OUTDOORS WEST - Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs

2ContentsAbout FWOC 3Federation News 4Awards 4Club New 5Dombeck: ConservationChallenge 6Environmental LawConference 6Trail of Frustration:The Chinook Trail 7Salton Sea 8Protecting Nevada’sWilderness 9Book Review: PursuingWild Trout 9Convention Information 10Resolution Information 10Convention Reservations 11Membership Forms 11OutdoorsWestOutdoors Westis the newsletterof the Federation of WesternOutdoor Clubs. It is publishedbiannually.Please send submissions to:Raelene Gold, Co-Editor4028 NE 196th StreetLake Forest Park, WA 98155206-363-4107raelene@seanet.comWe accept both hard copy ande-mail submissions.Deadline for Fall issue:September 15.Cover photo:Creekbank. Quinault area ofOlympic National Forest, WA.© 1986 by James Thomas. Allrights reserved.American WildlandsEnglewood, Co.Angora Hiking ClubAstoria, Or.Bonneville County Sportsmen Assn.Idaho Falls, Id.Boulder/White Cloud CouncilKetchum, Id.California Alpine ClubMill Valley, Ca.CascadiansYakima, Wa.ChemeketansSalem, Or.Chinook Trail Assn.Vancouver, Wa.Columbia Gorge Audubon SocieityWhite Salmon, Wa.Contra Costa Hills ClubOakland, Ca.Desomount ClubClaremont, Ca.Friends of Discovery ParkSeattle, Wa.Friends of Nevada WildernessLas Vegas, Nv.Great Old Broads for WildernessDurango, COHobnailersSpokane, Wa.Hood River Crag RatsHood River, OROFFICERSPresidentMichael McCloskey2829 SW Sunset Blvd.Portland, OR 97201503-892-2664jmmccloskey@aol.comVice PresidentWinchell Hayward208 Willard No.San Francisco, CA 94118415-386-6544SecretaryJoe Hargrave14891 E. Burnside AvePortland, OR 97215-1178503-235-6791josephhargrave@att.netTreasurerDonald Moore1121 West 23rd St.Upland, CA 91784909-981-6491dmoore1055@aol.comWASHINGTON, DCREPRESENTATIVEBrock Evans5449 33rd Ave. NWWashington, D.C. 20015bevans@defenders.orgFEDERATION OF WESTERN OUTDOOR CLUBSEstablished in 1932 for the Mutual Service and for the Promotion of the Proper Use,Enjoyment and Protection ofAmerica’s Scenic Wilderness and Outdoor Recreation Resources2001 - 2002 MEMBER CLUBSIdaho Alpine ClubIdaho Falls, Id.Idaho Environmental CouncilIdaho Falls, Id.Klahhane ClubPort Angeles, Wa.MazamasPortland, Or.Montana Wilderness Assn.Helena, Mt.The MountaineersSeattle, Wa.Mt. Baker Hiking ClubBellingham, Wa.Mt. St. Helens ClubLongview, Wa.Nature FriendsMill Valley, Ca.North Cascades Audubon SocietyBellingham, Wa.ObsidiansEugene, Or.OlympiansHoquiam, Wa.Preserve Area Ridgelands CommitteeLivermore, Ca.PtarmigansVancouver, Wa.Regional Parks AssociationBerkeley, CASTATE VICE PRESIDENTSArizonaNancy KroeningCaliforniaJoe FontaineRobert HaageRyan HensonFelice PaceIdahoMartin HuebnerMontanaGeorge NickasClifton MerittNevadaMargery SillOregonShirley CameronJoe HargraveJack WalkerWashingtonFran TrojeRoger AndersonSantiam Alpine ClubSalem, Or.Seattle Audubon SocietySeattle, Wa.Sierra Club of British ColumbiaVictoria, B.C.Sierra Club Los Angeles ChapterLos Angeles, Ca.Sierra Club Mother Lode ChapterSacramento, Ca.Sierra Club Toiyabe ChapterReno, Nv.Skagit Alpine ClubBellingham, WASonoran Desert Nat’l ParkFriendsTucson, AZTahoma Audubon SocietyTacoma, Wa.Tamalpais Conservation ClubSausalito, Ca.Trail Club of OregonPortland, Or.Trumpeter Swan SocietyEverett, Wa.Washington Alpine ClubSeattle, Wa.Willapa Hills Audubon SocietyLongview, Wa.Women Climbers NorthwestSeattle, Wa.OUTDOORS WESTCo-EditorsRaelene Gold4028 NE 196th StreetLake Forest Park, WA 98155206-363-4107raelene@seanet.comShirley Cameron35470 Ross LaneCottage Grove, OR 97424Phone 541-942-5470FAX 541-767-0820ShirleyCam@msn.comAssociate EditorsPolly DyerRobert HaageWinchell HaywardNancy KroeningMarge SillProduction EditorSally Warren Soest2055 43rd Ave E, #202Seattle, WA 98112sws@seanet.comPrintingEcoGraphicsEnvironment-friendly Printing11841 124th Ave. NEWoodinville, WA 98034425-825-1888Printed on Recycled PaperFWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002

AboutTHEFEDERAEDERATIONOF WESTERNOUTDOORCLUBSHISTORYAs the American frontier closed in the latel9th century, people throughout the west beganto gather in local outdoor clubs. They sought toenjoy nature rather than to exploit it. They longedfor a different relationship to the land, one ofrespect that was rooted in a new ethic.As their numbers grew, they felt the need tocooperate and coordinate their work to preserveand enjoy nature. In 1932, they banded togetherto form the Federation of Western Outdoor Clubs.It has carried this work forward ever since, representingnearly four dozen clubs in eight states.Through the years, the Federation has helpedexpand our systems to protect nature. Its agentsand members helped secure passage of the wildernessAct. They made important contributionsto the establishment of the North Cascades NationalPark and to the establishment of the AlpineLakes wilderness in Washington State, aswell as to the establishment of various wildernessareas in the national forests of Oregon andCalifornia. In recent years, it lent its help to theestablishment of a national monument in the SierraNevada Range to protect the remainder ofthe Giant Sequoias.THE FEDERATION’S PURPOSES♦ To unite its member clubs behind a sharedagenda of conservation goals.