The following email was sent from SCA President Dale Penny to SCA friends in the regions most affected by Hurricane Sandy. We continue to provide updates on SCA's response to Sandy via SCA's Conservation Nation blog.
Dear SCA Friend,
Like you, SCA is greatly concerned about the people and places affected by Hurricane Sandy. I'm pleased to note the first wave of SCA's response is already on the ground in some of the hardest-hit areas, and through our local programs more assistance is on the way. A quick update:
- Members of SCA's Veterans Fire Corps [1], who had been clearing fire fuels in Arizona, have taken their chain saws to the Jersey shore and are aiding in the removal of downed trees and debris, thus enabling vital supplies of water, food, fuel and other necessities to reach those most in need. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, these military vets are proud to be serving their nation in an entirely new way.
- SCA is also working with our partner Hudson River Park Trust (HRPT) to coordinate weekend service events [2]. A clean-up project [3] will take place Saturday, November 17th, at Hudson River Park in Manhattan's West Side. The project involves re-soiling and mulching. Register to help at the park. [3]
- Presently, SCA is reaching out to officials at parks, refuges and other affected public lands to determine how we can assist in restoring these important natural areas. SCA has a demonstrated history of responding to natural disasters, from the coast of Florida to the slopes of Mount Rainier. Learn more about the National Park Service assessment of park damage [4].
- Finally, many SCA alumni and others have contacted us asking "what can I do to help?" You may already be volunteering with the clean-up or seeking an opportunity to join in. If you know ways others can help, please post opportunities on SCA's online community [5]. Start a group, a forum discussion or create an event and invite SCA members to join you.
The aftermath of Hurricane Sandy has been considerable, and the outpouring of concern and interest from the SCA community has been as well. We will update the SCA blog [6] with ways to get involved or support other organizations, so check back often.
Thank you,