Volume 39, Issue 3

The Pelican, Fall 2007

The official publication of the Sierra Club Florida Chapter

The Pelican

© Laura Denardo, Pelican Perch

Inside this issue:

Sierra Club Florida 2

Coal rush grinding to a halt Chapter news
Governor, Public Service Commission say NO to more polluting plants Fall 2007 Outings 3

A new day is dawning for Florida’s clean en-

ergy and global warming initiatives. At one
lition, and a number of other groups to stop this
plant . That made a big difference. Joy Towles News from around
Florida
4
time, proposals for new coal plants were on the Ezell, Chapter Energy Chair, said, “When only
fast track for approval. But with a new Governor four (unpaid) people spoke in favor of the TEC
Gopher tortoise man- 6
in Tallahassee who is proactive on global warm- plant at the recent land use hearing, with over agement plan
ing, and strong grassroots opposition to these 60 voicing their objections, along with serious
polluters, a number of them have recently been objections raised at the Public Service Commis- FL Summit on global 7
climate change
turned down. sion hearing, it became very obvious that this
filthy coal plant is not acceptable in Taylor Florida Hometown 8
County.” Democracy Campaign

In June the Florida Public Service Commission 2007 Conservation 10

nixed a proposal by Florida Power & Light to Conference
build a 960- megawatt coal plant next to Lake
Municipal solid waste 12
Okeechobee near the Everglades National Park,
is not a renewable fuel
again, due to global warming emissions. It was
the first time in 15 years that a coal plant pro- Compact fluorescent 13
posal in Florida has been denied, and the first bulbs & mercury

time global warming was raised as the key issue. 2008 Florida Executive 14
“The Public Service Commission’s decision deny- Committee Candidates
ing the Glades coal burner, with the praise of
2008 Florida Executive 15
Governor Crist, was an unmistakable sign that
Committee Ballot
the partnership’s coal proposal is in trouble,”
Ezell said.

In August the Florida Department of Environ-

In July a consortium of Florida utilities backed off
from a proposed 800- megawatt coal plant in
Taylor County, citing concerns about global
warming gas emissions, but also due to opposi-
tion from Governor Crist. Florida Chapter activ-
ists have won a long and hard- fought victory.
Two years ago the Sierra Club Big Bend Group
joined forces with Hope for Clean Water, T aylor
Residents United for the Environment (TRUE),
Environmental Alliance of North Florida (EANF),
Big Bend Climate Action Team, the No Coal Coa-
mental Protection withdrew its support for a
permit for a $1.2 billion expansion of a Seminole
Electric Cooperative coal plant in Putnam County,
near Palatka. Sierra Club had challenged the
permitting for this expansion of the coal burner.
“Florida must move beyond coal, and develop a
clean energy plan,” said Ezell. And those plans
should include solar, wind, conservation, efficien-
cies, and other clean energy technologies.
For more information contact Joy Towles Ezell,
(850) 584 7087; email: hopeforclean-
water@yahoo.com.

