PITTSFIELD - More than 85 protesters endured at times persistent rain for more than two hours on Tuesday night to show solidarity for the Standing Rock protest group against the Dakota Access Pipeline in South Dakota. "This is a national day of solidarity to show support for the Standing Rock Sioux tribe," explained Cheryl Rose, who was the principal organizer of Tuesday's event. "This is a social justice issue, a climate issue, a racial justice issue." The event attracted individuals from all over Berkshire County. Protests were being held Tuesday across the country, from California to Vermont, according to The Associated Press. Activists called for demonstrations at Army Corps of Engineers offices and at banks financing the pipeline construction. Rose and many of the protesters are members of 350 Mass-Berkshire, a local offshoot of 350 Mass. The organization is a nonprofit statewide climate action network. "This is not just a South Dakota issue," said Jenny Gitlitz of Dalton. "It's not a NIMBY [Not In My Back Yard] issue. There are environmental concerns, as well, and they have the potential to affect us." Despite the rain, the protesters stayed for about two hours. Many bore signs decrying the Dakota Access Pipeline. On a regular basis, passing cars would honk their support. Rose pointed out that the builders of the Dakota Access Pipeline have already announced their plans to continue their work. This, she said, despite the fact that the federal Army Corps of Engineers has indicated they will require an environmental impact report on the project. "The treaty is not being respected, the safety of the drinking water is not being respected," she said. Rose pointed out that the original route of the pipeline was supposed to run near the city of Bismark, but was eventually rerouted because of fears for the drinking water for residents of the city. "You connect the dots," she said. "We have concerns, but everyone should have concerns," said Sonya Bykofsky of Lenox. "We think someone really needs to take a stand." For more information, go to www.350mass.org. Reach staff reporter Derek Gentile at 413-496-6251.