noted in their December 11 blog post,  the Wisconsin Sierra Club wants to see Governor Evers prioritize clean air, clean water, public transportation, and public lands by making these some of the top issues to receive funding.

+  Funding for transit walking and biking. Clean, reliable transportation is essential to the well-being of Wisconsinites and our environment.

+  Funding for the DNR and the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Fund. These initiatives allow for more access to Wisconsin’s public lands and prioritize resilience against climate change.

+  Funding for Focus on Energy. This will help reduce energy use while increasing that of clean, renewable energy.

+ Funding for clean water. Many communities in Wisconsin are still struggling with threats from factory farm pollution, PFAS, lead pipes, and more. This has to change.

In addition, the club urges the Governor to remove funding for the I-94 expansion project. This is a plan we strongly oppose. We hope to see this money spent repairing existing infrastructure instead.

Based on past years’ timelines, the budget will be drafted in December and January and made available for public comment in March. The Joint Finance Committee (JFC), a committee of mostly Republican state Senators and Assembly Representatives will draft their budget in late spring and vote on it in the summer. The governor will then approve or veto, partially or in full, the budget.

If you are able to submit comments now, please use the link noted above. If you would like to join the Sierra Club’s Budget Team, please sign up at tiny.cc/wiscbudgetteam

2020 Year in Review  2020 was a crazy year, and COVID-19 impacted our Sierra Club activities here in the Coulee Region. We had to cancel some events, while others were moved online. Here are a few highlights from our past year:

January - We awarded four environmental education grants, totaling $661, and hosted a program with Karl Green from the La Crosse County Extension on water quality in the Coulee Region. Several CRSC members attended Clean Water Lobby Day in Madison.

February - The Coulee Region Group hosted our first ever local volunteer night at Myrick Park and tabled at the "Progresstival" in La Crosse

March - Our last in-person act for the year was a press conference held at La Crosse’s City Hall on March 10 to help roll out the new Wisconsin Clean Energy Toolkit.

April - We celebrated the 50th anniversary of Earth Day with a virtual fundraiser, raising $402 for our group and $402 for the Wisconsin Chapter

June - Our group hosted its first virtual meeting, discussing local Ready for 100 campaign efforts, as well as other events and opportunities to stay involved from home.

July - We hosted a screening of the documentary "The Story of Plastic" and an online discussion of the film.

August - After lobbying from our members and supporters, the La Crosse County Board approved a resolution setting goals of carbon neutrality and 100% renewable energy by 2050.

September - Our group hosted a virtual program, "The Latest on Electric Vehicles" program, and members completed an on-your-own roadside clean-up of River Valley Drive

October - We hosted a program, "Aquatic Invasive Species" with Ellen Voss from River Alliance of Wisconsin

November - Sierra Club-endorsed candidates Joe Biden and Kamala Harris at the national level and Brad Pfaff at the state level were elected in close races. Thank you to everyone who voted and volunteered!

We’d like to also thank UWL students Marc Carstens and Carly Rundle-Borchert for contributing to our newsletters and blog as part of their ENV496 senior learning project. - Kathy Allen 

January 8 - Wild and Scenic Film Fest  One benefit of a move to life online is the ability to virtually attend programs from anywhere. On January 8, the Idaho Sierra Club will kick off its 17th Annual Wild and Scenic Film Fest. “Presented by the Idaho Chapter Sierra Club, the films combine beautiful cinematography and first rate storytelling to inform and ignite solutions to ensure the conservation of wild and scenic places we all love. You'll also have a chance to learn about the Idaho Chapter's campaign work including northwestern salmon recovery, clean energy initiatives and alternative transportation options.” The live stream will begin at 8 p.m Central Time on Friday, January 8, but the films will be available to view January 9-13. To learn more and purchase tickets visit the program website: www.sierraclub.org/idaho/blog/2020/11/wild-and-scenic-film-festival-2021