Explore, enjoy and protect the planet


Page 2
SIERRA CLUB FLORIDA CHAPTER NEWS
New Pelican Committee
At the Flexcom held August 18-19, the Florida Chapter
formed a brand- new Pelican Committee consisting of
11 members from across the state. This group will
provide support to the Pelican editor in the solicitation,
editing and fact-checking, and layout of articles and
photos, and will be taking a look at publishing and
format options for future Pelican editions.
If you have comments, suggestions or questions about
the Pelican, you may contact one or all members.
Pelican Committee Chairs:
Kathy Criscola, Editor and Co-Chair, edi-
tor@florida.sierraclub.org, long- term Pelican Editor.
Rosalie Shaffer, Co-Chair, shaffer_us@yahoo.com,
Manatee-Sarasota Group. At-large Flexcom member.
Former newsletter editor of the NW Florida Group.
Committee Members:
Joan Altman, joanaltman@mindspring.com,
Nassau County Group. Group chair, Flexcom delegate
and newsletter editor.
Andy Canelos , andrea.canelos@florida.sierraclub.org,
Central Florida Group. Group Excom member, alter-
nate Flexcom delegate and Secretary. Chapter com-
puter committee member.
Frances Coleman, fcoleman@tampabay.rr.com,
Polk Group. Group newsletter editor, former Group
Chair, vice chair and treasurer. Former Chapter Chair
and delegate to the Sierra Club Council. Former mem-
ber, National Membership Committee.
Maryvonne Devensky, marydeven@bellsouth.net,
Loxahatchee Group. Former group Excom member,
former asst newsletter editor, former education chair.
John Glenn, glenjohnjg@comcast.net,
Nassau County Group, Chapter Conservation Chair,
Membership Chair and Safe Drinking Water chair
Marilyn Goodwin, mochaboo@earthlink.net,
Greater Charlotte Harbor Group. Group Excom mem-
ber, Secretary, and Publicity Chair
Ron Haines, ronaldhaines@bellsouth.net,
Loxahatchee Group. Group Excom member and Flex-
com delegate
December McSherry , lmcshe2001@aol.com,
Chapter Agriculture Committee Chair and National
Agriculture Committee member.
Alice Platt , malicejp@bellsouth.net, Northeast Group,
Group Excom member, website administrator.
Betsy Roberts ( E x-Officio Member)
betsyred@comcast.net, Chapter Chair.
Sierra Club statement of purpose
“To explore, enjoy, and protect the wild spaces of this
Earth; to practice and promote the responsible use of
the Earth’s ecosystems and resources; to educate and
enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of
the natural and human environment; and to use all
lawful means to carry out these objectives.”
—Sierra Club By-Laws
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
Chapter Chair Report
Highlights of August 18-19 Flexcom meeting, Melbourne
What a weekend at Flexcom! It really Calusa Group is working hard to get
turned out great. We discussed pol- solar energy in more households. Joy
icy, issues and all our successes. Ezell reported on our wonderful victo-
Flexcom is our Florida Chapter E xecu- ries against proposed new coal
tive Committee, composed of offi- plants.
cers, delegates from our local groups,
Ginger Perlman and Rob Brinkman
and at- large delegates. It meets five
agreed to look into different ways of
times per year.
voting for our meetings. We will hear
Florida Hometown Democracy, of more about this at our November
course, was discussed. This impor- Mini-Flexcom. Speaking of November,
tant effort to allow citizens to vote on be sure to put the 2 -4 th on your cal-
comprehensive plan amendments endar. Ben Fusaro is planning an
needs financial support and petition exciting and fun- filled Conservation
signatures. Let’s all think of ways to Conference. See details on page 10
get both. Just remember—if you are and register today using the form on
on private property, make sure you page 11.
have permission to collect signatures.
There were some issues that were
Read more about Hometown Democ-
resolved, including the Pelican news-
racy on page 8 and 9.
letter committee. It appears that all
Our Legal Committee has two new are satisfied with the restructuring of
cases to add to their already long list. the Pelican committee, with 11 tal-
Thanks to everyone who is helping ented members (see list at left).
with that. The Conservation Commit-
Thanks to all who attended. You are
tee has been very busy with phos-
wonderful and do so much good!
phate mining, red tide, energy and
Thanks also to Kathy Emerson for all
other issues. We also now have a
her hard work in coordinating the
new subcommittee chaired by Mark
meeting —great meeting room, food
Oncavage with Helen Spivey, to help
and a wonderful evening Saturday
prevent more nuclear plants in Flor-
night. Socialization is an important
ida. Anyone out there interested? Call
part of our meeting, so let’s always
Mark (305) 251-5273; I’m sure he
remember to mix our work with fun!
could use some help.
Betsy Roberts, Chapter Chair
Bev Griffiths of the Tampa Bay Group
agreed to work on the oil and gas
issue, and Carter Quillan of the
The Pelican Volume 39, no 3:
Editor: Kathy Criscola
Pelican Committee Co-Chairs: Kathy Criscola and Rosalie Shaffer
Published by the Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club, 319 E. Park Avenue, Tallahassee, FL
Address all inquiries to: PO Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0575 or
email editor@florida.sierraclub.org and
shaffer_us@yahoo.com
The Pelican is mailed three times per year to members of Sierra Club in the state of
Florida. Annual membership includes $1.00 for the chapter newsletter.
Send address changes to:
Sierra Club Member Services
PO Box 52968
Boulder, CO 80322-2968
or email: address.changes@sierraclub.org
Article Submissions: Send articles to the Pelican Committee, in Word or text format
to: P.O Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0575, or
email: editor@florida.sierraclub.org and shaffer_us@yahoo.com
Articles may be edited for space and clarity. Next deadline: January 19, 2008
Advertising: For an advertising rate sheet, write to:
P.O Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0575
or email: editor@florida.sierraclub.org
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
FALL 2007 OUTINGS
Gear up for some great outings!
Submitted by Rudy Scheffer, Chapter Outings Chair
Oct 6,7,8 Discover beautiful Oleta River State Park.
Paddle down the river towards the bay plus enjoy a leisure trail
walk at nearby Greynolds Park. Camaraderie ‘round the campfire
and spend cool nights in the air-conditioned group cabins. Moder-
ate. Limit 8. Cost: $100 members, $130 non- members.
Leader: Alan Nowell, 305-253-4250 or mrhitnmiss@aol.com. Asst:
Kaatje Bernabei, 305-223-6551 or kaatjebernabei@bellsouth.net
(Miami)
Oct 13 5th Annual John Muir Family Walk.
John Muir, the great environmentalist, and first President of the
Sierra Club when it was formed in 1892, landed in Fernandina
Beach on October 15, 1867, to begin his famous walk across Flor-
ida. We will celebrate the 140th anniversary of his landing in Flor-
ida with an easy 4 - mile walk at the new John Muir Ecological Park
on A1A in Yulee, Florida. This is a joint outing of the Yulee Historic
Council, the Northeast Florida and Nassau County groups of the
Sierra Club. Meet at the post office on A1A which is approximately
4 miles east of Interstate 95.
Leaders: Todd Sack M.D. and Brian Paradise. For further informa-
tion, contact Brian, BParadise@seastarline.com (Northeast)
Oct 13 Sunset sea kayak trip to Caladesi Island.
Moderate 2 hour paddle to observe the sunset. Bring snacks and
drinks. Learn about the birds and other wildlife on the Island.
Afterwards optional dinner at a local restaurant. Leader: Rudy
Scheffer, 727-726-8375 or rudy@adventuresworldwide.com
Oct 14 Hike at Three Lakes/Prairie Lakes.
Within an hour’s drive of Disney World is the Kissimmee Prairie,
one of the largest remaining expanses of dry prairie in the United
States. A significant portion of the Kissimmee Prairie has been
preserved within the Three Lakes Wildlife Management Area.
Named for the three lakes that border the area (Lake Kissimmee,
Lake Jackson, and Lake Marian), we’ll hike 5.7 miles along the
Florida National Scenic Trail and enjoy the colorful flush of wild-
flowers in fall. This trail wanders through marsh, meadow, ham-
mock and pine forest all in the wildlife management area. There is
an abundance of animals —deer, bald eagles, caracara, sandhill
cranes. Bring lunch and we’ll carpool from Orlando. Cost $1.00 per
person admission. Contact: Mary -Slater Linn 407-481-4398 or
flsierra@bellsouth.net (Central)
Training Events:
Sep 29 OLT101/201. Outing leader training. Location will be
in Broward County.
Contact Charles Hunt for details at sierra@smartsolutions.com.
Oct 20 OLT 101. For new Outing Leaders or for re-
certification. Location in the Tampa Bay Area.
For more details contact: Rudy Scheffer, (727) 726-8375 or
rudy@adventuresworldwide.com.
There also will be another Wilderness First Aid course in the
fall, but the date is not set yet.
Page 3
P h o t o b y M a r y -S l a t r L i n n
Ready to launch at Silver Springs: Sierrans make final preparations
before spending a day canoeing and kayaking on Silver Springs.
Oct 25 Coquina Beach Bay Side Potluck and Sunset/Full
Moon Beach Walk. 6:30 p.m.
Please bring a dish to serve 8, your table service, drink, bug repel-
lent and a $5 donation per adult to the pavilion next to the play
equipment close to the southern most boat ramp on Anna Maria
Island. Please reserve by Oct. 23 with Mary 941-752-3200
(Manatee- Sarasota)
Oct 27 10th Annual Oakland Heritage Festival.
Come out for boat rides on Lake Apopka, good food, check out the
vendors and environmental group, enjoy the music. Come spend
an afternoon under the oaks. The mission of the Oakland Nature
Preserve is to promote understanding of the fragile balances
among land, water, mankind, and the environment by educating
people about the natural ecosystems of the Lake Apopka Basin and
by restoring and conserving the lands within the Preserve. This
one- day event goes from 10:00 AM until 4:00 PM at Speers Park in
the town of Oakland, Florida. For more information contact: Mary-
Slater Linn 407-481-4398 or flsierra@bellsouth.net (Central)
Oct 27, 28 Jonathan Dickinson State Park Camping.
Join us for car camping, hiking and canoeing and BBQ. Leisure.
Limit 10. Cost: $25 members, $30 non- members.
Leader: Ed Zaret, 305-586-3564 (Miami)
Oct 30 Pontoon Boat Ride from Lake Monroe to Blue Spring
Special Wednesday outing!
9:30-4:30 for a pontoon boat ride with Jungle Jim, who spoke at
the Sierra Club, Central Florida Group meeting in July about alliga-
tors. He can take 9 people on his pontoon boat ride and we’ll take
an eco-cruise from Lake Monroe to Blue Springs. We'll visit the
lower Wekiva River basin and stop at Blue Springs State Park for
our picnic lunch and a swim down the spring run. It cost $35 for
this all day tour. Space limited to 9 people. RSVP: Contact: Mary -
Slater Linn 407-481-4398 or flsierra@bellsouth.net (Central)
Dec 2-10 Come With Us to Explore Costa Rica
For information call Ed at 941-747-2801 or Pete at 941-729-8006.
Dec 26-30 Holiday Hike - Four night/five day backpack trip
to Myakka River State Park.
A moderate hike of about 30 miles. We plan to explore and stay at
several of the parks best campsites. Your leaders will help you
learn about the history of this park and what it has to offer. Limit
of 8 participants. Cost is $20 plus campsite reservation fees. Co-
leaders Mike Pici, 727-798-9227 or revmp777@earthlink.net, Ben
Berauer, 727-392-2821 or bfberauer@aol.com (Suncoast)
 Volume 39, Issue 3
Page 4 The Pelican, Fall 2007

NEWS FROM AROUND FLORIDA

Concerned Friends of Fernandina

From the Nassau Group
Crane Island legal challenge

T he effort to stop the large-

scale development of
section of the Comp Plan.

