Current Issues

There is only one monitoring station for Placer County (in Roseville) but, of course, that doesn’t mean the rest of the county is smoke free.  Currently, Placer County Air Pollution Control District has no mandatory program that would require us to stop using stoves, but it does have great voluntary programs.  One program provides grants to qualified residents in certain areas, to replace non-EPA certified wood burning stoves.  Another program promotes the use of a chipper from CDF to mulch garden waste, rather than backyard burn (you might try composting, too).  To learn more, please visit www.placer.ca.gov/Air.aspx.  Also, the www.sparetheair.com website lists 10 things to do to reduce smoke pollution. And we can all don a sweater or warm fleece!  Happy Holidays!

Genetic Engineering

By Ron Greenwood

Genetic engineering (GE) is the transfer of genetic material from one organism to another of an unrelated species. This circumvents the  natural reproductive barriers between species, cannot be undone, and  will be passed on to future generations.  GE can create plants,  animals and micro-organisms. This article will focus on food products and trees.

How could there be a problem with this technology? Genetically  engineered crops can produce pollen (e.g., rapeseed or canola) which  can be transported to non- genetically engineered canola. The GE types  with herbicide resistant traits are transferred producing a superweed from the traditional weed. This was confirmed in Canada where a weed  was resistant to all known pesticides.

Likewise, organic farming is threatened when pollen transferred by  insects and wind from GE crops  contaminates normal species. These GE  crops may be engineered with a toxin (Bt) which is lethal to insects  and butterflies and released into the soil where it remains active  thus damaging the ecosystem. Another example, rice GE, to be resistant  to insects, contains a protein harmful to mice and is untested in  humans. This GE rice has contaminated rice exports and has been banned  in Japan and  Europe.

GE trees are designed to grow more quickly into lumber or have less lignin to be able to be made into paper more easily. These trees do not support the ecosystem and if transferred to normal trees could pollute entire forests. The result, according to the Sierra Club (SC)  GE committee “may be a silent forest, one which doesn’t support  chipmunks or snakes at ground level, holds no birdsong in its  branches, supports no raptors soaring above.”

As there has not been appropriate testing of safety or long- term  effects of GE items such as food, the SC urges no release of GE items  without  testing. There should be regulation, monitoring and labeling  (so we know what we are eating) of GE materials as an immediate  action. GE crops should be segregated from conventional ones. GE is  not the answer to world hunger; enough food is produced to feed the world. Land to grow food and money to buy it are what is needed.  Underdeveloped countries are not in favor of GE.

This is just a brief overview of the problem of genetic pollution.  The ecological consequences are totally unknown and the only  benefactor appears to be big business; the loser may be the planet.  For more information including handout material, go to the Sierra Club  home page and enter genetic engineering in “search”.

In South Africa industrial monoculture tree plantations are called “green cancer” for they “spread widely into other areas and wreak ecologic havoc.”   Biotech Forum Sierra Club

Older Issues

Lincoln General Plan = SPRAWL

By Terry Davis

Lincoln is currently preparing a General Plan to direct the city's growth over the next 20 years. With little public input, the City Council has plans to nearly quadruple the population of Lincoln (now 33,500) to a population of 131,500 in 40 years-that's nearly 27,000 more than their neighboring City of Roseville has today. But this is not a done deal; the City Council has not yet heard whether current Lincoln residents support their "Big City Vision."

City officials want a lot of development in order to support a regional mall which would compete with the Roseville Galleria. This mall would attract shoppers not only from Roseville and Rocklin, but from growing areas in Yuba County, like Plumas Lakes and Wheatland. But do Lincoln residents really want to be a regional traffic magnet?

Is this much growth good for Lincoln, or are city officials primarily taken with the idea of becoming one of the region's important and influential cities?

As Lincoln triples its current acreage, development would gobble up much of Western Placer County's farmland and open space, replacing it with sprawl and new highways. Lincoln would more closely resemble a Los Angeles city like Northridge rather than Lincoln as it exists today, a historic agricultural town that is still recognizable, even given its growing pains.

