ZOOM – Sue, Donna, Ginny
Sue mentioned the new stormwater garden at the Blount County Extension HQ. She saw Julie Konkel working on it one day when she stopped. Ginny talked about Providence Church’s rain garden. Maryville gives a credit on residential utility bills for rain gardens.
Andrew Jones, Daily Times, called Sue about the Blount County Solar Array project. See article in DT: “Solar power could be coming to Maryville's energy grid” By Andrew Jones, Sep 6, 2020.
Ginny was concerned that this TVA project is more about greenwashing. It’s only 5% of energy needs replace by solar and a 20-year contract. It doesn’t go far enough to address need for renewable energy sources. Ginny is going to follow up with Public Utility Director Baron Swafford with questions she has.
Sue mentioned the upcoming meet and greet with Marquita Bradshaw, US Senate Candidate, who has a strong environmental justice platform.
Donna reported on the 2020 Citizen’s Climate Southeast/Appalachia Conference- there were excellent sessions. Some of it was recorded.
-Updates on Environmental rollbacks/actions:
*Alaska’s Pebble Mine
*Arctic National Wildlife Refuge drilling
*Endangered Species Act-Fish and Wildlife Services Proposal to issue a new definition of critical habitat under the ESA
*NEPA (National Environmental Policy Act)
No meeting in October – see you in November.
Members present: Donna, Ginny, Marilyn
POLLINATOR MEADOW & COMMUNITY GARDEN PROJECT
Ginny shared information about an exciting project being planned by the Green Team at New Providence Presbyterian Church in Maryville.
Her words: “This will be a 3-part project that deals with the church-owned lot that is on the corner of N Houston St. and W Broadway, across Houston from the upper parking lot, and across Broadway from MHS, towards the football field. The part right up against the Broadway sidewalk is fairly steep, and would be converted to meadow most likely starting early Spring 2021. Up the hill from that, possibly starting next summer – fall, we would install 3 or 4 vegetable beds, rotating crops and resting plots. The third part of the project involves the small “forest” area along the west border – the plan would be to remove the invasives and plant an assortment of natives to improve the wildlife habitat. This would probably be a couple of years or so down the road.”
WEARS VALLEY MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL SYSTEM
Donna reported to the group about the virtual NPS public meeting that she attended earlier in the summer. Click for info on the proposal: https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectId=91987
Since the deadline for public comments on the proposal was coming up, the group discussed the 3 alternatives proposed and their potential environmental impacts. Donna asked a question at the public meeting about the size of wetland in the area where the trails would be constructed, and whether the access road and/or trails would cross it. She was told it was 5 acres in size, and that bridges would be built across wetland for the access road, as well as for one of the trails in alternative 3.
She shared her concerns about all 3 alternatives, and the negative impacts of these miles of mountain bike trails on native plant communities and valuable habitat, as well as the inevitable disturbance to wildlife that would result from the activity on the trails. There would also be significant water quality impacts resulting from erosion during and after trail construction, as much of the terrain in the project area is very steep.
Donna also mentioned that she didn’t feel these trails are needed, in light of Senator Alexander’s proposed project to create 50 to 75 miles of trails for hiking and biking along the Foothills Parkway in Cocke County. Again, the subject about the maintenance backlog in GSMNP came up, and the concern that funds should be used to deal with those issues rather than in the creation of what is essentially a recreation area.
PEBBLE MINE PROJECT-Bristol Bay AK
We briefly discussed the enormous negative environmental and economic impacts to the Native communities this project would create if it proceeded as planned.
Post meeting update: Last week the US Army Corp of Engineers issued a statement saying the mine could not go forward under its current proposal, and gave the mining company 90 days to submit a plan to mitigate environmental damage in the sparsely-populated watershed in Western Alaska. In addition, a group of 32 members of Congress have asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to veto permits for the project. In a letter to the EPA, they wrote that “The project doesn’t meet the standards of the people of Alaska, who have made their opposition to it quite clear – opposition is consistently between 55 to 60 percent among Alaskans and the mine is opposed by Alaska Native tribes, sportsmen, fishermen, and scientists. A project of massive scale should face an incredible amount of
careful scrutiny, but the permitting process led by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been one of the fastest permitting processes for a project of this size under the National Environmental Policy Act...”
