DATED MATERIAL DO NOT DELAYNonprofit

OrganizationU.S.Postage

PAIDSierra ClubThe JerseySIERRANSIERRAN

Vol. 33, No. 1 Roughly 20,000 Members in New Jersey January-March 2004

QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER OF THE NEW JERSEY CHAPTER OF THE SIERRA CLUB

• • • • • • • • • • •

Integrated Program in Ecuador a Success Story .............................................2

New Website for Highland Protection ..............2Resolutions Adopted by ExCom in Sept-Nov 2003 ...........................................2

Chair’s Message: W(h)ither Membership?.......3Vice-Chair’s Message: Unanswered Questions..................................3

Report From The Chapter Legislative Committee....................................3

Conservation Director’s Report........................4National Sierra Club Opposes The BushAdministration ................................................4

Letter to Editor: Response: Cats Indoors.........5Your Chance To Lobby.................................5-6Horseshoe Crab Hearing .................................5Issue Coorindator’s Report: A Bright Future Indeed...................................5

Group News................................................6-10Outings .....................................................10-12Membership Form..........................................12

The Democrats historic winning ofaddit ional seats in the StateLegislature, after taking the governor-ship two years earlier – the first timein almost 50 years this has been done –means that one party now has fullresponsibility for governing, and fordealing with the State’s many environ-mental problems.

And it is certainly time to deal withenvironmental issues. New Jersey, themost densely populated state in thenation, needs to improve its air quali-ty, stop uncontrolled sprawl, protectits watersheds, steep slopes, and frag-ile coastal areas; clean up its brown-fields, and require medical coverageto include contraceptives. Almost allof the legislation the Club supportshas been stalled for the last two years,and the Governor has yet to fulfillmany of the commitments that hemade to the Club when he ran forGovernor in 2001.

The Governor, his staff, and theDemocrats should know that the Clubwants—as it has for years—the following:

• California Level-2 auto emissionsstandards

• Transfer of Development Rights(TDR) linked with the State Plan

• Legacy legislation to preserve theNew Jersey Highlands

• Closing the loophole which stillallows 24-Unit developments in frag-ile coastal areas

• Stronger watershed protection• Steep slope protection• Property Tax Reform to deal with

one of the major reasons for uncon-trolled sprawl

• Medical health plans to include con-traceptive coverage

• Public opposition to the proposedDelaware Deepening BrownfieldRedevelopment

Regarding the actual outcome of theelections, the Club did fairly well. In theState Assembly races, 25 of the 32 candi-dates we endorsed won; in the StateSenate races, 9 of the 12 candidates weendorsed were victorious.

Below is the list of candidates who weendorsed in 2003 and who won withour support. Club members are encour-aged to get to know them.

WINNING PUBLIC QUESTION #1This photo was taken Wednesday, November 5 at a press event and celebration of the passage ofPublic Question #1 in Fort Lee. From Left to right: Hugh Carola (Hackensack Riverkeeper), MayorJack Alter of Fort Lee Borough, Jeff Tittel (Sierra Club Chapter Director), Dave Pringle (NJEnvironmental Federation), Alison Mitchell (NJ Conservation Foundation), Gil Hawkins (HudsonRiver Fishermen’s Association), Bill Sheehan (Hackensack Riverkeeper), Governor McGreevey,DEP Commissioner Campbell, Michael Catania (Conservation Resources Inc.), Bill Foelsch (Exec.Director of the NJ Recreation & Park Association), David Epstein (Morris Land Conservancy),Charlie Kuperus (NJ Secretary of Agriculture), Gary Rice (Green Acres Program), DennisSchvejda (Sierra Club Chapter Conservation Director). Passage of Public Question #1 was aChapter priority and allows the state to spend an additional $150 million on open space acquisition.

MEETING WITHTHE GOVERNOR

On October 17, our Chapter’s Executive Committee (including Group Chairs)and staff enjoyed a hearty breakfast with Governor McGreevey, DEPCommissioner Campbell and the Governor’s Environmental Policy Advisor,Curtis Fisher, at Drumthwacket, the Governor’s mansion, in Princeton. (Leftto right: Dennis Anderson, Gina Carola, Dick Colby, Laura Lynch, Georgeand Joan Denzer, Jeff Tittel, Paul Sanderson, Ed Pfeiffer, GovernorMcGreevey, Bob Johnson, Michel Cuillerier, Sunil Somalwar, Ken Johanson,Mary Penney, Ruth Prince, Steve Knowlton, Kelly McNicholas and DennisSchvejda.)

State Elections Wrapupby Rich Isaac, Chapter Political Chair

SSIIEERRRRAA CCLLUUBB EENNDDOORRSSEEDDCCAANNDDIIDDAATTEESS FFOORR SSTTAATTEEAASSSSEEMMBBLLYY AANNDD SSEENNAATTEESierra Club members volunteered for

many of these campaigns, and ourPolitical Committee Chair, Rich Isaacdeserves praise for his work in oversee-ing the endorsement process. To quick-ly sum up, 9 of the 12 our endorsedSenate candidates won (75%), and 25 ofour 32 endorsed State Assembly candi-dates won (78%). Our toughest loss wasprobably with Geist in the 4th.

Senate/Dist. Assem. Party Candidate3 S D* Stephen Sweeney +3 A D* Douglas Fisher +3 A D* John Burzichelli +4 S R* George Geist4 A D David Mayer+5 S R Anthony DeMasi7 S R* Diane Allen +7 A D* Jack Conners +11 S R* Joseph Palaia +11 A R* Sean Kean +12 A D Michael Panter +12 A D Robert Morgan +13 A D Leonard Inzerillo14 A D* Linda Greenstein +14 A D* Gary Guear15 S D* Shirley Tuner +15 A D* Reed Gusciora +15 A D* Bonnie Watson Coleman +17 S D* Bob Smith +17 A D* Upendra J. Chivukula + 18 S D* Barbara Buono +18 A D* Peter J. Barnes, Jr. +18 A D* Patrick Diegnan +19 S D* Joseph Vitale +19 A R* Arline Friscia19 A D Joseph Vas +21 S R* Thomas Kean, Jr. +21 A R* Eric Munoz +21 A R* Jon Bramnick +23 S R* Leonard Lance +25 S D Blair MacInnes25 S D Thomas Zelante26 S R* Robert Martin +26 A D Laurie Fierro27 A D* John McKeon +31 A D Louis Manzo +31 A D Anthony Chiappone +34 A D* Peter Eagler +35 A D* Nellie Pou +37 A D* Loretta Weinberg +38 A G* Matt Ahearn38 A R Lou Tedesco39 A R* John Rooney +39 A R* Charlotte Vandervalk +40 A R* David Russo +

* Incumbent+ = Win

In addition to Public Question #1,which passed with 65% of the vote, 37local questions were posted - 7 failed:Clifton, Hopewell Township, Millstone,Milltown Borough, Monmouth Beach,

West Cape May, West Milford - 30passed - an over 80% success rate.

Two counties, Hudson & Bergen, had

open space questions, both passed. Nowevery NJ County has an open space fund!

For details on all these open spacequestion, visit the Trust for Public Land’swebsite:

http://www.tpl.org/tier3_cdl.cfm?con-tent_item_id=12786&folder_id=2406#NewJersey.

LOCAL OPENSPACE QUESTIONS

BEARS VS. HUMANS,A DIALOG:

In early November, 2003, DEPCommissioner Brad Campbell justified abear-hunting season in New Jersey in anop-ed article published widely: “Thebear population is just too large, theirrange is expanding too quickly, and his-tory shows that the public risk is toogreat. . . We are partnering with theHumane Society of the United Statesquickly to develop a contraceptiveapproach to controlling the population.”

Response from our Bonnie Tillery:“Substitute human for bear.”

NSIDE THIS ISSUE...I

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

How about writing an article or letter for THIS NEWSLETTER? Your editor welcomes them!

2

In mid-August, 13 people met in aMiami hotel room. They came from acrossthe United States: from Georgia,Minnesota, Texas, Wisconsin, Oregon,Missouri, Florida, New Jersey, Californiaand Washington, D.C. Their mission: tosee how family planning programs arehelping protect the environment inEcuador. This is the first in a series of arti-cles that will talk about that experience.

Some of us knew others in the group,but for the most part we were strangersto each other. As we introduced our-selves and told a little bit about why wewere involved in the issue of population,it became increasing clear that most sawa growing human population as the keyissue to sprawl and reduction of theopen space we all hold so dear. Fundedby a grant, we were headed for Quito,the capital of Ecuador, and a life-chang-ing experience.

As we tried to acclimate ourselves toQuito’s almost 10,000 foot altitude (sec-ond highest capital in the world), weattended meetings with leaders from theintegrated programs we would be seeingin the field. Teresa de Vargas is ExecutiveDirector and one of the founders ofCEMOPLAF (Centro Medico deOrientacion y Planificacion Familar -Medical Center for Family Planning andOrientation), a non-governmental organi-zation (NGO) that has been providing fam-ily planning and basic healthcare for 30years. The program started in the cities,but need for expansion to the indigenous,or native communities in the rural areaswas seen. Rural outreach was unsuccess-ful until a unique partnership was formedwith World Neighbors, another NGObased in Oklahoma City, which workswith poor rural communities around theworld. Like CEMOPLAF, World Neighborstrains people with the tools they want andneed in order to build responsible,healthy, self-reliant communities.

When I asked Teresa de Vargas whyshe got involved in family planning pro-

Participants in the study tour to Ecuador included population issue volunteers from various statesalong with Sierra Club staff and our Ecuadorian guides. Pictured from left to right, front row:Bonnie Tillery, New Jersey; Annette Souder, staff, Sierra Club Global Population and EnvironmentProgram; Sarah Fairchild, staff, Sierra Club Global Population and Environment Program; JulioBeingolea, World Neighbors Ecuador Director; 2nd row: Todd Daniel, Georgia; Ramona Rex,Oregon; Kathleen Sullivan, Florida; Gayle Loeffler, Texas; Carmen Acosta de Pozo, CEMOPLAF;3rd row: Steve Mills, staff, Sierra Club; Jennifer Swan, Missouri; Marilyn Snell, editor/writer, SierraMagazine; Larry Fahn, President, Sierra Club; Ned Grossnickle, Wisconsin; Laura Kelnhofer,Minnesota.

INTEGRATED PROGRAM INECUADOR A SUCCESS STORY (Part I)by Bonnie Tillery, our Population Issues Coordinator

grams, she said it was because of thetremendous poverty she saw in familieswith 11 and more children, where theparents were unable to provide suffi-cient food, shelter and basic healthcare.“Pro-familia”—for the family—was theresponse from Carmen Acosta de Pozofrom CEMOPLAF who traveled with us.

World Neighbors and CEMOPLAF donot go into the rural communities andsay, “this is what you need.” They listento communities concerns and work withthem through one health volunteer andone agricultural volunteer chosen byeach community.

These workers come from the ruralareas to learn and bring back techniquesin such programs as how to fertilize thesoil, the importance of crop rotation,home gardens to improve diet, greenmanure, windbreaks to stop erosion andother techniques. And, just as takingcare of the soil and spacing plants inorder to grow healthy crops is impor-tant, so it is important to take care of thefamily and space the children so thatthey will grow healthy and strong.

In each urban clinic we visited, ineach rural community we traveled to,we saw charts that tracked the progressof the programs and what was workingto better the health of the community.One of the people traveling with us saidthat she reviews statistical informationlike this all the time, but that the resultspresented at the CEMOPLAF clinics wereindeed impressive, with the number ofchildren in families decreasing to five orless, and the survival rates and health ofthose children increasing.

The integrated program in Ecuador isworking to help families have a healthi-er life. To see that this success storycontinues, write to your representativesin Washington and tell them you wantfunding for USAID programs thatinclude family planning; tell them youwant us to keep our funding commit-ment to UNFPA - the United NationsFamily Planning Program — so thatwomen and their families around theworld can have better lives; tell themthat if we want to export democracy,we have to repeal the Global Gag Rulethat restricts free speech. The individ-ual agricultural and healthcare workersin the communities have made a differ-ence and you can make a differencetoo. Write today.

(In forthcoming articles, we will getout of the meeting room and into thecommunities, find out the importance ofwater, and learn about programs foryouth. For more impressions about theEcuador study trip, also see the articleby Marilyn Snell in the January issue ofSierra Magazine, as well as going tohttp://www.sierraclub.org/population/reports/summer03/.)

(Bonnie Tillery was honored recentlyby a Resolution of the State Assembly,proposed by Assemblyman Gary Guearand Assemblywoman Linda Greenstein(both of District 14 - Mercer andMiddlesex Counties), which paid “trib-ute to her meritorious record of service,leadership, and dedication in benefit ofour environment . . .”)

AAddiittiioonnaall ppoolliittiiccaall eennddoorrsseemmeennttss::Legislative candidates for the Novembergeneral election:

Diane Allen (Senate, District 7),Anthony Chiappone (Assembly, District31), Nelly Pou (Assembly, District 35),Lou Tedesco (Assembly, District 38).(September)

JJooiinniinngg aa CCooaalliittiioonn ccoonncceerrnneedd wwiitthh BBllaacckkBBeeaarrss:: We took steps to join the “Coalitionto Protect Black Bears in NJ”, under condi-tions that allow us to satisfy National SierraClub guidelines. (September)

RReessttrriiccttiinngg ddeevveellooppmmeenntt iinnBBlloooommffiieelldd:: The Chapter opposed anydevelopment in the ScientificGlass/Liongate and Desimone/Petriellasites, and supported full remediation ofthe brownfields on these tracts and thepurchase of this land for open space toinclude a park for the citizens ofBloomfield to enjoy. (September)

LLiigghhtt rraaiill iinn EEsssseexx CCoouunnttyy:: TheChapter supported the appointment of acommission by Essex County govern-ment to review light rail projects thathave been built within the last decade inthis country, and explore possiblesources of funding for increasing lightrail transit within the County. We sug-gested that this commission consist of

representatives of the CountyAdministration, the Board ofFreeholders, the Essex CountyImprovement Authority, the New JerseyAssociation of Railroad Passengers, andthe Sierra Club. (September)

OOppppoossiinngg DDeevveellooppmmeenntt oonn aanndd nneeaarrHHaammbbuurrgg MMoouunnttaaiinn:: The Chapter autho-rized attorney Edward Lloyd to settle litiga-tion involving proposed development inSussex County, consistent with theGeneral Development Plan approved bythe Vernon Township Planning Board.(October)

OOppppoossiinngg DDeessiiggnnaattiioonnss ooff VVeerrnnoonn aannddSSppaarrttaa aass GGrroowwtthh ““CCeenntteerrss””:: TheChapter retained the RutgersEnvironmental Law Clinic to representit, pro bono, in appealing an actiontaken by the New Jersey State PlanningCommission. (October)

CChhaalllleennggiinngg aa SSttrreeaamm EEnnccrrooaacchhmmeennttPPeerrmmiitt:: We authorized the RutgersEnvironmental Law Clinic, on a probono basis, to challenge a permit fordevelopment of Castle Ridge in WhiteTownship, Warren County. (October)

PPrroommoottiinngg ““GGrreeeenn”” ((CClluusstteerr))DDeevveellooppmmeenntt iinn HHuunntteerrddoonn CCoouunnttyy:: TheChapter supports preservation of openspace by encouraging provisions forcluster development in the Hunterdon

Resolutions adopted byExCom in Sept - Nov 2003

New Websitefor HighlandsProtection

Visit hhttttpp::////wwwwww..ssttaattee..nnjj..uuss//hhiigghh-llaannddss//. Here you will find the followingand more!

• Find the Public Hearing Nearest You• Give Your Comments to the

Task Force• Take the Highlands Survey• Task Force Members• Public Hearing and Task Force

Work Session Dates• Task Force Goals• Task Force Committees• Highlands Task Force

Executive OrderThe most important page is

http://www.state.nj.us/highlands/tfcom-ments.htm, where you can submit com-ments to the Highlands Task Force.

$50 Discount for Sierra Club MembersWalk Britain’s

Most Beautiful Landscapes.Join English Lakeland Ramblers, specialists since 1985 in

guided tours of England’s spectacular Lake District. Walk withus along the hills and dales of England’s largest national park.

TOURS ALSO IN SCOTLAND & THE COTSWOLDS

ENGLISH LAKELAND RAMBLERSFor a free brochure:

18 Stuyvesant Oval #1A, New York, NY 10009

(800) 724-8801 • www.ramblers.com

County Growth Management Plan and inmunicipal master plans and develop-ment ordinances. Also state-of-the-artgreen building methods (Energy Star,solar, green storm and wastewater treat-ment, etc.) as a demonstration project

for the county. (November)RReeqquueessttiinngg tthhee DDEEPP ttoo UUppddaattee MMaappss ooff

EEnnvviirroonnmmeennttaallllyy SSeennssiittiivvee AArreeaass::Specifically in the Shore areas north ofOld Bridge in Middlesex County.(November)

by Dennis Schvejda

GAS TAX TOO EXPENSIVE?• Ownership of sports utility vehicles, typically the most expensive vehicles to

drive, more than doubled in New Jersey between 1992 and 1997, the most recentyears measured. New Jersey has one SUV for every 16 people.

• The average driver of a Ford Explorer SUV pays $1,540 annually for gas, basedon today’s average gas price. In contrast, the owner of a Honda Accord paysroughly half that amount, or $888 annually. The owner of Honda’s gas-electricCivic Hybrid pays less still, about $491 annually.

Credit to New Jersey Future (www.njfuture.org)

Regular priced, in-stock items, excludes boats.Cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

by Dick Colby (dick.colby@stockton.edu)

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Is there an environmental issue that we’re MISSING? If so, please call or write to Club officers.

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W(h)itherMembership?

