January - February 2005 Canyon Echo
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Enjo njo njo njo njoy, explor , explor , explor , explor , explore and pr e and pr e and pr e and pr e and protect the planet otect the planet otect the planet otect the planet otect the planet Canyon Echo www www www www www.arizona.sierraclub.org .arizona.sierraclub.org .arizona.sierraclub.org .arizona.sierraclub.org .arizona.sierraclub.org Grand Canyon Chapter Grand Canyon Chapter Grand Canyon Chapter Grand Canyon Chapter Grand Canyon Chapter Januar Januar Januar Januar January/F y/F y/F y/F y/Februar ebruar ebruar ebruar ebruary 2005 y 2005 y 2005 y 2005 y 2005 It’s All Connected It’s All Connected It’s All Connected It’s All Connected It’s All Connected Help Sierra Club Pr Help Sierra Club Pr Help Sierra Club Pr Help Sierra Club Pr Help Sierra Club Protect Wilderness in Grand Can ect Wilderness in Grand Can ect Wilderness in Grand Can ect Wilderness in Grand Can ect Wilderness in Grand Canyon National P on National P on National P on National P on National Par ar ar ar ark Comment on the Colorado River Management Plan Comment on the Colorado River Management Plan Comment on the Colorado River Management Plan Comment on the Colorado River Management Plan Comment on the Colorado River Management Plan Roxane is Grand Canyon Conservation Program Coordinator for the Grand Canyon Chapter. By Roxane George T It’s All Related It’s All Related It’s All Related It’s All Related It’s All Related he National Park Service (NPS) is asking for comments on the Draft Environmental Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Colorado River Management Plan (CRMP). This planning process represents an important opportunity to restore wilderness and protect the special ecological, cultural and recreation resources at the heart of Grand Canyon National Park. Unfortunately, the Park Service’s preference, Alternative H, is a traffic management plan instead of a resource protection plan. You can make a big differ ou can make a big differ ou can make a big differ ou can make a big differ ou can make a big difference ence ence ence ence for the Grand Canyon by sending sending sending sending sending comments comments comments comments comments to the National Park Service by Febr ebr ebr ebr ebruar uar uar uar uary 1, 2005 y 1, 2005 y 1, 2005 y 1, 2005 y 1, 2005. Your participation is vital to the protection of this special place and this planning process. It is harder for Congress to side step a process when there is a lot of public participation! In your comments, please tell the In your comments, please tell the In your comments, please tell the In your comments, please tell the In your comments, please tell the Park Service to: Park Service to: Park Service to: Park Service to: Park Service to: Analyze and implement mitigation Analyze and implement mitigation Analyze and implement mitigation Analyze and implement mitigation Analyze and implement mitigation measures and monitoring outlined in the measures and monitoring outlined in the measures and monitoring outlined in the measures and monitoring outlined in the measures and monitoring outlined in the DEIS to reduce the effects of recreation on DEIS to reduce the effects of recreation on DEIS to reduce the effects of recreation on DEIS to reduce the effects of recreation on DEIS to reduce the effects of recreation on soils, vegetation and wildlife. soils, vegetation and wildlife. soils, vegetation and wildlife. soils, vegetation and wildlife. soils, vegetation and wildlife. The mitigation measures outlined in the DEIS are not necessarily included in the analysis. Select Alternative B with improvements. Select Alternative B with improvements. Select Alternative B with improvements. Select Alternative B with improvements. Select Alternative B with improvements. Alternative B is best for protecting the river’s wilderness character and other resources. This alternative is characterized by no motors, the smallest group sizes, lowest number of maximum daily launches, highest average per person discretionary time, substantially fewer probable yearly passengers and no helicopter exchanges at Whitmore. Humans, plants and animals are all competing for the same dwindling resources in the Grand Canyon river corridor. Despite its proposal to spread out trips into the spring and fall, and to reduce trip sizes, the Park Service’s preferred alternative, H, will not be able to avoid resource impacts from increasing overall user numbers. Phase out motors to protect the wilderness Phase out motors to protect the wilderness Phase out motors to protect the wilderness Phase out motors to protect the wilderness Phase out motors to protect the wilderness character of the Grand Canyon. character of the Grand Canyon. character of the Grand Canyon. character of the Grand Canyon. character of the Grand Canyon. Although the Park Service recommended the river for wilderness designation in 1980, it is not yet managed as wilderness, even though the rest of the Grand Canyon backcountry is. Motors are incompatible with wilderness values and experience. Non- motorized boats provide a safe, wonderful experience for commercial and private boaters with a wide range of needs and desires. Set visitation at a level that will protect the Set visitation at a level that will protect the Set visitation at a level that will protect the Set visitation at a level that will protect the Set visitation at a level that will protect the river’ river’ river’ river’ river’s disappearing beaches. s disappearing beaches. s disappearing beaches. s disappearing beaches. s disappearing beaches. There has been a dramatic decline in the size and number of beaches, primarily due to Glen Canyon Dam. The beaches used as campsites limit the river’s recreational carrying capacity and the Park Service is required to prioritize resource protection above all other values, including recreation. Therefore, the increase in annual numbers of boaters to 26,317 in Alternative H is unacceptable and the park must not delay a decision to adjust visitor numbers downward. Protect natural quiet along the river Protect natural quiet along the river Protect natural quiet along the river Protect natural quiet along the river Protect natural quiet along the river. The Park Service is mandated to restore natural quiet, an important and increasingly rare backcountry resource, yet Alternative H allows up to 1,000 helicopter rides in and out of the river corridor each year, as well as motorboats six months out of the year. Traditional wilderness-compatible alternatives, such as hiking and mules, can be substituted for helicopter exchanges. Make access fair and equitable. Make access fair and equitable. Make access fair and equitable. Make access fair and equitable. Make access fair and equitable. Under all alternatives, the majority of trips are allocated to commercial concessionaires, even though the wait for a private trip permit can be up to 20 years. The Park Service is legally mandated to limit commercial services to those that are necessary and appropriate. An analysis of what type and amount of commercial services are “necessary and appropriate” should be included in the DEIS. For the DEIS or to submit online comments, go to: http://www.nps.gov/ grca/crmp/. Mail to: CRMP Project, Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box 129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 or fax to: 928-638-7797. For more information about the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter’s campaign to restore and protect Grand Canyon National Park, contact Roxane George at (928) 774- 6514; [email protected]. Provide a quality river experience Provide a quality river experience Provide a quality river experience Provide a quality river experience Provide a quality river experience appropriate to the Grand Canyon’ appropriate to the Grand Canyon’ appropriate to the Grand Canyon’ appropriate to the Grand Canyon’ appropriate to the Grand Canyon’s wilderness character wilderness character wilderness character wilderness character wilderness character. There are many places where we can motor through life, but peace, quiet and solitude are increasingly rare. The Grand Canyon should be preserved for the times when we seek out this kind of experience. The DEIS acknowledges that lower visitor numbers can allow visitors to enjoy longer trip lengths and more discretionary time on the river without increased impacts to natural and cultural values. The Park Service should select an alternative, like B, that does this, rather than Alternative H which seeks to rush larger numbers of people through the canyon on motorized trips with less discretionary time. Reduce group sizes Reduce group sizes Reduce group sizes Reduce group sizes Reduce group sizes. Maximum group sizes for all alternatives are too large, ranging from 25-40. The majority of campsites can only support groups up to 24, therefore smaller groups are necessary to protect the beaches. Most Grand Canyon River users prefer to be part of and meet groups of 20 or fewer people. Photograph courtesy of the Frances Loeb Library, Graduate School of Design, Harvard University. Sierra Club’s Rich Genser on the South Rim photo by Craig Dible (above). Oar-powered boats in the Canyon photo by Michelle Harrington (left).
Transcript of January - February 2005 Canyon Echo
EEEEEnjonjonjonjonjoyyyyy, explor, explor, explor, explor, explore and pre and pre and pre and pre and protect the planetotect the planetotect the planetotect the planetotect the planet
Canyon Echowwwwwwwwwwwwwww.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter JanuarJanuarJanuarJanuarJanuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Februarebruarebruarebruarebruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005
It’s All ConnectedIt’s All ConnectedIt’s All ConnectedIt’s All ConnectedIt’s All Connected
Help Sierra Club PrHelp Sierra Club PrHelp Sierra Club PrHelp Sierra Club PrHelp Sierra Club Proooootttttect Wilderness in Grand Canect Wilderness in Grand Canect Wilderness in Grand Canect Wilderness in Grand Canect Wilderness in Grand Canyyyyyon National Pon National Pon National Pon National Pon National ParararararkkkkkComment on the Colorado River Management PlanComment on the Colorado River Management PlanComment on the Colorado River Management PlanComment on the Colorado River Management PlanComment on the Colorado River Management Plan
Roxane is Grand Canyon Conservation
Program Coordinator for the Grand Canyon
Chapter.
By Roxane George
T
It’s All RelatedIt’s All RelatedIt’s All RelatedIt’s All RelatedIt’s All Related
he National Park Service (NPS) isasking for comments on the Draft
Environmental Impact Statement(DEIS) for the Colorado RiverManagement Plan (CRMP). Thisplanning process represents animportant opportunity to restorewilderness and protect the specialecological, cultural and recreationresources at the heart of Grand CanyonNational Park. Unfortunately, the ParkService’s preference, Alternative H, is atraffic management plan instead of aresource protection plan.
YYYYYou can make a big differou can make a big differou can make a big differou can make a big differou can make a big differenceenceenceenceence forthe Grand Canyon by sendingsendingsendingsendingsendingcommentscommentscommentscommentscomments to the National Park Serviceby FFFFFebrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 1, 2005y 1, 2005y 1, 2005y 1, 2005y 1, 2005. Your participationis vital to the protection of this specialplace and this planning process. It isharder for Congress to side step a processwhen there is a lot of publicparticipation!
In your comments, please tell theIn your comments, please tell theIn your comments, please tell theIn your comments, please tell theIn your comments, please tell thePark Service to:Park Service to:Park Service to:Park Service to:Park Service to:
Analyze and implement mit igat ionAnalyze and implement mit igat ionAnalyze and implement mit igat ionAnalyze and implement mit igat ionAnalyze and implement mit igat ionmeasures and monitoring outlined in themeasures and monitoring outlined in themeasures and monitoring outlined in themeasures and monitoring outlined in themeasures and monitoring outlined in theDEIS to reduce the effects of recreation onDEIS to reduce the effects of recreation onDEIS to reduce the effects of recreation onDEIS to reduce the effects of recreation onDEIS to reduce the effects of recreation onsoils, vegetation and wildlife.soils, vegetation and wildlife.soils, vegetation and wildlife.soils, vegetation and wildlife.soils, vegetation and wildlife.
The mitigation measures outlined inthe DEIS are not necessarily includedin the analysis.
Select Alternative B with improvements.Select Alternative B with improvements.Select Alternative B with improvements.Select Alternative B with improvements.Select Alternative B with improvements.Alternative B is best for protecting
the river’s wilderness character and otherresources. This alternative ischaracterized by no motors, the smallestgroup sizes, lowest number of maximumdaily launches, highest average perperson discretionary time, substantiallyfewer probable yearly passengers and nohelicopter exchanges at Whitmore.
Humans, plants and animals are allcompeting for the same dwindlingresources in the Grand Canyon rivercorridor. Despite its proposal to spreadout trips into the spring and fall, and toreduce trip sizes, the Park Service’spreferred alternative, H, will not be ableto avoid resource impacts fromincreasing overall user numbers.
Phase out motors to protect the wildernessPhase out motors to protect the wildernessPhase out motors to protect the wildernessPhase out motors to protect the wildernessPhase out motors to protect the wildernesscharacter of the Grand Canyon.character of the Grand Canyon.character of the Grand Canyon.character of the Grand Canyon.character of the Grand Canyon.
Although the Park Servicerecommended the river for wildernessdesignation in 1980, it is not yetmanaged as wilderness, even though therest of the Grand Canyon backcountryis. Motors are incompatible withwilderness values and experience. Non-motorized boats provide a safe,wonderful experience for commercial andprivate boaters with a wide range ofneeds and desires.
Set visitation at a level that will protect theSet visitation at a level that will protect theSet visitation at a level that will protect theSet visitation at a level that will protect theSet visitation at a level that will protect theriver’river’river’river’river’s disappearing beaches.s disappearing beaches.s disappearing beaches.s disappearing beaches.s disappearing beaches.
There has been a dramatic declinein the size and number of beaches,primarily due to Glen Canyon Dam. Thebeaches used as campsites limit theriver’s recreational carrying capacity andthe Park Service is required to prioritizeresource protection above all other values,including recreation. Therefore, theincrease in annual numbers of boatersto 26,317 in Alternative H isunacceptable and the park must notdelay a decision to adjust visitornumbers downward.
Protect natural quiet along the riverProtect natural quiet along the riverProtect natural quiet along the riverProtect natural quiet along the riverProtect natural quiet along the river.....The Park Service is mandated to
restore natural quiet, an important andincreasingly rare backcountry resource,yet Alternative H allows up to 1,000helicopter rides in and out of the rivercorridor each year, as well as motorboatssix months out of the year. Traditionalwilderness-compatible alternatives, suchas hiking and mules, can be substitutedfor helicopter exchanges.
Make access fair and equitable.Make access fair and equitable.Make access fair and equitable.Make access fair and equitable.Make access fair and equitable.Under all alternatives, the majority
of trips are allocated to commercialconcessionaires, even though the wait fora private trip permit can be up to 20years. The Park Service is legallymandated to limit commercial servicesto those that are necessary andappropriate. An analysis of what typeand amount of commercial services are“necessary and appropriate” should beincluded in the DEIS.
For the DEIS or to submit onlinecomments, go to: http://www.nps.gov/grca/crmp/. Mail to: CRMP Project,Grand Canyon National Park, PO Box129, Grand Canyon, Arizona 86023 orfax to: 928-638-7797.
For more information about the Sierra
Club Grand Canyon Chapter’s campaign to
restore and protect Grand Canyon National
Park, contact Roxane George at (928) 774-
6514; [email protected].
Prov ide a qual i ty r i ver exper ienceProv ide a qual i ty r i ver exper ienceProv ide a qual i ty r i ver exper ienceProv ide a qual i ty r i ver exper ienceProv ide a qual i ty r i ver exper ienceappropr iate to the Grand Canyon’appropr iate to the Grand Canyon’appropr iate to the Grand Canyon’appropr iate to the Grand Canyon’appropr iate to the Grand Canyon’ssssswilderness characterwilderness characterwilderness characterwilderness characterwilderness character.....
There are many places where we canmotor through life, but peace, quiet andsolitude are increasingly rare. The GrandCanyon should be preserved for the timeswhen we seek out this kind ofexperience. The DEIS acknowledges thatlower visitor numbers can allow visitorsto enjoy longer trip lengths and morediscretionary time on the river withoutincreased impacts to natural and culturalvalues. The Park Service should select analternative, like B, that does this, ratherthan Alternative H which seeks to rushlarger numbers of people through thecanyon on motorized trips with lessdiscretionary time.
