Conservation
Site offers social networking for tree lovers
A Web site called “The Grove” has been launched by the Georgia Urban Forest Council and the Georgia Forestry Commission “to engage and encourage Georgia’s citizens to plant trees and help protect Georgia’s urban tree canopy.” A tip from a Sustainable Savannah reader suggests that one appeal of the site is its social networking function: … Continue reading
Hoping our next president goes by the book
In the Internet circles I frequent there is a great deal of concern about what how President-elect Barack Obama is planning to spend that stimulus money. Will the transportation infrastructure come in the form of projects that will help us lessen our dependence on oil, improve public health, rebuild shattered communities, combat climate change, restore … Continue reading
Savannah Morning News: We must keep America addicted to driving
These things happened yesterday: The warm weather coaxed many of my neighbors outside and they were visible and audible on my quiet, narrow residential street. They walked dogs, tended to their yards and simply inhabited the public realm. Hurtling through the middle of this pleasing scene came a car traveling at least 50 m.p.h. That’s … Continue reading
City debuts hybrid streetcar, reintroduces bicycle fleet with “Climate Action Parade”
Savannah Mayor Otis Johnson and other city officials gathered on River Street today to show off North America’s first hybrid streetcar. The event also included more traditional city vehicles that, like the street car, are running on biodiesel from Refuel Savannah. Also on display were bicycles from the city fleet and an electric scooter used … Continue reading
Energy Assistance or Community Opportunity?
An article in today’s SMN got my attention. It was about the increasing numbers of local residents seeking assistance with their energy bills. Energy assistance funds trickle down from the federal government to the state’s Energy Assistance Program. Funds are then allocated to local agencies based on a formula that includes county poverty levels and … Continue reading
The Marina They Deserve?
Last week, in a case involving a proposed coastal Georgia development, the GA Supreme Court voted (5-2) for a narrow interpretation of Georgia’s 38 year old Coastal Marshlands Protection Act. The central legal issue before the Court was whether development on land adjacent to coastal marsh, rather than just in the marsh itself, is covered … Continue reading
Savannah Tree Foundation looks to the west
The Savannah Tree Foundation is directing its attention outside of the Savannah city limits, with a tree planting in Pooler scheduled for Nov. 15. According to the foundation’s Adrienn Mondonca, working in western Chatham county indicates a new area of concern. “This is the second tree planting our organization has done in Pooler and one … Continue reading
Tybee Island City Council Strikes Again
At a time when we are witnessing what happens when greed and short-sightedness mix with lack of regulation and oversight, the Tybee Island City Council voted (again, last night) 4-2 to repeal the city’s shoreline protection ordinance. Since its passage in 1999, the city’s ordinance has provided a level of protection (from the negative impacts … Continue reading
Curious about bicycle commuting? Join your neighbors and give it a try on Friday
Bicycle commuting offers many benefits and not the least of them is a closer connection with changing seasons, a relationship with the world that is available these days mostly to farmers and others who spend the majority of their time outside. Except in the case of the bicycle commuter, he or she is able to … Continue reading
Recent News of Note
Trip highlights river ecology, history “When you think of the Savannah River you think of the ports and the issue of harbor deepening and you’ve heard about (nuclear power) Plant Vogtle,” Neal said. “You think it’s going to be an industrial corridor, but really it’s an isolated wild river. That’s what makes those issues vital. … Continue reading
