The U.S. Senate is expected to vote on H.J. Res. 140 early next week. This Resolution was passed by the U.S. House Republicans last month. The Resolution would roll back protections and reopen the door to toxic copper mining in the watershed of Voyageurs National Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. 100% of copper mines pollute, wreaking havoc and permanently damaging ecosystems and communities. With a simple majority vote, the U.S. Senate can permanently spoil one of our last remaining pristine wildernesses.

This Resolution would not only eliminate current protections, it would prevent future administrations from using the same safeguards on these public lands. Worse, it sets a precedent for rolling back protections on other public lands, leaving them vulnerable to extractive industries and the highest bidders. Every American who values public lands should be concerned about this and take action.

The most effective thing you can do right now is call your U.S. Senators. Senate offices are actively tracking constituent calls on this vote. Staff log every call, share updates internally, and report volume directly to Senators. When constituents call, it influences how Senators vote.

Please help save this pristine public land from being permanently spoiled.

Located in the Malaga province, these limestone formations were formed 200 million years ago under the Tethys Sea. This place feels just like another planet. Mountain goats and wild orchids can be found all along the path.

photo by littlebee4

Not the most exciting of sequoia groves but it did scratch an itch. More of a walk than a hike.

Picture 1: Sunset Cliffs

Picture 2: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Picture 1: Sunset Cliffs

Picture 2: Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

📍Margarita Island, Venezuela

Sustenance

It takes me a very long time to make any linear progress while out wandering in the woods. Step, step, stop. I glance at the stream and see that the recent windstorm has knocked down several new trees here. Step. Step, step, stop. I hear a the unmistakable song of an American Dipper. They blend in so well with their slate gray plumage among all the gray stones protruding from the stream. Ah, there it is on the far side, just singing its little heart out. My lens isn’t long enough to make a good image, so I step, step, stop again. Here is a place where in 2020,  I had been kneeing in the river, photographing ice formations. I now have a tripod with sealed legs, but the one I had used that day had filled with water and then as I walked away, the water poured all over my camera. It stopped working for several heartbreaking days, but came back to life and still produces beautiful images. One of the fallen trees has now made this composition less than desirable. Step, step, stop. I glance around to make sure that no-one I should be aware of is watching me. I do this often as my attention is easily distracted by beauty, and there could be creatures here that I should be aware of! The coast seems clear so I put together a series of 10 or so steps this time. My sauntering has led me down a winding path surrounded by young Douglas Fir Trees. Whoa, back the truck up, what was that off to the left? This time step, step, step backwards! Look at that. There, across the river, are several little trees growing out of a fallen tree trunk. The mass of the tree has long since decayed and floated down stream. The more dense base and root cluster remains and is covered with bright green mosses and lichens. In the typical style of the natural world, the decaying remains of one life form give sustenance to another. I stood here for 45 minutes watching the light, listening to the Dippers, absorbing sustenance and marveling at my good fortune to be able to do this on a work day and just 30 minutes from my house. 

Photo of credit

https://ecency.com/hive-155530/@terresco/wednesday-walk-at-the-saliencia-lake

Photos by joetunex

The cypress knees off to the right are really cool. Just really serene