The Super Citizen Advocacy Workshop hosted by the Patagonia Area Resource Alliance and Sky Island Alliance was a great success! We had over 30 folks come spend a beautiful Saturday afternoon with us in Cady Hall
The afternoon started out with Wendy Russell discussing the 5 mining projects with applications for mining exploration in the Patagonia Mountains. Three of the projects are situated at the head of the watershed for the town of Patagonia. Read more here: http://www.patagoniaalliance.org/patagonia-mining-proposals/
Melanie Emerson, Executive Director of Sky Island Alliance
Next up was Melanie Emerson, Executive Director with Sky Island Alliance with an exercise for the attendees of “Why are YOU here.” Answers ranged from protecting the mountains, saving the watershed, preserving dark skies, preserving peace and quiet to finding out how to help PARA stop the mines.
PARA Board Members Michael Stabile and Carolyn Shafer
Michael Stabile and Carolyn Shafer gave a presentation on current Patagonia directives that may be related to mining. Michael cited the new Vehicle Weight Ordinance and Watershed Policy which both help to protect the town from the extreme traffic and water usage that comes with mining. Carolyn Shafer discussed the Town Plan. The plan is very explicit when it comes to mining activity. It states as one of its goals, “Discourage mining and other activities that damage or detract from Patagonia’s environmental and scenic quality.” Read the Town Plan here.
Jenny Neeley with SIA
Jenny Neeley Conservation Policy Director and Legal Counsel for Sky Island Alliance gave an overview of State and Federal Laws that affect mining on public lands. Some more familiar federal laws are the 1872 Mining Law, Clean Water Act and the Clean Air Act.
For an overview of the National Environmental Policy Act, we were very fortunate to have an expert, Dinah Bear. She had the unenviable task of condensing her 5 day course into a 30 minute discussion on NEPA. We’re all grateful for the copies of The Citizen’s Guide to NEPA that she brought. She also reminded us that you don’t have to be an expert to comment on these mining proposals.
Wendy Russell & Kathi Noaker with PARA
Kathi Noaker and Wendy Russell helped to wrap up the afternoon with all of the different ways participants can spread the message about the threats to the town of Patagonia’s water, natural resources and community. We ended with many of the participants coming forward to sign on to help the PARA mission of education and outreach regarding the potential threats from mining in the Patagonia Mountains. Our super citizens of the town of Patagonia were amazing!
NEPA expert Dinah Bear
Thank you everyone! Special thanks to Dinah Bear, Jenny Neeley, Melanie Emerson and Patagonia® for helping to make it all possible!
Photos by Glen E Goodwin ©2013
For another view on the workshop, read “Save the Scenic Patagonia Mountains” blog by owner of the local B&B, A Room with a View. Thanks Sonia! Blog link: http://bit.ly/VKhUqu