EditorialUNANSWEREDQUESTIONSby Ken Johanson, Chapter Vice-chair (KJohan@comcast.net)

Vice-Chair’s Message

In past times of environmental crisis,Club membership has soared. Thebattle to preserve Hetch-Hetchy

Valley, just north of Yosemite and todaythe reservoir for San Francisco, was oneof the Club’s founding struggles in the1900s. The loss of Glen Canyon, on theColorado River upstream from the GrandCanyon, brought in tens of thousands ofnew members in the 1960s. James Watt’satrocities as Secretary of the Interiorunder President Ronald Reagan (1980-88) tripled our national membership, get-ting us close to our first half million. InNew Jersey, the battle in the 1970sopposing the damming of the DelawareRiver at Tocks Island (above the WaterGap) provided us with a start-up mem-bership boost as our Chapter separatedfrom what had been a singleNortheastern States’ Chapter.

So an interesting question is why thecurrent US President, who is doingmore damage to the environment thanall previous presidents combined, isn’tcausing our membership to skyrocket!(If you haven’t noticed, Bush’s EnergyPolicy is to drill for more oil (and minemore coal) without environmental scru-ples; his Clean Air Policy is to dramati-cally increase air pollution in contra-vention of the Clean Air Act; hisForestry Policy is to log them; his glob-al warming policy (rejection of theKyoto protocol) threatens world cli-mate change; his Toxics Policy is toabandon Superfund and exempt themilitary from cleanup responsibility,and other polluters from liability.)

Yet Chapter membership has fallenslightly in the past year. An editor’s pre-rogative is to propose hypotheses for his-torical events, and to challenge the read-ership to offer evidence for or against

WHY IS THE SIERRA CLUBLOSING MEMBERS?

them, so here goes: (1) National securityconcerns surrounding 9/11/01 and Iraqhave blinded Americans to theAdministration’s anti-environmental poli-cies. (2) All politics being local, NewJerseyans just aren’t seeing (and feeling)the damage Bush is doing. (3) Relatedly,the McGreevey (and previous NewJersey) Administrations have protectedour State so well, environmentally, thatwe’re not ready to take up arms (andcheckbooks). (4) There’s a subliminalcleverness to Bush’s marketing strategiessuch that the environmental message iscoming over whitewashed. E.g. perhapshis selection of Christine Whitman asEPA Administrator produced a wool-over-the-eyes effect. (5) Perhaps our member-ship loss is an artifact of the reducedpresence, in the last year, of New Jersey“canvassers”: college students hired bythe Club to knock on suburban doors tosolicit membership. (6) Or perhapsunemployment and income loss havereduced the “disposable” income thatenables people to become (and remain)members. What do you think?

Whatever the explanation, I can reportthat heads are being scratched both atthe Club’s National office in SanFrancisco and at Chapter ExCom meet-ings in New Brunswick and Trenton, tounderstand the trend and to improve ourmarketing. Our effectiveness in publiceducation and in legislative influencedepends largely on our ability to hireprofessionals, and for that we need tomaintain our membership dues base.Our new Chapter Membership Chair,Mike Herson, is on the job, as you cansee from some of the modifications hehas suggested for this Newsletter.

Special thanks are due to Steve Ember,Chapter Outings Chair for the past threeyears, who has turned the meticulous jobof organizing our Outings Section over toEllen Blumenkrantz. Go Ellen!

As the Bush administration’s unprece-dented assault on the environment con-tinues unchecked, I find that many ofthe same questions continue to runthrough my mind. Why are Bush and hisadvisors doing this? Perhaps they aremerely trying to gain acceptance fromtheir peers in the extractive industries.Perhaps they derive the same sort of sat-isfaction that a disturbed adolescentderives from vandalizing a neighborhoodpark (albeit on a somewhat larger scale).Or perhaps they are simply trying tomaximize their short-term gain, withoutregard to the consequences of theiractions on those around them and onfuture generations. But these men andwomen have children and grandchildren.Do they really believe that their wealthand power will somehow insulate theirheirs from respiratory conditions, heartdisease and countless other medical ail-ments that inexorably flow from reduc-tions in the quality of the air we breathe,the water we drink or the food we eat?Do they really believe that their childrenand grandchildren will not be affected bythe massive shortages and civil disorderthat are likely to occur as the world’spopulation continues to explode and theworld’s resources continue to be con-sumed? Do they really believe that theirchildren and grandchildren will be ableto experience the same quality of lifethat they are able to experience once theeffects of global warming have becomemore apparent and the biological diversi-ty of the planet has been lost?

And why has the Bush administrationbeen so successful in pursuing its anti-environmental agenda? Where is thequestioning on the part of the public?Where is the sense of outrage? Whereare the marches on the White House?Are we so consumed with economicissues, with the war in Iraq, with thethreat of terrorism, with making surethat the words “under God” remain inthe pledge of allegiance, that we do nothave time to worry about the environ-ment? Or is the word simply not gettingthrough to the public? While it is truethat The New York Times and a handfulof other major newspapers continue torun articles and publish editorials onhappenings within the Bush administra-tion and Bill Moyers continues to pre-

sent well-documented and insightful pro-grams on a broad range of environmen-tal issues, these same issues are beinglargely ignored by most newspapersthroughout the country, by networknews programs (probably the mostimportant source of news for mostAmericans), by elected officials fromboth parties who know or should knowbetter and by a majority of our religiousleaders. Why have so many of those whowe rely upon to keep us informed and toprovide us with direction abrogatedtheir responsibilities?

I do not pretend to have the answersto any of the questions I have posed.But I do have some ideas on what to doabout this sad state of affairs. I believethat our highest and most immediatepriority must be to do all that we can toprevent Bush from being returned tothe White House in 2005. In order toaccomplish this goal we need to reachout to the public, to talk to friends,neighbors and family members, to writeletters to the editor and to let our elect-ed officials know how we feel. Weneed to let people know that the natur-al environment is under attack by theBush administration and that the stakesare far higher than most of us realize.We need to return the environment tothe nation’s collective radar screen. Butin doing so we also need to recognizethat Bush may be vulnerable on a num-ber of other fronts, not just the environ-ment. While we are all dismayed by theBush administration’s environmentalrecord, many of us are also concernedwith what we view as fiscally irrespon-sible economic policies, a misguidedwar in Iraq, an erosion of our civil liber-ties, a go-it-alone international policyand a failure to address social issues.Each of us needs to identify thoseissues that are most important to us andto run with them. There have beensigns in recent months that the Bushluster may be beginning to fade. We allneed to dedicate ourselves to ensuringthat this trend continues and that a newadministration assumes the reigns ofpower in 2005.

The New Jersey Chapter’s LegislativeCommittee is looking for help. TheCommittee examines bills that havebeen introduced in the New Jersey legis-lature and adopts positions on those thatare likely to have an impact on the envi-ronment. The Committee also initiateslegislation by developing legislative pro-posals and presenting them to sympa-thetic legislators. In order to maximizeits effectiveness, the Committee main-tains a bill table containing a briefdescription of each of the bills on whichit has taken a position, and the currentstatus of each bill. The bill table is sentto each legislator and posted on the

Chapter’s Activist web site. The commit-tee also assists the Chapter Director andConservation Director in lobbying keylegislators.

If you have an interest in legislation,this might be a great opportunity for youto get involved. The Committee general-ly meets one evening a month at theChapter office in Trenton. Betweenmeetings, Committee members reviewbills and transact other business via e-mail. If you think you might be interest-ed, please contact the Committee’s act-ing chair, Ken Johanson, for furtherinformation. Ken can be reached at kjo-han@comcast.net or 908-464-0442.

REPORT FROM THECHAPTER LEGISLATIVECOMMITTEEby Ken Johanson, its Chair

Join the Sierra Club

Mail in the membership form on the back page.

THANKSffrroomm GGiinnaa CCaarroollaa,, oouurr DDeellaawwaarree DDeeeeppeenniinngg IIssssuuee CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr,, oonnrreecceeiivviinngg aa NNaattiioonnaall SSiieerrrraa CClluubb ““SSppeecciiaall AAcchhiieevveemmeenntt”” AAwwaarrdd aatt tthheeCClluubb’’ss aannnnuuaall DDiinnnneerr -- oonn 2277 SSeepptt,, iinn SSaann FFrraanncciissccoo::

Thanks to everyone for support these last few years as I battled the evil Corps ofAlleged Engineers and the Delaware River Port Authority while they attempted toruin my neighborhood. Especially to Jane Tausman and Steve Ember for nominat-ing me and to Steve for documenting the campaign. In San Francisco it was nice tomeet some of the movers and shakers that we see mentioned in the SierraMagazine. Tina Schvejda took some photographs and, with Dennis Schvejda andJane were great cheerleaders during my moment in the sun. I was pleased to beable to represent the NJ Chapter.

Also attending the banquet was Jim Stephens, Chair of the Delaware Chapterwhen the fight first started,and one of the original leaders.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

THANK YOU if you responded to our annual Chapter Appeal for Funds.

4

Stopping the Bush Administration isthe Sierra Club’s number one priori-ty for 2004. To carry out this effort

we are seeking to align Club activitiesaround three unifying strategic drivers:building one-on-one relationships, pro-moting visionary solutions, and hittingthe Bush Administration hard where ithurts them most.

BBuuiillddiinngg OOnnee-oonn-OOnnee RReellaattiioonnsshhiippss.. Inthe past we have encouraged all cam-paigns to reach out to key targeted audi-ences and engage the community in anenvironmental dialog. Under our newBuilding One-on-One Relationshipsapproach we are adopting new tacticswith two important long-term goals: 1)To create a much stronger neighbor-hood presence for the Club with a morepersonal “face,” and 2) To build our vol-unteer and activist base in ways that alsobuild strong social bonds between vol-unteers that help sustain activism.

PPrroommoottiinngg VViissiioonnaarryy SSoolluuttiioonnss.. This isnothing new for our campaigns and pro-grams, but sometimes we fail to leadwith our solutions and communicatemessages that are solutions-oriented. Forexample, while a campaign might havehad a central goal of influencing somekey decision-maker in Congress, a feder-al agency, or a corporation, we wouldlike every campaign and program tostrive to identify and highlight a solutionthat contrasts with a BushAdministration failure.

HHiittttiinngg tthhee BBuusshh AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn HHaarrddWWhheerree iitt iiss WWeeaakk.. Most of our cam-paigns and programs do this instinctive-ly, but in 2004 we need to be muchmore deliberate, much more visible, andmuch more effective. The BushAdministration and the RepublicanCongress have the votes to prevail onmost issues in Congress, so participatingin their forums—where they are strong—only gives them victories and makesus appear weak. So in our plans we donot want to devote major resources orenergy to a losing legislative effort. Whatwe want to do is to hit them hard in thepress and in very public forums on thekey issues where they are most vulnera-ble with the public.

Above is a VERY brief outline summa-rized from a memo sent to Club leadersby National Sierra Club. You’ll be hear-ing much more and will be asked to con-tribute your ideas and efforts.

SSTTAAYY IINNFFOORRMMEEDD AANNDD GGEETT AACCTTIIVVEE IINN 22000044!!

The NJ Chapter makes it easy for youto stay informed and make a differenceby responding to Action Alerts. Here area few of our Internet tools…

SSiieerrrraaAAccttiivviisstt..oorrgg HHeeaaddlliinnee NNeewwss -((hhttttpp::////SSiieerrrraaAAccttiivviisstt..oorrgg//nneewwss//))

On 3 November, the Club’s SanFrancisco main office began electronicpublication of “RAW: The UncookedFacts of the Bush Assault on theEnvironment.” RAW is a twice-weeklye-mail update to help you stay sane asthe Bush Administration dismantlesdecades of environmental progress.Sign up for RAW and every Mondayand Wednesday, for the next year,you’ll be provided with facts, figures,quotes and humor that show how andwhy this Administration has the worstenvironmental record in history. Ifyou’re tired of trying to explain what’snot healthy about “Healthy Forests,”and what’s not clear about “ClearSkies,” RAW is here to help. Sign uptoday for regular RAW updates athttp://www.sierraclub.org-/raw—andpass this information along to friendswho believe there’s a better way!

CONSERVATION DIRECTOR’S REPORTby Dennis Schvejda

One of the best ways to stay up-to-datewith environmental news is to subscribeto SierraActivist.org Headline News.Published M-F, this e-zine provides adaily guide to environmental news, witheach item summarized and linked to theoriginal article. Over 300 articles areposted each week!

JJooiinn OOuurr SSiieerrrraa CClluubb NNeeww JJeerrsseeyyCChhaapptteerr AAccttiioonn NNeettwwoorrkk!! –http://ActionNetwork.org/SierraClubNJ/

Almost 9,000 members of the NJSierra Action Network have sent over315,000 letters (e-mails & faxes) to legis-lators. With just a click of the mouse,activists can make their voices heard.We mobilize our activists by e-mail, invit-ing you to weigh in when it counts bysending a personalized message to keypolicymakers—locally, nationally oraround the world. Simply reply to that e-mail or click on the web site, personaliz-ing a sample letter that is included.Action Network does the rest, sendinghandcrafted fax or e-mail messages toelected officials, corporate leaders andother important decision-makers.

AA NNeeww TTooooll TToo HHeellpp YYoouu CCoonnttaaccttLLeeggiissllaattoorrss

We’ve made it easy for you to find thecontact information for your state andfederal legislators. Simply visithhttttpp::////SSiieerrrraaAAccttiivviisstt..oorrgg//ccoonnttaaccttooffffii-cciiaallss..pphhpp and enter your zip code. Yourlegislator’s contact info will appear, andyou can send a message right from thispage! We hope you’ll use this tool oftento contact your legislators about a hostof issues.

IISSSSUUEE UUPPDDAATTEESSThe Chapter works on a vast number

of issues. Here’s a handful of updates:PPuubblliicc QQuueessttiioonnss:: The Chapter, in

partnership with other NJ environmentalorganizations, waged a campaign toencourage voters to support NovemberBallot Questions #1 and #2, and to voteNO on Public Question #3. To promotethe first ballot question, the Chapter cre-ated a website, http://VoteGreen.sier-raactivist.org. We were successful, sincePublic Question #1 was approved by awide margin. New Jersey can now addan additional $150 million towards pro-tecting open space. The majority ofthese funds will go towards farmlandpreservation in the Highlands, and thecreation and maintenance of urbanparks. NJ voters also approved PublicQuestion #2, which will help fund thecleanup of former industrial sites.Redeveloping these sites helps to revital-ize existing urban areas, taking some ofthe pressure off sprawl developmentelsewhere in New Jersey. The SierraClub opposed Public Question #3, think-ing that these funds would promote

sprawl and aid developers and wealthyindividuals at the expense of the envi-ronment. The measure passed, so wewill keep a sharp eye on how thesefunds are spent—to help ensure thegreatest good for the public.

NNeeww JJeerrsseeyy MMeemmbbeerrss ooff CCoonnggrreessss AAccttttoo PPrrootteecctt CClleeaann WWaatteerr:: Twelve of our13 New Jersey Congressmen, RobertAndrews, Mike Ferguson, RodneyFrelinghuysen, Rush Holt, FrankLoBiondo, Robert Menendez, FrankPallone, Bill Pascrell, Donald Payne,Steve Rothman, Jim Saxton andChristopher Smith, joined 206 of theircolleagues in asking President Bush notto change 30-year-old Clean Water Actrules to eliminate protection for smallstreams and wetlands. The letter chal-lenges the Bush administration’s initia-tive to limit the scope of the CleanWater Act. We are particularly gratefulto Representative Jim Saxton, whohelped initiate this letter, for sending theBush administration a wake-up call:“Don’t weaken the Clean Water Act” Weare disappointed with Rep. ScottGarrett. He was the ONLY NJ Rep. notto sign the letter to Bush.

HHoouussee PPaasssseess FFllaawweedd EEnneerrggyy BBiillll:: TheHouse of Representatives passed theEnergy Bill, HR 6, by an overwhelmingvote of 246-180. 10 New JerseyRepresentatives voted FOR the environ-ment and against the bill: Andrews, Holt,LoBiondo, Menendez, Pallone, Pascrell,Payne, Rothman, Saxton and Smith. 3voted AGAINST the environment and infavor of the bill: Ferguson,Frelinghuysen and Garrett.

NNJJ DDeelleeggaattiioonn SSaayyss ““NNOO”” ttoo OOffffsshhoorreeOOiill DDrriilllliinngg:: One of the awful measuresof that energy bill, in its original form,was offshore oil drilling. Fortunately, theHouse of Representatives rejectedattempts to open America’s coastalwaters to oil drilling. The 229-182 vote,a “motion to instruct,” directed Houseleaders to remove a provision to con-duct an oil and gas “inventory” in pro-tected areas of the Outer ContinentalShelf. Every NJ Representative, (exceptJim Saxton, who was on six-nation tourin the Middle East, and Scott Garrett)voted to protect New Jersey’s coast.

EEnneerrggyy BBiillll SSttooppppeedd iinn SSeennaattee:: Afterfailing to secure two votes necessary toovercome a filibuster, the Senate leader-ship has conceded defeat and willresume work on HR 6, “The EnergyPolicy Act of 2003,” in January. TheSierra Club applauds New JerseySenators Jon Corzine and FrankLautenberg for remaining steadfast intheir opposition!

NNJJ RReeppss.. VVoottee ttoo PPrrootteecctt AAmmeerriiccaa’’ssFFoorreessttss:: The House of Representativespassed the so-called “Healthy Forests

and Restoration Act of 2003,” HR 1904,by a vote of 286-140, and the Senate fol-lowed suit on a voice vote. Actually, theBush Administration’s “Healthy ForestsInitiative” is a disguised plan to increaselogging in National Forests. Congress haslet politics and scare tactics drive a wild-fire policy that only serves the needs ofthe oil, gas and timber industry whileignoring the needs of communities. TheNJ Chapter is proud to say that our NJdelegation wasn’t fooled, every Rep.(except Frelinghuysen and Garrett)voted against HR 1904. Nationwide, onlynine Republicans voted against the bill;four of them - Ferguson, LoBiondo,Saxton and Smith - are from NJ.

