Greenpeace <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=9tkgqoelnmKQwRn2xC%2BrfDw5DMW0kcU0> November 6, 2007 Cut Out Illegal Logging <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=9uLcmWQGTCjG0qzxlAlrCDw5DMW0kcU0> I'll never forget my first encounter with a wild orangutan. Hiking through a protected forest in Borneo, I rounded a bend to find her standing right in front of me in the path, staring back with bright amber eyes that were at once intense and deeply peaceful. Nor will I forget my first sight of illegal logging in orangutan habitat -- miles of ancient forest turned to cut and blackened stumps in the ground. Illegal logging is taking a terrible toll on people and the environment throughout the world. Every year, illegal loggers destroy millions of acres of ancient forests, harming local communities, wildlife and our climate, and pushing species like the orangutan ever farther down the road to extinction. That's why this issue means so much to me, and why I've worked hard to make sure that consumers like you don't have to wonder if the wood products you're buying have contributed to the kind of destruction I've witnessed. Take Action Today >> Congress has a chance to cut illegal logging now! <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=4uJCajr%2F4p2frsDekY9W6zw5DMW0kcU0> This is why I'm proud to tell you that Congress is on the verge of taking a major step to put an end to the import of illegal timber. A new law being considered by Congress would ban imports of illegal wood once and for all, and put a system in place to make sure that ban has real teeth. Along with our partners at the Environmental Investigation Agency, I've worked hard all year to see this day happen, but now I need YOUR help to make sure Congress follows through. I can't describe to you how important this bill is. The U.S. is the world's biggest importer of wood products, and this landmark legislation will be the first serious safeguard against illegal wood imports into this country, benefiting forests, wildlife, communities and our climate. But, corporate interest groups are threatening to make the bill ineffective with weakening amendments. Please take action <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=M7tem6xwPpXNdJM6aWuOcTw5DMW0kcU0> now to make sure that doesn't happen. Sincerely, Carroll Muffett Deputy Director of Campaigns p.s. Right now, Greenpeace activists are in Sumatra (really close to where I was in Borneo) working to defend the rainforest for the critically endangered orangutans and tigers who call it home. My friend Hayden is participating in the forest camp there, and writing about his experience. Be sure to read his blog <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=hsIg2RfJmynT%2FQcKpmR2MTw5DMW0kcU0> to follow the story. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Great Whale Trail <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=7e0x%2FRJqYZYPnr%2BHOPh7GTw5DMW0kcU0> ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Last week we told you about our Great Whale Trail, where we're tracking humpback whales by satellite as they make their annual migration to the Southern Ocean. And we gave you the opportunity to get your friends involved and help fundraise to protect the whales. The response so far has been amazing! Already, hundreds of you have created your own Whale Defender pages, and invited your friends follow the trail. If you haven't already, it's not too late! Sign up today <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=BCbHGwhpeI6lbFF%2Be48Mtzw5DMW0kcU0>. Our top fundraiser right now is our very own staffer Whitney Howard, who has raised an amazing total of $865.00 from her family members and friends! Kimberly Smith is close on Whitney's heels with a grand total of $420. Check out our website <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=9%2FOLk2revNEjYphMKeiJ7jw5DMW0kcU0> to see what other people have raised, make your own donations, or set up your own page. Then be sure to get your friends involved too. Here are a few tips to get going: * Make sure you have sent an email to all your friends and family asking them to help with your fundraising. * Send a reminder email (or txt). Most people need to be asked more than once. * Put a link to your fundraising page in Facebook or MySpace if you use them. * Remember you can also fundraise offline any way you like. * Use our web banners to promote the Great Whale trail if you have a website or blog. The humpbacks, several with their calves, should begin arriving in the Southern Ocean to begin feeding over the next few days. You can follow their progress on the map <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=1fu%2B0fo%2BAZDduC8CbET8ZTw5DMW0kcU0>. Thanks so much for helping us to help the whales! Your friend, John Hocevar Oceans Campaigner p.s. I could sure use your help on my Whale Defender page <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=mDA6Iv0GCZ9JVkn1OKiHX1JhauMcH8sg>! If you don't have one of your own, please be sure to donate on mine, and send your friends too. Thanks! ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 3 Ways to Help 1: Donate Now <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=1CrAhYCQQDUyzMeWhxzvk1JhauMcH8sg> Help Greenpeace Take a Stand. Become a Member Today. 2: Take Action <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=84aQYlfPCqmrdNlnmxFrylJhauMcH8sg> Visit our Action Center and take action today. 3: Tell a Friend <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=UAyFTOVyI%2BN6ZuSK0FY14Dw5DMW0kcU0> Forward this message to a friend. Help spread the word. Forest Camp Blog <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=Hyhs7QxcaDG6BrYaaD0CxlJhauMcH8sg> I spent this morning at one of the dam construction sites as one of the standby medics. I was the only one who got hurt this morning though. I was climbing down the face of one of the dams when I used a piece of wood that hadn't been nailed in as an anchor (always test your anchors!). I came tumbling down into the water, along with my camera. My camera appears like it will recover. And I escaped with only a small scrape. Read more of Hayden's blog. <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=678nPq8eNFo6snbvPlyqujw5DMW0kcU0> *Get the 2008 Calendar* buy calendar <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=4IcYpRFW5gFcSh60rzQ%2BnDw5DMW0kcU0> Holiday shopping early? Get our beautiful 2008 wall calendar. Buy now for $9.59. <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=1tdSkVcY0S5tWJRPbRgvkjw5DMW0kcU0> <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=amJTvF48%2BvpgHbXcuABNgjw5DMW0kcU0> 702 H Street, NW Suite 300 Washington, D.C. 20001 (800) 326-0959 Get the facts about humpbacks <http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/dia/track.jsp?v=2&c=u2Tb64I%2FPNlDhZoQmssqvzw5DMW0kcU0>.