Oil and Gas Activity Returns to Santa Fe County - Rio Grande Chapter

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Sunday, July 29, 2007, 5-9 PM SUMMER POTLUCK PICNIC The Commons, 2300 West Alameda (corner of Camino Carlos Real) As a special treat, this year we will furnish most of the food. We will have green chile chicken enchiladas, red chile veggie enchiladas, veggie beans and calabacitas. Please bring a beverage (beer, wine, sodas, etc.), salad, appetizer, dessert or just yourself. Social hour will be from 5-6, and dinner from 6-8, with our program beginning at 8. Please RSVP if you plan to attend so we will know how many to plan for. To RSVP, or if you need more information, contact: Jean Watts (505-989-5010 / jeanwatts@comcast.com) or Alice Cox (505-757-2145 / auntiealice@pecosplaze.com) Please join us for good food, good conversation and an opportunity to meet and enjoy your fellow Sierrans. We look forward to seeing you there! Martin Heinrich, wilderness advocate and Albuquerque City Councilor, will share his experiences with a slide show featuring current and potential wilderness areas in New Mexico. Martin is running as a Democratic candidate for Congress against Heather Wilson. Group Executive Committee: Tuesday, August 7, 7 PM GROUP COMMITTEE MEETINGS Sierra Club Office, 802 Early Street Tuesday, July 3, 7 PM Tuesday, September 4, 7 PM Group Conservation Committee: July 7, 7 PM Forest Subcommittee: Contact Norma McCallan 471-0005 GROUP CHAIR Northern Group News Northern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club 802 Early Street, Santa Fe, NM 87505 505 ⋅ 983 ⋅ 2703 http://riogrande.sierraclub.org/santafe/ John Buchser Our population keeps growing, and the 'undeveloped' world seeks to emulate our energy-gobbling ways. The slow progress we are making towards decreasing our energy footprint is painfully slow. Brilliant energy activist Ben Luce has started a new organization, Break the Grip. In an open letter to Governor Richardson, Ben states, “I was appalled by the more recent efforts of your Administration to entirely exclude citizen advocates from the development of proposed legislation for the 2007 Session affecting electric utilities, and, much more importantly, the heavyhanded efforts by your staff to push through highly flawed proposals that closely matched the known agenda of PNM.” He closes with, “We will attempt to build real momentum for major ethical reforms ... and point New Mexico towards a truly sustainable future, by and for the people.” I hope that we, and Ben, are successful. NORTHERN GROUP CANDIDATES INVITED If you would like to be considered to run for the Executive Committee of the Northern Group of the Rio Grande Chapter, you are invited to contact Carol Raymond (989-8600, ext. 27 or Carol@SFSR.com). Please send a written statement explaining your qualifications and plans for the group’s work. Include your contact information. The deadline for receipt of proposed candidates is August 10. The Northern Group is running on the same election schedule as the Rio Grande Chapter. DAY HIKES IN THE SANTA FE AREA The Northern New Mexico Group of the Sierra Club is pleased to present the sixth edition of its Day Hikes, the authoritative trail guide for the area. It is now even more useful. All hikes appearing in previous editions were re-hiked, two hikes dropped, and 14 new hikes added, for a total of 60 fabulous hikes within a day’s reach of Santa Fe. Best of all, every hike description in this book is written by an experienced local hiker – someone who knows the hike best. A big thank you to these volunteers. Money earned by sales of Day Hikes has been used by