Reduce group sizesReduce group sizesReduce group sizesReduce group sizesReduce group sizes.Maximum group sizes for all
alternatives are too large, ranging from25-40. The majority of campsites canonly support groups up to 24, thereforesmaller groups are necessary to protectthe beaches. Most Grand Canyon Riverusers prefer to be part of and meet groupsof 20 or fewer people.
Photograph courtesy of the Frances Loeb Library,Graduate School of Design, Harvard University.
Sierra Club’s Rich Genser on the South Rim photo by Craig Dible (above).Oar-powered boats in the Canyon photo by Michelle Harrington (left).
Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
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SSSSSAAAAAGUGUGUGUGUARARARARARO GRO GRO GRO GRO GROUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTH MARICOPMARICOPMARICOPMARICOPMARICOPAAAAA COUNTCOUNTCOUNTCOUNTCOUNTYYYYYChair:Chair:Chair:Chair:Chair: Mike Mlodzik 480-488-6806 [email protected] :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair : Louis Lantz 480-488-4581 [email protected]:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Michelle Luo [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Jenny Roberts 480-951-4261 [email protected]:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation: Tinker Ouse [email protected] i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical : Barbara Sciacca 480-488-0329 [email protected]
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Vol. 41 No. 1February/January 2005
Canyon Echo (ISSN 0164-7024) ispublished bimonthly for Sierra Club
members by the Sierra ClubGrand Canyon Chapter,
202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277,Phoenix, AZ 85004.
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Send address changes to Sierra ClubMember Services, c/o Canyon Echo, P.O. Box
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EDITORMichelle Pulich Stewart
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DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS
Outings EditorJerry Nelson
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PhotographersBob Ball, Nathaniel Kastelic, Alex Stewart
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Arizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona Chapter Aer Aer Aer Aer Action Directction Directction Directction Directction Directorororororyyyyy
Canyon Echo
CHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSChairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Counci l :Counci l :Counci l :Counci l :Counci l : Ken Langton (xc) 520-749-3829 [email protected] :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair : Tom Slaback (xc) 928-778-4233 [email protected]:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Bev Jones-Full (xc) 480-221-2554 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Dale Volz (xc) 480-892-5102 [email protected] Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate: Jan Anderson (xc) 520-682-8850 [email protected]:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 [email protected] Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair: Jim McCarthy (x) 928-779-3748Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair: Lynn DeMuth [email protected] Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair: Jim Vaaler (xc) 602-553-8208 [email protected] Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair: Chris Gehlker 602-866-9024 [email protected] Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair: Tom Cadden [email protected] Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair: Pam Hyde 928-214-6492 [email protected] Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair: Rich Genser (xc) 520-529-4899 [email protected] (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Elna Otter (xc) 520-212-9736 [email protected] (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Ted Gartner (xc) 480-961-0370 [email protected] (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Kathy Roediger (xc) 602-266-6358 [email protected]
2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde: Jon Findley (xc) Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro: Bev Jones-Full (xc)Plateau:Plateau:Plateau:Plateau:Plateau: Roxane George (xc) SSSSSedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valley:y:y:y:y: CarolePiszczek-SheffieldRincon:Rincon:Rincon:Rincon:Rincon: Rich Genser (xc) YYYYYaaaaavvvvvapai:apai:apai:apai:apai: Tom Slaback (xc)
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BECOME INVOLVED:Contact a
representative inyour area to voice
your concerns andto participate inlocal activities.
(xc) 2004 ChapterExecutive Committee(Ex-Com) Members
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JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Febrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
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33333
Echo News You can Use
On the WebSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home Pagewww.sierraclub.org
Sierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra Magazinewww.sierraclub.org/sierra
Online NewsOnline NewsOnline NewsOnline NewsOnline Newswww.sierraclub.org/news
Chapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action Networkgrandcanyon.sierraclubaction.org
The PlanetThe PlanetThe PlanetThe PlanetThe Planetwww.sierraclub.org/planet
11111 Protect Grand Canyon
33333 Hello Water Committee
55555 Sincere Appreciation
66666 Saving Oak Flat
77777 Energy Connections
99999 The Essential Wilderness
1111111111 Arizona Hikes and Trips
On the Web
Grand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand Canyyyyyon Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapter What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going On
Inside
Kathy RoedigerKathy RoedigerKathy RoedigerKathy RoedigerKathy RoedigerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaire
Cast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of Characters
Land Ownership in ArizonaU.S. Forest Service 15.0%
U.S. Bureau of Land Management 19.5% National Park Service 3.5%
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service 2.0% U.S. Department of Defense 5.0%
Indian Trust Lands 27.0%Private Lands 15.0%
State Lands 13.0%(including State Parks, Game & Fish, and State Trust Lands)
Why not treat yourself to an informative gift this New Year? The gift isfree and comes via email. It is the Grand Canyon Chapter’s General listserv.The information comes in a multitude of exciting flavors and when you aretoo busy, you can hit the delete key.
We need YOU to join this listserv. The information is easy to read andwhen an action is needed it is as simple as a phone call or an email. In factyou might become so excited by the prospect of accomplishment that youmight even do the old-fashioned thing and write a letter.
If you want your Club to be effective, please help it to be effective.Think of the powerful results of more than 13,000 members spending tenminutes a month in supporting and creating change.
If you act now you can even join the Rincon Group or Palo VerdeGroup listserv. This two for one value is limited; act now.To subscribe to subscribe to subscribe to subscribe to subscribe to Grand Cano Grand Cano Grand Cano Grand Cano Grand Canyyyyyon Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapter Listserer Listserer Listserer Listserer Listservvvvv SSSSSend a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to:[email protected] and put this message in the body of the email: subscribe gc-general Your Name
To subscribe to Palo Verde Group Listserve SSSSSend a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to:[email protected] and put this message in the body of the email: subscribe gc-pv-general Your NameTo subscribe to Rincon Group Listserve SSSSSend a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to:end a message to: [email protected] put this message in the body of the email: subscribe gc-rincon-general Your NameFor the Grand Canyon Action Network you can quickly sign up at: sign up at: sign up at: sign up at: sign up at:http://grandcanyon.sierraclubaction.orgTo be added to the Legislative Update list, send an email to: send an email to: send an email to: send an email to: send an email to:[email protected]
Everything Really IS ConnectedEverything Really IS ConnectedEverything Really IS ConnectedEverything Really IS ConnectedEverything Really IS ConnectedDespite an ongoing interest in water
issues, the Grand Canyon Chapter hasonly recently established a watercommittee.
The committee’s concerns rangefrom the declining flows in Arizona’srivers and decreasing levels ofgroundwater, to the safety of the waterthat we use. Development andagricultural use are generally the causesof concern. One of the committee’s goalsis educating people about the scienceunderlying groundwater and itsconnection to surface water. The watercommittee wants to change the behaviorof individuals and government withrespect to water conservation.
This is a great time for anyoneinterested in these issues to get involved.The committee is interested in obtainingtraining in water monitoring for allvolunteers and actually going out anddoing sampling. There is need for raisingawareness about the water use andprospective development near the SanPedro. And finally, there is a need for usto educate ourselves so as to be able toexplain some of the complexities ofwater to our neighbors or to lobby ourlegislators.
A November meeting of theSouthwest Region ConservationCommittee (SWRCC), with membersfrom New Mexico, Utah and Coloradoas well as Arizona, established water asits major concern for the next two years.What this means for Arizona, as well asthe other states, is that we expect to haveadditional expertise and funding at ourdisposal.
Anyone interested in the watercommittee should contact Elna Otter,at (520) 212-9736, [email protected]. Our goal is to haveparticipation and activities in all partsof Arizona.
WWWWWelcome Welcome Welcome Welcome Welcome WatatatataterererererCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommittee
Happy New Year, current andprospective Sierra Club members. Let’sget outdoors!
From Ironwood to Organ Pipe,Tortolita to Tumacacori, the RinconGroup’s outings leaders aim to share theexquisite beauty of our southern Arizonaregion with you. In 2005, look for newhikes and outings to our sky islandmountains and basin-and-range SonoranDesert. Along the way, we hope to dosome service outings, some “peak-bagging” and to offer anarray of physically rewarding and soul-satisfying hikes andadventures.
The Rincon Group is on the cusp of starting its ownmountaineering outings section, led by Janet Krisinski-Saxerand Chris Saxer. Janet and Chris have more than 20 combinedyears of technical rock climbing experience and have been frequent participants inthe Palo Verde mountaineering group led by Ted and Connie Gartner.
While four more years of a Bush Administration are bound to offer threats toour wilderness areas and public lands, the collective legacy of John Muir, DavidBrower, Aldo Leopold, Mary Austen, Edward Abbey and countless otherconservationists deserves our vigilance. To explore and become familiar with ourlands is to respect and love them. Only then will we begin to know what’s at stake:healthy ecosystems, enriched communities and a legacy for future generations.
By Stu Hunter Williams
Stu chairs Rincon Group’s Outings Committee.
Kathy came to Arizona from Michigan in 1969, when westill had clear air. She joined the Sierra Club in 1991 andbecame involved in the Palo Verde group Ex Comm andPolitical Committee. She has been past Chapter Chair, pastWildlife & ESA Committee Chair, and has been a memberof the Political Committee throughout, working on manycampaigns. She also was a member of the board ofdirectors for REP America/Republicans for EnvironmentalProtection for 3 years. She relaxes from her job by spendingtime with her horse Katy, jogging with her sister’s dog Rosie,reading, joining in wildlife committee outings and hikingwhen she finds time. She is a frustrated Republican - andstill bummed about this past election. As Mo Udall said, “Intheir majesty and wisdom, the people have spoken...thebastards.”
On a sunny mid-No-vember Sunday, Sierra Clubvolunteers gathered atSouth Mountain Park inPhoenix for a picnic. Inaddition to sharing deliciousdishes and visiting witheach other, annual volunteerrecognition awards were pre-sented. Roy Emrick receivedthe Lifetime Achievementaward for his many years ofservice to the Chapter.Kathy Roediger and DaleVolz received Outstanding Serviceawards. Jim McCarthy received aSpecial Achievement award for hiswork to protect Grand Canyon. BevJones-Full received the Outings Serviceaward. The Rincon Group was awardedthe Conservationists of the Year award.Tim Hogan received the EnvironmentalPartner award for the AZ Center for Lawin the Public Interest. The followingmembers who have been with the Si-erra Club for 25 years also receivedawards. Those who were able to attendincluded Gil Venable, Chris Locke, BobDion and Bob Pattalochi. Thank you toeverybody for making it a great time.
Photo by Alex Stewart.
Janet and Chris above and Stuat right. Photographs courtesy
of Stu Hunter Williams.
Good News for Rincon GroupGood News for Rincon GroupGood News for Rincon GroupGood News for Rincon GroupGood News for Rincon Group
IIIIIttttt’’’’’s all alivs all alivs all alivs all alivs all alive,e,e,e,e,When the Publications Committee met inOctober, a creative participant had the ideato declare the theme for this issue“Everything is connected to everything else.”The idea of interconnections has elicitedsome wonderful contributions, which I inviteyou to peruse and enjoy. As you look overthis first Echo of 2005, consider thefilaments connecting the articles to eachother, to Arizona, and to your life here. Weare all part of it and we can all keep workingto protect the planet, both in ourexplorations and in every action.
Picnic HonorPicnic HonorPicnic HonorPicnic HonorPicnic Honors Vs Vs Vs Vs Voluntoluntoluntoluntolunteereereereereers’ Mans’ Mans’ Mans’ Mans’ Many Ay Ay Ay Ay Accomplishmentsccomplishmentsccomplishmentsccomplishmentsccomplishments
Celebrating Volunteers from left to right: Jim McCarthy, Dale Volz,Kathy Roediger(seated), Rich Genser, Bob Pattalochi, Chris Locke,
Tim Hogan, Bob Dion, Ken Langton, Gil Venable, and Roy Emrick.Photo by Alex Stewart.
By Michelle Stewart
By Elna OtterMichelle Pulich Stewart, Echo Editor
ititititit’’’’’sssss all connected.all connected.all connected.all connected.all connected.
By Rich Genser
Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
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That BrightThat BrightThat BrightThat BrightThat Brighter Daer Daer Daer Daer Day Will Happeny Will Happeny Will Happeny Will Happeny Will Happen
Bobbie is a longtime Sierra Club member and
author of several books, including The Return
of the Mexican Gray Wolf: Back to the Blue.
It’s the day after the election, and Isit feeling shell-shocked over the resultsand contemplating what the future mayhold in more setbacks to our nation’salready threatened environment. Howmany more forests will be destroyed inthe name of “Healthy Forests?” Howmany more precious wetlands will ourwild birds lose? How much morepollution will be ejected into our alreadysmutty skies? How many moreendangered species will go unprotected?My fears go on and on and it’s not apretty projection. As I wallow indepression from the blow this electionhas dealt to many who worked so hard,I turn to my recently received copy ofthe Canyon Echo.
I read about how Cary Meister isspearheading a letter-writing drive to theArizona Department of EnvironmentalQuality to prevent construction of theproposed Arizona Clean Fuels refineryin Yuma county. Cary cites five reasonsto oppose the refinery including thefurther threats to air quality, the low-flying jets that would be bad for wildlifeand people, and possible toxic spills thatwould adversely affect people and cropsin the area.
I read about the dedicated service ofSandy Bahr, Conservation OutreachDirector, who spends long hours keepingus all alerted to many activities that
By Bobbie Holaday
I read the names of Dale Volz, DonSteuter, Jim McCarthy, and SharonGalbreath, and I think how each of themhas contributed so profoundly to our realmoral values, our public lands, our fightfor clean air and water, and the never-ending struggle to protect our nationalforests.
I begin to crawl out from my hazeof melancholy realizing that sloshingaround in self-pity won’t change one iotaof what happened yesterday. Despiteour heartbreak in losing what appearedso promising, we cannot give up thefight. I know I’ve only mentioned a fewof the stalwart Sierra Club defenders ofArizona’s environment. While we havethese noble leaders performing suchsignificant services, not one of us canshirk our duty to continue the fight fora brighter day that is sure to come inthe future. We’ve been knocked for aloop to be sure, but we must get onboard again and make that brighter dayhappen.
I South Fork
From lava rock, thistle, and winda road winds downto a stream where time and lightninghave marked the pines. Insectsas transparent as the waterhang on shafts of light. A Weidemeyer’s Admiralopens and closes its wings, a warbler’s faceappears red against green,and aspen leaves flow through a whisper.
II Big Lake
A cloudbank rollsfrom the dividing lineof earth and skydark with rain, to frame the kestrelwith rapidly beating wingsin suspended flightpinning its bodyto the stillness preceding a storm.
III Mexican Hay Lake
The summer long callsof a tanagersound in the pinessurrounding a lake gone dry:drought’s footprint.
IV Thompson Trail
In the tallest firssound has a shadow.The kinglet’s trillprecedes each peal of thunder.
Photo collagePhoto collagePhoto collagePhoto collagePhoto collage by Nathaniel Kastelic.