BBuusshh AAddmmiinniissttrraattiioonn DDeeccllaarreess OOppeennHHuunnttiinngg SSeeaassoonn oonn EEnnddaannggeerreedd SSppeecciieess!!Just when you think it can’t get moresurreal, it does. Under the guise of “sus-tainable use,” the Bush administrationhas proposed gutting the EndangeredSpecies Act to allow circuses, zoos, tro-phy hunters, leather importers and thepet industry to be able to traffic inendangered species—dead or alive—from foreign countries. On short notice(of only a day and a half), over 1,000 NJSierra Action Network members tookaction and sent comments to the U.S.Fish & Wildlife Service, where the ruleremains under review.

PPrreessiiddeenntt BBuusshh UUrrggeedd TToo CCoonnsseerrvvee WWiillddSSaallmmoonn!! Representatives Blumenauer, Petriand Shays, circulated a Dear Colleague let-ter, asking President Bush to use the fullpower of his office to restore endangeredwild salmon runs on the Snake River. Eventhough we only had a day to work this one- we reached our goal of over 100 signa-tures! We finished with 113 signatures,including Andrews, Ferguson, Holt,Menendez, Pallone, Pascrell, Payne,Rothman, and Smith from NJ.

This is a small sample of the issuesChapter staff and volunteers haveworked on. By subscribing toSierraActivist.org Headline news, joiningour Action Network, and attendingGroup meetings, you will be wellinformed and will have PLENTY ofopportunities to make a difference!

Join me at High Mountain. I’m begin-ning a series of “Director’s Hikes.” Wewill visit an endangered area, see thesights and talk about what needs to bedone to protect it. The first will be atHigh Mountain in Passaic County. See theHike Schedule (March 14) for details.

National Sierra Club Opposes the Bush Administration

Here’s just a quick taste of the kinds ofinformation RAW is presenting: In lateOctober Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) saidthat “the environmental extremists andtheir liberal friends in the press wouldhave you believe that [President Bush]does not have a good record—environ-mental record, and he has the best recordthan any president in history.” RAWthinks the Senator might be a little con-fused—and not just about grammar. Togive him some perspective, our crackresearch team dug up just a few factsabout some prominent Republican presi-dents and their environmental records ascompared with President Bush’s:

FFOORREESSTTSS:: * Theodore Roosevelt —created approximately 151,000,000acres of National Forest(http://www.theodoreroosevelt.org). *George W. Bush — weakened protec-tions for millions acres of roadless areas

in National Forests (http://www.sierra-club.org/forests/roadless).

CCLLEEAANN AAIIRR AANNDD WWAATTEERR:: * RichardNixon—signed into law both the Clean Air(1970) and Clean Water Acts (1972). *George W. Bush—already significantly weak-ened the Clean Air Act and has announcedplans for weakening the Clean Water Act(http://www.sierraclub.org-/cleanair) and(http://www.sierraclub.org-/cleanwater).

TTOOXXIICC WWAASSTTEE:: * Ronald Reagan —reauthorized the Superfund program,requiring polluting industries to pay forthe cleanup of toxic waste sites in 1986.* George W. Bush — Opposes re-autho-rizing the Superfund program, which ranout of money last month—thus leavingtaxpayers with the bill for cleaning uppolluters’ toxic waste. (http://www.sier-raclub.org/toxics/superfund).

To get future issues of RAW, visithhttttpp::////wwwwww..ssiieerrrraacclluubb..oorrgg//rraaww

ALVIN AILEY DANCE COMPANY

SIERRA CLUB THEATRE OUTING FUNDRAISER

Saturday Evening, May 8, 2004

We’ve reserved a limited numberof prime orchestra tickets to seethe Alvin Ailey Dance Company atthe NJ Performing Art Center inNewark, NJ. America’s premiermodern dance company fusesmodern, African and jazz tech-niques with an unparalleled grace,passion and artistry.

Dinner at a great Portugueserestaurant in the nearby Ironbounddistrict is included.

Cost is $115 per person, includ-ing dinner, performance and dona-tion to the Sierra Club.

Mail check, payable to The SierraClub, to Ellen Blumenkrantz, 43Carlson Court,Closter,NJ 07624.

For more information contact Ellen at

eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com or home:201-784-8417.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

A variety of Club books, notecards, badges and clothing is available from www.sierraclub.org/store

5

LETTER TO THE EDITORResponse to

“CATS INDOORS”

I write on behalf of homeless cats whowould be adversely affected by the “CatsIndoors!” campaign. These cats, who arethe result of both the failure tospay/neuter and cat abandonment, havebeen erroneously blamed for the declineof birds and other wildlife.

It has been proven that decliningwildlife populations result from habitatloss and fragmentation caused by devel-opment and other human activities, notcats. Wildlife biologist Roger Tabor isquoted as saying, “The clear leadinganimal that’s really putting wildlife atrisk is the human population. We justdon’t like to acknowledge that it is ourfault. It’s not a case of the cat being theworst offender. It isn’t even remotelythe worst offender. It’s us.” Moreover,conservation groups and governmentbiologists estimate that communica-

On 30 Oct the Atlantic States MarineFisheries Commission (ASMFC) hosted apublic hearing in Absecon, near AtlanticCity. These hearings are always worththe time.

This particular hearing was not con-tentious or even overly long. I believe 12folks testified, 7 enviros and 5 watermen.

Fred Akers testified on behalf of theGreat Egg Harbor Watershed Association.I always appreciate Fred coming out tothese hearings, and he has attendedevery one. Others speaking out wereTim Dillingham on behalf of theAmerican Littoral Society & DelawareRiverkeeper, Eric Stiles for NJ Audubon,myself, and a few “unaffiliated” folks.

The focus of the hearing concernedenacting a horseshoe crab harvest levelthreshold for New Jersey and Delaware of

tions towers kill up to 50 million birdsa year.

Even where cats might be observedhunting, killing the cats fails to addressthis issue. Traditional trap and killschemes have historically resulted ingreater numbers of stray animals thanhave well-planned systems to trap, alter,and return cats. The latter method stabi-lizes numbers and facilitates the eventualelimination of colonies of homeless cats.

Shell Sullivan, The Animal Spirit, PO Box 237, Manalapan NJ 07726www.theanimalspirit.com

(The Animal Spirit, established by Mr.Sullivan in 1999, is a grassroots, not-for-profit, volunteer-based project dedicatedto furthering Animal Rights and AnimalRescue through education.)

(An article in our last issue, supplied by the New Jersey Audubon Society,advocating that wildlife would benefit from keeping cats indoors):

150,000 and closing the season from May1 to June 7. New Jersey has enacted theseas permanent regulations, so these ASMFCregs are an added level of protection.

There’s more to the story on theseregs... See our alert for much more infor-mation on the addendum to the rulesand our recommendations.

Last year I reached out To Rep. Saxtonto see if he would be interested in craft-ing legislation that is essentially a conser-vation buyout to retire NJ’s horseshoecrab permits. He’s interested. At the lat-est hearing I said as much during my tes-timony and invited watermen to workwith me and our conservation colleaguestowards that goal.

I must say this was well received and Ispoke to a number of watermen. I’ll keepeveryone posted on our progress.

Horseshoe Crab Hearing By Dennis Schvejda

ISSUE COORDINATOR’S REPORT:Meadowlands Update:A BRIGHT FUTURE, INDEEDBy Captain Bill Sheehan and Hugh Carola, Meadowlands Issues Coordinators

It is fitting that this update be printedin this, the last issue of the JerseySierran for 2003 because this year has

certainly proven to be a true “watershedyear” for this unique urban wilderness.An incredible number of this have hap-pened, are happening and will continueinto 2004 but everything can all be dis-tilled into two words: We Won.

Right now, the state of New Jersey isactively engaged in protecting every sin-gle acre of wetlands within theMeadowlands District – some 7,000acres in all – along with the waterwaysthat run through them. As you read thisarticle, the New Jersey MeadowlandsCommission is in negotiations to pur-chase all remaining privately owned wet-lands tracts within the District thatencompasses all or part of 14 municipali-ties in Bergen and Hudson Counties.Once that’s done, the MeadowlandsEstuary Preserve will be dedicated –8,400 acres of wildlife habitat and acces-sible open space for the people of NewJersey and the region.

If this sounds almost too good to betrue, we understand how you feel. Afterall, a great deal of effort and energy wasspent over the years by many of us infighting in the Meadowlands – againstthe proposed Special Area ManagementPlan, against the Mills Corporation andagainst the agency formerly known asthe Hackensack MeadowlandsDevelopment Commission. After all, itwas just a few years ago that the then-HMDC was telling the environmentalcommunity, “You can never save it all”or “We’re going to have to pave somewetlands in order to save some wet-lands.” Today, instead of facilitatingdevelopment of wetlands, by the end ofthis year, the NJMC will have purchasednearly 1,000 acres for conservation, leav-ing only about 900 left to be acquired.

What caused the change? In a word,you did. You followed the lead of organi-zations like Hackensack Riverkeeper andNY/NJ Baykeeper and the leadership ofthe Sierra Club and made your voicesheard. At hearings and in letters, faxesand e-mails, the voices of thousands ofSierra Club members joined with thoseof thousands of others across New Jerseyand beyond. And our elected official lis-tened. Together we’ve taught out lead-ers to value the Meadowlands the waywe value the Pinelands, Highlands,Skylands or the Shore: as one of NewJersey’s very special places.

Beginning with Acting GovernorDonald DiFrancesco who signed the leg-islation changing the name of theMeadowlands Commission and continu-ing under the leadership of GovernorMcGreevey, New Jersey has come

around. Rep. Steve Rothman (D-9th &Sierra Club-endorsed)) in whose districtthe Meadowlands lies is one of the mostvocal supporters of its preservation andhas made the establishment of thePreserve a priority of his tenure in theHouse of Representatives. State legisla-tors and local leaders from both partiesare beginning to embrace the idea ofhaving America’s greatest urban wildliferefuge right here in northeastern NewJersey. It’s truly a new day in theMeadowlands.

Before we conclude, here are a fewadditional updates on Meadowlandsissues:

Xanadu. The developer’s Agreementbetween the Mills Corporation and theNJ Sports and Exposition Authority onthis alternative to “Meadowlands Mills”was approved on December 3, 2003.Barring any last-minute challenges, con-struction is expected begin on already-developed lands surrounding theContinental Airlines Arena this spring.

The Empire Tract. This 600-acre wet-land will be transferred to the state forconservation and inclusion in theMeadowlands Estuary Preserve when theconstruction of “Xanadu” begins.

EnCap Golf. Beginning next year, thiscompany from Florida will begin closingand capping five “orphan landfills” inRutherford, Lyndhurst and NorthArlington totaling over 1,300 acres offormer garbage dumps. Of that acreage,1,200 will eventually be given over tofour golf courses (2 public & 2 private).Residential and light commercial devel-opment will be built on the remainingacreage and approximately fifty acres ofwetlands will be restored in that area.The company has also pledged to useintegrated pest management, treatedwastewater and captured stormwater intheir Best Management Practices.

The Meadowlands Conservation Trust.This is the state-chartered entity whosemission is to acquire, hold and managelands for conservation in theMeadowlands and throughout theHackensack River Watershed. The Trustwill hold the development rights to all1,200 acres of EnCap’s golf courses anda conservation easement on the EmpireTract. Finally, On December 1, 2003, ourgood friend and colleague Tina Schvejdatook the reins as the Trust’s firstExecutive Director. Please join with usin wishing her well.

One final note: we would not be sur-prised if at this time next year we werewriting to invite you to the dedication ofthe Preserve sometime in the spring of2005. Thank you for all that you’ve doneto bring about this new day in theMeadowlands and stay tuned!

YOUR CHANCE TO LOBBY!

Here’s your opportunity to send a let-ter on an environmental issue to aState official.

This material was circulated by SteveKnowlton to members of our JerseyShore Group.

The Shore Group conducts a monthlyletter-writing session, known as “GreenNight.”

GGRREEEENN NNIIGGHHTT - NNOOVVEEMMBBEERR 22000033

IItteemmss ffoorr yyoouurr ccoonnssiiddeerraattiioonn::1. Support Clean Car Bill2. Support Traffic Circulation Bill3. Support Gas Tax - But Only for Mass

Transit and Road Repair4. Support Bill to Fund Water Projects

- Senate Bill 169, Assembly Bill 3091

11.. CClleeaann CCaarr BBiillllThere is a good chance for the bill to

pass early in 2004, if it hasn’t already doneso in the December lame duck session.

These bills would adopt phase II ofthe low emission program being imple-mented in California. They wouldrequire the most stringent auto emis-sions standards available for new carssold in New Jersey, estimated to helpreduce toxic air pollution, particulates,and ozone precursor emissions by 25 to40% over the next twelve years. Becausecar and truck emissions are the singlelargest source of air pollution in thestate, any long-term solution to our airquality woes will depend on a switch toinherently cleaner cars such as thosepromoted by this legislation.

In the Senate, the bill has 26 sponsorsand cosponsors. The identical bill in theAssembly has 54 sponsors and cospon-sors. (There are 40 Senators and 80Assembly members.) It should pass if itever reaches the floor.

In January 2002, both bills (Senate Bill121, Assembly Bill 409) were referred tocommittee, in the Assembly, to theAssembly Environment and Solid WasteCommittee (chairman, AssemblymanReed Gusciora (D)), and in the Senate toSenate Environment Committee (chair-men, Joseph Suliga (D), RobertMcNamara (R).

According to Trenton Times(5/16/03), after no action in the SenateEnvironment Committee, SenatorsBennett and Adler introduced a nearlyidentical bi l l and got theTransportation Committee to hear it.This is Senate Bill 2351.

Versions of the bill are now in theSenate and Assembly appropriationscommittees. The chair of the AssemblyCommittee is Bonnie Wilson Coleman(D), the chairs of the Senate Budget andAppropriations Committee are SenatorsRobert Littel (R) and Wayne Bryant (D).

WWHHAATT YYOOUU CCAANN DDOOWWrriittee ttoo::a.Your Assemblymen and Assembly-

women,b.The Assembly Committee Chair-

woman, Bonnie Watson Coleman, 226West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608,AswWatsonColeman@njleg.org.

c. The Senate committee chairmen - -Senate Budget and AppropriationsCommittee, Senator Robert Littel (R),P.O. Box 328, Franklin, NJ 07416-0328,SenLittell@njleg.org, and Wayne Bryant,Esq., (D), 501 Cooper Street, Camden,NJ 08102-1240, SenBryant@njleg.org.

d. The Governor, by Internet,http://www.state.nj.us/governor/gov-mail.html.

e. Senator Richard Codey, DemocraticPresident of the Senate, 449 MountPleasant Ave., West Orange, NJ 07079,SenCodey@njleg.org.

f. Speaker Albio Sires, Speaker of theAssembly, 303 58th St., West New York,NJ 07093.

Ask them to see that the Clean Car billmoves forward and is posted for a vote,and to vote for the bill. Use the termClean Car to identify the bill.

Jeff Tittel, our Chapter Director, rec-ommends that you write to SenatorRonald Rice, 1044 South OrangeAvenue, Newark, NJ 07106,

22.. SSuuppppoorrtt TTrraaffffiicc CCiirrccuullaattiioonn BBiillll,Assembly Bill 3028, Senate Bill 2093

These bills would empower a munici-pality to control the traffic impact ofnew developments. They require thatnew projects comply with the town’scirculation plan. Municipalities wouldnot have to have a circulation plan, butif they adopted one, then they couldinsist that new projects comply with it.If the development did not comply, themunicipality could deny approval forthe project. Presently, developers’ onlyobligation is to get the new residentssafely out at the entrance to the project.

On May 8, 2003, the bill was reportedout of a Senate committee. In theAssembly, the bill is still in committee.

(continued on page 6)

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

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6

WWHHAATT YYOOUU CCAANN DDOOWrite to your State Assembly Representatives and

your Senator and ask for them to cosponsor the bill andvote for the bill.

33.. SSuuppppoorrtt GGaass TTaaxx - But Only for Mass Transit andRoad Repair

In November a State commission recommended a12.5 cent increase in the gasoline tax to fund repairsand improvements to New Jersey’s roads. The danger isthat the revenue will be used to finance new roads, tak-ing sprawl to new places in New Jersey.

The current tax is 14.5 cents. The increase is neededbecause the current funding expires in June.

According to the Asbury Park Press (11/11/03), “In1984, the state created the Transportation Trust Fundto finance long-term road and rail improvements. Themethod of raising the money expires in June 2004,and lame-duck lawmakers are to consider reauthoriz-ing the fund before January. The trust fund’s prob-lem, said [Transportation Commissioner] Lettiere, isthat starting in 2005, the whole $805 million mix ofgasoline, petroleum and sales taxes now constitution-ally dedicated as transportation spending will beneeded to make yearly payments on more than $5.9billion in road and rail debt. Construction and repairswould require more cash. Lettiere said an increase of15 cents a gallon would let the state continue at itscurrent pace. To address more of the state’s trans-portat ion needs, a 32-cent increase would berequired—an increase Lettiere isn’t recommending.New Jersey has one of the nation’s lowest gasolinetaxes at 14.5 cents per gallon, including a 10.5-centmotor fuels tax and a 4-cent tax on petroleum refinersor distributors that is essentially passed to consumers.The state constitution dedicates most of that taxmoney to transportation, though not the trust funditself. Nine times in 14 years, including this year, thestate has diverted money from the trust fund to theyearly state budget. Lettiere said voters should beasked to amend the constitution again in November2004 to ensure the money is deposited in theTransportation Trust Fund.”