PESTICIDE BILL: Protect America's Children From Toxic Pesticides Act (S. 4406, H.R. 7940)
Donna mentioned this important bill and suggested that we contact our MOC’s to strongly encourage them to support it. Given Congressman Burchett’s comments at our group’s meeting with him last year, during which he discussed his organic garden and his aversion to industrial agriculture, he should definitely get on board with this legislation.
Here’s a link to information about the bill, as well as a fast action form: https://bit.ly/2Zi2L5j
CLIMATE CONFERENCE
Donna reminded everyone about the upcoming virtual 2020 Citizens’ Climate Southeast/Appalachia Conference-Sat, Aug 22 8:15-3:35, sponsored by Citizens’ Climate Lobby.
UPCOMING VIRTUAL EVENTS:
Greener Than Grass: A (Virtual!) Sustainable Landscaping Workshop-September 22nd 6-8 PM
Information and registration: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/ 1FAIpQLScIF46XUf7Hq9fr03fV1tWo3S-Wf00ipjJy0agg-pEiyLCYwA/viewform
Doug Tallamy Virtual Presentation-September 22, 6-7 PM
Doug Tallamy, author of Bringing Nature Home and Nature’s Best Hope, will present a special talk about birds and native plants. The title of his presentation is "A Guide to Restore the Little Things that Run the World."
Registration: https://act.audubon.org/a/presentation-doug-tallamy? fbclid=IwAR1mQiNNDICCc2UjCoXpEzVm-zRJDe4oIofc3XVtvY0V782iHNIvtR3qICg
The Humane Gardener: Nurturing a Home Wildlife Habitat-Monday, Sept 14, 6-7:30 PM Speaker: Nancy Lawson, author of “The Humane Gardener”.
Why do we call some insects “beneficial” while others are “pests”? Why are some plants considered “desirable” while others are “weeds”?
In this myth-busting talk, learn how common growing methods divide the natural world into false dichotomies and perpetuate misconceptions about the wild species living among us. Discover practical ways to put humane gardening philosophies into action by protecting wildlife nurseries, eliminating unintended hazards, nurturing plants that provide food and shelter, and humanely resolving conflicts with mammals and other commonly misunderstood creatures.
For more info and registration: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event? oeidk=a07eh8wmt04dd2c1082&llr=rsjx5dkab&showPage=true
NEXT MEETING (virtual!) : Wednesday, September 9, 2020, 4:30 PM
Click below to join the meeting:
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Attending: Sue, Marilyn, Donna, Ginny, Marian, Terry
Legislative Update
WIN: Dakota Access Pipeline was halted by Federal Court subject to Environmental Review.
WIN: Dominion, Duke abandon plans to build $8B Atlantic Coast Pipeline, citing 'increasing legal uncertainty'. This happened after The Supreme Court ruled in June in favor of a pipeline company in a dispute about whether a new 600-mile natural gas pipeline could cross underneath the Appalachian Trail on federal land.
The TN General Assembly adjourned for the year. Unfortunately, House Panel Passes Bill Limiting Private Sewer Oversight
Water Sampling -Sue is collecting water samples at 11 sites along Little River, Reed Creek, and Smith Branch every 3 weeks. She also attended a Little River Cleanup organized by Julie Konkel, Blount County Soil Conservation on July 4.
Ginny and Donna attended a zoom on the Tree Talk with Curtis Casciano Part II of Trees Knoxville.
We discussed coming up with some questions for the July 30 Maryville Huddle Candidate Forum. Sue will circulate the ones we came up with below for further ideas.
Questions for Candidates:
For TN House Candidates:
How do you think climate change has impacted Blount County and what can we do to reduce our carbon footprint given the nature of Blount County with small cities and rural county? How are you personally reducing your footprint?