♦ To help its member clubs become more effectivein their own conservation work:• By educating them on the basic issues.• By disseminating information on the challengesand opportunities for conservation.• By fostering understanding of effective meansfor reaching its goals.♦ To lend its support to the conservation campaignsof allied groups that specialize ingiven issues (in pursuit of its shared agenda).♦ To help its member clubs find solutions totheir operating problems through sharing informationabout solutions that some mayhave found.CONSERVATION AIMS♦ To secure additional protection for qualifiedareas of wilderness on public lands.♦ To protect wildlife, native plants, waters and landsin wildlife refuges and through other means.♦ To preserve the natural integrity of areasvaluable for recreation.♦ To promote stewardship of forests on publicand private lands, while preserving remainingold-growth forests.♦ To protect and restore the quality of air, water,and soils and the integrity of rivers, lakes,wetlands, coasts, grasslands and deserts.HOW IT WORKSThe Federation looks to its members to helpit carry out its mission. They work in their ownareas to realize its aims. Vice presidents in eachstate where it is organized may be authorized tospeak officially for the Federation. Its presidentis its chief spokesman. The Federation is alsorepresented in Washington, D.C., where it collaborateswith others and offers testimony. Alertsare sent periodically to its member clubs aboutmatters that command its attention.Its official newsletter, Outdoors West, is senta number of times each year to its members. Itfeatures stories that provide more backgroundon emerging issues, as well as news of its memberclubs.Each summer delegates from member clubsgather at a convention to decide the Federation’sposition on issues of concern. Resolutions aresubmitted by member clubs and are discussedand adopted by the delegates. The resolutionsoften provide an early warning of new threatsand display the breadth of the issues that concernconservationists. They weld together a coalitionthat can harness the energies of thousandsof concerned members. The resolutions providea springboard for action to enlist the support ofpublic officials and legislators.MEMBERSHIPThe Federation is composed of organizationsthat engage in hiking, camping, birding and othersimilar activities that rely on an outdoor environmentwhere natural conditions predominate.Organizations in the West that have such programs,and that have an active interest in protectingthe natural environment, are invited toaffiliate.Individuals who wish to give their added supportto its purposes are also urged to join.Membership forms are on Page 11.Spring 2002FWOC - Outdoors West 3

New Conflict of InterestestPolicy AdoptedThe FWOC Executive Committeemet at the Mazama’s building in Portlandon February 9 th , 2002.At the recommendation of NancyKroening, a new Conflict of InterestPolicy was approved as follows:Conflicts of interest arise whenthose who act in their official capacityin directing and overseeing the work ofa nonprofit organization act in a waythat directly and materially inures totheir personal financial benefit or thatof family or close relatives.It shall be the policy of the Federationof Western Outdoor Clubs to avoidconflicts of interest and to avoid the appearanceof such conflicts.Members of the Board of Directorsof the Federation of Western OutdoorClubs and its elected officers shall complywith the following requirements toavoid conflicts of interest in dischargingtheir duties:1. They shall act so as to avoid suchconflicts and the appearance ofthem.FEDERAEDERATIONNEWS2. They shall disclose such conflictswhenever they may possibly arise3. They shall recuse themselves frombeing involved in decision–makingthat involves such conflict.Following Up On theBush Administration’sEnvironmental Policyby Michael McCloskey, President of FWOCSince my last summer ConventionKeynote Address on Political Changeand Environmental Policy: Where isthe Bush Administration Heading? I’vecontinued to track developments bycompiling a scorecard. Currently negativedevelopments outweigh positiveones by a 3-2 margin, with most of thenegative moves stemming from the BushAdministration and only about half ofthe positive ones coming from them.AWARDSARDSUpdate on ResolutionsPassed At2001 Convention♦ Tug at Neah Bay: Congress hasnot funded a tug to be stationed at NeahBay to respond to distressed oil cargoships in the Straits of Juan de Fuca betweenWashington State and VancouverIsland. The Washington State Legislaturefunded the tug from September toApril. The tug Barbara Foss came to theaid of eight distressed vessels duringthat time.