Lincoln would consume valuable wildlife habitat. Western Placer County grasslands are well known for large numbers of wintering waterfowl, raptors, and sparrows. In fact, recent winter bird counts showed West Placer with the second largest number of sightings of hawks of anywhere in the United States. Some of them, such as the Swainson's hawk and the Ferruginous hawk are "listed" species; they are threatened with extinction. Vernal pools are also in Lincoln's path; they are home to a whole host of vanishing plant and animal species, such as the Ahart's Dwarf Rush and the Vernal Pool Fairy Shrimp.

If Lincoln maintains its current plans to expand deep into West Placer, nearly to the Sutter County line, it will probably also doom the Placer County Conservation Plan. Part of Placer Legacy, this Plan has been nearly a decade in the making. Its goal is to preserve some of the county's last remaining natural habitat through a win-win agreement between wildlife agencies, conservationists, farmers and developers. Prime habitat and farmland would be acquired through development mitigations; in return developers would benefit with a much more efficient system for the approval of needed permits. Farmers would benefit from having the option to sell their development rights while continuing to work the land. But if Lincoln approves its current General Plan, the anticipated sprawl would consume too much land; not enough would remain to provide enough habitat to sustain many species populations in Placer County.

What will it take for Lincoln to change course, to give up the "Big City Vision?" Lincoln residents need to become informed and they need to object to the direction the City Council is headed. This is the time to do it, at the General Plan stage, not when the development projects are coming forward. By then the growth will be impossible to stop. The Placer Group Sierra Club recently held an informational forum for Lincoln residents. We will host another if there is sufficient interest. For more information, please contact Terry Davis at 916-557-1100 ext. 108, or terry.davis@sierraclub.org.

It’s Up To Us!

by  Tiffany Mitchell

If you had an opportunity to help out your grandchildren would you do it?  If so, you may want to read Al Gore’s book, An Inconvenient Truth, about how the Earth is warming and at a pace that warrants immediate action to avert future climate catastrophes.  Gore’s message is clear:  the evidence that the Earth’s natural cycles are changing is unchallengeable.  While the information presented is alarming, Gore informs the reader that there is much we can do, now, that will make a great difference for future generations. 

The book covers essentially the same material on global warming as the movie by the same title, but in more depth.  If you want a primer on global warming, this is a great introduction.  Even for those who are familiar with the issues and facts around global warming, Gore covers the subject broadly and with current information. 

The evidence Gore presents is indeed distressing:  increase in global average temperature; increase in ocean temperature; polar ice melting; dramatic loss of plant and animal species; dying of coral reefs; increase in the number and intensity of storms worldwide; and rising sea levels.  These trends indicate destabilization of the global climate, which threatens our civilization as well as many other species of living things.

Gore sees the problem as a new experience for humankind, a collision of three factors:  the explosion in world population, phenomenal innovations in technology, and “a willingness to ignore the future consequences of our present actions.”

The book is engaging reading, not only for the well-chosen charts, photos and illustrations, but it is warmed by Gore’s deep-felt caring for the Earth.  Gore weaves threads of his relationship with global warming throughout the book beginning in 1968 as a student of Roger Revelle at Harvard.  Gore was startled to learn that as concentrations of CO2 heat-trapping gases increase in the atmosphere, the global average temperature also increases.  And, it is humankind who is largely responsible for this increase —something new and with far-reaching, dangerous implications for the inhabitants of Earth.  One comes to understand through several personal vignettes how global warming has been on Gore’s mind for nearly 40 years, as well as why it is important to him.

In spite of the challenges we face, Gore remains optimistic, stressing that we have the know-how, right now, to turn the tide.  The last portion of the book lists specific ways to save energy at home, save energy getting around, how to consume less, and how to affect change, along with related web site addresses for further information.  He also cites his own web site, www.climatecrisis.net for more resources as well as information about the movie.

Gore urges bold and quick action.  But instead of focusing on the dangers of climate change, Gore suggests that we have an opportunity, if not a privilege to experience a generational mission, a compelling moral purpose.  Thomas Berry (The Great Work: Our Way into the Future) also calls for us to respond to these times by creating a movement that gives “meaning to life by relating the human venture to the larger destinies of the universe.”  He calls this movement “The Great Work.”