What regulations do you think are the most beneficial for clean waters in TN? What changes would you recommend?
For US House District 2
What will you do to prevent another Kingston coal ash type disaster to ensure that workers are protected and communities do not become dumping grounds for toxic waste?
How would you address climate change? How are you personally reducing your carbon footprint?
We talked about remaining non-partisan but promoting candidates that support the environment.
Susan Sneed did a Candidate Chat with Dr Mark O’Gorman, Maryville College, and Loretta McNamee, New York State, Environmental Specialist. Facebook Video.
Next EWG meeting August 12, 4:30pm still virtual.
Environment Working Group Meeting Minutes-
Present: Sue, Marilyn, Marian, Donna, Ginny
TN LEGISLATION UPDATE
Donna said she had not yet been able to learn the outcome of the vote on the bill that would increase the amount of sewage spread on drip fields.
Sue mentioned a Sierra Club summary (Tennessee News Digest) she received about upcoming legislation. Because this email covered essentially the same information as that sent out by Tennessee Conservation Voters, here again is the link to the TCV page:
https://www.tnconservationvoters.org/index MIGRATORY BIRD TREATY ACT
Donna noted that the deadline for public comments on the proposed weakening of this act is July 20, 2020.
Please read the article linked below, as it provides details of the proposed weakening of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, as well as an opportunity for you to sign the letter to your members of congress by clicking on the red “Take action” button. https://bit.ly/2O5vt3f
However, it’s important to note that the most effective action you can take is to submit your comments directly to the FWS.gov comment site at this link: https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=FWS-HQ-MB-2018-0090-8411
GREAT AMERICAN OUTDOORS ACT
We held a short discussion about this bill, including the vital importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund that’s linked to it. Funding will come from offshore oil and gas drilling, and we discussed whether one drawback might be that this might result in increased fossil fuel development. However, Donna noted that the National Parks Conservation was in favor of the bill, which is a change of heart for them, as they opposed it in an earlier form.
Update: This bill passed by a 73-25 margin in the Senate, and on 06/04/2020 was referred to several committees in the House.
Here’s an article that was published after the Senate vote, explaining the history of the bill and the benefits it will provide: https://www.outsideonline.com/2414708/great-american-outdoors-act
NPS PROPOSALS FOR GSMNP ROAD PROJECTS
Marilyn questioned whether any of the backlog maintenance money would be used to construct the new roads the NPS is proposing in GSMNP; she pointed out that if the park is in such dire straights for money to do maintenance, it would be good to know where they would come up with funds for new projects that have nothing to do with maintenance.
The group then held a brief discussion about probable increases in traffic if new park roads are built. These impacts would be exacerbated if the Pellissippi Parkway extension is eventually finished, since it would terminate at Highway 321 not far from the entrance to Foothills Pkwy in Walland.
Sue commented that since the new Foothills Pkwy segment opened up, the traffic noise she hears in Saddle Ridge has dramatically increased, especially from motorcycles. She said she was hiking at Tremont in the park recently and could hear Foothills Parkway traffic noise from there. She also related that it was her understanding that loud motorcycles are technically illegal within park boundaries, so this is something we may want to investigate.
Donna mentioned that one piece of good news regarding the park is the new policy closing Cades Cove Loop Road to vehicular traffic all day on Wednesdays from June 17 through September 30, 2020 as part of a pilot study NPS is conducting to improve the visitor experience.
Sue asked if anyone had news of discussions going on in other groups. Ginny said East TN EarthRise would be having a Zoom meeting the following week, and that they’re getting quite a few likes on their Facebook page (@EastTNEarthRise). As described on their page, this is a coalition of groups actively working to promote green policies and practices to fight the existential threat of climate change and make Earth Day a year-round endeavor. If anyone in our group would like to hear more about EarthRise or attend the next virtual meeting, let Donna know and she’ll send your info on to Ginny.