♦ Sonoran Desert NationalPark: Plans for the creation of the parkhave changed following September 11 th .One of the three units, the Barry M.Goldwater Firing Range, is being usedby the military. Now in the Fall of 2002,the BLM will begin a three year planningprocess for a 500,000 acre SonoranDesert National Monument. The newproposed monument is in an area northof the proposed Park and southwest ofPhoenix, Arizona. It will include threeexisting wildernesses: Table Top andNorth and South Maricopa Mountain.Polly Dyer at Washington EnvironmentalCouncil banquet, with WEC President JayManning.Photo by Raelene Gold.4Polly DyerPolly Dyer was the recipient of an2001 Environmental Heroes Award presentedat the November 30 , Annual Banquetof the Washington EnvironmentalCouncil. Polly was recognized for hermore than half a century of work onthe preservation of Wilderness Areas inthe Pacific Northwest. With the Mountaineersshe worked to create the GlacierPeak Wilderness Area. She was apart of the creation of the North CascadesConservation Council, which wasinstrumental in the establishment ofNorth Cascades National Park. She isthe past president of Olympic Park As-sociates. Polly is a long time memberand former President of FWOC. She isthe organizer of the North AmericanWilderness Conference 2002.Fran TrojeFran Troje was awarded the Mountaineers2001 Service Award at theirAnnual Banquet on October 12, 2001for 23 years of service to the club inconservation and recreation resources.Raelene GoldRaelene Gold received a VolunteerAppreciation Award by the SeattleAudubon Society on March 20, 2002for her service on the Board and ConservationCommittee.FWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002

The DESOMOUNT Dustings recallshow member George Peters testified in l965at a House of Representatives Internal AffairsCommittee meeting on behalf of theSan Gorgonio Wilderness. He helped savethis area which includes the highest peakin Southern California. The club celebratedhis effort by a camping weekend at the SanGorgonio Campground.The CHINOOK TRAIL ASSOCIATIONis now the proud owner of a Boulder Buster,thanks to a generous contribution. Now theyare raising money for a gas-powered drill,powerful enough to drill the 1½ inchesneeded to assist the Boulder Buster. For anotheryear, the club partnered with the AmericanHiking Society in hosting a VolunteerVacation work crew. Eleven folks from sevenstates came to work with CTA on their projects.Children in Nature: Building a Foundationfor Compassionate Intelligence is apresentation hosted by the CALIFORNIAALPINE CLUB for parents, grandparentsand educators of children up to fourteen. Theteam, volunteers from the Foundation forGlobal Community in Palo Alto, has done sixyears of research to develop a model to helpfoster a child’s connection with the naturalworld and a sense of belonging to the Earth.Also, the club’s Board of Directors approveda proposal to form a new section formembers age 25-45, tentatively to be calledYoung Alpiners (modeled after the YoungMazamas of the Oregon Mazama club).The club hosted their first annual Young FamiliesWeek last July at Echo Summit Lodge.With a three-foot-tall wooden windmilland a portable solar panel, the GREAT OLDBROADS FOR WILDERNESS protestedthe seismic oil and gas exploration on BLMland near Canyonlands National Park &Dead Horse State Park. For two hours at theoperations and staging area, BROADSshared their concerns about the disastrouseffects of these activities on the land, discussedthe BLM requirements, and the biggerpicture of our dependency on oil and gas.Grazing Reform is another BROAD project:they do field work to test the Wild UtahProject’s models for determining properlyfunctioning conditions for grazing. Theyplan a week in Southern Utah in May 2002.Spring 2002CLUBNEWSCompiled by Shirley Cameron, on, Co-EditorPlease rememberto put FWOC on your club’s s newsletter mailing list:FWOC, c/o Shirley Cameron, 35470 Ross Lane, Cottage Grove, OR, 97424Among the many achievements of SE-ATTLE AUDUBON in 2001 was co-sponsoringthe American Ornithologists’ Unionannual meeting at the University ofWashington’s Burke Museum. They providedfinancial and volunteer assistance. Two moreaccomplishments to mention: an impressiveNature Education program and the public standthey take on important environmental issues.Eagles soar in Eastern Oregon’s MolallaRiver Valley! A conservation grant from theMAZAMAS, along with MolallaRiverwatch, the BLM, and the Molalla RiverSchool District is helping create a placewhere students can learn about nature. It isa 20 acre site at the south end of the MolallaRiver Trail system called Aquila Vista (EagleView). Daylong events for the enthusiasticstudents involve learning and trail work.Meeting monthly to consider researchproposals from universities and institutions,the Mazamas Research Committee decideseach Spring on which projects related to itsgoals the club will fund.From the SIERRA CLUB BC, we learnthat due to the imposed duty on SoftwoodLumber, the BC government is attemptingto address U.S. concerns without much nonindustryinput. But a coalition of environmentalists,First Nations, labor organizationsand academics endorsed preliminary recommendationsentitled Getting Beyond theSoftwood Lumber Dispute: Solutions inBC’s Interest: (1) Directing most of the timbersupply through true market mechanismsincluding regional log markets while maintaininga raw log export ban. (2) Basingstumpage rates on real log values. (3) Breakingthe monopolistic control of tenure by afew major logging companies. (4) Enforcingand improving BC’s environmental regulations.