Top: The Great Works Dam original timber cribworks was built in the 1800's. Photo (c) Penobscot River Restoration Trust
The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is working to restore access to critical habitat for sea-run fisheries of New England’s second largest watershed. Atlantic salmon and the 10 other species of migratory fish in the Penobscot are at less than 1% of their historic numbers yet amazingly can all still be found hanging on below the first dam.
“It is amazing to see – and hear! – the Penobscot River flowing freely where the Great Works dam stood just weeks ago! Our sights are now set on removing Veazie – the head-of-tide dam – next year,” Laura Rose Day, Executive Director of Penobscot River Restoration Trust.
By addressing the root of the problem – too many dams – this innovative and cost effective project will have a wide range of benefits for fish and wildlife populations, water quality and communities along the river while continuing to supply hydropower.
The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is an unprecedented public-private collaboration that has raised $60 million to date. In order to complete restoration, an additional $3 million must be raised. Funds will be directed to the removal of the Veazia Dam and the implementation of an innovative bypass channel around the Howland Dam over the next two years. By targeting restoration efforts on the Penobscot, we are not just saving a river we are empowering a watershed.
Great Works Dam was breached on June 23rd, 2012- Another step forward in re-opening the Penobscot River from Old Town to the sea! Photo (c) Penobscot River Restoration Trust
Fully implemented, the project will remove the two dams closest to the ocean, Veazie and Great Works, and bypass the Howland Dam with a natural river channel. At the same time, the power company is building state of the art fish passage what will be the only remaining dam on the main stem, improving passage at other dams, and increasing power production at several facilities so there will be no overall loss of hydropower produced in the watershed.
“When it is gone, half of the Penobscot’s sea-run species, including ancient and now endangered sturgeon, will have access to 100 % of their historic habitat. A new fish lift and a bypass upstream will soon enable the leapers like the nation’s last remaining wild Atlantic salmon to reach inland water inaccessible to them for generations,” said Day.
Volunteers removed approximately one ton of broken glass, rusty metal, pottery shards, and other debris left in the river after nearly two centuries of industrial use and past practices of dumping waste directly into the river. Photo (c) Jim Mitchell
For the Atlantic Salmon Federation (ASF), a founding partner in the project, this project offers real hope for preventing the extinction of Atlantic salmon in the US. It also complements ASF’s Tributary Project, which over the past decade has removed four dams and built four fishways on key spawning tributaries in the Penobscot.
The Penobscot River Restoration Trust is focused on opening up the sea-run fish-migration corridor on the Penobscot River to restore free-flowing waters, fish, wildlife and natural river functions that have been compromised by industry for nearly two centuries. Wildlife, fisheries, culture, recreation, tradition and opportunities to experience wildness all will benefit. 1% for the Planet members are joining together to support such a profound project and to date have donated nearly $40,000 to the effort.
Please consider supporting The Penobscot River Restoration Trust as they work collaboratively to restore and repair two centuries of ecosystem damages and utilizes appropriate technology for continued hydropower production. For more information contact: Cheryl Gerrior, Finance Director, 207-430-0146.
In less than a month, 1% for the Planet will be in San Francisco for the Slow Money National Gathering. Slow Money is an emerging network of investors, donors, and farmers committed to building local food economies, and they are playing a critical role at redefining the boundaries between philanthropy and investing. This is their third National Gathering and the first two have launched national activity that holds great promise for all of us who want to see our economy transformed.
1% for the Planet is an early and proud supporter. Our very own, Rebecca Calahan Klein will be speaking on 1% for the Planet’s model of corporate engagement and environmental investing on a panel: Giving Something Back: New visions of corporate philanthropy. See the schedule for details.
As a benefit of our partnership, Slow Money is offering all 1% Members a 10% discount to attend the gathering on October 12-14th. Click here to register at the discounted price.
Click to listen to Woody Tasch, Slow Money Founder, explain how moving towards more local economic principles can benefit our planet and everyone involved.
If you want to really understand something, you should go to the source. And if you are interested in seeing sustainable transportation in action, you have to go to Portland, Oregon; the epicenter of bike culture and sustainable community design.
Last week on a beautiful summer evening, more than 70 people — 1% member companies, 1% NGO partners, along with Patagonia customers and other interested folks dropped into Patagonia Portland for an update on sustainable transportation initiatives.
New Belgium Brewing- Follow your Folly Bicycle
We heard from Dan Powell, co-founder of Portland Design Works, a 1% member company that makes great bike accessories, about why he and his partner decided to locate their company in Portland. While they loved Wisconsin, Portland is “the place” for people who love bikes and biking in the United States. He loves being a part of a community where nearly 6% of the residents make their daily commute to work or school on a bike. This is a much higher percentage than is found in communities around the United States.
