july - august 2002 canyon echo

Canyon Echo - July/August 2002

Canyon EchoGrand Canyon Chapter

July/August 2002Vol. 38 No. 4 arizona.sierraclub.org

“Nature does nothing in vain.”

Black-footed Ferret Returns to Arizonadetails, page 9

“The attacks on theHeritage Fund werefended off for the 26th

time and legislatorsfailed to underminePima County’sSonoran DesertConservation Plan.”

- Sandy Bahr Conservation Outreach Director of the Grand Canyon Chapter

Conservation PoliticsChapter Bids Farewell, SalutesCardamone, Hartley for Strong

Conservation Roles

- Aristotle,The Politics

While nature does nothing in vain, the samecannot be said for the Arizona Legislature.

“The good news is there was not nearly as much badnews for Arizona’s environment,” said Sandy Bahr, theGrand Canyon Chapter’s Conservation OutreachDirector. “The attacks on the Heritage Fund were fendedoff for the 26th time and legislators failed to underminePima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. Thebad news is not much positive moved forward either.Legislators continue to defer key environmental issuesto the courts, the federal government, and to theinitiative and referendum process.”

The budget issues took up a lot of the legislators’ time,which may explain why there was less anti-environ-mental legislation; there were no bills to promotesecrecy and immunity for polluters, and no bills tofurther exempt mines from environmental protections.The budget did not distract legislators from mischiefentirely, however.Six bills receivedhearings that wouldhave in some wayeroded importantinitiative andreferendum rightsand the worstlegislation of the ses-sion related to statetrust lands. The anti-initiative measuresall failed, but thestate land billspassed and weresigned by the gover-nor.

“We’re disappointed that the State Land Commissionersupported measures to promote sprawl on state trustlands and that made it more difficult for conservationinterests to obtain grazing leases,” Bahr said.

One of the rules of politics is that you don’t fully trust anyone until he or she has stuck with a good cause that is clearly losing.

Senator Mary Hartley and Representative CarmineCardamone have earned both our trust and respect as environmentalchampions as they stood up for environmental protection often againstenormous odds at the Arizona Legislature.

Recently, the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter gave specialrecognition to Representative Cardamone and Senator Hartley for theirstrong and consistent support for the environment in the Arizona Legislature.

Environmental Hall of FameSenator Mary Hartley is finishing her fourth term as a state senator representing the former Legislative District20, which includes portions of Phoenix, Glendale, El Mirage, and Surprise. In addition to being a strongenvironmental advocate, she has also been a staunch supporter of education interests at the legislature and on theGoverning Board of the Alhambra Elementary School District. Senator Hartley has received a perfect score onalmost every report card during her tenure at the legislature.

Representative Carmine Cardamone represents old Legislative District11 in the heart of Tucson. He is a lifelong activist and was a strongsupporter of environmental protection before he came to the ArizonaLegislature. He continued that enthusiasm in the Arizona House ofRepresentatives, often working quietly behind the scenes to promotechange — to help defeat bad environmental bills, to amend bills, and tosupport pro-environmental measures. Representative Cardamone was achampion of the Citizens’ Growth Management Initiative and he actedagainst efforts to undercut it legislatively. He continues to support betterland management, including on our state trust lands. This year he workedhard to try to defeat a proposal by the state land department to promoteurban sprawl on state trust lands.

The Sierra Club will miss Representative Cardamone and Senator Hartleyand their work to promote clean air, clean water, preservation of Arizona’skey plant and wildlife habitat, responsible growth, and legacy of a betterquality of life for all Arizonans. Thank you to both of them from thisgeneration and the next.

On June 5th, the Sierra Club’sGrand Canyon Chapter issued its2002 Legislative EnvironmentalReport Card and graded yourlegislators on issues ranging fromair quality to state trust landmanagement. For more details onplease see page 6 or go towww.arizona.sierraclub.org.

Inside this month’s Echo: 3 – Ed Pastor Receives High Environmental Score 4 – Volunteer Awards at May Banquet 5 – G & F Commissioners See the Light McCain Becomes Key Vote for ANWR 8 – National Monuments & National Honors 9 – Ferret Festivities & Pinnacle Peak Re-opens 10 – Assuring the Chapter’s Spirit Lives! 10-12 – Outdoor adventures in your backyard waiting to be explored.

