NATURE’S AdvocateA Publication of the Upper Columbia River Group Summer 2015

EXPLORING THE INLAND NORTHWEST WITH THE SIERRA CLUBSUMMER IS HERE, SIGN-UP FOR OUTINGS!With our Meetup site recently turning one year old I thought I would give an update on what we’ve been up to and what we would like to do in the future. We are now over 250 members. If you are not currently a member it only takes a couple of minutes to sign up and you will receive an email every time we schedule an outing. We’ve enjoyed 16 outings in the past year to places like Mt. Spokane, Juniper Dunes, Riverside State Park, Liberty Lake, and Iller Creek. While it’s been too hot to run anything these past few weeks, we will be scheduling more soon. First up will be multiple trips to pick the ripe Huckleberries at Mount Spokane. After that we’ll be heading to Dishman Hills to highlight the area and the work that’s done by the Dishman Hill Conservancy. And for a trip to remember, consider our biennial

camping trip to Bumping Lake the weekend of September 26th and 27th. The lake is adjacent to the William O. Douglas wilderness, where we will explore the ancient forests at the head of the lake. Too much demand by irrigators for too little water in the Yakima basin is behind the push for new “insurance” dams – including a Bumping Lake dam which would destroy 2000 acres of ancient forests. We have many exciting trips coming up – join our Meetup site today so you don’t miss out! Happy Trails.

Carolyn Leon

an outing. We’ve enjoyed 16 outings in the past year to places like Mt. Spokane, an outing. We’ve enjoyed 16 outings in the past year to places like Mt. Spokane,

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: A pictorial of our group hikes including two scenes from Riverside State Park, on the trail to the Old Growth of Mt. Spokane, and the magic which encircles Bumping Lake.

Old Growth of Mt. Old Growth of Mt. Spokane, and the Spokane, and the magic which encircles magic which encircles Bumping Lake.Bumping Lake.

MEETUP.COM/EXPLORING-THE-INLAND-NORTHWEST-WITH-SIERRA-CLUB/

UPCOMING EVENTSOLD GROWTH FOREST ON MOUNT SPOKANESATURDAY, JULY 18TH 10 amGuided hike through the Old Growth in the Proposed Alpine Ski Expansion Area (PASEA) by Sierra Club member and Lands Council staff member Laura Ackerman. We’ll meet at the parking lot at the Upper Kit Carson on the Summit Road (fi rst hair-pin turn to the right). Look for the signs. Join us to learn more! Contact Laura at lackerman@landscouncil.org

SAVE MOUNT SPOKANE COALITION FUNDRAISER – ROOFTOP OF THE SARANACTHURSDAY, JULY 23RD 5 pmBe sure to hike the Old Growth the weekend before and then come out, mingle with community, and show your support to keep the momentum and this lawsuit moving forward. Contact Mike Petersen for more information: mpetersen@landscouncil.org

SIERRA CLUB CAMPOUT AT BUMPING LAKE (NEAR MT. RAINIER)SATURDAY-SUNDAY, SEPT 26-27THSpend a weekend hiking and camping at Bumping Lake, adjacent to the William O. Douglas Wilderness. Our special focus will be the truly amazing ancient forests surrounding the lake. RSVP to John Osborn: john@waterplanet.ws 509.939.1290

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UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER GROUP

Executive Committee

Fred Christfredchrist@msn.com

Kathy Dixonsotiriabellou2014@gmail.com

Lydell Gorskilydellgorski@gmail.com

Evita Krislockevita@krislock.com

Carolyn Leonlonestar4@aol.com

John Osbornjohn@waterplanet.ws

509.939.1290

Tom Soeldnerwaltsoe@gmail.com

Jace BylengaBeyond Coal Organizer

Rachael Paschal OsbornSpokane River Project

Paula WhitsonTreasurer

Washington State Chapter

Upper Columbia River Group

Coal Free Spokane

ETHICS &THE COLUMBIA RIVER TREATYOn June 11, 2015, sixteen religious leaders sent a second request to President Obama and Prime Minister Harper to begin negotiations to modernize the Columbia River Treaty (CRT) based on ethical principles of stewardship and justice. This letter anticipated the release of Pope Francis’ Encyclical on climate change and the deteriorating global environment in that the Columbia River provides a classic example of a river severely damaged by short-sighted decisions and unfolding climate change. The earlier request (September 2014) to Obama and Harper was sent by fourteen other religious leaders and indigenous leaders representing fi fteen Columbia Basin tribes in the U.S. and seventeen First Nations in Canada.Religious and indigenous leaders are asking both nations to establish an international model of resolving transboundary water confl icts by applying the Declaration on Ethics and Modernizing the Columbia River Treaty (www.waterplanet.ws/pdf/Declaration_Columbia-River-Treaty.pdf). The Declaration sets forth eight principles for modernizing the Columbia River Treaty (inset below). Concerned citizens can download a copy of the Declaration for signing and sending to

