page 2 revisedmarch april 04 - Arizona Sierra Club
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page 2 revisedmarch april 04 - Arizona Sierra Club
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Energy and Transpor<br />
ransportation Choices are Changing our Climate!<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter March/April 2006<br />
Proposed Power Lines through<br />
KOF<br />
OFA Wildlife Refuge<br />
Your Comments Needed to<br />
Protect AZ’s National Monuments<br />
By Lon Stewart<br />
Southern California Edison<br />
(SCE) is proposing to build a<br />
new 500 KiloVolt (KV) electric<br />
transmission line from near<br />
the Palo Verde Nuclear Power<br />
plant into California. The line<br />
is called the Devers-PaloVerde<br />
Transmission Line No. 2 and<br />
is proposed to traverse 102<br />
miles of <strong>Arizona</strong> desert to the<br />
California border. The proposed<br />
route parallels an existing line.<br />
When Phoenix was still a<br />
small metropolis, <strong>Arizona</strong> Public<br />
Service (APS) and some<br />
shareholders built the largest<br />
nuclear reactor in the country.<br />
Twenty-five years ago, when<br />
the reactor had plenty of extra<br />
generating capacity, SCE was<br />
able to capitalize on this venture<br />
by building the first<br />
Devers-Palo Verde transmission<br />
line.<br />
Today, Phoenix is the 5 th<br />
largest city in the country and<br />
one of the fastest growing in the<br />
nation. The power generated<br />
by the APS Palo Verde plant<br />
and others in the area will soon<br />
(one knowledgeable estimate at less than<br />
5 years) be completely consumed by the<br />
Phoenix metropolitan area. This brings<br />
up some interesting questions concerning<br />
the long term viability of the project.<br />
Why would we allow anyone to build<br />
unsightly power lines to take power away<br />
from ourselves Will this still be a viable<br />
project for SCE if APS’s 14% rate case is<br />
approved What happens if we do not<br />
have enough power for our own local<br />
needs<br />
The “new” line has been a dream of<br />
SCE’s since the initial line was installed.<br />
California has managed without this line<br />
for 25 years. California has not demonstrated<br />
a clear and substantial need for<br />
another line. Now that <strong>Arizona</strong> will need<br />
this power in the near future, it makes<br />
sense that this line should not be built.<br />
Power lines lose approximately 9%<br />
of their energy to create the electromagnetic<br />
radiation surrounding the lines and<br />
Power line like these could extend over 100 miles through the <strong>Arizona</strong> desert , photo<br />
courtesy of Bob Ball<br />
resistance heating in the lines. The viability<br />
of buying power from small power<br />
sources and transporting such vast distances<br />
across the West negates any net<br />
gain to the system. If SCE was to build<br />
local “clean” power plants, i.e., wind, solar,<br />
geothermal, etc., they could build<br />
smaller plants close to where the power<br />
was needed, negate the effect of wasted<br />
energy along the transmission lines, and<br />
have the same amount of power available<br />
to its customers. California has recently<br />
passed the Million Solar Roofs Initiative;<br />
this is a great step towards negating the<br />
need for a new line. Better local energy<br />
utilization is a key to less long distance<br />
distribution lines.<br />
Then there is the ecological issue.<br />
This line is proposed to go right through<br />
the KOFA Wildlife Refuge. A wildlife<br />
refuge is for animals, not power lines.<br />
This is prime desert bighorn sheep and<br />
desert tortoise habitat. This is a very<br />
By Roxane George<br />
In January, the Bureau of Land Management<br />
held open houses for the <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
Strip Draft Resource Management<br />
Plan in <strong>Arizona</strong>, Utah, and Nevada. The<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> was responsible for most of<br />
the attendance, turning out hundreds of<br />
activists in support of strong protection<br />
for the <strong>Arizona</strong> Strip, which includes our<br />
two newest northern <strong>Arizona</strong> National<br />
Monuments, Vermilion Cliffs and Grand<br />
Canyon-Parashant.<br />
These spectacular national treasures<br />
were created by presidential proclamations<br />
mandating protection of numerous<br />
features and objects for which the monuments<br />
were designated. BLM has a special<br />
mission in administering these<br />
monuments, distinct from their mission<br />
for other non-monument lands, protection<br />
of monument objects listed in the<br />
proclamations is the sole purpose of the<br />
monuments, and other uses and considerations<br />
are secondary. The “multipleuse”<br />
mandate typical for BLM nonmonument<br />
lands is not the appropriate<br />
management philosophy for these new<br />
national monuments.<br />
The BLM hasn’t quite caught on yet,<br />
however, and their preferred alternative<br />
harsh environment but also a very delicate<br />
ecosystem that when disturbed, takes<br />
many years, if ever, to return to its original<br />
condition. Disturbance from construction<br />
and illegal off road use means<br />
more invasive plant species establishing<br />
in the area.<br />
It is highly probable that SCE can<br />
achieve the goal of providing the needed<br />
power to its customers at less than the<br />
cost of constructing a power transmission<br />
line by using renewable energy, innovative<br />
technologies, and informing its customers<br />
of energy conservation measures.<br />
As concerned citizens of <strong>Arizona</strong>, we<br />
should voice our opposition to the construction<br />
of this transmission line at the<br />
upcoming public hearings associated with<br />
this proposed project.<br />
Lon is an active member of the Chapter’s<br />
energy committee.<br />
does not adequately protect the monuments’<br />
special values. Instead, it allows<br />
more than 2,700 miles of roads in the<br />
area, excessive off-road vehicle use, and<br />
would protect wilderness characteristics<br />
on less than 300,000 acres of the nearly<br />
1 million acres of wilderness quality lands<br />
within the monuments.<br />
In addition, the BLM proposal<br />
would allow for incompatible uses in<br />
wilderness, as well as chaining, bulldozing,<br />
and the use of chainsaws, all for destructive<br />
activities that they term “restoration.”<br />
The BLM proposes to implement<br />
the scientifically controversial Covington<br />
“presettlement” or “full restoration”<br />
model, an extreme approach that calls for<br />
cutting most of the trees in an area, with<br />
no size limits.<br />
None of this is consistent with the<br />
proclamations that created the monuments,<br />
or with honoring these special<br />
places that provide homes for the desert<br />
tortoise and the California condor.<br />
Roxane is the Chapter’s Grand Canyon<br />
Conservation Program Coordinator.<br />
What You Can Do<br />
Please send written comments before<br />
the March 17 th comment deadline<br />
to:<br />
Diana Hawks & the Planning Team<br />
Bureau of Land Management<br />
345 East Riverside Drive<br />
St. George, UT 84790<br />
E-mail: <strong>Arizona</strong>_Strip@blm.gov<br />
Fax: (435) 688-3388<br />
The draft plan can be found at<br />
http://www.blm.gov/az/LUP/strip/<br />
strip_plan.htm. Detailed information<br />
to help you write comments can be<br />
found at www.azmonuments.org.<br />
For more info, contact Roxane in<br />
Flagstaff at: 928-774-6542 or<br />
roxane.george@sierraclub.org, or<br />
Scott Jones in Phoenix at: 602-254-<br />
0695 or scott.jones@sierraclub.org.<br />
Enjo<br />
njoy, , explore e and protect the planet
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong> Chapter Action Director<br />
ory<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
Vol. 42 No. 2<br />
March/April 2006<br />
Canyon Echo (ISSN 0164-7024) is<br />
published bimonthly for <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
members by the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Grand Canyon Chapter,<br />
202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277,<br />
Phoenix, AZ 850<strong>04</strong>.<br />
Phone: (602) 253-8633<br />
Fax: (602) 258-6533<br />
POSTMASTER<br />
Send address changes to <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Member Services, c/o Canyon Echo, P.O. Box<br />
52968, Boulder, CO 80322-2968.<br />
Periodicals postage paid at<br />
Phoenix, AZ. Printed at Valley Newspapers.<br />
Copyright <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Grand Canyon<br />
Chapter, Canyon Echo 2006.<br />
EDITOR<br />
Kate Darby<br />
(602) 253-9140<br />
kate.darby@sierraclub.org<br />
DEDICATED VOL<br />
OLUNTEERS<br />
Outings Editor<br />
Jerry Nelson<br />
(602) 279-4668<br />
peakbagger2@cox.net<br />
Photographers<br />
Robert Ball, Jerry Nelson, Alex Stewart<br />
Mailing Organizers<br />
John C. Blakney, Bill Gill, Jerry Nelson<br />
Publications Committee<br />
Bob Ball, Jack Foster, Richard Genser, Renée<br />
Guillory, Dawson Henderson, Jerry Nelson,<br />
Publications Chair<br />
Michelle Harrington<br />
(602) 628-9909<br />
mharrington@biologicaldiversity.org<br />
Webmaster<br />
Dawson Henderson<br />
dawsonh@earthlink.net<br />
SUBSCRIPTIONS<br />
Annual dues to the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> are $39,<br />
($1for the Canyon Echo). Subscriptions rate<br />
for non-members is $10. Send check payable<br />
to “<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>” - Canyon Echo,<br />
202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277<br />
Phoenix, AZ 850<strong>04</strong>.<br />
ADVERTISING<br />
Advertising is sold on a first-come, spaceavailable<br />
basis. Endorsement of the<br />
advertisers by the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> is not implied,<br />
and all interactions between advertisers and<br />
consumers are solely the responsibilities of<br />
those parties.<br />
SUBMISSIONS<br />
Send electronic copies to the editor. Indicate<br />
copyright or Creative Commons preference. For<br />
disks and hardcopies, please label with your<br />
name and the file name. Send a S.A.S.E. for<br />
return of disk. We are not responsible for lost or<br />
damaged items. Writer’s guidelines can be<br />
obtained by contacting the editor. All rights to<br />
publication of articles in this issue are reserved.<br />
The deadline is the first day of the month<br />
preceding the two months of the issue. Opinions<br />
expressed in the Canyon Echo are those of the<br />
contributors and do not necessarily reflect the<br />
official views or policies of the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>.<br />
Conservation Outreach Director<br />
Sandy Bahr 602-253-8633 grand.canyon.chapter@sierraclub.org<br />
Grand Canyon Conservation Program Coordinator<br />
Roxane George 928-774-6514 roxane.george@sierraclub.org<br />
Conservation Program Assistant<br />
Kate Darby 602-253-9140 kate.darby@sierraclub.org<br />
GRAND<br />
CANYON<br />
CHAPTER<br />
BECOME INVOLVED:<br />
Contact a<br />
representative in<br />
your area to voice<br />
your concerns and<br />
to participate in<br />
local activities.<br />
(xc) 2005 Chapter<br />
Executive Committee<br />
(Ex-Com) Members<br />
(x) Group Ex-Com<br />
Members<br />
CHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRS<br />
Flagstaff<br />
SEDONA/ VERDE<br />
VALLE<br />
ALLEY<br />
Prescott<br />
YAVAP<br />
APAI<br />
AI<br />
SAGUARO<br />
Phoenix<br />
PAL<br />
ALO VERDE<br />
Tucson<br />
Chairperson/Personnel/<br />
Council: Ken Langton (xc) 520-749-3829 kplangton@msn.com<br />
Vice-Chair: Jim McCarthy (xc) 928-779-3748<br />
Secretary: Bev Full (xc) 480-595-2306 Bfull@cox.net<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Dale Volz (xc) 480-892-5102 dvolz@earthlink.net<br />
Conservation: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 donsteuter@aol.com<br />
Nominations Chair: Kathy Roediger 602-266-6358 kroediger@aol.com<br />
Political Chair: Lynn DeMuth lmdemuth@cox.net<br />
Outings Chair: Jim Vaaler (xc) 602-553-8208 jimvaaler@msn.com<br />
Membership Chair: Chris Gehlker 602-866-9024 canyonrat@mac.com<br />
Elections Chair: Tom Cadden thomascadden@aol.com<br />
Legal Chair:<br />
Lara Schmidt<br />
Fundraising Chair:<br />
Vacant<br />
Ex-Com (At-Large): Elna Otter (xc) 520-212-9736 otter@theriver.com<br />
Ex-Com (At-Large):<br />
Chad Campbell (xc)<br />
Ex-Com (At-Large):<br />
Tom Martin (xc)<br />
Ex-Com (At-Large): Jon Findley (xc) 480-756-2916 jonaz@learnweb.com<br />
2005 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:<br />
Palo Verde: Stormy Rose Saguaro:<br />
Louis Lantz<br />
Plateau: Bob Sutherland Sedona/Verde Valley:<br />
Carole Piszczek-Sheffield<br />
Rincon: Keith Bagwell Yavapai:<br />
apai:<br />
Tom Slaback<br />
PAL<br />
ALO VERDE GROUP—PHOENIX<br />
http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/<br />
Chair Paul Zemboy (x) 602-989-1977 canyontrekker@hotmail.com<br />
Vice-Chair: Heidi Garcia (x) hgarcia1111@yahoo.com<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Dan Cline 480-921-9142<br />
Secretary/ Webmaster: Blair McLaughlin (x) 480-515-3850 blair.mclaughlin@cox.net<br />
Conservation: Don Steuter (x) 602-956-5057 donsteuter@aol.com<br />
Outings<br />
utings: Darrell Foster AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net<br />
Inner City Outings (ICO):<br />
O):Denise Berringer-Wood 602-867-3017 dberringerwood@yahoo.com<br />
Programs Chair:<br />
Sherry Celine<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> Singles: Alan Stater astater@cox.net<br />
Political: Stormy Rose (x) rosestormy@earthlink..com<br />
PLATEA<br />
TEAU GROUP—FLA<br />
OUP—FLAGST<br />
GSTAFF<br />