October Green River Float Tripdetails, page 10

July First Aid Class & September Wolf Outingdetails, page 12

New Blood, Voices for Nominating Commiteedetails, page 5

Top Right: Arizona map with an aerial view of Arizona Legislature building and Wesley Bolin Park.Photo courtesy of the Arizona Legislature website (www.azleg.state.az.us).Center: Senator Hartley. Courtesy of Duke Photography, Inc., Phoenix, AZ.Bottom Left: Representative Cardamone. Courtesy of Ray Manley Portraits.

Senator Mary Hartley

RepresentativeCarmine Cardamone

by Sandy Bahr, Grand Canyon Chapter, Conservation Directorby Sandy BahrGrand Canyon Chapter, Conservation Director


Sierra Club Officers - 2002Grand Canyon Chapter

202 E. McDowell Rd., Suite 277 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (Fax) 602-258-6533Conservation Outreach Director:

Sandy Bahr 602-253-8633 [email protected]

Southwest Regional Staff Director:Rob Smith 602-254-9330

[email protected]

Chapter Webmaster: Dawson Henderson [email protected]

Grand Canyon Chapter Officers & Committee Chairs(xc) denotes 2002 Chapter Executive Committee Members

Chairperson: Rich Genser (xc) 520-529-4899 [email protected]: Jim McCarthy (xc) 480-759-8347Secretary: Bev Full (xc) [email protected]: Ted Gartner (xc) 480-961-0370 [email protected]: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 [email protected] Chair: Kathy Roediger 602-266-6358 [email protected] Chair: Kathy Roediger 602-266-6358 [email protected] Chair: Bev Full (xc) [email protected] Chair: Ted Gartner (xc) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Chair: Ted Gartner (xc) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Chair: Jack Foster (x) 520-293-7265 [email protected]: Ken Langton (xc) [email protected]

Chad Campbell (xc) [email protected] Emrick 520-326-7833 [email protected] Volz [email protected]

Fundraising Chair: Renée Guillory [email protected]

Southwest Regional Conservation Committee (SWRCC) Delegates:Roy Emrick Dale Volz Randy Serraglio (alt)

Council Delegates: Rich Genser Jim McCarthy (alt)

2002 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:Palo Verde Group: Martin Braatelien Plateau Group: Roxane GeorgeRincon Group: Rob Kulakofsky Yavapai Group: Tom SlabackSedona/Verde Valley Group: Craig Dible

YYYYYour Sierra Club on the Wour Sierra Club on the Wour Sierra Club on the Wour Sierra Club on the Wour Sierra Club on the Webebebebeb

Grand Canyon Chapter Home Pagehttp://arizona.sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Home Pagehttp://www.sierraclub.org

Sierra Club Magazinehttp://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/

The Planethttp://www.sierraclub.org/planet/

Online Newshttp://www.sierraclub.org/news/

photo by S.D. Mittelsteadt, Palo Verde Group

Please send articles to the editor - Attn: Heidi K. Slagle, 202 E. McDowell Rd.,Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Articles must be typed and double-spaced. Pleaselabel disks; include software and file name. (Note: Macintosh users-MicrosoftWord 6.0 only, 3.5 high density). Please send a S.A.S.E. for return of disk. Copysubmitted on computer disk must include a printout. Contributions - disk,manuscripts, photographs and art - will not be returned without a S.A.S.E.We are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Articles regardingconservation and political matters will be reviewed at the time by the respectivecommittee chairs. Writer’s guidelines can be obtained by sending a #10 S.A.S.E.to the editor or by e-mailing the editor. All rights to publication of articles in thisissue are reserved. The Canyon Echo deadline is the first Friday of themonth preceding the month of the issue.

The Canyon Echo (ISSN 0164-7024) is published bi-monthly,(Jan/Feb, Mar/Apr, May/Jun, Jul/Aug, Sep/Oct, Nov/Dec) by the Grand CanyonChapter of the Sierra Club, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004.Annual dues to the Sierra Club at $39, of which $1 is for the Canyon Echo.Subscriptions rate for non-members is $10. Mail to Editor - Canyon Echo, 202 E.McDowell Rd, Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Periodicals postage paid atPhoenix, AZ. POSTMASTER: Send address Changes to: Sierra Club MemberServices, c\o Canyon Echo, P.O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80322-2968.