The lead developer—the Amelia

Crane Island received a posi-
tive boost from Circuit Court
Judge Brian Davis in July. The
suit, brought by several com-
munity activists including two
members of the Nassau Sierra
Group executive committee, is
against Nassau County for
illegally changing the Compre-
hensive Plan and Future Land
Use Map (FLUM) in order to
approve a planned unit devel-
opment for Crane Island of 163
homes plus a 90-slip marina.
Crane Island is a small mari-
time island —a hammock with a
number of large heritage
oaks —that lies between Amelia
Island and the Intracoastal
Waterway. In 1992 the state
required Crane Island be cate-
gorized as “conservation/ wet-
lands”. Land owners and devel-
opers have tried to change that
designation to “residential”
three times, every time being
denied by the Department of
Consumer Affairs. In 2006 the
Nassau County Commission
voted to change the Comp Plan
and FLUM citing an obscure
Island Company—has taken
over the lead of the defense
from the County. The AIC had
filed a motion to dismiss the
Crane Island: threatened by development
suit. However, in a hearing with
Judge Davis at the end of June,
the AIC withdrew most of its
objections. (The motion for
dismissal is seen as nothing
more than legal harassment to
run up our legal costs, as it had
no legal basis.)
For further information and
how you can help, visit the
Nassau Sierra Group online at:
http://florida.sierraclub.org/
nassaucounty/
Our suit has two parts: the first
is that a county cannot change
its Comprehensive Plan and
Future Land Use Map without
state approval. We have a very
strong case with solid court
rulings, as well as expert wit-
nesses, to support our conten-
tion that this was illegal.
The second part of our suit is
that the county and developers
participated in illegal “contract
zoning” where, by use of a
four- month- long negotiation
over a memorandum of under-
standing, the Crane Island PUD
was set up by prior agreement
between developers and
county.
Where the first part of the suit
will be heard at trial —date has
not been set—the second part
will be reviewed by the judge in
a process known as certiorari.
Judge Davis has just agreed to
do this (objecting to certiorari
was the essence of the AIC’s
motion to dismiss). Judge Davis
is expected to issue a decision
in the next month or so.
The actions of the AIC and its
attorneys are costly. The
Friends of Crane Island Coali-
tion has raised $17,000 so far
with most of that already used
for legal fees. We expect attor-
ney fees and the costs of ex-
pert witnesses for the trial will
require another $10,000. The
Friends of Crane Island have
made an e- mail appeal to the
public —primarily high- wealth
individuals —that is beginning to
bear fruit. Fund raising events
are being planned for the au-
tumn.
The stakes are high. If we
cannot sustain the legal action
the County, City and develop-
ers will know that the public
does not have the heart to
make a significant challenge to
illegal actions and they will be
free to do whatever they
please. If we can persevere we
can deliver an important lesson
to elected officials. We’ve
drawn a line in the sand. We
must hold that line.
submitted by Robert Weintraub

Save our cypress

Cypress trees belong in the ground, not in plastic bags!
By Joe Murphy, Gulf Restoration Network

A Florida cypress forest is a beautiful

thing. Cypress trees pro-
systems are being lost, with entire trees

Learn more and get

being ground up to be sold in
vide habitat for threatened the garden departments of Wal-
and endangered species, criti- involved! Contact Joe Mart, Home Depot and Lowe’s.
cal areas for migratory birds, Murphy of the Gulf
Restoration Network Don’t buy cypress mulch! Use
protect our communities from
at 352-583-0870, or one of the many ecologically
flooding, filter our waters, and
joe@healthygulf.org sustainable alternatives, and
are part of the amazing ex- Good company! Dick Williams, seen here stand-
vote with your dollars. Please
perience of being in nature in ing between cypress trees at Rock Bluff Springs,
take a moment on your next shopping trip led a Sierra Club campaign against cutting cy-
Florida. They are a valuable and intrinsic
to tell the store manager that you don’t press trees in Gilchrist County.
element of all that is wild and free in Flor-
want the company to sell cypress mulch,
ida. They belong in the ground, in our wet- Sierra Club to spread the word about pro-
and visit www.healthygulf.org to send a
lands, in cypress domes, and along our tecting cypress forests. Together we can
message directly to the CEO’s of Wal-Mart,
coastlines….not in plastic bags as mulch. protect the rivers, lakes, swamps and
Home Depot and Lowe’s.
coastlines of Florida to ensure that cypress
Cypress forests in Louisiana, Florida and
The Gulf Restoration Network is proud to be trees are preserved for wildlife, and for
throughout the Gulf are being clear-cut to
working within the Florida Chapter of the future generations.
produce cypress mulch. Whole swamp eco-
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
From Sarasota—Win on fertilizer use rules
By Stuart DeCew, Sierra Club Regional Office, Sarasota
O n August 27 the Sarasota Board of
County Commissioners passed the
strongest county fertilizer ordinance in
Florida. This is the result of over a year
and a half of coordinated education, out-
reach, and media work by volunteer lead-
ers from the Manatee-Sarasota Sierra Club
Group, statewide members of the Red Tide
Working Group, National Sierra Club staff,
and our coalition partners in the area.
Here are some specifics of the ordinance:
• It prohibits residents from applying fertil-
izers that contain nitrogen or phosphorus
in the rainy season, between June 1 and
September 30.
• It sets maximum levels for the amount of
nitrogen and phosphorus that legal fertil-
izers can contain.
• It sets a fertilizer- free zone within 10 feet
of any body of water and creates a vol-
untary "low maintenance zone" within six
feet of water bodies.
Maggy Hurchalla: Florida needs all its wetlands
By December McSherry
M aggy Hurchalla
served as Martin
County Commissioner
from 1974 to 1994. She
made wetlands protec-
tion policy part of the
county comprehensive
plan. She has served on
national, state, regional
and local task forces and
committees as an expert on wetlands. She
continues to testify for Florida's Everglades
and wetlands.
Maggy Hurchalla has spent her free time
exploring the vast natural wild areas, rivers
and swamps of Florida since she was a
child. She has sadly seen much of it disap-
pear under bulldozers.
Hurchalla has advocated for decades restor-
ing and preserving Florida's wetlands, la-
goons and coastal estuaries. They are im-
portant not only for wildlife and migratory
birds, but for us and our survival. No wet-
land in Florida is isolated and the mosaic of
small sloughs are just as important to Flor-
ida’s water supply and wildlife.
Hurchalla proposed the rebirth of natural
marshlands on the edge of the Everglades
and the return of sheet flow. The Ever-
glades is the largest subtropical wilderness
• It requires the use of fertilizers that are
at least 50% "Controlled or Slow" re-
lease.
• It requires all commercial fertilizer appli-
cators to receive proper certification and
training in Sarasota County Best Manage-
ment Practices.
The ordinance passed unanimously by a
vote of 5 to 0. It was a clean sweep at the
local level. All of the concerns and issues
we raised over the course of a year and a
half were addressed in the in the final
version of the ordinance.
in the United States. It has been designated
an International Biosphere Reserve, a World
Heritage Site, and a Wetland of Interna-
tional Importance, in recognition of its sig-
nificance to all people of the world. Hur-
challa was a key player in stopping one of
the giant reservoirs promoted by the Bush
lands must be increased if South Florida's
administration in the Everglades and in-
wading bird population is to survive. We
stead helped create a plan for a 90,000 acre
need to get back some of what we've lost.
natural wildlife habitat.
In July, Hurchalla spoke before the Mana-
tee-Sarasota Group. Below are some ex-
cerpts from her speech:
“Wetlands are beautiful…Wetland values are
local…They cannot be replaced by some-
thing better or somewhere else. The wet-
land in your neighborhood is about birds
and critters in your neighborhood.
The wetland in your neighborhood is what
sets the quality, timing and quantity of the
runoff to your part of the estuary. Replacing
all those values somewhere else would not
take care of your neighborhood.
Preserving and restoring all wetlands
through strict development rules is a good
investment and good public policy.... and
backed by all our scientific knowledge. De-
stroying them is stupid…I am not a fan of
mitigation. It offends me as an environmen-
talist because it does not work. When a
Page 5
From the Greater Charlotte
Harbor Group—2007 WINS
T he Greater Charlotte Harbor Group
reports some big wins in 2007. Earlier
this year, through their hard work combined
with that of a coalition of community asso-
ciations, they were able to get a developer’s
agreement for the Wildflower Golf Course
retracted by the Charlotte County Commis-
sion. That plan would have added another
390 density units to an already overbur-
dened Placida Peninsula.
In May, the group’s testimony helped get
the county to reject the Omni Waste Dump
proposed for just north of Babcock Ranch.
This busy group has also supplied three
positions on a stakeholders’ panel to rewrite
the county’s excavation ordinance. And
although five of the nine positions on the
panel represent mining interests, the group
was able to get important protections for
the environment into the new ordinance.
developer talks about mitigating a wetland
he is talking about killing the wetland.
Wading bird populations continue to dwin-
dle…It is one of the goals of the Compre-
hensive Everglades Restoration Plan that
the spatial extent of short hydroperiod wet-
When wetlands dry down they become
supermarkets of protein for wading bird
parents. The sheer physical concentration of
protein in a catchable space makes it possi-
ble to feed hordes of hungry baby birds…
Clouds of wading birds that darkened the
sky are no longer there. They are perma-
nently buried by suburban subdivisions in
Dade and Broward and Palm Beach
County.”
Ms. Hurchalla describes a night in the Ever-
glades on a canoe trip:
“We slept over water with our hammocks
tied to willow trees. There was water all
around. But it was all about sky and reflect-
ing infinity. I have never seen a more beau-
tiful sunrise. The reflected sunrise in the
west, in the water and in the sky, was as
bright as sunrise in the east. It was a glori-
ous painting of all the shades of pink and all
the shapes of clouds.”