January 23 - Wolves  On January 23 at 10 a.m., the Mississippi Valley Conservancy will host wolf biologist Dick Thiel who will talk about the wolves of Wisconsin’s Cen-tral Forest Region. He will focus on the biological facts re-garding the gray wolf. Following a descrip-tion of Wisconsin’s Central Forest, the talk will focus on the DNR's monitoring program since wolves began recolonizing this region in the mid-1990's, and the types of management implemented to address conflicts that arise on this landscape, shared by both wolves and humans. A question and answer session will follow the presentation. Learn more and register for the program at www.mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events/wolves-wisconsins-central-forest

Coulee Region People  This year we’re going to highlight some members, environmental activists, hikers, water protectors, and others who can help connect us in our love for nature and our desire to protect and respect our natural world.

We start with La Crosse Attorney Maureen Kinney who is leaving the Coulee Region Sierra Club board after several decades of service on the board and in the club.  

What got you interested in the environment?  Growing up in northern Wisconsin, quite a bit before Earth Day, the environmental movement did not exist (at least not in its current form). We didn’t think about threats to the environment, but I liked to be active which meant being  outdoors.  I spent my first 12 years along the Apple River in Amery, Wisconsin, playing with polliwogs and falling in and doing a bit of fishing.  Then we moved to Superior and grew up along Lake Superior.  That is big water! 

When did you get involved with the Sierra Club?  I joined the Sierra Club in La Crosse in 1976 and at that time I thought of it as an outings group. One of my very first outings was driving to Bayfield with the Franks and group camping at Stockton Island. Also, toward the end of college, I started camping; I went to the Boundary Waters for a week.  I loved doing rugged stuff, even if at times I wimped out if it was cold and rainy. I took a trip after law school out west to many national parks camping and backpacking. 

What got you interested in environmental issues?  I started reading the Sierra Club magazine that talked about mining in national parks and since I had been to many of the parks I was not happy about that. Mining is terribly destructive of land, water and air all at one time.

When did you decide that you needed to get more involved in organizing and encouraging others to learn more about the issues?  About 35 years ago, I was asked to give a talk at UW-La Crosse for its history program and the topic for the event was the Environmental Movement – The Wisconsin Connection.  So. I talked about John Muir, Aldo Leopold, Sigurd Olson, Gaylord Nelson, and me (to bring things down to the personal level).  I read a biography of all of the people and found the Wisconsin connection very interesting. Our state has had a large impact upon the history of the environmental movement.
I also gave a talk to a freshman class at West Salem about environmental issues on Earth Day many years ago.  I talked about thinking globally/acting locally and  about the United States being just five percent of the population and using 25 percent of the natural resources.  I got a huge amount of push back from about five boys about criticizing the US and how that was wrong.“Love it or leave it,” they said. I told them I had heard that saying before, during the Vietnam war protests. I said we all had a responsibility to protect the environment. I’m not  sure I had any impact on them.

Fast forward about six years and I was tabling at Western Technical College for the Sierra Club,  again about Earth Day,  and this young man came up to me and said he had been one of the boys in the freshman class that had given me a hard time.  However, now, in part because of what I’d said, he was in an environmental program at UW-L and I had influenced him on the issues.  So we never know what kind of a seed we may plant and when it will sprout.

What are your favorite outdoor activities?  Biking, canoeing, cross country skiing, running.

Do you plan to continue your involvement with environmental issues? Certainly!  I have long been involved in political issues also and a candidate’s environmental stance is important to me. There are many important environmental groups on both a national and local level.  It is more fun to be active in a cause so that both the cause and social activities can coincide. 

How can and why should people get involved? I think if people make a personal connection to a cause, both being in a group and having fun, one is more likely to stay with the group and help out.  I am a fairly social person. My biggest contribution to environmental causes is probably my work with Mississippi Valley Conservancy, which has been for over 20 years.  As a lawyer I can give a service to the organization by working on its real estate legal work that not that many people can do. 