Opinions expressed in the Canyon Echo are those of the contributorsand do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Sierra Club.Advertising is sold on a first-come, space-available basis. Endorsements of theadvertisers by the Sierra Club is not implied, and all interactions betweenadvertisers and consumers are solely the responsibilities of those parties.

Publications Editor: Heidi K. [email protected] E. McDowell Rd. Ste. 277Phoenix, AZ 85004Phone: (602) 253-9140Fax: (602) 258-6533

Outings Editor: Jerry [email protected] E. McLellanPhoenix, AZ 85014(602) 279-4668

Events Photographer: Jim McCarthyDistribution: volunteer opportunityLabels & Mailing: Jerry Nelson, [email protected]

Bill Gill, (480) 967-2320Printing: Valley Newspapers

Canyon EchoGrand Canyon Chapter

Palo Verde Group - Phoenix(x) denotes Group Executive Committee Member

202 E. McDowell Rd., Suite 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004Chairperson: Ted Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected]: Brian Blanchard (x) 480-694-8519 [email protected]: volunteer opportunityTreasurer: Dan Cline (x) 480-921-9142 [email protected]: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 [email protected] Chair: Ted Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Chair: Dan Cline (x) 480-921-9142 [email protected] City Outings: Denise Berringer-Wood (x) 602-867-3017 [email protected] Chair: Ted Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Chair: Connie Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Quality Chair: Tom Lazelle (x) 623-843-8451Energy Chair: Jon Findley (x) 480-756-2916 [email protected] Singles: Alan Stater 480-654-1234 [email protected]

Plateau Group - FlagstaffP.O. Box 38 Flagstaff, AZ 86002

Co-Chair: Dave Sherman (x) 928-773-1064 [email protected]: Roxane George (x) 928-213-9507 [email protected]

Rincon Group - Tucson738 N. 5th Ave., Ste. 214 Tucson, AZ 85705

Chairperson: Linda Rothchild-Tepper (x) 520-747-5078 [email protected]/Membership: Keith Bagwell (x) 520-623-0269 [email protected]: Elna Otter (x) 520-212-9736 [email protected]: Roy Emrick (xc) 520-326-7833 [email protected] Chair: volunteer opportunityEJ/Health/Water: Rob Kulakofsky 520-623-3874 [email protected] Chair: Linda Rothchild-Tepper (x) 520-747-5078 [email protected] Outings Chair: Matt Nelson 520-770-0668 [email protected] Outings Chair: William Drabkin 520-791-7739 [email protected] Owner: Jack Foster (x) 520-293-7265 [email protected]/Calendars: Lee Oler 520-791-9246 [email protected] Chair: volunteer opportunityOutings Chair: David Martin 520-795-9159 [email protected]/Legislative: Lee Oler 520-791-9246 [email protected] Chair: Katherine Saux 520-883-4668 [email protected]/Singles Chair: Priscilla Colletta 520-808-1323State Lands: Randy Serraglio (x) 520-622-3085 [email protected]: Keith Bagwell (x) 520-623-0269 [email protected] Coordinator: Leigh Robinson 520-319-8305Webmaster: Rob Kulakofsky 520-623-3874 [email protected]

Sedona/Verde Valley GroupP. O. Box 3913, West Sedona, AZ 86340

Chairperson: Craig Dible (x) 928-284-2000 [email protected]: Bennie Blake (x) 928-282-6578Secretary: Joanne Johnson (x) 928-284-1656 [email protected]: Harry Easton (x) 928-282-6710 [email protected]: Lynn Dible (x) 928-284-2000 [email protected]

Yavapai Group - Prescott1866 Forest View Dr. Prescott, AZ 86305

Chairperson: Edna Moglewer (x) 928-445-9623 [email protected]: Paul Poyner (x) 928-778-6534Secretary: Joe WenzelTreasurer: Sidney Moglewer (x) 928-445-9623 [email protected]: Paul Poyner (x) 928-778-6534Conservation: Tom Slaback (x) 928-778-4233 [email protected] & Outings: Carolyn York 928-541-1952

Conservation Committee Chair: Don Steuter(602) 956-5057, [email protected]

Energy CommitteeChair: Jack Foster, (520) 293-7265, [email protected]

Environmental Justice CommitteeChair(s): Rob Kulakofsky, [email protected]

Keith Bagwell, [email protected] Conservation Committee

Chair: Sharon Galbreath, (520) 774-1571 [email protected]