TREE GRANT-Dept of Agriculture, Division of Forestry
Ginny said she decided not to apply for the tree planting grant this year, as there were too many details to be resolved and not enough time to prepare a solid plan. She indicated that if the grant is offered again next year, we’ll have plenty of time to find an appropriate location and develop a post-planting management plan.
WATER SAMPLING PROJECT
Sue indicated that she would be doing more water sampling within the next two weeks. Julie said she can store samples until she gets the lab set up, and suggested that those of us doing sampling should try to take them every 3 weeks.
MISCELLANEOUS
Marilyn said she is still interested in following up on the concrete removal plan from the Alcoa Plant property, especially in light of Mayor Mitchell’s concerns.
NEXT VIRTUAL MEETING:
Wednesday, July 8th, 2020, 4:30 PM
Attending the Zoom meeting: Sue, Donna, Ginny, Gracie, Marian, Liz
Earth Day summary of activities:
Our Earth Day Virtual Rally went well. Small group but everyone thought it was helpful to hear each other’s Earth Day motivations. The coalition of groups making up EastTN EarthRise plan to continue to work together on some projects. Some folks also attended the Sunrise Movement’s Earth Day Virtual Rally.
Environmental Voter Project is focusing on getting environmentally aware people to the polls. Sue attended one of their online trainings and encourages EWG members to get on their mailing list and volunteer for some of their phone banks.
There was a virtual Watch Party for The Story of Plastic documentary for Earth Day. if you missed it you can still go to www.thestoryofplastic.org/watch on the Discovery Channel. Excellent documentary on how fossil fuel industry and corporations keep undermining efforts to reduce plastic production and pollution.
A Green New Deal Town Hall was held on Apr 23 - Matthew Park , candidate for State House District 15, talked about the GND for Tennessee. Marquita Bradshaw, a candidate for US Senate (Lamar Alexander’s seat), also participated. She held a virtual town hall on Environmental Justice. You can also watch the recording of her and Susan Sneed for TN House District 20 here - https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=874689776378392
GSMNP Transportation Proposal
Comments were due on the GSMNP transportation project plan by May 22. In general, the proposal seems to say more roads better. We need to read the proposal and get more information to comment on it. It includes a proposal for a bike trail into Metcalf Bottoms from Wears Valley, which sounds good as one option.
Tree grant
Ginny talked about the tree grant program and whether we wanted to submit a proposal for a local group. Deadline for submission is June 1. Needs to be submitted by a non-profit. Maybe KBB, LRWA or Boys and Girls Club (Jeff Money, Director, had indicated interest in plants for area around club). Need to find a site and do soil characterization. $500-$2000 for planting. 3 year tree maintenance plan. Ginny will look into options and get back to group.
Water Sampling
Sue plans to get in touch with Julie Konkel about water sampling project. There’s been a lot of dump trucks going up and down East Millers Cove so she also plans to find out what new development has been approved if any. (Update May 19 – Julie Konkel contacted Sue about doing Walland area Little River Cleanup. She’s working on setting something up. Regarding
water sampling, Julie is still waiting on some lab supplies to set up the lab but said we could go ahead and collect samples – suggested sampling every 3 weeks. Sue is going to start sampling.)
Donna reported that they are sampling water in the streams fed by streams running through the clear cut area of the dairy farm. Nothing has been planted to slow the erosion on the cut areas.
Federal Actions
EPA’s ‘Enforcement Discretion’ During COVID-19
FWS Proposal to expand hunting in 97 wildlife refuges-comment deadline June 8
We decided to continue with monthly Zoom meetings for now. Our next meeting is Wednesday, June 10, 4:30 pm. Zoom link to be sent.
Our main goal for this Zoom meeting was to discuss what kinds of online events were being planned to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Earth Day
We decided to focus on the Earth Day Virtual Rally at noon on April 22 , hosted by East TN EarthRise. We’ll be sharing the event with the entire Huddle, as well as anyone we know who may be interested.
Below are the link, password, and other pertinent information for the meeting. For those who have not yet attended a Zoom meeting, you have the option of turning your computer/ipad camera on or off, so if you’re having a quarantine kind of hair day, you can participate without being seen!
