Rock the Earth Sues Bureau of Land Management Over Roan Plateau
 On July 11, Rock the Earth, along with a coalition of groups, filed a lawsuit in the Federal District Court of Colorado to prevent the federal government from leasing the Roan Plateau under a plan that will needlessly damage important wildlife habitat, traditional uses and cherished public lands, for the benefit of the richest industry in the world. The Bush administration recently announced it proceed with its plan to lease all the Roan’s public lands to the highest industry bidders on August 14, 2008. In doing so, the administration has ignored the objections of Colorado Governor Bill Ritter, US Senator Ken Salazar, Congressmen John Salazar and Mark Udall, as well as a broad and diverse coalition of Western Slope officials, sports advocates and conservationists.
The planned auction of leases would commit future federal administrations to allow industry to drill much of the Roan’s unspoiled backcountry, which includes some of Colorado’s most important wildlife habitat. The plaintiffs, a coalition of ten conservation and wildlife groups, argue that the agency violated federal law by failing to consider a reasonable range of alternatives, by failing to properly analyze impacts from their final plan, and by arbitrarily ignoring likely drilling impacts beyond 20 years. The lawsuit also states that the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) violated federal law by failing to analyze foreseeable impacts to air quality and wildlife populations, and by failing to analyze the cumulative impact of adding more than 1,500 new wells in the Roan planning area to the thousands of wells already surrounding the plateau’s unspoiled public lands. We have asked the court to set aside the Roan Plateau resource management plan and to bar the BLM from leasing the area in August.
To read a full copy of the Federal Complaint, go here.
To read a copy of the Press Release about the litigation, go here.
Meanwhile, earlier this month, Rock the Earth Executive Director Marc Ross had the chance to fly over and to hike the Roan Plateau with a reporter from MTV. The MTV piece on the Roan will be available in next month’s Rock the Earth Notes.
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Help Us Rock the BLM!
 As noted above, the BLM has announced the lease sale of 31 parcels of land on Roan Plateau, opening over 55,000 acres to gas development, and violating protections called for by Colorado’s governor and congressional leaders as well as local and national environmental and wildlife advocates. The lease sale will occur August 14th if we do not take a stand. Your written comments to BLM decision makers will help prevent the spoil of this wildlife-rich area, but letters must be received by July 30 to have an impact. Go here and have your voice heard! Hurry! We need all public comments in by June 25!
For background and more information about the Roan Plateau, visit Rock the Earth’s Roan Plateau Project Page.
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Continuing to Rock the Army on Piñon Canyon
 As we reported in the June edition of Rock the Earth Notes, the Army continues to attempt to expand the existing 238,000-acre Fort Carson Base and training range by an additional 418,577 acres, primarily through acquisition of private ranching land around Piñon Canyon. The expanded Piñon Canyon Maneuver Site (“PCMS”) would cover approximately 1,000 square miles and would have catastrophic effects on the local ecology.
The PCMS is home to many imperiled wildlife species, including the bald eagle, burrowing owl, mountain plover, ferruginous hawk, swift fox, flathead chub, plains leopard frog, triploid checkered whiptail, Texas blind snake, Texas horned lizard, yellow-billed cuckoo, American peregrine falcon, long-billed curlew, massasauga, greater sandhill crane, Townsend’s big-eared bat and Botta’s pocket gopher, each designated as a “Species of Concern” by the Colorado Division of Wildlife. This area also contains world-class archaeological and paleontological sites, including the largest dinosaur footprints in North America.
This month, Rock the Earth took the next step to legally challenge the PCMS expansion by commenting on the proposed Scoping for the forthcoming Environmental Impact Statement regarding the next phase of expansion. In our letter, we argue that the Army has failed to consider the cumulative impacts of the various proposals for the site in violation of NEPA, as well as the fact that the proposed expansion will cause irreparable damage to the environment, which damage would not be properly mitigated as required by law. To read our full comment letter, go here.
For background or more information, please go to the Rock the Earth Pinon Canyon project page.
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Summer Tour: Every Day is a Winding Road
 We are halfway through our 5th Summer Education and Outreach Tour and we already know that Summer 2008 will be our most successful EVER! As we traveled through July educating and activating music fans all over the country, something amazing happened – the politics of the day caused people to want to interact with us more! We’re not sure if it’s high gas prices or the announcement by the President of a renewed desire to drill in the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge and off the coasts, but we had unprecedented numbers of folks signing up for membership and for our mailing list. This was the case on all three of our July tours: Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Bob Weir’s Ratdog with Gov’t Mule! Literally dozens each night were added to our membership rolls, while nearly 1,000 people signed up for our mailing list in July alone! We thank of you for your support.
