The Cleanest Line

Freedom to Roam: A Rancher and an Environmentalist Search for Common Ground on Wolves (Part 1)

The presidential election last fall gave many environmentalists new hope, but the Obama administration has since outraged many gray wolf advocates by upholding a Bush-era decision to take them off the endangered species list in over half a dozen states.

After being nearly wiped out in most of the country, recovery efforts in the last two decades have helped the wolf population in the Northern Rockies rebound to what is now an estimated 1,645 wolves or more. Federal officials – and many ranchers and politicians who have long complained about the impact of wolves on livestock and big game herds – say that's enough. But some environmentalists strongly disagree, including the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). They recently joined other groups in filing a lawsuit in Montana that could temporarily block the resumption of regulated wolf hunts there.

[Female Mexican gray wolf yearling born in 2007 at the California Wolf Center. Photo: Roy Toft, California Wolf Center]

Amidst what has often been cast as a bitter fight between two sides, the NRDC’s Senior Wildlife Advocate Louisa Willcox and local Montana rancher Becky Weed have been working with several ranching groups to come up with new solutions. As a special feature of our current environmental campaign, Freedom to Roam, Patagonia decided to interview these individuals to highlight their willingness to engage in constructive dialogue and search for new alternatives to old environmental problems. We also wanted to understand more about a complicated issue many of us care deeply about. Their answers, provided by email, are below:

Q: Was the Obama administration’s decision on the Northern Rockies gray wolves a surprise, given the expected change in approach of the administration on environmental issues?

Becky Weed (rancher): The administration’s decision was not shocking, although I was a little surprised that it came as quickly as it did. I do not see this decision as a sign that the Obama administration is in lockstep with the previous administration by any stretch of the imagination. The more revealing steps will come as we see how the delisting details are handled now that a delisting process is underway.

Louisa Willcox (NRDC): The Department of Interior’s decision to delist Northern Rockies gray wolves was a big disappointment. The decision was announced in March, before the administration had put key high-level officials in the Department of Interior and a new director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in place.  We do not believe they adequately reviewed the Bush rule, which has significant problems - problems so severe that we are challenging the decision in court

Clean Energy Bill May Be Voted on This Week – Freedom to Roam Provisions Included

The American Clean Energy and Security Act, HR 2454, (known as Waxman-Markey) might go to a vote in the House later this week.

At Patagonia, we have a particular interest in the provisions of the bill that support wildlife corridors and protection of migratory routes for wildlife. Specifically:

• The Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund, which will provide additional money for numerous state and federal conservation programs to assist fish and wildlife adapt to the effects of climate change.
• The National Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program, which establishes a new program in the Department of the Interior to support states and tribes efforts to understand and map fish and wildlife habitat migration corridors, and to expand the use of computer database tools for wildlife management.
• Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects properties around the country that are important to fish and wildlife.

The United States is home to many species of wildlife that depend on wide open spaces for migration. The ability to move unimpeded across the landscape is essential to the conservation of pronghorn, salmon, elk, migratory birds, ocelot, sage grouse, and many other animals. The Western Governors' Association, state and federal agencies, conservation groups, sportsmen, ranchers, and many others recognize the importance of protecting these vital wildlife corridors, especially because of the impending problems from climate change.

Empty Nesters

Kim Stroud, who manages our sample room here at Patagonia HQ in Ventura, came walking in the other morning with one of those cardboard boxes used to carry live things. In her "spare" time, Kim is executive director of the nonprofit Ojai Raptor Center, so she's always nurturing some kind of critter, not just raptors. I've seen her with possums, sea gulls, pelicans. But she says she's also cared for bobcats, fawns, even a couple of coyotes. She also deals with dead critters. Fish & Game and the Sheriff's department often call her when they find freshly car-killed deer. She dresses the carcasses and feeds the meat to her eagles.

This time Kim had baby swallows in the box. Seems the fellows at a Ventura business (which shall go unnamed) decided the bird's mud nests were a little messy. So they had their workers turn the hose on them (hey isn't there a drought in Southern Cal?), washing down about 55 birds that were just five days from being able to fly. One of the biologists who works for the business stopped the hosing when she saw all the baby swallows lying on the ground, many of them in puddles of water.

[Kim Stroud, Patagonia sample room manager and executive director of the Ojai Raptor Center, hand-feeds a baby swallow, one of 55 hosed out of their nests. All photos: Jim Little]

Waxman – Markey Climate Change Bill Includes Support for Wildlife Corridors

On May 21, in a 33-25 vote, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved the American Clean Energy and Security Act (HR 2454). The bill is designed to create millions of new clean-energy jobs, save consumers hundreds of billions of dollars in energy costs, enhance America’s energy independence and cut global-warming pollution. Here at Patagonia, we’re pretty sure you’ve read about this bill or heard mention of it.