(5) Settling First Nations land claims.Also from the Sierra Report we learn thatthe creation of 14 protected areas in theLillooet region was overturned by the newgovernment in BC. It was a slap in the faceto the British Columbians who devoted thousandsof hours over four years to the LillooetLand and Resources Management Plan process.The action disregards the consensusagreements reached, is a dangerous precedent,and subjects one of Canada’s primewilderness areas to clearcut logging.An historic name returns for the MOUNTBAKER HIKING CLUB. It has re-acquiredthe name of Mount Baker Club. The clubwas formed in 1911 and was incorporatedin 1928. Years later, for failing to file yearlyto maintain its corporate identity, the corporationwas dissolved by the Secretary ofState of Washington. So, on May 6, 2001,it obtained a Certificate of Incorporation asMOUNT BAKER CLUB. For clarity, theword HIKING will be inserted at an anglein a script font.According to Call of the Wild, the newsletterof FRIENDS OF NEVADA WILDER-NESS, 79% of residents in Clark Countyfavored the 4.1 million acre Citizens WildernessProposal for Southern Nevada.Statewide, 74% support the proposal. TheCitizens Wilderness Proposal for Nevada’sMojave Desert Region is designed to protectand preserve Nevada’s quality of life andthe biodiversity of the Mojave Desert. Thepoll was conducted in October by Mason-Dixon Research of Washington. To date,more than 12 groups have supported the proposal,including the FWOC.From the TOIYABE CHAPTER OF THESIERRA CLUB, we learn of a Sage GrouseConservation Strategy for Nevada and EasternCalifornia. The area has been dividedinto six groups of Counties. First, they willstudy existing scientific knowledge about thesage grouse, its habitat requirements, and thethreats that have resulted in an 80% declinein populations in the last 20 years. Then thegroups will compile information about theirlocal sage grouse populations, habitat conditionsand threats and make specific proposalsfor conservation actions. The sixplans will be integrated into a State SageGrouse Conservation Plan to be implementedimmediately.In 2002, OBSIDIANS will celebrate their75 th anniversary. In l927, the club journeyedto Mt. Hood for their Winter outing. Therefore,the third annual Mazama Lodge SkiTrip on Feb. 13-15 th was renamed the “75 thAnniversary Winter Outing”. Downhillers,cross-country and backcountry skiers andsnowshoers attended, as well as folks whojust wanted to relax with a good book.FWOC - Outdoors West 5

TENPUBLICLANDCONSERONSERVATIONCHALLENGESFORA NEWCENTURENTURYMike Dombeck, the former Chief of theU.S. Forest Service and currently Professorof Global Environmental Management atthe University of Wisconsin, delivered aMAJOR talk in Seattle on April 6, 2002. Thetitle of his remarks was “The BIG TEN PublicLand Conservation Challenges For a NewCentury: Where do we go from here?”Mr. Dombeck reminded us that in thesetimes of concern with national security andof global conflict, that national security isalso “having the resource base that makesthe quality of life we cherish possible” and“It is conserving the health of the land basethat is the very foundation of the quality oflife and of life itself.” He reminded us thateven at times of war, Presidents Jefferson,Lincoln, L. Johnson and F. Roosevelt “understoodthat protecting this country and ourway of life meant taking care of the land.”He told us that “One of the most patrioticthings we can all do as citizens of the UnitedStates is care for the land.” He said that whatmakes America unique in the world is our2002 E500 million acres of public lands.He stated that he believed that WATERis the issue of this century; and as our publiclands are the largest provider of water,“we should manage our national forests firstas watersheds.”LAND FRAGMENTATION ANDSPRAWL is happening rapidly and increasesthe importance of maintaining ourunfragmented and roadless public lands. Todeal with the challenge of WILDLANDFIRE, that is due to urban-wildland bordersprawl, past timber management practicesand l00 years of fire suppression, we needto implement an ecologically balanced firemanagement plan.He reminded us that our national forestsand grasslands serve as a biological refugefor native, threatened and endangered speciesand are essential in the challenge to reversethe trend towards