the Sierra Club to support many environmental campaigns in New Mexico, including efforts to save old timber stands from logging, protect pristine wilderness areas from mining operations, keep foothills east of Santa Fe and the National Forest lands near the ski basin free from development, have the East Fork of the Jemez declared a National Recreation Area, dedicate the Valles Caldera to public ownership, pass New Mexico’s hard rock mining bill, and most recently, help pass legislation to protect Valle Vidal. The Group also contributes to the support of other local environmental groups. Day Hikes is available at Travel Bug, Borders, Garcia Street Books, Sangre de Cristo Mountain Works, Wild Mountain Outfitters, La Fonda Newsstand, Bandelier National Monument Bookstore, Public Lands Bookstore, and http://riogrande.sierraclub.org/santafe/publications.asp. THANKS ALSO TO TRAVEL BUG! Thanks to the generosity of Travel Bug on Paseo de Peralta for the book-signing in May and to Greg Ohlsen for the elegant, easy-to-use topo maps, which make route finding much easier. Ohlsen also provides specs for those wishing to use GPS in conjunction with the hike maps. THANKS. CONSERVATION CHAIR Dexter Coolidge Considerable progress has been made with the Santa Fe City Council in getting our Climate Protection Budget adopted. Two proposals – changes in the building codes to make buildings more energy-efficient and hiring of a full-time energy specialist – are likely to be in the new budget. The others are on hold until the city comes up with new money. Our proposal includes new taxes and bonding to cover increased expenses. Our ideas have been met with tentative acceptance, and we are going ahead with plans to push these, probably in two steps, between now and March 2008. Senator Bingaman released a draft of a bill we considered woefully inadequate. The Northern Group and the Rio Grande Chapter started a letter and telephone campaign to get him to strengthen it, joined by other NM environmental organizations. As a result of the flood of messages, the Senator’s staff asked us to call off the campaign because he was rewriting his draft. We are optimistic it will be stronger than the original. Thank you for your letters and calls. We can take pride in what we have done. The Step It Up program in Santa Fe, organized by Carol Oldham, was actively supported by the Group and was a great success. We handed out hundreds of CF light bulbs and received interest from the community. Have a great summer! I am off to Canada, and, in the meantime, Norma will be Conservation Chair. ♦ ♦ NORTHERN NEW MEXICO GROUP OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE CHAIRS ♦ ♦ Chair – John Buchser * ‡ jbuchser@comcast.net 820-0201 Vice-Chair – Norma McCallan * ‡ nmccallan@mindspring.com 471-0005 Secretary – OPEN Treasurer – Anne Stauffer arsinnm@comcast.net 986-1412 Chapter Rep – Dexter Coolidge * dextercoolidge@yahoo.com 988-1197 Membership – Alice Cox auntiealice@cybermesa.com 757-2145 Newsletter – Kay Carlson kcarlsonwp@earthlink.net 982-3926 Outings – Norbert Sperlich bsperlich@cybermesa.com 474-4354 Tobin Oruch oruch@lanl.gov 820-2844 Political Committee – Susan Martin smartin31@comcast.net 988-5206 Tom Robey trobey@cybermesa.com 955-9578 Phone Answerer – Bebs Taylor 983-9129 Publicity – Richard Kristin * rkristin@csf.edu 982-1671 Social Cohesion – Jean Watts jeanwatts@comcast.net 989-5010 Las Vegas Branch – Betty Quick betty@mathllc.com 505-454-9123 Taos Branch – Eric Patterson eepatt@gmail.com 776-2883 Farmington Branch – Art Jaquez artjaquez@yahoo.com 505-326-5229 Nick Cullander ncullander@hotmail.com 505-334-0935 Web Master – Monika