Sometimes I would rather pull invasive plants,  but that is not quite as helpful as donating legal work to help finish up a conservation easement or purchase land. The Conservancy’s work of protecting land will hopefully last forever, in perpetuity we say.  All of us can contribute to groups or activities in our own way that is very helpful and impactful.  I am not good at leading a hike since I can’t point out plants and flowers or birds, but I can do other things.  I can bring up the tail of the hike to make sure no one gets lost! There is something we can all do.

December 2020 Newsletter

Wednesday, December 2 at 6 p.m. PEOPLE'S BUDGET TOWN HALL on Environment, Infrastructure, and Economy   The People’s Budget Town Hall sessions will provide the governor with an opportunity to hear about the issues affecting our communities and our state directly from Wisconsin families and workers. Each listening session will begin with all participants in a large group meeting where they will hear from both Governor Evers and Lieutenant Governor Barnes. After the introduction, all participants will be automatically moved to small group breakout rooms where they can have a more in-depth discussion on various budget topics. The governor and lieutenant governor will visit the breakout discussions to listen to the conversation throughout the evening. Register to speak (sessions may be full) at tiny.cc/EnviroBudget  You may view the event at wiseye.org/live.

Sierra Club members are encouraged to participate if possible. Topics range from removing the $1+ billion in funding for the “Zombie Highway” (I-94 extension in Milwaukee) to increasing funding for public transportation, enforcing clean water rules, stopping destructive mining, planning removal of PFAS, prioritizing carbon reduction/100% renewable energy, and more.

If you can’t participate in the Town Hall, you may submit comments using this link: appengine.egov.com/apps/wi/governor/voice-an-opinion

Thursday, December 3 at 7 p.m. FILM: SOLD DOWN THE RIVER   On Thursday, December 3, please join the Wisconsin Sierra Club for a screening of the short documentary film, Sold Down the River, which investigates the connection between factory farms, big agribusiness, and water contamination. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion and Q&A.

Directed by Karen Erbach Lawlor, the film is about third world water conditions in Wisconsin caused by Big Ag, highlighting  Kewaunee County’s drinking water crisis and the continued environmental exploitation of rural communities, including failure of elected officials to protect our shared natural resources.

Visit tiny.cc:/1203FilmReg and you’ll be sent a link to the program. To read more about the film and view a trailer, visit tiny.cc/wiwaterfilm.

During December, PUBLIC TRUST, a film about the fight for America's Public Lands    Our public lands and waters are under threat. As the extinction crisis looms and climate change continues to be one of the greatest threats that our planet has ever faced, America’s 640 million acres of public lands support biodiversity and carbon sequestration. It’s essential that we fight for their protection by preventing the slashing of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, fighting the potential permanent destruction of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, and stopping the de facto sale of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge--one of the last wild places in America. This film, from producers Robert Redford and Yvon Chouinard, reminds us that, “all US public lands are the ancestral lands of Indigenous people and tribal nations, who managed them sustainably for thousands of years. Today, many of these lands are at risk from unwise development and extraction, but local people are leading the movement to protect them. It’s up to us to hold our government responsible—here are the agencies that we need to work with to make this happen.” Watch the film free at the link www.patagonia.com/films/public-trust. 

NOW HIRING: Sierra Club Western Wisconsin Campaign Coordinator   The Sierra Club’s John Muir (Wisconsin) Chapter is looking for the right person to be the Western Wisconsin Campaign Coordinator. This person will work with Chapter staff, partners, and volunteers to accomplish Beyond Coal and clean energy campaign goals, improve our communications and outreach, and enhance our Equity, Inclusion and Justice (EIJ) efforts. Activities include campaign implementation; communication; promoting equity, inclusion & justice; community outreach and volunteer support. This position is located in La Crosse. Please help us find the right person for this position. Having a Sierra Club staff member in La Crosse will increase our effectiveness in promoting clean energy in the Coulee Region. For more information, go to tiny.cc/laxscjob

WATER FUTURES   In November, we received an article from the Iowa Capital Dispatch  reporting on a plan by the Pattison Sand Company to begin exporting water from Iowa to western states. The article notes that, “CME Group, which runs the Chicago [Mercantile] exchange, on Sept. 17 announced a proposed water futures exchange aimed at California’s $1.1 billion water industry.”