Notes from theNotes from theNotes from theNotes from theNotes from the
By David ChorltonWhite MountainsWhite MountainsWhite MountainsWhite MountainsWhite Mountains
David is a writer (& Palo Verde Group member)
based in Phoenix.
threaten Arizona’s environmental health.She stands up for all of us while the statelegislature is in session.
I read Jim Vaaler’s words promotingwilderness designation for the Ash CreekRoadless area. I think of the many yearsthat I’ve watched Jim work his tail off todevelop public interest in thepreservation of wilderness areas. Hiswilderness work is not only vocal, butextremely physical. I know becauseseveral years ago I participated in a fewof his service hikes on remote forest trails.
I read the names of Rob Smith andJoni Bosh, who for countless years havesacrificed many hours of their privatelives to blaze the trail for so many of us,helping us to become activists forwilderness preservation, and develop aworld conscience for environmentalvalues.
I read the article by HalinaSzypozynski describing the volunteereffort to speak out on a Phoenix streetcorner about laws and literature thatsupport environmental protection. Tothe many who contributed to Halina’s“Word on the Street” day, I saycongratulations on your courage anddedication. A further tribute is dueHalina for her taking up the torch tospearhead the Sierra Club’s efforts togarner public protection of Arizona’swildlife.
JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Febrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
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5
Call & Echo
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club also wishes to thank all of the othergenerous and kind support received.
What happens when people put garbage in arecycling bin ?
Doug F.Phoenix
Do you ever get really curious and need some an-swers to your environmental questions? Ever haveconservation questions that you’d like for an ex-pert to answer? In each Canyon Echo, we featurea question from our members focusing on environ-mental concerns. One of our committee chairs whofocuses on that particular issue, researches andanswers the question. When we don’t know the an-swer, we find someone who does. You do not needto include your name. If you have a question for us,please send it to:
Sierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterEditEditEditEditEditororororor, Can, Can, Can, Can, Canyyyyyon Echoon Echoon Echoon Echoon Echo
202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDowwwwwell Drell Drell Drell Drell Dr. St. St. St. St. Ste. 2e. 2e. 2e. 2e. 27777777777Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004
Call to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the Canyon
Echo ResponseEcho ResponseEcho ResponseEcho ResponseEcho Response
Thank YThank YThank YThank YThank You tou tou tou tou to All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our DonorsssssMichael SlenczkaConstance BeaupreJan MorrisonMaggie HuntingtonPeter T. BeckmanNathan Kurzrok
Thanks tThanks tThanks tThanks tThanks to Wo Wo Wo Wo Wonderonderonderonderonderful Aful Aful Aful Aful Activctivctivctivctive Ve Ve Ve Ve Voluntoluntoluntoluntolunteereereereereers!s!s!s!s!
The Chapter wishes to thank SharonMcDonough-Means for supporting the Mexicangray wolf sign project, the donors who gavepreviously (see November-December Echo), andall the volunteers who helped with the wolf signsproject.
The First One!The First One!The First One!The First One!The First One! Sierra Volunteers gather near the first wolf signinstalled with the White Mountain Apache Tribe. From L-R: Andrew Oldak,Krista Beazley, Kent Duryee, Lisa Duryee, Deon Hinton (crouching), JeanOssorio (standing in back row), Shawna Nelson, Kathy Roediger, Halina
Szyposzynski and Tom Lazzelle, photo by David Bluestein.
Memorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsThe Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter is gratefuland honored to be the recipient of memorial gifts.The following gifts have been made in memory of:
EmorEmorEmorEmorEmory Vy Vy Vy Vy Vernon Starrernon Starrernon Starrernon Starrernon Starr from Michelle T. Harrington
Thanks to these generous canoeistsJeanne & Frank Mirgeler, Jr.Kit SchweitzerMatt MyhrmanDiana M. SandySusan MaesDonovan PorterfieldMike MontagueDee Cantlon
In addition to thanking our previous donors, theGrand Canyon Chapter wishes to express itsappreciation to
The Rincon Group Carol EtzoldPeter Trainer Gerald W. GeorgePete & Betty BengstonNancy & Bob Sutherland
for their generous support of our Restore GrandCanyon Campaign.
On October 23, Sierra Club volunteers helped theWhite Mountain Apache Tribe to install 14 WolfCountry informational signs in popular recreationalareas on the reservation.
Led by Krista Beazley, the tribe’s Mexican wolfbiologist, and staff Deon Hinton and Manuelita Canty,we traversed the beautiful countryside to eachinstallation site. The group met for a lakeside picniclunch before resuming work, pausing to admire theflame-colored aspen. Our day ended with a jovial dinnerat Hon Dah Resort. Krista surprised us with gifts ofWhite Mountain Apache Mexican wolf t-shirtsfeaturing poster wolf F511, currently alpha female ofthe Francisco pack.
Thank you to volunteers David Bluestein, KentDuryee, Lisa Duryee, Tom Lazzelle, Andrew Oldak,Jean Ossario and Kathy Roediger. Many thanks alsoto Arizona Game and Fish Department wolf projectpersonnel: Shawna Nelson, who providedtechnical assistance, and Dan Groebner, whoprocured the signs and accessories.
The Grand Canyon Chapter would like tothank the White Mountain Apache Tribe for itssupport of the Mexican gray wolf reintroductionand recovery. We look forward to collaboratingon future wolf projects.
Upcoming Public Wildlife MeetUpcoming Public Wildlife MeetUpcoming Public Wildlife MeetUpcoming Public Wildlife MeetUpcoming Public Wildlife Meetingsingsingsingsings
Mexican Wolf Adaptive Management Work Group -including U.S. Fish &Wildlife Service Five-yearreview of the Wolf Reintroduction ProjectJan. 28, 2005 Alpine, AZJan. 29, 2005 Phoenix, AZ
Arizona Game and Fish Commission MeetingsJan. 22, 2005 Phoenix, AZJan. 22, 2005 Phoenix, AZ - Annual “Meet the Commission”Feb. 12-13, 2005 Yuma, AZ
For more information, contact:Halina Szyposzynski at [email protected] orSandy Bahr at [email protected] or (602) 253-8633.
Would you like to become a Friend of theAgua Fria National Monument? Our mission isorganized exclusively for charitable,scientific, and educational purposes;specifically to protect, preserve, andpromote appreciation and enjoyment of theecological, archaeological, scenic, andscientific resources and values of the AguaFria National Monument. We accomplish ourmission through volunteer and professionalprojects and activities such asinterpretation, education, fundraising, andadvocacy in consultation and coordinationwith the Bureau of Land ManagementPhoenix Field Office (PLO). For moreinformation and/or how to become a “Friendof the Agua Fria National Monument,” pleasecontact Jim Vaaler at [email protected] or(602) 553-8208.
BBBBBe a Fe a Fe a Fe a Fe a Friend to Agua Friend to Agua Friend to Agua Friend to Agua Friend to Agua Friariariariaria
Thank you to all of the contributors to this and to all issues of theThank you to all of the contributors to this and to all issues of theThank you to all of the contributors to this and to all issues of theThank you to all of the contributors to this and to all issues of theThank you to all of the contributors to this and to all issues of theCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
All Mail PartiersAllison AlexandraSandy BahrBob BallRichard BallandPriscilla BenbrookDenise Berringer-WoodAndy BesslerDavid BluesteinJoni BoshJeff BurgessJohn CallowayChad CampbellDavid ChorltonKim Crumbo
Lynn DeMuthCraig DibleKent DuryeeKit FassettTim FloodJon FindleyJulia FonsecaJack FosterSharon GalbreathTed GartnerRichard GenserRoxane GeorgeRenee GuilloryMichelle HarringtonDawson Henderson
Bobbie HoladayMaggie HuntingtonRick IsettsNathaniel KastelicJim KingTyler KokjohnKen LangtonJim McCarthyCary MeisterAndy MosierDenise MuolloJerry NelsonMatthew J. NelsonBrian NowickiLee Oler
Jean OssorioElna OtterGreg PentkowskiDoug RamseyEdith ReevesKathy RoedigerLinda Rothchild-TepperTom SavageJulie ShermanTom SlabackFrank SmithRob SmithDon SteuterAlex StewartBlue Swadener
Halina SzyposzynskiTom TaylorRobin TsosieJim VaalerDale VolzFrank WelshJason WilliamsStu Hunter WilliamsPaul Zemboy
Food waste is prohibited in most, if not all, recyclingprograms. Typically, if garbage appears among therecyclables, it will be discarded if it is separablefrom the recyclables, or the entire load will bediscarded if the garbage has contaminated otherrecyclables. The rule (below) which demands thatrecyclables not be crushed may or may not applyin your case. Some recycled programs will accepteither steel cans (tin cans) or aluminum cans (beerand soft drink cans) that have been cleaned andcrushed to save space. Here are the rules inPhoenix:Important Recycling Guidelines:Important Recycling Guidelines:Important Recycling Guidelines:Important Recycling Guidelines:Important Recycling Guidelines:· All recyclable material must be relatively clean,dry, empty and uncrushed. No need to washrecyclables.· Do not bag, box or tie recyclables.· No grass, yard or food waste.· Lids are okay on most containers. Due to magnetstrength for sorting iron metal objects, it isimportant to remove metal lids from glass jars andplace both in your blue Phoenix Recycles container.
Glass:Glass:Glass:Glass:Glass:Food or beverage glass bottles and jars only.Please remove lids (put plastic lids in black or greenbarrel and metal lids in blue recycling containers).No pool chemical/household hazardousNo pool chemical/household hazardousNo pool chemical/household hazardousNo pool chemical/household hazardousNo pool chemical/household hazardouswaste containers.waste containers.waste containers.waste containers.waste containers.
Jack Foster, Energy Chair
By Halina SzyposzynskiVVVVVoluntoluntoluntoluntolunteereereereereers in Ws in Ws in Ws in Ws in Wolf Countrolf Countrolf Countrolf Countrolf Countryyyyy
Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
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6
TTTTTouring touring touring touring touring to Sao Sao Sao Sao Savvvvve Oak Flate Oak Flate Oak Flate Oak Flate Oak Flat
Ted is active with the ExComm, the Palo Verde
Group member and the Mountaineering
section..
Let Them Eat Meat!Let Them Eat Meat!Let Them Eat Meat!Let Them Eat Meat!Let Them Eat Meat!Carnivore Conference 2004Carnivore Conference 2004Carnivore Conference 2004Carnivore Conference 2004Carnivore Conference 2004
D
Sandy is the Chapter’s Conservation Director.
n ear-catching series of “wik wik wik”bird trills drift in the breeze. I turn
to my right and ask “What is it?”“Northern flicker. Red-shafted.” So
says Laurie Nessel, and Laurie shouldknow; she’s President of the MaricopaAudubon Society. Interestingly enough,although the northern flicker is awoodpecker and can climb up the trunksof trees and hammer on wood like otherwoodpeckers, it prefers to find its foodon the ground. And certainly there isn’tmuch finer ground for birds in CentralArizona than where we stand at themoment: Oak Flat Campground nearthe Town of Superior.
Eight of us are touring Oak FlatCampground area on this beautiful fallmorning. Besides Laurie Nessel andmyself, our group includes Sandy Bahr(Conservation Outreach Director for theGrand Canyon Chapter of the SierraClub), Lori Faeth (GovernorNapolitano’s Natural Resource PolicyAdvisor), Jason Keith (National AccessFund Policy Director), Jim Waugh(Director of the Annual PhoenixBoulderBlast), and Curt Shannon (onbehalf of Friends of Queen Creek, a localcoalition of outdoors groups dedicatedto maintaining permanent recreationalaccess to Oak Flat Campground area).
The reason for our tour of Oak Flat:a foreign-owned mining company,Resolution Copper, has recently acquiredthe old Magma Mine near Superior andis planning to resume mining in the area.Resolution Copper is trying to acquireOak Flat Campground via acongressionally legislated land swap sothat they can mine a vein of copper orethat is 7000-feet deep in the area. Thiswould effectively end public recreationalaccess to one of the most spectacularoutdoor recreation areas in Arizona.
President Eisenhower recognizedOak Flat campground as an importantrecreational resource in 1955, when hesigned Public Land Order 1229,specifically putting this land off limits
to future mining activity. It is a world-class natural resource for hiking,camping, rock climbing, birding,canyoneering, and other recreationaluses. The Oak Flat area is the largest
foothills below. Considering that theprevious Magma Mine closed less thanten years ago, one has only to look atthe boarded up storefronts along MainStreet in Superior to realize that theeconomic benefits of mining are notsustainable.
Unfortunately, Governor Napolitanohas expressed support for the ResolutionCopper project because of the jobs itwould bring to the Superior area. Wehope that our state and federal officialswould think twice before automaticallyapproving the Resolution Copper projectjust because it promises a few hundredjobs for a decade or two. This is ashortsighted philosophy that ignores thelong-term benefits of tourism andrecreation that Oak Flat has to offer.According to the Outdoor IndustryAssociation, more than 168,000Arizonans have participated in outdoorrock climbing; more than 400,000Arizonans have participated inbirdwatching; and at least one millionArizonans have participated in car-camping. These user groups contributesignificantly to the $269 million inannual sales of outdoor merchandise inArizona, which is a sizeable contributorto state and local economies as long aswe have places like Oak Flat in which torecreate.
If the Resolution Copper mine isapproved as currently proposed, thecopper will go to China; the profits willgo to England and Australia; andArizonans will get the shaft. We need todo what we can, with what we have, inthe time that we have, to preserve theOak Flat area for future generations toenjoy. For more information and to help,you can visit the Friends of Queen Creekwebsite atwww.friendsofqueencreek.com or [email protected] or call(480) 961-0370.
espite the title, the CarnivoreConference is not some kind of
vegetarian re-education camp. It is aconference sponsored by Defenders ofWildlife to bring together carnivoreexperts and activists. This year’s themewas Expanding Partnerships in CarnivoreConservation. Experts on Mexican graywolves, black-footed ferrets, badgers,jaguars, and many other species ofcarnivores gathered in Santa Fe, NewMexico to share information, discusschallenges, and consider the future ofcarnivores throughout North Americaand beyond.
Arizona’s Bobbie Holaday was thereto share her story of advocating for thereturn of the Mexican gray wolf. Bobbie— a longtime advocate for wildernessand wildlife— tells an inspiring storyand teaches us the need for focus andperseverance. Even those in agencies
By Ted Gartner
By Sandy Bahr
A
ConserConserConserConserConservvvvvationationationationation Chair: Don Steuter,
(602) 956-5057, [email protected]
EnergyEnergyEnergyEnergyEnergy Chair: Jack Foster,
(520) 293-6957, [email protected]
Environmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeChair: Keith Bagwell,
Forest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationChair: Sharon Galbreath,(928) 774-1571, [email protected]
Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonChair: Jim McCarthy, (928) 779-3748
MiningMiningMiningMiningMining Chair: Don Steuter,
(602) 956-5057, [email protected]
National Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesChair: Ken Langton, (520) 749-3829
Volunteer Opportunities—
RecreationRecreationRecreationRecreationRecreationTTTTToooooxicsxicsxicsxicsxicsGrazingGrazingGrazingGrazingGrazingUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlPlease contact Don Steuter if you are
interested in chairing one of these
committees.