http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/<br />
Chair: Bob Sutherland (x) 928-774-9309 ars@infomagic.net<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Sharon Galbreath 928-774-1571<br />
Secretary: Carol Tepper (x) 928-638-9827 carol_tepper@yahoo.com<br />
Membership: Lara Schmit (x) 928-779-3186 laraschmit@yahoo.com<br />
At-Large Members: Tom Martin (x) 928-556-0742 tomhazel@grand-canyon.az.us<br />
Jacquee Lovett(x) 928-853-7444 jl396@dana.ucc.nau.edu<br />
RINCON GROUP—TUCSON<br />
http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/<br />
Chair/ Transpor<br />
ransportation:<br />
Keith Bagwell (x) 520-623-0269 akbagwell@hotmail.com<br />
Vice-Chair/Programs Linda Rothchild-Tepper (x) 520-747-5078 ltepper@juno.com<br />
Secretary: Joy Herr-Cardillo (x) 520-622-1752<br />
Treasurer/Member<br />
reasurer/Membership:<br />
ship: Sean Sullivan (x) 520-250-9<strong>04</strong>0<br />
Conservation Chair: Matt Hogel (x) 520-231-2517 unmalpescado@hotmail.com<br />
Inner-C<br />
ner-City Outings (ICO): Matt Nelson 520-4<strong>04</strong>-7992 onejourney@juno.com<br />
Political/Merchandise: Lee Oler 520-791-9246<br />
Newsletter Chairs: Brian and Kim (x) Beck 520-326-9587 knbbeck@mindspring.com<br />
Outings Chair: Janet Krisinski-Saxer and Chris Saxer jski@cox.net<br />
Webmaster: Bart Beck 520-885-8326 bbeck2@mindspring.com<br />
Volunteer Coordinator: Pete Bengston 520-219-3507<br />
At-Large Member: Isabel Segovia (x) 520-795-2575 isegovia@biologicaldiversity.org<br />
Roy Emrick (x) 520-326-7883<br />
SAGU<br />
GUAR<br />
ARO O GROUP—NORTH<br />
MARICOPA COUNTY<br />
http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguar<br />
.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguaro<br />
Chair/Group Rep: Louis Lantz (x) 480-488-4581 louis85331@direcway.com<br />
Vice-Chair/Poli/Outings<br />
-Chair/Poli/Outings:Bev Jones-Full (x) 480-595-2306 bfull@cox.net<br />
Secretary:<br />
Jean Miyake (x) 480-502-1485 jeanmiyake@juno.com<br />
At-Large: Bill Harrington (x) 480-563-3588 pensacolaboy@earthlink.net<br />
Outings: Dalia Spina (x) 623-465-4844 director@dalia.com<br />
Hospitality: Norma Hand (x) 480-595-9977 rhndnhnd@aol.com<br />
Web<strong>page</strong>: Elizabeth Diethelm ediethelm@cox.net<br />
Publicity: Phyllis Strupp phyllis@princetoneditorial.com<br />
SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUP<br />
http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/<br />
Chair: Carole Piszczek-Sheffield(x) 928-2<strong>04</strong>-1269 carolepiszczek@yahoo.com<br />
Secretary:<br />
Claire Swain (x)<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Gary Dorer (x) 928-203-9050<br />
Hikes/Outings: Henry Mellon (x) 928-646-5484<br />
Conservation Chair: Lisa Vunk 928-2<strong>04</strong>-0689 kaligaia333@redjellyfish.net<br />
YAVAP<br />
APAI AI GROUP—PRESCO<br />
OUP—PRESCOTT<br />
Chair/Conservation: Tom Slaback (x) 928-778-4233 PrescottKid@webtv.net<br />
Vice-Chair/Outings: Carolyn York (x) 928-541-1952<br />
Secretary: Joe Wenzel (x) 928-771-0838<br />
Treasurer:<br />
Paul Poyner 928-778-6534 rpaul@cabelone.net<br />
Membership: Doris Cellarius (x) 928-778-6724 doris@cellarius.org<br />
At-Large Member:<br />
Jeri Merritt (x)<br />
Southwest Regional Director<br />
Rob Smith 602-254-9330 rob.smith@sierraclub.org<br />
PLATEA<br />
TEAU<br />
RINCON<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
March/April 2006<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter What’s s Going On<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
3<br />
Thanks to the Wildlife Committee!<br />
By Halina Szyposzynski<br />
Special thanks to the Chapter’s Wildlife Committee members and friends for attending<br />
the <strong>Arizona</strong> Game & Fish Commission’s annual awards banquet on January<br />
21 st : Sandy Bahr, Jessica Couleur, Monte Freeman, Dave Komm, Stephanie Nichols-<br />
Young, Kathy Roediger, Halina Szyposzynski and Roger Young.<br />
Despite our disappointment that the Commission did not recognize our nominee<br />
Wild at Heart for its outstanding raptor rescue and burrowing owl<br />
relocation work, the evening definitely inspired us to increase our<br />
visibility to Game & Fish, as non-traditional constituents working<br />
to conserve all of <strong>Arizona</strong>’s wildlife species and their habitat.<br />
Upcoming Game & Fish Commission meetings: March 10-11 in<br />
Tuscon; April 21-22 Phoenix (hunt orders). Contact Halina at<br />
hkubus@yahoo.com for information.<br />
Match Your Dollars in March<br />
The Grand Canyon Chapter sends out a letter to all of our<br />
members requesting donations only once per year. Please<br />
consider donating this year to support all of the great work<br />
volunteers and staff are accomplishing in <strong>Arizona</strong>. This<br />
year, Earth Friends has provided us with a matching grant,<br />
so each dollar you give means even more to us. Look for<br />
the letter in your mailbox early in March. Thank you for<br />
joining us to protect <strong>Arizona</strong>’s amazing natural resources!<br />
Help out<br />
Tucson Inner City<br />
Outings (ICO)<br />
Tucson’s Inner City Outings program<br />
is looking for the donation<br />
of a large storage space in midtown,<br />
downtown or university<br />
area. We’ve outgrown our current<br />
space and would love to find<br />
an area to keep our outdoor<br />
gear. Secure location and easy<br />
access for volunteers is important.<br />
If you can help, please contact<br />
Mike mjmcleroy@aol.com or<br />
Matt onejourney@juno.com.<br />
Join oin Us!<br />
s!<br />
Cast of Characters<br />
Still Collecting Old Cell Phones!<br />
In July, the office began accepting used cell phones. Since then, we’ve been filling a<br />
large box with your phones every couple of months. The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> will send these<br />
phones to EARTHWORKS for refurbishing or recycling. EARTHWORKS will use the proceeds<br />
from refurbished phones to support communities impacted by mining. Any phones that<br />
cannot be reused will be recycled for metal and plastic in compliance with U.S. laws and<br />
regulations.<br />
How do I donate my used cell phone Send in your used cell phone to the<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> office instead of the landfill, where the phone’s toxic contents, including lead,<br />
mercury, cadmium and arsenic, could leach into soil and groundwater. Send your phone<br />
to the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> office at 202 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 850<strong>04</strong>. For more<br />
information, contact Don Steuter at (602) 956-5057.<br />
Thanks to those who have already mailed in or dropped off their phones!<br />
Canyon Echoes:<br />
Poetr<br />
oetry for Earth Day<br />
With the participation of the Grand Canyon Chapter members, including:<br />
Cathy Della Penta, Kate Darby, David Chorlton, Renée Guillory and<br />
Jim Vaaler.<br />
Friday, April 21st, 7:30 pm<br />
FREE<br />
Desert Song Yoga and Massage Center<br />
4811 N 7th St, Phoenix, AZ 85014<br />
For more information, contact David Chorlton at rdchorlton@netzero.net.<br />
Echo News<br />
You can Use<br />
Inside<br />
4 State Trust Lands<br />
5 Many Thanks<br />
6-7 Climate Change 101<br />
8 Tribute to Agua Fria<br />
9 National Park Service<br />
11 Great Hikes and Trips<br />
Since arriving to <strong>Arizona</strong> almost 10 years ago, Jon has become very<br />
involved in the conservation community here.<br />
He originally became involved with the <strong>Sierra</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong> after Ted Gartner invited him to a<br />
conservation committee meeting. Since then,<br />
Jon has worked on sprawl, energy and mining<br />
for the <strong>Club</strong>. He currently serves as the<br />
Chapter’s energy committee chair and a<br />
member of the executive committee. He was<br />
also appointed by Governor Napolitano to serve<br />
on the Underground Storage Tank Policy<br />
Commission as a representative of the<br />
environmental community.<br />
When he isn’t promoting renewable energy,<br />
Jon likes to hike, bike, canoe and ski. He has<br />
hiked and skied in Europe and New Zealand,<br />
as well as many parts of the U.S. and has also<br />
traveled in Saudi Arabia and Mexico.<br />
Jon Findley<br />
Energy Committee<br />
Chair<br />
Can I tell you the truth I mean<br />
this isn't like TV news, is it<br />
Here's what I think the truth is:<br />
We are all addicts of fossil fuels<br />
in a state of denial, about to face<br />
cold turkey. And like so many<br />
addicts about to face cold turkey,<br />
our leaders are now committing<br />
violent crimes to get<br />
what little is left of what we're<br />
hooked on.<br />
- Kurt Vonnegut, 20<strong>04</strong><br />
-Kurt Vonnegut, In These<br />
On the Web<br />
Chapter Action Network<br />
grandcanyon.sierraclubaction.org<br />
On the Web<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Home Page<br />
www.sierraclub.org<br />
Online News<br />
www.sierraclub.org/news<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> Magazine<br />
www.sierraclub.org/sierra<br />
The Planet<br />
www.sierraclub.org/planet<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
4<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Stat<br />
tate e Land Trust Initiative<br />
Is it Reform or Repetition<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
By Robert Eidsmoe<br />
When <strong>Arizona</strong> became a state, the 1910 Federal<br />
Enabling Act granted <strong>Arizona</strong> more than 10 million<br />
acres of federal lands that were designated as State Trust<br />
Lands. The Federal Enabling Act required the new <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
constitution provide that revenues from the sale of<br />
the State Trust Lands must be used primarily for the<br />
support of the “common schools”. As a consequence the<br />
State Land Department has a duty to maximize the return<br />
from the State Trust Lands and a duty to obtain<br />
the highest and best economic value for the land in the<br />
event of a sale or lease.<br />
State Trust Lands are located across the state – in<br />
both urban and rural areas. There is no provision in the<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong> Constitution to preserve State Trust Lands for<br />
open space. When <strong>Arizona</strong> became a state, the rapid<br />
increase in population of the West could not be contemplated<br />
and nor could the need for open space.<br />
In the past ten years, several efforts to change the<br />
law to allow the sale of State Trust Lands to municipalities<br />
and counties for use as open space have been before<br />
the legislature and the voters. All have failed because<br />
they were not adequately funded or because the voters<br />
felt that the allocation of a small percentage of State<br />
Trust Lands for open space was not adequate.<br />
Recent Effor<br />
orts ts Towards<br />
Stat<br />
tate e Trust Land Ref<br />
eform<br />
In early 20<strong>04</strong>, a group consisting of organizations<br />
such as the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>, the Audubon Society, land<br />
trusts, and hunting and fishing groups held numerous<br />
meetings and worked toward preparing an initiative for<br />
the November 2006 election. This group was working<br />
toward sponsoring a simple amendment to the <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
Constitution and the Federal Enabling Act which would<br />
recognize open space and conservation as one of the<br />
functions of State Trust Lands, as well as support of the<br />
schools and would allow the <strong>Arizona</strong> legislature and<br />
State Land Department to manage the State Trust Lands<br />
in accordance with changes and needs of <strong>Arizona</strong> over<br />
the rest of the century, without the need for further<br />
approvals of the US Congress. Because of the huge expense<br />
and effort involved in obtaining over 200,000<br />
signatures on a petition and managing a state-wide election<br />
campaign involving competing State Trust Land<br />
reform initiatives, the group in which the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
was participating ceased its efforts and disbanded.<br />
At the same time another group composed of representatives<br />
from the <strong>Arizona</strong> Education Association,<br />
land developers, ranching interests, the Sonoran Institute,<br />
The Nature Conservancy, the McDowell Sonoran<br />
Conservancy, and some other land trusts, were working<br />
on a different approach. This group, known as “Conserving<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong>`s Future” (CAF) prepared a proposal to<br />
amend the <strong>Arizona</strong> Constitution. The group in which<br />
the McDowell Park Association, <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> and<br />
Audubon Society were participating, was advised by<br />
CAF as to what its proposal would be shortly before its<br />
public announcement, but CAF was not interested in<br />
considering a much simpler and more flexible approach.<br />
Difficulties With The Proposal<br />
The proposal of Conserving <strong>Arizona</strong>‘s Future presents<br />
numerous difficulties:<br />
1. It immediately preserves only about 3%<br />
(333,000 acres) of the over 9 million acres of<br />
State Trust Lands, which proposal has previously<br />
been rejected by the voters. The opportunity<br />
to conserve an additional 361,000 acres<br />
by purchasing them at the appraised price will<br />
probably be beyond the financial capabilities<br />
of the organizations which will be given the<br />
right to do so.<br />
2. The 1,300 acre section of State Trust Lands<br />
north of Fountain Hills is not eligible to be<br />
preserved.<br />
3. A board of trustees will be created for oversight<br />