Apr 22, 2020 12:00 PM
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85068125346?pwd=YkRjWm1EMUpMTjk1bDk4R094SENTUT09
Meeting ID: 850 6812 5346
Password: 020345
One tap mobile
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For those of you on Facebook, check out the FB page for East Tennessee EarthRise (@EastTNEarthRise), where several other events are listed for Earth Day week. Here’s the link: https://www.facebook.com/events/156897878996991/
April 20th 6:30-9:00 PM From the Ashes film screening with virtual panel discussion, hosted by East TN EarthRise
"From the Ashes" is a documentary film that chronicles the struggles of communities across the country to deal with the impacts of the coal industry, and what the future should look like. This event will feature an online streaming of the film, followed by a virtual panel discussion afterward.
Click link for more info and to register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/from-the-ashes-a-film-screening-and-panel-discussion-about-coal-ash-tickets-102468726720?fbclid=IwAR3I8st9PlZXd9AkijNib7-g_o960TIKM02_FYOAByYSULJrk6Bb6jxOGH8
April 22nd 12:00 PM Earth Day Virtual Rally, hosted by East TN EarthRise (see link & password above)
April 22nd 7:00 PM: Earth Day Virtual Climate Strike, hosted by Sunrise Movement Knoxville.
https://actionnetwork.org/events/knoxville-virtual-climate-strike
April 23rd 5:30-7:00 TN Green New Deal Town Hall
https://www.facebook.com/events/246706506520556/
“Our planet is changing. Forest fires burn larger, once in a century floods happen every year, and temperatures are rising.
It is not enough to wait on Congress to act on passing a Green New Deal when Tennessee can push ahead. What does a Tennessee Green New Deal look like? How do we get this done? These are some of the questions that we hope to answer for you in this town hall hosted by the Sustainable Future Center, Sunrise Movement, Marquita Bradshaw for US Senate, and Matthew Park for State House.”
Matthew will be speaking about his plans for a Tennessee Green New Deal, and how Tennessee can become a leader in moving to a green economy. Speakers include US Senate candidate Marquita Bradshaw, the Sunrise Movement, and David Hayes. A full line up is pending.
April 23rd 7:00-8:00 PM “The Human Element” Discussion, hosted by East TN EarthRise
“Join us for a virtual discussion of the film ‘The Human Element’. You can sign up for a free link to view the film here: https://www.interfaithpowerandlight.org/2020/01/the-human-element/
You will have access to the film starting April 17th. Then, join us for a zoom discussion on April 23rd at 7pm ET using the information below!
https://us04web.zoom.us/j/73246559191
Meeting ID: 732 4655 9191
Rollbacks:
https://returntonow.net/2019/07/18/u-s-forest-service-aims-to-fast-track-logging-by-removing-requirement-for-environmental-review/?fbclid=IwAR14gQh3cRqI6VrIV041mRlcd0G2z0LaySS-MT-oFm4z56EHskM43Q8yNsg
UTIA CLEARCUTTING-Update
Donna discussed the recent communications between members of the neighborhood adjacent to the UT dairy farm land and UTIA personnel. She said that even though the 92-acre logging operation ended in January, a forest management plan was not prepared by the company hired to coordinate the operatin until after the logging was completed. A copy of that plan, along with their pasture management was emailed to the POA president on Jan 31.
At that time, an email was sent out by Bobby Simpson, director of the dairy farm research facility, indicating that the sedimentation we’d been seeing in streams draining the now denuded hillsides was likely due to feral hog activity. (Which was clearly untrue, as we had neither seen disturbance evidence nor hogs to support his statement.)
He also contradicted his previous statement that native plant grass seed would be sown on the slopes, along with annual rye to act as a nurse crop to help the grasses become established; in his most recent email he said they were planning to sow tall fescue seed in those areas. Donna responded and pointed out that sowing a non-native invasive plant in the areas that were going to be allowed to revegetate naturally would be ecologically unwise, and would not be conducive to their stated goal of creating early successional habitat.