Bittman 505-581-0130 Dan Rusthoi rusthoi@lanl.gov 474-3965 Mark Walztoni * mark@effectiveleadershipchanges.com 466-2695 Carol Raymond * Carol@SFSR.com 989-8600, ext 27 (w) Conservation – Chair – Norma McCallan for the summer Activist Outings–Norma McCallan * ‡ nmccallan@mindspring.com 471-0005 Air Quality – Doug Fraser fraser@thuntek.net 474-7615 Santa Fe Nat’l Forest – Ami Diallo a.diallo@zianet.com 471-2414 John Green jegzuni@aol.com 995-8749 Carson Nat’l Forest – Eric Peterson emozart@cybermesa.com Marke Talley 505-747-2422 Genetically Engineered Food – Jim Hannan jhannan505@aol.com 988-5760 Mining – Cliff Larsen clarsen1@ix.netcom.com 466-2128 Cool Cities Campaign Lead Organizer – Voitek Byszewski * ‡ swinia@comcast.net 466-6211 Eco Footprints – Brian Skeele brianvida@nm.net 984-1739 Resources – Ken Hughes ‡ b1family@comcast.net 474-0550 Valle Vidal – Dexter Coolidge * dextercoolidge@yahoo.com 988-1197 Norma McCallan * nmccallan@mindspring.com 471-0005 Water – Sig Silber ‡ ssilber1@juno.com 473-7006 Paul Paryski ‡ pparyski@aol.com 992-1984 Wildlife/Nat’l Parks/Rangelands - Roger Peterson ‡ rogpete@aol.com 983-7559 * Member of the Northern Group Executive Committee ‡ Member of the Core Conservation Committee 10 Rio Grande Sierran July/August 2007 10 RIO GRANDE SIERRAN July/August 2007
Northern Group News Sat Sun July NORTHERN GROUP OUTINGS 1 Easy Hike to Tent Rocks. Dogs on leash okay. Leave 9 AM. Eliza Schmid (474-5846) 7 Strenuous Hike but Moderate pace, to the Rio Nambe via upper Rio en Medio (from Ski Basin) and Borrego Trail. Abundant wildflowers. Dogs okay. 10.5 miles RT, 2600’ gain. Norma McCallan (471-0005) 7 Strenuous Hike to Wheeler Peak. 15 miles RT, 4300’ gain. Early start. Patrick O’Keefe (820-2359) 14 Moderate Hike to Hamilton Mesa. About 7 miles RT, high clearance vehicles helpful. Michael Goldey (820-7302) note change in date 14 Strenuous Hike to Santa Fe Baldy. 14 miles RT, 3600’ gain. Dogs okay. Dan Rusthoi (690-8967) 15 Moderate Hike to Cerro Grande (Bandelier) and on Valle Grande Trail (Valles Caldera). Wonderful views. 6 miles RT, 1600’ gain. David Van Winkle (820-1006) 15 Strenuous Hike in High Country. Marcia Skillman (699-3008) 21 Santa Fe River Cleanup Anne Stauffer (986-1412 or scsftreasurer@comcast.net) 21 Easy Birdwatch Walk jointly with Audubon Society. Bring binoculars. Ron Duffy (982-2890) 21 Strenuous Loop Hike Leonardo Lakes, Sheepshead (12,696’), Trampas Lakes. About 12 miles RT, 3700’ gain. Some steep off trail sections. Michael DiRosa (663-0648) 22 Easy/Moderate Hike near Pajarito Ski Area. Dogs okay. Leave 9 AM. Eliza Schmid (474-5846) 28 Moderate Hike along East Fork of Jemez. Some hiking in water, some off trail, some scrambling. Norbert Sperlich (474-4354) 29 Strenuous Hike to Pecos Baldy Lake and Pecos Baldy. 17 miles RT, 3800’ gain. Dogs okay. Tobin Oruch (820-2844) before 8 PM PLEASE ALWAYS CALL THE OUTINGS LEADER PRIOR TO A HIKE FOR CONFIRMATION AND DETAILS. All outings are open to the public and free unless otherwise noted. For additional outings in Northern New Mexico, please check the Pajarito Group page in this newsletter. Sat Sun September 1 Strenuous Hike Gold Hill near Taos, 14 th highest peak in NM, spectacular views, alpine flowers, and possibly sightings of bighorn sheep. 10 miles, 3400' gain, 12,716'. Norbert Sperlich (474-4354) 2 Moderate Hike maybe Borrego Loop or Tesuque Creek near town, 4- 7 miles, 1000' gain, dogs okay. Tobin Oruch (820-2844) before 8 PM 8 Moderate/Strenuous Hike maybe Nambe Lake, 7 miles, 2100' gain, steep in spots, dogs okay. David Van Winkle (820-1006) 9 Very Strenuous Hike Lobo Peak near Taos, located between Rio Hondo and Red River, sweeping views in all directions. 