Grand Canyon CommitteeChair: Jim McCarthy, (480) 759-8347

Grazing CommitteeChair: Frank Welsh, (602) 277-5080, [email protected]

National Parks & Wild Refuges CommitteeChair: Ken Langton (520) 749-3829, [email protected]

Mining CommitteeChair: Don Steuter, (602) 956-5057, [email protected]

Recreation CommitteeChair: Dave Sherman, [email protected]

Toxics CommitteeChair: Rob Kulakofsky, [email protected]

Urbanism & Urban Sprawl CommitteeChair: Chad Campbell, [email protected]

Water & Watershed Protection CommitteeChair: volunteer opportunity, please contact Don Steuter

Wilderness CommitteeChair: Dave Suda, [email protected]

Wildlife & Endangered Species CommitteeChair: Kathy Roediger, [email protected]

ConserConserConserConserConservation Committeesvation Committeesvation Committeesvation Committeesvation Committees


Special FeatureCommittee: PoliticalChair: Bev Full(480) 595-2306,[email protected]: New e-mailRight: PoliticalCommittee memberswith Ed Pastor (left toright) Tinker Ouse, BevFull, Scott Mittlesteadt,Ed Pastor, Julie Sherman, Rob Smith, andChad Campbell. Courtesy of Ed Pastor’s office staff.

Benefactor RollBenefactors making Arizona’s mountains glad ($100)

Benefactors keeping close to nature’s heart ($50.00-$99.99)

Benefactors realizing their contribution is hitched to everythingelse in the universe ($20.00-$1.00)

*We greatly appreciate all benefactors that gave to this year’s fundraiser. This is the second listof Sierra Club benefactors that we have published. If you do not see your name, it means that youdid not grant us permission on the donation card to print your name in this publication. For furtherinformation, please contact the editor, Heidi K. Slagle (602) 253-9140.

The Grand Canyon Chapter’s Political Committeeidentifies and supports candidates for office whom

we believe will support environmental protection. Thecommittee reports to the Chapter Executive Committeeand provides recommendations to them and to ourmembers. We help with campaigns in ways consistentwith Sierra Club policy and environmental protection. This includes mailinginformation to our members, writing news releases, and recruiting volunteers tohelp individual candidates. Arizona’s future depends on our research, dedication,education and endorsements of environmentally conscious and enthusiasticelected candidates.

Come join us!Register to Vote: Protect Arizona through your vote. Encourage your friendsand family to do the same - (see page 6 for more details). If you are interested inhelping to elect environmentally friendly candidates to office, now is the time toget involved. There are many ways you can help and be involved — set up ahike to help distribute candidate literature, help with a mailing, go to a candidateforum, and/or write a letter to the editor. Rewarding involvement includes handingout leaflets, going door-to-door, and/or making phone calls. Please call the SierraClub office (602) 253-8633.

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Chapter committees are a crucial part of the Sierra Club Activist Network.Each committee owns a particular environmental issue and is responsible for

helping direct chapter policies and campaigns. If you would like to get involved,please contact one of the following individuals. They are always looking for helpand new ideas. Take action!

BeforeWish List Up & Coming EventsStay Tuned For:

Takinga “peek”

inside there-opened

Pinnacle Peak ParkScottsdale, Ariz.

details, page 8

Name

Address

City State Zip

MOVING?Paste the current mailing label here and write

in new address below.(Please allow 4-6 weeks processing time.)

Sierra ClubP.O. Box 52968Boulder, Colorado80322-2968

My current mailing address is shown above.Please change to address below. Thank you.

Mail to:

Fundraising CommitteeChair: Renée Guillory, [email protected] Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter Fundraising Committee has a dualmission: putting the ‘fun’ in fundraising while raising extra monies to benefit all ofour local conservation programs. We hold meetings approximately once a month,and hold at least one small fundraising event per month as well. We always needmore creative ideas and more helping hands, so join us!

Publications CommitteeChair: Jack Foster, (520) 293-7265, [email protected] on track, now that Jack Foster has returned to the Chapter, back from abrief hiatus in California. Foster was a member of the pubcom prior to hisdeparture last summer. Committee members include Priscilla Benbrook, TedGartner, Kathy Roediger, Beverly Full and Chapter Chair Rich Genser. Chaptermembers are encouraged to become active in every aspect of our chapteractivities, and volunteers are sought for service on the pubcom and the energysubcommittee, which Foster has also agreed to chair.