Page 6
MORE NEWS FROM AROUND FLORIDA
The Gopher Tortoise management plan
Comments by Rebecca Eagan, FWC
Gopher Tortoise Stakeholder Group
Steering Committee
G opherus polyphemus is the south-
east’s only tortoise and it is pivotal to
Florida upland ecology, sharing its burrow
with many other upland species. This an-
cient herbivore is long- lived and adaptable
to human presence, given forage, burrow
sites and safety from roads, dogs, poaching
and machinery. Planning for its needs and
cooperation between agencies, govern-
ments, and citizens are required for the
gopher to survive.
Fifteen years of “incidental take” (paying a
fee and entombing tortoises) has done
damage: of the nearly 100,000 tortoises
statewide permitted by the Florida Fish and
Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) to
be buried alive, about one third died in
Orange, Lake, Osceola and Seminole coun-
ties —some for roads and schools and some
for speculative developments. High cumu-
lative tortoise losses in individual counties
did not slow incidental take permit issu-
ance—as the Expressway Authority’s burial
of over 440 in March starkly shows —nor
did it stop counties from approving tor-
toise- deadly projects.
An 80-90% population decline has led FWC
to up- list the gopher tortoise to
“Threatened” and draft a Management Plan
that requires relocation. Although public
outcry against tortoise suffering prodded
the agency to “eliminate entombment,” the
Plan will not take full effect for two years
and applies only to new permits, while
“grandfathering” in the non -expiring/ heri-
Read “Rustle the Leaf” online at www.rustletheleaf.com. "Rustle The Leaf" Comics characters courtesy of Go Natur'L Studios, LLC, 2005. The "Rustle
The Leaf Comics" properties copyright and trademark of Go Natur'L Studios, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
table kill permits still being issued through
July 30th, when the “Interim Incidental
Take Policy”, which mandates relocation
but not proper protocol or site criteria,
replaces the old incidental taking policy.
Now The Coalition for Property Rights
(CPR) has launched a campaign opposing
tortoise protections, threatening the pro-
gress made and consensus reached during
two intensive years of FWC -convened tor-
toise stakeholder steering committee meet-
ings. One CPR representative claims tor-
toise protections thwart “The American
Dream”.
The Gopher Tortoise is an irreplaceable
skein in our life- web. Let’s cherish it.
Out for an afternoon stroll: Gopher Tortoise
grazing at Ichetucknee State Park
Review the plan and other materials
online at:
http://myfwc.com/imperiledspecies/plans/
final_draft_gopher_tortoise.pdf
http://myfwc.com/imperiledspecies/
petitions/gopher- tortoise.htm
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
Comments by David Auth, Florida
Chapter Biodiversity Issue Chair
I
ncidental take was an abominable prac-
tice, and the Florida Chapter agrees with
its cessation. We firmly disagree with the
FWC position to relocate 180,000 additional
tortoises over 15 years. It is way too many
tortoises and many of them will die. With-
out enclosures and long- term monitoring
and making sure the habitat is appropriate,
the latter being impossible if the FWC car-
ries out its proposal to repopulate areas in
other states as well, hundreds of miles
from where the tortoises evolved inside the
state, with different climates. Also unrealis-
tic is the FWC's proposal to buy over
600,000 more acres of tortoise habitat,
which would cost as much or more than the
entire proposed ten years of Florida For-
ever II, at one billion dollars a year.
It is time to stop relocating tortoises and
instead protect them and their burrow
associates where they live now, on both
private and public lands. Otherwise the
FWC will continue to make the situation
worse, as the agency has for many years,
via both relocation and killing the tortoises
in place. It is time for the people of Florida
to pay for protecting the remaining tor-
toises and their associates where they live,
requiring perpetual management practices
as well as purchasing conservation ease-
ments to prevent development. Sierra Club
does not accept the FWC draft manage-
ment plan as written, as it will not stabilize
the populations of the Gopher tortoise in
Florida.
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
Florida Summit on Global Climate Change
Governor Crist’s “Serve To Preserve” initiative
By Susie Caplowe, Sierra Club Florida Chapter Lobbyist
T he realization by Governor Crist that
carbon dioxide emissions from coal-
burning power plants and transportation
vehicles contribute to global warming,
climate change, powerful hurricanes, rising
sea levels, increasing storm strength, ex-
treme flooding and severe drought —all too
familiar to Florida residents —was the gene-
sis for his recent Climate Summit as part of
his Serve to Preserve Florida initiative to
address the impacts of global climate
change on our environment.
This historic gathering, which took place in
Miami July 12 —13, reinforced a growing
public determination to confront the climate
change that threatens Florida’s 1,200- mile
coastline and $7-billion-a-year outdoor
recreation industry. The goal of the Summit
was to bring together state, national and
international leaders and members of the
business and environmental communities
to explore opportunities for advancing a
global climate change agenda and specific
climate action plans. Close to 1000 people
attended, surrounded by allies, activists,
agency staffers, Public Service Commission
members, dozens of Florida Legislators,
media and a line up of keynote speakers:
Governor Crist, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.,
Theodore Roosevelt IV, and California Gov-
ernor Arnold Schwarzenegger.
To hear the panel discussions and key note
speakers from the Climate Summit Archives:
http://www.myfloridaclimate.com
Executive Orders:
http://www.myfloridaclimate.com/news
To follow the Florida Energy Commission:
http://www.floridaenergycommission.gov
All speakers and panel participants offered
a variety of challenges and opportunities
for us to embrace, pro and con, over the
two day summit. At the close of the Sum-
mit, Governor Crist signed three executive
orders and international agreements with
the United Kingdom and Germany. The aim
of the executive orders are to cut green-
house gas emissions to 1990 levels by
2025, to require 20% of state power to
come from renewable sources and to com-
pel civil servants to use fuel-efficient vehi-
cles and “green” offices. The Governor’s
executive orders also call for curbing all
greenhouse-gas emissions from power
plants to their 2000 levels within a decade,
and to one - fifth of their 1990 levels by
Page 7
Sierrans at the Summit: Standing, l to r: Susie Caplowe, Leon Jacobs, Eleanor Strickland, Gale
Dickert, Sue Michalson, Gerry Swormstedt, Barbara Curtis, Peggy Coley
Kneeling, l to r: Lisa Flournoy, Joy Towles Ezell, George Cavros, Betsy Roberts
2050. That equates to eliminating about his Climate Task Force and set their
260 of the 298 million metric tons carbon agenda, and as reported by George Cavros,
spewed annually into the air. member of the Chapter Legal Committee
and Broward group, the Department of
The Florida Chapter of the Sierra Club was
Environmental Protection already held their
well represented at the Climate Summit,
first series of meetings to implement the
with more than 30 activists from across the
Executive Orders on curbing carbon dioxide
state, including National Sierra Club’s Ex-
emissions and increasing CAFE standards
ecutive Director Carl Pope who stated that
for automobiles in Florida. Also, the Public
“a tsunami is rising across America, and it
Service Commission has begun workshops
is headed straight for the beaches of the
on renewable portfolio standards and net
Beltway. The panels focused on leadership
metering, etc. and the Chapter has myself,
and success stories, and none of the speak-
Joy and other activists, and Leon Jacobs, a
ers, fittingly, were from the federal govern-
former Public Service Commission Chair-
ment…” Other attendees include: Chapter
man appointed by the late Governor
Energy Chair Joy Towles Ezell, who also
Lawton Chiles, attending them. Let us know
serves on the Florida Energy Commission
who else is out there participating in en-
sub committee on climate change (along
ergy related meetings so we can all work
with Tom Larson from the Northeast
together on changing the face of energy
Group), several National Florida staffers,
polices to efficiency and conservation for
Chapter Chair Betsy Roberts, Barbara Cur-
years to come.
tis, Chapter Admin
Chair, members
from the Villages/ GO ELECTRIC e Bikes & Scooters
Naturecoast, Bro-
No gas, no sweat, no fumes. . . Go Electric!!
ward, Loxahatchee,
Central Florida, Big
Bend, Miami, Sun- More than 15 models of electric bikes and scooters
coast, Manatee/ starting from $340 to over $1500
Sarasota and oth-
for new lithium-powered bikes!
ers.
Sales and service since 2003
During the month
following the Sum- 403 N. Hwy 17-92 Longwood, FL (north of Orlando)
mit, the Governor website: www.goelectric.net phone: 407-657-5550
Crist has rolled out
 Volume 39, Issue 3
Page 8 The Pelican, Fall 2007