Included in this massive bill are provisions to strengthen and rebuild coastal marshes, coral, and oyster reefs, headwater forests and wetlands, restore natural floodplains, maintain forest health, and connect grasslands and mountain corridors to serve as migratory routes for wildlife. The parts of the bill that involve support for wildlife corridors and protection of migratory routes for wildlife may not have been apparent to you. These include the Natural Resources Climate Change Adaptation Fund, which will provide additional money for numerous state and federal conservation programs to assist fish and wildlife adapt to the effects of climate change.

Money from this legislation is also designated for the Land and Water Conservation Fund, which protects properties around the country that are important to fish and wildlife. Also in the bill is the National Wildlife Habitat and Corridors Information Program, which establishes a new program in the Department of the Interior to support states and tribes efforts to understand and map fish and wildlife habitat migration corridors, and to expand the use of computer database tools for wildlife management. The bill has a way to go before coming to a full vote in the House of Representatives and eventually in the United States Senate, but we urge you to keep track of it, especially the parts of the bill having to do with wildlife and corridors. We will keep you posted. For more information on the bill, go to the Energy and Commerce Committee's website: www.energycommerce.house.gov/

The National Wildlife Federation has great information on corridors. And for more detail and video, visit the Wilderness Society's website.

[Photo: From The Wilderness Society website, A pika, which is a species threatened by global warming, in the wild. Photo by William C. Gladish]

Green Corn Project Receives Pat. Austin's First Enviromental Grant

A plot of dirt can be a great place to start a revolution. While the mission of the Green Corn Project (GCP) might not be revolutionary, their work is. You see, GCP--a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Austin, Texas--believes freedom is possible when you empower people with knowledge and skill to create an immediate benefit in their lives. GCP's work focuses on installing organic food gardens for families and individuals in need, as well as for schools and community centers. From their website:

GCP serves people with limited access to nutritious, affordable food by partnering with them to build their own gardens at homes, schools, and community centers. GCP also educates garden recipients, volunteers, and community members about the techniques and benefits of organic gardening through skills workshops, presentations, and community events.

GCP is a volunteer-driven 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. Since 1998, GCP has built more than 130 gardens in Austin's underserved neighborhoods. We teach effective techniques for growing food at home naturally, while making maximum use of land, water, and energy. The whole community benefits when gardeners share their new skills and excess harvest with others.

In recognition of their efforts to empower communities, GCP became the recent recipient of the first environmental grant awarded by Patagonia’s Austin store. Jim Hansel, store manager, handed GCP president Mitch Mills the $3,000 check on Saturday, May 30, while Green Corn Project tabled at the store.

GCP will be using their grant money to increase capacity, build more gardens, and buy a shed to store their growing quiver of tools. Austin residents can connect with GCP this summer when they table alongside Patagonia at Blues on the Green. The first show, featuring Ruthie Foster, is this Wednesday, June 3rd, starting at 7:30 pm. Blues on the Green is being held at Waterloo Park this year. Click here for more information and the complete schedule.

Be sure to stop by the Patagonia booth for a chance to win GCP t-shirts, books, and plants. And more importantly, to get involved with GCP's great work throughout the community.

[Photos courtesy Green Corn Project]

Tahoe's Legendary Clarity Faces a New Threat

There's no question one of the highlights of our Reno location is its proximity to Lake Tahoe. The highest alpine lake of its size in the States, it’s also one of the clearest, with an average underwater visibility of about 70 feet. This stunning clarity muddies in comparison to the 120 feet it boasted when scientists first started taking measurements back in the 60s. Those familiar with Tahoe know its name to be synonymous with crystalline waters the great lapis expanse of its surface as it reflects the skies that so often stretch cloudless above it.

The lake’s water quality is the cornerstone upon which many communities depend. The tourist community would no doubt stop visiting if the lake’s singularly clear character became compromised. The community of year-round residents depends on the pure water not only for the tourism economy it supports, it drinks from them, too. And while tourists and residents alike could theoretically move elsewhere, the unique assemblage of underwater life that have adapted to this austere aquatic environment have few options if the balance of Tahoe’s waters is tipped.

Some recent and unsettling news from our friends at the Tahoe Divers Conservancy suggests that is exactly what’s happening. Hit the jump for pictures of their recent findings and to read an excerpt that puts these images into perspective.

[Top - Tahoe as seen from its eastern shore. Photo: David Smoyer. Bottom - An up-close look at one of Tahoe's newest residents. Photo: Tahoe Divers' Conservancy collection.]

Your Thoughts on the Footprint Chronicles – Why don’t you make more of your goods in the U.S.A.?

We’ve recently released “What’s Done in Our Name?,” the first in a three-part video series called Work in Progress that examines larger social and environmental issues we grapple with as a company.

”What’s Done in Our Name” directly addresses what we do to monitor the labor practices of the overseas factories that make our goods.

The launch of this video comes at a time when Americans are concerned about the further decline of domestic manufacturing. It should be no surprise that a video focusing on overseas production has sparked a number of customers to ask why we simply don’t make more of our goods in America.