She also told the group that she had yet to hear back from TDEC regarding the site investigation they agreed to do after seeing photos documenting the stream sedimentation resulting from the logging. She also reported that she’d just heard back from Julie Konkel, Blount County Watershed Coordinator, and that Julie was very interested in hearing our concerns and getting more information about the plans and management practices on that property. Donna emailed her the documents she’d received from UTIA, and then plans were made for Julie and another member of LRWA to visit our neighborhood so they could see for themselves what was happening.
Donna mentioned that she’d forgotten to ask the UT personnel at the meetings if they were using neonicotinoid-treated seed on their corn and soybean fields, but that she knew that since untreated corn is virtually impossible for farmers to find (and about 40% of soybean seeds are treated), the odds are that they are using treated seed. Given the proximity of these fields to Little River, neonicotinoids in runoff from these fields will not only end up contaminating our drinking water, but adversely affecting the aquatic wildlife as well. At the last meeting, Donna asked Bobby Simpson if they were testing the water quality in Little River above and below the dairy farm, and he said they were not.
One bit of good news is that Donna had heard from John Nolt regarding the letter he had drafted about the clearcutting on behalf of the Committee on the Campus Environment at UT, and that his letter was approved by the committee and will soon be transmitted to the Chancellor and other administration officials. He promised to keep her advised of what happens after that.
EARTH DAY 2020
Ginny attended a planning meeting in Knoxville a week prior for the 50th anniversary celebration of Earth Day. At that meeting, Ginny inquired about how folks in Blount County can coordinate with them so we can go to events in Knoxville and folks there can come here.
Several events are planned for that entire week in Knoxville, and a number of organizations are involved in the planning: SACE, Sierra Club, Trees Knoxville, Beardsley Community Farm, etc.
Ginny suggested this might be a good time to meet with the mayors again, to follow up on their first meeting and plan for Earth Day. Ideas she threw out for Earth Day included the following:
Compiling lists of ways people can become involved in Blount County, via our local environmental organizations.
Blocking off some areas of Broadway to set up booths with information about microplastics, the bag ban bill, energy conservation ideas, etc.
Ginny also reported that her church’s green team is hoping to create a pollinator garden near New Providence Presbyterian Church.
Marilyn suggested we ask the mayors to facilitate a monthly community talk, (open to the public) about environmental issues, and that we work with them to bring in speakers on various topics, for example:
The roles and important contributions of our national and state park rangers Taking a pledge to make a family environmental action plan.
ELECTING PRO-ENVIRONMENT CANDIDATES
We ended the meeting with a discussion about the upcoming election, including our respective efforts to determine and compare the environmental stances of the various candidates.
Ginny told us about two informative websites she’d discovered, Pod Save America and Vote Save America. The first one is “a political podcast for people who aren’t ready to give up or go insane.” The second site has been created by a group focusing on local
races throughout the country and bringing attention to those that are most critical to win.
Pod Save America: https://crooked.com/podcast-series/pod-save-america/ Vote Save America: https://www.votesaveamerica.com/
UPCOMING EVENTS
March 28-29: 2020 Citizens Climate Education Southeast Conference
University of Tennessee Conference Center 600 Henley St
Knoxville
Information and registration here: http://bit.ly/3cEx5ft ACTION ITEMS
Comments due March 10th: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the Trump Administration Rollback.
Background: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/sharon-buccino/proposed-nepa-rule- changes
Info and link to comment page: http://saveepaalums.info/NEPA+rollback
Comments due March 19th: Proposed weakening of Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Background info: https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/2020/02/accidental- bird-deaths-law/
Comment here: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2020/02/03/2020- 01771/regulations-governing-take-of-migratory-birds
Comments due April 3, 2020 on EPA’s Proposed Interim Decision on Neonicotinoids .