Water Commodities 2020 - The Guide to Trading the Most Important Commodity on Earth    details the how and why of trading in water commodities, noting that, “Climate change has the potential to be the biggest catalyst for a rise in physical water prices.”

The Sierra Club’s 2003 policy on water commodification and corporate privatization of municipal water and sewer services states why we must protect this public resource from private markets: Water is basic to all life and we seek to ensure sustainability of water resources and natural ecosystems, to protect water quality, to promote environmental justice and democratic decision-making, and to prevent domination of water resources and municipal water/sewer services by transnational corporations and other powerful private interests.

Will midwestern states’ water resources be used to make up for western states’ wasteful and unsustainability water policies and practices that have drawn down water tables for overdevelopment, promoted water-intensive industrial agriculture, and polluted local water resources?

CANDIDATE DOROTHY LENARD     Dorothy Lenard is an Administrator for the School of Natural Sciences, Engineering and Math at Viterbo University. She has a degree from Michigan Technological University in Forest Hydrology and a Master’s in Servant Leadership from Viterbo. She and her husband Rich grew up in a small bay town on Lake Michigan surrounded mostly by State land. Yes, she loves and misses the lake effect snowfalls and outdoor saunas in the winter. Having lived in all regions of the United States, they eventually chose the Driftless area to settle down in and raise their three children. She has been active in numerous community activities and boards. Her passion is studying the environment, especially water protection. While on the La Crosse City Council, she worked with others to pass in 2009 the City of La Crosse and County of La Crosse Strategic Plan for Sustainability. In the summer, her family has a huge community garden in their yard where their specialties are garlic and perennials. Preparing and sharing sustainable food with family and friends is her favorite hobby.

DECEMBER 2 - ICE AGE TRAIL PROGRAM    On December 2 at 2:00 p.m. the Ice Age Trail Alliance will host an online presentation by Kevin Quinn who has hiked the entire 1,100 mile trail. This past October marked the 40th anniversary of the US Congress naming the Ice Age Trail as one of our nation’s National Scenic Trails with the goal of establishing a National Park in Wisconsin running the route of the last glaciation. In this program, Kevin will describe his experience and lay out the characteristics and challenges that make the Ice Age Trail unique. More information and the access link are at doorcountylibrary.org/ice_age_trail.

DECEMBER 4 - BACKYARD NATURE   On December 4 at 5 p.m., nature-lovers Katie and Ernie will share experiences from their 1.5 acre backyard nature sanctuary on Mt. Whoville in California during an online program hosted by the San Diego Chapter of the Sierra Club. Game and nest cameras have documented visits from hummingbirds, roadrunners, snakes, coyotes, possums, quail, butterflies, and bugs.  Presenter, Ernie Cowan is a noted photographer, lecturer, instructor, birder, journalist, and author.  Watch the program at https://www.facebook.com/events/229184108551898/  No registration is necessary.

