On March 15th, 2008, the Honey Island Group and the St. Tammany Parish Department of Environmental Services co-hosted the Parish's third Household Hazardous-Waste Collection Day. There's more on this here and more coming. Click here to learn more, and here and here about past events.

In Louisiana's "Florida Parishes" north of Lake Pontchartrain from the Pearl River at the Mississippi line, west toward the Baton Rouge area -- we are your home base for the SIERRA CLUB: the Honey Island Group of Louisiana's Delta Chapter. 

Hot Stuff:

Household Hazardous-Waste Collection Day in Slidell Household Hazardous-Waste in St. Tammany Updated recycling information! Build Back Green! * Reservoirs for private profit and public loss Waterkeeper Alliance takes on cypress logging Cypress Mulch in Time Magazine | Our Petition * -- Spread the word! PowerPoint presentation about Cypress-Mulch Cypress-Mulch Brochure * | March 9, 2003 Press Release * * Please click here for more on PDF files.

An environment in crisis

This region is one of the fastest growing in the country! In these times of runaway development, we see our primary responsibility as representing our environment -- and we are at a crisis point.

Like adventurers in a science-fiction movie, we are caught in a space-time paradox. The pace and personality of our area attracts families looking for a lifestyle that's lost elsewhere. Yet, the laissez faire perspective that was part of those simpler less-enlightened times is costing us habitats and natural beauty. It seems that we all agree on the value of our environment; we disagree only on the comparative value of jobs and environment. Our challenge is to come together, share notes on both the problems and the progress made, and construct a longer-term strategy, including compromises on all sides.

We have a terribly narrow window of opportunity here. The next couple of years will determine what we pass on to our sons and daughters. Beyond that point, there will be no retrieving what has already been destroyed. We need a master plan to manage development.

Reasons for optimism

We know why we came here; we don't want to give this up. Some time ago, Dr. Susan Howell of the University of New Orleans surveyed Northshore voters, and what they had to say was startling. Respondents said they would accept restrictions on property development, even higher taxes, if it meant controlling development and protecting the environment (86% agreed to prohibiting building in flood plains, marshes, and wetlands)!

The more we all know, the broader our perspectives, the more we can understand how all the parts fit, the better we can fit them together. Getting the word out is crucial. So, we see our role as primarily educational. We hope our newsletter, outings, and programs will help.

** Video courtesy of Lower Mississippi Riverkeeper.

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What you can do

It doesn't take much! If you're not a Sierra Club member, join now. Contact us for a complimentary newsletter. Watch the media. Attend a couple of programs or meetings to learn all sides. Talk to a couple of friends about how you feel. You and two people you know can make the difference!

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