the address indicated.“The Columbia River is the historic lifeblood of the tribes who have lived in its watershed from time immemorial. And rivers are the lifeblood of the planet. As a matter of justice, and as a matter of survival, I join with others across the watershed in urging the modernization of the Columbia River Treaty,” said The Rev. Jessica Crist, Bishop of the Montana Synod, Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.“The Columbia Basin tribes welcome and appreciate the religious leaders’ support for the two countries to modernize the Columbia River Treaty on a foundation of social and environmental justice to achieve shared goals,” said Leotis McCormack, a Chaplain and member of the Nez Perce Tribe Executive Committee. “The Regional Recommendation is a historic document that provides a vision for a modernized Treaty that refl ects today’s values of ecosystem-based function and restored fi sh passage.”In May, the U.S. State Department informed Congressional leaders that negotiating the Treaty was a national priority, and that the U.S. would seek to add “ecosystem-based function” as one of the primary purposes of the Treaty. The State Department decision is based on Regional Recommendations issued in December 2013 by the Bonneville Power Administration and the Army Corps of Engineers. All four Northwest states, 15 Columbia Basin tribes, fi shermen and environmentalists support that recommendation. Religious leaders have joined in support of tribes and First Nations.The Ethics and Treaty Project (www.celp.org/ethics-treaty-project/ ) is sponsored jointly by the Center for Environmental Law & Policy and Sierra Club, working with the Columbia River Treaty Round Table (www.celp.org/columbia-river-treaty-round-table/) and Columbia Basin tribes and First Nations who have natural resource rights and management authorities and responsibilities affected by the Columbia River Treaty. A conference on the Declaration is being planned for Portland University on October 24, 2015 (www.celp.org/ethics-portland/ ).

RESPECT THE RIGHTS, DIGNITY AND TRADITIONS OF THE COLUMBIA BASIN TRIBES AND FIRST NATIONS.INCLUDE HEALTHY ECOSYSTEM FUNCTION AS AN EQUAL PURPOSE OF THE TREATY.ACHIEVE BALANCE AMONG RIVER USES THAT INCLUDE HEALTHY WATER AND SUSTAINABLE FISH AND WILDLIFE POPULATIONS.DEVELOP FLOW AND WATER MANAGEMENT OPERATIONS TO HELP WITHSTAND CLIMATE CHANGE.PROVIDE FOR ECOSYSTEM MANAGEMENT OF THE REGION WHILE PROTECTING TRIBAL AND SUBSISTENCE USES.ENGAGE LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN A MEANINGFUL MANNER THAT IS TRANSPARENT AND INCLUSIVE.ADDRESS ECONOMIC AND ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE FOR THE POOR.RESTORE ANADROMOUS AND RESIDENT FISH PASSAGE TO ALL HISTORICAL LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT THE COLUMBIA RIVER BASIN.

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We Need Tech SupportThe UCR Group is looking for someone to help us keep our website up-to-date and attractive. We need a person (or persons) who loves the natural world, is committed to Sierra Club’s mission, and is profi cient in web-based technology or is eager and willing to learn. We already have a great webmaster who is ready to help train and colleagues to work with in gathering content. We just need someone to keep on top of the news and bring it to our members via the web in a winsome way. Is that you? Contact Tom (waltsoe@gmail.com) or John (john@waterplanet.ws).

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BEYOND COAL NEEDS YOUR HELP TO BUILD OUR TRAIL TO PARIS AND CLIMATE JUSTICEThis is a historic time for our region and planet. Human caused climate disruption is increasingly threatening our communities. Here in Eastern Washington, more frequent extreme heat events threaten our health, lack of snowpack in the mountains has led to a drought emergency being declared for 2015, and this can lead to more intense and widespread forest fi res like we saw last year. If we do not curb our carbon dioxide emissions, the greenhouse gas that is warming our climate, then we will see an increase in intensity and frequency of these weather extremes.However, history is also being made to address this dire problem. Movement at the global, national, and local level is happening, and we need your help to keep that momentum going leading up to the historic climate talks in Paris this December. In June, Pope Francis called for climate action with the release of an encyclical on the environment. This summer the Obama administration will fi nalize the EPA’s Clean Power Plan, the fi rst time carbon dioxide is going to be regulated under the Clean Air Act. This has laid the groundwork for successful climate negotiations with China. All this shows that the building climate movement is reaching a tipping point. When global leaders get together in Paris this winter, we have a chance to show the world that Washington State is leading the way

for climate justice.Washington can power our communities with clean and renewable wind and solar energy while creating family wage jobs to fuel our economy – but we need to show the WA Utilities and Transportation Commission and Avista Utilities that we choose clean energy: not coal. We can deny the coal and oil industry permission to turn our state into a fossil fuel conveyor-belt-by-rail to Asia, but we need to stand up in force, and say no to more dirty and dangerous coal and oil exports. We can show the Northwest Power and Conservation Council that we want the next regional energy plan to lay the groundwork for the creation of thousands of good jobs building a sustainable future. This fall important public processes related to all these essential issues are planned. Now is the time to come together, participate, and stand up for climate justice.Washington can lead the nation to global action on climate in Paris, but we need your help. We need to show our friends, family, coworkers, and neighbors the way. The way to a just and sustainable world. We need your help to raise awareness about local key opportunities to stand up

for climate action so we can show the world that the US is ready to create a clean energy economy. Join us today!Contact Jace Bylenga, Organizing Representative with the Beyond Coal Campaign, to learn about volunteer activities. Jace.bylenga@sierraclub.org or 509.209.2395