Water & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionChair: Elna Otter, [email protected]
Scott Mittelsteadt, [email protected]
WildernessWildernessWildernessWildernessWildernessCo-Chairs: Joni Bosh, [email protected]
Jason Williams, [email protected]
Wildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesChair: Halina Szyposzynski,[email protected]
Join a Committee
who are more focused on producing abig crop of elk spoke about how a“quality” elk population and Mexicangray wolves can co-exist. MichaelRobinson with the Center for BiologicalDiversity shared his concerns about thefuture of the lobo and the upcoming fiveyear scientific review, and the need forflexibility in allowing wolves to movebeyond the arbitrary recovery areaboundaries.
While wolves thrive in places likeAlaska, it was disturbing to hear aboutthe state’s all out assault on predators,especially wolves. Despite some strongrecommendations in the NationalAcademy of Sciences report Wolves, Bearsand Their Prey in Alaska, the state isimplementing predator control with noadaptive management, base control orreal monitoring. All of this is being donein the name of increasing moose calf
survival. Unfortunately, Alaska requiresthat the “game managers” maintain highlevels of game species such as caribou,moose and deer. This is often translatedinto killing or removal of wolves andbears.
Research from those working inIdaho indicated that there was nocorrelation between wolf presence andstatewide declines in elk harvest. InWyoming, the U.S. Fish and WildlifeService has documented the behavioralresponse of elk to wolf presence wherethe state maintains artificially highnumbers of elk by having winter feedinggrounds. They found no plummetingcow/calf rates due to wolf presence assome had feared.
Many discussions both official andon the side focused on how research,science, and all the knowledge we haveabout predators, prey, and habitat, are
having a limited effect on currentpolicies. Fear, emotion, and, of course,politics are the major factors in predatormanagement (and many of our publicpolicy decisions these days).
Ultimately, however, the messagefrom most of the research at theconference was that predators and theirprey can and will co-exist, that numberswill fluctuate for many reasons—drought, disease, or augmented feeding,and that efforts to persecute andeliminate predators are as misguided nowas they were a century ago. Thedifference is that now we know better.
World-class Oak Flat. Photo courtesy of Ted Gartner.
outdoor climbing area in Arizona andhome to the largest outdoor climbingcompetition in the world, the annualPhoenix BoulderBlast. Oak Flat is alsoranked #2 on Maricopa Audubon’s listof key birding hotspots. Four of the birdspecies that have been sighted at OakFlat are on the National AudubonSociety’s watchlist of declining speciesthat are of national conservation concernincluding the black-chinned sparrow,Costa’s hummingbird, Lewis’swoodpecker, and the gray vireo. To theeast Devils Canyon borders Oak Flatwith some of Arizona’s finest remainingriparian habitat. It is the opinion of theFriends of Queen Creek coalition thatthese public lands are best kept inpublic hands.
From Oak Flat Campground, wedrive a short distance to the outskirts ofthe nearby Magma Mine area, and thenhike up an old dirt road to a dramaticoverlook atop the Apache Leap. The oldmining town of Superior nestles in the
If the Energy Article
at the right by Jon
Findley makes you want
more information on the
Energy Committee or if you have
questions, please contact Energy
Chair Jack Foster at the numbers in
the list above or call the Chapter
office at (602) 253-8633 or
contact Jon at
JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Febrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
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The Link: Global WThe Link: Global WThe Link: Global WThe Link: Global WThe Link: Global Warmingarmingarmingarmingarming
Hitching Up the UniverseHitching Up the UniverseHitching Up the UniverseHitching Up the UniverseHitching Up the Universe
Glacier in Greenland from above. Photo by Alex Stewart.
Elna chairs the Chapter’s Water Committee.
f one area of environmental concernmost exemplifies the “interrelatedness
of it all,” it is global warming. Causedby the excessive production ofgreenhouse gases, mainly by the burningof fossil fuels from all over the planet,global warming’s results are being felteverywhere. Because of climatemechanisms, some parts of the earthcurrently feel the impacts more.
The interrelatedness is global andinvolves much more than just plants andanimals; it involves the winds, the oceancurrents, precipitation patterns and themassive Arctic glaciers. In the greaterscheme of things, the living things arenot just inactive participants. Life on thisplanet and photosynthesis caused thechange from 1% oxygen in theenvironment to its current level of 21%,and also resulted in carbon storagemaking our current world habitable forhumans.
November saw the release of alandmark scientific assessment of Arcticclimate change documenting ecosystemchanges already well underway. Thechanges being felt have resulted in Arctic
By Elna Otter
By Jon Findley
I natives being exposed to many creaturesand climate effects hitherto unknown tothem, among them: robins, barn owls,and thunderstorms. The report warnsthat the temperature changes (twice thatof lower latitudes) will soon melt theGreenland ice sheet with resultant hugeincreases in sea level. Many of the bigcities whose roads are clogged withpolluting cars may be inundated becauseof the rising water level within ourlifetimes.
Despite the fact that the Arcticregions are neither populous nor terriblylarge, changes there profoundly affect themajor planetary wind currents. Meltingnorthern glaciers affect the salinity andtemperature of the oceans and theinteractions of oceans and wind currents.These changes are felt far from the Arctic.Significant change in any area’s weatherconditions tends to adversely affect theliving things there since the combinationof flora and fauna generally cannot reactquickly enough to flourish.
For me, an emblem of “theinterrelatedness of it all” is the picturethat one sees of the dark side of the earth
with the lights showing man’s habitation,from the big megacities to the outline ofthe continents. On the one hand it showsthe single planet, alone in space withhumankind broadcasting its presence.On the other, it represents humankindusing up its resources in a veryunsustainable way.
ReferencesReferencesReferencesReferencesReferences1 Arctic Climate Impact Assessment,sponsored by the 8 nations with ArcticTerritory, including the U.S.A.2 “We’ve known for some time that we haveto worry about the impacts of climate changeon our children’s and grandchildren’sgenerations. But we now have to worryabout ourselves as well.” — MargaretBeckett, British Secretary of State forEnvironment.
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John Muir, founder of the Sierra Club,once said, “When we try to pickanything out by itself, we find it
hitched to everything else in theuniverse.” Hitching it all together is theflow of energy.
Small units of things (whether weare talking about atoms or cells) combineto make larger units and it takes energyto combine them and hold themtogether. This is a form of energy storageand the later breaking up of these unitsreleases that energy. This is called theenergy cycle and it makes the worldfunction the way it does.
The energy cycle has been in placesince long before humans couldcomprehend how the world worked. Butnow we know all about how the worldworks and we can alter natural processesto make the world a better place andeveryone will live happily ever after, right?Unfortunately, not! At least not any timesoon. A little history may help us tounderstand.
For thousands of years, humans mettheir energy need with renewablesources. The sun provided energy forplant growth, which in turn, providedfood and shelter. First natural caveshelters and later homes built of differentmaterials faced south to catch thewarmth of the sun. Early on, we learnedto have an overhang to block the sun inthe hot summer but allow the sun’swarmth in the winter. We call thispassive solar heating.
We learned to harness the naturalfire caused by lightning and use it tocook food and make homes morecomfortable. This increased thegeographic range in which people couldlive. Our muscles and the muscles ofanimals that ate crops we grew allowedus to grow more food and travel greater
distances to hunt and gather. Windmoved our ships. Later, we used windand water power to do more work for uslike grinding grain and sawing lumber.We also learned to use fire to shape metalto make better tools and utensils. All ofthese energy sources were renewable andavailable over most of the populatedEarth.
Coal, the first non-renewable energysource, was first used 2000 years ago inareas where it was found in caves or inrock outcroppings. These “rocks thatburn” were used all over the world insmall quantities for centuries. Not untilthe early 1700s did people begin to takefull advantage of the hotter and moreintense release of energy. It made possiblethe manufacture of better metal tools andimplements in greater quantities. Thefirst commercial coal mines in NorthAmerica were in Virginia in the 1740s.Soon the idea of this more intense energysource lead to its use in making steamfor powering both stationary and mobilemachinery.
From here there was no turningback. Soon the renewable sources ofenergy that we had used for centuriescould not keep pace with the demandsof an ever-expanding population formodern comforts. Many areas of Europeand even areas in North America thathad boasted never-ending forests couldnot supply enough wood to satisfy thedemand. Natural oils like whale oil werebeing used at a greater rate than theycould be supplied.
While liquid petroleum had beenknown for some time, until the late1800s, it was mainly a nuisance becauseit contaminated water wells and streams.Its potential was soon realized and itsintroduction provided the basis for theinternal combustion engine around
1900. Still, it was almost 50 years beforeit overtook coal as the leading source ofenergy.
Since the mid 1800s, the energyconsumption of the United States hasrisen dramatically. We have alreadyexceeded our limit of many sources ofrenewable energy; plant and animalproducts that can’t be replaced fastenough to supply our growingpopulation. Other renewables aren’t seenas convenient enough for our spoiledsociety. We don’t want to wait while asolar water heater catches up with ouruse. We would have to adjust our busyschedule to the more intermittentavailability of solar or wind energy.
But our non-renewable, fossil-basedfuels are running out. Oil and naturalgas reserves are limited. The remainingsupplies are more expensive to extractand process. The environmental damagefrom the extraction of these sources isgreater as they become more scarce andnow threatens many wild areas. Coal isstill abundant but its use as a fuelcontributes to air pollution and the useof much water that is then lost fromnatural sources.
More people are learning that theburning of any carbon-based fuel,whether it is renewable or not, willcontribute to global warming and drasticchanges to the natural environment.
This world still could bring energyconsumption into line with a variety ofenvironmentally-friendly supply sources.What it will take is deciding to use onlythe minimum energy needed for a task,to match an appropriate source with eachtask, and to pay the full price for theenergy, including the long-termenvironmental costs.
Today, it is a “one source fits all”supply mentality. We use the same fossil
fuel at 18 mpg to drive across town towork as we do to carry home a small bagof groceries or take a weekend drive inthe desert. We tap the same electricitysource to run vital medical equipmentand computers as we do to light vastempty parking lots and holiday lightingdisplays.
Solar energy is distributed over theentire earth and is easily captured insmall quantities. It should be usedappropriately, at or very near where it iscaptured, and for modest changes inenergy level, like domestic hot water.
You are connected to everything elsein the universe whether you like it ornot. But what can you as one individualdo to make help maintain a sustainable,self-perpetuating environment? Reduceenergy use where possible. Recycleusable material. Bicycle or walk to thegrocery store. Use car pools and publictransportation. When you need energy,use it wisely and from the best possiblesource. Pay a little extra for your nexthouse and demand good insulation,efficient windows, passive solar design,active solar water heating, and photovoltaics for appropriate applications. Votefor forward thinking public servants thatunderstand the value of providing publictransportation and curbing urbansprawl. Vote with your pocket book.Reject the wasteful and ridiculousproducts and services that are designedto line the pockets of a few by takingadvantage of the gullible public.
Think about what John Muir said.If everything’s connected, doesn’t thatmean that everything can bemanipulated and controlled centrally bythose who know how to pull strings atstrategic places? The answer is, “Yes… ifyou let them.”Jon is active with the ExComm, Palo Verde
Group, the Energy Comm and more.
Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
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Renée is a writer (& Palo Verde Group member)
based in Phoenix.
MonsoonMonsoonMonsoonMonsoonMonsoon The Essence of WildernessThe Essence of WildernessThe Essence of WildernessThe Essence of WildernessThe Essence of Wilderness
Dale is active on the Wildlife, Wilderness &
Executive Committees.
It had been a long, hot day ofdriving and hiking roads, trails andother various travel ways. I hadbeen inventorying roads on theperimeter of a 9000-acre roadlessarea of Sonoran Desert adjacent tomy adopted White CanyonWilderness, in the hope of one daycompiling sufficient data toconclusively show that the area isworthy of inclusion within thedesignated wilderness boundaries.
With the afterglow of the setting sun gone, thedesert had finally released its hold on the relentlessheat, bathing me in refreshingly cool night air. Amoonless sky of shimmering stars dominated by theMilky Way shone down upon me. Except for thebuzzing of insects, there were no sounds to intrudeupon the stillness or to break my contented sense ofoneness with the surroundings. My end of dayreflections, accounting of accomplishments, andprayers completed, I zipped the sleeping bag over myshoulder and quickly drifted into that euphoric stateof being that exists between the real and the dreamworlds.
A “Thunk!” abruptly pulled me back to reality.Suspecting the sound to be that of an unbalanced rockfalling from the fire ring, I found the flashlight, satup, and pointed the light beam toward the ring. Fiftyfeet away two large yellow eyes glared back throughthe darkness. Yellow eye shine? What animal reflects
By Dale Volz
[Altitude: Far from Heaven][Altitude: Far from Heaven][Altitude: Far from Heaven][Altitude: Far from Heaven][Altitude: Far from Heaven]Too much light: is it possible?
Sun after desert rain is diamond hard,wasting the opal droplets strewn overcreosote, the burning bush.
[Heading: South by southwest][Heading: South by southwest][Heading: South by southwest][Heading: South by southwest][Heading: South by southwest]That teeming pond I passed is full of
more hope than a double rainbow. Frogs anddragonflies wake into extreme life. There’sno neutrality here — every breath, everygulp is on Nature’s terms.
[GPS reading: Not tellin’][GPS reading: Not tellin’][GPS reading: Not tellin’][GPS reading: Not tellin’][GPS reading: Not tellin’]No more rain will fall on this trail
today. The clouds I see ahead in the dusk?Just curious tourists not interested inmoonlighting over these thirsty lands.
The heat is the desert’s magic wand; itroils, shimmers, and Presto! waterdisappears. Long before I arrive home anddrop my dusty pack onto the porch, themonsoon is an elusive memory again.
Photo courtesy of Mountain Lion Foundation.
yellow eye shine? I ranthrough the list in my mind,narrowing it to owl, fox, orlarge cat. Definitely not anowl and much too large to bea fox or bobcat. Could this bethe lion I had spent my lifehoping to see in the wild?But why must the experienceunfold in the dark, at thisplace and time? Such an oddfate, but it certainly matterednot at that moment.
We stared at each other with no movement, nosound, no emotion. Two beings sharing the momentand place with seemingly equal respect and curiosity.Finally the creature turned and the eyes were gone. Iscanned the area with the light, hoping for yet anotherencounter. Again the eyes appeared, farther away thistime, and again we simply stared at each other,transfixed. And then, it was gone.
As I slid back down into the sleeping bag, I recalledwith pleasure Ed Abbey’s principle that “The essenceof true wilderness is big mammals that can eat you.” Iunderstood that if this creature’s visit to my campsiteand those brilliant yellow eyes were meant to conveyany message, it was that this wonderful place is trulyworthy of preservation as designated wilderness.
By Renée Guillory
2000 2000 2000 2000 2000
Sky Connections, digital illustration by Allison Alexandra.
You can purchase your copy of Wild
at Hearth by sending a check made
out to the Sierra Club Grand Canyon
Chapter today with the above form,
or pick up your book at the Chapter
office. Call us at (602) 253-9140 to
schedule your drop-in by the office.