The tax in Pennsylvania is 25.9 cents, in New York,29.7 cents. Press of Atlantic City (11/07/03).

WWHHAATT YYOOUU CCAANN DDOOWrite to the Governor and your legislators, asking

that the new taxes be used only for highway improve-ments and for mass transit, not for new highways.

44.. SSuuppppoorrtt BBiillll ttoo FFuunndd WWaatteerr PPrroojjeeccttss - Senate Bill169, Assembly Bill 3091

Here we have another repeat issue. In January 2002Senator Bob Smith introduced Senate Bill 169, a billthat will provide needed funding for water supplyprotection in NJ by adding a tax on water sold bywater purveyors. On November 18, 2002, a substitutebill was introduced. According to the substitute bill,the moneys in the Fund may be used for the follow-ing water resources and water quality projects: “(1)The costs of transferring water between public watersystems during a state of water emergency or to averta drought emergency in all or any part of the State;(2) The protection of existing water supplies throughthe acquisition of watershed and wetlands areas; (3)The maintenance of existing public open space in amanner which would be protective of water supplies;(4) The restoration of lakes, reservoirs, rivers andstreams, and the establ ishment of new waterimpoundments; (5) The interconnection of existingwater supplies, and the extension of water suppliesto areas with contaminated ground water supplies;(6) The preparation by the DEP of a safe or depend-able yield analysis of the State’s surface and groundwater sources; (7) The prevention of salt water intru-sion into the State’s surface and ground watersources; and (8) The preparation and adoption by theDEP of a water infrastructure protection plan toensure the safety and security of all sources ofpotable water supply in this State.”

It is expected that the new tax would provide $11million per year. The tax would be three cents perthousand gallons.

On November 18, 2002, the substitute bill left theSenate Environment and went to the Senate Budget andAppropriations Committee. There has been no move-ment in the Assembly.

WWHHAATT YYOOUU CCAANN DDOOWrite to your State Senator and ask him to cosponsor

this bill. Write to the chairman of the Senate Budget andAppropriations Committee, Senator Robert Littel (R),P.O. Box 328, Franklin, NJ 07416-0328, SenLittell@njleg.,or and Wayne Bryant, Esq., (D), 501 Cooper Street,Camden, NJ 08102-1240, SenBryant@njleg, and ask themto see that the bill is posted for a vote. Write to yourAssembly representatives and ask them to sponsor theamended bill in the Assembly.

HOW TO IDENTIFY YOURGROUP (BY COUNTY)

NNoorrtthhwweesstt JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Sussex & WarrenHHuunntteerrddoonn CCoouunnttyy GGrroouupp: HunterdonNNoorrtthh JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Passaic & most of BergenEEsssseexx CCoouunnttyy GGrroouupp:: EssexHHuuddssoonn-MMeeaaddoowwllaannddss GGrroouupp:: Hudson & SE BergenLLooaannttaakkaa GGrroouupp:: Morris & UnionCCeennttrraall JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: MercerRRaarriittaann VVaalllleeyy GGrroouupp:: Somerset & MiddlesexJJeerrsseeyy SShhoorree GGrroouupp:: Monmouth & OceanWWeesstt JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Gloucester, Camden & BurlingtonSSoouutthh JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp:: Atlantic,Cape May,Cumberland & Salem

These designations are approximate: members are welcometo participate in whichever Group(s) they find convenient

Northwest Jersey Group(Sussex and Warren Counties, approximately)

WWeebb ssiittee:: http://pepin.home.att.net. We are also accessi-ble from the NJ Chapter Web site.

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Ellen Pepin (in absentia!)

epepin@worldnet.att.netVViiccee CChhaaiirr:: Open position!TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Donna Rubin 973-726-9278SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Debbie Hambright 973-729-8015PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Open position!PPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Claire Cifelli 973-726-8606OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Open position!

NNEEWWSS:: As you can guess, the Northwest Group is suffer-ing “growth pains.” Ellen and Joe Pepin are leaving NewJersey for a better economic climate! It takes active vol-unteers to operate the Sierra Club, people interestedboth in local issues (see below), and in the regional andstatewide issues discussed at monthly Chapter ExCommeetings and pursued by our Issue Coordinators. Pleaseread the editorial in this issue of the JS, and call RuthPrince or Rich Isaac or any other officer if you wantmore information or would like to take part.

AAtttteennttiioonn rreessiiddeennttss ooff SSuusssseexx aanndd WWaarrrreenn CCoouunnttiieess:: Areyou concerned that your watersheds, wetlands, forests,slopes, rivers and streams be protected from inappropri-ate development? The Northwest Group is working tosave the region’s open space and natural resources —but can only succeed with your assistance. If you have alittle time to give (or a lot), please become involved.You can make a big difference for your region and NewJersey. To find out how you can help, contact SteveEmber at sehiker@yahoo.com or 732-926-8964.

LLOOCCAALL IISSSSUUEESS:: The Chapter is appealing the State PlanningCommission’s recent center designations for Sparta,Vernon, Sandyston and Montague in Sussex County.These center approvals violate the State planning crite-ria, and occurred despite many procedural errors on thepart of the Commission. More importantly, the designa-tions will simply fuel sprawl in the Highlands, destroyrural hamlets, and degrade aquifer quality, C1 surfacewater quality, and threatened and endangered specieshabitat. For information contact Ruth Prince of theHunterdon County Group (see below).

Another issue we have been involved with is the pro-posal to widen Rte 15 from Wharton to its terminus atRte 206. The widening of Rte 15 will not only disturbthe central part of the highlands, but will only lead tomore sprawl development and more congestion. SinceGov. McGreevey and the DEP have come out with theiranti-sprawl plans and the “BIG Map” it may be a littleeasier to block those plans.

A third issue concerns the air quality in parts of WarrenCounty. This is greatly affected by power plants acrossthe river in Pennsylvania, one in Martins Creek and theother in Portland. Both these plants have expansionplans that do not include improvements to the oldercoal fired units. We think that this should take placebefore these plants are allowed to expand. We needlocal help to become more involved with this issue.

We have also helped a small number of families inWashington Twp. (Warren Co.) whose wells are pollut-ed with the chemical MTBE. We provided support inappealing to local authorities and DEP for immediatehelp. They have gotten some assistance, but it is anongoing issue.

Even though it is not really the Northwest’s territory, thePepins were attending the planning board hearings inMine Hill. Canfield Associates (Kushner) is planning tobuild 760 two and three bedroom town home and rentalunits on steeply sloping land that was extensively minedin the 18th and early 19th centuries. There are at least fiveold mines on the property. To make matters worse, thesite contains the headwaters of the Black River, a C1stream. Downstream is the Alamatong Well Field, whichsupplies water to a good part of western Morris County.Some of the board members seem to be opposed to thisproposal, but they are not asking the right questions of the“experts”. There were quite a few residents at the firstmeeting. Subsequent meetings have produced a variedturnout. We need to let the board know that the residentsare against this plan. Any help would be appreciated.

Sussex County officials seem to be trying to head off anystate control of the Highlands region, which is a gooddeal of the county. There have been meetings of a newOpen Space Committee and the County Strategic GrowthAdvisory Committee. Also, the Freeholders have passed aresolution stating that local officials should make up themajority of any agency that oversees development in thecounty. Their goals are not matched to the goals of theBig Map. We would like to hear from people who wouldbe willing to attend meetings of the Freeholders and/orthe Strategic Advisory Committee.

MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Our general meetings take place in Sparta. Please callfor the meeting place.

Hunterdon County GroupOOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Ruth Prince 908-284-9103

ruthp2@earthlink.netPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Arnold Kushnick

apkushn@eclipse.net TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Arnold Kushnick

apkushn@eclipse.net

For meeting times and locations, please contact RuthPrince.

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS::PPllaannnniinnggWe are involved with the development of theHunterdon County Growth Management Plan, an effortthat has been funded by the state DCA. The first draft ofthe plan will be available the first quarter of 2004. Sincemunicipal representatives have been involved through-out this process, this plan may have some effect. Wecontinue to attend the meetings and workshops, work-ing on growth management goals and strategies lan-guage. The current draft plan is environmentally soundand ambitious. The plan emphasizes the need for carry-ing capacity analysis; innovative software that can lookat many different scenarios will be available to themunicipalities. We have also joined the EnvironmentalToolbox SubCommittee spearheaded by one of our free-holders. We will review draft ordinances designed to beenvironmentally protective and legally defensible,which our municipalities can then use as needed.

DDeevveellooppmmeennttWe have opposed several proposed DEP permits forgroundwater allocation and stream encroachmentthroughout the county, based on technical and regulato-ry arguments. We continue to help in the Friends ofHolland Highlands opposition to the proposed Shire Rd(Musconetcong Mountain) development, and have com-mented on the permit applications regarding wetlandsand stream encroachment for the C1 Spring Mills Brookon the property. Our Hunterdon Coalition friends keepus informed on the status of the Milligan Farms NJDPESpermit revocation, and other county situations.

Please let us know of any other county situations thatneed some attention!!

EEdduuccaattiioonn We have done childrens’ environmental education atcommunity and kids day events in the county, andwould be happy to do more of the same at other events.Please contact Ruth Prince for information.

North Jersey Group(Passaic and Bergen Counties, approximately)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Betsy Kohn 201-461-4534

BetsyKohn@aol.comVViiccee CChhaaiirr:: Hugh Carola 201-968-0808

HCarola@optonline.net

GroupNews• • • • • • • • • • • • •GroupNews

FROMAROUND

THE STATE

CHANCE TO LOBBY(Continued from page 5)

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Group meetings offer interesting speakers, involvement, friendship, and usually food!

7

(continued on page 8)

Hudson-Meadowlands Group(Hudson County and southern Bergen County:Lyndhurst, Rutherford, East Rutherford, Carlstadt,Ridgefield, Edgewater, Cliffside Park and Fairview)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754

l.g.taylor@erols.comTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Open position!SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Connie Ftera 201-869-7950PPrrooggrraammss CChhaaiirr:: Open position!PPuubblliicciittyy:: Open position!PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Open position!MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Louise Taylor 201-224-3754

l.g.taylor@erols.com

NNEEWWSS:: As you can guess, the Hudson-MeadowlandsGroup is suffering “growth pains.” It takes active volun-teers to operate the Sierra Club, people interested both inlocal issues (environmentally responsible development ofthe Hoboken waterfront area, oversight of Liberty StatePark, motivations for using public transport, local parks,Meadowlands issues, etc.), and people interested in thelarger regional and statewide issues discussed at monthlyChapter ExCom meetings and pursued by our IssueCoordinators. Hudson (and southern Bergen) Countyalways presents interesting political election endorsementissues. Please read the editorial in this issue of the JS, andcall Rich Isaac or any other officer if you want more infor-mation or would like to take part.

Essex County Group“(Essex County)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn:: Jon-Eric Dentz 201-819-9308

j_dentz@yahoo.comPPoolliittiiccaall:: Janice Desir 973-678-4580

jtd03@lycos.comMMeeddiiaa:: Camille Gutmore 973-667-2203

cgutmore@hotmail.comOOuuttiinnggss//PPaarrkkss:: Dave Ogens 973-226-7107

bandit29@aol.comOOppeenn SSppaaccee:: Michel Cuillerier 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.net TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Lori Tanner 973-857-0519

LJensen@montclairlaw.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Janine Schaeffer 973-736-0898

janinesch@prodigy.netFFuunnddrraaiissiinngg:: Kim McGuire 973-275-1030

mackim@aol.comPPrrooggrraammss:: Maria K. de Wakefield 973-736-0913

schatzidog@earthlink.netMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Open position!EEnneerrggyy

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn:: Mike Minaides 973-470-0793msminaides@hotmail.com

WWeesstt OOrraannggee:: Sally Malanga 973-736-7397sally@eccobella.com

GGIISS//MMaappss:: Billi Schloss 973-467-8154 billi_s@yahoo.com

RRaahhwwaayy RRiivveerr:: Kirk Barrett 973-313-1218kbarrett@cimic.rutgers.edu

AACCTTIIVVIITTIIEESS:: Working to preserve wetlands in theHatfield Swamp in the Passaic River Basin and remainingforested areas in Essex County, continuing to ensurethat the Essex County Park and Open Space Trust Fundis implemented in a fair and consistent way, andaddressing environmental justice (EJ) issues. Working tobring an energy audit to Essex County through theD.O.E.’s ReBuild America Program and to establish acommission to study the feasibility of expanding thecurrent light-rail project in Newark.

****OOPPEENNIINNGGSS**** The Group has openings in our group forthose interested in our Environmental Justice Campaignand our Wetlands Campaign. For details, please feel freeto contact Michel at mcuillerier@njpac.org. Thanks!!

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Held at 7pm the FIRST TUESDAY of every month. Pleasecontact Michel at 736-0913 for the location.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held periodically at 7:30 pm onthe SECOND THURSDAY of the month at the VeronaPark Boathouse, corner of Lakeside and Bloomfield Ave.,Verona (unless otherwise specified). For directions,please call Maria at 973-736-0913.

JJaann-MMaarr:: For meeting information, please call our offi-cers and/or check the Group’s web site.

FFuuttuurree EEvveennttss:: In June, we will be participating with theNewark Museuem in a Bio-Blitz. In the So. MountainReservatuion where several biologists and scientists willbe inventoryinh ther natural resources the areas containfor a day and a half. We neesd volunteers to work with us.

EESSSSEEXX GGRROOUUPP BBAALLLLOOTTThe Sierra Club requires that each of its local Groupsconduct annual elections for Group Officers. Beloware 5 candidates running for 5 open positions on theGroup’s Executive Committee (ExCom). You are wel-come to write in alternate candidates. Family (joint)Club members are entitled to express two opinions byusing both columns of boxes. Essex County Groupmembers: please cut and return the ballot by endFebruary to: Essex Group Ballot, Sierra Club, 139 WHanover St, Trenton NJ 08618.

The 5 candidates are as follows:

Michel Cuillerier Jon-Eric Dentz Camille Gutmore Kim McGuire Lori Tanner Write-in: ____________________ Write-in: ____________________

Loantaka Group(Morris and Union Counties)

WWEEBBSSIITTEE:: hhttttpp::////nnjjssiieerrrraa..eennvviirroowweebb..oorrgg//nnjjss__ggrroouuppss//llooaa..hhttmm

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Paul Sanderson 908-233-2414

paulmsanderson@aol.com TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Joyce White 908-272-4478

joyce00201@yahoo.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Lisa Melanie

lisamelanie@comcast.netCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr::MMoorrrriiss CCoouunnttyy:: Chris Mills 973-377-1742

milssc@citigroup.comUUnniioonn CCoouunnttyy:: Open Position!

LLeeggiissllaattiivvee CChhaaiirr:: Ken Johanson 908-464-0442kjohan@comcast.net

PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Meiling Chin 908-490-1054 (8-10PM)chinmeiling@yahoo.com

PPrrooggrraammss:: Open Position!OOuuttrreeaacchh && EEvveennttss CChhaaiirr:: Bob Johnson 908-771-9676

robert.johnson@comcast.net PPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Wynn Johanson 908-464-0442

johansons@comcast.netMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Open Position! AAiirr QQuuaalliittyy CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Bob Campbell 908-273-5720

wrobc@intac.comHHiigghhllaannddss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Phil L’Hommedieu 973-425-2808

plhommedie@aol.com IInnvvaassiivvee PPllaannttss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Franz Leinweber 973-328-4625

fjleinweber@aol.comGGrreeeennbbrrooookk:: Bob Muska 908-665-2296

rmuska@erols.com

To join our emailing list, send a blank email to:http://lists.njsierra.org/listinfo.cgi/loantaka-group-announcements-njsierra.org.

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: NNOOTTEE:: Meetings are usually held at the Library of theChathams, but due to construction, the meeting locationmay be changed. Meetings are held on the first Tuesdayof the month at 7:30pm at either: Library of theChathams, 214 Main St., Chatham - or Chatham UnitedMethodist Church, 460 Main St., Chatham.

This is your club and there is always an open invitationto attend an Executive Committee meeting. Right now,we have open positions on our Executive Committee. Ifyou are interested in a position and would like to findout more, please contact Paul Sanderson.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::NNOOTTEE:: Meetings are usually held at the Library of theChathams, but due to construction, the meeting locationmay be changed. Meetings are held on the secondWednesday of the month at 7:30pm at either: Library ofthe Chathams, 214 Main St., Chatham — or ChathamUnited Methodist Church, 460 Main St., Chatham.

Come to a general meeting and learn something newand make some new friends. We’d welcome the chanceto meet you and to introduce ourselves at a generalmeeting. Please see the meeting schedule which followsand join us!

DDIIRREECCTTIIOONNSS:: Directions are posted on our websitehttp://Loantaka.NJSierra.org.

MMEEEETTIINNGG SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE::JJaann 1144,, 22000044:: Join Jennifer Mattice, coordinator for NewJersey Audubon’s “Important Bird and Birding Areas”

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Mike Herson 201-262-9472

mikeherson@hotmail.comTom Thompson 201-848-1080Etrans743@aol.com

MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Ellen Friedman efrie2003@yahoo.com

OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Ellen Blumenkrantz eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com

PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Open positionPPuubblliiccaattiioonnss CChhaaiirr:: Emily Stoecker 201-265-5889

MommieEmily2000@aol.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Open positionTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Mary Ellen Shaw 201-489-1588

MaryEllenShaw@msn.comHHiigghhllaannddss CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Open position!

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE//CCOONNSSEERRVVAATTIIOONN MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Held at least four times a year (once every quarter). Fornext date and location, contact Betsy Kohn, MikeHerson or Tom Thompson (see above).

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Held at 7:30pm once a month on the days indicatedbelow. For information or directions, contact BetsyKohn (see above).