of State Trust Land. Most of the trustees<br />
will be required to have an education, not a<br />
conservation, background.<br />
4. Developers can obtain title to State Trust<br />
Lands prior to paying for it by entering into<br />
participation agreements with the land department.<br />
In such a case the land department<br />
would get a percentage of the lot sales.<br />
5. The proposed voter initiative and constitutional<br />
amendment consists of 5 <strong>page</strong>s which<br />
will be difficult for voters to understand. Even<br />
if the initiative passes, it could well be subject<br />
to court challenge as violating the <strong>Arizona</strong> requirement<br />
that initiatives be limited to a single<br />
issue.<br />
6. The proposals of the initiative will be carved<br />
into the <strong>Arizona</strong> Constitution and will be very<br />
difficult to amend. Future amendment would<br />
also require approval of the US Congress. If<br />
the initiative is passed by the voters and the<br />
US Congress, we should plan on it being the<br />
governing rules for State Trust Lands for most<br />
of this century, regardless of future population<br />
growth in the state, a declining need for<br />
grazing lands, and the need for more open<br />
space.<br />
Pluses for the Proposal<br />
There are, however, some positive aspects of the<br />
proposal:<br />
1. It would authorize approximately 333,000<br />
acres of State Trust Land to be immediately<br />
preserved, and, if financing can be arranged,<br />
perhaps another 361,000 acres.<br />
2. The Scottsdale McDowell-Sonoran Preserve<br />
will be able to immediately protect 5,177<br />
acres and Scottsdale will be able to purchase<br />
an additional 9,347 acres for the preserve.<br />
3. The stream of income from sales of State<br />
Trust Lands will continue for the state‘s<br />
schools.<br />
Conclusions<br />
Should you support the initiative Maybe, yes,<br />
maybe no. Something—even 3%—is probably better<br />
than nothing. I would like to think that <strong>Arizona</strong>ns<br />
would feel that preserving only 3% of the State Trust<br />
Lands is not enough and that a constitutional provision<br />
limiting preservation to that meager amount is<br />
poor policy. While large sums from the sale of State<br />
Trust Lands may be generated for the schools, the money<br />
goes into a permanent fund and ultimately provides<br />
only a small portion of the dollars needed for schools.<br />
Likewise, will it even come close to offsetting the enormous<br />
burden this additional development will place<br />
on those schools Most states support their schools<br />
without any of this benefit. We are selling our capital—land—and<br />
they are not making any more of it.<br />
When you are asked to sign a petition in support<br />
of this amendment and if you have the opportunity to<br />
vote on it, you will have to decide whether this is the<br />
best we can get.<br />
Robert is a <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> member, past president of the McDowell<br />
Park Association and an ardent supporter of protection of public<br />
lands in <strong>Arizona</strong>.<br />
Winter Drought<br />
We’re living in a rich man’s winter<br />
with sun enough for a January tan<br />
and the desert around us<br />
in its finery of browns and yellow<br />
too dry to glow. The last rain<br />
came ninety days ago, washing summer<br />
away at the tip of a lightning flash.<br />
We look to the sky for a sign,<br />
finding only a reflection of the ground<br />
on which we stand. Cactus needles<br />
sew arroyos into the clouds,<br />
a riverbed stretches from horizon<br />
to horizon, and the light hangs torn<br />
on the wings of a circling hawk.<br />
Some days we follow the highway<br />
just to see where it goes; it feels like<br />
racing on a tightrope strung across a canyon<br />
millions of years in the making<br />
with no space to turn back.<br />
- David Chorlton<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
March/April 2006<br />
Call & Echo<br />
Do you ever want some answers to your environmental<br />
questions Ever have conservation questions that you’d<br />
like for an expert to answer In each Canyon Echo, we<br />
feature a question from our members focusing on environmental<br />
concerns. One of our activists who focuses on that<br />
particular issue, researches and answers the question.<br />
When we don’t know the answer, we find someone who<br />
does. You do not need to include your name. If you have a<br />
question, please send it to:<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>—Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
Editor<br />
or, , Canyon Echo<br />
202 E. McDowell Dr. . Ste. 277<br />
Phoenix, AZ 850<strong>04</strong><br />
Call to the Canyon<br />
What are CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel<br />
Efficiency) standards<br />
Echo Response<br />
In 1975, as a response to the Arab oil embargo,<br />
Congress enacted the CAFE (Corporate Average<br />
Fuel Efficiency) standards through the Energy Policy<br />
Conservation Act. The CAFE standards aimed to<br />
double the fuel economy of new cars by 1985. The<br />
policy was successful – average fuel economy<br />
nearly doubled by 1985. Unfortunately, average<br />
fuel economy has not continued to improve. In fact,<br />
average fuel economy is DECREASING due, in large<br />
part, to the popularity of SUVs. Fuel economy<br />
peaked in 1987 with an overall manufactured fuel<br />
economy of 22.1 mpg and by 20<strong>04</strong> it was down to<br />
20.8 mpg. Also, the CAFE standard for cars of 27.5<br />
mpg has not been raised since 1985 and the light<br />
truck standard (which include SUVs) has only been<br />
raised 1 mpg in that time.<br />
While the U.S.<br />
government is not<br />
pushing for fuelefficient<br />
vehicles, you<br />
can still decrease the<br />
oil consumption<br />
associated with your<br />
transportation<br />
choices. Consider making your next vehicle<br />
purchase a hybrid. Whatever type of vehicle you<br />
drive, keep it tuned up and drive cautiously. You<br />
lose 1 mpg for every 5 mph you drive over 50<br />
mph. Finally, consider other transportation<br />
alternatives – take the bus, walk, carpool or ride<br />
your bicycle.<br />
By Sandy Bahr<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
Volunt<br />
olunteer<br />
eers Remo<br />
emove e Invader<br />
aders from Iron<br />
onwood<br />
ood<br />
Forest National Monument<br />
We want to recognize and<br />
thank our dedicated volunteers<br />
for helping to dig out buffel grass<br />
in Ironwood Forest National<br />
Monument in September and<br />
December of this past year and<br />
also encourage everyone to help<br />
with future service projects in<br />
the national monuments, national<br />
parks, as well as the mountain<br />
preserves.<br />
Buffel grass (Pennisetum<br />
ciliare), an invasive species of grass<br />
native to the African continent,<br />
was first introduced to <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
in the 1940’s to help control soil<br />
erosion caused by overgrazing of<br />
cattle. Buffel grass out competes<br />
native vegetation including<br />
grasses and even palo verde<br />
trees, and it also poses a fire risk<br />
which can endanger desert species<br />
that are not fire adapted.<br />
Manually removing the grass is<br />
really hard work, but it has been<br />
effective in places like Organ<br />
Pipe National Monument and<br />
certain areas of Saguaro National<br />
Park.<br />
Ironwood Forest is a<br />
129,000-acre National Monument<br />
which encompasses the<br />
Silver Bell, Ragged Top and<br />
Sawtooth Mountains and contains<br />
one of the richest stands<br />
of ironwood trees in the<br />
Sonoran Desert. Ironwood Forest<br />
National Monument is also<br />
home to the Nichol Turk’s Head<br />
Cactus (Echinocactus<br />
horizonthalonius var. nicholii), an<br />
endangered species. Our service<br />
work is focused on removing<br />
grass from an area the habitat<br />
of these threatened plants.<br />
Special thanks to the following<br />
people: Bonnie Bariola,<br />
Alan Gieske, Dave Komm,<br />
Stormy Rose, Bill Thornton,<br />
Ron Pelech, Jim Vaaler, Michelle<br />
Pulich Stewart, Alex Stewart,<br />
Tim Flood, Peggy Vincent, Tom<br />
Thank You to All of Our Donors<br />
Hitched to Everything<br />
Friends<br />
Keep Close to Nature’s<br />
Else in the Universe<br />
Rick J. Johnson<br />
Heart<br />
B.M. Cain<br />
Rick Dawson<br />
Howard and Eleanor Wulsin<br />
Stephen Swauger<br />
Jerry George and Carol David Hall<br />
Deborah Swartz<br />
Maryan-George (to the Grand<br />
Pamela Hyde<br />
Canyon Campaign)<br />
Make the Mountains<br />
Friends ($1-$29)<br />
Glad<br />
Dr. Michael F. Hamant<br />
Kathy Roediger<br />
Hitched to Everything Else in the Universe ($30-$49)<br />
5<br />
Vincent, Glenda Laird, Scott<br />
Jones, David McClintock, Ann<br />
Tousley, Irena VanTova, Joe<br />
Sivilli, Lisa Murphy, Tom<br />
Lazzelle, Elizabeth Ridgely,<br />
Ryan Gallagher, Sylvia Planer,<br />
and Pete Bengtson.<br />
We also want to thank the<br />
Bureau of Land Management<br />
staff for spending their Sundays<br />
working with us to help remove<br />
this invasive grass. Thank you<br />
to Donna Myers, Emily Hertz,<br />
Maile Adler, Karen Kelleher, and<br />
Patrick Madigan for working<br />
hard to protect our public lands.<br />
Sandy is the Chapter’s conservation<br />
outreach director.<br />
December volunteers in front of a truckload of removed buffel grass, photo courtesy of Sandy Bahr<br />
Battle with Buffel Grass<br />
Please join us on Sunday, April 2, 2006 to assist us with the latest installment in our battle<br />
with the buffel grass. We will meet at the site at 8am, work until noon, eat lunch (provided by<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>) and then see if we are up for doing another couple of hours. There will be a<br />
contingent driving down from Phoenix. For more information on the project and for carpooling,<br />
please contact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633 or grand.canyon.chapter@sierraclub.org Please<br />
let us know if you are coming so we can plan to have enough food and tools for<br />
everyone. Thanks!<br />
The Grand Canyon Chapter of the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> also<br />
wishes to thank all of the other generous and kind<br />
support received from those who chose to remain<br />
anonymous.<br />
Office<br />
4<br />
Thanks To:<br />
Don Begalke, for helping us mail legislative alerts every Friday.<br />
Mike Harrison, a <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> member from Portland, OR who<br />
spent almost 40 hours helping us catalogue old photographs.<br />
Our mailing party volunteers -- these folks help us save<br />
thousands of dollars each issue of the Echo by processing and<br />
mailing the newsletter.<br />
Keep Close to Nature’s Heart ($50-$99)<br />
Make the Mountains Glad ($100-$299)<br />
The Morning Stars Sing Together ($300+)<br />
Many thanks to Earth Friends for their<br />
continued support of our conservation<br />
work to protect <strong>Arizona</strong>’s wildlife for future<br />
generations.<br />
Special thanks to the<br />
ADOT co-workers of<br />
Robert R. Kuhnert<br />
who donated $50 in<br />
the memory of his<br />
father, Robert L.<br />
Kuhnert<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
6<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
Changing the Politics of Global Warming<br />
Join a Committee<br />
Excellent Opportunities<br />
Conservation<br />
Chair: Don Steuter,<br />
(602) 956-5057, donsteuter@aol.com<br />
Energy Chair: Jon Findley,<br />
(480) 756-2912,<br />
jonaz@learnweb.com<br />
Environmental Justice<br />
Chair: Keith Bagwell,<br />
akbagwell@hotmail.com<br />
Forest Conservation<br />
Chair: Sharon Galbreath,<br />
(928) 774-1571,<br />
sharoneg@earthlink.net<br />
2000<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
Chair: Jim McCarthy, (928) 779-3748<br />
By Sandy Bahr<br />
Several years ago, Republican consultants<br />
advised the Bush administration<br />
and the majority in congress to change<br />
their language relative to “global warming”.<br />
Because there is significant scientific<br />
agreement that greenhouse gases are<br />
accumulating in our atmosphere and<br />
contributing to global warming, it was<br />
becoming increasingly difficult for them<br />
to just dismiss the issue as some kind of<br />
hoax. Rather than actually do something<br />
about it or change their actions, they just<br />
changed their language and began using<br />
“climate change” rather than “global<br />
warming” to describe the phenomena.<br />
Whatever you call it, it is clear that there<br />
is a problem that we need to act to address<br />
on every level.<br />
Leading scientists have indicated that<br />
they believe that during our children’s<br />
lifetimes, global warming will raise the<br />
average temperature of the planet by 2.7<br />
to 11 degrees Fahrenheit. (Intergovernmental<br />
Panel on Climate Change Third<br />
Assessment Reports) The ecological impacts<br />
of these rapid increases in temperature<br />
are significant and include accelerated<br />
extinction rates of plants and animals<br />
and rising sea levels. Global warming<br />
also poses threats to human health<br />
through increased droughts, hurricanes,<br />
tornadoes, and floods.<br />
While other countries begin to take<br />
aggressive action, the leadership in the<br />
U.S. Government continues to sit on its<br />
hands relative to this important issue.<br />
There is good news, however. Some states<br />
and many cities throughout the country<br />
are beginning to take action. The Cool<br />
Cities program was inspired by the “U.S.<br />
Mayors Climate Protection Agreement”<br />