____number of cookbooks ($15.00 each; $12.00 each for 3 or more)____+ $3.00 postage cost per book____amount included on check
Clip out & send form with your payment to:Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter,
202 E. McDowell Rd Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004
Name:
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Here’s HoHere’s HoHere’s HoHere’s HoHere’s How tw tw tw tw toooooGet One!Get One!Get One!Get One!Get One!
4th Annual Spring
Green River, Utah
Canoe/Kayak
Labyrinth Canyon Float Trip
April 22-26, 2005
Join this 65-mile tour along John WesleyPowell’s historic route through spectacularLabyrinth Canyon. Spot many bird species andother wildlife. Lunch and camp 4 nights onsandy beaches. Relax and enjoy fun andconversation during commissary preparedmeals, social hours and nightly campfires.
Canoes, shuttles, food, and equipment provided. You needonly bring a tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils, and per-sonal belongings. Canoeing is rated easy. Kayakers maybring their own or arrange to rent a kayak at an additionalcost. A donation of $275 is requested and will be used tofurther Chapter conservation projects.
Carpools can be organized to make transportation easier.
To sign up please send a $100 deposit to Grand CanyonChapter Fundraising Committee, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Ste.277, Phoenix, AZ 85004.After April 1, the deposit is not refundable and at that timethe remaining $175 should be mailed to the same address.Number of participants limited to 12.
For information contact: Bev Full ([email protected])or(480) 595-2306 or (480) 221-2554
WWWWWe Se Se Se Se Still Hatill Hatill Hatill Hatill Havvvvve A Fe A Fe A Fe A Fe A Feeeeew Cookbooks!w Cookbooks!w Cookbooks!w Cookbooks!w Cookbooks!
Brilliant pink cactus withits pollinator by AlexStewart.
JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Febrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
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($8 for 30 words or less each issue. $48 forentire year. 25 cents for each additional word.Reaches more than 12,000 readers through-out Arizona. To place an ad, mail or email yourcopy to the Editor. We are not accepting per-sonals. Please make your check payable toSierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter.)
Arizona Green Party invitesArizona Green Party invitesArizona Green Party invitesArizona Green Party invitesArizona Green Party invitesregistered Greens and otherinterested folks to attend GeneralMembership meeting, Saturday, Jan.8 at 12:00ASU West- Room 103 (Sands)4701 W. Thunderbird Road, PhoenixExit I-17, west on Thunderbird to 47thAve. For more information: (602) 417-0213 or visit www.azgp.org
Whales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toChannel Islands National ParkChannel Islands National ParkChannel Islands National ParkChannel Islands National ParkChannel Islands National ParkFeb. 5-6, 2005 San Miguel IslandPinniped Cruise: ($350)Mar. 18-21, 2005 San Miguel, SantaRosa, Santa Cruz, & Anacapa ($625)Apr. 2, 2005 Santa Cruz Island ($175)Apr. 29-May 1, 2005 San Miguel,Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz ($470)
Cruises depart from Santa Barbaraaboard the 68' twin diesel Truth. Pricesinclude assigned bunks, sumptuous meals &snacks, & the services of a ranger/naturalistwho will travel with us to lead hikes & helpidentify whales, dolphins, seals & sea lions &numerous species of bird and plant life.Please call or email Bev Full forinformation [email protected] or (480) 5952306. Sponsored by Sierra Club GrandCanyon & Angeles Chapters.
PIANOPIANOPIANOPIANOPIANO – 41" tall upright, beautifulveneered walnut. Intrigued but put offby appraised value of $1,350? I amready to sell at bargain price! Forinformation, photos or to see, contactHalina at [email protected] or(602)749-2063.
In May 2003 three high-rankingNational Park Service (NPS) formeremployees spoke at a press conferencein Washington DC against actions beingtaken by the Bush administration thatwere having harmful effects on theNational Park Service and on theNational Park system. At the same time,a letter signed by 20 NPS retirees, wassent to President Bush and to InteriorSecretary Norton. The letter expressedsimilar concerns over the damage beingdone to National Parks.
Three months later, more than 120NPS retirees signed and released anotherletter to the President and the InteriorSecretary. The letter called for an end tothe administration’s unprecedentedattack on National Parks.
In August 2004, Bill Wade, retiredSuperintendent of Shenandoah NationalPark and current Coordinator of theCoalition of National Park ServiceRetirees, traveled with other NPS retireesto Tucson to speak. At a forum theyvoiced concerns about the damage beingperpetrated on National Park lands. Welearned that the Coalition now consistsof more than 335 former non-politicalcareer employees of the National ParkService.
Many Coalition members weresenior NPS leaders who received awardsfor stewardship of America’s top naturaland cultural resources. The Coalitionranks include five former directors anddeputy directors of the National ParkService, 16 former regional directors ordeputy regional directors, 20 formerassociate or assistant directors at thenational or regional level, 40 formerdivision chiefs at the national or regionallevel, and more than 90 former parksuperintendents or assistantsuperintendents.
The Rincon Group ProgramCommittee has invited Bill Wade andother members of the Coalition ofNational Park Service Retirees to itsFebruary 10 program to discuss currentthreats to the National Park Service andthe National Park system.
For more information please call (520)747-5078. Also please see pg. 10, Groupsin the Loop Announcements for RinconGroup.To learn more about what the Coalition isdoing, please visit their website at:www.npsretirees.org
“If we are going to succeed in preserving the greatness of the national parks,“If we are going to succeed in preserving the greatness of the national parks,“If we are going to succeed in preserving the greatness of the national parks,“If we are going to succeed in preserving the greatness of the national parks,“If we are going to succeed in preserving the greatness of the national parks,they must be held inviolate. they must be held inviolate. they must be held inviolate. they must be held inviolate. they must be held inviolate. They rThey rThey rThey rThey repreprepreprepresent the last stands of primitivesent the last stands of primitivesent the last stands of primitivesent the last stands of primitivesent the last stands of primitiveeeeeAmerica. If we are going to whittle away at them we should recognize atAmerica. If we are going to whittle away at them we should recognize atAmerica. If we are going to whittle away at them we should recognize atAmerica. If we are going to whittle away at them we should recognize atAmerica. If we are going to whittle away at them we should recognize atthe very beginning, that all such whittlings are cumulative and that thethe very beginning, that all such whittlings are cumulative and that thethe very beginning, that all such whittlings are cumulative and that thethe very beginning, that all such whittlings are cumulative and that thethe very beginning, that all such whittlings are cumulative and that theend rend rend rend rend result will be mediocrityesult will be mediocrityesult will be mediocrityesult will be mediocrityesult will be mediocrity.....””””” - Newton Drury
Saving Our ParksSaving Our ParksSaving Our ParksSaving Our ParksSaving Our ParksCoalition of Concerned National ParkCoalition of Concerned National ParkCoalition of Concerned National ParkCoalition of Concerned National ParkCoalition of Concerned National ParkSerSerSerSerService Rvice Rvice Rvice Rvice Reeeeetirees ttirees ttirees ttirees ttirees to Speako Speako Speako Speako Speak
Future Forests LLC, a Show Low company, recently won the U.S. ForestService (USFS) contract on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. The companywill thin 5,000 to 25,000 acres per year for 10 years, focusing on small trees.
The wood is converted to heating pellets, which could utilize the smallest treesavailable. If the operation is commercially viable, it will boost the local economywhile saving millions of federal tax dollars.
According to Rob Davis, President of partner company Forest EnergyCorporation, in Show Low, and a member of Governor Napolitano’s Arizona ForestHealth Oversight Council, “The future of our forest ecosystems is dependent oncommunity collaboration and cooperation between all parties, with the health ofthe forests as the consideration.” Arizona environmentalists have viewed the companypositively.
Stewardship contracting is controversial due to the lack of limits on tree size oracreage to be cleared, however. The provision for offsets, by which USFS and Bureauof Land Management (BLM) may apply the value of timber or other forest productsremoved against the cost of services received, can provide an incentive to log themost valuable old-growth trees.
There is also fundamental disagreement on the appropriateness of market-basedsolutions for our unhealthy forests. For example, the National Forest Protection &Restoration Act (NFPRA), supported by the Sierra Club, provides for non-commercial thinning, removing the profit motive from forest management decisions.
Given the consequences of poorly regulated free-market capitalism on ourenvironment, this issue deserves full and thoughtful discussion.
What do you think?
To learn more, please join the Grand Canyon Chapter - Palo Verde Group atour general meeting on March 15. Guest speaker Rob Davis will speak about “forestecosystem health, how the stewardship contract is functioning, the utilization offorest residues and how it all works together sustainably in the long term.”
More information about stewardship contracting is available at http://www.fs.fed.us/forestmanagement/projects/stewardship/handbook/index.shtml
More information about the National Forest Protection & Restoration Act isavailable athttp://www.sierraclub.org/forests/
PPPPPalo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde Grerde Grerde Grerde Grerde Group toup toup toup toup to Hear fro Hear fro Hear fro Hear fro Hear from Fom Fom Fom Fom ForestorestorestorestorestEnergy SpeakerEnergy SpeakerEnergy SpeakerEnergy SpeakerEnergy Speaker
By Halina Szyposzynski
By Linda Rothchild-Tepper
WWWWWOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAVELVELVELVELVEL Nature, Body,Mind, Spirit journeys 2005-HUMPBACK WHALES snorkelingencounters- Feb./ March. COSTARICA RAINFORESTS- March. PERU/MACHU PICCHU shaman guide- July.Call Gayle (727) 785-5563.Email: [email protected]:/www.ajourneyofdiscovery.com
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“““““Thousands of tirThousands of tirThousands of tirThousands of tirThousands of tired, nered, nered, nered, nered, nervvvvve-shaken, oe-shaken, oe-shaken, oe-shaken, oe-shaken, ovvvvver-civilizer-civilizer-civilizer-civilizer-civilized people ared people ared people ared people ared people areeeeebeginning to find out that going to the mountains is goingbeginning to find out that going to the mountains is goingbeginning to find out that going to the mountains is goingbeginning to find out that going to the mountains is goingbeginning to find out that going to the mountains is goinghome; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks andhome; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks andhome; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks andhome; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks andhome; that wilderness is a necessity; that mountain parks andreservations are useful not only as fountains of timber andreservations are useful not only as fountains of timber andreservations are useful not only as fountains of timber andreservations are useful not only as fountains of timber andreservations are useful not only as fountains of timber andirrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.”irrigating rivers, but as fountains of life.” John MuirJohn MuirJohn MuirJohn MuirJohn Muir
Name
Address
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Sierra ClubP.O. Box 52968Boulder, Colorado80322-2968
Linda chairs the Rincon Group.
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thethethethethe ChapChapChapChapChaptttttererererer.........................
March AppealMarch AppealMarch AppealMarch AppealMarch AppealComComComComComing Soon ting Soon ting Soon ting Soon ting Soon to a Mailboo a Mailboo a Mailboo a Mailboo a Mailbox Near Yx Near Yx Near Yx Near Yx Near Yououououou
Halina chairs the Chapter’s Wildlife Committee.
Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
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KKKKKeepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Groups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loop
Happenings ArHappenings ArHappenings ArHappenings ArHappenings Around the Sound the Sound the Sound the Sound the StattattattattateeeeeYYYYYou are inou are inou are inou are inou are invitvitvitvitvited!ed!ed!ed!ed! The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter is composed of six groups (see page two for listings). Conservation, politicalactivism, and administrative work are just a few areas which offer diverse opportunities for activism. All are open t All are open t All are open t All are open t All are open to membero membero membero membero members ints ints ints ints interesteresteresteresterestedededededin learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club. We are working to make this world a better, more livable place. W W W W We need ye need ye need ye need ye need your help!our help!our help!our help!our help! For moreinformation and meetings/events near you, please check out our website: www www www www www.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org - click on meetings.
Chapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter Announcements
Jan 5 (WJan 5 (WJan 5 (WJan 5 (WJan 5 (Wed 6PM), Fed 6PM), Fed 6PM), Fed 6PM), Fed 6PM), Feb 2 (Web 2 (Web 2 (Web 2 (Web 2 (Wed 6PM), & Mar 2 (Wed 6PM), & Mar 2 (Wed 6PM), & Mar 2 (Wed 6PM), & Mar 2 (Wed 6PM), & Mar 2 (Wed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) YaaaaavvvvvapaiapaiapaiapaiapaiGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee Meetings For information and directions phoneTom at (928) 778-4233.
Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group (Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)
Jan 11 & FJan 11 & FJan 11 & FJan 11 & FJan 11 & Feb 8 (Teb 8 (Teb 8 (Teb 8 (Teb 8 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde Grerde Grerde Grerde Grerde Group Conseroup Conseroup Conseroup Conseroup Conservvvvvation and Exation and Exation and Exation and Exation and Execu-ecu-ecu-ecu-ecu-tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, Conservation Committee meets at 7PM7PM7PM7PM7PM to discuss issuesrelated to desert preservation, forest protection, wildlife and endangered species, energy conser-vation, growth management, etc. For more information call Don Steuter (602) 956-5057([email protected]). The Group Executive Committee meets at 8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM to review mattersrelated to group policies, outdoor activities, finances, and other business. At the Sierra Clubconference room, 202 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix (2nd floor conference room in thesoutheast corner of the Los Olivos - Econolodge suites). For information contact Paul Zemboy([email protected]) (602) 989-1977.
Jan 8-9 (Sat-Sun)Jan 8-9 (Sat-Sun)Jan 8-9 (Sat-Sun)Jan 8-9 (Sat-Sun)Jan 8-9 (Sat-Sun) The Chapter Ex-Comm and Conservation Committee The Chapter Ex-Comm and Conservation Committee The Chapter Ex-Comm and Conservation Committee The Chapter Ex-Comm and Conservation Committee The Chapter Ex-Comm and Conservation Committeemeetings will be held the second weekend in January in Tucson. Saturday the ConservationCommittee meets and Sunday the Chapter Executive Committee meets. Location TucsonBotanical Gardens. 2150 N. Alvernon (Near corner of Grant & Alvernon.) For moreinformation, location and directions, call (602) 253-8633.
FFFFFeb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Tues) Copues) Copues) Copues) Copues) Copy Deadline fy Deadline fy Deadline fy Deadline fy Deadline for Maror Maror Maror Maror March/ April 2005 ch/ April 2005 ch/ April 2005 ch/ April 2005 ch/ April 2005 CanCanCanCanCanyyyyyon Econ Econ Econ Econ Echohohohoho, Theme:, Theme:, Theme:, Theme:, Theme:Grand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand Canyyyyyononononon. Submissions of articles. drawings, photographs, poetry, essays, calls toaction, and brief epiphanies are welcome. See writer guidelines on pg. 2. We recommendcontacting the editor before writing to discuss word count, issue topics and other writerlydetails. (602) 253-9140 or ([email protected]).
FFFFFeb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Teb 1 (Tues) Enues) Enues) Enues) Enues) Envirvirvirvirvironmental Legislativonmental Legislativonmental Legislativonmental Legislativonmental Legislative Dae Dae Dae Dae Dayyyyy,,,,, at the State Capitol. For details con-tact Sandy Bahr at [email protected] or (602)253-8633.