CAMPAIGN UPDATES
Putting Florida Hometown Democracy on the ballot
As of June 2007, we're approximately 65% of the But we have the power to change this unchecked, unrea-
way toward collecting enough petitions to make it soned growth.
on the 2008 ballot! Don't slow down now! Sign the
It's all included in the Hometown Democracy
FHD petition on the next page, then get five of your
Amendment - a chance for all the citizens of a community to
friends to sign copies. Together we can save Florida.
vote when a change to the Comprehensive Plan is proposed.
How many times in the past years have you driven by a forest cut Changes to Comprehensive Plans would be done in an orderly way.

to the ground for new homes, seen a waterway polluted by sedi- Planners would review the proposed changes, elected councilmen

ment and runoff, been stuck in traffic gridlock, would have a chance to comment and hold hearings, but in the end
seen neighborhoods turned into strip shopping the voters would approve or deny the
centers. Do you wonder what happened to the Want to do more? changes.
deer, otters, birds that used to live in the woods Contact your local group, or
John Hedrick, Sprawl/ FHD There's only one catch. We can't vote to ap-
near your home? Is the only green space around
Chair, at (850) 339-5462 prove the amendment on the 2008 ballot
you filled with “For Sale” signs? Do you ask
johnhedrick13@yahoo.com yet —first we have to collect enough signa-
yourself why your taxes are so high and your
See also: tures to get it there. The Sierra Club is taking
schools so overcrowded, when our leaders pro- an active part in supporting the measure, and
www.FloridaHometownDemo
nounce that growth is good for our state? cracy.com for forms and collecting enough signatures by the end of
where to send donations this year to place the amendment on the
You are not alone in asking questions with few
answers. The statistics on Florida's growth woes ballot. FHD has collected 475,000 of the
are frightening. Citizens everywhere in the state are asking ques- 611,000 needed (with some awaiting validation). Please sign and
tions about how much they are expected to endure in their com- send in the petition now. You must be registered to vote in Florida
munity. Where is the planning to control growth and protect the to be able to provide a valid signed petition.
environment?
Please also print five copies of the petition and take them to your
Florida state law requires that each local government have a Com- friends, family, and coworkers. The Florida Chapter is helping to
prehensive Plan—a plan for a county's growth that will ensure fund this effort; please consider making your own contribution as

adequate roads, schools and other services, and provide conserva- well. This amendment is so important to the future of your commu-

tion of the environment and natural resources. While these plans nity and our state.
are in place in our cities and counties, lawmakers are giving in to Let's all work together to put it on the 2008 ballot.
developers' whims by simply amending the Comp Plan at every Credit: includes information from the Northeast Florida Group website

turn—rendering the plan completely ineffective and meaningless.

The Everglades Skyway These baby screech owls could

by Jonathan Ullman, Sierra Club South Florida Office be in YOUR yard!
T he Everglades Skyway campaign continues to make progress
in its quest to elevate 11 miles of Tamiami Trail to allow for
I magine the thrill you would
have if you could watch To orde
r your n
esting
the natural, unimpeded flow of water into Everglades National
baby screech owls take their box, ca
Park and Florida Bay. Our broad- based coalition now numbers ll or em
ail
first flights. Promote the Bob Ta
nearly 40 organizations representing business, civic, environ- ylor at
possibility by installing a (8 6 3 ) 4
3 9-2 2 5
mental, and tourism interests, Miami- Dade and Monroe Counties, RTa338 1 or
nesting box in your yard. 51@aol.
and six South Florida munici- com
Visit our Most of the time the boxes
palities including the City revised website are used by wood ducks, but more
of Miami.
www.buildtheskyway.com and more people are gleefully
The Skyway concept reporting owls.
where you can learn more about the
is supported by a bi-
Skyway, follow links to our Skyway Minimum donation is $50 for a
partisan group of
Coalition members and supporters small box and $60 for a large
Photo by: Dr. Paul Gray

elected officials; a and email Governor Crist and one; shipping is usually about
number of which have Congressional leaders $15 within the state. All mon-
taken leadership roles, directly.
ies in excess of material costs
including Miami-Dade Mayor
are donated to the Richard
Carlos Alvarez and County Commission Chairman Bruno Barreiro.
Coleman Scholarship Fund at
Supporters also include Florida House Speaker Marco Rubio and
New College. Due to the suc-
Florida House Minority leader Dan Gelber.
cess of this project, Sierra has
Reach Jonathan at 305-860-9888 or Jonathan.Ullman@sierraclub.org
reached four- fifths of the endowment goal of $25,000!
 CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PETITION FORM
104.185 – A person who knowingly signs a petition or petitions for a candidate, minor political party, or an issue
more than one time commits a misdemeanor of the first degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

I am a registered voter of Florida and hereby petition the Secretary of State to place the following
amendment to the Florida Constitution on the ballot in the next general election.
I AM REGISTERED TO VOTE IN __________________COUNTY.
NAME__________________________________ STREET ADDRESS_______________________________
Please PRINT Name as it appears on Voter I.D. Card PRINT Current Physical Address ( NO PO BOXES)

CITY_________________________ , FL ZIP__________ , USA COUNTY___________________

(County of residence)

