Feds reconsidering habitat for dragonfly

By JOHN FLESHER
AP Environmental Writer

TRAVERSE CITY, Mich. (AP) -- The government is reconsidering its decision not to grant strong legal protection in two national forests, including one in Missouri, for North America's only dragonfly classified as endangered.

The Hine's emerald dragonfly was added to the federal endangered species list in 1995. It lives in only a few Midwestern wetland areas.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service designated critical habitat for the dragonfly in 2006, as required under the Endangered Species Act.

Who says one cannot enjoy an occasional cookie without leaving home to purchase ingredients? Last week after only experimenting twice, I concoted a rather tasty cookie recipe made from nearly 100% local ingredients, local meaning deriving from our homestead or within a one-mile radius.

The cookies which could be described as moist and chewy, were exceptional in taste, attested by their disappearance within about 10 minutes of being served to a party of five.

The ingredients are as follows (amounts were not measured)
100% organic chestnut flour

T’was the night before Solstice, and all through the house
Creatures were stirring, (even a mouse).
Popcorn and berries were hung from the rafters
When up from the kitchen came singing and laughter.

Friends were all gathered and sharing good cheer
With hopes that tomorrow, the sun would appear.
The day would be longer than one it preceded,
Exactly the change this cold season needed.

Wine and good spirits were served all around,
A toast was proposed, then loud clinking sounds.

“To the Earth, to the sun, to water and air!

HOPI ELDERS SPEAK
"You have been telling the people that this is the Eleventh Hour. Now you must go back and tell the people that this is the Hour. And there are things to be considered:

Where are you living?
What are you doing?
What are your relationships?
Are you in right relation?
Where is your water?
Know your garden.
It is time to speak your Truth.
Create your community.
Be good to each other.
And do not look outside yourself for the leader.

This could be a good time!

Here are 21 ideas I sent to Barack Obama. You can add to the list by going to: www.change.org Let;s make this a brand new era as well as a Brand New Year!!! Sincerely, Tom Kruzen

Transportation, energy:

1) Increase gas-electric hybrids and subsidize so ordinary people can afford them.

 2) Set up sharing programs for hybrids and heavy hauling trucks and vehicles. Not everyone needs one everyday. Groups of farmers could share trucks. Groups of neighbors could share hybrids.

Go to: https://www.heartwood.org/action.html?id=163

Illinois EPA Smoke Management plan comments
DEADLINE Dec. 30, 2008 ACT NOW. (I know the form says Jan. 5, 09 as the deadline, but that is so that the alert will stay up for a few more days in case other's can't make it by the deadline. BUT ACT NOW if you can!)