DECEMBER 4 - ENERGY WE CAN'T AFFORD    Join community activists and Sierra Club's Minnesota and Wisconsin teams for an update and call to action to stop Dairyland Power's proposed fracked gas plant, the Nemadji Trail Energy Center (NTEC). Learn about the status of the proposed plant in both states, the harms of fracking and fossil gas, and why it's a top concern for climate justice advocates. Dive into what actions we can take to put a stop to gas infrastructure. Friday, December 4 from noon to 1:00 p.m. ONLINE. Learn more at tiny.cc/stopntec  

DECEMBER 12 - CRAWFORD STEWARDSHIP    On Saturday, December 12 from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m., the Crawford Stewardship Project will host its Annual “Love the Land” celebration and fundraiser ONLINE. “Relax in the comfort and safety of your home and join us for a fun filled fundraising event featuring  a  variety  of  songs  from  local  musicians,  exciting  auction  items  from  our  fabulous  local artisans and businesses, and updates and actions from CSP staff on our various campaigns! This  year  CSP  is  partnering  with  the  40  Acres  And  a  Mule  project,  to  help  support  African  American  owned  farms  and  foodways  in  the  Driftless. For more details visit tiny.cc/cspltl20 or call 608-632-4213.

DECEMBER 19 - ENJOYING DARK SKYS   On December 19 at 10:00 a.m., the Mississippi Valley Conservancy will host an online program about Preserving and Enjoying Dark Skies. “Join us for an online presentation about the value of dark skies and what to look for in winter solstice and December skies.”  The 30-minute presentation will be led by Lynda Schweikert, an amateur astronomer from Iowa County who was recently named Dark Sky Ambassador with the International Astronomical Union. and John Heasley, an astronomy educator with Driftless Stargazing LLC who volunteers with NASA/JPL as a Solar System Ambassador and with International Astronomical Union as a Dark Sky Ambassador. REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED FOR THIS FREE EVENT.

CALENDARS   We still have a few calendars left! Please order from Maureen: 608-784-9324 or maureen@ johnsflaherty.com. Get more details about calendars and other Sierra Club items at store.sierraclub.org/calendars--cards-c28.aspx

People's Budget Public Hearings

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 12, 2020 

Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov 

Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes to Host People's Budget Virtual Listening Sessions 

 MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers and Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes today announced a series of People's Budget virtual listening sessions as the state begins the 2021-2023 state budget process. Gov. Evers and Lt. Gov. Barnes will host four virtual, issue-based budget listening sessions to hear directly from families and workers about the issues affecting Wisconsin. The first virtual listening session will occur on Tues., Nov. 17, 2020 at 6 p.m. and will focus on healthcare and public health in Wisconsin. 

“Our first budget was crafted by and with the people of our state, and this budget will be no different,” said Gov. Evers. “The listening sessions for our 2019-21 budget were successful in helping us develop a budget that reflected the stories, experiences, and priorities of folks across our state. Although we won't be able to host these listening sessions in-person this time around, I look forward to visiting with Wisconsinites virtually and hearing their thoughts and feedback as we put together the People's Budget.”

A full schedule of these listening sessions is available below and on the governor's website here. All participants must register to attend on the governor's website here. Wisconsinites are also welcome to submit written comments on any topic at any time here. Members of the press are invited to attend and will receive RSVP information in advance of the listening sessions.

Budget Listening Session on Healthcare and Public Health

Tuesday, November 17, at 6 p.m. 
Register to attend here. 

Budget Listening Session on Environment, Infrastructure, and the Economy

Wednesday, December 2, at 6 p.m. 

Registration will be live one week before the listening session date.

Budget Listening Session on Criminal Justice Reform
Tuesday, December 8, at 6 p.m. 
Registration will be live one week before the listening session date. 

Budget Listening Session on Our Schools and Education 
Wednesday, December 16, at 6 p.m. 
Registration will be live on week before the listening session date. 

