April, 2012: In This Issue. . .
General Meeting Program -
April 10, 7:00 pm - Refreshments at 6:30
Environmental Issues Associated with Oil and Gas Development in North Texas
Michael Overbay, the EPA Region 6 Ground Water Center Coordinator, and Ruben Casso, the EPA Region 6
Air Toxics Coordinator, will present information on how large scale development of the shale gas
resources in the Fort Worth Basin have been perceived as impacting environmental issues, such as water
quantity, water quality, air quality, wastewater disposal, and induced seismicity. The presentation
will also include a discussion of the status of EPA's proposed rules on air emissions related to oil
and gas development and production.
Everyone is
welcome. You don't have to be a Sierra Club member. Just
show up. We'd love to meet you.
Our General
Meeting starts at 7:00 p.m. but come at 6:30 for snacks,
information and fellowship. Click over to our
General Meeting
page of our website for more information and a map.
Earth Day - Volunteers Needed
Earth Day gives us a time to stop and think about what we can do - EVERY
day - to make our world a better place. The Dallas Sierra Club is seeking volunteers to help
advocate Earth Day Resolutions at any of a variety of events taking place in the Dallas area on the
weekend of April 14th and 21st. If interested in participating, please
email or call (214.454.6879)
Peter. Volunteers will be asked to work two to three hours shifts (depending on the event), with
at least two people per shift, per event. We are currently targeting a few major annual events
(Plano, Dallas & Oak Cliff), and will possibly expand to other opportunities (i.e., smaller events)
depending on the volume of volunteer participation. If you've never "tabled" at an Earth Day
event, it's a fun and interesting way to meet and converse on a range of conservation topics with
regular people trying to make a difference just like you and me. We hope you'll join us to
celebrate and share your love for the planet at Earth Day 2012!
Keystone XL Pipeline - What You Need to Know
Want to learn more about the
Keystone XL pipeline and tar sand oil from Canada? The Sierra Club produced an important report
detailing the true environmental costs of this flawed energy source. Read the report (PDF document)
here. We
also have a
map showing the proposed route of the Keystone XL pipeline across Texas.
And we have more information on
the current status of the Keystone XL pipeline and the Seaway pipeline reversal project on our
conservation page.
Outings Highlight
Apr 15 (Sun) Morning day hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Come walk off that Easter
candy, break in your new boots, get used to carrying your backpack or just shake off those tax season
blues! Join us for a pleasant hike at one of the best day hike areas within 50 miles of DFW. This 600
acre hidden jewel contains over 10 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate. Some nice
elevation changes, heavy cedar cover and a view of Joe Pool Lake. We'll start from the picnic table
area at 10:00 am and hike a variety of trails for about 2 1/2 hours, followed by an optional picnic
lunch. Bring $3 for admission, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring a day pack, water, snacks and
lunch. Hike will go on rain or shine. No reservations - just show up. Cedar Ridge Preserve is located
southwest of Dallas, at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, 75249. From I-20, exit Mountain Creek
Parkway and turn south. Drive about three miles and Cedar Ridge Preserve will be on your right. For more information
about the Preserve, go to
http://www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html Leader:
Wendel Withrow 214-287-1046
Jul 3-9 (Tue-Mon) Fourth of July Bus Trip to the Pecos Wilderness in New Mexico
SIGN UP NOW for a truly memorable Fourth of July experience backpacking in the high, cool Sangre de
Cristo Mountains of northern New Mexico. Leave Dallas at 7 PM on July 3 on our overnight sleeper bus
and return by 6 AM on July 9. Choose an adventure from five trail options, including opportunities to
walk up Santa Fe Baldy after adjusting to altitude, exploring the Skyline Trail, La Vega, Holy Ghost
Creek or Horsethief Meadow. Our most gentle trip ends with a night in Santa Fe. Two epic
hikes for agile backpackers traverse the magnificent Santa Barbara Divide from Carson National Forest
into Santa Fe National Forest. Escape the summer heat into the aspens, firs and tundra wildflowers of
this wilderness treasure. Experience sights you cannot possibly see from your automobile! All hike
options require at least one previous overnight backpacking experience. Full details, including
sign-up instructions, are in
this PDF file. You'll love the Pecos Wilderness! Bus trip leader:
Mark Stein 214-526-3733
For a complete list of our outings,
visit our calendar.