initiated by Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels.<br />
Introduced on February 16, 2005-<br />
the same day that the Kyoto Protocol<br />
international global warming treaty took<br />
effect in nations throughout the world,<br />
the agreement is gathering support<br />
around the country and now has more<br />
than 200 mayors who have pledged to<br />
reduce global warming carbon dioxide<br />
Mining Chair: Don Steuter,<br />
(602) 956-5057, donsteuter@aol.com<br />
National Parks & Wildlife Refuges<br />
Chair: Ken Langton, (520) 749-3829<br />
kplangton@msn.com<br />
Water & Watershed Protection<br />
Chair: Elna Otter, otter@theriver.com<br />
Wilderness<br />
Co-Chairs: Michelle Pulich Stewart,<br />
sun7river@yahoo.com & Jim Vaaler,<br />
jimvaaler@msn.com<br />
Wildlife & Endangered Species<br />
Chair: Halina Szyposzynski,<br />
hkubus@yahoo.com<br />
(CO2) pollution in<br />
their cities to 7 percent<br />
below 1990 levels<br />
by 2012.<br />
Here in <strong>Arizona</strong>,<br />
we will be working to<br />
sign on additional cities<br />
and at the state<br />
level, Governor<br />
Napolitano has established<br />
a Climate<br />
Change Advisory<br />
Committee. This<br />
committee consists of<br />
conservation interests,<br />
including the <strong>Sierra</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong>; industry representatives,<br />
including<br />
the utilities; private<br />
small business persons;<br />
city representatives;<br />
and agricultural interests;<br />
among others.<br />
The group is tasked<br />
with making recommendations<br />
to the governor<br />
on how she can<br />
act to reduce greenhouse<br />
gas emissions in<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong>.<br />
A key question is will we actually recommend<br />
setting reduction targets and a<br />
real timeline. Most states that have engaged<br />
in planning of this nature have set<br />
both. For example, in Maine, the goal is<br />
to reduce the greenhouse gases to 1990<br />
levels by 2010, 10% below those levels<br />
by 2020, and to “avert the threat of global<br />
warming over the long term, which<br />
could be as much as 75%.” Without<br />
real targets and timelines and specific<br />
implementation procedures, plans are<br />
just that. They collect dust while they<br />
sit on the shelf and take up space on your<br />
office hard drive, but do little if anything<br />
to effect change.<br />
In the coming months, we will be<br />
working hard to ensure that the Climate<br />
Change Advisory Group makes strong<br />
recommendations to Governor<br />
Napolitano. These recommendations<br />
should include requirements for power<br />
plants to reduce greenhouse emissions; a<br />
California-style clean cars program,<br />
which requires automobile makers to reduce<br />
global warming emissions from new<br />
automobiles beginning in 2009; and recommendations<br />
to require changes in land<br />
Pedal With Us!cle ur<br />
Windmills like this have been used for hundreds of years to pump water and produce energy. Today,<br />
more modern windmills -- wind turbines -- can create electricity with minimal environmental impact<br />
and no greenhouse gas emissions. Photo courtesy of Bob Ball<br />
use planning that reduce the number of<br />
vehicle miles traveled. They should also<br />
include recommendations that the <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
Corporation Commission (ACC)<br />
implement a stronger environmental<br />
portfolio standard that includes significantly<br />
increasing the amount of electricity<br />
we generate from clean renewable<br />
sources in <strong>Arizona</strong> and that the legislature<br />
require Salt River Project (SRP) to<br />
also meet a standard (SRP is not regulated<br />
by the ACC as they have a special<br />
status under the law.) Finally, any climate<br />
change program must include<br />
strong energy efficiency measures. Increasing<br />
efficiency is by far the most costeffective<br />
measure we can take to reduce<br />
emissions and energy consumption.<br />
In the meantime, none of us has to<br />
wait for our country, our state, or our<br />
city to act. Now is the time for each of<br />
us to step up and help to reduce greenhouse<br />
gas emissions. Check out the article<br />
on p. 7 to learn how you can help<br />
mitigate climate change.<br />
Sandy Bahr is the Chapter’s Conservation<br />
Outreach Director.<br />
Bicycle cle Tour our of Tem<br />
empe<br />
pe<br />
Sustainable Living in the Desert<br />
Fundraiser for the Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
Join us for a leisurely tour of Tempe. We’ll ride our bicycles to a solar research<br />
facility, demonstration garden and green building site. Lunch and<br />
lots of information and bicycle maps provided. Total mileage will be 10-15<br />
miles, broken up by several stops and talks.<br />
Saturday, March 25th, 8:30-1:30<br />
Bring your own bicycle and helmet<br />
Requested Donation: $25 (includes lunch)<br />
For more information or to RSVP, contact Kate Darby at<br />
kate.darby@sierraclub.org or 602-253-9140.<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
March/April 2006<br />
Only YOU Can Save Energy and Prevent<br />
ent<br />
Global Warming<br />
Jon Findley<br />
Climate change is happening; it always has and it always will be. The<br />
problem is that it is changing faster and more dramatically than at any time<br />
in the last 2,000 years. And atmospheric carbon dioxide levels are higher<br />
than any time scientists have been able to find in the last 650,000 years.<br />
But what does that mean to you Maybe nothing or maybe a lot. It depends<br />
on where you live, what you do for a living, and what existing health<br />
problems or conditions you and your family have.<br />
If you are an living above the Arctic Circle, you have probably already<br />
seen a change in the seasons and the plants and animals around you. Mean<br />
annual surface air temperature over the past 50 years has increased 3.6 to<br />
5.4°F in Alaska and Siberia and animal migration patterns have changed<br />
noticeably.<br />
If you live in <strong>Arizona</strong>, you have felt the temperature change as a result of<br />
both global warming and the urban heat island. The heat wave last summer<br />
was blamed for 18 deaths in Phoenix and as many as 80 deaths near the<br />
Mexican border. The average night-time temperature in Phoenix has increased<br />
by 11 degrees F since 1950.<br />
If you live in a more moderate, inland environment, you may not have<br />
notices much change, but you will. Agricultural experts predict that the<br />
Midwest will become hotter and dryer and that the corn belt will move<br />
North to Canada.<br />
What can you as an individual citizen do Plenty, and now is the time<br />
to do it. We are shifting from a state of ignorance of the facts, through a state<br />
of denial that it will really affect us, to a state of frustration as to what can be<br />
done.<br />
Here are just a few suggestions. Look around - the opportunities are<br />
everywhere!<br />
Join and/or support an organization that promotes and encourages<br />
energy efficiency and the use of renewable energy resources, like:<br />
- The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>’s energy committee. Join us in working to make<br />
your city a “Cool City”, publicizing renewable energy programs<br />
and pushing for stronger energy legislation. Contact Jon Findley at<br />
jonaz@learnweb.com for more information.<br />
- A branch of the Electric Automobile Association or a hybrid auto<br />
club.<br />
- A local community or service organization like the Lions <strong>Club</strong>, the<br />
Kiwanis <strong>Club</strong> or Habitat for Humanity. If they don’t have an<br />
energy program, help them start one.<br />
- A local campus organization like the newly organized Students for<br />
Sensible, Sustainable Energy at <strong>Arizona</strong> State University. To join<br />
them, contact Justin Skay at asucleanenergy@gmail.com.<br />
- A faith-based initiative to respect and conserve the earth and its<br />
resources.<br />
No Time to Spare<br />
By Elna Otter<br />
Global warming is increasingly in<br />
the news. The ferocity of hurricanes<br />
Katrina and Rita has been widely seen<br />
to be a result of the increased temperatures<br />
in the Gulf of Mexico, as it is<br />
well known that hurricanes gain force<br />
over warm ocean surfaces and that these<br />
temperatures have been increasing.<br />
According to the Sept. 28, 2005<br />
Wall Street Journal, many financial<br />
firms including players like JP Morgan<br />
Chase & Co and the Goldman<br />
Sachs Group recognize the financial<br />
risk of climate change. After recent<br />
hurricanes caused damages upwards of<br />
$200 billion, these financial firms began<br />
pressing the government to take<br />
action to prevent additional climate<br />
change, and they have begun warning<br />
their clients about the financial risks<br />
associated with climate change. Fortune<br />
magazine started a recent article<br />
(1/17/06) with the words, “[a] disturbing<br />
consensus is emerging among<br />
the scientists who study global warming:<br />
Climate change may bring more<br />
violent swings than they ever thought,<br />
and it may set in sooner.”<br />
The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> has long been active<br />
in trying to change government<br />
policy with respect to global warming.<br />
Energy policy – for transportation and<br />
for electric power – holds the key to<br />
greenhouse gas emission reduction. If<br />
we don’t improve and start using public<br />
transportation, we must at least use<br />
vehicles with greater fuel efficiency. We<br />
must reverse some of the changes<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
Financial and Environmental Groups Recoganize<br />
Threat of Climate Change<br />
made to the Clean Air Act by the Bush<br />
administration (under the artful name<br />
of Clear Skies) that allow greater pollution<br />
by the power companies. President<br />
Bush’s suggestions that we “promote<br />
energy efficiency and conservation”<br />
would be more welcome had<br />
they not followed five years of policies<br />
that encouraged excessive use of fossil<br />
fuels and tolerated increased pollution.<br />
Even his policies whose nominal intent<br />
is environmental (encouraging a<br />
hydrogen car or ethanol from corn)<br />
involve additional, unseen petroleum<br />
utilization.<br />
Of concern to environmentalists<br />
is the unfortunate fact that changes<br />
made now won’t take effect for years.<br />
In fact, there is some concern that a<br />
“tipping point” has already been<br />
reached. According to the Washington<br />
Post (1/28/06), “[n]ow that most scientists<br />
agree human activity is causing<br />
Earth to warm, the central debate<br />
has shifted to whether climate change<br />
is progressing so rapidly that, within<br />
decades, humans may be helpless to<br />
slow or reverse the trend.” We didn’t<br />
have time to spare when we believed<br />
that there would be a gradual climate<br />
change. We certainly don’t have time<br />
with the threat of sudden climate<br />
change. Global warming is happening<br />
now and the precautionary principle<br />
clearly applies.<br />
Elna chairs the Chapter’s water committee.<br />
7<br />
Take advantage antage of tax credits and utility rebates<br />
and incentives to<br />
install solar hot water and photovoltaic systems in your home or small<br />
business. There are also tax incentives for buying a hybrid auto. Ask<br />
your utility company for more information and look for <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>sponsored<br />
workshops aimed at teaching you how to take advantage of<br />
these programs.<br />
Lobby your state and federal legislators to pass energy-saving and<br />
renewable-energy initiatives at to raise the fuel economy standards.<br />
You can track energy-related bills on the Grand Canyon Chapter’s<br />
website: http://arizona.sierraclub.org/political_action/tracker/.<br />
Change your life style: drive less and when you do drive, drive smart<br />
and keep your tires inflated; walk, take the bus or ride a bicycle more;<br />
eat locally produced foods (you can find them at<br />
www.localharvest.org); install compact fluorescent light bulbs and<br />
more insulation (these save you money, too!); look for the ENERGY<br />
STAR label when you buy new appliances; turn off the light and the<br />
TV when you leave a room; reduce, reuse and recycle; plant a<br />
nativetree.<br />
Talk alk to people. We hear about uneconomical and wasteful ways to use<br />
energy all day/every day. We need to counter every remark we hear<br />
about a powerful V-8 engine in a SUV with one about a hybrid auto<br />
that gets 40 plus mpg. When the conversation turns to traffic<br />
congestion, talk about taking the bus, car pooling or even moving<br />
closer to work, not building more highways.<br />
Jon chairs the Chapter’s energy committee.<br />
Photovoltaic solar panels at APS’ solar research facility in Tempe. Photo courtesy of Kent Knudson<br />
WHALES, PINNIPEDS & WILDFLOWERS<br />
Island Hopping in Channel Islands National<br />
Park and Marine Refuge<br />
2006 Fundraisers:<br />
March 30-April 2: 4 Islands, $750<br />
May 4-7: 4 Islands, $750<br />
July 21-24:4 Islands,$750<br />
August 25-29: 5 Islands, $875<br />
September 14-18: 5 Islands, $875<br />
For information call 480-595-2306 or email bfull@cox.net<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
8<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Last Chance to Comment:<br />
Agua Fria National Monument<br />
By Scott Jones<br />
Agua Fria National Monument encompasses<br />
some of <strong>Arizona</strong>’s most biologically<br />
rich and culturally important<br />
