President’s Column
I look forward to serving as President of Redwood Region Audubon Society and thank Chet Ogan for accepting the chairmanship of the Conservation Committee.
The cornerstones of Audubon action are science, education and law. We sponsor and use science as a justification for action, and educate ourselves and others on scientific findings related to birds and the environment that we share. If we find that the laws that are supposed to protect the environment are inadequate or not being followed we seek a legal remedy through legislation or through the courts. Science requires curiosity and objectivity, and a little skepticism doesn’t hurt. Rather than just saying no to a project, we demand conditions that assure environmental protection.
Nothing challenges a philosophical position or a mission like controversy. Such a controversy exists now with the proposal to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant on the North Spit of Humboldt Bay. Some or our fellow environmental organizations have taken a hard line against the LNG facility from the first word of the proposal. These are organizations that have been and will continue to be our allies in many environmental battles. Although Redwood Region Audubon Society may not take the same approach as our sibling organizations, we need to accept that diversity among environmental organizations is just as important as it is among individuals. As part of that diversity, we need to remain true to our principles and stand out as an organization of unified independent thinking members.
I hope that every member of Redwood Region Audubon Society is concerned about the important environmental issues surrounding the proposed LNG facility. I also hope that Audubon members will accept statements from both promoters and detractors of the LNG project only if they are backed by sound science, and so become more educated on this subject. Be skeptical, ask questions.
The “law” part comes when we participate in the opportunities for public review and input legally mandated for this type of project. Keep an open line of communication. Talk to friends, your elected representatives, attend workshops, testify, talk to a chapter board member. Be proud of being a member of Redwood Region Audubon Society, and don’t forget to have fun.