a LOSS OFBIODIVERSITY. It is in protecting our remainingundisturbed native habitats and2002 ENVIRONMENTNVIRONMENTALLAW CONFERENCEUniversity of Oregon, Eugenemaintaining biodiversity that we have thebest defense against the problem of EX-OTIC SPECIES.Mr. Dombeck is also a clear proponentof stopping all harvesting of OLDGROWTH on public lands. He envisionsthat OFF-ROAD VEHICLES will becomethe most difficult and controversial issue forland managers, but it is most important thatall “activities must take place within the ecologicallimits of the land.” Finding the l872MINING LAW the most vexing and outdatednatural resource law in the U.S., Mr.Dombeck urges its swift updating.He looks at PRIVATE LAND CON-SERVATION as promising and importantand to urban and suburban reforestation ascentral to a national energy policy. Finally,he concluded that it is EDUCATION thatwill help people understand these challenges.Mr. Dombeck’s talk wassponsored by Biodiversity Northwest.Find the complete text on their website:.March ch 7-10Story and Photos by Raelene GoldEugene, Oregon, the unofficial capitolof Ecotopia, is the site of the now 20 th annualPublic Interest Environmental LawConference. Held each March, the conferenceis organized by the law students of theUniversity of Oregon Law School and thisyear drew a crowd of about 4,000, most underthe age of 30. Ittherefore, offers aunique perspectiveinto the legal agendaof the environmentalmovement of thefuture.Conferencegoers were greetedby street theatre dramatizingthe downfallof Mr. CorporateAmerica, who carrieda briefcasereading”Work, Obey, Consume.” AmericanRevolutionists toppled the Corporate Giant,replacing his corporate flag with the Starsand Stripes.Ralph Nader, the top drawing keynoter,identified human psychology and the powerfulinstincts for self-preservation and aesthetics,as what needed to be activated tomotivate people to transform the politics ofecology.There were three very powerful and courageouswoman keynoters whose lives andwords inspired the audience. Sarah James,from Arctic Village, Alaska and spokespersonfor the Gwitch’in Steering Committee,spoke of the importance of permanent protectionfor ANWR. The proposed oil andgas drilling would endanger the caribouwith which Gwitch’in culture is intertwined.Lois Gibbs, who organized the Love CanalHomeowners Association and is now theExecutive Director of the Center for Health,Environment, and Justice, spoke and exemplifiedthe power of ordinary people tochange events. Gloria Flora, a former USFSSupervisor in the Intermountain West, exudedthe kind of spirit it took to prohibitnew oil and gas leases along the RockyMountsin Front in 1995.There were over 125 panels at the conferenceand three featured FWOC ExecutiveCommittee members. Mike McCloskey,FWOC President, presented on WildernessFaces Its Critics at a panel on The State ofWilderness. George Nickas, FWOC VP forMontana, was on the same panel as well asanother on Declassifying Wilderness: theLooming Trainwreck....FWOC’s Washington, DC Representative,Brock Evans, provided ample documentationof The Bush Administration’sAttempts to Overturn Public Land Policies.6FWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002

TRAILOF FRUSTRARUSTRATIONTIONby Roger Anderson, FWOC Vice ice President for Washington StateThe concept of a Chinook Trail cameto two lifelong hiking companions whilestanding on the wildflower-strewn summitof Silver Star, a 4400’ peak. Thiswas to be the highest point of a trail thatwould begin at Vancouver Lake and continueeastward crossing the Pacific CrestNational Scenic Trail finally reachingMaryhill State Park. That original visionof Don Cannard and Ed Robertson waslater expanded to include the Oregonside in a bi-state rim-top, 300 mile recreational,loop trail encircling the scenicColumbia River Gorge.The Chinook Trail was named tohonor the Chinook Indians who were theoriginal inhabitants of the area along theColumbia River from the coast to justabove the Dalles.This area’s unique geological historyand scenic beauty resulted in its beingView from Squaw Mountain Trail. Photos by members of Chinook Trail Association. Used with permission.View from Dog Mountain Trail.declared the Columbia River NationalScenic Area by Congress in l986.There was much enthusiasm for thetrail idea and in l986, the Chinook TrailAssociation (CTA) was formed dedicatedto the completion of the trail.Many government agencies, organizationsand corporations supported theproject. The Chinook Trail planned toutilize existing trail systems includingthe 40 mile Portland Loop Trail system,but 70% of the trail in Washington and50% in Oregon would require new trailconstruction. This task has been likenedto the children’s game of connecting thedots to discover the “secret” picture, aunique, rim-top trail encircling the scenicColumbia River gorge. In our realworld of government bureaucracy, it hasproved a much more daunting challenge.Since l995, the CTA has been workingon