Show-wise, we witnessed some pretty amazing things – from Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers’ pulling out all of the stops with a few rare tunes in front of home-state crowds in Florida, to the Dave Matthews Band bringing down the 25,000+ person house in Hershey Stadium. Also in July we made a return visit to one of our favorite festivals – High Sierra Music Festival – for the 5th year in a row, where RtE Board Member Eric Daniels participated for the 2nd year in a panel on music and social change.
 But Summer is only halfway over and as amazing (and exhausting) as that is, we have much work to do. We’re very happy to announce that in addition to our continued touring with Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers and Dave Matthews Band, later this month we’ll be starting our first run of shows with the talented and eco-conscious Sheryl Crow. We’ll be up and down the east coast with Sheryl and her band before starting our annual tour with the legendary Allman Brothers Band (who will be bringing along Bob Weir’s Ratdog in support). Along the way, we’ll be stopping at the second annual Mountain Music Meltdown as well as making return visits to the 10,000 Lakes Festival in beautiful Detroit Lakes, MN, and Gathering of the Vibes in Bridgeport, CT – which is always a homecoming of sorts.
At this point we want to thank the first four of our interns who made our tour possible in May and June: Will Anderson, Tay Dunklee, Virginia Borcherdt and Ryan Clarence. Without their hard work and dedication, Rock the Earth would not be able to continue to defend the planet one beat at a time. Meanwhile, we welcome new interns Logan Byrd and Katie Snyder who will be on tour with us the rest of this month. If you see them along the way, be sure to stop by and say “Hi!”
To read stories for the road, show reviews, and view pictures from our Summer Tour, go to the Rock the Earth Forums.
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In the Key of Green: Reducing Light Pollution
 It’s summer time and many light to spend their evenings looking towards the sky and star gazing. Sadly, there’s a form of pollution that often obstructs some awesome views of the night skies. Light pollution is a growing worldwide problem affecting vast areas of the planet. In a nutshell, Light Pollution is misdirected or misused light… generally resulting from an inappropriate application of outdoor lighting. It is a truly a global problem with costs running into the tens of billions of dollars annually. Light Pollution comes in several flavors… sky glow, glare and light trespass. Each has its own nasty impact on society. Fortunately, light pollution is one of the easiest pollutions to clean up. The following are a few easy steps that you can take to help reduce the effects of light pollution on our planet.
- Light only what needs lighting. This sounds simple, but is typically overlooked. Ask yourself, does this even require lighting?
- Light only when you need it to be lit. Ok, so you’ve determined that it really requires light. Does it need to be lit at all times? If you only go out to your shed once a week does it really need to be lit dusk to dawn each and every night?
- Use only as much light as is required. Don’t always install the highest available wattage. If you’re not performing surgery on your patio, there’s no need for operating room illumination levels.
- Use only full cutoff light fixtures. Full cutoff fixtures shine light down onto the ground and prevent light from shining thoughtlessly across property lines or wastefully up into the night sky.
- Shield your existing fixture. If you’re not quite ready to install new, full cutoff fixtures, light shades are available for many fixtures that will convert them into night sky friendly fixtures for a minimal cost.
- Install motion sensors. These will turn your lights on automatically whenever there is activity outside your home or business. This typically reduces your use of electricity for lighting upwards of 90%, easily paying for the cost of the sensor and its installation.
- Install reflectors. Many times, reflectors can be used to outline a driveway instead of putting in a string of lights. These are cheaper to purchase, cheaper to run, and are unaffected by power outages.
- Get used to the dark. Our eyes are quite good at seeing at night. If you need to take the trash out at night, do you really need to turn your outdoor lights on? Chances are quite good that you’ll be able to find the trash can and make your way “all the way” to the curb. You’re also much more likely to enjoy the beauty of the night sky if you’re not blinded by area lights.