JJaann 1144:: at the Clifton Public Library, 292 Piaget Avenue,Clifton, NJ 973-772-5500: We are the Sierra Club - anintroduction (including video and handouts) to theClub’s activities, conservation issues and hiking oppor-tunities in northern New Jersey, with Group Chair BetsyKohn.

FFeebb 1122:: location TBA: Making Local GovernmentResponsive to the Environment - Conservation Co-ChairMike Herson, drawing upon his planning board experi-ence, will discuss the structures and functions of localgovernment (mayor and council, planning and zoningboards, environmental and shade tree commissions,etc.), how citizens can participate in local decision-mak-ing, their rights (“right to know” and “right to beheard”), and how local government procedures affectthe environment. (To find out meeting location, contactBetsy Kohn, see above.)

MMaarr 1111:: at the Pequannock Public Library, 477 Newark-Pompton Tpke, Pequannock Twp (Pompton Plains),NJ 973-835-7460: The Highlands: Treasures at Risk - aslide presentation by Wilma Frey, Project Coordinator ofthe Highlands Coalition, about the wilderness, wildlife,historic and recreational resources of the NJ Highlands,including a host of little known treasures such as theinternationally significant migratory songbird habitat.With reports on the status of the Highlands StewardshipBill, and state, interstate, local and private initiatives toprotect the region.

HHIIGGHHLLAANNDDSS CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE:: Congratulations to BillO’Hearn for his election to the Ringwood TownCouncil! Ringwood’s gain, however, is this Committee’sloss, as Bill is stepping down as Committee Chair. Sowe’re looking for a volunteer (or volunteers) to payattention to Highlands conservation issues. If you havesome free time and would like get involved to protectthis region and its water resources, or simply find outmore about the Committee, please contact Betsy Kohnor Hugh Carola (see above).

LLOOCCAALL IISSSSUUEESS:: Protecting Sterling Forest from the pro-posed development of 103 luxury homes and a 575-acregolf course in the middle of this State Park (“the hole inthe donut”) remains a top priority. We’re also watchingthe issues in West Milford and continue to confront sub-urban pressures to use woodlands for ballfields orschool expansion. Some good news: the developmentthreats to Mahrapo Horse Farm and 35 acres of GreenAcres woodlands in Mahwah have subsided for the timebeing. To find out more or bring your community’sissues to our attention, please contact Betsy Kohn, MikeHerson or Tom Thompson (see above).

CCAALLLL FFOORR VVOOLLUUNNTTEEEERRSS:: There are lots of ways to helpus protect North Jersey’s environment. You can help iden-tify, interview, endorse and work for environmental candi-dates for public office. Or you can work on conservationissues in the watersheds of the Hackensack and RamapoRivers. Or you can focus on an issue such as air or waterquality, environmental justice, global warming, nuclearenergy, population, recycling, urban renewal or one ofyour own choosing. Or you can work on public educationprograms, publicity, tabling at events, or petition drives.To find out about these opportunities and more, pleasecontact Betsy Kohn or Hugh Carola (see above).

EE-MMAAIILL NNOOTTIICCEESS:: For notices of meetings, hikes andissue alerts, please send your e-mail address toBetsyKohn@aol.com (it will not be shared with any-one else).

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Please share this newsletter with a non-member friend, inviting use of the coupon on pg. 12

8

program, for a slide show presentation on this new pro-gram identifying sites essential for birds and great forbirding in New Jersey. Highlights will include slidesshowcasing Globally Important Bird Areas in NewJersey, details about the New Jersey program and infor-mation on how you can get involved with this excitingconservation initiative.

FFeebb 1111:: Becky Free of The Nature Conservancy will pre-sent a slide show and discussion on the Pine Barrens.

MMaarr 1100:: Rev. Fletcher Harper of Partners forEnvironmental Quality will discuss the links betweenreligious beliefs and environmentalism.

Central Jersey Group(Mercer County, parts of Somerset and Middlesex)

22000033 OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::(New officers and appointments underway as issue goes to press.)

CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Harold Rapp 609-671-0435HalRapp@aol.com

and Ed Pfeiffer 609-581-1660ECPfeiffer@aol.com

TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Bill Wowk 609-587-0502bwowk@aol.com

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Laura Lynch 609-882-4642llynch@mail.med.upenn.edu

MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Corinne Egnerconskayakr@aol.com

PPrrooggrraammss CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138kjmayberg@aol.com

and Lisa Ridge 609-371-1357lisa.ridge@att.net

PPuubblliicciittyy CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Janet Blackjblack8084@aol.com

PPoolliittiiccaall CCoommmmiitttteeee:: Tom Zolandz 908-874-4194earthsounds@yahoo.com

OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Ken Mayberg 609-443-9138kjmayberg@aol.com

WWiillddllaannddss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Dave Mattek 609-737-1342MattekDC@aol.com

PPaarrkkss && BBiiooddiivveerrssiittyy:: George SchindlerGESchindlerJr@worldnet.att.net

and Pat SaylesPlsayles@aol.com

AAddvviissoorr:: Mary PenneyPenney4Thoughts@aol.com

WWEEBBSSIITTEESS:: To get the most up-to-date information andnews on our issues and activities, visit www.sierraac-tivist.org/getbusy.

You can find the most comprehensive website for local, stateand national environmental news at www.sierraactivist.org.

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Meetings are generally held on the FIRST THURSDAY ofthe month at 7:30 pm. Please contact Ed Pfeiffer (above)for the location, which may vary. These meetings areopen to all Sierra Club members.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::We meet on the SECOND WEDNESDAY of each monthat 7:30 pm at the West Windsor branch of the MercerCounty Library. The library is at 333 North Post Road, atthe intersection of North Post and Clarksville Roads, inPrinceton Junction. Check our website for a map. Wewelcome everyone at our meetings and hope you canparticipate in some way. We are involved in many con-servation issues at the local, state and national level.

PPRROOGGRRAAMM SSCCHHEEDDUULLEE::JJaann 1144:: We will go to Greece this evening as CentralJersey Group’s Outings Chair Ken Mayberg shares slidesof this past summer’s bike trip. Ken is a fifth gradeteacher at the Washington School in Trenton and hasbicycled extensively around the world and will sharetips for other aspiring travelers.

FFeebb 1111:: 72.4 miles of the Appalachian Trail wind throughthe Kittatiny Ridge of northwest New Jersey, with elevationranges from 350-1685 feet. We have invited a speaker whohas hiked the AT to share their incredible experiences alongthe way. For more info on the AT in New Jersey, visitwww.appalachiantrail.org/hike/trail/nj.html.

MMaarr 1100:: It’s that time of year again! Could you identifyan Asian Longhorned Beetle (ALB) if you saw one on amaple tree? Well, you should learn because the bug haslanded in New Jersey and an infestation could lead tothe loss of many of our street trees! We’ve invited a rep-resentative from the NJ Dept. of EnvironmentalProtection to provide educational assistance in identify-ing the ALB, its preferred tree-hosts, extent of the infes-tation so far, and how you can help. For more info onthe ALB, visit www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/for-est/community/alb.html.

NNEEWW YYEEAARR’’SS RREESSOOLLUUTTIIOONN?? Have you been saying foryears that you’re going to get more involved in yourSierra Club group? This is a great time to fulfill that NewYear’s resolution! 2004 will be a critical year for thefuture of air/water quality, land preservation, speciesprotection, and public health issues, and we inviteeveryone who can give a few hours a month to helpensure these issues stay at the forefront of the local,state and national conversation. We especially needhelp with our Conservation and Political committees.Contact any officer listed above if you want to get busy!

EE-MMAAIILL NNOOTTIICCEESS:: If you’d like to receive those lastminute reminders of meetings or outings, please sendyour e-mail address to Corinne Egner (above). If you’dlike to receive issue alerts, please send your e-mailaddress to Laura Lynch (above).

Raritan Valley Group(Middlesex and Somerset Counties, approximately)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS AANNDD CCOONNTTAACCTTSS::CChhaaiirr:: Steve Ember 732-926-8964

sehiker@yahoo.comVViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: Open position!CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Open position!MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr ((aaccttiinngg)):: Don McBride

dtmcbride@yahoo.comPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Rosemary Grace

rosemary.grace@verizon.netPPrrooggrraammss CChhaaiirr:: Sandi Lowich

abstract46@aol.comPPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Sandi Lowich

abstract46@aol.comSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Open position!TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Don McBride

dtmcbride@yahoo.comWWeebbmmaasstteerr:: Don McBride

dtmcbride@yahoo.com

IISSSSUUEESS:: We are fighting development along streams, wetlands,flood plains and steep slopes. Group members areinvolved in local issues, answering questions for con-cerned citizens regarding development and stewardinglocal master plan initiatives. 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 have been active in Monroe Township concerningthe plans to build a new high school. While a new schoolis desperately needed, we are opposed to the township’sproposed approach of diverting Green Acres park land.Help us work with the public officials and residents tofind a mutually beneficial and acceptable solution.

We want to stop the Green Brook Flood ControlProject. Besides wasting enormous amounts of taxpayerfunds, this project will eliminate 100 acres of wetlands,build miles of tall unsightly levees, and increase devel-opment pressure in the area where people are now hes-itant to build.

We have discussed various wildlife matters at our gener-al meetings. The Black Bear issue has been prominent,but we are open to discuss and become involved withother wildlife issues. So far, we have been able toinclude various points of view and encourage othermembers to join in our dialogue.

CCaalllliinngg AAllll VVoolluunntteeeerrss:: The Raritan Valley Group wel-comes you to our activities. Currently, several positionsare open although there are several interested people. Ifyou are interested in participating in our activities or fill-ing any of the open positions, please contact SteveEmber, the Group Chair.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: 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 Route 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.

EExxeeccuuttiivvee CCoommmmiitttteeee MMeeeettiinnggss:: Held at 7pm on theFIRST TUESDAY of the month except for July andAugust. Currently, meetings are usually held at theSomerset County Library on 1 Vogt Drive in Bridgewater.All Sierra Club members are invited to attend. Pleasecontact us first in case there is a change of plans.

JJaann 1133,, 22000044:: At press time, our programs have not beenfinalized. Potential topics include:“Tibetan Odyssey - Jewel in the Ice”“Bird Watching in Taiwan and China”“The Hidden Face of Wildlife Management in NJ”

“Meet Your State Legislators”“Our Local History – For Bound Brook and theSurrounding Area”Refreshments and a time to socialize follow. Please visitour web page for details.

FFeebb 1100:: see January 13 above.

MMaarr 99:: see January 13 above.

Jersey Shore Group (Monmouth and Ocean Counties)

WWeebb SSiittee:: hhttttpp::////nnjjssiieerrrraa..eennvviirroowweebb..oorrgg//~~nnjjsshhoorree//

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Dennis Anderson 732-888-3158

dennisaza@aol.com612 Second St., Union Beach, NJ 07735

VViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: George Newsome 732-308-1518 newsome1@optonline.net

SSeeccrreettaarryy:: Judy Maxcy 732-458-5074CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn::MMoonnmmoouutthh CCoo:: Steve Knowlton 732-747-7011

knowlton@worldnet.att.netOOcceeaann CCoouunnttyy:: Open position!

OOcceeaann CCoouunnttyy SSeeccttiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Open position!

WWeebbmmaasstteerr:: George Newsome (see above)TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Judy Maxcy (see above)PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Laura Bagwell 732-741-8678

l.bagwell3@verizon.netOOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Mike Verange 908-902-0718

mjverange@aol.com MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CCoo-CChhaaiirrss:: Steve Treson 732-933-1487

xstre@comcast.netand Alan Roseman 732-780-1308aroseman@monmouth.com

PPrrooggrraamm CChhaaiirr:: Regina Maurer 732-335-1183rmaurer@sprintmail.com

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: Held at 8pm on the FOURTHMONDAY of each month - except in July, August, andDecember - at the Old Wharf House, Old Wharf Park,Main Street and Oceanport Avenue, Oceanport,NJ. Come early to socialize and enjoy refreshments. Fordirections and information, please call Regina Maurer at732-335-1183, or visit our web site.

JJaann 2266,, 22000044:: Healthy Food, Healthy Planet. We all know(or should!) that eating locally grown produce, organicfoods, and less meat is healthy for us. But did you alsoknow it is healthy for the earth? Join us as AndreCholmondeley of Second Nature in Red Bank explains howess intensive methods of agriculture can benefit the planet.

FFeebb 2233:: These Parks Are Your Parks. Come out and hearall about the Monmouth County Park System and itsefforts to preserve open space and provide recreationfor area residents. A representative of the MCPS will pre-sent an informative video, entitled “A Day in the Life ofMonmouth County Parks” and answer your questionsabout your parks.

MMaarr 2222:: The Bayshore — Fishing, Clamming and SoMuch More! The Raritan and Sandy Hook Bays provide alivelihood for many local residents, as well as recreationopportunities for locals and visitors alike. Join us as JoeReynolds of the Bayshore Subwatershed RegionalCouncil informs us about this group’s efforts to preserveand protect the watersheds of the Bayshore Region, andsome of the issues confronting the Council in reachingits goals

EEXXEECCUUTTIIVVEE CCOOMMMMIITTTTEEEE MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::The Group’s Executive Committee and ConservationCommittee meet monthly at members’ homes. All arewelcome to attend. For more information, please callDennis Anderson at 732-888-3158.

West Jersey Group(Camden, Gloucester and Burlington Counties,approximately)

WWeebb ssiittee:: uusseerrss..ssnniipp..nneett//~~ggiinnaacceeee//hhoommee..hhttmm

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp CChhaaiirr:: Gina Carola 856-848-8831

ginacee@snip.netVViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: Wayne Zanni 856-728-4507

wzanni@earthlink.netSSeeccrreettaarryy:: Becky Payne 856-488-5510

beckyp@snip.netTTrreeaassuurreerr:: Trish Clements 856-768-5639

psclem@aol.comPPuubblliicciittyy CChhaaiirr:: Bud Kaliss 856-428-8071

budmilmilbud@yahoo.com PPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr:: Marie Hageman 856-589-0606

mdhageman@mail.com

GROUP NEWS(Continued from page 7)

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Photographs of Chapter adventures: http://sierraactivist.org/gallery

9

(continued on page 10)

SSoouutthh JJeerrsseeyy GGrroouupp BBaalllloott::The Sierra Club requires that each of its local Groupsconduct annual elections for Group Officers. Beloware 3 candidates running for 3 open positions on theGroup’s Executive Committee (ExCom). You are wel-come to write in alternate candidates. Family (joint)Club members are entitled to express two opinionsby using both columns of boxes. South Jersey Groupmembers: please cut and return the ballot by endFebruary to: South Jersey Group Ballot, Sierra Club,139 W Hanover St, Trenton NJ 08618.

Fred Akers Tom Boghosian Dick Colby Write-in _______________________ Write-in _______________________

Singles Section(A chapter-wwide special interest activity includinghikes/cleanups, social gatherings, cultural outings,meetings, etc.)

Please join us! The NJ Singles Section was specificallycreated to offer a variety of singles-oriented activities toNew Jersey Sierra Club members and those who wouldlike to know more about us. We are not a local group;we are a statewide additional “layer” of Club involve-ment. You do NOT have to be single, or even a member,to attend our events. Come out and meet fellow Clubmembers and others who care about the environment.We can only offer as many activities as we have volun-teers to run them – if you have the slightest urge to getinvolved, please give in to it!

((NNeeww)) WWeebbppaaggee aaddddrreessss:: hhttttpp::////ssiinngglleess..nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg eemmaaiill::ssiinngglleess@@nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg

PPhhoonnee aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss:: ((997733)) 336644--77557733Press 1 for: Final Friday Film Fest (last Friday of each month)Press 2 for: Ron Pate’s upcoming hikePress 3 for: 2nd Monday monthlyPress 4 for: 3rd Tuesday of the month dinner in MontclairPress 7 for: Joyce Haddad’s upcoming hikePress 8 for: our Dinner-and-a-Movie event

The BBEESSTT way to be notified of upcoming events is tojoin our listserv by visiting hhttttpp::////lliissttss..nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg//lliissttiinn-ffoo..ccggii//nnjj-ssiieerrrraa-ssiinngglleess-aannnnoouunncceemmeennttss-nnjjssiieerrrraa..oorrgg (long,isn’t it). All events, including those planned after publi-cation, will be sent to your email mailbox.If you prefer not to receive email, you may view all mes-sages which have been sent to the listserv by going tohttp://lists.njsierra.org/pipermail/nj-sierra-singles-announcements-njsierra.org/.

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr:: Bob Johnson

robert.johnson@comcast.netOOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Joyce Haddad

jkhaddad@juno.comCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Open Position!

Contact us! We need you!TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Joyce White

joyce00201@yahoo.comWWeebbppaaggee ddeessiiggnneerr:: David Szalay

dszalay@comcast.net.SSoocciiaall CChhaaiirr:: Kathy Holusha

Kathleen.Holusha@sierraactivist.orgPPrrooggrraammss:: Diana Eichholz

MistyAngel2003@yahoo.com PPuubblliicciittyy:: Lynn Forrest

abc77@msn.com MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp:: Open Position!

VVoolluunntteeeerr OOppppoorrttuunniittiieess:: Volunteers needed for thepositions of: hike leaders, Membership Chair,Conservation Chair, fundraising chair/co-chairs, andmembers of all committees, including social event plan-ners for Plaza Grille. Please attend an executive commit-tee meeting or email any of the officers if you are inter-ested. You may co-chair any position with a friend, ifdesired. We’re happy to help you learn the ropes.

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS::Casual pizza gathering and introduction to club issuesand activities. SECOND MONDAY of each month start-ing at 6:30pm with optional pizza. January’s meetingwill be held at the Morris County Library; the locationfor February and March will be the Denville Library.Guest speakers at each meeting at 7pm. $5 donation atdoor and RSVP required for pizza only tojoyce00201@yahoo.com or 973-364-7573, ext. 3, bynoon the day before. (Please leave name and specifyplain or veggie pizza.) Free (and no RSVP required) ifyou’re not having pizza.