Bill Miller talk & concert

 From WI AARP:

On Tuesday, November 17, we host award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player, Bill Miller, for two virtual engagements. Mr. Miller will deliver his talk, The Red Road to Victory: Reconciliation and Diversity at 1:00 p.m. CT followed by an opportunity for Q&A. Then, join us at 7:00 p.m. CT, as Mr. Miller returns for a livestream concert of some of his favorite musical pieces. LEARN MORE

Bill Miller 1680 Entertainment Conversation with Bill Miller Date & Time: Tuesday, November 17, 2020 1:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m. CT Location: Webinar & Livestream Concert REGISTER Bill Miller (Mohican) is an award-winning Native American recording artist, performer, songwriter, activist, painter, and world-class native flute player. Over the entirety, Miller has produced over a dozen albums, received three GRAMMY® Awards, numerous Native American Music Awards & Association (NAMA) awards (including a “Lifetime Achievement” Award) and led Wisconsin’s La Crosse Symphony Orchestra.

Volunteer Appreciation!

Sierra Club Wisconsin would not be what we are without you and the rest of our wonderful volunteers, members, and leaders, who devote their time and energy to help preserve the nature and environment of Wisconsin, and fight for an equitable and 100% clean energy future. All of you have fostered a supportive community for one another and anyone who wants to join the relentless fight against climate change. From filling envelopes for mailings to researching for campaigns to phone banking, volunteers play vital roles in our work. It would not be possible without all of you. We are so lucky to have the people in our community that we do, so this year, we are celebrating and appreciating our volunteers virtually! From November 12th to 19th, Volunteer Appreciation Week will highlight some of our many volunteers and the incredible work they do. Keep an eye out for posts, videos, and highlights from this unprecedented year! ( Learn more about the Volunteer Appreciation Week here) Want to learn more about why our volunteers are so important?  Check out today’s video blog! (And subscribe to our YouTube channel while you’re there.)   Join us to celebrate some special leaders at our annual Awards Ceremony! Join us as we honor our 2020 chapter award winners for their outstanding service and accomplishments on behalf of Wisconsin’s environment. Hear the inspiring stories behind this year’s selections, from new activists to long-time leaders.     RSVP Here! Join with fellow Sierrans as we congratulate the winners and take time to celebrate all that we’ve achieved together, even in the midst of a very challenging time. All are invited to this free, online event.  From new activists to lifetime achievements, we want to acknowledge their amazing efforts and accomplishments. Please join us on November 18th, as we come together online, to present the chapter awards and hear their inspiring stories. RSVP to join us next Wednesday here. Thank you again,   Elizabeth Ward,  Chapter Director Sierra Club - John Muir Chapter

November 2020 Newlsetter

 

For clean air and water. For the Endangered Species Act. For work on the climate crisis. For protection of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Tongass National Forest. For protections for workers from dangerous pesticides and for communities from oil spills, oil bomb trains, and PFAS. For science-based policies. For professional, nonpartisan public servants. For independent judges. For compassion and care for the Earth and its creatures, For us.

If you still have an absentee ballot, DO NOT MAIL IT. You are able to drop it off at your municipal clerk’s office until 8 p.m. on November 3. If you plan to vote in person, be prepared  to wait. Dress for the weather. Take your MASK and take your voter ID. if you have questions about what is an acceptable ID, see bringit.wi.gov.

DURING NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER: PUBLIC TRUST    Our public lands and waters are under threat. As the extinction crisis looms and climate change continues to be one of the greatest threats that our planet has ever faced, America’s 640 million acres of public lands support biodiversity and carbon sequestration. It’s essential that we fight for their protection by preventing the slashing of the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, fighting the potential permanent destruction of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota, and stopping the de facto sale of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge--one of the last wild places in America. This film, from producers Robert Redford and Yvon Chouinard, reminds us that, “all US public lands are the ancestral lands of Indigenous people and tribal nations, who managed
them sustainably for thousands of years. Today, many of these lands are at risk from unwise development and extraction, but local people are leading the movement to protect them. It’s up to us to hold our government responsible—here are the agencies that we need to work with to make this happen.” Watch the film free. If you are interested in a group discussion in December, please email crsierraclub@gmail.com and we can set one up.