- Educate your friends, neighbors and elected officials about light pollution. With just a little bit of thought and effort, this is one environmental pollution that can be cleaned up without any lasting side effects.
www.starrylightnights.com
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RtE July Auctions
 Jack Johnson Red Rocks Tickets…
Tickets for Rock the Earth Planet Defender 2006 Jack Johnson’s Red Rocks show sold out almost instantly! But, as one of the All At Once charities working with Jack at the upcoming August 17 concert in Denver, we have been granted some tickets to help support our work. All at Once is a new social action network connecting nonprofits with people who want to become active in their local and world communities. All At Once comes to life online at www.allatonce.org and at every Jack Johnson concert in the Village Green, a collection of interactive booths where you can get educated, get inspired and connect face-to-face with us and with other local, national and international non-profits.
To bid on a pair of general admission tickets to Jack's August 17 Red Rocks show, go here.
…& Artwork by artist Josh Keyes
 Also this month is a very special auction of some very special art. We are proud to announce that the Limited Addiction Gallery has aligned with Jack Johnson and his All At Once program. The gallery has provided a highly sought-after print by renowned artist Josh Keyes, to be auctioned off to benefit Rock the Earth. This limited-edition, signed & numbered archival giclee is the final print in an edition of 100 (#100/100). The other 99 copies of this rare print have already sold out and are in high demand!! The piece measures 32" x 24" with deckled edges.
The imagery of Josh Keyes' artwork is a response to the endless storm of information, events, and visual phenomena that we encounter in today's culture. Like an archeologist, Josh isolates narrative scraps from the world and places them in the void of the canvas to see what they might become. The images are meant to feel clinical and detached, with a diagrammatic quality that arises from his desire to see things more clearly. Compartmentalized and remote, they comment on the isolating impact of technology and our culture of consumption.
"My intention is to create work that asks questions about the implications of urban sprawl and its impact on the environment. I am interested in creating psychological narratives set in closed systems that express the behavior of, and the interaction between, humans and animals. The dystopian model creates a dynamic playing field where I can experiment with these ideas and forms."
The Limited Addiction Gallery and Josh Keyes have expressed their enthusiasm for supporting Rock the Earth, while partnering with the All At Once program, wherein the winning bid will be matched by the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation. To bid on this special piece of art, go here.
Meanwhile, YOU can also help us raise funds! Jack Johnson is matching every dollar contributed to us at the show and online. Please make a contribution right now (note “ALL AT ONCE” in the Comments Section of your on-line order) and your donation will be doubled by Jack Johnson’s new charity, the Johnson Ohana Charitable Foundation! (Up to $2,500 per group.)
You can also help us raise funds by viewing a brief video about Rock the Earth on the All At Once website. For everyone who views the RtE video, $1 will be donated to our organization!
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New Membership Gift -- Emek’s Unnatural Resources T-shirt!
 Without a doubt, one of our most popular membership gifts over the years was one of our limited edition prints by concert poster artist Emek. Entitled “Unnatural Resources,” this image was created as part of a three print series back in 2004, along with Jeff Wood’s “Pretty Fly for an Earth Guy” and Gary Houston’s “Man as Caretaker,” all loosely based around four themes: Earth, Air, Water and Humanity. In 2006, Pearl Jam used the image for a very special concert poster, commemorating a benefit show at the Santa Barbara Bowl, and immediately thereafter all of our copies sold out.
Well, we’ve brought the image back, but this time it’s on a new shirt being produced by our partners at The Faded Line Clothing Company. Printed on a U.S.-made, 100% organic cotton t-shirt, this amazing piece is sure to be a favorite for any collector! The Faded Line is bringing music illustrators into the forefront rather than behind a band's name.
We are now taking pre-orders on our website; the $35 level of membership receives the Emek t-shirt as a gift.
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Member Benefits
Discounted Festivals:
 Gathering of the Vibes only $150 for RtE Members a savings of nearly $50!
Once again, THE place to be July 31August 3 is at the venerable Gathering of the Vibes Festival and thanks to their generosity, we're offering RtE members significant discounts. Located along the water in Bridgeport, CT, this year's festival features The Black Crowes, Phil Lesh & Friends, the Neville Brothers, Taj Mahal, Zappa Plays Zappa, Umphrey's McGee, Sam Bush Band and American Babies. Members who wish to order tickets can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
 Mountain Music Meltdown only $40 for RtE Members a savings of $20!