Recycling Roundup - by Rita Raccoon
Recent Recycling News - April 2012
NCTCOG Reports Recycling Rates
Dallas outdoes Fort Worth
The most recent report
from North Central Texas Council of Governments reveals that while both cities have recycling
programs, Dallasites out-green their neighbors to the west. To its credit, Fort Worth does lead the
curbside program, tossing 18 percent more into the rolling carts than Dallas. And Fort Worth has far
less access to drop-off locations than its counterpart.
The amount thrown away residentially throughout North Texas has grown since 2005, when the previous
report was released; however, the amount recycled has increased as well, by about 7 percent. The
report includes 71 North Texas cities and breaks recycling down into three basic categories: curbside,
organic, and other.
Dallas recycles almost 80 percent more than Fort Worth: 1,161 pounds per household versus Fort Worth's
649 pounds per household.
The Drop-off Location Disparity
Dallas, which is roughly the same physical size as
Fort Worth, has 152 drop-off locations. Fort Worth only has three.
Dallas' drop-off locations, which look like dumpsters, are available for use 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. With this kind of accessibility, even Dallas' nearby neighbors could recycle without much
hassle.
This factor deserves additional consideration, given the incredible difference in recycling
participation between the two major cities.
Fort Worth's drop-off locations are only for Fort Worth homeowners and "some renters." To dispose at a
drop-off location in Fort Worth, a Fort Worth resident must show either a recent water bill or current
driver's license with a Fort Worth address "to prove you have an active sanitation account."
Curbside Characteristics
Based on Fort Worth's curbside recycling rate, the city
fares well when adequate resources are provided. Fort Worthians recycle 18 percent more than
Dallasites, and both cities have a weekly curbside program. However, the City of Dallas issues
standard-size carts that hold 30 to 40 gallons more than Fort Worth's carts, so in terms of this
difference alone, one might expect Dallasites to toss more since they have more space.
The difference in the programs, other than cart size, is that Fort Worth has a
"variable rate" program
and Dallas does not. This means that in Fort Worth, a resident pays a rate that reflects the size of
his or her cart. A smaller cart means a smaller bill.
NCTCG concludes that "variable rates can be an effective method to increase recyclable volumes."
Aside from what makes a drop-off or curbside program successful enough to motivate North Texas to
recycle, the fact remains that only 19 percent of the more than 7 million tons disposed of in one year
was recycled. North Texas residents whose recycling programs are inconvenient or non-existent are
encouraged to contact city officials to voice concerns. Those with healthy recycling programs are
encouraged to make a positive impact on the environment by taking advantage of the convenient and
accessible options offered by the city.
Calendar
Here is our calendar for the next two months. For complete listings, visit us at
www.dallassierraclub.org.
 Apr
10 (Tue) Dallas Sierra Club General Meeting
Don't miss our April General Meeting. Michael
Overbay, the EPA Region 6 Ground Water Center Coordinator, and Ruben Casso, the EPA Region 6 Air
Toxics Coordinator, will present information on how large scale development of the shale gas resources
in the Fort Worth Basin have been perceived as impacting environmental issues, such as water quantity,
water quality, air quality, wastewater disposal, and induced seismicity. Full details are on our
home page.
 Apr
14 (Sat) White Rock Lake Cleanup
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and
recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love
of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people
drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the
wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and
your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader:
Carol Nash 214-824-0244
 Apr
14-15 (Sat-Sun) Beginner Backpack Trip to the Caney Creek Wilderness
Join us for one of
the Dallas Sierra Club's favorite local backpacking trips. We'll backpack in about 4 1/2 miles along
Caney Creek, cross it a few times, and climb some small hills. After setting up camp near a waterfall,
we'll do a short day hike as time and energy permits. For many of us this was our first
Wilderness hike and it's still one of our favorites. Leader:
Bill Greer 972-247-0446
 Apr
15 (Sun) Morning day hike at Cedar Ridge Preserve
Come walk off that Easter candy, break
in your new boots, get used to carrying your backpack or just shake off those tax season blues! Join
us for a pleasant hike at one of the best day hike areas within 50 miles of DFW. This 600 acre hidden
jewel contains over 10 miles of trails that range from easy to moderate. Some nice elevation changes,
heavy cedar cover and a view of Joe Pool Lake. We'll start from the picnic table area at 10:00 am and
hike a variety of trails for about 2 1/2 hours, followed by an optional picnic lunch. Bring $3 for
admission, wear comfortable, sturdy shoes and bring a day pack, water, snacks and lunch. Hike will go
on rain or shine. No reservations - just show up. Cedar Ridge Preserve is located southwest of Dallas,
at 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, 75249. From I-20, exit Mountain Creek Parkway and turn south.