IS THIS A CHANGE OF ADDRESS FOR VOTER REGISTRATION IN SAME COUNTY? Yes___ No___

VOTER REGISTRATION NUMBER________________ -or- DATE OF BIRTH _____/_____/_____

Month Day Year

X_____________________________________ DATE____________________
SIGNATURE AS IT APPEARS ON VOTER I.D. CARD DATE SIGNED

BALLOT TITLE: REFERENDA REQUIRED FOR ADOPTION AND AMENDMENT OF LOCAL

GOVERNMENT COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLANS.
BALLOT SUMMARY: Establishes that before a local government may adopt a new comprehensive
land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, the proposed plan or amendment shall be
subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum, following preparation by the
local planning agency, consideration by the governing body and notice. Provides definitions.
FULL TEXT OF PROPOSED AMENDMENT:
BE IT ENACTED BY THE PEOPLE OF FLORIDA THAT:
Article II, Section 7. Natural resources and scenic beauty of the Florida Constitution is amended to add the
following subsection:
Public participation in local government comprehensive land use planning benefits the conservation and protection
of Florida’s natural resources and scenic beauty, and the long-term quality of life of Floridians. Therefore, before a
local government may adopt a new comprehensive land use plan, or amend a comprehensive land use plan, such
proposed plan or plan amendment shall be subject to vote of the electors of the local government by referendum,
following preparation by the local planning agency, consideration by the governing body as provided by general law,
and notice thereof in a local newspaper of general circulation. Notice and referendum will be as provided by general
law. This amendment shall become effective immediately upon approval by the electors of Florida.
For purposes of this subsection:
1. “Local government” means a county or municipality.
2. “Local government comprehensive land use plan” means a plan to guide and control future land development
in an area under the jurisdiction of a local government.
3. “Local planning agency” means the agency of a local government that is responsible for the preparation of a
comprehensive land use plan and plan amendments after public notice and hearings and for making
recommendations to the governing body of the local government regarding the adoption or amendment of a
comprehensive land use plan.
4. “Governing body” means the board of county commissioners of a county, the commission or council of a
municipality, or the chief elected governing body of a county or municipality, however designated.
Serial Number: 05-18 Date Approved: June 21, 2005

Return to: www.FloridaHometownDemocracy.com

phone: (866) 779-5513
Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc., email: info@floridahometowndemocracy.com
P.O. Box 636 PLEASE DONATE! Contributions should be made
New Smyrna Beach, FL 32170-0636 payable to “Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.”

pd.pol.adv., Florida Hometown Democracy, Inc.

 Volume 39, Issue 3
Page 1 0 The Pelican, Fall 2007

2007 CONSERVATION CONFERENCE

FRIDAY EVENING—SUNDAY , NOVEMBER 2-4, 2007
at the Pine Lake Retreat, Groveland Florida
www.pinelakeretreat.com
brought to you by the Sierra Club Florida Chapter

PUBLIC LANDS
ADVENTURE (VICARIOUS !)
POPULATION
WILDLIFE
FISHERIES
SKILLS

If you have any

questions, contact
Ben Fusaro, Conservation
Conference Coordinator
at (850) 297-2052 or
e-mail fusaro@math.fsu.edu
Enjoy a weekend getaway with fellow environmentalists, learn more about saving what’s left of Old Florida, and
charge your green batteries. Saturday morning, we start off with Mike Long, Director of Forestry, on managing
forests and protecting resources; Joyce Tarnow (of FHD-Publix fame), on the environment and population; and
Jennifer Hecker, Conservancy of SW Florida, on panthers and patching their fragmented habitat via corridors.
In the afternoon, Sierrans will provide a variety of presentations—an ocean-going experience with Sea Shepherd,
legal self-defense, managing outdoor programs, defeating a billionaire developer, lobbying the Florida legislature,
sustaining Gulf fisheries, and saving the gopher tortoise.
This stimulating activity will be followed by a nature walk, evening
entertainment and an awards ceremony.
Buffet-style meals will be served in the retreat’s cafeteria, or cook
your own food in your lodging’s kitchen or tent camp grill. Enjoy
the beautiful outdoor setting with trails, swimming, canoeing,
volleyball and a playground. Bring the kids or non-Sierran
friends.
This Retreat is located in central Florida, about 30 mi south of
Ocala and 40 mi west of Orlando. It’s just south of Leesburg and
the Florida Turnpike. A map of the Retreat, and information on its
facilities, are on the above website. (For motels near the Retreat,
google “motels Groveland FL”.)
Please fill out the registration form now. Send it in early and get
your choice of accommodations. The registration fee is only $15
(the same as in 2006), which helps to cover our meeting room
rentals and other expenses.
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007 Page 1 1

2007 CONSERVATION CONFERENCE REGISTRATION FORM

For more information, contact Ben Fusaro at (850) 297-2052 or fusaro@math.fsu.edu
Please register early—Deadline to order meals and lodging is Monday, 22 October; please, no refunds
after that date. Mail this form & a check payable to Florida Chapter of Sierra Club to:
Ben Fusaro, 379 Rob Roy Trail, Tallahassee FL 32312-1467

Name(s):
Include the names of all the people you are registering.

Address: Conference Fees

City/Zip: No. of attendees Fee/person Sub-total
$
Phone: X $15.00
Fee Total:
Email: (from row above) $
Meal Options: Please reserve—we have to book at least 25 diners in order to “make” a meal
Friday Saturday Sunday No. of meals No. of meals
$/meal Sub-total
2 Nov 3 Nov 4 Nov vegetarian omnivore
Breakfast X $8.50 $

Lunch X $8.50 $

Dinner X $8.50 $

Meal Total:
(add rows above) $
Lodging Options: Overnight options, Fri-Sat nights, 2-3 November. All lodges have kitchens/linens. Check in after 3pm Fri-
day; check out by 11am Sunday. Children’s discount varies —check with coordinator. Lodging map at: www.pinelakeretreat.com
(see lodging descriptions below) No. of persons No. of nights $/night/person Sub-total
Family Chalets X $22.00
Lodges A & B X $18.00
North Shore, South Hall, Bambi X $15.00
White House A & B X $13.00
RV sites X $19.00
Tent sites X $10.00
Lodging Total:
(add rows above)
$
GRAND
GRAND TOTAL
TOTAL (Sum
(Sum of
of Fee
Fee ++ Meals
Meals ++ Lodging):
Lodging): $
Family Chalets: 2 BR-2 BA, LR with sleep sofa, porch. Each bed- White House A: 1 BR, 2 bunk rooms, 2 BA, LR, porch;
room has one double bed. B: 4 bunk beds, 1 BA, LR.
Lodge A: 3 BR (bunks)- 2 BA, LR, KIT. / Lodge B: 2 BR (bunks)- 1 South Hall Lodge: 2 BR, 1 bunk rm, (2/rm)- 2 BA, KIT, porch
BA, KIT. Lodges share a porch. Tent Camping & R/V sites: Bath houses available. RV sites include
North Shore, Bambi Lodges: 2 BR (bunks)- 2 BA, LR with sleep sofas full hookups, no linens.

January 10-13, 2008 Everglades Conference

at South Seas Island Resort, Captiva Island
Hosted by Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

See website for information: http://www.evergladescoalition.org/

The Everglades Coalition is an alliance of 45 local, state and national conservation and environmental organizations dedi-
cated to full restoration of the greater Everglades ecosystem, from the Kissimmee Chain of Lakes into Lake Okeechobee,
through the "River of Grass", out to Florida Bay and the Keys.