lands. The Monument, created by presidential<br />
proclamation in 2000, includes<br />
the Agua Fria River and its tributaries—<br />
streams and springs which have incised<br />
deep, colorful canyons in the sweeping<br />
desert grasslands. These rolling hills,<br />
sheer cliffs, and crystal clear waters support<br />
a diversity and abundance of life.<br />
Stately willows and cottonwood trees<br />
stand amongst saguaro cactus and ocotillos<br />
as Gila chub, pronghorn antelope,<br />
mountain lions, black hawks, and even<br />
black bears roam the lands. The monument<br />
also boasts the traces of one of the<br />
most important prehistoric settlement<br />
systems in the desert southwest—more<br />
than 450 sites have been documented<br />
in the monument thus far.<br />
But this special place is far from safe.<br />
Off-road vehicle tracks mar archeological<br />
sites and scatter pottery shards,<br />
blurring the stories they could tell us of<br />
our state’s ancient history. Cattle muddy<br />
the clear waters, trample seedlings, crush<br />
ancient artifacts, and prevent<br />
nativegrasses from growing tall enough<br />
to shelter pronghorn fawns. Pot hunters<br />
and archeological looters disturb untouched<br />
sites, stealing our cultural heritage.<br />
The pressures of booming growth<br />
and an expected explosion in visitation<br />
threaten to jeopardize the area’s wild<br />
character.<br />
In early January, the Bureau of Land<br />
Management (BLM) released the draft<br />
management plan for how it would deal<br />
with the challenging issues that Agua<br />
Fria National Monument faces. While<br />
Classified Ads<br />
the draft plan is a step in the right direction,<br />
the BLM clearly needs to do<br />
more to protect the monument’s sensitive<br />
biological and cultural features.<br />
The BLM is currently soliciting<br />
comments on the plan. This is the last<br />
opportunity for the general public to<br />
shape how this area will be managed for<br />
the next 15-25 years. Your input will<br />
help decide whether these lands will be<br />
protected for future generations or<br />
whether they will fall victim to off-road<br />
vehicle abuses, overgrazing, archeological<br />
looting, and recreational excesses.<br />
What You Can Do<br />
The last day to comment on the plan<br />
is April 5, 2006. You can learn more<br />
about this great place, what the<br />
draft plan prescribes, and how to<br />
write effective comments at http://<br />
arizona.sierraclub.org/monuments.<br />
Scott is a national monuments organizer for<br />
the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> in <strong>Arizona</strong>.<br />
Wasson Peak<br />
Slowly stretching up the rough, rambling,<br />
rocky trail.<br />
We lay in the saddle, basking in golden<br />
rays.<br />
Snoozing instead of climbing the harsh,<br />
steep peak.<br />
- Kelsey King, Doolen Outdoor <strong>Club</strong>,<br />
Tucson ICO<br />
($8 for 30 words or less each issue. $48 for entire year. 25 cents for each additional word.<br />
Reaches more than 13,000 readers throughout <strong>Arizona</strong>. To place an ad, mail or email your copy<br />
to the Editor. We are not accepting personals. Please make check payable to <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Grand<br />
Canyon Chapter.)<br />
For Rent: Cabin and vintage trailers at Blue River Wilderness Retreat. Cool off and relax<br />
@ 6,400ft. Situated among pines and cottonwoods on the Blue River, bordered by the<br />
Apache/Sitgreaves National Forest, near the Blue Range Primitive Area. Abundant hiking<br />
and fishing opportunities along perennial streams. Located on the <strong>Arizona</strong>/New Mexico<br />
border, near Alpine, AZ. Reasonable rates! Group or individual accommodations. Rent by<br />
the week or month. www.blueriverretreat.com. Call: 928-339-4426 Email:<br />
j.hoffman@frontiernet.net<br />
Agua Fria National Monument. Photo courtesy of Scott Jones<br />
AGUA FRIA<br />
An ancient culture<br />
Falling victim<br />
To forces they could not comprehend<br />
A meteor streaks the heavens<br />
And becomes dust<br />
Is it OUR destiny<br />
To fade like those before<br />
Into the rocks and time of the Earth<br />
And be absolved of our sins<br />
- Jim Vaaler Nov. 8th, 2005<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
Learn how to be an effective conservation activist<br />
(Rescheduled from om January)<br />
y)<br />
ROOMMA<br />
OOMMATE TE WANTED<br />
to share nice house in the foothills of the Superstition Mountains.<br />
Private bedroom and bath with outstanding views. Hiking nearby. Quiet lifestyle. $350<br />
plus 1/2 utilities. morka14@juno.com<br />
EARTH WISE SINGLES. Where eco-passionate, politically active adults meet others of<br />
like mind and heart. Join the community that cares. FREE for limited time.<br />
www.EWSingles.com<br />
TRAVEL<br />
VEL- Mystical PERU - shaman guide, August 17 - 27. IRELAND - Women -Sacred<br />
Feminine, Sept. 27 - Oct. 7. HUMPBACK WHALES- Dom. Rep. Feb 07 AFRICA - Soul Safari,<br />
May 07. www.ajourneyofdiscovery.com. 727-785-5563.<br />
Vacation Rental. White Mountains. 3 bedrooms, 2 bath, sleeps 6-8, fishing, hiking,<br />
mountain biking, horseback riding, golf, skiing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing. $100/<br />
night, $500/week. VRBO.com #6<strong>04</strong>87. kimholaway@frontiernet.net<br />
Comfor<br />
ortable vacation home for short-term rental. Tucson. Grant/Silverbell.<br />
2bed/1bath/carport/laundry/large walled yard with mature trees. Convenient to Tucson<br />
Mountains, Saguaro National Park West, and Desert Museum. Close to I-10. Short walk to<br />
shopping/bus stop. Reasonable rates. Quiet neighborhood. Owned by <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> member.<br />
520-791-9246, cloler@cox.net<br />
Please join us for an interesting and<br />
informative day. Learn from key experts on<br />
how to be more effective in protecting our<br />
public lands, our wildlife, and the public<br />
involvement process itself. The program will<br />
focus on background on important<br />
environmental laws and their implementing<br />
regulations, how the public can be involved, how to write effective<br />
comments, and how to develop an effective plan for engaging on<br />
these issues.<br />
Saturday, March 4, 2006<br />
9am - 4pm<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong> State University, Downtown Center, Phoenix, AZ<br />
Space is limited, so RSVP to Sandy Bahr (602-253-8633 or<br />
sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org) ASAP.<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
March/April 2006<br />
National Par<br />
ark Service’s Conservation Mandate<br />
Under Attack<br />
By Roxane George<br />
Our National Parks are amazing<br />
American legacies that are renowned and<br />
loved throughout the world. Places like<br />
Grand Canyon National Park and<br />
Yellowstone were fought for and established<br />
by visionary leaders like John<br />
Muir, Marjory Stoneman Douglas, and<br />
Theodore Roosevelt, who said of the<br />
Grand Canyon “Leave it as it is. You cannot<br />
improve it. The ages have been at<br />
work upon it and man can only mar it.”<br />
Those were the days. The Bush Administration,<br />
led by the man who said<br />
“It isn’t pollution that’s harming the<br />
environment. It’s the impurities in our<br />
air and water that are doing it,” has proposed<br />
controversial, destructive changes<br />
to the policies that direct management<br />
of all of our National Parks. In spite of<br />
the short lead time and little public notice<br />
given prior to the open houses held<br />
by the National Park Service (NPS) in<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong> in January, we were still able to<br />
get our members in Tucson, Phoenix, and<br />
Flagstaff out to all of them to comment<br />
in support of retaining strong protections<br />
for our National Parks.<br />
The new policies would severely<br />
Morning Commute<br />
weaken protection for our National Parks<br />
and contradict existing laws governing<br />
management of these lands, especially<br />
the Wilderness Act and the 1916 Organic<br />
Act, as well as numerous court<br />
decisions that have upheld preservation<br />
of natural resources as the overarching<br />
objective guiding National Park management<br />
decisions. Instead of embodying<br />
the spirit and letter of the laws, the proposed<br />
policies attempt to circumvent<br />
them.<br />
For example, the rewrite removes the<br />
important clarification of the national<br />
park system’s fundamental purpose, that<br />
it “begins with a mandate to conserve<br />
park resources and values.” It also strikes<br />
the statement that “This mandate is independent<br />
of the separate prohibition<br />
on impairment, and so applies all the<br />
time, with respect to all park resources<br />
and values, even when there is no risk<br />
that any park resources or values may be<br />
impaired.”<br />
In the same section, this statement,<br />
perhaps the most important guidance in<br />
the current policies, has been deleted:<br />
“Congress, recognizing that the<br />
enjoyment by future generations<br />
of the national parks can be ensured<br />
only if the superb quality<br />
of park resources and values is<br />
left unimpaired, has provided<br />
that when there is a conflict between<br />
conserving resources and<br />
values and providing for enjoyment<br />
of them, conservation is to<br />
be predominant. This is how<br />
courts have consistently interpreted<br />
the Organic Act, in decisions<br />
that variously describe it as<br />
making “resource protection the<br />
primary goal” or “resource protection<br />
the overarching concern,”<br />
or as establishing a “primary<br />
mission of resource conservation,”<br />
a “conservation mandate,”<br />
“an overriding preservation mandate,”<br />
“an overarching goal of resource<br />
protection,” or “but a<br />
single purpose, namely, conservation.”<br />
It has been replaced with this contradictory<br />
claim that has no foundation<br />
in law or court decisions:<br />
“The Park Service recognizes that activities<br />
in which park visitors engage<br />
can cause impacts to park resources<br />
and values, and the Service must<br />
balance the sometimes competing<br />
obligations of conservation and en-<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
joyment in managing the parks. The<br />
courts have recognized that the Service<br />
has broad discretion in determining<br />
how best to fulfill the Organic<br />
Act’s mandate.”<br />
The Organic Act is clear that resource<br />
protection takes precedence when visitor<br />
recreation conflicts. There is no mandate<br />
to “balance” these “competing” interests,<br />
and the courts have consistently<br />
upheld the “overarching goal of resource<br />
protection.”<br />
This example is typical of the entire<br />
document, which attempts to make<br />
commercial and recreational uses of the<br />
parks equal with resource protection,<br />
provide for non-conforming activities in<br />
wilderness, and eliminate enforceability<br />
and compliance requirements for NPS<br />
management policies.<br />
The comment period ended on February<br />
18 th , but we still urge you to speak<br />
up with the message that our national<br />
treasures deserve better than the Bush<br />
rewrite. The full text of our comments<br />
can be found at:<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org.<br />
Roxane is the Grand Canyon Conservation<br />
Program Coordinator.<br />
9<br />
Rush hour.<br />
Entrance ramp, metered.<br />
We wait our turn in line.<br />
Look left - island with shrubs, some trash,<br />
and a novelty,<br />
Heads are turned, resisting the signal to go,<br />
forgoing,<br />
We ponder the roadrunner,<br />
He ponders the view,<br />
Four lanes south, nose to tail<br />
Concrete divider<br />
Four lanes north, steady, moving<br />
large and powerful objects<br />
Shoulder - fence - desert - mountains - sun - sky.<br />
Short-distance flyer, he weighs his possibilities,<br />
is this the road I am meant to run<br />
Please just stay put for an hour or two,<br />
then travel well.<br />
Halina Szyposzynski<br />
November 2005<br />
Northern Ave and I-51<br />
Grand Canyon Action<br />
Network<br />
Check out the Grand Canyon Action Network and<br />
keep up to date on your local <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Action<br />
Alerts.<br />
http://grandcanyon.sierraclubaction.org<br />
I've been through legislation<br />
creating a dozen national<br />
parks, and there's always the<br />
same pattern. When you first<br />
propose a park, and you visit<br />
the area and present the case to<br />
the local people, they threaten<br />
to hang you. You go back in<br />
five years and they think it's<br />
the greatest thing that ever<br />
happened.<br />
- Morris Udall<br />
Sign up today to make your voice heard on<br />
There is nothing so American as<br />
the issues affecting our home, the<br />
our national parks.... The<br />
environment.<br />
fundamental idea behind the<br />
parks...is that<br />
the country belongs to the people,that it is in<br />
process of making for the enrichment of the<br />
lives of all<br />
of us.<br />
- Franklin D. Roosevelt<br />
The Canyon Echo encourages its contributors to license their work through Creative<br />
Commons. This set of icons indicates that the contributor has chose the Creative<br />
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All other contributions, including photos, cartoons and written work, fall under standard<br />
copyright restrictions.<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
P.O. Box 52968<br />
Boulder, Colorado<br />
80322-2968<br />
Name<br />
Address<br />
MOVING<br />
Paste the current mailing label here and write<br />