Gerik Kransky, Bicycle Transportation Alliance (left) and Dan Powell, Portland Design Works (Right)
Dan and his partner wanted to build investment in environmental NGOs into their business model right from the start, and made the decision to become a 1% member. They support the Bicycle Transportation Alliance and work in partnership to help make Portland and other communities in Oregon more bike friendly.
Gerik Kransky, Advocacy Director for the Bicycle Transportation Alliance, gave an update on biking issues at the local, state and federal levels. BTA is working to get funding for a bike sharing program in Portland, as well as advocating for bike friendly policies at the state and federal level. The BTA is a 1% NGO Recipient supported by six 1% member companies, five of whom are based in Oregon.
After the presentation, we got a chance to eat some great local, organic food and look at a display showing products from many Portland area companies involved in biking including Sweet Pea Bicycles, Truce and Patagonia.
1% Member Products on Display
Looking forward to seeing you all again on July 28th, at the final Eco-Trust Sunset Concert. Bring your friends and co-workers!
1% for the Planet was just named a beneficiary of Climate Ride’s 2011 charity cycling events! Climate Ride is the first multi-day, multi-city charitable bicycle ride to address climate change and renewable energy issues.
Open a newspaper, go online, listen to the radio and you’ll find stories about climate change which share a similar theme: climate change is and will continue to be one of the defining environmental issues of the 21st century.
Greenhouse gas emissions produced in the 1900’s continue to affect the globe’s climate today – increasing the temperature of the planet, contributing to greater volatility in weather patterns, and altering eco-systems from ocean reefs to glaciers and ice fields to ancient forests. And the greenhouse gas emissions we produce today – by driving our cars, heating our homes, charging our cell phones, powering our computers and engaging in other acts of daily life— will have significant, planet altering effects that will continue well into the 22nd century.
So this year, we’ve decided to change our habits and hopefully inspire others to do the same. At 1% for the Planet, we’re lowering our carbon footprint, one bike ride at a time. This year, whenever possible, we’ll be getting out of our cars and onto our bikes – to run errands, get to school and work, and have fun with friends.
And then, we are going to go on the road, big-time!
1% Co-Captain Brittany
1% Co-Captain Leah
Bring Your Message to Washington…By Bicycle!
On May 13 -17, 2011, our incredibly fun and athletic Director of Member Services, Brittany Nunnink will lead Team 1% for the Planet on Climate Ride’s forth year riding the beautiful country roads 300 miles from New York City to Washington, DC to raise awareness of renewable energy and the climate crisis. Check out the route!
Support Clean Energy & Bicycle Advocacy
On October 2-6, 2011, Brittany will be joined by our inspiring and soulful Development Program Manager, Leah Cameron, and co-lead the 1% team from Eureka to San Fransisco, 320 miles of stunning coastline, towering redwoods, and picturesque wine country, and conclude our journey across the Golden Gate Bridge into San Francisco. Rebecca Calahan Klein, our optimistic and athletically challenged but endurance sport loving VP for Organizational Development, will also join us for the fun. Check out the route!
And we’d love for you – our 1% member companies and NGO partners—to join us in this fun, life changing and planet-loving journey!
Donate Products or Services: Climate Ride welcomes in-kind product and service donations from companies. So if you have food, personal care products, bike gear, music, or other items you’d like to donate, bring them on! And remember up to 25% of your 1% donation can be made in product donation. Contact brittany@onepercentfortheplanet.org for more information.
Share your Knowledge: We want to deepen knowledge about climate change among the 1% community with speakers from our NGO partner organizations that are working on climate change. Contact brittany@onepercentfortheplanet.org for more information.
Our Pedal Pushers
The “climate conference on wheels” raises funds for a collection of nine hardworking non-profits including 1% For the Planet. All Climate Ride beneficiaries are 1% approved non-profits and working hard on various aspects of climate, policy, business, renewable energy, and bicycle advocacy and infrastructure. We are proud to be is such good company!
We released our debut album, co-produced a short film, and touched 100 million people with our message through web, media and product presence. We also added a record-breaking 486 new member companies. And despite the challenging economic backdrop, 1% member companies donated more than $20 million to approved environmental non-profits, a 30% increase since 2009.
In 2011, we will focus on deepening connections between companies, environmental organizations and individuals in the 1% network. We will build tools to help 1% members and NGOs connect and share resources. We will also pilot new programs including regional network expansions and additional issue-based funds.
To continue our momentum, we need your help.
Your financial support will help us reach our ambitious 2011 goals while continuing build and support an alliance of businesses financially committed to creating a healthy planet.
Here in Vermont, we’re taking in the vibrant fall colors, drinking warm apple cider and enjoying the familiar feeling of cozy sweaters, while our UK counterparts were busy scrambling, climbing and traversing their way around the rocky coastline of Wales, all in the name of 1%.