Below, we highlight one of these e-mails as well as a response from a long-time Patagonia employee familiar with both our history and the source of our values in several key areas: product quality, environmentalism and social responsibility.

We welcome your contribution to this exchange – as well as other thoughts you have about responsible business practices. It's our hope that as the discussion unfolds it will enrich our continued examination of our corporate life – and help us do what we do better and with less harm to the environment and the social fabric.

___________________________________________________________________________

To: CUSTOMER_SERVICE
Subject: Comments on the Footprint Chronicles

Comments:
Patagonia often touts environmental responsibility and claims to have an environmentally-conscious business model yet virtually every single product that Patagonia sells through its catalog is produced overseas. This is despite the fact that the vast majority of Patagonia customers live in the United States.

Bike To Work Week Wrap Up

Last week's Bike-to-Work celebrations kept our dedicated team of coordinators hopping - volunteers made sure events were supplied and staffed, area business folks presented informational clinics on everything from bike tuning to trip planning and route-finding, and supporting businesses offered prizes designed to spread the word and keep the stoke alive. Employees rallied, too, with daily cycling participation hovering near the 20% mark.

In Ventura, motivated commuters staged a Critical Mass-style commute from Carpinteria to the home base in Ventura - many riders joining the pack logged well over 20 miles one way to take part in a fun, no-drop community ride culminating in a victorious arrival and delicious Riders Only breakfast. A rugged duo from our Reno Distribution Center helped set the standard for their crew with a foggy and frosty 30-mile ride through the mountains from Truckee, California, earning them a showcase spot on the local news.

Great weather, good vibes, and motivated people helped make this one of the best Bike to Work Weeks yet, but the new Goose Tracking System made a special contribution. Hit the jump to check out the results:

[Patagonia Dealer Services rep, Mark Blume is enjoying a definite transportation alternative - his 30 mile ride with fellow Pat. employee Rob Flesher followed a winding course over the river, through the woods, and along a smattering of climbers' trails - all within sight of the busy interstate that stretches clear from California to Pennsylvania.]

Sacred Craft Surf Expo & Respect the Gaviota Coast Paddle Through Ventura This Weekend

We have two stellar happenings to share with you today: the Respect the Gaviota Coast paddle and the Sacred Craft Surfboard Expo.

Respect the Gaviota Coast
On May 12th, two surfer activists, Chadd Konig and Nole Cossart, launched their paddleboards into the glassy waters off the Gaviota coast. The pair will be paddling all the way down to Mexico, surfing their alaias along the way, in order to raise awareness for SaveNaples.org and the pristine Gaviota coast, which is threatened by imminent development. This Saturday, May 15th, Chadd and Nole will paddle up to the Ventura County Fairgrounds for the Sacred Craft Surf Expo.

[Chadd Konig and Nole Cassert on day one of their paddle from Gaviota to the Mexico border. Photo: Branden Aroyan]

Sacred Craft Surfboard Expo
When last we covered the Sacred Craft Consumer Surfboard Expo, the event was held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. This weekend, Sacred Craft comes to Patagonia's backyard, the Ventura County Fairgrounds, for "two days of surfboards, live shaping, demos, seminars, movies, music and good times…but mostly surfboards." Patagonia and Fletcher Chouinard Designs, along with the Malloy Brothers and Jeff Denholm, will be on hand to answer questions about FCD surfboards and Patagonia wetsuits. On Sunday, Gerry Lopez will be signing his book Surf is Where You Find It at the Patagonia booth and he's scheduled for a live shaping demo that afternoon at 12:30 pm. FCD will also be offering board demos at the point on Saturday morning at 7am.

The GOOSE is Loose!

Used to be, I’d change into my biking garb in an exceptionally small closet. I'd shoe-horn into a closet that offered just enough room to change between the clanky boiler, a pile of broken bricks, and an impressive mouse-turd collection. It wasn’t that my last job—at a local rag-tag paper—was un-supportive of biking to work. They just hadn’t ever hired anyone willing to do such a thing. 

I hold no ill feelings toward my old employer, or even to the folks who threw weird looks at the guy who chose daily to get naked in the company of incontinent mice. But I have to say, compared to that place Patagonia’s support of bike commuting is nothing short of righteous. You’re listening to one satisfied employee on this front. I mean, there’s bike parking, showers, OTHER bike riders. Over the years, more incentives have been added – prize giveaways to the most dedicated commuters, kind-spirited contests between Patagonia stores to see whose employees could pedal the most miles, and incentive programs to keep people riding year-‘round.

And this year, things just got better. Thanks to a new partnership with Seattle-based Goose Networks, we’ve just been blessed with a killer new tool to keep track of the miles and rack up the smiles.

[Image: An example of how employees can track their daily commutes on the Goose. Simply drag the appropriate icon from the bottom of the screen to the date (either AM or PM), then choose the distance of your trip and how many people (if any) you rode in with.]