Page 1 2
TALKING TRASH...
Municipal solid waste is not a renewable fuel
By Dwight Adams
B urning garbage to create
energy sounds like a great
idea, right? Get rid of the gar-
bage; create energy, what could
be wrong with that? Try swim-
ming in the Fenholloway River
or take a whiff of Palatka’s pa-
per- mill air and you’ll agree that
recycling is the way to go.
That’s why our support for re-
newable energy from sources
such as solar, wind, geothermal,
ocean currents, etc. instead of
fossil fuels should NOT include
municipal solid waste. Efforts to
include it failed in the recently-
passed U.S. House energy bill.
But proponents of Waste to
Energy burners are as deter-
mined as we are, and have the
advantage of big bucks avail-
able for lobbying (See their web
site at www.wte.org). The
Global Alliance for Incinerator
Alternatives, www.no- burn.org,
is following this closely and has
issued a useful report,
“Resources up in Flames.”
Expect a separate push in Flor-
ida to define solid waste as a
“renewable fuel” following Gov-
ernor Charlie Crist’s laudable
efforts toward combating global
warming. One of his executive
orders sets a goal of 20% of
power from renewable fuels by
2020. We need to make sure
solid waste is not included.
Not a member of Sierra Club? Join today, and be a part of the Nation’s oldest
and most effective environmental organization.
Join Sierra Club and you’ll MY NAME
receive these great benefits:
• You’ll be helping the
ADDRESS
planet
• Sierra Magazine—one-
year subscription CITY
• Sierra Club book &
calendar discounts EMAIL ADDRESS
• Worldwide Outings Membership Levels:
Program INTRODUCTORY
• Local Chapter, Group REGULAR
Memberships SENIOR /STUDEN T
Plastics that constitute
10-12% of the waste
and contain 30-40% of
the energy content
are derived mostly
from natural gas and
are certainly not re-
newable. For all com-
ponents of solid waste, analysis
of the energy required for re-
placing consumed materials
with virgin ones shows a net
energy loss relative to recycling
the materials, by factors of up
to five. In other words, the
energy gained from the fuel is
less than the extra energy re-
quired to replace the materials
with virgin ones. Furthermore,
recycling industries provide
many times more jobs, which
cannot be sent offshore, than
burning wastes that provides
only a few.
The Environmental Protection
Agency (www.epa.gov/
climatechange/wycd/waste/
downloads/greengas.pdf) ana-
lyzed greenhouse gas emissions
using different management
methods for solid waste, includ-
ing source reduction, recycling,
composting, landfilling with and
without methane recovery, and
combustion. Burning garbage
was the next to last manage-
ment option for reducing green-
house gases, ahead of just
continuing landfills without
STATE, ZIP
Individual
___$25
___$39
___$24
methane recovery. Even
landfills with methane
recovery for power
beat out burning the
garbage.
The EPA report also
gives examples clearly
showing that source reduction
and recycling are several times
as effective as burning garbage.
You may calculate your own
carbon footprint and the bene-
fits of recycling using the calcu-
lator at: www.epa.gov/
climatechange/emissions/
ind_calculator.html. The clear
lesson is that we need to in-
crease recycling.
There are many ways to in-
crease Florida’s recycling rate of
about 30-35% to 70% or more.
• Collect more materials (note:
Sanibel Island collects all 7
rigid plastics).
• Seek a ban on plastic bags in
grocery stores (San Francisco
has already).
• Make recycling mandatory,
including especially commer-
cial. The most successful
programs are mandatory;
imagine voluntary speed
limits!
• Use much steeper variable
rates (pay- as-you-throw).
Currently in Gainesville a 96-
PAYMENT METHOD:
Check enclosed, payable to the Sierra Club
MasterCard
CARDHOLDER NAME
CARD NUMBER
Contributions, gifts and dues to the Sierra Club are NOT tax deductible; they support our
effective, citizen -based advocacy & lobbying efforts. Your dues include $7.50 for a
subscription to Sierra Magazine , $1 for The Pelican, and a local newsletter.
Joint
___$47
___$32
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
gallon can costs only twice
that of the smallest 20-gallon
can; financial incentives to
recycle are not sufficient.
• Use a materials recovery
facility to recover recyclables.
• Use either composting or
anaerobic digestion (with
energy production from the
methane generated) for or-
ganic wastes such as food,
soiled paper, yard wastes,
etc.
Involve all the school boards in
Florida in a large recycling pro-
gram. Everyday so many plastic
bottles and styrofoam trays are
thrown away. It's an incredible
waste of energy. Also by doing
it in the schools, the children
may go home and suggest to
their parents: "Let's recy-
cle...We do it at school."
The author is University of Florida
Emeritus Professor of Physics, and
has written papers, given presenta-
tions, and expert testimony on this
subject. He was the National Solid
Waste Issue Chair who wrote the
Club’s policy on municipal solid
waste management.
Want to do more?
Let local, state, and national
officials know that you support
recycling, not burning of waste
for energy. For further
information or to be put on
email list, contact the author at:
adams@phys.ufl.edu.
VISA Exp Date __/__
F94Q W3300 -1
Mail to: Sierra Club
P.O. Box 52968
Boulder, CO 80322-2968
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
Compact fluorescent bulbs & mercury
P erhaps you have noticed these words "Lamp Contains Mercury"
on the packaging of your compact fluorescents (CFL).
Now we've had a lot of education on the danger of mer-
cury fall- out from coal- fired power plants. And we know
there's a serious problem if an old mercury thermome-
ter breaks in the house. So are we in trouble if we drop
and break one of these new energy-saver bulbs? The
answer is a resounding NO. The debris should be
treated a little more carefully, but that's it.
Most fluorescent bulbs contain around 5 milligrams of
mercury (some less); an old thermometer contains about
140 times that. Big difference. If a bulb breaks the EPA
advises:
• Open a window and leave the room for 15 minutes to let
the mercury vaporize.
• Do NOT vacuum up the pieces or use a broom.
• Use disposable rubber gloves and scoop up the pieces and
power with stiff paper.
• Wipe the area clean with something like a damp paper towel.
• Place all materials in plastic bags and close tightly.
Page 1 3
Responsible solid waste operators would like you to put the sealed
bag in your hazardous waste collection box; however, if the
bag ends up in the landfill, it is not considered a major
problem.
Seldom do people break light bulbs, and these CFLs will
last five years or longer. But to be on the conscientious
side, make a note to yourself to put any dead CFLs in
with your hazardous collection. By the way, the Federal
government already requires businesses to recycle fluo-
rescents.
One last thought on mercury: in the United States coal-
created power for residential lighting is responsible for
roughly 1.4 tons of mercury emissions every year. Eighty-
eight percent of home lighting is still incandescent; fluores-
cents use only one- fourth the energy of incandescents. If all
homes switched to fluorescents, the decrease in mercury emis-
sion would be considerable, as would the decrease in carbon diox-
ide and other pollutants. Switching to CFLs is an easy, safe and
significant step we all can take.
—submitted by Frances H.Coleman. Information credit: Sierra Club website