JJaann 1122,, 22000044:: Lynda Smith, director of the BearEducation and Resource Group will give a slide presen-

tation on Living Peacefully with Black Bears in NewJersey. She will dispel some common misconceptionsabout these magnificent animals. Bear-proofing tech-niques for use in residential neighborhoods will bereviewed, as well as tips for encountering bears in thewild. At the Morris County Library, 30 E Hanover Ave.,Whippany.

FFeebb 99:: Rich Bizub of the Pinelands Preservation Alliancewill give a slideshow on the NJ Pinelands, which cover 1.1million acres in our state. Because of the uniqueness of thearea, Congress designated the Pinelands the nation’s firstNational Reserve in 1978. The presentation will focus onwhy the Pinelands are important, how protection cameabout, and discuss current and future threats. Location:Denville Library, 121 Diamond Spring Rd.

MMaarr 88:: Sierra Club member David Heller, back from athree-week adventure Down Under, will share with usnumerous images of exotic Australian wildlife, land-forms, and Aboriginal rock art. Some highlights includeThe Great Barrier Reef, Kakadu National Park, and AyersRock, the world’s largest monolith. The trip culminatesin climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, one of theworld’s longest arch bridges (next to Jersey’s ownBayonne Bridge). Come and be enlightened about thisfascinating country that is nearly the same size as thecontiguous United States, but has less than ten percentof its population. Location: Denville Library, 121Diamond Spring Rd.

AApprr 1122:: Are you concerned about the effects our globalpopulation of 6.35 billion is having on theenvironment? Bonnie Tillery, the NJ Chapter PopulationIssues Coordinator, will discuss her recent trip toEcuador where she saw first-hand how family planningprograms help protect the environment. Location: ToBe Announced.

Please call to confirm above speakers at 973-364-7573,ext. 3.

Directions to the Morris County Library (January’s meet-ing) at: http://www.gti.net/mocolib1/compass.html, orcall 973-285-6930.

Directions to the Denville Library (Feb & Mar meetings):Take 80W to the Denville exit (39). Exit sign reads “46East to 53”. Take 46E a very short distance to 53North(2nd Rte 53 exit). Turn right at the stop sign onto WestMain St. (this is Rte 53) and go to the second light. Turnright (NOT the sharp right onto Broadway) ontoDiamond Spring Rd. Library is on left, just past traffic lightat Pocono Rd. For more directions call 973-627-6555.

PPLLAANNNNIINNGG//EEXXCCOOMM MMEEEETTIINNGGSS each month at variouslocations. All welcome. Contact any officer for date andlocation.

SSOOCCIIAALL GGAATTHHEERRIINNGGSS::SSOOCCIIAALL DDIINNNNEERR:: FIRST WEDNESDAY of each month at6:30pm. Join us for dinner in Morristown at theFamished Frog. RSVP required; join our listserv for fur-ther details.

SSOOCCIIAALL DDIINNNNEERR:: THIRD TUESDAY of each month at 7pm.Join us for dinner in a Montclair restaurant. Location willbe announced 2 weeks before the social. RSVP is requiredto jkhaddad@juno.com or 973-364-7573 option # 4.

SSIINNGGLLEESS DDIINNNNEERR-AANNDD-AA-MMOOVVIIEE:: Dec 27, 2003: We turnaround our usual routine and view the movie (the final“Lord of the Rings”) first, and then have dinner. Detailsare being worked out. Join our listserv to be notified.See write-up below for dinner info.

JJaannuuaarryy 2244,, 22000044 aanndd MMaarrcchh 2277,, 22000044:: RSVP required -Please join us at 6pm at The Plaza Grille, SpeedwellAvenue, Headquarters Plaza, in Morristown, NJ.Approximate cost is $26, (plus $3 extra fee for non-members, please bring membership card), for a full buf-fet dinner including soft drinks, coffee, dessert, tax, tip,and a movie ticket valid for one year at all ClearviewCinemas. Please include full name in e-mail and includethe subject “Sierra Dinner and a Movie”. If you must can-cel, please do so by e-mail as soon as possible. We willdecide at dinner which movie to attend based on inter-est, and may split up to attend different movies. RSVPrequired by Jan 22nd and Mar 25 to:MistyAngel2003@yahoo.com.

FFIINNAALL FFRRIIDDAAYY FFIILLMM FFEESSTT!! LAST FRIDAY of the month –come see a great movie on the big (well, pretty big)screen. Donation: $5. All films begin 7:45pm at theVerona Park Boathouse. Call at 973-364-7573, ext. 1 oremail abc77@msn.com for more info.

DDeecc 2266,, 22000033:: THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY A Bushmanin the Kalahari encounters technology for the first time -in the shape of a Coke bottle. This 1980 surprise inter-national success has some of the best laugh-out-loud

PPiinneellaannddss RReepp:: Lee SnyderLSnyder@csc.com

GGrreeeennwwaayyss CCoooorrddiinnaattoorrss:: Frank and Ellen Zinni

CCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Open PositionMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Mike Brown 856-547-9221

eyebrown@snip.netFFuunnddrraaiissiinngg CChhaaiirr:: Reiss Tiffany 856-829-6405

r-stiffany@home.comPPrrooggrraammss CChhaaiirr:: Open Position!OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Open Position!IInnnneerr CCiittyy OOuuttiinnggss:: Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512

and Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156

GGEENNEERRAALL MMEEEETTIINNGGSS:: 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.

JJaann 1133:: Kristoffer Whitney and Lindsay Smith will presentAn Introduction to the Bayshores Discovery Project.

FFeebb 1100:: To be announced. Check the web-site and localnewspapers.

MMaarr 99:: To be announced. Check the web-site and localnewspapers.

South Jersey Group(Atlantic, Cape May, Cumberland and SalemCounties, approximately)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::GGrroouupp aanndd OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Tom Boghosian 609-272-9005

Boghosian@comcast.netVViiccee-CChhaaiirr:: Donna Strack 609-927-6344

dnzi@aol.comCCoonnsseerrvvaattiioonn CChhaaiirr:: Fred Akers 856-697-3479

akers@gowebway.comPPoolliittiiccaall CChhaaiirr,, CCaalleennddaarr SSaalleess:: Dick Colby 609-965-4453

dick.colby@stockton.eduMMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Gary Roman 609-625-3438SSeeccrreettaarryy//TTrreeaassuurreerr:: Julie Akers 856-697-3479

akers@gowebway.comCCaappee MMaayy IIssssuueess:: Douglas Jewell 609-463-8423

jewell@avaloninternet.net

The central conservation issue, for which the Group wasfounded in the 1970s, continues to be protection of theGreat Egg Harbor Wild & Scenic River, and continues toconsume the energies of those few officers who remainactive—both within the Sierra Club and in two otherorganizations that have “spun off” from the South JerseyGroup. Very few of our local members seem interestedin the meetings we’ve scheduled in the past few years,and many of them have been cancelled for lack of inter-est. For the present, we’ll continue to be listed in thisNewsletter, and offer a point of contact for Club mem-bers in South Jersey who want help with local issues. Ifyou have topics (and places) for meetings, please let theofficers know about them. 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.

JJaann 2277,, 22000044 ((TTuueess)):: 77ppmm:: Opportunity to catch up onconservation planning for the Great Egg Harbor Wildand Scenic River, at a public session of the WatershedAssociation (an organization that once got its start asour Group Executive Committee!). For information orto confirm, call the Akers. Warren Fox Nature Center.

FFeebb 2211 ((SSaatt)):: 1100aamm:: If it’s dry enough, another attemptto visit and enjoy the Goose Ponds, a two-mile habitatfor birds and other wildlife in Hamilton Twp, near EggHarbor City, Atlantic County. Perhaps lunch at the EggHarbor City Diner afterwards. We may need wadingboots. If interested, contact Dick Colby for details.

MMaarr 88 ((MMoonn)):: Bert Hixon will be showing sdlides of hiswildlife adventures in Costa Rica to the EnvironmentalClub at Atlantic Cape Community College. Sierra Clubmembers would be welcome. For details contact TomBoghosian.

AAllssoo iinn MMaarrcchh:: Fred Akers has offered to lead a field tripto investigate the human impacts on Babcock Swampand Adams Branch (Atlantic County; Great Egg HarborRiver Watershed) from illegal ditching and excessivestormwater discharges from development. With anyluck, he will get a DEP grant and will be working onthis project by then, plus he has discovered some moreinteresting features there. Sundays are the best days forhim to be available. Contact him if interested.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 200410

“The wind came down from mountains cold, and like a tide it roared and rolled; the branches groaned, the forest moaned, and leaves were laid upon the mould.” (JRR Tolkien)

slapstick comedy moments ever, despite a low budget.Grab a Coke and a smile!

JJaann 3300,, 22000044:: DIABOLIQUE This 1955 classic chiller isthe best Hitchcock movie that Hitchcock never made.

FFeebb 2277:: THE TRIALS OF HENRY KISSINGER Focusingon his role in events in Vietnam, Indonesia, andChile, this film examines charges that the formerSecretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize winner isalso a war criminal.

MMaarr 2266:: ALL THE PRESIDENT’S MEN Incredible buttrue—the story of how two young Washington Postreporters followed the trail of a third-rate burglary atWatergate until it led them to the highest level of thegovernment. Robert Redford, Dustin Hoffman.

The Boathouse is in Verona Park, corner of Lakeside& Bloomfield Avenues, Verona. From the Parkway,take Exi t 145 (Rte 280 West) , towards TheOranges/Newark. Take Exit #7 (Pleasant Valley Way)towards Millburn/Verona. Merge onto Pleasant ValleyWay, which becomes Lakeside Ave. Stay on Lakesideabout 3 miles unti l i t dead ends at BloomfieldAvenue. Turn right onto Bloomfield, then first rightinto Verona Park. The Boathouse is ¼ mile up theroad, on your right. For more directions, emailabc77@msn.com.

Other special social events may be scheduled through-out each month. Be sure to sign-up for listserv emailannouncements for specific details regarding eachevent. All events are posted via listserv, but many do notmake it into this Sierran or to the phone line.

HHIIKKEESS::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.

Sierra Student Coalition(a semi-aautonomous organization of college andhigh school students)

WWeebbssiittee:: wwwwww..sssscc..oorrgg//nnjj

In 2003 we took a long time to build a committed dedi-cated base. We finally have this with the StateCoordinating Committee of the New Jersey SierraStudent Coalition (SSC). TThhee CCoommmmiitttteeee mmeemmbbeerrss aarree::

OOuuttiinnggss CChhaaiirr:: Aaron Debrah LLeeggiissllaattiivvee CChhaaiirr:: Cathy Kunkel MMeemmbbeerrsshhiipp CChhaaiirr:: Tejal Kuray

CCoo-SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee SScchhoooollss CCaammppaaiiggnn CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Pamela Salud

CCoo-SSuussttaaiinnaabbllee SScchhoooollss CCaammppaaiiggnn CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Dan Rosen GGrraassssrroooottss FFiieelldd OOrrggaanniizzeerr:: Mike Hrinewski

In 2004 we hope to get involved with the Chapter morefrequently (e.g. on conference calls, attendingConservation Committee meetings, and participating incampaigns. Because National Sierra Club is focusing pri-marily on Bush-outa-office, we will also obviously beorganizing against him.

Students could be a great resource to the Sierra Club, asthe Club is a great resource to the SSC. I am quite excit-ed to plan and develop working relationships betweenmembers of the SSC and the Chapter. Speakers arealways needed, and if the NJSSC is going to be workingon local and national legislation, we are going to need allthe help we can get. Looking forward to working witheveryone on Bringing the Garden Back into the State.

Sustainable Schools to Outings Chair toEnvironmental Justice Campaign Coordinator somepeople need to step up and commit their time tobecoming the leaders of the NJSSC. Students interest-ed in joining us should please email danrosen85@hot-mail.com with the following information:

Name: ________________________________________

Year: ________________________________________

County: ______________________________________

School: ______________________________________

Thoughts on where this boat is headed?: __________

____________________________________________

Time you Can Commit:__________________________

Inner City Outings Section(another Chapter-wwide special interest activity)

OOFFFFIICCEERRSS::CChhaaiirr ((NNoorrtthh//CCeenntteerr JJeerrsseeyy)):: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953

Njicoutings@aol.comVVoolluunntteeeerr CCoooorrddiinnaattoorr:: Patti Lynch

Njicoutings@aol.com CCoo-CChhaaiirrss ((SSoouutthh JJeerrsseeyy)) Jennifer Grenier 856-582-5512

Jennig1@yahoo.comand Maxine Vogt 856-779-9156Mvogt1@juno.com

Inner 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.

NJ is currently served by two ICO groups, one in thenorthern/central region and one in the southernregion/Camden area. If you would like to experiencethe rewards of introducing NJ inner city youth to thewonders of nature, your involvement is encouraged andyou are requested to contact us at the above emailaddresses. To learn more, visit our webpage athttp://www.sierraclub.org/ico/newjersey/

Learn more about your environment…take a Sierra Club educational hike!

OutingsOutingsOutingsOutings

MOVIE SCREENING:“The Trials of Henry

Kissinger”The Sierra Club NJ Singles Section shows a movie

on the last Friday of each month. Please join us onFebruary 27, 2004 as we present “The Trials of HenryKissinger.”

Featuring previously unseen footage, declassifieddocuments, and revealing interviews with Kissingersupporters as well as detractors, the film exploreshow a young boy who fled Nazi Germany grew up tobecome one of the most powerful and controversialfigures in U.S. history, and a Nobel Peace PrizeWinner, to boot.

“Part contemporary investigation and part histori-cal inquiry, the documentary follows the quest of onejournalist in search of justice. The film focuses onChristopher Hitchens’ charges against HenryKissinger as a war criminal - allegations documentedin Hitchens’ book of the same title - based on his rolein countries such as Cambodia, Chile, and Indonesia.Kissinger’s story raises profound questions aboutAmerican foreign policy and highlights a new era ofhuman rights. Increasing evidence about one man’srole in a long history of human rights abuses leads toa critical examination of American diplomacythrough the lens of international standards of jus-tice.” - Sujit R. Varma

You can draw your own conclusions.The movie will be shown at 7:45pm on February

27 at the Verona Park Boathouse. For questions, youcan call our recorded announcements line at 973-364-7573, ext. 1, or email abc77@msn.com. You can alsocheck our website at http://singles.njsierra.org, andjoin our listserv. Everyone is welcome! Admissiondonation is $5. For extensive directions, seehttp://njsierra.org/njs_groups/essex/directions.htm.Hope to see you there!

GROUP NEWS(Continued from page 9)

YOU HAVE MORE TO GIVETHAN YOU KNOW

Maybe you can’t make a gift to protect the environmentduring your lifetime, but you can become a financial hero

by remembering the Sierra Club in your will. You caneven direct your gift to a special Club program or to the

New Jersey Chapter.

For information about making a bequest to theNew Jersey Chapter

call George Denzer at 609-799-5839.

Extra copies of this newsletter (for you to offer prospective memberssuch as neighbors, friends and family)are available from your Group Chair,

from the Membership Chair, and from the Trenton office.

GROUP OUTINGS COORDINATORSCentral Jersey: Ken Mayberg

kjmayberg@aol.com Essex County: David Ogens 973-226-7107 (H)

29 Hatfield Street, Caldwell, NJ 07003 Hudson-Meadowlands: Vacant Hunterdon: VacantJersey Shore: Mike Verange 908-732-8364 (H)

1497 W Front St, Lincroft, NJ 07738 Loantaka: Bob Muska 908-665-2296 (H)

95 Delmore Ave, Berkeley Heights, NJ 07922 North Jersey: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417

eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com Northwest Jersey: VacantRaritan Valley: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.comSouth 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 07882 Inner City Outings: Anne Dyjak 732-560-0953 (H)

NJ-ICO, 17 Mt. Horeb Rd. Warren, NJ 07059Chapter Outings: Ellen Blumenkrantz 201-784-8417

eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com

Outing Leaders: Please send April-June write-ups to your Group OutingsCoordinator before January 31. If you are planning to lead an outing close tothe beginning of one of our quarterly publication periods, please submit it forthe previous Sierran, due to the occasional lag in mailing. Also, please sendouting rosters or sign-up sheets to the Chapter Office as soon as possibleafter each outing. Note: If possible, leaders should send their trip descriptions to the GroupOutings Coordinator instead of directly to the Chapter OutingsCoordinator. This is particularly important for occasional leaders.Group Outings Coordinators: Please submit your April-June trip write-upsby February 5.NOTES ON OUTINGS: All Outings are open to Club members, guests andanyone interested in outings. Unless otherwise specified, the events arefree and open to the public. ALL participants must sign liability waivers onALL outings sponsored by Sierra Club. This is a new policy. Please checkwith the leader before bringing small children on an outing. A parent orother responsible adult must accompany persons under 18. At their discre-tion, leaders may permit pets on outings if the event description specificallyincludes bringing pets. Sierra Club outings are arranged by volunteer leaders who are in charge

of the trip and responsible for the safety, welfare and enjoyment of allparticipants. Leaders determine qualifications to participate, adequacy ofequipment, routes to be followed, and special precautions to be taken.Please arrive adequately prepared and equipped. If you have any aller-gies, please remember to bring your medication. The leader has the finalword in the conduct of the trip. Your cooperation will help assure a safeand pleasant outing.