Background info: https://news.bloombergenvironment.com/environment-and- energy/epa-proposes-continued-use-of-bee-killing-insecticides
Comment here: https://www.epa.gov/pollinator-protection/epa-actions-protect-pollinators
Comments due March 27th:
Cades Cove Vehicle Free Day: http://bit.ly/2vKLh62
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, March 11 at 4:30 PM The Bird & The Book
1509 East Broadway, Maryville
Attending: Sue, Donna, Marilyn, Marian, Ginny, Don, Linda, Kathy
Radio interview - Knox Community Well Be interview with Samantha and Donia was very interesting. We recommend everyone listen to it. Donia and Samantha did a great job and were very complementary of EWG’s involvement. You can listen to it
here: https://www.podcasts.com/knox-community-well-be-41099053d/episode/Interview-with- Samantha-Stacey-and-Donia-Lehman-Maryville-College-Environmental-Action-Team-and- climate-change-activists-51e2
NAACP Gala - We have 2 open tickets left at the EWG-Huddle table for the Alcoa-Blount NAACP Founder’s Day Scholarship and Awards Gala on the Feb 27th. It’s a fundraiser for the Freedom Fund Scholarship Fund which will award two scholarships to two minority graduating seniors in Blount County. Sue will put the word out to the broader Huddle group. We would like to identify other local environmental justice activists who would be interested in sitting at our table.
Sunrise Movement 2020 Launch Parties on January 29th. Donna discussed how Sunrise Movement is promoting local launch parties to promote the Green New Deal. Donna will email Donia and Grace about whether there’s interest in a local launch party in Blount County. She will also ask Logan of Sunrise Knoxville what may be happening locally. EWG would help support.
Blount County Climate Coalition: Marilyn discussed the challenge of getting to action on climate change and beyond just increasing awareness. We all agreed that different groups have different missions but there is a network for communicating shared events and actions. There needs to be a specific action for a climate coalition to build around.
Nurturing Nature: Donna is putting doing a specific event this year for Nurturing Nature on hold since so much effort needs to go into elections this year. The NN Facebook group is still growing.
UT Dairy Farm Clearcutting: Donna reported on the clearcutting operation in Walland at the UT Dairy Farm. It’s been a very frustrating experience, as UT Dairy Farm did not give the adjacent community any advance notice of the clearcutting. Donna has contacted several conservation and environmental organizations to inform them of the situation. She also contacted several UT faculty members, including Dr. John Nolt, a climate activist and a member of UT Committee on the Campus Environment. This committee advises the administration on institutional policies and behaviors that promote environmental stewardship at UT, and John presented information and photos about the clearcutting at their last meeting, and he was then asked to draft a letter about the operation to be submitted to the Chancellor.
Since the logging happened over the holidays, there was little chance of getting people to respond. It was reported in The Daily Times (http://bit.ly/319hY8E) and by WATE (http://bit.ly/37Hs3vI ). The community met with UT and asked them to at least leave a buffer between the clearcutting and the adjacent properties. UT offered a 30 ft buffer but with the option to selectively cut within the buffer, which was not an acceptable solution to the community. Donna indicated that several of the statements UT made to the press turned out to be incorrect. One of the most serious was their claim that they were following Best Management Practices for Forestry. At the most recent meeting between community members and UT, it was revealed that they were not following recommendations for the minimum streamside management zones http://bit.ly/319hY8E in all areas of the clearcut.
Update: since the meeting, neighbors in Donna’s community have documented ongoing occurrence of stream sedimentation due to runoff from the clearcut areas. Donna sent pertinent information and photos to TDEC, and was informed that someone from the local office would be out to do a site investigation.
Goals/Plans for 2020
Working on the elections to get environmentally friendly officials elected!
Ginny suggested we need to come up with a specific ask and follow up on the mayor’s meeting.
-ALERTS AND ACTION ITEMS
Feb 14th - Deadline to Order Trees from Blount County Soil Conservation -EVENTS
January 29 – Sunrise Movement Launch Parties
Feb 8th, 4-7 PM: CAPPE ChiliFest, Smith Life Event Center, 1404 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville. Admission: $ 7, free for children 10 and under.
==========================================
NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, February 12, 4:30 PM at The Bird and The Book