10 mi, 3800' gain, 12,115', dogs okay. Tobin Oruch (820-2844) before 8 PM Friday, September 14 We're gauging the interest in weekday hiking with a hike to the La Cieneguilla petroglyphs with guide Chip Conway. Few miles, rock scrambling, dogs okay, limit 10. Dan Rusthoi (690-8967) 15 Moderate/Strenuous Hike in high country, 7-10 miles, 1500' gain. Marcia Skillman (699-3008) 15 Strenuous Hike Lake Katherine, an alpine lake in a spectacular setting; marmots are plentiful. 14.5 miles, 3300' gain, limit of 15, dogs okay. Les Drapela (438-3306) 15 Easy Birdwatch Walk jointly with Audubon Society, bring binoculars. Ron Duffy (982-2890) 15 SF River Cleanup Anne Stauffer (986-1412 or scsftreasurer@comcast.net) 16 Easy/Moderate Hike to Rio en Medio waterfalls near Tesuque, a lovely streamside hike through lush and shady vegetation to cascading water. 6-7 miles, 1000' gain, dogs okay. Eliza Schmid (474-5846) 16 Moderate mushroom hunting basics hike, maybe up Raven's Ridge near ski area. Art Judd (982-3212) 16 Strenuous Hike Jicarita Peak, north end of Pecos Wilderness, 11 th highest in NM. Optional side trip to Serpent Lake on return. 11-12 miles, 2500-3000' gain, summit 12,835', limit of 15, dogs okay. Patrick O’Keefe (820-2359) 22 Moderate/Strenuous Mountain Bike Ride Cebolla and Calaveras cnyns, moderate skill level. Michael Di Rosa (667-0095 or 663-0648) 22 Strenuous Hike Kachina Peak in Taos Ski Valley. -10 mi, 3300', summit 12,481', dogs okay. Page Press (946-0169) 23 Strenuous Canoe upriver from Cochiti Lake up to Capulin Cyn in Bandelier, Easy Hike to Painted Cave. Some spaces for non-boatowners. Tobin Oruch (820-2844) before 8 PM. 23 Easy/Moderate Hike Otowi Mesa. Los Alamos, ±5 miles, 500' gain, some rock scrambling, great views. Michael Goldey (820-7302) Sat Sun August 4 Strenuous Hike Deception Peak and Lake Peak. Steep and direct, stunning views and beautiful alpine flowers. -7 miles, 2200' gain, summit 12,409', dogs okay. Michael Goldey (820-7302) 5 Easy Hike Hyde Park Circle, winding through piñon, ponderosa, spruce, fir, Gambel oak, ±4 miles, 1100' gain, steep at times. Dogs on leash. Eliza Schmid (474-5846) Saturday and Sunday, August 11 and 12 – Car Camp & Moderate Hikes (±8 miles each) Continental Divide Trail at Cumbres Pass. Good trail, steep sections, great vistas. Drive up late Friday, stay at Trujillo Meadows C.G. Dogs okay. Norma McCallan (471-0005) 11 Strenuous Hike Santa Fe Baldy, classic hike to highest peak in SF area, with 360º unsurpassed view and alpine flowers. 14 miles, 3600' gain, summit 12,622', limit 15, dogs okay. Les Drapela (438-3306) 12 Moderate Hike East Fork Box along and above the Jemez River with cliffs, wildflowers, many river crossings. 5-8 mi, 800' gain, optional wading into box canyon, dogs okay. Dan Rusthoi (690-8967) August 17-19 or 22, Friday-Sunday, or Wednesday Pecos Wilderness trails maintenance project by Forest Service and Sierra Club, a max of 7 miles hiking. We carry only daypacks. For details call Craig (505- 753-7331 or csaum@fs.fed.us) or Norma McCallan (471-0005) 18 Strenuous Hike Trampas Lakes and Hidden Lake, a gradual uphill trail through thick forests, near a fast-running stream, culminating at hidden lakes surrounded by towering peaks. 12.5 miles, 2700' gain, limit of 15, dogs okay. Patrick O’Keefe (820-2359) 18 Easy Birdwatch Walk jointly with Audubon Society, bring binoculars. Ron Duffy (982-2890) 18 Santa Fe River Cleanup. Paige Grant (982-5180 or paigeanna@comcast.net) 19 Moderate/Strenuous Hike to high country, maybe to La Vega, 7 mi, 1500' gain. Marcia Skillman (699-3008) 19 Strenuous Hike to Glorieta Baldy, a steady ascent through the woods to a prominent summit east of Santa Fe, with historic fire-lookout tower. 