the Bells Mountain Trail, a 7.5-mile section located on WashingtonState Department of Natural Resourcesland northeast of Vancouver. This sectionhas 42 stream or wetland crossings!The CTA was awarded a grant from theInteragency Commission on OutdoorRecreation. CTA partnered withVancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation,the lead agency on the project. Afterapproval by DNR, construction on thetrail began in l997.Then, however, new State and Federalrules were enacted to protectSalmon and Steelhead in the rivers. Thisresulted in additional studies and additionalpermits being required. Three federalagencies, USFWS, NMMFS and theArmy Corps of Engineers all became involved.This resulted in a long three-anda-half-yeardelay before work could proceedon the trail. Finally, February 6,2002, a permit was issued to CTA tocomplete this section of the trail. CurrentlyCTA is gearing up to start constructionof the 20 bridges needed tocomplete this section of the trail.For information......on membership oron work party schedules for 2002,please visit our websiteat or call the CTA officeat 360-906-6769.National Trails Day isJUNE1STST.Join a Trail rail Work ork Party!ty!Spring 2002FWOC - Outdoors West 7

SOUTHERNCALIFORNIAALIFORNIA’S SALALTONSEAContributed by Robert t Haage and Nancy KroeningWho can say of a particular sea that it isold? Distilled by the sun, kneaded by themoon, it is renewed in a year, in a day,or in an hour.Thomas Hardy, 1840-1928Water concerns have been a Federationpriority for some time. At last year’sconvention, eight resolutions wereadopted that related to bodies of water.In recent years national and regionalnews have focused on yet another Californiawater dilemma. This media attentioncame to some degree because theentertainer turned politician, SonnyBono, before his death, made that bodyof water his “cause.” That “cause” wasthe restoration of California’s SaltonSea. Few environmental issues have engenderedmore diverse opinions and proposalsthan this unusual body of water.The Salton Sea is California’s largestinland body of water, being 35 mileslong and 15 miles wide. It is 25% saltierthan seawater, 220 feet lower than sealevel and shallow at an average depth ofabout 30 feet. It is situated just southeastof Palm Springs and south of theJoshua Tree National Monument.Rather than being “dead,” the SaltonSea is rich in nutrients, supporting zooplanktonand worms, which provide abundantfood for fish (introduced salt tolerantspecies) and birds. It is one of the mostimportant stops on the Pacific flyway formillions of migratory birds. It also pro-Gulf of California➙Salton SeaSalton Sea and Gulf of California as seenfrom the space shuttle.➙vides important habitat for bald eagles,brown pelicans, peregrine falcons and otherimperiled wildlife. On the southern shore,the Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge ishome to more than 380 species of birds.It has a unique history from the pointof view of its geology, its hydrology andthe contributions of human intervention.It was separated by geologic events fromits origins in the Gulf of California. Createdby the unpredictable meanderingsof the Colorado River, the Salton basinhas been the site of at least six majorlakes from 300 A.D. until 1600 A.D.,the last known as Lake Cahuilla. TheSalton Sea of our time was created byan accident when an Imperial Valley irrigationcannel project miscalculated thetiming and magnitude of the l904 ColoradoRiver spring floods. The temporarydiversion channels and control gates ofthe project were overwhelmed by thetorrent. The river reverted to an earlierchannel, sending water cascading intothe Salton sink.The Southern Pacific Railroad, havingbuilt a spur line into the area to tapits growing economic potential, boughtout others and undertook to salvage thediminishing dreams promised by the ImperialValley. They sent seemingly endlesstrains into the valley to dump sandand gravel into the breach. But the years1905-07 were among those with theheaviest rainfall in the area’s history.Water continued to pour into the sink,threatening much of the development inthe area. The railroad crew’s efforts werefinally successful when a lull in the river’sflow enabled them to construct a breakwatersufficient to staunch the flow.Realizing the long range potential ofthis large body of water will require addressingthe problems of salinity, adequatewater inflow, control of pollutants,protection for wildlife and recreationalvalues, and stabilization of theregion’s economic resources. Assuringthe necessary flow of water to maintainthe sea has become increasingly difficultas neighboring states have takensteps to mitigate California’s over-consumptionof Colorado River water.Fairly apportioning the remaining Californiashare of the river’s water has beenmade politically sensitive as growingCalifornia communities have bid sharplyfor a greater portion of the waters, whichare needed to sustain the Salton Sea. TheSalton