in new address below.<br />
(Please allow 4-6 weeks processing time.)<br />
City State Zip<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
10<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Happenings Around the Stat<br />
tate<br />
Keeping Groups in the Loop<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
Welcome! Six Groups make up the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Grand Canyon Chapter (see pg.2 for listings). Conservation, political and legislative activism, administrative<br />
work, and outings are a few ways we work to protect this amazing state. And there are many more! All the events and meetings listed<br />
below are open to members interest<br />
erested ed in learning more about the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>. We aim to make this world a better, more livable place.<br />
We need your help! You can find out more at our website: www.arizona.sierraclub.org<br />
- click on meetings.<br />
Meetings are open to the public. For directions, please call or email the contact person listed.<br />
Palo Verde Group (Phoenix and suburbs)<br />
Mar 14 (Tues) Palo Ver<br />
erde Group Conservation and Executiv<br />
ecutive<br />
Committee Meetings.<br />
The Palo Verde Group Conservation Committee meets at<br />
7:00 pm to discuss issues related to desert preservation, forest protection, wildlife and<br />
endangered species, energy conservation, growth management, etc. The Palo Verde Group<br />
Executive Committee meets at 8:30 pm to review matters related to group policies, outdoor<br />
activities, finances, and other business. At the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> office, 202 E. McDowell in<br />
Phoenix (2nd floor conference room in the southeast corner of the Los Olivos – Econolodge<br />
Suites). For the conservation meeting, contact Don Steuter (602-956-5057 –<br />
dsteuter@hotmail.com) and for the ExCom meeting contact Paul Zemboy<br />
(canyontrekker@hotmail.com or 602-989-1977).<br />
Mar 21 (Tues) Residential Photovoltaics oltaics 101. Please join the Palo Verde<br />
Group and Kyocera Solar representative Jesse Henson at 7:00 p.m. on March 21, 2006 at<br />
the Phoenix Zoo located at 455 N. Galvin Parkway in Phoenix. Learn how to supplement<br />
a conventionally wired home with affordable off-the-grid solutions. Accommodations for<br />
younger children will be provided. To RSVP or find out more about the program, please<br />
contact Paul Zemboy at 602-989-1966 or canyontrekker@hotmail.com.<br />
Apr 11 1 (Tues) Palo Ver<br />
erde Group Conservation and Executiv<br />
ecutive e Committee<br />
Meetings. See description on March 14.<br />
Apr 18 (Tues) <strong>Arizona</strong> Wildlife Linkages - A Transpor<br />
ransportation Planning<br />
Tool For the Future.<br />
Please join the Palo Verde Group and ADOT Natural Resources<br />
representative Bruce Eilerts at 7:00 p.m. at the Phoenix Zoo located at 455 N. Galvin<br />
Parkway in Phoenix. Learn about our state’s multi-agency collaborative project to mitigate<br />
the negative consequences of road building projects through known wildlife corridors.<br />
Accommodations for younger children will be provided. To RSVP or find out more about<br />
the program, please contact Paul Zemboy at 602-989-1966 or<br />
canyontrekker@hotmail.com.<br />
Rincon Group (Tucson and surrounding area)<br />
Mar 9 (Thurs) 7 P.M. March Roar<br />
oars In Like A Lion!...mountain lion, that is.<br />
Come learn more about this amazing creature, its status in <strong>Arizona</strong>, its role in ecosystems,<br />
and the prospect for its future across landscapes and through time. Lisa Haynes, Wildlife<br />
Biologist in the School of Natural Resources at the University of <strong>Arizona</strong> will present her<br />
program titled “Mountain Lions: Catalysts for Connectivity and Consensus”. Lisa is currently<br />
working on a long-term study of urban bobcats in the Tucson area. At the Tucson Botanical<br />
Gardens, 2150 N. Alvernon Way Free, ample, on-site parking. Refreshments served. For<br />
further information, call 747-5078.<br />
Mar 14 4 and Apr 11 1 (Tues) 6:30 PM. Tucson Inner City Outings Meeting<br />
(ICO). Join Tucson ICO volunteers for their monthly planning meeting as they celebrate<br />
past outings, plan future adventures, and strategize on how to introduce more inner city<br />
youth to Nature. For more information contact Matt Nelson at onejourney@juno.com.<br />
Chapter Announcements<br />
The Chapter Political Committee meets the first Monday of each month at 5:30<br />
PM in the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>’s Phoenix office. All members are welcome to discuss legislative<br />
and federal issues, and act as advocates for conservation by taking political action.<br />
Contact Lynn DeMuth at lmdemuth@cox.net for details.<br />
Wilderness Committee meeting. 6:30 PM, This is an invitation to all <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
members interested in wilderness. You do not have to be an expert, you just have to<br />
be interested and want to learn more. We will discuss the status of the ongoing<br />
“roadless rule” petition process, what it is and what it means, as well as where things<br />
are at now. We will have maps available so you can see where all the Inventoried<br />
Roadless Areas (IRA’s) are in the state. We will also talk about Uninventoried Roadless<br />
Areas (URA’s). We will also schedule some outings and service trips into a couple of<br />
these areas. Trips will be “ground truthing” trips where we check a given area for a<br />
road, or trail maintenance trips where we help the Forest Service with a problem area.<br />
We will also be looking at rehabilitating some vehicle intrusions into BLM’s North<br />
Maricopa Wildenress area.For more information contact Jim Vaaler at<br />
jimvaaler@msn.com or Michelle Pulich-Stewart at sun7river@yahoo.com<br />
Mar 16 (Thurs) 6:30 PM Wildlife Committee Meeting Interested in protecting<br />
<strong>Arizona</strong>’s amazing wildlife The Chapter wildlife committee meets the third Thursday<br />
of every other month to discuss ongoing work on behalf of wildlife protection. Location:<br />
Willow Coffeehouse (SE corner of 3rd Ave and McDowell) in Phoenix. Please contact<br />
Halina at hkubus@yahoo.com or Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633.<br />
Mar 28 and Apr 25 (Tues) 6:00 PM Energy Committee.<br />
The revitalized Energy<br />
Committee meets to work on our 2006 projects, including the Cool Cities campaign.<br />
We will also talk about the national scene and local energy issues. Everyone is invited<br />
to come and participate no matter how much or how little you know about energy<br />
issues. <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> 2nd floor conference room in Phoenix. Please contact Jon Findley<br />
at (480) 756-2916 or email jonaz@learnweb.com<br />
APR 1 (Sat) Copy Deadline for March/April 2006 Canyon Echo, , Theme:<br />
Border<br />
ders and Public Lands Submissions of articles, drawings, photographs, poetry,<br />
essays, calls to action, and brief epiphanies are welcome. We recommend contacting<br />
the editor before writing at (602) 253-9140 or kate.darby@sierraclub.org to discuss<br />
word count, issue topics and other writing details and to request submission guidelines.<br />
APR 26 (Weds) Canyon Echo Mailing Par<br />
arty<br />
ty, 2:00–7:00 PM (stop by anytime).<br />
<strong>Club</strong> volunteers save the chapter thousands of dollars every year by preparing the<br />
Canyon Echo for mailing. Thank you! The job is easy to learn and takes only a few<br />
hours once every two months. We all have a good time. Work begins at 2:00PM and<br />
continues until all copies are addressed, bundled and sacked, usually around 7:00PM<br />
or earlier. You’re free to arrive as your schedule allows and any amount of time is<br />
appreciated. Contact Jerry Nelson at (602) 279-4668 (peakbagger2@gmail.com) or<br />
Bill Gill at (gill512@cox.net) for location and other details.<br />
Saguaro Group (North Maricopa County)<br />
Apr 13 (Thurs) 7 PM Earth Day for All! Join us on the patio of the beautiful<br />
Tucson Botanical Gardens for Rincon Group’s third annual Earth Day celebration. A variety<br />
of environmental organizations will be invited to table and offer us a glimpse of their work.<br />
Food, slides, music and a few surprises will be thrown in too! So come on out and join your<br />
Rincon Group for a lively evening at the Gardens! At the Tucson Botanical Gardens, 2150<br />
N. Alvernon Way Free, ample, on-site parking. Refreshments served. For more up-to-the<br />
minute-details, check out our website http://arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/ or call 747-5078.<br />
Yavapai Group (Prescott and surrounding area)<br />
Apr 11 1 (Tues) General Public Meeting<br />
will be held from 7-9 PM at The Grove<br />
Studio, 119 Grove Ave. The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong>’s Healthy Communities Campaign presents a<br />
showing of “A Plan For Tomorrow.” This program highlights the environmental, economic,<br />
and community benefits of diverse density developments, in other words: truly growing<br />
smarter. Afterwards, discussion and light refreshments. For information and directions<br />
phoneTom at (928)-778-4233.<br />
Mar 1, , Apr 5, and May y 3 (Weds) Yavapai apai Group Executiv<br />
ecutive e Committee<br />
Meetings<br />
at 6 PM. For info and directions, phone Tom at (928)-778-4233.<br />
Mar 10 (Fri) The Yavapai apai Group in partner<br />
tnership with the AZ Wilderness<br />
Association and The Grove are sponsoring the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance’s<br />
presentation “Wild Utah: America’s Redrock Wilderness.” Join us at The Grove Studio,<br />
119 Grove Ave from 7 to 8:30 to learn about Utah Wilderness issues and how you can help<br />
to add over 9 million acres of federal Utah land to the National Wilderness Preservation<br />
System. For more information phone (928)-771-2408.<br />
March ch 22 (Weds) 7:30 :30 PM at the Harris Bank (SE corner of Carefree<br />
Hy and Scottsale Rd): Excom, Outings, and Political Committee<br />
meetings. Refreshments will be served. All interested members are invited. Call<br />
Louis Lantz: (480) 488 4581 or email bfull@cox.net<br />
April 19 (Weds) 7 PM at the Harris Bank (SE corner of Carefree Hy<br />
and Scottdale Rd.) Saguaro o Group General Meeting<br />
ting: Program: Power<br />
Point Presentation on Madagascar, an Island in Enviornmental Crisis (Speaker: Joan<br />
Holz of the <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Population Committee); New Management Policies for <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
National Monuments (Speaker: Scott Jones, <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> Staff for <strong>Arizona</strong> National<br />
Monuments). All interested are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served. For<br />
more information call Louis Lantz: (480) 488 4581 or email bfull@cox.net<br />
Plateau Group (Flagstaff and surrounding area)<br />
Mar 5 (Thurs), 7:00 PM, ExCom Meeting.<br />
The Plateau Group Executive<br />
Committee meets to discuss future actions. All are welcome. Call Bob Sutherland at 928-<br />
774-9309 for further information.<br />
Sedona/Verde Valley Group<br />
Mar 9 (Thurs) at 6:30 PM Executiv<br />
ecutive e Committee Meeting<br />
at Gary Dorer’s<br />
home. Call 928.2<strong>04</strong>.1269 for information.<br />
Apr 13 (Thurs) General Meeting Call 928.2<strong>04</strong>.1269 for information.<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
March/April 2006<br />
MAR 4 (SAT) ) Rose Hill Rockclimbing, Mt.<br />
Lemmon At an elevation of approx. 6,900’,<br />
Rose Hill is one of a series of small crags in the<br />
Willow Canyon area. Routes are in the 5.5 to<br />
5.10 range. Our 30-40 minute approach/hike<br />
will take us down a steep, well-defined trail past<br />
Rose Canyon Lake where we will discuss manmade<br />
lakes and hatchery trout. From the lake<br />
we will wind our way along a ridge passing<br />
through part of the burn areas left by the Aspen<br />
Fire of 2003. We will meet to carpool at the Le<br />
Buzz Coffee Shop at Tanque Verde and Catalina<br />
Hwy. Sponsored by the Rincon Mountaineering<br />
Section, this outing requires <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
membership, rock climbing experience and personal<br />
climbing equipment. Limit 8 participants.<br />
Contact Chris Saxer at 520-743-8017<br />
(jski@cox.net), or Jerry and Pat Cagle at 520-<br />
975-4955 (jcagle@cox.net) for details. Tucson<br />
MAR 4 (SAT) ) “C” Templeton<br />
Trail Day<br />
Hike Near Sedona<br />
(7.0 miles RT, 150’ EC)<br />
This moderate trail has a variety of features from<br />
views to red rocks to a creek. The trail leaves Bell<br />
Rock Pathway, crosses under Hwy. 179, meanders<br />
to Cathedral Rock, rounds it on a high red<br />
rock shelf and drops down to Oak Creek on the<br />
other side. 4.7 miles southwest from the Sedona<br />
Y. Trip Leader:Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-<br />
9309, for meeting time and location. Flagstaff<br />
MAR 11 (SAT) ) “A” Superstition Mtns<br />
“Marathon<br />
arathon” ” Hike/J<br />
ike/Jog.<br />
Crazy enough to try<br />
it once! This mega hike of 27+ miles and 2,600’<br />
AEC encircles the entire Superstition Mountains!<br />
Giving us ample opportunity to study<br />
the area’s diverse flora and geology. We will pass<br />
by Weavers Needle, have an all-around view of<br />
the prominent Ridgeline and excellent views of<br />
the often-photographed western facing front of<br />
the range. The fairly recent addition of new trail<br />
has made this beautiful hike possible. We will<br />
start at Peralta TH and hike to First Water TH<br />
where we’ll have a support crew (volunteers<br />
needed) with our lunch and water replenishment.<br />