1% member and professional play advocates, TYF Adventure, organized a gathering for our UK members to get to know each other, share ideas and have a good time. “We popped everybody into a wetsuit, helmet and buoyancy aid and made our way down to the bottom of the sea cliffs with our experienced guide and then ‘Coasteered’ our way around the stunning coastline,” said TYF staffer and event organizer, Ross Beese.
UK Members Cliff Jumping in Wales
With hearts racing from the morning’s coasteering adventure, our 1% members moved on to the beach to try their hand at surfing, (Yvon would be proud!). “The waves were fantastic and the kids made it look easy, popping up and cruising down the line with smiles on their faces,” said Beese.
The weekend of fun in the sun brought about new friends, new hobbies, and a stronger 1% network throughout the UK. “It was fantastic to find out more about the other businesses and where their passion lies,” said Beese.
Alice, Ross, and Nayfe of TYF Adventure.
We’re sad to have missed this great gathering and can’t wait to try coasteering at next year’s event. Thank you to TYF Adventure who hosted the event and a special thanks to all our members in the UK who are helping create a healthier planet.
P.S. Watch out France, the UK 1% network is gaining on you! The UK is currently 68 members strong and growing quickly. We recently celebrated the 100 member mark for France and are gearing up to welcome our UK 1% network into the club.
1% for the Planet has a new home on Bridge Street in Waitsfield, Vermont. We recently moved our office down the street into a traditional Vermont farmhouse, originally built in the late 1800’s and recently renovated. With views of the Mad River, the Northfield Range, and the Waitsfield Common, our new office is feeling like home. The 1% crew can often be seen bounding across the street for a quick dip in the river or out for a trail run or bike ride.
To all those considering sending care packages to the lovely 1% crew here in Vermont make sure to get our NEW shipping address. (PS we love baked goods and member products!)
Our new shipping address…
1% for the Planet
45 Bridge Street
Waitsfield, VT 05673
USA
Moving day lunch break for the 1% crew
Membership Maven, Chrissy didn't miss a beat with the move...unpacked and ready to go!
Jake can sing and dance and now...Hula Hoop!
Our mailing address remains the same…
1% for the Planet
P.O. Box 650
Waitsfield, Vermont 05673
USA
Here at 1%, we are beaming with pride for our members and the financial commitment they have made in creating a healthier planet. However, one day not too long ago, we realized we’d been remiss in proclaiming this good news to our loyal followers. We apologize for this temporary lapse in good manners!
First, a hearty thank you to our over 1,300 current members. Your commitment to supporting the planet inspires more that one new business a day, on average, to pledge one percent of sales back to the environment.
To kick off our new series, Monthly Member Updates, we’re proud to announce all members that joined in August. They are reflective of our 1% network as a whole: diverse, creative and across the board dedicated to supporting the work of environmental non-profits!
Drum Roll Please…
East River Creative:Website design and content development located in Crested Butte, Co
Our 1% member, The Boatyard Bar and Grill in Eastport, Maryland had some high-profile guests for lunch recently. First lady, Michelle, and daughter, Sasha, dropped in for lunch with family and friends while in the area touring the Maryland State House and Naval Academy. The Boatyard owner, Dick Franyo said, “The first lady ordered the crab cakes and loved them!”
The Boatyard Bar and Grill comes highly recommended by everyone here at 1% and now the first family!
Michelle Obama and the Boatyard Bar and Grill Staff
To read the full story about the Obama visit or to learn more about the environmental commitment the Boatyard has made, check out their website.
Each year around this time, skiers and snowboarders start to pine for new gear, check out long range forecasts, and get pumped for the new TGR film. This year’s offering, Deeper, is an awesome ( and we really mean it…) collaboration between 1% member Teton Gravity Research and 1% non-profit recipient Protect Our Winters (POW), featuring an all star roster of big mountain riders including POW’s founder, Jeremy Jones. This full circle partnership strives to create a greener winter sports industry by protecting the environment that inspires the riders.
On foot, 65 miles from civilization, braving sub zero temperatures, and fighting week-long storms, Deeper places a handful of world’s premier snowboarders in hot pursuit of the ultimate in big mountain riding while leaving the helicopters and their emissions at home. “The Deeper crew put cameras in places and in conditions you could never imagine. It is the ultimate first-hand experience and the most insane riding I have ever seen,” said TGR co-founder, Steve Jones.
Along with fellow 1% members Tactics, Venture Snowboards, Clif, and Volcom, TGR’s partnership with POW is leading the winter sports industry towards a more sustainable future. Deeper hits the road this fall–check here for a screening near you–we’ll see you out there!