In just their second year, the Mountain Music Meltdown is already starting to attract some of our favorite performers. Held August 9 and 10 in beautiful Saranac Lake, NY, the year's festival features Donna the Buffalo, Dark Star Orchestra, Chris Hillman (The Byrds, Flying Burrito Bros.), King Wilkie and The Horseflies. Members who wish to order two day pass tickets for only $40 can write to info@rocktheearth.org.
| More Rock
the Earth Member Benefits: |
 |
20% discount on Charlie Ayer's new cookbook Food 2.0 Secrets from the Chef Who Fed Google. |
 |
Free membership ($30 value) at eConsciousMarket.com |
 |
15%
discount on all orders from Sama
Living |
 |
10%
discount on all merchandise from The
Faded Line Clothing Company |
 |
20%
off beautiful nature ecards from Tree
Greetings that plant a tree
for someone special! |
 |
20%
off all Advice from Nature books, journals, tshirts,
postcards, bookmarks and tree planting cards from Your
True Nature |
 |
20%
off all products from Guayaki
Yerba Mate |
 |
20%
off Eco
Express gift baskets (or donate
20% of all fullpriced orders to Rock the Earth
by designating donation in comments section of
each order) |
 |
20%
off Bamboosa products |
 |
20%
off SCIGear merchandise |
 |
Special
contests and discounts on concert tickets |
| To
find out how you can take advantage of these Members
Only benefits, write to info@rocktheearth.org. |
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Rockin the Gothic Theatre in Denver With Free Tickets!
For the next in our year-long series of events with Denver’s Gothic Theatre, Rock the Earth will be tabling at these upcoming shows, educating and activating fans about important local and national environmental issues:
FREE TICKETS: If you are already of Member of Rock the Earth, you can win a pair of FREE TICKETS to the above concerts at the Gothic. Just write to info@rocktheearth.org to enter your name (put the name of the band in the Subject line). To volunteer, contact volunteer@rocktheearth.org. For more information: www.rocktheearth.org or www.gothictheatre.com.
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Volunteers
Rock!
If
you are looking for ways to get more involved with
Rock the Earth, now is the time to step up and make
your voice heard. Here some ways you might volunteer
with Rock the Earth:
- Participating
in environmental education, membership solicitation
and outreach at events
- Providing regional coordination of events and volunteers
- Supporting
our fundraising & membership drives
- Offering
legal & technical assistance to RtE projects
- Assisting
with data entry & mailings in our Denver office
- Writing
press releases
Please
drop a note to volunteer@RocktheEarth.org and a let us know how you wish to get involved. Be
sure to include your name, geographical area, and
the best way in which we can contact you. We look
forward to rocking the earth with your help in 2008!
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Benj Gershman Rocks the Earth: Interview
 Benj Gershman is the bassist in O.A.R. (Of A Revolution). Since the late ’90s, Benj and the boys of O.A.R. have hit it big among the college set, with spirited live shows that combine pop-y musical storytelling with reggae rhythms and extended jams. O.A.R. evolved from a local Ohio State University rock band to Billboard chartbuster and headliner at major venues across America. First, the band's two demo recordings were hawked at universities. Then, word-of-mouth news spread about the band's roots rock and reggae-inflected upbeat songs. Before long, the band got thousands of hits daily on its website www.ofarevolution.com. O.A.R.’s new album, All Sides, was released on July 15 on Everfine/Atlantic Records.
What environmental issue(s) do you consider to be the most critical at this time?
I would have to say there are two most pressing environmental issues on my list. One is global warming; the other is the fact that not enough recycling takes place around our country-- and the world for that matter.
What has inspired you to combine environmental activism with your music?
Well, the most inspiring thing, or rather person, that inspires me to combine environmental activism with my band's music is my Dad. He started his own business in 1980, the year I was born, as a Waste Management Consulting firm. No, they’re not gangsters. They simply try to provide good advice, counsel and management to companies, governments and people, about how to take care of waste products in an ecologically friendly manner.
Where is your favorite place in nature to go to find solace or inspiration?
My favorite place in nature that I go to is DuFief Pond. It’s a small pond in the neighborhood I grew up in, back in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Occasionally when we’re off tour, I drive back home and park my car at the top of the big hill there. I take a long walk around the pond and head back into the woods, usually recalling times when I didn’t think about heavy issues like global warming and recycling problems. Back then the biggest issue I faced was getting home before the streetlights went on.
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New Members Rockin’ the Earth: Photo
New Rock the Earth Member David Zack.
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