FFFFFeb 23 (Web 23 (Web 23 (Web 23 (Web 23 (Weds) Caneds) Caneds) Caneds) Caneds) Canyyyyyon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pararararartytytytyty,,,,, 2:00–8:00 PM (stop by anytime). Clubvolunteers save the chapter thousands of dollars every year by preparing the Canyon
Echo for mailing. Thank you! The job is easy to learn and takes only a few hours once everytwo months. We all have a good time. Work begins at 2:00PM and continues until allcopies are addressed, bundled and sacked, usually around 7:00PM or earlier. You’re freeto arrive as your schedule allows and any amount of time is appreciated. Contact JerryNelson at (602) 279-4668 ([email protected]) or Bill Gill at ([email protected]) forlocation and other details.
Meetings are open to the public. For directions, please call or email thecontact person listed.
Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 17 (Mon), 7PM Plat7 (Mon), 7PM Plat7 (Mon), 7PM Plat7 (Mon), 7PM Plat7 (Mon), 7PM Plateau Greau Greau Greau Greau Group General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meetingtingtingtingting features BobBrister presenting WWWWWild Uild Uild Uild Uild Utah: Atah: Atah: Atah: Atah: Americamericamericamericamerica’’’’’s Rs Rs Rs Rs Redredredredredrockockockockock WWWWWilderilderilderilderildernessnessnessnessness..... The breathtaking slide showfeatures stunning images and the voice of Pulitzer Prize winning author Wallace Stegner. BobBrister is the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) Outreach Coordinator. New meetinglocation: Du Bois Center on NAU campus, just north of Rolle Activity Center on Pine KnollDr. Call Jim McCarthy for info., (928) 779-3748.
Jan 2Jan 2Jan 2Jan 2Jan 21 (F1 (F1 (F1 (F1 (Fri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meetingtingtingtingting at The Monastery inPhoenix(4114 N. 28th Street, cross streets are Indian School/28th Street). Everyone is welcometo attend this bimonthly meeting, where we will gather ideas for our March/April outings andevents calendar. New hikers and first-time members are strongly encouraged to attend! Comejoin us at 7PM for some fun and great food & drinks – just remember to bring cash, as theydon’t take the plastic! Contact Paul Zemboy ([email protected] or 602-989-1977).Phoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City Outings—An outreach program of the club providingwilderness opportunities to Inner City Youth. New volunteers & interested parties welcome!2nd F2nd F2nd F2nd F2nd Friday of evriday of evriday of evriday of evriday of evererererery month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the WWWWWilloilloilloilloillow Hw Hw Hw Hw Houseouseouseouseouse, 3rd Ave. & McDowell. Pleasecontact us at [email protected] or (602) 867-3017 to confirm meetingtime & date.FFFFFeb 15 (Teb 15 (Teb 15 (Teb 15 (Teb 15 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde Grerde Grerde Grerde Grerde Group General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeting 7PMting 7PMting 7PMting 7PMting 7PM Join us at thePhoenix Zoo for the group meeting. Snacks at 7:00, followed by Sandy Bahr, ChapterConservation Outreach Director, who will present a 15-minute new member program, followedby a documentary on the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge entitled Journey of theTiglax. This 30-minute film was a finalist in the 2003 Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival,and has great photography of Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, and other parts of this beautifulrefuge. Contact Kathy or Richard Balland for further information at [email protected] or(480)829-8295.
Jan 12 (Wed) Excom Meeting 7PMJan 12 (Wed) Excom Meeting 7PMJan 12 (Wed) Excom Meeting 7PMJan 12 (Wed) Excom Meeting 7PMJan 12 (Wed) Excom Meeting 7PM Cave Creek Coffee Co, 6033 E. CaveCreek Rd, Cave Creek. This is an organizational meeting to choose officers and board directorsfor 2005. Members are encouraged to come and volunteer to fill one of the many positions thatmight be of interest to them. For further information call (480) 595-2306.Jan 19 (Wed) General Membership Meeting 7PMJan 19 (Wed) General Membership Meeting 7PMJan 19 (Wed) General Membership Meeting 7PMJan 19 (Wed) General Membership Meeting 7PMJan 19 (Wed) General Membership Meeting 7PM Harris Bank (basementmeeting rooms) SE corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Carefree Hwy. Members and guests are invitedto join Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA) Outreach Coordinator Bob Brister for abreathtaking journey through the famous Red Rock country of southern Utah. The multi-media presentation features stunning images by noted wilderness photographers and the voiceof Pulitzer Prize-winning author Wallace Stegner. The program will be followed by conversationand refreshments. For further information call (480) 595-2306.
Feb 16 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperFeb 16 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperFeb 16 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperFeb 16 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperFeb 16 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck Supper 7PM7PM7PM7PM7PM HarrisBank (basement meeting rooms), SE corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Carefree Hwy. Bring a dishto share while we work out plans and events for the year. For further information call (480)595-2306.
Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group (Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)
Jan 23 (Sun) CPR and FirJan 23 (Sun) CPR and FirJan 23 (Sun) CPR and FirJan 23 (Sun) CPR and FirJan 23 (Sun) CPR and First Aid Tst Aid Tst Aid Tst Aid Tst Aid Trainingrainingrainingrainingraining 1PM t 1PM t 1PM t 1PM t 1PM to 6PM o 6PM o 6PM o 6PM o 6PM This is theperfect opportunity to gain a valuable life skill whether you lead hikes for the Sierra Club or justtake the kids fishing. First Aid certification is required for all Sierra Club Hike and Outings leaders.Only $25 for all Sierra Club members and their spouses, CPR two-year certificates and FirstAid three-year certificates will be issued on training day! Training includes a back-packable FirstAid manual and definitely a good time. Please contact Carole Piszczek-Sheffield at (928) 204-1269 or [email protected] for more information.
Coming in MarComing in MarComing in MarComing in MarComing in Marccccch our fh our fh our fh our fh our fiririririrst general meest general meest general meest general meest general meeting of the neting of the neting of the neting of the neting of the new yw yw yw yw yearearearearear..... Staytuned for information about water problems in the tri-city area and how the City of Prescottplans to use future water importation to accelerate growth (a development twice the size ofAnthem) at the expense of recharge and safe yield.
Jan 13 (Thu) Evening Program 7PM Wild Utah: America’s RedJan 13 (Thu) Evening Program 7PM Wild Utah: America’s RedJan 13 (Thu) Evening Program 7PM Wild Utah: America’s RedJan 13 (Thu) Evening Program 7PM Wild Utah: America’s RedJan 13 (Thu) Evening Program 7PM Wild Utah: America’s RedRock Wilderness!Rock Wilderness!Rock Wilderness!Rock Wilderness!Rock Wilderness! Join the Southern Utah Wilderness AllianceSouthern Utah Wilderness AllianceSouthern Utah Wilderness AllianceSouthern Utah Wilderness AllianceSouthern Utah Wilderness Alliance this evening for amulti-media show highlighting their journey to designate public lands in southern Utah’sspectacular canyon country as wilderness under the 1964 Wilderness Act. This 20-minuteslide show, presented by Bob Brister of SUWA, will take us through the splendor of red rockcountry, and invigorate and motivate viewers to speak out for unique lands of the southwest.A brief discussion by Mr. Brister and an update on the status of the Utah wilderness movementwill follow this presentation. Tucson Botanical Gardens. 2150 N. Alvernon. Ample, free, on-site parking. Refreshments served. For more info, call (520) 747-5078.Jan 20 (Thu) & FJan 20 (Thu) & FJan 20 (Thu) & FJan 20 (Thu) & FJan 20 (Thu) & Feb 1eb 1eb 1eb 1eb 17 (Thu) Rincon Gr7 (Thu) Rincon Gr7 (Thu) Rincon Gr7 (Thu) Rincon Gr7 (Thu) Rincon Group Issues Meeoup Issues Meeoup Issues Meeoup Issues Meeoup Issues Meetingstingstingstingstings TheIssues meetings are at 7PM in the main floor conference room of the Historic YWCA, 738North 5th Ave. Issues meetings are open to all members and guests. Attend these interestingand informative meetings. For more information please call Richard Genser at (520) 529-4899 or email at [email protected]. Jan 27 (Thu) & Feb 24 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committee Jan 27 (Thu) & Feb 24 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committee Jan 27 (Thu) & Feb 24 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committee Jan 27 (Thu) & Feb 24 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committee Jan 27 (Thu) & Feb 24 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committeemeets at 7PM the last Thursday of the month (with the exception of some holidays) to discusspolicy, budgetary, and business matters. The executive committee meetings are open to SierraClub members only. Location: main floor conference room of the Historic YWCA. 738 N.5th Ave. at University Blvd. (520) 747-5078.FFFFFeb 1eb 1eb 1eb 1eb 10 (Thu) 0 (Thu) 0 (Thu) 0 (Thu) 0 (Thu) Special SaSpecial SaSpecial SaSpecial SaSpecial Saving Our Pving Our Pving Our Pving Our Pving Our Parararararks Prks Prks Prks Prks Program at Togram at Togram at Togram at Togram at TucsonucsonucsonucsonucsonBoBoBoBoBotanical Gardens 7PM tanical Gardens 7PM tanical Gardens 7PM tanical Gardens 7PM tanical Gardens 7PM The Rincon Group Program Committee has invited BillWade, Superintendent of Shenandoah National Park (retired) and Coordinator of the Coalitionof National Park Service Retirees and other members of the Coalition to this program todiscuss current threats to the National Park Service and the national park system. TucsonBotanical Gardens. 2150 N. Alvernon. Free, ample, on-site parking. Refreshments served.For more info. call (520) 747-5078. Also please see article on page 9 of this Echo.
Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 1Jan 18 (T8 (T8 (T8 (T8 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeting ting ting ting ting The Lower ColoradoRiver Multi-Species Conservation Program by WWWWWilliamilliamilliamilliamilliam WWWWWernerernerernerernererner from the ArizonaDepartment of Water Resources. Native fish and wildlife in the Southwest face many stressorsfrom the use of natural resources. The Colorado River is a major source of water for upwards of20 million people. Water and power providers face regulatory challenges as species are listedunder the Endangered Species Act and critical habitat is designated. The Lower ColoradoRiver Multi-Species Conservation Program is an effort involving state, local, federal and tribalentities to develop a comprehensive, long-term, conservation plan for threatened and endangeredspecies along the Colorado River from the lower Grand Canyon to the border with Mexico.Some of these species include razorback sucker, bonytail, humpback chub, flannelmouth sucker,southwestern willow flycatcher, Yuma Clapper rail, and yellow-billed cuckoo. William Wernerwill discuss the development, contents, and status of this effort. Snacks, drinks and minglingbegin at 7PM, followed by the Lower Colorado River Multi-Species Conservation presentationat 7:30PM. For more information please call Tom Lazzelle at (602) 843-8451 or Connie andTed Gartner ([email protected]) or (480) 961-0370.
Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group (Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)
Sedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley Group
Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group (North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)
Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group (Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)
JJJJJanuaranuaranuaranuaranuary/Fy/Fy/Fy/Fy/Febrebrebrebrebruaruaruaruaruary 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005y 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo
wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org
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EnjoEnjoEnjoEnjoEnjoy and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizona
See Outings continued on pg. 12
The Sierra Club is a nationwide organization with active local outings for members andnon-members. Please join us as we make friends and explore life-enriching interests.Simply find an outing by date and phone the contact for directions, reservations, time andadditional information.RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS: NO FIREARMS, RADIOS OR PETS.Outings are by reservation. Call early (group limit 20). Each hike is rated for degree ofdifficulty and risk by the leader.
“A” +16 miles or + 3,000 ft. elevation change (EC)
“B” 8–16 miles and 1,500–3,000 ft. EC
“C” 3–8 miles, 500–1,500 ft. EC RT Round Trip
“D” – 3 miles and 500 ft. EC OW One Way
Trip leader has absolute authority to question trip participants as to their equipment,conditioning and experience before and during the trip. All participants on Sierra Cluboutings are required to sign a standard liability waver. If you would like to read the liabilitywaver before you choose to participate in an outing, please go to http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/ or contact the National Outings Dept. at (415)977-5528 for aprinted version. Sierra Club liability covers leaders only. Each person is responsible for hisor her own first aid equipment. If you are injured, notify the leader immediately. If you leavethe trip, with or without the leader’s permission, you are considered to be on your own untilyou rejoin the group. Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share the driver’s fuel expense.Suggested compensation is 5 cents/mile. Donations accepted from all participants at $1(member) and $3 (nonmember). Money is collected by the leader and deposited with thegroup treasurer. For more information, call Jim Vaaler, (602) 553-8208. Hikes and outingsare also listed in the Rincon Group newsletter and in the Palo Verde Group Sierra ClubSingles newsletter.
Hiking Guidelines
JAN 2 (SUN) “B” Upper Agua Fria DayhikeJAN 2 (SUN) “B” Upper Agua Fria DayhikeJAN 2 (SUN) “B” Upper Agua Fria DayhikeJAN 2 (SUN) “B” Upper Agua Fria DayhikeJAN 2 (SUN) “B” Upper Agua Fria DayhikeOn this 10-mile, mostly off-trail hike we’llexplore the canyon bottom and rim of theUpper Agua Fria Gorge in Agua Fria NationalMonument near Black Canyon City. We’ll enjoymany scenic views and visit an interesting culturalsite. Expect some wading, rock hopping, boulderscrambling, and encounters with viciousvegetation. Gloves recommended. Drive 50miles oneway from Phoenix. Call Ken McGinty(Phoenix) at (602) 265-2854. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SATTTTT) “B” Lion) “B” Lion) “B” Lion) “B” Lion) “B” Lion’’’’’s Ledge, los Ledge, los Ledge, los Ledge, los Ledge, lowwwwwerererererBBBBBaboquivaboquivaboquivaboquivaboquivari Pari Pari Pari Pari Peak,eak,eak,eak,eak, Thomas CanyThomas CanyThomas CanyThomas CanyThomas Canyononononon (approx.7 miles round-trip, 2,500-foot elevationchange). Day hike from the east side ofBaboquivari Peak. The ledge offers excellentviews and there is a perennial rock spring underthe ledge. This is an adventurous outing! CallDavid Martin at (520) 795-9159 or e-mail himat [email protected]. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
JAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SATTTTT) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” Bulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyon-Hon-Hon-Hon-Hon-Hillillillillill2685 Day Hike2685 Day Hike2685 Day Hike2685 Day Hike2685 Day Hike (5 miles, +-800' elevationchange) On this easy wilderness excursion we’llvisit the upper reaches of Bulldog Canyon inthe Tonto National Forest. The trail featuresattractive views of peak 3269, Bulldog Ridge,and the southern skyline of the GoldfieldMountains in a region of colorful Sonoranvegetation and wildlife. Bring your camera aswe leave the trail to climb hill 2685. Call TedTenny (480) 396-3389. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix
JAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SAJAN 8 (SATTTTT) “B” Limestone Ridge) “B” Limestone Ridge) “B” Limestone Ridge) “B” Limestone Ridge) “B” Limestone RidgeDDDDDayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike This 6-mile roundtrip mostly off-trailhike will take us from peak to peak along a highridge near the town of Superior. We’ll enjoymany spectacular panoramas and endureabundant up- and downhill struggles oversteep, rocky, slippery, tricky slopes. We’ll alsoencounter spiny plants aplenty and razor-edgedlimestone, so gloves are recommended. Ourabsolute elevation gain and loss will be 900 feet,but the total will be much greater. Drive 70miles oneway from Tempe. Call Ken McGintyat (602) 265-2854. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 9 (SUN) “B-“ PJAN 9 (SUN) “B-“ PJAN 9 (SUN) “B-“ PJAN 9 (SUN) “B-“ PJAN 9 (SUN) “B-“ Pie s tei e s t ei e s t ei e s t ei e s t ewa Pwa Pwa Pwa Pwa PeakeakeakeakeakCirCirCirCirCircumfercumfercumfercumfercumferenceenceenceenceence TTTTTrail “Prail “Prail “Prail “Prail “Plusluslusluslus” D” D” D” D” Dayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike (7 mi.2000' EC) We’ll observe the lower SonoranDesert vegetation of the Phoenix MountainPreserve as we hike the Piestewa PeakCircumference Trail then keep going, taking theQuartz Peak Trail to a point near the 32nd St.and Lincoln trailhead. From there, we’ll do asteep 600' ascent, after which we’ll be rewardedwith a great view of Piestewa Peak! Brunchafterwards. Contact Gary Hendrickson([email protected] or 480-423-3898).PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” McDcDcDcDcDooooowwwwwell Mell Mell Mell Mell MountainountainountainountainountainRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Projectplease see Sierra Service Trips next page!