Drive about three miles and CRP will be on your right. For more information about the Preserve, go to
http://www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html Leader:
Wendel Withrow 214-287-1046
Apr
18 (Wed) Outings Committee Meeting
Meet in the upstairs program room at REI (on north side
of LBJ between Midway and Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings
program. We will be planning local outings and bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders,
and interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the email list for an agenda. Contact:
Bill Greer 972-247-0446
Apr
21 (Sat) Trail Maintenance at Cedar Ridge Preserve in South Dallas
Its fun and its helpful
to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the beautiful walking trails.
The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. It's a great morning workout, and the
scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (maybe gloves) just show up and be ready to lend a hand
or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 12 or so, and then walk around the preserve and admire the wildflowers
and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 21st of April, please see their website
www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html for directions and info. Their number is 972-709-7784.
If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a meeting spot. Come on out and stay
green, people! Organizer: Ginger Bradley Contact:
Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902
 Apr
28-29 (Sat-Sun) Car Camp and Rock Scrambling at Wichita Mountains in Sw Oklahoma.
The
Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge in SW Oklahoma is a treasure of interesting hikes, pioneer history,
unusual rock formations, and wildlife in a natural habitat. You are likely to come around a corner and
find yourself face to face with a bison bull! We will have moderate hikes on Saturday and
Sunday. The neatest parts of Wichita Mountains are off trail so be prepared for some bushwhacking and
rock scrambling. You can find out more about Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge here.
Leader:
Bill Greer 972-247-0446
May
2 (Wed) Dallas Sierra Club Executive Committee Meeting
The Executive Committee (or Excom)
is the elected governing body of the Dallas Sierra Club and meets at REI, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Farmers
Branch, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Midway and Welch). Contact the
Dallas Group Chair for more information.
 May
5 (Sat) Cedar Ridge Preserve Hike-a-Thon
The Hike-a-Thon is a fundraiser to raise money
for improvements at Cedar Ridge Preserve. In addition to hiking, The Preserve will host several
informational booths. Food and drinks will be available for purchase. Of course, The Preserve will be
open to non-participants, but we encourage you to help the preserve and join in the fun. Registration
is $20 per person, $5 per child (6-12). Cash only. Full details
here.
(This is not a Sierra Club sponsored
event.)
May
12 (Sat) White Rock Lake Cleanup
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and
recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love
of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people
drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the
wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and
your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Leader:
Carol Nash 214-824-0244
May
16 (Wed) Outings Committee Meeting
Meet in the upstairs program room at REI (on north side
of LBJ between Midway and Welch), at 6:30 PM. Bring your ideas for the Dallas Sierra Club Outings
program. We will be planning local outings and bus trips. All outings leaders, future outings leaders,
and interested Sierrans welcome. Ask Bill to be placed on the email list for an agenda. Contact:
Bill Greer 972-247-0446
May
19 (Sat) Trail Maintenance at the Cedar Ridge Preserve near Duncanville and Dallas Texas
Its fun and its helpful to get out to the Cedar Ridge Preserve in Dallas to help upgrade some of the
beautiful walking trails. The address is 7171 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX 75249. It's a great
morning workout, and the scenery is exceptional. No tools are required, (maybe gloves) just show up
and be ready to lend a hand or two. We'll work from 9 AM to 12 or so, and then walk around the
preserve and admire the wildflowers and fauna! Bring some water for sure. Its on Saturday the 19th of
May, please see their website www.audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html for directions and info.
Their number is 972-709-7784. If you wish to carpool, then let me know, and we'll arrange a
meeting spot. Come on out and stay green, people! Organizer: Ginger Bradley Leader:
Ginger Bradley 469-223-7902
 May
25-29 (Fri-Tue) Memorial Day Weekend in the WHITE MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Wa-hoo! This
destination, near Ruidoso, New Mexico, is perfect for beginner backpackers with at least one overnight
backpacking experience who want to move up to a 3-day, 2-night trip at altitude. Veteran
backpackers will love it, too. Ascend the eastern slopes of the Sierra Blanca Mountains to the Crest
Trail for amazing views of White Sands National Monument and the black Malpais lava fields on the
desert floor far below. Choose from four consistently popular hikes and a route never before
offered. Hop on a sleeper bus Friday evening and return Tuesday morning before work. Full details are
in this PDF
document. Bus trip leader:
Mark Stein 214-526-3733
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