Then it’s over to the Jacobs Crosscut TH,<br />
following its trail to the Broadway TH where<br />
the support crew will meet us again for the final<br />
replenishing of water and snacks. The final leg is<br />
on the Lost Goldmine trail. This hike is for the<br />
very fast and experienced hiker, who can also do<br />
some trail running. We will travel at an average<br />
of about three miles an hour for a fast-paced<br />
nine-hour hike. Dinner afterwards in AJ. Limit<br />
15. Contact Darrell Foster at<br />
AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or 602-<br />
569-5549. Phoenix<br />
MAR 18 (SAT) ) “C” Wier<br />
ier Trail rail Day ay Hike<br />
ike<br />
(SEDONA) (6.0 miles RT, 100’ EC) This is a<br />
fairly new moderate trail that features a permanent<br />
stream, a steep - walled canyon, red rocks<br />
and pools. The hike follows a historic cattle trail<br />
along the west bank of Wet Beaver Creek on the<br />
Bell Trail then veers off through red rocks to the<br />
water. 17 miles southeast from the Sedona Y.<br />
Trip Leader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-<br />
9309, for meeting time and location. Flagstaff<br />
MAR 18 (SAT) ) “B+” Mazatzal<br />
Wilderness<br />
Hike<br />
ike This hike follows 3 trails north of Sunflower<br />
and explores a favorite area of mine that<br />
leads to a remote forest of ponderosa pines. We<br />
will discuss the Willow Fire of 20<strong>04</strong> and how<br />
much damage the area has suffered. This hike is<br />
about 18 miles long and 2000’ EC. Contact<br />
Jim Roosen 480-983-7344 and<br />
Jroosen1@aol.com or Chris Tesner (480) 661-<br />
1324 and tesolight@yahoo.com Phoenix<br />
MAR 18-19 (SAT-SUN) Queen Creek Canyon<br />
Rockclimbing near Superior<br />
The plan<br />
is to do either a one or two-day climbing extravaganza<br />
at Lower Looner Land on Sat and<br />
Sun depending on the access to the Oak Flats<br />
campground. A variety of routes will be set up<br />
Enjoy y and Explore <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
on top rope in the 5.6 to 5.10 range. We’ll learn<br />
more about the congressionally legislated land<br />
swap involving Resolution Copper Company<br />
which threatens access to this recreation area<br />
within the Tonto National Forest. Sponsored by<br />
the Rincon Mountaineering Section, this outing<br />
requires <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> membership, rock climbing<br />
experience and personal climbing<br />
equipment.Contact Janet Krisinski-Saxer or<br />
Chris Saxer for details at (520) 743-8017<br />
(jski@cox.net). Tucson<br />
MAR 18-20 (SAT-MON) “B+” Trans-<br />
Mazatzal Backpack<br />
We will traverse the wilderness<br />
area using the Story, Sheep Creek, and<br />
Copper Camp Trails. The biotic community will<br />
transition from high chaparral and Ponderosa<br />
Pine, to Sonoran Desert. The leader will point<br />
out how differences in exposure lead to different<br />
types of vegetative display. As we hike<br />
through Copper Camp Canyon we will see the<br />
remains of the old Copper Camp as well as beautiful<br />
stretches of riparian growth. It may be necessary<br />
to wade the Verde River. For reservation,<br />
meeting time and place contact your leader, Jim<br />
Vaaler, at (602) 553-8208 or<br />
jimvaaler@msn.com Phoenix<br />
MAR 22 (WED) “C/D” 8 AM Bev<br />
ev’s Wednes-<br />
day Hike Flume<br />
Trail in Cave e Creek Recr<br />
ecree-<br />
ation Area Breakfast after in Cave Creek. Phone<br />
Bev Full at (480) 595-2306 or email<br />
bfull@cox.net for meeting place and reservations.<br />
Phoenix<br />
MAR 25 (SAT) ) 8 AM Picacho Peak Climb<br />
and Wildflower Hike Call (480) 595-2306<br />
or e mail bfull@cox.net for meeting place and<br />
information. Phoenix<br />
MAR 25 (SAT) ) “C” Blue Ridge Day Hike<br />
(5 miles, +-900' EC) Blue Ridge in the southern<br />
Goldfields offers outstanding views of the<br />
mighty Superstitions, the historic gold country,<br />
and beyond. We’ll hike a new Forest Service trail<br />
on the ridgeline, then return on the pioneer dirt<br />
roads and horse trails through this colorful region<br />
of Sonoran vegetation and wildlife. Bring<br />
your camera as we leave the trail for an optional<br />
climb to hill 2685. Call Ted Tenny, (480) 396-<br />
3389. Phoenix<br />
Mar ar 25 (Sat) at) “C” Meet<br />
eet Your our Endanger<br />
ndangered<br />
ed<br />
River<br />
er. This tour of the Upper Verde River will<br />
introduce you to its headwaters of Sullivan Lake<br />
at the end of the Big Chino Wash, the gorge, the<br />
mid section near Bear Siding, and the cottonwood<br />
forest of Perkinsville. Be prepared to get<br />
your feet wet as we discuss the impacts the City<br />
of Prescott’s proposed pumping will have on<br />
one of <strong>Arizona</strong>’s last stretches of free flowing<br />
water. We will carpool from Prescott. To reserve<br />
your spot phone Carolyn at (928)-541-1952.<br />
For more information phone Tom at (28)-778-<br />
4233. Prescott<br />
MAR 26 (SUN) “A” Finger Rock ock Canyon<br />
on<br />
to Kimball Peak eak to Pima Canyon on Loop<br />
Hike.<br />
ike. Two of my favorite hikes in the Santa<br />
Catalina Mts. near Tucson are combined with<br />
great views from Mt. Kimball at the midpoint.<br />
We will discuss the vegetation changes as we<br />
hike from Sonoran desert to ponderosa pines<br />
and how these 2 canyons were saved from 2<br />
huge wildfires in the last few years. We’ll hike<br />
up steep Finger Rock Canyon with its relentless<br />
cardio workout to the top of 7,300’ Mt. Kimball<br />
and its great views for lunch. We return down<br />
Pima Canyon where wildflowers may be abundant.<br />
This hike is about 13 miles long with<br />
4,600’ EC. The hike will be on trails with slick<br />
rock in spots so hiking boots with good tread are<br />
a must. There is a car shuttle in the beginning so<br />
plan on a long day and a great adventure. Contact<br />
Jim Roosen (480) 983-7344 or<br />
Jroosen1@aol.com Guest co-leader will be<br />
Chuckwalla. Phoenix<br />
APR 1 (SAT) ) Zappa<br />
Wall Rockclimbing,<br />
Cochise Stronghold, Dragoon Mountains<br />
Join us as we re-visit this superb climbing area<br />
located in the East Stronghold. A variety of routes<br />
will be set up on top-rope in the 5.5 to 5.10c<br />
range. At an elevation of around 5,000’, participants<br />
will appreciate this area’s beautiful rugged<br />
canyons, spectacular vistas and Apache history.<br />
The approach is a 15 minute steep hike from<br />
the parking area. Free camping shaded by trees<br />
below the domes. Sponsored by the Rincon<br />
Mountaineering Section, this outing requires<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> membership, rock climbing experience<br />
and personal climbing equipment. Contact<br />
Janet Krisinski-Saxer or Chris Saxer for details<br />
at 520-743-8017 (jski@cox.net). Tucson<br />
APR 1 (SAT) ) “A” Superstition Mtns<br />
“Biathlon<br />
iathlon” ” Hike & Mtn Bike.<br />
This adventure<br />
circumvents the entire Superstition Mountains,<br />
and is comprised of an 11-mile (1,700 ft<br />
AEC) hike, then a 22-mile (700 ft AEC) ride!<br />
First we’ll drop the bikes off at First Water TH<br />
and then we drive around to Lost Goldmine<br />
TH, on the Peralta Rd, where we will start the<br />
hike. We’ll hike up the road a short way to the<br />
Peralta TH, then going in on the Bluff Spring<br />
Trail and coming out on the Dutchman’s Trail to<br />
our waiting bikes. We’ll drop the packs with our<br />
support crew (volunteers needed), who have<br />
stayed with the bikes, replenish our water and<br />
ride out, down the First Water dirt road until<br />
reaching the paved Apache Trail Rd. Next it’s<br />
down to Mtn View Rd that is dirt for a bit before<br />
becoming paved to its intersection with<br />
US60. Riding up the shoulder of US60 to<br />
Peralta Rd begins the gradual climb. Once at<br />
Peralta Rd, the final leg is dirt and uphill. Experienced<br />
riders must have a mountain bike with a<br />
minimum of front suspension for this ride, and<br />
strong hiking abilities for this adventure. Dinner<br />
afterwards. Limit 15. Contact Darrell Foster<br />
at AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or<br />
602-569-5549. Phoenix<br />
APR 5 (WED) “C” Bev<br />
ev’s Wednesday Hikes.<br />
Bar<br />
artlett Lake Trail, Bar<br />
artlett Lake Recr<br />
ecreation<br />
eation<br />
Area Lunch after in Carefree. Phone Bev Full at<br />
(480) 595-2306 or e mail bfull@cox.net for<br />
meeting place and information. Phoenix<br />
APR 7 (FRI) “C” Shaw Butte Sunset/ Moon-<br />
Hiking Guidelines<br />
Canyon Echo<br />
See Outings continued on pg. 12<br />
The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> is a nationwide organization with active local outings for members and<br />
non-members. Please join us as we make friends and explore life-enriching interests.<br />
Simply find an outing by date and phone the contact for directions, reservations, time and<br />
additional information.<br />
RESTRICTIONS: NO FIREARMS, RADIOS OR PETS.<br />
Outings are by reservation. Call early (group limit 20). Each hike is rated for degree of<br />
difficulty and risk by the leader.<br />
“A” +16 miles or + 3,000 ft. elevation change (EC)<br />
“B” 8–16 miles and 1,500–3,000 ft. EC<br />
“C” 3–8 miles, 500–1,500 ft. EC RT Round Trip<br />
“D” – 3 miles and 500 ft. EC OW One Way<br />
Trip leader has absolute authority to question trip participants as to their equipment,<br />
conditioning and experience before and during the trip. All participants on <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
outings are required to sign a standard liability waver. If you would like to read the liability<br />
waver before you choose to participate in an outing, please go to http://www.sierraclub.org/<br />
outings/chapter/forms/ or contact the National Outings Dept. at (415)977-5528 for a<br />
printed version. <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong> liability covers leaders only. Each person is responsible for his<br />
or her own first aid equipment. If you are injured, notify the leader immediately. If you leave<br />
the trip, with or without the leader’s permission, you are considered to be on your own until<br />
you rejoin the group. Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share the driver’s fuel expense.<br />
Suggested compensation is 5 cents/mile. Donations accepted from all participants at $1<br />
(member) and $3 (nonmember). Money is collected by the leader and deposited with the<br />
group treasurer. For more information, call Jim Vaaler, (602) 553-8208. Hikes and outings<br />
are also listed in the Rincon Group newsletter and in the Palo Verde Group <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Singles newsletter.<br />
11<br />
lit Hike Come join us for some socializing on a<br />
leisurely sunset/moonlit hike to the summit of<br />
Shaw Butte Mtn. We will start the 3-mile (760’<br />
EC) hike, which will take about two hours, as<br />
the sun is setting. Once at the peak, we will take<br />
in the 360-degree view of the city lights below.<br />
Afterward we will hit the patio of a local eatery<br />
for some food and beverage. Contact Darrell<br />
Foster at AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred)<br />
or 602-569-5549. Phoenix<br />
APR 8 (SAT) ) “C-” South Mountain Fam-<br />
ily-Friendly Hike.<br />
The National Trail from<br />
Buena Vista Lookout offers sweeping views of<br />
metro Phoenix and beyond. Adults and children<br />
alike will enjoy this relatively level hike along<br />
the spine of South Mountain. On the way, we’ll<br />
experience the narrows referred to as “Fat Man’s<br />
Pass”, the “South Mountain Tunnel”, and “Hidden<br />
Valley”. Kids and adults of all ages welcome;<br />
total distance ~4.5 miles, and elevation change<br />
~450 feet. Contact Paul Zemboy:<br />
(canyontrekker@hotmail.com or 602-989-<br />
1977). Phoenix<br />
APR 8 (SAT)”C” Bell Rock to Morgan Road<br />
Day Hike (5 miles, +-800' EC)<br />
The majestic spires of Sedona will welcome us<br />
on this easy one-way hike along the edge of the<br />
Munds Mountain Wilderness. Learn local geology<br />
and culture as we hike the Bell Rock, Little<br />
Horse, and Broken Arrow Trails to visit Chicken<br />
Point, the Devil’s Dining Room, and other unforgettable<br />
landmarks of Sedona’s red rock country.<br />
Call Ted Tenny, (480) 396-3389. Phoenix<br />
APR 8 (SAT) ) “A” Point Huitzil Climb &<br />
Esplanade-S. Bass Dayhike<br />
(12 mi. RT,<br />
3,000’+ EG estimate) Huitzil is one of the premier<br />
Grand Canyon routes – formidable route<br />
finding, much rock art, demanding exposure.<br />
Car camp Fri. night at trailhead & hike down<br />
the Point Huitzil Route very early & follow the<br />
Esplanade Trail to east, connect up with the S.<br />
Bass trail to rim of Grand Canyon. Exposure,<br />
3 rd class climb on Huitzil. Some bushwacking<br />
& off trail. Limit of 6. Headlamp mandatory.<br />
Must be comfortable with exposure! This is a<br />
demanding hike so everyone must be able to<br />
hike fast. Must be able to pay in advance for<br />
ones share of the Park Backcountry permit for<br />
Fri. night. High clearance vehicle necessary, 4wd<br />
a real plus. Must be able to pay the Havasupai<br />
tribal fee to cross tribal land ($20 per vehicle)<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org
12<br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
Outings continued from pg. 11<br />
For more info & registration contact the leader:<br />
Bob Audretsch (928) 638-2077 before 9 PM or<br />
e-mail (preferred<br />
preferred): bob41@grand-canyon.az.us.<br />
Grand Canyon<br />
APR 12 (WED) “C” Bev<br />
ev’s Wednesday Hikes.<br />
Black Canyon Trail Check out this historic trail<br />
and work being done on reconstruction. Lunch<br />
