January 3, 2017
Dear Steamboaters:
The Douglas County Global Warming Coalition is pleased to request your participation in our upcoming public event, “Climate Change and Douglas County: Creating a Healthy Future.” The program will be held on:
Thursday, February 2nd from 3:30 to 7:30
Roseburg Public Safety Center, 700 SE Douglas Avenue
Note: We suggest those who did not attend the prior discussions to come at 3:10 for a brief orientation.
This event will engage our community in group discussions. It will build on two community gatherings held in 2014 which identified potential impacts of climate change in Douglas County over the next twenty years and critical strategies to adapt to these coming changes. Drawing over 100 citizens and community leaders, these events broke into key areas to address this issue. If you were not part of the original discussions, we gladly welcome your participation and ideas. Over the last two years, community successes include:
- Douglas County Smart Energy: Together, major utilities, non-profits, businesses and advocates are promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy. A community campaign, coordinated by a recently hired Americorps volunteer is underway to accelerate this effort.
- Aquatic Group: Two community forums were held featuring experts who highlighted the impacts of ocean acidification on the shellfish industry and warming waters on salmon. In addition, in 2016 a forum was held to develop action plans to implement effective strategies to address these problems.
- Bike Walk Roseburg: This group is promoting active transportation, has held walking tours and discussions with experts and is helping to establish Roseburg as a Bicycle Friendly Community.
- Umpqua Edibles: They are working with churches, community organizations and the City of Roseburg to develop community gardens and encourage local food production, sustainable garden practices and equitable access to healthy foods.
- Forests: After exploring climate change effects on forest resources through public forums, the focus is now on a new question: What forest management practices will mitigate changing climate trends?
We will also include the impacts of climate change on health.
On February 2nd, we will come together to not only share success stories but also identify ways we can implement key strategies to achieve the goal of a healthy climate future for Douglas County. It is an opportunity for groups to support each other in areas of mutual interest. Facilitated group discussions in these areas will allow us to build on what we already have accomplished. The report from our 2014 meetings is available at http://www.douglascountyglobalwarmingcoalition.com/ under “The Science” in the “Local Resources” section. You can also access it directly at goo.gl/DfrvKz.
We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, February 2nd. Let’s continue to work together toward a positive future for Douglas County. Do not hesitate to contact me at 541-672-9819 if you have any questions.
Pre-registration is encouraged so we know in which area you would like to work and have enough food on hand for a light meal. Please pre-register by January 23rd by calling 541-672-9819 or emailing douglasclimateadaptation@gmail.com.
Sincerely,
Stuart Liebowitz
Douglas County Global Warming Coalition