Page 1 4
2008 SIERRA CLUB FLORIDA CHAPTER ELECTION
Candidate Statements
David AUTH, Suwannee St. Johns
Group (Nominating Committee Candidate)
I have volunteered for elective jobs from 1985 to the
present (joined in 1972); as Group Chair (’92, ’93, ’04);
Chapter Archivist (‘87 – ’99), Conservation Chair (’98,
’99), and Biodiversity Issue Chair (2000 – ’07). The
Club’s focus should be on showing everyone how to live
gently within healthy ecosystems. Every Floridian,
including our politicians, must work for the public good,
because extrapolations from our beginnings clearly
demonstrate we must change some of our behaviors and
technologies. Sierra Club is uniquely suited to succeed
among non- governmental organizations, because it
relies on personal involvement of almost a million
members and volunteers, supported by paid staff. I
pledge to give of my effort and time, help fulfill good
ideas, and treat everyone with respect.
Barbara CURTIS, Broward Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
I am Barbara Curtis. I have been on Flexcom for two
years. I love the Sierra Club and have been active as
both chair and admin chair. I am interested in conserv-
ing our natural environment. I have participated in LDP
“leadership development program” to learn better
leadership skills, attended chapter chair training and
fund raising in San Francisco as well as participated in
the Climate summit in Miami. I wish to continue in a
leadership role in the chapter. I have been on the legal
committee for three years, voting to pursue legal
enforcement against entities that endanger the environ-
ment. I have served on the Loxahatchee Excom for
nearly 10 years and am presently chair of the Broward
group.
Joy Towles EZELL, Big Bend Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
I am a longtime, environmental and community activist/
organizer, knowledgeable about environmental health,
and air and water pollution issues. I have a Master's in
Agriculture Business and Entomology; I appeared on
CBS's 60 Minutes, National Public Radio, and was
featured in CNN's award- winning feature on pulp mill
pollution. I hope to serve on the Chapter's officer team
and help keep coal plants out and energy efficiency in,
organizing to protect our remaining wild lands from
polluting industries.
Ron HAINES, Loxahatchee Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
I belong to the Loxahatchee Group, where we forged a
strong team to stop Scripps from filling 2,000 wetland
acres. The Florida Chapter leadership must be an equally
powerful team, to protect our state and nurture our
volunteers.
In my 28 very active years as member I have held 9
Group leadership positions and 7 Chapter leadership and
committee positions.
My Chapter goals: Open decisions. Open committees.
Open financial planning. I want the same democratic
principles we demand of our government.
We need a strong team so my daughter can kayak the
Loxahatchee River when she is my age and still enjoy
viewing bald eagles, scrub- jays, and sandhill cranes.
TOGETHER we can build a stronger organization. Thanks
for your vote.
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007
Cullum HASTY, Calusa Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
I believe in taking action to protect our natural resources by getting
willing partners together to purchase pieces of land and make our own
local greenways. Installing a prototype solar energy collector personally
on my home, my activism and commitment to nature and wildlife, clean
air, clean water, is how I live my life.
I was born in Miami Fl, now live and serve the Calusa Group & Chapter
executive committees. Working within Sierra Club Chapter has given me
credibility to expand my efforts. Appointments include: Bonita Springs
LPA "local planning agency", CLASAC" conservation land acquisition and
stewardship advisory committee" of Lee County; Bonita Springs River
Keeper. Bonita Tree Advisory Committee; Agency on Bay Management.
I will work hard for you & appreciate your vote.
Pedro MONTEIRO, Broward Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
I'm a Florida resident of 28 years. I serve on the Florida Conservation
Executive Committee, in charge of Democracy and the Environment,
overseeing five conservation committees or issues. I also serve on the
Chapter Energy Committee and Coastal Committees, and also Chapter
Excom Secretary.
I worked on the successful Pig Gestation Crate Amendment to drive
factory hog farms out of Florida, and am now working on the Florida
Hometown Democracy amendment to require that local comprehensive
land use changes be put to voters for final approval, which should
proactively slow sprawl. I have represented Sierra Club on coalitions of
diverse groups, upholding Sierra Club values and increasing our reach
and effectiveness. My technical background proves valuable for environ-
mental analysis and improving electronic Sierra Club communications.
Bob SULLIVAN, Suncoast Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
Hello fellow Florida Sierrans! I'm Bob Sullivan, and I am running for re-
election to the FLEXCOM. Thanks for your prior support. I've served at
both Group and Chapter levels in the following positions:
Chapter Chair, Admin/Vice Chair, Group Chair, Conservation Chair,
Newsletter Editor, Local & State Political Chair & Treasurer.
We need to INCLUDE ALL FLORIDA SIERRA MEMBERS in everything that
we do. ALL 27 FLEXCOM voters should be kept fully informed of our
conservation & financial decisions. I will continue to strive to improve our
transparency and inclusion policies. We should return to the internal
Sierra Club communication tool, "The Clubhouse", to facilitate renewed
communication with our existing AND new members.
Please vote for Bob Sullivan again. Together, we can make a difference!
Marilyn WILES, Northeast Group
(Nominating Committee Candidate)
Thank you for the opportunity to seek a position as Member-at-Large on
Florida Chapter Executive Committee.
As an active community leader, I believe in promoting environmental
protection and conservation while emphasizing environmental integrity
and enforcement of existing laws. I am on the Northeast Group Execu-
tive Committee; participated in the Chapter leadership development
project; actively collect Florida Hometown Democracy petitions; and am
a University of Florida Master Naturalist.
I believe our responsibility is to make Florida Clean and Green:
• keeping its unique and pristine natural environment through effective
and enforceable laws and regulations;
• enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurship in developing solar
energy efficient products and services
• making Florida a world-class leader in healthy, affordable, and
sustainable communities.
Thank you for your consideration.
Volume 39, Issue 3
The Pelican, Fall 2007 Page 1 5

Ballot for 2008 Florida Executive Committee Election

Voting Instructions - Indicate your choices by
checking the box next to the names of the
candidates. Each member may cast one ballot,
voting for no more than five (5) persons. A
second column on the ballot is provided for joint
memberships. Use the second column only if you
have a joint membership. Write a 1 or 2 in the
box provided to record the number of persons
voting. The ballots will be checked to see if the
membership is entitled to two votes. If an
individual member votes in both columns, only the
votes in the first column will be counted.
See page 14 for candidate statements.
Mailing Instructions – Fold the ballot so that your
membership number appears on the outside. Place the ballot
in an envelope and mail to: Sierra Election Committee c/o
Mark Oncavage 12200 SW 110th Avenue, Miami, FL 33176-
4520. Ballots must be received by midnight October 26,
2007. Votes will be counted starting at 10 a.m. October 27,
2007, South Florida Office (Sierra Club), 2700 SW 3rd
Avenue, Suite 2F, Miami, FL 33129
If a member does not receive a Pelican, the member may
submit a ballot with his/her membership information (name,
expiration date and membership number) written on the
opposite side of the ballot.

FOLD ALONG THIS LINE. DO NOT CUT!

Be sure to write a 1 or 2 in this Mail to: SIERRA ELECTION COMMITTEE

box to record the number of c/o Mark Oncavage
people in your household voting. 12200 SW 110th Ave, Miami, FL 33176-4520

Column 1
Use this column for single memberships
or the 1st voter in a joint membership
household.
š Vote for up to 5 candidates
o David AUTH
o Barbara CURTIS
o Joy Towles EZELL
o Ron HAINES
o Cullum HASTY
o Pedro MONTEIRO
o Bob SULLIVAN
o Marilyn WILES
Column 2
Only use this column for 2nd voter in
joint membership households.
› š Vote for up to 5 candidates ›
o David AUTH
o Barbara CURTIS
o Joy Towles EZELL
o Ron HAINES
o Cullum HASTY
o Pedro MONTEIRO
o Bob SULLIVAN
o Marilyn WILES

FOLD ALONG THIS LINE. DO NOT CUT!

A true life adventure focusing on the

preservation of the world’s shark
Litter kills! -
populations don’t let this happen to wildlife!
Beth Hollenbeck found
For filmmaker Rob Stewart, explor-
this great blue heron in
ing sharks began as an underwa- Lake Formosa in
ter adventure. What it turned into Orlando. A beer can
was a beautiful and dangerous life became impaled on its
journey into the balance of life on beak and had moved
earth. up to its face, making it
Sharkwater takes you into the most tight on its beak.
shark- rich waters of the world, expos- Despite rehabilitation
ing the exploitation and corruption sur- efforts, the bird had
rounding the world's shark populations. gone too long without
food to survive.
This documentary opens in Florida theaters
on September 28. Check your local listings. What you can do: Help educate the public and
participate in litter cleanup projects and recycling
The film may also be available for group programs.
efforts. And when you see trash, pick it up!
Call Craig Evans, (954) 200-8021
 NONPROFIT ORG
U.S. POSTAGE

Florida Chapter Sierra Club PAID

The Pelican TALLAHASSEE, FL
P. O. Box 575, Tallahassee, FL 32302-0575 MODERN MAILERS
PERMIT 236

Shop smart, shop Sierra Club

From beautiful holiday or note cards, to phenomenal photography in the calendars, to
tasty coffee and teas, your local group may offer Sierra Club brand items for
sale. These make great gifts for friends, family and co-workers.

If the items you want are not carried by your local Sierra Club group, then shop
online at http://www.sierraclub.org/store/

Remember,
buying
directly from
your group
supports
LOCAL
conservation
work!