For more information, see the Conservation Committees listed on page 2.Nominating Committee information on page 5.

Photo courtesy of John Loleit,Pinnacle Peak Park

Congressman Ed Pastor, who currently represents Congressional District 2,received a score of 86 percent for his 2001 voting record from the League ofConservation Voters (LCV). Pastor voted against oil drilling in the Arctic; forthe maintenance of mining regulations; against drilling in national monuments;against drilling in the Gulf of Mexico; against drilling in the Great Lakes; forfarm conservation; for lower arsenic levels in drinking water; for thepreservation of Environmental Protection Agency enforcement funding;against the Bush energy plan; for family planning funding; and against FastTrack authority to expand the North American Free Trade Agreement(NAFTA).

Pastor was the highest scoring member from the Arizona delegation. OtherArizona scores ranged from zero to 25 percent.

Recently members of the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter met withCongressman Pastor to thank him for his support for many keyenvironmental programs and for his opposition to legislation that wouldundermine them. (See photo, left.) Activists also urged Pastor to supportmining law reform and to help protect Haunted Canyon and Pinto Creek, justeast of Superior, from a proposed copper mine.

Rep. Pastor scores high onenvironmental record

Reduce, Recycle, ReuseThese are the three R’s for reducing waste and using resources moreefficiently. Here is your chance to do your part by donating your good“junk” to the Grand Canyon Chapter for our fall garage sale. Pleasecontact Sandy Bahr if you have items to donate or would like to help,602-253-8633 or [email protected].

Look for details about the garage sale in the Sept./Oct. Canyon Echo.Thanks!

Garage Sale!

David Bixby and Karen SchroederBobbie HoladayDiana Imig

Tom and Grace CabotJoan HasenohriAnupam Narayan and Judith Sugg

Deborah SwartzSandra Whitley

Linda LeblangDouglas and Dee McCulleyRobert McDonaldHerbert HullMary Habib

Theodore SolisClyde and Kathleen BrownIrene LundquistE. J. and H. N. WulfMark CoryellBruce Fischer


“Give a little bit of Heart & Soul”“Give a little bit of Heart & Soul”“Give a little bit of Heart & Soul”“Give a little bit of Heart & Soul”“Give a little bit of Heart & Soul”

Plenty of “Fun”draising at Inaugural VolunteerRecognition Banquet and Arts Auction

by Renée Guillory, Fundraising Chair

Nature is waiting for you…and so are we!

There’s still time to travel with us in 2002!Visit our web site, give us a call, or email us for detailson any of our exciting adventures. Sign up and join usas we explore, enjoy, and protect the planet.

415.977.5522 • [email protected]/outings/national

On the Wild Side -Wildlife Committee Update

Grand Canyon Chapter members from around the state came together to share a meal and swap stories at our

kickoff celebration, May 4th, to recognizeoutstanding volunteers and raise money forconservation causes in Arizona. The “Caringfor Arizona” banquet and “Arts, Odds andEnds” auction was held at the Pueblo GrandeArchaeological Museum. More than 70members attended, with contingents fromKingman, Prescott, Sedona/Verde Valley, andTucson!

The Pueblo Grande Museum docents led toursbefore dinner to acquaint attendees with theHohokam archaeological digs on site. PersonalTouch Catering provided the food and it was atreat. Members ofBartholomewFaire andCappella Sonoragraciously providedlive dinner musicpro bono, and themedieval andrenaissanceatmosphere wastruly delightful.

Sandy Bahr kindly“matroned” the ceremonies, and Don Steuter,Chapter conservation chair, recognized andpresented awards to the guests of honor.

Mr. Steuter began by recognizing ouroutstanding local staff members Sandy Bahrand Rob Smith (see story on page 8). Then herecognized 40 and 50 year members. The fortyyear members include Louise HaganWhitmore, Charles Tewksbury, GeraldCox, and Rosyln Leydet. Dr. ElizabethRoemer, Arlene J. Van Der Hoef, and Dr.McDonald Robinson have all been SierraClub members for 50 years.

Jerry Nelson was recognized for more than adecade of service to the Grand CanyonChapter - Canyon Echo Outings, and muchmore, plus he was recognized for 30 years as aSierra Club member 1972-2002.