Please arrive early at the meeting place so that the outing can start ontime. For day hikes, lunch, water (at least a liter), extra clothing, raingear, and emergency equipment should be carried in a small daypack.For all except easy hikes, sturdy over-the-ankle shoes or boots should beworn. For most trips, you are expected to have your own equipment. Insome cases, it may be rented from outdoor/camping suppliers -check theyellow pages or call the trip leader. If the weather is questionable on thedate of the outing, you may assume that it will take place, unless theschedule indicates otherwise.

Unless registration is required, such as for weekend trips or river tours,or if you have a question about the outing, it is not necessary to contactthe leader before the trip. Do not call to join a trip after the posted dead-line date. When phoning a leader, please honor his or her requested call-ing times and call 3 to 5 days before the outing. Please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope (SASE) when writing to a leader. On pop-ular trips, Sierra Club members will be given preference.

Watercraft trips let you experience the unspoiled parts of our region,but water safety does impose special requirements. The size and skill ofeach 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 leastone week in advance. Unless a phone number is provided, please send aSASE with an honest assessment of your paddling experience, whetheryou need or can offer a ride, your phone number, and any questions youmay have. You will receive a description of the trip, with directions, whereyou can rent a canoe, and what you will need to bring. Almost all tripleaders can arrange for partners to share a canoe if you will be comingby yourself. Unless stated otherwise: rental canoes are available, trips donot require advanced paddling skill or exceptional physical conditioning,public transportation is not available, non-members may participate, andresponsible smokers are welcome.If you are a Sierra Club member interested in becoming an OutingLeader or have suggestions for new outings, contact your Group OutingsChair or the Chapter Outings Chair for assistance and further informa-tion. The Sierra Group contributing each outing is given at the end of thewrite-up, as follows:

(C) Central Jersey (JS) - Jersey Shore (L) - Loantaka (N) - North Jersey (NW) - Northwest Jersey (S) - South Jersey (W) - West Jersey (NJ) - NJ Chapter (H) - Hudson (RV) - Raritan Valley (IC) - Inner City Outings (RT) - River Touring (E) - Essex County (ACOC) - Atlantic Chapter

Outings Comm.

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Join our Action Network: http://SierraActivist.org/join

11

JANUARYJAN 1 (Thu) Clayton Park, Upper Freehold Township, Monmouth County (Special Interest: LandConservation, Water Shed Protection). Ring in the New Year with a moderate 6-mile hike in one of the area’squietest parks. Bring a drink a snack. Hiking shoes are suggested. We will meet at 9am at the WawaConvenience store on County Rte 537 just south of I-195. From the NJ Turnpike and GSP, follow the direc-tions for Great Adventure. They will lead you to the Wawa. We will carpool for there. Bad weather or snowcover cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 ormjverange@aol.com (JS)

JAN 4 (Sun) Social Hike at Eagle Rock Reservation. Celebrate the New Year with a 4-5-mile hike at a moderatepace. Bring water and snacks and wear hiking boots. Rain cancels. Meet before 10:30am at the HighlawnPavilion Parking lot off Eagle Rock Avenue in West Orange. Take Rte 280 to Prospect Avenue (exit 8B) headnorth, right turn onto Eagle Rock Ave, left turn into reservation. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers.Well behaved kids and dogs are welcome. All participants must sign a liability waiver. Rain cancels. Leaders:Ron Pate and Joyce Haddad 973-364-7573 option #7 (E)

JAN ? (Date to be announced) Big Chill Weekend. Planned in January Upstate New York (one hour fromNYC). $75 per person which includes rustic lodging, all meals, organized hikes and cross country skiing.Limit 20 guests. Email jkhaddad@juno.com or call 973-364-7573 option # 7 for further information. Leaders:Ron Pate, Dave Ogens and Joyce Haddad (E)

JAN 4 (Sun) Social Hike Apple Pie Hill. 7-8 miles. Moderate pace. Hike the highest point in South Jersey for agreat panoramic view of the pines. Bring picnic-type food to share at tailgate social after hike. No pets/Nochildren. Meet by 9:30am at Carranza Memorial parking lot, 6.7 miles SE of Tabernacle, Burl. Co, on CarranzaRoad. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JAN 10 (Sat) Southern Harriman State Park. Moderate paced hike through Southern Harriman. Exact loop willbe determined by trail conditions. If snowy/icy we’ll do a loop along forest roads. If the trails are dry, we’llhike along streams and up the hill to lake views. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Hikers must pre-register. Grouplimited to 12 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Joint with AMC. Leader: EllenBlumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

JAN 10 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home.This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8am at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rte 70, Cherry Hill. Call in advance if possible sowe know how many to expect. Leader: Tom J. 856-234-9369 (W)

JAN 10 (Sat) Social Moonlight Hike, Campfire & Campout. 6 miles, moderate pace. Hike sand roads aroundthe lake under the full Wolf moon and return to a warm campfire. Overnight camping is available, call leaderto reserve space. No pets/No children. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. Meet by7:30pm at Goshen Pond group campsite, Atsion Lake, Burl. Co, from Rte 206 turn west onto Atsion Rd go 1.5miles to Goshen Pond sign, follow road to campsite. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JAN 11 (Sun) Patriots Path/Black River Trail. 8-9 mile hike along the historic Patriots Path near Chester, NJ.Portion along the Black River is especially beautiful. Directions will be provided. Start about 10am Heavy rainor snow cancels. Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 12 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks andplenty of water. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

JAN 16 to 19 (Fri-MMon) Ski Lake Placid Weekend. By popular request, we will return to the Olympic mountainfor three days of great x/ctry and alpine skiing! Or you can skate the Olympic Oval, ride the luge, dog sledrides, tobogganing, bobsledding, etc. Or just stroll thru the quaint town of Lake Placid. Trip includes trans-portation by motorcoach from NJ [Chatham] and NY [Penn Sta.], three nights d/o lodging at a five star fullservice Hotel in downtown Lake Placid, three breakfasts and three dinners. Please register early as this tripwill fill up fast!! Trip cost: $465. Optional trip insurance (recommended) $48. $250.00 deposit and large SASEby Dec 1. Balance by Jan 1. Leader: Norman Adis, 163 Hillside Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039, adis.norman@world-net.att.net, 973-994-2933 (no calls after 10 please), fax 973-716-0987. Co-Leaders: Rob Greenberg, 33Haddonfield Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054, 973-334-0125, helainerob@aol.com and Dan Parietti, 212-781-2038,dparietti@worldnet.att.net (E)

JAN 17 (Sat) Patriots Piermont/Tallman State Park/Nyack Beach Trail. We’ll start with a 3-mile loop throughTallman State Park, followed by a walk out on the Piermont Pier (if not too cold & windy). Then lunch inPiermont or Nyack, followed by a 12-minute drive up to Upper Nyack to walk the Nyack Beach trail. Easy trailalong the Hudson River from Nyack to Haverstraw, NY. River views the whole way. Wear hiking boots, bringsnacks and water. Optional stop in Nyack for coffee/hot cider after hike. Heavy rain or snow cancels. Hikersmust pre-register. Group limited to 14 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Leader:Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

JAN 20 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the first of 6 Tuesday rides from NewBrunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 in Colonial Park, Rte 514, East Millstone NJ, Lot “F”. All rides 20-25miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required. Temps below 35F or precipitation cancels. Leader: PeteBeck, cell 201-274-4471 http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

JAN 25 (Sun) Ice Skating at Mercer County Skating Rink, West Windsor. Located off Old Trenton Road. Pleasecall rink at 371-1766 for directions. Meet at 1pm. Approximately $5 admission fee (skate rentalavailable). Possible dinner afterwards. Meet in front of rink. Leader: Ken Mayberg, kjmayberg@aol.com or609-443-9138 for questions (C)

JAN 25 (Sun) Social Tundra Swan Hike. 6 miles. Moderate pace. Hike the wintry beauty among ponds filledwith Tundra Swans. Bring binoculars. Dress for the cold weather. No pets/No children. Bring picnic typefood to share at tailgate social after hike. Meet by 10am at Whitesbog Village parking lot. Take Rte 70 east toRte 530 north (Browns Mills/Ft Dix) go 1 mile turn right on Whitesbog Road to parking lot. Leader: PaulSerdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

JAN 27 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the second of 6 Tuesday rides fromNew Brunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 in Colonial Park, Rt 514, East Millstone, NJ, Lot “F”. All rides 20-25 miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required. Temps below 35F or precipitation cancels. Leader: PeteBeck, cell 201-274-4471 http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

JAN 31 (Sat) Tallman Mountain State Park. 7 miles. We will hike through Tallman Mountain State Park andview the berms and salt marsh. We will then walk the mile-long Piermont pier halfway across the Hudson!Trails include the Long Path. Bring lunch and water. You can take the 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus fromthe Port Authority terminal to meet Leader in Piermont by 10:15. Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave(building with mural) at 10am. Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10pm) or Jurasek@opton-line.net (ACOC)

FEBRUARYFEB 1 (Sun) Social Hike in South Mountain Reservation. We will hike seven miles over easy terrain. Highlightsinclude a 25-foot waterfall and some very inviting woodlands in the heart of Suburbia. What a great way tocelebrate Super Bowl Sunday! Please bring warm clothing, water and lunch. Hiking boots are required andparticipants should be in good condition. Meet BEFORE 10am at the South Mountain Arena parking lot inWest Orange. Take Exit 10 on Rte 280 West. Turn left onto Northfield Avenue. After a steep hill, the SouthMountain Arena will be on your left. Rain/snow or expected rain/snow cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehik-er@yahoo.com (RV)

FEB 1 (Sun) Social Orangina Hike. 7 miles moderate pace. Annual classic hike to old clay pits used to makepottery. Bring picnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. No pets/No children. Meet by 9:30am atmile marker #12 on Rte 72 E., on dirt road opposite Auto Wreakers allow for extra driving time. Leader: PaulSerdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

FEB 3 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the third of 6 Tuesday rides from NewBrunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 in J Flemer Preserve, Kingston, NJ. This is across the street from thelock & florist shop, Rte 27 & the Canal. All rides 20-25 miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required.Temps below 35F or precipitation cancels. Leader: Pete Beck, cell 201-274-4471http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

FEB 7 (Sat) Social Hike In Washington Crossing State Park. We will hike about 7 miles on mostly level terrainfollowing Washington’s march on Trenton and the Delaware & Raritan Canal. Highlights include historicalbuildings and a reproduction of the wooden ferryboats used by the Continental Army in 1776. Hiking bootsare preferred and participants should be in good condition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meetbefore 10:30am at the parking lot off Rte 546. Take Rte 287 to Rte 202 South. Then follow Rte 202 South toRte 29 (last exit in NJ). Go about 10 miles on Rte 29 South to Rte 546. Turn right toward bridge to PA, but donot cross bridge. Immediately turn right again, onto park road along river. See parking lot by river. Rain orsnow cancels. Leader: Joyce White at 908-272-4478 or e-mail joyce00201@yahoo.com (L)

FEB 7 (Sat) Social Moonlight Hike: Campfire & Campout. 6 miles moderate pace. Hike under the Sap moon aswe walk on moonlit sand roads and return to a roaring fire. Camping is available call to reserve space. Bringpicnic type food to share at tailgate social after hike. No pets/No children. Meet by 7pm at Lebanon StateForest group campsite. Entrance to forest is on Rte 72, 1/2 mile from Jct. of Rtes 70 & 72. Leader: PaulSerdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

FEB 7 to 14 (Sat-SSat) Ski Summit County, Colorado. Repeat of last year’s great trip! World class alpine & x/ctryskiing. Four star hotel lodging centrally located to Keystone, Breckenridge, Copper, Aspen, and ArapahoMtns. All areas linked by groomed x/ctry trails plus two x/ctry ski areas. $1150 includes airfare from Newark,ground transportation, d/o lodging, all breakfasts, and four dinners. Lift tickets not included. Early $500deposit needed by Nov 9 to guarantee these low rates. There is $100 surcharge by airline past this date, soplease get your deposit in early! Cut-off date is Dec 10. Call leader for availability past this date. Leader:Norman Adis, 163 Hillside Ave, Livingston, NJ 07039, adis.norman@worldnet.att.net, 973-994-2933 (no callsafter 10pm please), fax 973-716-0987. Co-Leaders: Rob Greenberg, 33 Haddonfield Rd, Parsippany, NJ 07054,973-334-0125, helainerob@aol.com and Dan Parietti, 212-781-2038, dparietti@worldnet.att.net (E)

FEB 8 (Sun) Harteshorne Woods Hike, Monmouth County (Special Interest: Recent History). Moderate 6 milehike has elevation gains and lots of scenery. Please bring a drink and a snack. Hiking shoes are suggested.Meet at 9am at the Rocky Point parking area. Take GSP to exit 117 for Rte 36 toward Sandy Hook. Proceedon Rte 36 approx. 10 miles to Miller Street. At top of hill make a left. Then make the first right. The ParkingArea is straight ahead. Bad weather or snow cover cancels. Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: MikeVerange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)

FEB 10 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the fourth of 6 Tuesday rides fromNew Brunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 in Washington Crossing, NJ. Parking is just before the bridge onRte 546 just off Rte 29. All rides 20-25 miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required. Temps below 35F orprecipitation cancels. Leader: Pete Beck, cell 201-274-4471 http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

FEB 14 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home.This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8am at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rte 70, Cherry Hill. Call in advance if possible sowe know how many to expect. Leader: Tom J. 856-234-9369 (W)

FEB 17 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the fifth of 6 Tuesday rides from NewBrunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 at Prailles Mills parking lot on Rte 29 just north of Stockton. All rides20-25 miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required. Temps below 35F or precipitation cancels. Leader:Pete Beck, cell 201-274-4471 http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

FEB 22 (Sun) Washington Crossing State Park, Hopewell, NJ. Hike on wooded trails and through fields. Visitnature center. Moderately paced about 5 miles. Meet at parking lot next to Delaware River (by bridge) at1:30pm. Snow will make hike a cross-country ski. Precipitation cancels. Leader: Ken Mayberg,kjmayberg@aol.com or 609-443-9138 for questions (C)

FEB 24 (Tue) Winter Bicycling on the Delaware & Raritan Canal. This is the sixth of 6 Tuesday rides fromNew Brunswick to Frenchtown. Meet 10:30 at Prailles Mills parking lot on Rte 29 just north of Stockton. Allrides 20-25 miles, casual pace, lunch stop. Helmets required. Temps below 35F or precipitation cancels.Leader: Pete Beck, cell 201-274-4471 http://petebeck.freeyellow.com (L)

FEB 28 (Sat) Clausland Mountain. 6 Miles. We will climb up Clausland Mountain (700’ climb) through historicRockland Cemetery to an old Nike missile base. Bring hiking boots, lunch, 2 quarts of water. You can takethe 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the Port Authority terminal to meet Leader in Piermont by 10:15.Drivers meet in front of 450 Piermont Ave. (building with mural) at 10am. Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past 10pm) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)

FEB 29 (Sun) Singles Hike/ X-CCountry ski at Hatfield Swamp in West Essex Park. We will hike or X-country ski(weather permitting) 5 miles at a moderate pace through forested trails along the Passaic River. Meet at 10amat the Environmental Center, 621 Eagle Rock Avenue in Roseland. Take Rte 280, exit 4A (EisenhowerParkway South), go right at 1st light onto Eagle Rock Avenue, ½ mile on left. Sign reads: “Essex CountyEnvironmental Center”. Bring water, snacks and hiking boots. Lunch to follow at local restaurant to beannounced at the hike. Well behaved dogs welcome. Rain cancels. A $3 fee will be charged to nonmembers.All participants must sign a liability waiver. Please confirm the time and meeting place of this hike the daybefore by calling the number below. Leaders: Joyce Haddad and Ron Pate 973-364-7573 option# 2 (E)

FEB 29 (Sun) Social Hike Ridley Creek SP Pa. 6 miles moderate pace. Hike trails along creek and hills. Bring picnictype food to share at tailgate social after hike. No pets/No children. Meet by 8:30am at rear parking lot HiltonHotel Rte 70 Cherry Hill to carpool/caravan or meet at Park Office at 9:30. In Pa. From Rte 1 take Rte 352 N for 3miles to Grayville Rd. go N 1.5 miles to park entrance. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

MARCHMAR 5-77 (Fri-SSun) Social Getaway Weekend. AMC’s Mohican Center, Blairstown, NJ. Enjoy an all inclusiveweekend in a rustic lodge situated in the mountains of Northern Jersey. We will do a 7-mile hike along theAT, Coppermine and Rattlesnake trails in the morning. Then do a short moonlight hike around the lake in theevening. Cost is about $65 per person, covers food and lodging. Limited openings, contact leader now!Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

MAR 6 (Sat) Southern Harriman State Park. Moderate paced hike through Southern Harriman. Exact loop willbe determined by trail conditions. If snowy/icy we’ll do a loop along forest roads. If the trails are dry, we’llhike along streams and up the hill to views of Sebago and Pine Meadow Lakes. Heavy rain or snow cancels.Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 12 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks and plenty of water.Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

MAR 6 (Sat) Social Hike In the Great Swamp. We will hike about 5 miles on mostly level terrain at a moderatepace. Waterproof boots are required since the trails are often underwater and participants should be in goodcondition. Bring lunch or snack & 2 quarts of water. Meet before 10:30am at the parking lot at the end ofWhite Bridge Road. Take Rte 287 to Exit 30A (North Maple Ave. & Basking Ridge). Follow Maple Ave. about2 ½ miles, then turn left onto Lord Sterling Road. Go about 4 miles on Lord Sterling Road (which becomesWhite Bridge Road) 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)