after in New River. Phone Bev Full at (480) 595-<br />
2306 or e mail bfull@cox.net for meeting place<br />
and information Phoenix<br />
APR 15 (SAT) ) “B” Lower Fish Creek (Su-<br />
perstitions) Water-H<br />
ater-Hike<br />
It’s water-hike season!<br />
Come join us on a hike to a seldom-visited section<br />
of Fish Creek, just outside the Superstition<br />
Wilderness. After dropping some vehicles at the<br />
end-point of the hike, we will drop into the canyon<br />
at the bridge crossing on the legendary<br />
Apache Trail Road and start hiking downstream.<br />
After about a mile the canyon walls begin to rise<br />
as the cottonwood and sycamore lined canyon<br />
begins to narrow. There are many creek crossings<br />
along this 6-mile hike down the canyon, but none<br />
above mid thigh (depending on recent weather),<br />
and many beautiful pools to take a quick dip.<br />
After reaching the river channel portion of Canyon<br />
Lake we exit the creek and walked the road<br />
back up 2.5 miles to our waiting vehicles and<br />
shuttle back to the start. So that’s 8.5 miles and<br />
800’, but it is a water-hike (no trial) so is much<br />
harder than it sounds, with lots of rock hopping<br />
and some pushing through brush. Afterwards,<br />
we will dine on the patio of Canyon Lake Marina<br />
Restaurant with a beautiful view of the lake.<br />
Contact Darrell Foster at<br />
AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or 602-<br />
569-5549. Phoenix<br />
APR 15 (SAT) ) “C” Munds Mountain<br />
Trail<br />
Day Hike (SEDONA) (5-8 miles RT, 800’ EC)<br />
This is a hard trail that goes to the top of the<br />
north end of Munds Mountain for superb<br />
views.6.6 miles southwest from the Sedona Y.<br />
Trip Leader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-9309,<br />
for meeting time and location. Flagstaff<br />
APR 15 (SAT) ) “D” Natur<br />
ature e walk in Sabino<br />
Canyon Suitable for those with mobility problems<br />
and children. Contact Sandee Binyon (520)<br />
232-0226 for time and meeting place. Bring a<br />
hat and water. Tucson<br />
APR 15 (SAT) ) “C-” St. t. David Monaster<br />
onastery<br />
Morning Bir<br />
irding<br />
Walk<br />
alk Bring water and be<br />
prepared to get wet feet. We’ll explore the Nature<br />
Trails at the Monastery and walk along the<br />
San Pedro River. We should see a variety of warblers,<br />
tanagers and various raptors. Beginning<br />
birders are welcome. Joint hike with the Friends<br />
of the San Pedro River. Contact Elna Otter,<br />
otter@theriver.com (preferred) or (520) 212-<br />
9736. Tucson<br />
APR 29 (SAT) ) “C” 8 AM Spur pur Cross oss Ranch<br />
Preservation Area Docent-led loop hike to First<br />
Mesa Ruins. Phone Bev Full at (480) 595-2306<br />
or e mail bfull@cox.net for meeting place and<br />
information. Phoenix<br />
APR 20-24 (FRI-TUES) 5 TH Annual Spring<br />
Green River Canoe/Kayak Float<br />
Trip<br />
This trip<br />
is full. Contact the leader to be placed on the<br />
waiting list. Bev Full, (480) 595-2306 or<br />
bfull@cox.net<br />
APR 22 (SAT) ) “C+” Inner City Outing<br />
(ICO) hike in the Mazatzal WildernessArea<br />
We will follow the Story trail down to the scenic<br />
Story Cabin site. We will visit a small meadow<br />
called Potato Patch enroute. A small remnant forest<br />
of Douglas fir, as well as a few apple trees grow<br />
down here. Expansive views of the surrounding<br />
wilderness area can be seen as we walk the Story<br />
Trail. Our trip out will be on an old travel way<br />
that will loop us back to the Story Trail. Elevation<br />
Enjoy y and Explore <strong>Arizona</strong><br />
<strong>Sierra</strong> Service Outings<br />
MAR 4 (SAT) “C-” Inner City Outing Hike, Hassayam<br />
ampa River Preserve,<br />
e,<br />
Wickenburg. We will be doing nature walking/bird watching in this riparian area<br />
Northwest of Phoenix. New volunteers are welcome. Contact Jean Berringer at (602)<br />
867-3017or e-mail tnjberringer@yahoo.com. Phoenix<br />
MAR 11 1 (SAT) “C” Inner City Outing Hike, Juniper Mesa Wilderness and Pioneer<br />
Cemetery Join us for a hike through the beautiful Juniper Mesa Wilderness ending at the<br />
very old pioneer cemetery. This area is located near Prescott. The pioneer cemetery holds<br />
old history of this area and many animal sightings such as javelina have been spotted<br />
here. Contact Lisa Vaaler (602) 468-4158 or Jim Vaaler (602) 553-8208 Phoenix<br />
MAR 17 (SAT) AND APR 15 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-<br />
Highway y Cleanup Project<br />
(3 mi. RT, 300- EC) In the eastern foothills of the McDowell<br />
Mountains, our 5-mile stretch of blue highway meanders in and out of McDowell Mountain<br />
Regional Park, located between Fountain Hills and Rio Verde. Situated between Four<br />
Peaks, the Superstitions, the McDowells, and the Mazatzal Mountains, there’s no better<br />
place to serve your community. We’ll clean up this scenic road that winds its way through<br />
some of the greatest Sonoran desert around. We may visit “McGinty’s Hidden Spring,” a<br />
secret and seldom seen Shangri-La, known only to Adopt-a-Highway alumni, or “McGinty’s<br />
Kitchen Sink,” otherwise known as the “Grand Canyon” of McDowell Mountain Road.<br />
We’ll finish before noon leaving the afternoon free. Each trip participant receives an<br />
official Adopt-a-Highway t-shirt and gloves courtesy of Maricopa County’s Adopt-a-Highway<br />
program! Call Michael Brady (602) 534-1355. Phoenix<br />
MAR 18 (SAT) Raptor Rehabilitation Center er Service Day Please join the <strong>Sierra</strong><br />
<strong>Club</strong> Wildlife Committee for a day of hammering, painting, weed pulling and general<br />
sprucing up at the Wild at Heart raptor rehabilitation center. Relying on volunteer support,<br />
Wild at Heart cares for injured, orphaned and displaced birds of prey, with the majority<br />
being rehabilitated and released. The center is located in Cave Creek, and currently<br />
houses about 125 birds. Participants will receive a tour of the facilities, with the<br />
opportunity to ooh and aah up close at these beautiful birds. We’ll start at 8:30AM and<br />
work through the afternoon as long as you choose. Carpooling can be arranged or folks<br />
can meet at the center. Please contact Halina at hkubus@yahoo.com or (602) 749-2063<br />
for more information and to sign up. Phoenix<br />
MAR 25 (SAT) Sonoran Desert t National Monument Clean-Up.<br />
The <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
will join the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) on a clean up project in the area of the<br />
Butterfield Stage Route in and near the North Maricopa Wilderness area of Sonoran<br />
Desert National Monument. BLM will be working in this area from March 17-31, but we<br />
would like to turn out a large group of volunteers for one day in this window. If you are<br />
interested in doing other days, we can put you in touch with BLM directly. BLM will supply<br />
all necessary tools, garbage bags, etc. for the rehab efforts. Most of the elements of this<br />
project are demanding physical labor, with the exception of the trash pickup. <strong>Sierra</strong> <strong>Club</strong><br />
will provide lunch. Please bring water, hat, sunscreen, and wear heavy duty shoes or boots<br />
(hiking boots work great) and long pants. We will plan to work from about 8am until 3pm.<br />
For more details and to RSVP, please contact Sandy Bahr sandy.bahr@sierraclub.org or<br />
602-253-8633 or Scott Jones at scott.jones@sierraclub.org.<br />
APR 1 (SAT) T) “C” Tamarisk removal al trip in Agua Fria ria National Monument.<br />
Come celebrate April Fools Day and Public Lands Day! Another go at the tamarisk in<br />
Badger Springs Wash. We made a significant amount of progress on our February 4th trip.<br />
One more trip could do it. So ign up for this outing before all the tamarisk are gone. This<br />
trip will be done in conjunction with the Friends of Agua Fria National Monument (FAFNM).<br />
There will be a short hike after the work to visit a rock art site. For reservations, meeting<br />
time and place, call your leader, Jim Vaaler, at (602) 553-8208 or email Jim at<br />
jimvaaler@msn.com.<br />
APR 1 (SAT) T) “C” Inner City Outing Hike, e, Superstitions and Tor<br />
ortilla Flat. We’ll<br />
be heading out in search of the Lost Dutchman on a day hike exploring the Superstitions.<br />
If we find gold, we’ll share it up equally unless you’re not a member! New volunteers are<br />
welcome. Contact Denise Berringer-Wood (602) 867-3017 or e-mail<br />
phoenix.ico@gc.sierraclub.org. Phoenix<br />
Outings Leader Meetings<br />
www.arizona.sierraclub.org<br />
Grand Canyon Chapter<br />
change is 900’. Mileage is 7 miles. Volunteers<br />
wishing to become active in the ICO program<br />
please contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or<br />
jimvaaler@msn.com Phoenix<br />
APR 29 (SAT) ) “A” Italian Spring<br />
Trail to<br />
Mica Mountain/Spud Rock (16 miles, 4,000’).<br />
Join us as we ascend a beautiful, challenging and<br />
infrequently traveled path to the top of Mica<br />
Mountain, the highest point in the Rincon Mts.<br />
This scenic hike will allow us to observe the ecology<br />
and geology of a southern <strong>Arizona</strong> sky island<br />
which rises abruptly from the desert floor. The<br />
views of southeastern <strong>Arizona</strong> will be spectacular.<br />
Expect a fairly strenuous 8-10 hour hike, limited<br />
to 12 participants. Contact Mitch Stevens at 520-<br />
722-6860 (daytime) or mitchstevens@qwest.net<br />
for meeting time and location. Tucson<br />
APR 29 (SAT) ) “C” Cockscomb Trail Day<br />
Hike (SEDONA) (6.0 miles RT, 80 EC) and<br />
Cockscomb Butte Route (1-5 miles RT, 400 feet<br />
EC) These trails are both moderate and feature<br />
wonderful views. The Cockscomb is one of the<br />
southernmost red rock buttes in the area. May<br />
try to do the Doe Mountain Trail also which is a<br />
delightful moderate hike (3-6 miles RT, 476’ EC)<br />
8.2 miles northwest from the Sedona Y. Trip<br />
Leader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-9309, for<br />
meeting time and location. Flagstaff<br />
APR 29 (SAT) ) “C” Tur<br />
urkey Creek<br />
Tank,<br />
Sedona<br />
(7 mi. RT, 400’ EC) We will leave from<br />
Red Rock State Park Visitors’ Center, bridge picturesque<br />
Oak Creek, then cross red rock water<br />
ways to Turkey Creek Trail. This fairly level route<br />
offers spacious view of meadows and rock spires<br />
before reaching Turkey Creek Tank, a pleasant<br />
lunch-stop oasis, encircled by cottonwood trees<br />
nourished by cool spring and monsoon waters.<br />
Call Henry Mellon (928) 646-5484. Sedona/<br />
Ver<br />
erde<br />
Valley<br />
MAY 6 (SAT) ) “A” Battleship Dayhike &<br />
Climb (10 mi. RT, 3,000'+ EG) Hike down the<br />
Bright Angel Trail very early & then go off trail to<br />
the Battleship, the butte just to the west & above<br />
Indian Garden. Bushwacking, exposure, 3 rd class<br />
climb at the end to the top of the Battleship.<br />
More information on this route may be found in<br />
the Grand Canyon’s Summit Select, First Edition<br />
by Tomasi. Limit of 6. Headlamp mandatory.<br />
For more info & registration contact the<br />
leader: Bob Audretsch (928) 638-2077 before 9<br />
PM or e-mail (preferred): bob41@grandcanyon.az.us<br />
. Grand Canyon<br />
MAY Y 6 - 8 ( SAT-MON) Black Canyon on of<br />
the Colorado River er Canoe and Camping Trip<br />
rip<br />
Drive to Boulder City on Saturday, camp or stay<br />
in motel, get put in below Hoover Dam on Sunday<br />
AM, canoe and camp Sunday and Monday,<br />
take out on Monday and drive back to Phoenix.<br />
Trip limit 12. Call Bev Full at (480) 595-2306<br />
for cost and details. Phoenix<br />
MAR 8 (WEDS) 7PM. Rincon Outings Leaders Planning Meeting for May/June/July events. Please join us for our next Rincon<br />
Outings Section quarterly get-together to plan and discuss leading outings for hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, climbing and other<br />
outdoor activities. We’d also like to recruit leaders for other types of outings such as dinners, movie/theatre nights and other social<br />
activities. Current Rincon outing leaders are encouraged to attend and take an active part in the planning. If any leaders have an event<br />
that you’re planning to put include in the Rincon Newsletter for May/June/July but can’t make it to this meeting, then please send your<br />
date/event in advance to me and Chris so that the rest of us can be aware of it. Feel free to attend if you are thinking of becoming a<br />
leader, want to offer suggestions, or want to know more about the outings section. Please RSVP if attending. Location TBD. Snacks and<br />
refreshments will be provided. Contact Janet Krisinski-Saxer and Chris Saxer at jski @cox.net (preferred) or 520-743-8017. Tucson<br />
MAR 16 (THURS) Palo Verde Outings Leaders Planning Meeting. Join us at Aunt Chilada’s – Squaw Peak at 6:30 pm for our<br />
bi-monthly get-together to talk about all the hiking, biking, backpacking, camping, and other outdoor activities we’ll be leading in May/<br />
June, and beyond, as well as happy hours, dinner and movie nights, and other socially responsible activities. Feel free to attend if you<br />
would like to plan an event (current outings leaders), offer suggestions, or just see what the heck we’re up to. If you can’t make it to the<br />
meeting, but have an event that you’re planning to put on the calendar, then it would be most thoughtful of you to send your date/event<br />
in advance to me so that the rest of us can be aware of it at the meeting. Please RSVP if attending. AC is at 7330 North Dreamy Draw<br />
Drive Phoenix, <strong>Arizona</strong> 85020, 602-944-1286. Contact Darrell Foster at AZ-Outdoorsman@cox.net (preferred) or 602-569-5549.<br />
Phoenix
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