Sea Authority, composed of representativesfrom the counties that borderthe lake and the affected irrigationand water districts, was formed in 1994.The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation hasbeen designated as the federal agencyto coordinate with the SSA to devise aplan for preserving the Sea.A host of proposals have been putforth to keep the Sea from following itspredecessors into oblivion.Alarmingly, now the City of San Diego,is trying to divert huge amounts ofwater from streams flowing into theSalton Sea to fuel its expanded development.This would destroy this vitalhabitat. Strangely, Representative MaryBono, Sonny Bono’s widow, has endorsedthis plan!Needed Now:Letters to Senators and Representativesfrom every state (most notablythose from adjacent states), especiallyto Rep. Mary Bono, and the U.S. Bureauof Reclamation urging renewed effortsto “Save the Sea.”To contact your Members of Congress:Senator_______U.S. SenateWashington, DC 20510202-224-3121Representative _________U.S. House of RepresentativesWashington, DC 20515202-225-3121To contact the Bureau of Reclamation:CommissionerBureau of ReclamationU.S. Department of the Interior1849 C Street NWWashington, DC 202408FWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002

PROTECTINGNEVEVADAWILDERNESSby Marge ge Sill, FWOC Vice ice President for NevadaThe Friends of Nevada Wildernesswas formed in 1985 to preserve and protectNevada’s wilderness heritage. Theirmission is to “Keep Nevada’s WildPlaces Wild.”The Federal Government manages87% of Nevada, most (49 million acres)under the Bureau of Land Management.Other public lands are managed by theNational Park Service, the U.S. Fish andWildlife Service and U.S. Forest Service.The Nevada BLM has identified 5million acres as having wilderness characteristics,and these have been classifiedas Wilderness Study Areas (WSA).They have recommended 2 millionacres to Congress for Wilderness designation.Currently Nevada has the leastprotected Wilderness of any Westernstate, and unprotected lands are seriouslythreatened by mining, off-roadvehicles and development.Bighorn sheep. Photo by Charles Watson.Nevada’s s BLMWilderilderness Study AreasThese are exciting times for wildernessactivists in Nevada. The SouthernNevada Wilderness Campaign hasshifted into high gear with the releaseof the Citizens’ Wilderness Proposal forNevada’s Mojave Desert Region. TheProposal contains detailed informationand maps on over four million acres ofpublic land within the Mojave Desertregion, including lands in Clark, Lincoln,Nye and Esmeralda counties. Areasare on lands managed by the BLM,NPS, USFWS and USFS. The proposalis based on extensive research, on-thegroundmapping and scientific information.Access to the various proposedunits is afforded by boundary roads andcherry-stem roads.This Campaign has been an effortby the Friends of Nevada Wilderness,the Nevada Wilderness Project, theToiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Cluband the Durango office of The WildernessSociety. The proposal has supportfrom over one hundred businesses,many organizations, and thousands of individuals.Copies of the Citizens’ Proposalhave been given to Senators and keylegislators. Nevada Senators HarryReid and John Ensign plan to introducea Southern Nevada bill that will includewilderness soon.For More e Information:Contact Marge Sill by email atorSpring 2002BOOKREVIEWPursuing Wild Trout: A Journey In Wilderness Valuesby Bob Madgic. River Bend Books, Anderson, CA, l998.Reviewed by Raelene Gold.Bob Madgic is a man who loves rivers,the wilderness they flow through,and the trout that swim in them. “I seein the river’s currents and depths life’smysteries,” he explains. Here he shareshis family’s hiking, camping and fishingadventures from their cabin in theSierras into the Mokelumne Wildernessand the Mokelumne, Stanislaus,Toulumne, East Carson and San JoaquinRiver systems. Each area explored isrichly described with its Native Americanand early explorer history, its naturalhistory, directions and a helpful map.There are also practical chapters on flyfishing tips, preparing for wildernessexperiences and perhaps most important,what to do to preserve wild trout.He also shows how in the pursuit of wildtrout, he found that “in wilderness, onecan find life’s deepest meanings.”This is a wonderful book, both as aguide for new family wilderness adventuresand to an understanding of the “wildernessvalues” those experiences teach us.Bob and Dianne Madgic now live ina lovely home overlooking the LowerSacramento River near Redding, whereBob can grab his pole when he sees thetrout jump below and Dianne can gohiking. They were the gracious hosts ofa welcoming party by the Shasta Groupof the Mother Lode Chapter of the SierraClub at FWOC’s 2000 conventionin Redding.FWOC - Outdoors West 9

