Join us for the 7th Annual Conservation Lobby Day on May 4th, 2010. Conservationists from around the state will travel to the State House to meet, greet and encourage elected leaders to support the Common Agenda priorities.

The day begins with a morning briefing at the Columbia Museum of Art, after which the group walks to the State House to speak to legislators about conservation bills. During the afternoon, participants attend committee meetings and enjoy free time to watch green films, participate in a happy hour or tour Columbia, the art museum and the State House grounds. In the evening participants will attend an informal oyster roast under the stars at 701 Whaley. Come enjoy the live music and local food with legislative guests.

If you only go to the State House once this year to speak to your legislator, this is the day to visit!

7th Annual Conservation Lobby Day
Tuesday, May 4, 2010

9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Registration, Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main Street (Corner of Main and Hampton Streets)

9:30 – 9:45 a.m. Cary Chamblee: Welcome and Introduction

9:45 – 11:00 a.m. Issues and Panel of Speakers
Panel 1: Partnerships 9:45-10:15
Ben Gregg, Executive Director of SC Wildlife Federation
Bernie Mazyck, President of SC Association of Community Development Corporations
Mark Robertson, Executive Director of The Nature Conservancy, SC
Dana Beach, Executive Director of Coastal Conservation League

Panel 2: Federal Climate/Energy Legislation (10:15-10:30)
Steve Moore, Climate and Energy Director of SC Wildlife Federation

Panel 3: Water and Riverkeeper Panel (10:30-11)
Alan Merzad, Congaree Riverkeeper
Cyrus Buffum, Charleston Waterkeeper
David Merryman, Catawba Riverkeeper
Mark Bruce, Santee Riverkeeper
Tonya Bonitatibus, Savannah Riverkeeper

Common Agenda Issue Updates (11-11:30)
Land Use – Shelly Robbins, Project Coordinator, Upstate Forever
Energy – Hamilton Davis, Climate and Energy Director, Coastal Conservation League
Water – Patrick Moore, Columbia Office Director,
Coastal Conservation League

11:30 – 11:45 a.m. Lobbying Guidelines
Role play: John Ramsburgh (legislator) & Juliette Lowery and James Foster (volunteers)
Lobby Team Recognition & Instructions: Debbie Parker

11:45 – 12:00 p.m. Group Photo, North Steps of the State House

12:00 – 1:15 p.m. Lobby Legislators, State House Lobby, 2nd Floor

*1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Lunch, Columbia Museum of Art
Introduction: Ann Timberlake, Executive Director of Conservation Voters of SC
Keynote Speaker: Hugh Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture

2:30 – 6:00 p.m. Free Time or:
Visit with legislators in their office
3:00 p.m. State House Tour
3:30 p.m. Exhibition Tour: The Chemistry of Color – Contemporary African American Art
3:30 p.m. Documentary Film Screening: Take a Seat
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Happy Hour: Sheraton Hotel Rooftop Bar, 1400 Main Street.
Admission is free. Beer, wine and concessions available for purchase.

6:00 – 10:00 p.m. Oyster Roast and Local Foods Showcase at 701 Whaley Street

*Lunch time is approximate. Exact time will depend on what time the legislature adjourns.

Hosted by:
American Rivers, Southeast Region
Coastal Conservation League
Congaree Land Trust
Conservation Voters of SC Education Fund
League of Women Voters
Sierra Club of South Carolina
South Carolina Wildlife Federation
Southern Environmental Law Center
The Nature Conservancy of South Carolina
Upstate Forever
USGB-SC Chapter

Additional Sponsors:
General Electric
Firefly Distillery
Redwood Creek Vineyards

RSVP before April 29 to Merrill McGregor at 803-771-7102 or MerrillM@scccl.org