MAR 6 to 13 (Sat-SSat) Ski Red Mountain, British Columbia. Ski the Canadian Rockies! Red Mountain is the oldestski area in Canada and one of its’ best kept secrets; renown for consistently good snow conditions. 2800 footvertical & runs up to 4.5 miles! Experts will enjoy deep powder and unparalleled tree-skiing while the interme-diate or novice skiers & snowboarders can choose from a wide array of groomed runs and moderate glades.X/ctry skiers delight with over 30 miles of machine groomed track. $1230 cost includes airfare from Newark, 4-star hotel d/o lodging, ground transportation (rental vehicles), all breakfasts and five dinners. Trip insurance isoptional but recommended. Lift tickets not included. PLEASE REGISTER EARLY! Early $500 deposit needed byNov 30 to guarantee these low rates. Past Dec 30, call leader for availability. Leader: Norman Adis, 163 HillsideAve, Livingston, NJ 07039, adis.norman@worldnet.att.net, 973-994-2933 (no calls after 10pm please), fax 973-716-0987. Co-Leaders: Dick Wolff, 125 Gates Ave #14, Montclair, NJ 07042, 973-746-7415 (between 9 and11pm) rwolffnj@aol.com and Dan Parietti, 212-781-2038, dparietti@worldnet.att.net (E)

MAR 7 (Sun) Southern Harriman State Park. Moderate paced hike through Southern Harriman. Exact loopwill be determined by trail conditions but we’ll head to viewpoint over Claudius Smith’s Den. Heavy rain orsnow cancels. Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 12 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch, snacks andplenty of water. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

MAR 7 (Sun) Social Hike in South Mountain Reservation. We will hike 6-7 miles at a moderate pace and seesome of the many highlights this 2000-acre tract has to offer including a 25-foot waterfall and a spectacularview of New York City and South Jersey. Bring water, snacks and wear hiking boots. Meet before 10am inthe Tulip Springs parking lot just off Cherry Lane that runs between Northfield Avenue and South OrangeAvenue in South Orange. Rain Cancels. A $3 fee will be charged to adult nonmembers. Well-behaved chil-dren and dogs welcome. Leader: Dave Ogens 973-364-7573 option#2 (E)

MAR 13 (Sat) Ramapo Valley Country Reservation/Ringwood State Park. 10-mile loop from Scarlet Oak Pond toPierson Ridge. We’ll go at a moderate but steady pace past several ponds through these two adjacent parks.Some slight ups and downs. Hikers must pre-register. Group limited to 10 people. Bring hiking boots, lunch,snacks and plenty of water. Leader: Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

MAR 13 (Sat) Recycle a House - Volunteer Activity. We will help Habitat for Humanity rebuild a row home.This is a way to give back to the community and create a positive image for the club. Bring lunch, water andboots. Meet 8am at the rear parking lot at the Hilton Hotel, Rte 70, Cherry Hill. Call in advance if possible sowe know how many to expect. Leader: Tom J. 856-234-9369 (W)

MAR 14 (Sun) Director’s Hike: High Mountain. Join Chapter Conservation Director Dennis Schvejda and for-mer Chapter Chair Tina Schvejda for a 5-mile hike in High Mountain Preserve. The Preserve and surroundingarea is the largest remaining tract of forested land east of the Highlands in northeastern New Jersey, and sup-ports a remarkable diversity of plants and wildlife. While much has been protected, critical lands remainunder threat of development. We will discuss and identify these threats during our hike. Learn about HighMountain and become an advocate for preservation! We will meet at the top of Parking Lot #6, WilliamPaterson University in Wayne NJ, at 9am. Leader contact info: 973-427-6863 or via e-mail:Dennis.Schvejda@SierraClub.org.

MAR 14 (Sun) Social Hike at Schooley’s Mountain County Park. We will hike about six easy miles in a scenicarea of western Morris County. Please bring warm clothing, water, lunch and a small backpack. Hiking bootsare required and participants should be in good condition. Meet BEFORE 10am at the upper parking areabeyond the main entrance. Take Rte 24 or 206 to Chester. Drive 5 miles on Rte 24 West to Long Valley. Atthe traffic light, turn right to continue on Rte 24 West. After 0.7 miles, turn right onto Camp WashingtonRoad. Go .7 miles on Camp Washington Road and bear right onto East Springtown Road. After .3 miles, turnright on East Springtown Road and turn right into the park. Continue straight to the upper parking lot.Rain/snow or expected rain/snow cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)

MAR 20 (Sat) Manasquan River Reservoir, Monmouth County (Special Interest: Birds). Enjoy an easy 5-milecircular hike on one of the largest reservoirs in the area. We may observe waterfowl. Bring drinks, snacks,bird books and binoculars. Hiking shoes are not required. Great hike for families. Meet at 9am at the mainentrance to the reservoir on Windeller Rd. take GSP to exit 98. Head west on I-195 to exit 28 (Rte 9). Gonorth on Rte 9, take the first right onto Windeller Road. Continue to the main entrance which is 1.5 miles onyour left. Meet in the parking area at the far left toward the back. Bad weather (e.g. snow cover) cancels.Confirmation/questions please call. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange @aol.com (JS)

MAR 20 (Sat) Hook Mountain Hike. 7 miles. Excellent views of the Hudson River and Croton Point. You cantake the 9:15 Rockland Coaches 9A bus from the GWB terminal to meet Leader in Upper Nyack at the junc-tion with Old Mountain Road and Rte 9W at 10:30am. Leader: John P. Jurasek 845-365-3618 (no calls past10pm) or Jurasek@optonline.net (ACOC)

MAR 21(Sun) Social Spring Hike. 7-10 miles moderate pace. Hike flat forest roads with great views of thePygmy Pines, a Pine Barrens phenomenon. Bring lunch and water with you plus a snack to share at the tail-gate social after the hike. Meet by 10am at Lake Oswego parking lot off Lake Oswego road, off Rte 563, 10miles S. of Chatsworth, Burl. Co. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

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Printed on Recycled Paper

Chapter Office 609-656-7612139 West Hanover Street, Trenton 08618

fax: 609-656-7618

Chapter Director: Jeff Titteljefft1@voicenet.com

Conservation Director: Dennis Schvejda 973-427-6863Dennis.Schvejda@SierraClub.org

Chapter AdministratorKelly McNicholas 609-656-7612

kellymcn@sierraactivist.org

If no one is in the office to take your call, pleaseleave a message on the answering machine.Please SPELL YOUR LAST NAME, and statewhether the phone number you leave is for daytimeor evening.

The Jersey Sierran is the newsletter of the NewJersey Chapter of the Sierra Club. Readers are encour-aged to 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 adver-tised product(s) or service(s).Copyright 2003. 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, 139 W.Hanover St, Trenton NJ 08618.

Members, send changes of address toaddress.changes@sierraclub.org or to Sierra Club,P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80328 and to theChapter Office, 139 West Hanover St, Trenton, NJ08618 or call 415-977-5653.

Editorial Board: Tina Schvejda, Jeff Tittel, RichIsaac, George and Joan Denzer, Mary Penney,Sunil Somalwar, Dick Colby, Paul Sanderson, EdPfeiffer.

Editor: Dick Colby, 609-965-4453, dick.colby@stockton.edu

Layout/Design: Karen Brown, 856-547-9221

Advertising Manager: Sunil Somalwar, 732-572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.org (Instructions availableat http://NJSierra.org/NJS_Sierran/NJS_advertise.html)Contributors to this issue: ue: Rich Isaac, DennisSchvejda, Bonnie Tillery, Gina Carola, KenJohanson, Ellen Blumenkrantz, Steve Knowlton, BillSheehan, and Hugh Carola.

Thank you to all who contributed. The Jersey Sierran isproduced mostly by volunteers.

Upcoming ExCom Meetings:All members are welcome to attend these monthly statewidepolicy deliberations, held on SECOND SATURDAYS. Details,including agendas, and driving instructions, are available inadvance from Sunil Somalwar, the Chapter Chair.

Jan 10 • Feb 14 • Mar 13 Meeting location will be the Hamilton Twp Library, MercerCounty. (Meeting rooms on lower level.)

Conservation and Political Committee meetings start at 10am.Lunch is shared at noon. The main meeting starts at 1pm. Weusually continue discussions informally over dinner at a nearbyrestaurant, at 5pm.

Chair* Sunil Somalwar (732) 572-7721svsomalwar@sierraactivist.org1015 South Park Ave., Highland Park NJ 08904-2954

Vice-Chair* Ken Johanson (908) 464-0442kjohan@comcast.net72 Laurel Drive, New Providence NJ 07974-2421

Conservation ChairLaura Lynch (609) 882-4642llynch@mail.med.upenn.edu11 Lumar Rd., Trenton, NJ 08648-3127Conservation Vice-ChairRuth Prince (908) 284-9103)ruthp2@earthlink.net

Political Chair* Rich Isaac (973) 716-0297risaacx@aol.com47 Fellswood Dr., Livingston NJ 07039-2235Political Vice-ChairLaura Bagwell (732) 741-8678lbagwell@rcn.com

Legislative ChairKen Johanson (see above)

SecretaryBonnie Tillery (609) 259-6438blt44blt@aol.com389 Sawmill Rd, Hamilton NJ 08620

Treasurer* George Denzer (609) 799-5839GDenzer@mymailstation.com127 Dey Road, Cranbury NJ 08512-5418

Outings ChairEllen Blumenkrantz (201) 784-8417eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com43 Carlson Court, Closter NJ 07624

Newsletter Editor* Dick Colby (609) 965-4453dick.colby@stockton.edu217 Liverpool Av, Egg Harbor City NJ 08215-1319

WebmasterGeorge Newsome (732) 308-1518newsome1@optonline.net

Membership ChairMike Hersonmikeherson@hotmail.com451Hasbrouck Blvd, Oradell NJ 07649

Council Delegate*Jane Tousman (908) 561-5504jdtous@aol.com 14 Butler Rd., Edison NJ 08820-1007Alternate: Rich Isaac - (see above)

Other ExCom members at large* Steve Ember (732) 926-8964sehiker@yahoo.com511 Grandview St, Middlesex NJ 08846* Bob Johnson (908) 771-9676Robert.Johnson@comcast.net65 Holly Glen Lane South, Berkeley Hts NJ 07922-2615* Tina Schvejda (973) 427-6863tschvejda@mindspring.com40 Marilyn St., North Haledon NJ 07508-2441

NERCC RepresentativesJoan Denzer (see George Denzer above)and Bob Johnson (see below)Alternate: George Denzer - (see above)

Atlantic Coast Ecoregion DelegateJoan Denzer (see above)Alternate: Fred Akers (see below)

Legal ChairBill Singer, Esq. (908) 359-7873

Financial CommitteeTina Schvejda**, Sunil Somalwar, Ken Johanson, George and Joan Denzer, Dick Colby

Events & FundraisingJoan Denzer**, Tina Schvejda**, Steve Ember, Sunil Somalwar, Carolyn Freeman

Personnel CommitteeKen Johanson**, Sunil Somalwar, Mary Penney, Tina Schvejda, George & Joan Denzer, Dick Colby

Legislative CommitteeKen Johanson**,Dennis Anderson, Dave Mattek, Kelly McNicholas, Carolyn Freeman, Jeff Tittel, Dennis Schvejda

Litigation Oversight CommitteeKen Johanson** Tina Schvejda, Sunil Somalwar, Dick Colby

Inner City Outings CoordinatorAnne Dyjak (North/Central NJ)Jennifer Grenier & Maxine Vogt (South NJ)(see Group News pages)

* Indicates Chapter-wide elected ExCom members.** Indicates committee chair or co-chair

Issue CoordinatorsATV IssuesFred Akers (856) 697-3479akers@gowebway.comPO Box 395, Newtonville, NJ 08346-0395

Clean AirBob Campbell (908) 273-5720wrobc@intac.com18 Shadyside Av, Summit NJ 07901-2111

Bill Green (908) 276-2357WGreen@spcorp.com2 Roger Av, Cranford NJ 07016-2715

Delaware River DredgingGina Carola (856) 848-8831ginacee@snip.net534 Elberne Av, Westville NJ 08093-1715

Forestry IssuesGeorge Schindler, Jr. (609) 252-9299GESchindlerJr@worldnet.att.net2 Center Dr, Skillman NJ 08558-1926

GrazingDave Mattek (609) 737-1342MattekDC@aol.com4 1/2 Park Av, Pennington NJ 08534-2313

Hackensack MeadowlandsHugh Carola (201) 457-1582hcarola@optonline.net30 Maple Av, Hackensack NJ 07601-4502

Bill Sheehan (201) 692-8440captain@keeper.org1000 River Rd #T090c, Teaneck NJ 07666

Highlands CommitteeBill O’Hearn (732) 962-0562william_ohearn@juno.com

Marine IssuesTina Schvejda (see main leader list)

Passaic River BasinRich Isaac (see main leader list)

PinelandsLee Snyder (856) 596-0621pinelands1@hotmail.comPPA Laiason: Mike Gallaway M.Gallaway@comcast.net

PopulationBonnie Tillery (see main leader list)

Sierra Student CoalitionDan Rosen (201) 670-1980danrosen85@hotmail.com

SprawlJane Tousman (see main leader list)

Tiger ConservationSunil Somalwar (see main leader list)

Transportation (see main leader list)Bob Johnson

Utah WildernessBarbara Hayes (609) 275-0787Barbara.Hayes@NJWild.org45 Perrine Rd, Plainsboro NJ 08536

The Jersey Sierran: January-March 2004

Visit our Website at http://NJSierra.org

12

NEW JERSEY CHAPTERLEADERSHIP

OUTINGS(Continued from page 11)

MAR 28 (Sun) Highlands Hike at Pyramid Mountain (Special Interest: Conservation). We will hike about fivemiles in the New Jersey Highlands. Tripod Rock, a famous archeological site, is the primary feature. Come seea pretty area, close to Suburbia, which was saved thanks to the efforts of many good people. Please bringwarm clothing, water and lunch. Hiking boots are required and participants should be in good condition.Meet BEFORE 10am at the Mars Court/Rte 511 intersection north of Boonton. Take Rte 287 North to theWootton Avenue exit. Turn left onto Wootton Avenue and go through the traffic light. Turn right at a blink-ing light onto Rte 511 North. Mars Court is about three miles to the north. Park on Mars Court - not at thePyramid Mountain Park office. Rain or expected rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember, sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)

MAR 28 (Sun) Institute Woods hike, Princeton, NJ. Easy pace, flat, about 4 miles. Meet at parking lot next towoods at 1pm. Take Rte 295 to Princeton Pike (towards Princeton). Soon after Battlefield Park, make rightonto Olden Avenue at light. Continue until end and park next to grounds of Institute for AdvancedStudy. Possible dinner afterwards. Precipitation cancels. Leader: Ken Mayberg, kjmayberg@aol.com or 609-443-9138 for questions (C)

MAR 28 (Sun) Social Hike Tyler SP in PA. 6-9 miles at moderate pace. We will hike gravel and paved trails thatare hilly for the most part and reveal much of what Bucks Co. is known for rolling hills, open fields and stonefarm houses. We hike through a restored covered bridge. Optional visit to New Hope Village or winery. Meetby 10am at park office. From Phila, take Rte 95 north to Newtown-Yardley exit 30, then drive west on thefour lane bypass around Newtown. The park entrance is at the intersection of Swamp Road and the four-lanebypass. Or call leader for carpool/caravan info. Leader: Paul Serdiuk 856-697-3870 pis1@cccnj.net (W)

FUTURE OUTINGS – ADVANCE NOTICE APR 4 (Sun) Social Hike in Stokes State Forest. We will hike eight miles primarily along the Kittatinny Ridgeon the Appalachian Trail. Highlights include panoramic views from Sunrise Mountain and the Culver FireTower. Hiking boots are required and participants should be in very good condition. Meet BEFORE 10am atthe park office off Rte 206. Proceed north on Rte 206 past Branchville and Culvers Lake. Turn right intoStokes State Forest into the park office parking area. Rain or expected rain cancels. Leader: Steve Ember,sehiker@yahoo.com (RV)

APR 18 (Sun) Brookdale Community College/Thompson Park. Moderate 6.5-mile hike that follows theperimeter of the Swimming River Reservoir. Hiking shoes preferred. Bring a drink and a snack. GSP Exit 109.Head west on Monmouth County Rte 520 approx. 2 miles to Brookdale Community College. Make first rightproceed to Parking Lot #2 Meet in back right corner at 9am. Bad weather cancels. Confirmation/questionscall. Leader: Mike Verange, 908-902-0718 or mjverange@aol.com (JS)

AUG 18-229 (Wed-SSun) Wells Gray Provincial Park, British Columbia. If you’re into beautiful scenery, great hik-ing and some canoeing, this is the trip for you. Wells Gray is one of Canada’s largest parks (1.4 million acres)with beautiful flower filled meadows, pristine lakes, and mountain peaks. We fly out Wednesday, Aug 18, ourfirst day to Kamloops, Canada, and spend the night at a lovely bed & breakfast. The next day we head out ona 2 night/3 day canoe camping trip to the lake district of the park. No canoe experience is necessary. Allcamping gear is provided except your sleeping bag - which could be rented for an extra $25 charge. After 3days of canoeing (there are also some hikes on these days), we return to our bed & breakfast for a hot show-er, and a nice dinner out. The following day (Sunday, Aug 22) we start a 6 night/7 day hiking trek. We hike inthe alpine area from private chalet to private chalet, where beds and meals are provided for us, allowing us tocarry just a large day pack (lunch, water, and change of clothes). We spend two nights at each of three pri-vate chalets, which our group will have to ourselves. Following this 6 night/7 day trek we return to a nicebed & breakfast again for one last night before our flights home. More detailed descriptions and photos of thehuts, hikes, scenery, can be found at www.skihike.com - the website for the company who owns and oper-ate the huts and will provide our local guides. Maximum group size 8. Cost for 11 nights, including all mealsand lodging about $1250 (depending on exchange rate). Airfare to Kamloops not included. Leader/Contact:Ellen Blumenkrantz, eblumenkrantz@hotmail.com, 201-784-8417 (N)

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THE JERSEY SIERRAN