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” Bell Rell Rell Rell Rell Rock Pock Pock Pock Pock Pathwayathwayathwayathwayathway TTTTTrailrailrailrailrailDDDDDay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike (7.4 miles RT, 310 feet EC) Thistrail was designed to connect the Village of OakCreek with the trail system around Sedona. Theviews include Bell Rock, Courthouse Butte,Little Park Heights and Twin Buttes, whichincludes the famous chapel of the Holy Cross.Located 6.2 miles south of Sedona off Hwy179. Call Bob Sutherland (928)774-9309 formeeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “) “) “) “) “A” PA” PA” PA” PA” Peralta/ Reralta/ Reralta/ Reralta/ Reralta/ Rededededed TTTTTanks Loopanks Loopanks Loopanks Loopanks Loop(Superstitions) Hike. (Superstitions) Hike. (Superstitions) Hike. (Superstitions) Hike. (Superstitions) Hike. Join us for a 16-mile,somewhat fast paced, loop through the scenicwilds of the Superstitions. We will start out atthe Peralta trailhead (2400’), hiking in onDutchman’s trail as we pass Miners needle. Thenheading east onto Whiskey Spring trail leads ustoward Coffee Flat Mtn. Following around toRed Tanks trail we will divert from the loop and
head up into the beautiful Trap Canyon forlunch. With renewed vigor we will head downthe Dutchman’s to view one of the largestsaguaros in the world, which has a reported 50+arms! Continuing on will give us spectacularviews of Weavers Needle. The final leg, BluffSprings trail, will take us back to Peralta. Thehike is approximately 16 miles RT, with a 1500’EC. Afterwards we will gather in ApacheJunction for a well-earned meal, relaxation andsocializing. Limit 15 (Wilderness Reg.) ContactDarrell Foster [email protected] (preferred) or 602-569-5549. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” Gonzales Ponzales Ponzales Ponzales Ponzales Pass-Rass-Rass-Rass-Rass-ReymereymereymereymereymertttttMine DayhikeMine DayhikeMine DayhikeMine DayhikeMine Dayhike On the 10-mile offtrailridgetrek, we will hike from Gonzales Pass(between Florence Junction and Superior) tothe abandoned Reymert Mine and back,following a series of ridges and baggingnumerous high points. Although the absoluteelevation gain is only 900 feet, total elevationgain and loss could be twice that much. Expectsteep slopes, loose rock, and truculent vegetation,numerous fence crossings, fine vistas, and theinteresting remains of mining. Glovesrecommended. Drive 55 miles oneway fromTempe. Call Ken McGinty at (602) 265-2854.PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” Sunrise Arunrise Arunrise Arunrise Arunrise Arch Dch Dch Dch Dch Day Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike(7 miles, +-1300' elevation change) Thisexploratory hike in the northern Goldfields willtake us to the majestic Sunrise Arch and beyond,to look for other arches in the area and anorthwest passage to the high country. We’llreturn by the river or by the rocky trail throughGateway Canyon. Prepare for adventure as weencounter steep, rocky slopes, prickly Sonoranvegetation, and spectacular scenery of the RiverCountry. Call Ted Tenny (480) 396-3389.PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SAJAN 15 (SATTTTT) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” Bald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Peekeekeekeekeek Sit atLynx Lake overlook or hike an easy 2-3 miles onthe west side of Lynx Lake to peek andphotograph the nesting Bald Eagles on theopposite east side of Lynx Lake. Last year’s matingpair have returned to try again! It’s now or never!Winter boots, jacket and lunch essential! CallJoe Wenzel before Jan 15 for meeting place.(928) 771-0838 PrescottPrescottPrescottPrescottPrescott
JAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SATTTTT) “C” A) “C” A) “C” A) “C” A) “C” Abandoned Mbandoned Mbandoned Mbandoned Mbandoned MeandereandereandereandereanderDDDDDayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike (4 miles RT, 500 ft elevation change)This interesting outing in the Agua Fria NationalMonument will start at the Badger Springstrailhead. After hiking down Badger SpringsCanyon, we will then take an easy off trail routeto the top of Perry Mesa, circum-ambulating anancient, abandoned river meander; and thenfollowing an old trail down to the Agua FriaRiver and back out Badger Springs Canyon.There will be numerous opportunities to viewrock art (petroglyphs) and become educated onthe interesting Geology of the area. We will alsohave excellent views of the Agua Fria River gorge.For reservations, meeting time and place; callyour leader, Jim Vaaler at (602) 553-8208.PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SAJAN 22 (SATTTTT) “B” Born on D) “B” Born on D) “B” Born on D) “B” Born on D) “B” Born on Date - 1960sate - 1960sate - 1960sate - 1960sate - 1960sand 1970s Hikeand 1970s Hikeand 1970s Hikeand 1970s Hikeand 1970s Hike For those of you born in the‘60s and ‘70s; come join us on the SuperstitionsPeak Loop via Hieroglyphics Trail, to experiencelandscape zones varying from Sonoran Desertto chaparral. Total distance ~10 miles, andelevation change ~2800 feet. Contact PaulZemboy ([email protected] or 602-989-1977) after New Year’s. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix
JAN 22 (SUN) “B” Mesquite Flat CanyonsJAN 22 (SUN) “B” Mesquite Flat CanyonsJAN 22 (SUN) “B” Mesquite Flat CanyonsJAN 22 (SUN) “B” Mesquite Flat CanyonsJAN 22 (SUN) “B” Mesquite Flat CanyonsDDDDDayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike East of Tortilla Flat in the Superstitionslies an area of several slickrock canyons. On this8-9 mile off-trail exploratory hike we will explore
some of these canyons and find out which onesare passable and which are clogged with catclaw.There will be plenty of up and downhill travelover steep and slipper slopes and a plethora ofspiny plants. Gloves recommended. Drive 50miles oneway from Tempe. Call Ken McGintyat (602) 265-2854. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 23 (SUN) “B” JAN 23 (SUN) “B” JAN 23 (SUN) “B” JAN 23 (SUN) “B” JAN 23 (SUN) “B” TTTTTableableableableable TTTTTop Mop Mop Mop Mop Mountain,ountain,ountain,ountain,ountain,Sonoran Desert National MonumentSonoran Desert National MonumentSonoran Desert National MonumentSonoran Desert National MonumentSonoran Desert National Monument (7miles round-trip, 2,000-foot elevation change).Day hike to one of the nation’s youngest nationalmonuments, located in the Vekol Valleynorthwest of Tucson off Interstate-8. Bringlunch. For more information, see http://www.toddshikingguide.com/Hikes/Arizona/Misc/Misc11.htm. High-clearance vehiclesrequired. Four-wheel-drive vehicles requested.Call Drew Milsom at (520) 908-1087 (after 7PM) TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
JAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SATTTTT) “B” R) “B” R) “B” R) “B” R) “B” Robbers Robbers Robbers Robbers Robbers Roost &oost &oost &oost &oost &Geronimo Cave DayhikeGeronimo Cave DayhikeGeronimo Cave DayhikeGeronimo Cave DayhikeGeronimo Cave Dayhike A study in thehistory of Old West legends as we journey backin time to find a pair of reputed hideouts foroutlaws and Apaches in the SuperstitionMountains. Begins with a steep and challengingascent of the Carney Springs trail, and featuresa bit of route-finding as we navigate our waythru some occasionally brushy and boulderyterrain. 8 miles RT, 2000' EC. Limit 15. ContactConnie or Ted Gartner <[email protected]>(480) 961-0370. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
JAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SAJAN 29 (SATTTTT) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” Munds Munds Munds Munds Munds Mountainountainountainountainountain TTTTTrailrailrailrailrailDDDDDay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike (2.9 miles RT, 800 feet EC) Thishike takes you to the top of the north end ofMunds Mountain superb views It is a steepclimb to the top but, the views are thrilling.Located 6.6 miles from Sedona on the SchneblyHill Road. Call Bob Sutherland (928) 774-9309 for meeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff
JAN 29 (SUN) “B+” Bluf f Spr ingJAN 29 (SUN) “B+” Bluf f Spr ingJAN 29 (SUN) “B+” Bluf f Spr ingJAN 29 (SUN) “B+” Bluf f Spr ingJAN 29 (SUN) “B+” Bluf f Spr ingMountain DayhikeMountain DayhikeMountain DayhikeMountain DayhikeMountain Dayhike On this 8- to 10-mile hikein the Superstition Wilderness we will take thescenic Bluff Springs Train and off-trail routefrom Peralta trailhead to the 4, 152-fot-highsummit of Bluff Springs Mountain. There we’llenjoy excellent vistas of Weaver’s Needle andthe upper end of Bluff Spring MountainCanyon. We’ll return via another off-trail routeand trails. Expect steep and rocky slopes, rockhopping, boulder scrambling, an 1800-footelevation gain, and wicked, spiny, and thick
vegetation. Drive 50 miles oneway from Tempe.Call Ken McGinty at (602) 265-2854.PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SATTTTT) “B+” N) “B+” N) “B+” N) “B+” N) “B+” Nororo ro ro rth Mth Mth Mth Mth Maricopaar icopaar icopaar icopaar icopaMMMMMountainsountainsountainsountainsountains WWWWWilderness Dilderness Dilderness Dilderness Dilderness Dayhike.ayhike.ayhike.ayhike.ayhike. The NorthMaricopa Mountains are one several beautifuland empty Sonoran Desert wildernesses not toofar southwest of Phoenix. They need to beexplored. There are trails, but we may try a loopcross-country if the terrain looks inviting. Expectsome brush, but not too much. Est. 12 milestotal, 1000 ft. EC. Strong hikers only. High-clearance vehicles may be needed—pleasevolunteer. Contact Jay Skardon 602-943-6583or [email protected] . PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SATTTTT ) “B+” B) “B+” B) “B+” B) “B+” B) “B+” Brrrrronco Conco Conco Conco Conco Crrrrreek-eek-eek-eek-eek-Rackensack Canyon DayhikeRackensack Canyon DayhikeRackensack Canyon DayhikeRackensack Canyon DayhikeRackensack Canyon Dayhike On this 12-mile off- and on-trail hike near Seven Springsnortheast of Carefree, we will climb 1,000 feetto a 4,344-foot nameless peak and descendslightly to a ridge, which we will follow forseveral miles. Eventually we’ll drop into BroncoCreek and follow a jeep road to its end, climbanother peak, and descend into RackensackCanyon, returning to our cars along anotherjeep road. Expect steep and rocky slopes; thick,brushy, and spiny vegetation; interestingcultural sites; and miles of panoramic views.Gloves recommended. Drive 35 miles onewayfrom Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at (602)265-2854. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SATTTTT) “D” S) “D” S) “D” S) “D” S) “D” Sabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyononononon (2-3hours, leisurely pace). Mixed route on trails androad that is suited for mobile-challenged as wellas families. A bobcat was seen on the last outing.Call Sandee Binyon at (520) 232-0226. Sandeeis affiliated with Sabino Canyon VolunteerNaturalists and Santa Catalina Volunteer Patrol.TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
FEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SAFEB 5 (SATTTTT) “B” B) “B” B) “B” B) “B” B) “B” Babababababy Canyy Canyy Canyy Canyy Canyon Don Don Don Don Dayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike (9miles RT, 500 ft elevation change) This outingin the Agua Fria National Monument willinvolve an easy car shuttle and will start werethe Bloody Basin Road crosses Bishop Creek.Bishop Creek quickly turns into the entrenchedmeanders of Baby Canyon. We will follow BabyCanyon to the confluence of the Agua Fria Riverand then follow the Agua Fria down to BadgerSprings Canyon. Most of this outing will be
Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter
wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org
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EnjoEnjoEnjoEnjoEnjoy and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonay and Explore Arizonafairly easy off trail boulder hopping with a coupleof sections of trail. Expect beautiful canyonscenery, rock art, and some fairly easy creekcrossing in the Agua Fria River section. Forreservations, meeting time and place; call yourleader, Jim Vaaler at (602) 553-8208. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix
FEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SATTTTT) “C” R) “C” R) “C” R) “C” R) “C” Red Red Red Red Red Rock Sock Sock Sock Sock State Ptate Ptate Ptate Ptate ParararararkkkkkTTTTTrails Drails Drails Drails Drails Day Hay Hay Hay Hay Hike (8 hikes of vike (8 hikes of vike (8 hikes of vike (8 hikes of vike (8 hikes of various distancesarious distancesarious distancesarious distancesarious distancesand skills)and skills)and skills)and skills)and skills) (200 feet EC) These trails areinterconnecting with beautiful views and canbe done easily in one day. Located 8.8 milessouthwest of Sedona off of Hwy 89A. Call BobSutherland (928) 774-9309 for meeting timeand location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff
FEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SATTTTT) “C-” S) “C-” S) “C-” S) “C-” S) “C-” South Mouth Mouth Mouth Mouth MountainountainountainountainountainNNNNNationalationalationalationalational TTTTTrail to Frail to Frail to Frail to Frail to Fat Mat Mat Mat Mat Man Pan Pan Pan Pan Pass, Fass, Fass, Fass, Fass, Family-amily-amily-amily-amily-Friendly HikeFriendly HikeFriendly HikeFriendly HikeFriendly Hike Kids and adults alike will enjoythis leisurely stroll through Sonoran Desertscenery in the nation’s largest city park, featuringpanoramic views of the Phoenix metro area.Contact Jeanette Christopher (602-404-6466)or Paul Zemboy ([email protected]).PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SATTTTT) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” Senderenderenderenderendero Esperanza-Ho Esperanza-Ho Esperanza-Ho Esperanza-Ho Esperanza-HughughughughughNNNNNorrisorrisorrisorrisorris TTTTTrails to rails to rails to rails to rails to WWWWWasson Passon Passon Passon Passon Peakeakeakeakeak (4-6 hours,approx. 8 miles round-trip, 1,500-foot elevationchange.) February is the perfect time of yearfor the Sonoran Desert lowlands, and we topoff at 4,687-foot Wasson Peak on this briskout-and-back hike from the quieter, moreremote northern side of Saguaro ParkWest. We head up the switchback ridgeof Sendero Esperanza Trail, then headfor the highest point in the TucsonMountains on Hugh Norris Trail.Meet-up expected to be in thevicinity of Cortaro Farm &Silverbell Roads. Call StuWilliams at (520) 465-0322.TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
FEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SAFEB 12 (SATTTTT ) “B+”) “B+”) “B+”) “B+”) “B+”LaBarge Mountain DayhikeLaBarge Mountain DayhikeLaBarge Mountain DayhikeLaBarge Mountain DayhikeLaBarge Mountain DayhikeOn this 8-mile, most on-trailpeakbag we will ascend 1,8000feet to the 5,072-foot-highsummit of LaBarge Mountain inthe eastern Superstition Wilderness.We’ll gain 1,200 feet of elevation onthe JF Trail and the other 600 feet onthe offtrail stretch. Expect steep slopes,abundant brush, and spectacular view.Gloves recommended. High-clearancevehicles required. Drive 60 miles one-wayfrom Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at (602) 265-2854. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SATTTTT) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” Bald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Pald Eagle Peekeekeekeekeek Sit atLynx Lake overlook or hike an easy 2-3 miles onthe west side of Lynx Lake to peek andphotograph the nesting Bald Eagles on theopposite east side of Lynx Lake. Last year’s matingpair have returned to try again! It’s now or never!Winter boots, jacket and lunch essential! CallJoe Wenzel before Feb. 19 for meeting place.(928) 771-0838 PrescottPrescottPrescottPrescottPrescott
FEB. 19 (SAFEB. 19 (SAFEB. 19 (SAFEB. 19 (SAFEB. 19 (SATTTTT) “C+” Ash C) “C+” Ash C) “C+” Ash C) “C+” Ash C) “C+” Ash Crrrrreek Deek Deek Deek Deek Dayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhike (8miles RT, 800 ft EC) We will hike an abandonedand illegally constructed “dozer track” in the AshCreek roadless area (see article in Nov/Dec Echo,page 4). The illegal activity was done over 15years ago, so we should have a good opportunityto see what Mother Nature can do over time. Wewill have excellent views of Gleason Flats andthe Salt River as it flows through a Granite Gorge.Also featured will be beautiful Sonoran Desertscenery. On the way back we will take a shortside trip down to the confluence of Ash Creekand the Salt River. On this trip I will need helpfrom people who own 4WD vehicles. Forreservations, meeting time and place, call yourleader Jim Vaaler at (602) 553-8208. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix
FEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SATTTTT) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” M) “C” McDcDcDcDcDooooowwwwwell Mell Mell Mell Mell MountainountainountainountainountainRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Project seethe Service Trips listing!
FEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SATTTTT) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” Seveveveveven Sen Sen Sen Sen Springs: Cavprings: Cavprings: Cavprings: Cavprings: CaveeeeeCCCCCrrrrreek/ Seek/ Seek/ Seek/ Seek/ Skunk Ridgekunk Ridgekunk Ridgekunk Ridgekunk Ridge Loop Hike. This loopstarts at the Seven Springs Recreation Area(3300’ elev.) and features beautiful upperSonoran desert leading to spectacular views, thendown to the closest riparian habitat to Phoenix.We start up Skunk Ridge trail, offering views of
Quien Sabe Peak and the surrounding area. Wethen head down the canyon to the perennialCave Creek and its trail. We will complete theloop back following along the creek as we areserenaded by its cascades. Along the way we willbe treated to a “crested” saguaro and many pools.We will stop somewhere near the halfway markand enjoy a creek-side lunch. The hike is approx10 miles RT, with 1200’ EC. Afterwards we willgather in the town of Cave Creek for a well-earned meal, relaxation and socializing. ContactDarrell Foster at [email protected](preferred) or 602-569-5549. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SAFEB 19 (SATTTTT) “B” M) “B” M) “B” M) “B” M) “B” Mesquite Ridge Desquite Ridge Desquite Ridge Desquite Ridge Desquite Ridge Day Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike(8 miles, +500'-1400' elevation change) Thisscenic off-trail trek will take us from TortillaTrailhead to Mesquite Flat, following a smoothridge most of the way as we parallel a tributary ofMesquite Creek. You’ll enjoy miles of expansiveviews of the Mazatzals and Superstitions beforebailing out to a creek bed lined with cobblestones,leading to an abandoned road. Come preparedfor gorgeous slickrock terrain, steep and rockyslopes, cliffs, dropoffs, and prickly brush aplenty.Gloves and cameras recommended. Call TedTenny, (480) 396-3389. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix
JJJJJan 15 (SAT) & Feb 19 (SAT) Collecting Pronghorn Poop in thean 15 (SAT) & Feb 19 (SAT) Collecting Pronghorn Poop in thean 15 (SAT) & Feb 19 (SAT) Collecting Pronghorn Poop in thean 15 (SAT) & Feb 19 (SAT) Collecting Pronghorn Poop in thean 15 (SAT) & Feb 19 (SAT) Collecting Pronghorn Poop in the
Agua FriaAgua FriaAgua FriaAgua FriaAgua Fria
Please join us on one or both of these service trips to help learn more about pronghornnutrition in the Agua Fria National Monument. We will be assisting with a project beingconducted by Dave Brown, Professor of Zoology at ASU, to study pronghorn nutrition throughcollecting pronghorn scat and determining what are they eating. This will help to identifywhether or not the area is being overgrazed by livestock and whether or not the pronghornnutrition is poor as a result. The Sierra Club is committing to helping collect the scat onceeach month throughout 2005.
For both trips, we will meet near the Bloody Basin exit off of I-17 at 10AM and plan tospend most of the day conducting the research. There will be an orientation on how torecognize the scat, how and what to collect, and how much to collect. There will also betraining on what kind of field notes to take. After that, we will proceed with the collection,explore the monument a bit, and chat about the monument and its wildlife over lunch.
Please bring a lunch, water, jacket, hat, and comfortable shoes.To RSVP, for more details on the trip or meeting location, or to ask about carpooling
from the Phoenix area, please call Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 [email protected] or Julie Sherman at [email protected] (928) 213-1176.
JAN 15 (SAT) & FEB 19 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain RoadJAN 15 (SAT) & FEB 19 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain RoadJAN 15 (SAT) & FEB 19 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain RoadJAN 15 (SAT) & FEB 19 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain RoadJAN 15 (SAT) & FEB 19 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road
Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectAdopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectAdopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectAdopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectAdopt-a-Highway Cleanup Project In the eastern foothills of the McDowellMountains, our 5-mile stretch of blue highway meanders in and out of McDowell MountainRegional Park. Situated between Four Peaks, the Superstitions, the McDowells, and the
Mazatzal Mountains, this scenic road is a favorite for bicycle and motorcycle enthusiasts.We’ll cleanup the road while enjoying the great Sonoran desert. We may visit “McGinty’s
Hidden Spring,” a secret and seldom seen Shangri-La, known only to Adopt-a-Highwayalumni, or “McGinty’s Kitchen Sink,” otherwise known as the “Grand Canyon” of
McDowell Mountain Road. We’ll finish before noon leaving the afternoon free.Each trip participant receives an official Adopt-a-Highway t-shirt and gloves
courtesy of Maricopa County’s Adopt-a-Highway program! 3 mi. RT, 300 ft. EC.Call Michael Brady (602) 534-1355. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
Help Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing Owls During the months ofJanuary and February, Greg Clark and Bob Fox of Wild at Heart will greatly
appreciate our assistance in helping to build homes for rescued burrowingowls. Activities will include building artificial burrows, erecting/dismantling
shelter tents, and possibly seeing one or more owls up close.Due to the last minute nature of translocation activity, a specific date has not
been set. Volunteers interested in participating, please contact Halina [email protected] or (602) 749-2063. You will be
included on a call-back list when one or more weekenddates have been arranged. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 5 (SAT) Handy-Persons Needed toFEB 5 (SAT) Handy-Persons Needed toFEB 5 (SAT) Handy-Persons Needed toFEB 5 (SAT) Handy-Persons Needed toFEB 5 (SAT) Handy-Persons Needed to
Spruce up Raptor ShelterSpruce up Raptor ShelterSpruce up Raptor ShelterSpruce up Raptor ShelterSpruce up Raptor Shelter Please join the SierraClub Wildlife Committee on for a day of hammering, paintingand general sprucing up at the Wild at Heart raptorrehabilitation center.
Relying on volunteer support, Wild at Heart cares forinjured, orphaned and displaced birds of prey, with themajority being rehabilitated and released. The center islocated in Cave Creek, and currently houses about 125birds.
Participants will receive a tour of the facilities and the opportunity to ooh and aahcloseup at these splendid birds. Snacks will be provided. Carpooling can be arranged orfolks can meet at the center.Please contact Halina at [email protected] or 602-749-2063 for more informationand to sign up.
Sierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service Outings
pine forest. The hike can be ended here at 2.5miles. The trail goes 3 miles farther, followingthe course of the canyon as it winds to the baseof the rim. Located 8.6 miles west and north ofSedona. Call Bob Sutherland (928) 774-9309for meeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff
FEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SATTTTT) Bobcat Boulder and ) Bobcat Boulder and ) Bobcat Boulder and ) Bobcat Boulder and ) Bobcat Boulder and The LoafThe LoafThe LoafThe LoafThe LoafRock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing Rock Climbing On the crags of Little GraniteMountain in northeast Scottsdale we’ll be settingup a variety of toprope routes such as Shake-n-Bake (5.6), Sweet Surprise (5.7), Young Monkeys(5.7), Snakes Are Poodles Too (5.8), MissingLynx (5.8), and Desert Solitaire (5.8); othereasier/harder routes available too. We’ll also givean update on the status of the McDowellSonoran Preserve. Sponsored by Palo VerdeGroup Mountaineering. Requires Sierra Clubmembership, rock climbing experience, and the
APR 9 (SAT) “C” OutingsAPR 9 (SAT) “C” OutingsAPR 9 (SAT) “C” OutingsAPR 9 (SAT) “C” OutingsAPR 9 (SAT) “C” Outings
Leadership Training Day (OLTLeadership Training Day (OLTLeadership Training Day (OLTLeadership Training Day (OLTLeadership Training Day (OLT
101)101)101)101)101) All current Sierra Club outings
leaders (this includes Wildlife Committee
outings, Inner City Outings, Singles and
Mountaineering subsection outings), and people
who would like to lead Sierra Club outings are
required to take this new training course. The training
will be good for four (4) years.
We will be spending an easy and enjoyable day in the
Wilderness discussing the following topics: Overview and
structure of the Sierra Club, Outings Leader Requirements, how
to plan an outing, location and route, safety planning, publicity for
your outing, transportation, trailhead talk, proper outdoor ethics,
emergencies, participant issues, ending the outing and what to do
after the outing. The discussions will be free-form and open ended.
Everyone will be encouraged to participate. When the discussion
is finished we will break up into groups (if necessary) and act
out one or two leadership scenarios, such as trailhead talk,
over-the-phone screening, and proper emergency
response.
We are asking all outings leaders to please
keep this date open on your calendars.
For information contact Jim Vaaler (602)
553-8208 and Paul Zemboy
(602) 989-1977.
following equipment: climbing harness,climbing shoes, belay device, helmet, 3 lockingcarabiners, prusik cords or other ascendingdevice, and personal anchor sling. Get bonuspoints for bringing ropes or extra slings andcarabiners. Contact Connie or Ted Gartner<[email protected]> 480-961-0370. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
MAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SATTTTT) “) “) “) “) “A”A”A”A”A” TTTTTanqueanqueanqueanqueanque VVVVVerererererde Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge toSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore Basin (6-8 hours, approx. 14 milesround-trip, 2,500-foot elevation change). Thehike up Tanque Verde Ridge offers splendidviews of the peaks and topography of the RinconMountains, a great cardiac workout and is a greatway to get ready for summertime “peak-bagging.” Meet-up expected to be at SaguaroNational Park East Visitors Center. (Park feesapply.) Call Stu Williams (520) 465-0322.TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
Burrowing owl, photo by Halina Szyposzynski.
FEB 20 (SUN) “B+” FEB 20 (SUN) “B+” FEB 20 (SUN) “B+” FEB 20 (SUN) “B+” FEB 20 (SUN) “B+” TTTTTumacacori Pumacacori Pumacacori Pumacacori Pumacacori Peak Loopeak Loopeak Loopeak Loopeak Loop(6 miles round-trip, 2,500-foot elevationchange). For those of you who missed lastmonth’s trip, this cross-country trip offers achance to see some of the high country in theproposed Tumacacori Highlands Wilderness. Wewill have a rough steep climb to the crest of theTumacacori Mountains and then along the crestto Tumacacori Peak. High Clearance 4-wheeldrive vehicles required. Group size will be limitedto 12. Call Peter Bengtson for reservations (520)219-3507. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson
FEB 25 (FRI) “D” 5:30 – RFEB 25 (FRI) “D” 5:30 – RFEB 25 (FRI) “D” 5:30 – RFEB 25 (FRI) “D” 5:30 – RFEB 25 (FRI) “D” 5:30 – Rustlerustlerustlerustlerustler’’’’’sssss R R R R RoosteoosteoosteoosteoosteHappy Hour /South Mountain MoonlitHappy Hour /South Mountain MoonlitHappy Hour /South Mountain MoonlitHappy Hour /South Mountain MoonlitHappy Hour /South Mountain MoonlitHikeHikeHikeHikeHike. Join us for some socializing and then amoonlit stroll through the South MountainPreserve right out the backdoor of Rustler’sRooste. We will meet in the upstairs bar area,where a complementary buffet and happy hourspecials run until 6:30. Around 7:30 we will hitthe trail that offers great views of the city’s lightsas well as some darker valleys to enjoy the lunarlight. We will hike 2 to 4 miles. Rustlers Roosteis at 7777 South Pointe Parkway West inPhoenix, 602-431-6474. If further info isneeded contact Darrell Foster [email protected] (preferred) or 602-569-5549, otherwise just show up. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix
FEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SAFEB 26 (SATTTTT) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” Secrecrecrecrecret Canyet Canyet Canyet Canyet Canyononononon TTTTTrail Drail Drail Drail Drail DayayayayayHHHHHikeikeikeikeike (11 miles RT, 600 feet EC) This is abeautiful canyon with the trail following alonga streambed through the red rocks. The trailwinds back and forth across the creek severaltimes. At the 2.1 miles, the trail meets the DavidMiller Trail and beyond this junction, it enters a
