In the following document, you will find information on two upcoming opportunities to learn how you can help protect YOUR incredible public lands in Alaska. 1) If you are from Jim Nussle's Congressional district, I encourage you to apply for Alaska Wilderness Week 2003 in Washington, DC. The dates are Saturday, March 1 - Wednesday, March 5. If you are interested, visit the web site and apply on-line or call Erik Dumont at 202-544-5205 at the Alaska Wilderness League. 2) We are bringing an Arctic Refuge workshop to the Quad Cities on Saturday, February 1. Details including directions are on the second page of the document below. We will focus solely on the effort to keep the coastal plain of the Arctic Refuge protected. I encourage you to forward this to your group membership lists as well as any friends, family, or work colleagues that have an interest in protecting wild lands in Alaska and elsewhere. The skills learned in both of these events can be used in campaigns anywhere. Please forward to any of groups in Illinois that may be interested in sending members to the Quad Cities event! Senator Fitzgerald from Illinois will be a very important vote again this year! Please call me if you have any questions! Thanks for your continued vigilance and support! Scott Hed Regional Organizer Alaska Coalition (605) 336-6738 office (605) 351-1646 cell Alaska Wilderness Week 2003A Training and Advocacy Conference in the Nation’s CapitolBecome an Alaska Wilderness leader and join wilderness activists from around the country at the bi-annual Alaska Wilderness Week, a 4-day training and advocacy conference held in Washington, DC. and hosted by leading conservation organizations including the Alaska Coalition, Alaska Wilderness League, National Wildlife Federation and Sierra Club.èèèProtect Alaska’s Wild PlacesBring your energy, passion and ideas to the campaign for permanent protection of our pristine public lands in Alaska. Whether it is the Arctic Refuge and its dazzling array of wildlife or the Tongass and Chugach National Forests with their ancient old growth rainforests, Alaskan wilderness—now more than ever—is threatened by development. We need your help! Together we will ensure that these magnificent places and our natural heritage remain wild and undisturbed forever.The next Alaska Wilderness Week is scheduled for Saturday, March 1 – Wednesday, March 5, 2003. To apply, complete the Alaska Wilderness Week application at:<A HREF="http://www.alaskawild.org/wildernessweek.html">www.alaskawild.org/wildernessweek.html</A> Space is limited so apply now!èèèDon’t miss this great opportunity to participate in a decades-long tradition! At Alaska Wilderness Week you’ll:– Attend intensive issue briefings by leaders in the wilderness movement and native Alaskans who will share their expertise on the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Alaska rainforest in the Tongass and Chugach National Forests.– Participate in activist training sessions led by dynamic and experienced professionals who share your passion for our wild lands in Alaska.– Gain important skills to help you deliver key advocacy messages in halls of Congress, in the media, and in your community.– Meet in person with your elected officials and educate them about wild Alaska.– Mingle with Members of Congress and congressional staff at a Capitol Hill Reception.– Network with other wilderness advocates from across the nation.– Strategize with national wilderness leaders to mobilize support in your state to protect these important national treasures. For more information contact: Erik DuMont, Alaska Wilderness League122 C Street, NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20001 Email: <A HREF="mailto:[log in to unmask]">[log in to unmask]</A>; Tel: (202) 544-5205, Fax: (202) 544-5197 Can’t make it to DC in March but still want to help? The Alaska Coalition is bringing an Arctic Refuge training workshop to the Quad Cities! When: Saturday, February 1 Time: 9:30am – 4pm Where: Carraige House at the Butterworth Center 1105 8th Street Moline, IL (309) 765-7970 What: Learn how you can convince your U.S. Senators and Representatives to vote to keep the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge protected from oil development. Directions: From the North:The Carriage House is at the corner of 11th Avenue and 8th Street: Coming from across 74, take first exit (River Drive)Go west until 6th Street; turn left.Go up a hill, at top of hill is a curve to the left (and the street becomes 7th Street). Just there is 11th Ave – turn left. Pass a parking lot on the left and continue one-half block.Parking lot on the right: Enter and park.(Across the street from that is the Deere-Wiman house: Follow the path around to the Carriage House.) From the South: The Carriage House is at the corner of 11th Avenue and 8th Street: Take 7th Street to 11th Avenue. Turn Right on 11th Avenue.Pass a parking lot on the left and continue one-half block.Parking lot on the right: Enter and park.(Across the street from that is the Deere-Wiman house: Follow the path around to the Carriage House.) For more info on the workshop, call Scott Hed (605-336-6738) or Jay Heeter (563-359-6395)Hope to see you there! Erin E. Jordahl Director, Iowa Chapter Sierra Club 3839 Merle Hay Road, Suite 280 Des Moines, IA 50310 515-277-8868 [log in to unmask] - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - To get off the IOWA-TOPICS list, send any message to: [log in to unmask]