CONVENTIONINFORMANFORMATION71 st Annual Convention of theFederation ofWesterestern Outdoor ClubsThe 71 st annual convention for theFederation of Western Outdoor Clubswill be hosted by the Trails Club of Oregonand will be at their Tyee Lodge atGovernment Camp near Mount Hood.In existence since 1915, the Trails Clubof Oregon offers a broad range of recreationaland social activities for itsmembers.The convention theme will be CatalyzingChange in Challenging Times.Presentations and panels will addressways of catalyzing change on state andfederal forest lands, in wilderness protectionand in financing land preservation.For Convention Information:Contact Roger Anderson, Chair or 360-906-6769 .For Information About TyeeyeeLodge, Meals & AccommodationsContact the Trails Club of Oregonrepresentative, George Milne at or 503-730-9778(cell) or 503-654-2096(work) or503-653-1394(home).Directions to Tyee yee LodgeÉTyee Lodge is located in GovernmentCamp, which is 54 miles east ofPortland on Highway 26.Follow Hwy 26 eastward throughGresham, Sandy, Wemme, Rhododendronand Zigzag until you reach GovernmentCamp.The road to the lodge intersectsHighway 26 on the left next to the intersectionof Highway 26 and TimberlineRoad. There will be a FWOCsign at the driveway. Follow the drivewayto the stop sign, then continuestraight on West Leg Road past thedriveway for the Mazama lodge, untilyou come to the next gated drivewayon your right. Come down thatdriveway to the Tyee Lodge.CONVENTION SCHEDULEFriday, July 264pm Executive CommitteeMeeting5pm Opening Session7pm Opening PresentationSaturday, July 279am –5pm Presentations onConservation Issues7pm Keynote AddressSunday, July 289am Resolutions11am Election of Officers11:30am Executive CommitteeMeetingRESOLUTIONSResolutions submitted by memberclubs or individuals have aFIRM DEADLINE OF JULULY 17.Please send resolutions to FWOCResolutions Committee Chair,Shirley Cameron orFAX to 541-767-0820.Convention FeesThe package fee includes accommodationsat the Tyee Lodge in GovernmentCamp. The lodge has upper level,dormitory style accommodations inseparate men and women dorms.Lodge AccommodationsPeople planning to stay at the lodgeshould bring sleeping bags or bedding,pillows and towels.Alternative LodgingFor attendees who would prefer lodgingother than dormitory bunks, pleasemake your own arrangements. Nearbylodging alternatives include:Huckleberry Inn 503-272-3325Mt. Hood Lodge 503-524-3534Mt. Hood Inn 800-443-7777Camp Creek Campground877-444-6777Clear Lake Campground877-444-6777MAPMap by George Milne.10FWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002

REGISTRAEGISTRATIONTION FORMCATALALYZINGCHANGEIN CHALLENGINGTIMES71st Annual Convention of the Federation of Westerestern n Outdoor ClubsTyee Lodge at Government Camp, Mount Hood, OregonName(s) Member Club Delegate?Address City State ZipPhone Fax EmailConvention package including meals & lodging $ 80.00 _________Convention package including meals without lodging $75.00________Partial conference fees:Conference Registration $25.00 ________Saturday only Registration & meals $50.00 ________Lodging or tenting near lodge per night $5.00 ________Total amount enclosed _______BRING your own sleeping bag,pillow, and towels.SEND this form and your check,payable to the Trails Club ofOregon, to:Carla HaakeFWOC Convention RegistrarC/O The Trails Club of OregonP.O. Box 1243Portland, OR 97207MEMBERSHIPFORMSJoin FWOC as an INDIVIDUAL MEMBER and receive OUTDOORS WEST.Name(s)Address City State ZipPhone Fax EmailMember Club:(You do not have to be a member of anaffiliate club to be an individual member.)❐ $10 regular ❐ $25 contributor ❐ $5 living lightly ❐ other ____________SEND this form with your checkpayable to FWOC to:Donald Moore,FWOC Treasurer1121 West 23rd StreetUpland, CA 91784Name of applicant organizationJoin FWOC as an ORGANIZATIONAL MEMBERSEND this form with your checkpayable to FWOC to:Organization Address City State ZipDonald Moore,FWOC TreasurerName of primary contact personOffice held1121 West 23rd StreetUpland, CA 91784Phone Fax EmailNumber of current members in your organization ___________ (Annual dues are based on membership: 1-300=$25 301-1000=$50 over 1000=$100)Along with completed application and dues, please send a copy of your organization’s bylaws, constitution and/or articles of incorporation.Signature of applicant officers:Spring 2002PresidentSecretaryFWOC - Outdoors West 11

FEDERAEDERATIONOF WESTERNOUTDOORCLUBS4028 NE 196th StreetLake Forest Park, WA 98155Presorted StandardU.S. PostagePAIDSeattle, WAPermit No. 6549CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED“Only when there is a wilderness, can man harmonize his inner being with the wave lengths of the earth.When the earth, its products, its creatures become his concern, man is caught up in a causegreater than his own life and more meaningful.Only when man loses himself in an endeavor of that magnitudedoes he walk and live with humility and reverence.”William O. DouglasAs quoted in Pursuing Wild Trout: A Journey In Wilderness Values, by Bob Madgic12FWOC - Outdoors West Spring 2002