Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan (Mike Painter)
Dear CalUWild friends—
There’s not much to report on this month, so this will be a short Update.
Since much of the West (and the country) has been having heat waves, I decided to use a photo that’s a bit “cooler” this month. It’s also a reminder that not all wilderness in the U.S. is in the West-the Senate recently passed a bill designating almost half of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in western Michigan as wilderness. (The bill has not been voted on in the House.)
Deadline Approaching: If you’re a photographer (professional, amateur, or student) please consider entering the photo contest celebrating next year’s 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, sponsored by the Smithsonian. See Item 3 for more details.
Enjoy some time outdoors this Summer!
Best wishes,
Mike
1. Red Rock Bill Cosponsor Update
(ACTION ITEM)
IN CALIFORNIA
2. House Passes Bill Expanding Coastal National Monument
IN GENERAL
3. 50th Anniversary “Wilderness Forever”
Photography Contest & More
ENTRY DEADLINE: September 3, 2013
(ACTION ITEM)
4. IN THE PRESS & ELSEWHERE
Links to Articles and Reports of Interest
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1. Red Rock Bill Cosponsor Update
(ACTION ITEM)
Since our last Update we’ve added two more California cosponsors to America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act: Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-40), a long-time member of CalUWild’s Advisory Board; and first-term Rep. Alan Lowenthal (D-47), on the House Natural Resources Committee.
If you live in one of their districts, please send them a message of thanks.
Webform (constituents only)
Webform (constituents only)
Additional cosponsors from California are:
Jared Huffman (D-02)
Mike Thompson (D-05)
Doris Matsui (D-06)
Jerry McNerney (D-9)
George Miller (D-11)
Barbara Lee (D-13)
Jackie Speier (D-14)
Mike Honda (D-17)
Anna Eshoo (D-18)
Zoe Lofgren (D-19)
Lois Capps (D-24)
Judy Chu (D-27)
Adam Schiff (D-28)
Tony Cárdenas (D-29)
Grace Napolitano (D-32)
Henry Waxman (D-33)
Linda Sánchez (D-38)
Senate
Barbara Boxer (D)
Overall, the bill has 88 cosponsors in the House and 18 in the Senate-up 4 and 2 respectively since last month-so we’re making progress.
For a complete list of cosponsors go here.
2. House Passes Bill Expanding Coastal National Monument
The following announcement came from our friends at the California Wilderness Coalition.
A HUGE thank you to Rep. Huffman, Rep. Thompson, and Rep. Farr for your leadership on this important legislation!
The bill adds the 1,255-acre Point Arena-Stornetta Public Lands on the Mendocino coast to the California Coastal National Monument. The land includes habitat for endangered species, including the Point Arena mountain beaver and the Behren’s silverspot butterfly. The bill keeps the current recreational, ranching and research uses and will boost the regional economy with an increase in tourism, the area’s largest employer.
Next stop for the bill is the US Senate, where California Senators Boxer and Feinstein have introduced a Senate version of the bill.
The San Francisco Chronicle ran an article after the bill passed last week, discussing land protection in the area.
3. 50th Anniversary “Wilderness Forever”
Photography Contest & More
ENTRY DEADLINE: September 3, 2013
(ACTION ITEM)
Here’s a repeat of last month’s announcement:
As part of next year’s celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act, the national Wilderness50 Committee, of which CalUWild is a part, is organizing a photography contest under the auspices of the Smithsonian Institution and Nature’s Best Photography. The judges will select between 40 and 50 winners, with separate amateur, student, and professional winners in 4 different categories: Scenic Landscape; Wildlife; People in Wilderness; and Most Inspirational Moment.
Winning images will be displayed at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, DC, beginning next Spring. Possibilities for a traveling exhibition are also being explored.
Full contest details can be found here.
This is a great opportunity to contribute to the celebration!
Separate photo exhibitions are being planned for venues around the country. If you would like to organize one or have photographs you’d like to contribute for a local exhibition, please send me an email.
Links to Articles and Reports of Interest
If a link is broken or you are unable to access an article, please let me know.
The New York Times on planning for Yosemite Valley and the Merced River
High Country News on Utah Rep. Rob. Bishop’s proposal for moving past the public lands impasse in Utah
San Francisco Chronicle article on a court ruling requiring Drakes Bay Oyster Company at Pt. Reyes National Seashore to clean up its operations.
The Wilderness Society’s report Too Wild to Drill looking at 12 places threatened by energy development.
As always, if you ever have questions, suggestions, critiques, or wish to unsubscribe, all you have to do is send an email.