NOW HIRING - SIERRA CLUB WESTERN WISCONSIN CAMPAIGN COORDINATOR   The Sierra Club’s John Muir (Wisconsin) Chapter is looking for the right person to be the Western Wisconsin Campaign Coordinator. This person will work with Chapter staff, partners, and volunteers to accomplish Beyond Coal and clean energy campaign goals, improve our communications and outreach, and enhance our Equity, Inclusion and Justice (EIJ) efforts. Activities include campaign implementation; communication; promoting equity, inclusion & justice; community outreach and volunteer support. This position is located in La Crosse. Please help us find the right person for this position. Having a Sierra Club staff member in La
Crosse will increase our effectiveness in promoting clean energy in the Coulee Region. For more information, go to tiny.cc/laxscjob

 STOP THE ZOMBIE HIGHWAY!    The proposed I-94 expansion west of Milwaukee was

defeated once before under Scott Walker but has come back to life under Governor Tony Evers. This proposed expansion will cost a frightening $1.1 billion taxpayer dollars and threaten the health and well-being of many.

Most highway expansions do not reduce traffic congestion but, by inviting more cars to the roadway, increase it. And more drivers mean more air, noise, and light pollution;more greenhouse gas emissions; more microplastics; and more illnesses like asthma and cardiovascular disease. 

This highway is a social justice issue, too. It will exacerbate race and class challenges by further segregating Milwaukee neighborhoods and reducing funds available for public transportation and local road projects around the state. It will also take us further away from the people’s transportation budget most Wisconsinites want with much more emphasis on
local roads, public transportation and bike/ped projects.

Harm to the climate affects everyone. A climate-friendly governor would not expand highways. Governor Evers should withdraw the I-94 expansion project and not include it in the budget. Join Sierra Club members around the state in opposing this project. Learn more at tiny.cc/ZombieHiway. Share on social media. Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. Send a message to the Governor. Say NO to the Zombie Highway! Sign the petition at tiny.cc/XZombieHiway
 

AQUATIC INVASIVE SPECIES     Our October 27 program. led by Ellen Voss, Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) Director with River Alliance of Wisconsin, was very informative and colorful. Ellen
included great pictures of many of the species including some, like flowering rush and water hyacinth, that are very beautiful. In addition to plants, Ellen talked about invasive animals like the zebra mussel, Asian carp, and New Zealand mud snails.

After identifying and discussing some of the target species and why they are so dangerous to the health of our waterways, Ellen talked about Project RED (Riverine Early Detectors), a program that has provided 10 years of invasives monitoring on rivers. The program provides
training and resources so paddlers can report AIS they see them.

She also talked about the measures recommended for anyone using a water craft to stop the spread of invasive species. It’s very important to make sure boats, equipment, and even shoes, are cleaned thoroughly. It’s recommended that boats be out of one body of water at least five days before putting in somewhere else. Some species can live for weeks out of water!

Ellen ended her presentation with some good news about measures and methods being developed to fight the spread of invasive species. But, in the end, it is up to all of us to be vigilant and help by being responsible and reporting any invasives we find. A question and answer session followed the formal program. If you have questions or would like more information about the presentation, please contact Ellen Voss at evoss@wisconsinrivers.org
(608-257-2424 x111) or visit the River Alliance of Wisconsin online: wisconsinrivers.org

 NOVEMBER 10 - ONLINE FILM FEST   Western Technical College will host the Make Change Film Fest online at 4 p.m. on November 10. Creating a Healthier Multicultural Community (CHMC) La Crosse facilitator Dillon Mader will lead a discussion after the films. Both - The Cyclist (El Ciclista) and TedxHabana - highlight the complicated lives of the Cuban people through the eyes of Eugene Jarecki who went to Havana to give a TED talk but accidentally became a criminal.