We have a choice:  will we do the right thing for ourselves and future generations?  This is not a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of morality. 

Bickford Ranch Update

Last November the Sierra Club and our partners, California Oak Foundation and Sierra Foothills Audubon Society, settled our four-year litigation over the Bickford Ranch development, near Penryn. Several people have inquired about whether oak woodlands were ever purchased to compensate. Unfortunately we can never replace the oak woodlands on Boulder Ridge, but the information below from the California Oak Report describes how the settlement funds are being effectively leveraged through matching grants. Our thanks to Janet Cobb of the California Wildlife Foundation for making it happen.

The $6.05 million oak mitigation payment was directed to the California Wildlife Foundation (CWF) for the purchase of Placer County oak woodlands to compensate for the 700 acres destroyed by Bickford. CWF is working with Placer Land Trust, Placer Legacy and a host of others on securing local oak woodlands. Below is a summary of the proposed disbursement of Bickford oak mitigation funds. So far, CWF has pledged $1.9 million of its $6.05 million to secure 851 acres of Placer County Blue oak woodlands and riparian corridors as an investment in the future.

Freiheit Big Hill Preserve

Freiheit is 321 acres in the Bear River and Coon Creek watersheds in western Placer County. The total appraised value for Freiheit is $1,365,000. Funding for the purchase consists of CWF contributing $410,000, Wildlife Conservation Board (WCB) $255,000 and a Sierra Nevada Cascade Grant Fund, Resources Agency request for $600,000 in matching funds. (Note: Earlier this year WCB pledged a total of $4 million for future Placer County oak woodland habitat conservation).

Taylor Ranch Preserve
Taylor is 320 acres in the Coon Creek watershed. The total appraised value for Taylor is $2,870,000. Funding for the purchase includes CWF contributing $890,000, the WCB $1,030,000 with a Sierra Nevada Cascade Grant Fund request of $825,000.

Kirk Property Preserve
Kirk is 211 acres of Blue oak woodlands and is adjacent to county parkland. CWF and the United Auburn Indian Tribe each have offered $600,000 to purchase an easement on the Kirk property. Negotiations continue between Placer County and the landowners on a final sale price.

For more information:

Terry Davis

Placer Group Sierra Club

terry.davis@sierraclub.org

New Push for Auburn Dam

by  Terry Davis

Congressman John Doolittle is trying a new strategy to force construction of an Auburn dam. Having lost votes in Congress in 1992 and 1996, Doolittle intends to avoid a vote by claiming the 1965 Congressional authorization, done in an era before modern environmental laws, is still valid. Doolittle hopes to tack piecemeal funding of an Auburn dam on to Congressional appropriations bills, beginning with a $5-10 million feasibility study.

This desperate maneuver is risky in spite of a Republican–controlled Congress and White House. Attaching pork barrel projects to appropriations bills with minimal Congressional review (sometimes referred to as earmarking) has come under increasing fire, particularly since Alaska Rep. Don Young’s attempt to sneak his $941 million “Bridge To Nowhere” into an appropriations bill at a time when Congress was claiming poverty in funding the rebuilding of  New Orleans.

Back home, Doolittle protégé Supervisor Bruce Kranz is attempting to capitalize on Hurricane Katrina and anxiety over Sacramento’s levee system to anchor the latest public relations campaign on behalf of an Auburn dam. Kranz hopes the public is gullible enough to believe that the flood risk to Sacramento is comparable to or even greater than the flood risk to New Orleans. But it is hard to overlook the fact that Sacramento is exposed to a pineapple express about once a decade, while New Orleans is a sitting duck for several full-fledged gulf hurricanes each year.>

The fact is that our region is well on the way to getting all the flood control it needs, much sooner, cheaper and safer than a $5 billion Auburn dam on an earthquake fault. Improvements to Folsom Dam and the levees will handle a flood event 50% larger than any in the recorded history of our region. But for those who approach an Auburn dam with almost religious fervor, it seems all rationality goes out the window. Once again, as in 1992 and 1996, environmental and taxpayer groups will come together to make sure that the truth gets out and reason prevails.