TOP: The Washington State Sierra Club team meets with Senator Cantwell to work for climate action, clean air, and clean energy solutions as part of a Washington, DC visit in March. We are proud to have her representation in the Senate, as she leads the way on these important issues.BOTTOM: Volunteer leaders thank Senators Murray and Cantwell for their votes for climate action, clean air, and clean energy solutions at our membership meeting in April. L to R: Dennis Todaro, Sierra Club Volunteer Leader; Evelyn Quesada, E. WA Rep. Senator Murray; Evita Krislock, UCR Group ExCom and Beyond Coal Volunteer Leader; Nathan Stege E. WA Outreach Director Senator Cantwell.

MEAT-FREE MONDAY MOVEMENTSierra Club’s updated Agriculture policy includes this statement: “Personal dietary choices that minimize or eliminate meat and animal products should be encouraged, due to their many benefi ts, including reducing greenhouse gas impacts, water pollution and inhumane treatment of animals.” A 2010 United Nations report noted that the production of animal products represents a signifi cant contributor to pollution, water depletion, and climate change.Our Washington State Chapter was involved in the creation of the National

Sierra Club’s 2015 Food and Agriculture Policy. The NE Ohio Chapter has introduced a “Meat-Free Monday” campaign, and identifi es the following environmental impacts of livestock production:

• The livestock sector generates enormous levels of greenhouse gases and contributes heavily to global warming.

• Close to 1/3 of all fossil fuel production and huge amounts of electricity go toward animal agriculture.

• Water pollution from manure runoff into aquifers and other sources of water.

• Enormous amounts of water and close to 80% of the antibiotics manufactured today go for factory-raised livestock.

• Dust particles, carrying toxic ammonia and hydrogen sulfi de, can penetrate the lungs of humans living near production facilities.

• Creating new pasture for livestock is responsible for 70% of the deforestation in Latin America’s Amazon region.

Try Meat-Free Mondays … or another day each week. It’s a matter of both your health and the planet’s. And check out NE Ohio’s website and video: neosierragroup.org/meat-free-mondays/

UPPER COLUMBIA RIVER GROUPP.O. Box 413Spokane, WA 99210

Non-Profi tOrganizationU.S. Postage

PAIDSpokane, WAPermit No. 4

SPOKANE RIVER IN TERRIBLE TROUBLE:Pump the Aquifer, Rob the RiverRiverside State Park (Devil’s Toenail) comparing fl ows: 4,000 cubic feet per second (cfs) on May 9 – and same location 1,000cfs on June 28. At lower fl ows, the river is not usable by many watercraft.

Water fl owing in the Spokane River mostly comes from the Aquifer and Post Falls dam. The Aquifer and the Spokane River are effectively one. Water waste by the 500,000 people who take water from the Aquifer is harming river fl ows by intercepting water that otherwise would fl ow to the river. Pump the Aquifer, rob the River.Per-capita water use in our communities is some of the highest in the nation: we are a water wasting community. That needs to change if we are going to save the Spokane River. The Upper Columbia River Group of Sierra Club, teaming with CELP and others, is working to protect and restore water fl owing in the Spokane River.

Explore, Enjoy, and Protect the Planet.

BEN STUCKART ENDORSED FOR CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENTUpon the recommendation of its Political Committee the UCRG Executive Committee has endorsed Ben Stuckart in his race for City Council President. The Group’s Political Committee met with Mr. Stuckart to study his environmental record during his fi rst term as President and to raise questions about his position on matters of concern to the Sierra Club.Mr Stuckart has been a leader in the efforts to assure safety for Spokane residents and businesses via stronger train regulations, and he has been in regular communication both in Spokane and in Washington D.C. with our state’s

congressional delegation and BSNF concerning coal and oil trains moving through Spokane. He sponsored the Council resolution establishing Spokane as the fi rst city on the west coast to call for stronger oil train regulations.He also sponsored a resolution instructing the city administration not to purchase products containing PCBs and another banning the purchase and use of products or products in packaging by the City of Spokane that contain neonicotinoids, a bee-killing class of insecticide. Stuckart has worked for the purchase of more fuel effi cient vehicles for the city, sponsored urban farming and market gardens as well as the establishment of the

food policy council, and supported the city sustainability plan and mass transit proposals. In response to the Group’s concern that the city’s water conservation goals and plans are not effective, he indicated that he is very interested in studying the current shortcomings and conservation possibilities for the future.

Ben Stuckart has been a vocal and active leader for sound environmental policy in Spokane City government. The UCR Group urges our Spokane members to vote for Ben Stuckart for City Council President.vote for Ben Stuckart for

Ben Stuckart, Spokane City Council President

PHOTOS: John Roskelley

(HIGH FLOW)John Osborn(LOW FLOW)

Pump the Aquifer, Rob the RiverPump the Aquifer, Rob the River

PHOTOS