Watch the films and participate in the discussion. Read more about the program and get access information at explorelacrosse. com/event/make-change-fi lmseries/

CALL FOR EIS ON CRAWFORD CAFO   Residents and land owners in Crawford County are being asked to sign a petition to the DNR asking them to require a full Environmental Impact Statement on the proposed expansion of the Roth Feeder Pig CAFO. The new operation plans to house 8,000 sows and store 9.4 million gallons of liquid manure per year.

The Crawford Stewardship Project is also leading an effort to have the one-year Crawford County CAFO moratorium, passed in December 2019, extended for another year. They are asking people to contact their County Board representatives. Find more information
at www.crawfordstewardship.org/eis-petition/

NOVEMBER 14 - DISCOVER LITTLE BLUFF    The Mississippi Valley Conservancy will host an online program at 10 a.m. on November 14 to help people discover Trempealeau’s Little Bluff. Register for the Zoom program led by archaeologist Ernie Boszhardt who will share
insights and information about the settlement of Cahokia Mississippians who once inhabited the site, now permanently protected by Mississippi Valley Conservancy. With highlights from
research conducted at Little Bluff, he'll help you imagine what was once at the site before you visit. For more information and to register, visit mississippivalleyconservancy.org/events/discover-little-bluff

CRSC BOARD NOMINATIONS   If you are interested in serving on the Coulee Region Sierra Club Board, please email your interest to CRSierraClub@gmail.com. Include your name, contact information (email/phone) and place of residence. Also, please include a paragraph about your past experience with the Sierra Club OR similar environmental/outdoors organizations or activities and why you would like to serve on the board. In December, we will highlight Board candidates and provide ballots.Younger members and those who live outside of La Crosse county are encouraged to apply. But all current members are welcome to self-nominate!  

2021 CALENDARS    Annual calendar sales help us pay for CRSC programs and grants.
Please order from Maureen: 608-784-9324 or maureen@johnsflaherty.com. Get more details about calendars and other Sierra Club items at store.sierraclub.org/calendars--cards-c28.aspx    Please order by NOVEMBER 30.

MONROE COUNTY CLIMATE CHANGE TASK FORCE   The October meeting of the Monroe County Climate Change Task Force featured a presentation by Fred Clark, Executive Director of Wisconsin’s Green Fire. “Addressing Climate Change with Natural and Working Lands” centered on the potential of lands with permanent vegetative cover and root mass to sequester carbon which could reduce Wisconsin greenhouse gas emissions by 20%. 

Agriculture can be a primary player in this process as well as forest and native grasslands. Staff also reported on the purchase of the first round of stream level sensors, soil moisture sensors, and weather monitoring stations for strategic placement in the Little La Crosse and West Fork Kickapoo River watersheds. More installations are planned as funding becomes
available.

This is the first priority objective of the Task Force and a significant accomplishment to date. - Ned Gatzke

FAREWELL, COAL!   Alliant Energy plans to close two coal-fired plants in northeast Iowa by the end of 2022 as part of its overall goal to be coal-free by 2040. At least 13 coal plant closings have been announced in 2020, including another Alliant coal-fired plant near Sheboygan. “Coal retirements are the primary driver behind U.S. carbon dioxide emissions reductions,” reports Scientific American.Some may be replaced by new gas-fired plants which
defeats the purpose of eliminating generation emissions. But Alliant plans to add 400 megawatts of solar generation to complement its 1,300 MW of wind and, by 2026, up to 100 MW of battery storage.

WILDLIFE WEB CAMS    With COVID-19 cases spiking in our state and travel restrictions recommended to stop the spread, we are still able to virtually visit Wisconsin wildlife through the many webcams set up in our area.

The website for EEK (Environmental Education for Kids in Wisconsin) offers a wildlife web cam portal. The Upper Mississippi Wildlife and Fish Refuge links to several webcams at their site. Discover Wildlife offers a huge list of bird and mammal sites. And don’t forget the Decorah Eagle Cam, now in its tenth year.

Wildlife webcams are more affordable and easy to install by a bird feeder or in a back
yard, too. Explore!