Clearcutting and Herbicide Use in Sierra Nevada

The forests of John Muir's Range of Light are in peril. One corporation, Sierra Pacific Industries, has vowed to clearcut one million acres of its vast holdings, turning forests into plantations. In addition, dangerous pesticides continue to be applied on both private and public forestlands.

Two women who have been instrumental in efforts to protect our forests will talk about their work. Addie Jacobson works with the Sierra Club, the Sierra Nevada Forest Protection Campaign and Ebbetts Pass Forest Watch. She has devoted years to battling the practice of clearcutting, from organizing nearby communities, to advocating for reform before boards and commissions, to lobbying for legislation in the state capital.

Vivian Parker's specialty is bringing to light the damage done by herbicides that are routinely applied following clearcutting. Vivian is a biologist for the California Indian Basketweavers Association, and the conservation coordinator for the Sierra Nevada region of the California Native Plant Society. She will show how the tree farm model of forestry with its heavy applications of herbicides is driving the disintegration of biological diversity in the Sierra Nevada.

Clair Tappaan Lodge Gone Forever?

by  Joe Marman

I still have never been to Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL), but knowing it was a Sierra Club Lodge, I have always wondered what it was all about.

Sierra Club volunteers, organized by a Los Angeles County Judge named Clair Tappaan, built the lodge 6 miles west of Donner Summit in 1934. He offered to give this lodge to the Sierra Club in exchange for naming it after him.

The lodge has an average yearly budget loss of about $100K, and the California Sierra Club has been paying the deficit for years. Last year, the SC Board in SF gave the warning that it would sell the Lodge if Sierra Club members cannot make it at least break even. So, fundraisers were held, and $126K was raised in the last year. The Board gave a reprieve, but we are still in danger of losing this club if we cannot increase annual visitation from about 12,000 to 15,000, the breakeven point. If the Sierra Club does sell the lodge it may allow the area open ground for developmental interests.

CTL does not require Club membership, and is asking for all Sierra Club members to recommend it to business and community groups and others, as well as to increase your own usage of the lodge to save it from being sold.

CTL is hoping to get business organizations to rent the facility for use as a retreat or for weekend gatherings. Scouting groups, ski shops, hiking, biking and nature groups and others are welcome to come and stay. There are a lot of discounts available for bringing a group or leading a group on hikes or other activities. If you bring 7 other people, you can stay for free.

The lodge has a capacity of 140 in a hostel-type setting. The lodge provides one flat sheet and a pillowcase, but you must bring a sleeping bag or more sheets and a blanket and your own towel. You should bring your own padlock to lock your valuables in the storage lockers provided. You can upgrade to cubicle rooms once you arrive, but otherwise, you are in a dorm situation with bunk beds. There is a spacious living room and enormous fireplace, with a cozy library and reading area, and a relaxing sun deck.

There are two men’s showers and two women’s showers. There is also a hot tub for after hiking soaking, so bring your swimsuit. You are expected to assist in a little help around the lodge like cooking or cleaning, which takes about a half-hour each day. There are also frequently scheduled nature hikes with Sierra Club volunteer guides. There are many alpine lakes and there are hiking trails and mountain bike trails to see them. CTL is only a mile away from the Pacific Crest Trail. Since the lodge is at 7000 feet elevation, there are many areas to explore on snowshoes, cross-country skis and sleds and by hiking when the snow is gone. Cross country skis and snowshoes can be rented at the lodge. Family style meals are served at breakfast and dinner. At breakfast time, lunch fixins are laid out and you can make your own lunches and pack it in the bags provided.

Summer rates are $35/night for Sierra Club members and $39/night for non-members. Children (4 - 12) are $18, with under 4 free. Winter prices are $50 weekdays and $55 on weekends with the $5 discount for Sierra Club members.

There are four backcountry huts available for groups of 12- 20, and each group must bring and prepare their own food. The huts cost $10 to $15 per night, with some huts having a $150 per night minimum charge.

You can call (800) 679-6775 and ask for Peter, the manager or Mitch, his assistant. You can also get more information by looking at the web site at: www.ctl.sierraclub.org.

Please come yourself, and recommend it to others to help save this fine piece of history in the Sierra Mountains.

Last Updated: 01/16/2007