11.5 miles, 2800' gain, dogs okay. Eliza Schmid (474-5846) 25 Moderate/Strenuous Hike in the cool high country, dogs okay. David Van Winkle (820-1006) 26 Very Strenuous Hike Wheeler Peak, highest in the state, from Williams Lake; panoramic views and wildflowers. ±8 miles, 2900' gain, very steep/rough, dogs okay. Dan Rusthoi (690-8967) September (continued) 29 Easy/Moderate Hike Chamisa to Hyde Park Circle trail via an abandoned connecting trail. 5-6 miles, 1700' gain, steep in spots, dogs okay with leash. Norma McCallan/Bob McKee (471-0005) 29 Strenuous Hike Hermit Peak near Las Vegas, NM. An extended return hike through El Porvenir Cyn is possible. 14 miles, 2800' gain, many water crossings near the end. Norbert Sperlich (474-4354) 30 Easy Hike Diablo Cyn, 5-6 miles, 400'. Victor Atyas (438-9434) Outings Notes – Unless otherwise noted, outings leave from the Sierra office, 802 Early Street, one block east of St. Francis running between Marquez Place and Cerrillos Road. 802 is easily reached by turning south onto Early Street from Cerrillos Road. Office is the first building on the right. Carpooling is encouraged. It is routine that each rider pays the driver 10 cents/mile, rounded down to nearest dollar (7.5 cents/mile when 100+ miles and 3+ riders). Bring lunch, water, sturdy hiking boots or shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Leader reserves the right to turn away anyone whose equipment or experience appears unsuitable. Leader may alter destination of hike or cancel trip due to weather, other unfavorable conditions, or insufficient number of participants. Unaccompanied minors need written permission from parents or guardians to participate–ask leader for form. Dogs permitted only if so noted in write up. To participate you will need to sign a liability waiver at meeting site. SANTA FE RIVER CLEANUP AND VEGETATION MAINTENANCE Saturday – 10 AM to 12:00 PM – July 21, August 18, September 15 Help keep our river looking great! Park at Lower Alto Street north end of Closson. Bring work boots, gloves and drinking water. Call listed outing leader on each date. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer Coordinator – Dexter Coolidge (988-1197) Recruit members Publicity – Richard Kristin (982-1671 or rkristin@csf.edu) Help get out announcements of our meetings and other events Grants Writer – Richard Kristin (982-1671 or rkristin@csf.edu) Creative person to explore possibility of getting grant money for projects such as curriculum units on global warming for elementary and middle school. Forest issues – Norma McCallan (471-0005) Be part of a team overseeing issues in SF Nat’l Forest. Also help to provide comments for Travel Management Plan designating roads and trails that will be open to motorized use. Social & environmental events – Jean Watts (989-5010) Organize events Cool Cities Campaign – Voitek Byszewski (983-2703) This campaign seeks to lessen our carbon footprint. Needed – coordinator for educational outreach. July/August 2007 rio Grande Sierran 11 July/August 2007 RIO GRANDE SIERRAN 11
Page 1 and 2: Rio Grande Sierran News of the Rio
Page 3 and 4: Info for Activists & a Word from Yo
Page 5 and 6: Public Lands More Support Needed to
Page 7 and 8: Political U.S. Attorney Firing Scan
Page 9: Taos Branch News Sentinels Celebrat
Page 13 and 14: Southern Group News Outings Please
Page 15 and 16: Preservation Live Earth Concerts to

Oil and Gas Activity Returns to Santa Fe County - Rio Grande Chapter

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