Lainie Levick of Tucson was given an awardfor her outstanding conservation work onbehalf of the Grand Canyon Chapter and allArizonans. Lainie led the successful effort tohave Buehman Creek declared a unique water— this affords it additional protection — andhas helped on various mining projects includingefforts to protect the Santa Ritas.

Rick Isetts was recognized for his manyyears of dedicated service as editor of theCanyon Echo from 1994 to 2001. Rickstarted as an assistant editor, helping out thelate Wil Passow, and soon was taking on all ofthe editing responsibilities. Rick helped ensurethat “Echo” went out in a timely and regularfashion and because of involvement as anactivist he was able to write many articleshimself. The Grand Canyon Chapterexpressed its strong appreciation for all ofRick’s work.

A lifetime achievement award went toBobbie Holaday for her work to protectArizona’s special places and wildlife. Bobbiewas the key activist in helping to bring the

Mexican gray wolfback to Arizona.Three howls forBobbie! She alsowas a tirelessactivist on helping topromote wildernessdesignation for manyareas in Arizona.Later this year theUniversity ofArizona is publishingBobbie’s book,

“Return of the Mexican Gray Wolf: Back tothe Blue,” about her efforts relative to wolfrecovery.

The silent auction netted more than $3,000 forthe Chapter. First edition signed books weredonated by noted authors Terry TempestWilliams, John Nichols, Mary Sojourner,Charles Bowden, Jack Dykinga, Frank Staub,and others. Jewelry and home decorative itemswere donated by artists Caryn Walsh, PamJones, Betsy Rosenmiller and Matt Baker.Sierra Club gear — a hot auction item — wasdonated by Sandy Bahr. Paintings and signedcartoons were donated by Gwynn Popovac,Suzanne Klotz, Jim Murphy, Bill Griffith, JimToomey, and Mark Parisi.

The Chapter Fundraising Committee is alreadyplanning next year’s banquet. If you would liketo get involved in event planning — either aspart of the fundraising committee or as amember of the volunteer recognition committee— let us know! It is a particularly rewardingevent to be involved with because wildlife andwild places can’t speak for themselves: wemust be their voice in thanking and recognizingthe volunteers that protect Arizona’senvironment. For more information, contactRenée Guillory, [email protected] you don’t have e-mail, please phone thechapter office, (602) 253-9140.

by Kathy Roediger, Wildlife/ESA Commitee and Nominating Chair

Center Picture: Lookin’ Proud - four award recipients at thisyear’s Sierra Club “Caring for Arizona” May banquet and auction.Left to right: Rick Isetts, Jerry Nelson, Lainie Levick and BobbieHoladay. © Jim McCarthy, Palo Verde Group.

On May 22, the Wildlife Committee met at the Phoenix Zoo for a the wonderful interpretive walk conducted by

Mike Seidman along the Zoo’s Arizona Trail. Thankyou, Mike, for taking the time to lead a fun talk on a beautifulevening. The Committee learned about our native wildlife, itshabitat, the pressures of development in the state and what theZoo is doing to help threatened and endangered species. TheMexican gray wolves graced the commitee with their presence.The committee holds their monthly meetings at the Zoo.To learn more about wildlife issues: see the article on page 5,“Nighthunting Revisited,” and for outings, see page 9-12. Foradditional information about joining the commitee, please callKathy Roediger at (602) 266-6358 or e-mail her [email protected]. Hope to see you next time!

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US Leader of 33 Sierra Club Foriegn TripsAnnapurna: Circle, Sanctuary & PanoramaEverst: Gokyo, Tengboche & Kala Patar

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Call to all Members:Nominating Commitee

Update

I t’s time to organize our nominating committees. Groups should appoint chairs

for their committees, and the chairs shouldrecruit at least two other members for theircommittees. At least one person of eachcommittee must not be an executive committeemember, and none may be candidates in thenext election. Nominating Committees assist inrecruiting candidates, receive the names andcandidate statements submitted, verify thecandidate is a member in good standing,approve the nomination, report the candidatenames to their respective executive commitee,and forward the list of candidates and theircandidate statements to the ChapterNominating Committee for inclusion on theballot. Nominating Committees should attemptto nominate at least two more candidates thanthe number of executive committee membersto be elected. Members who are interestedin being on their Group NominatingCommittee should contact their GroupChair. Any member in good standing may be acandidate at the Group/Chapter level, so thosewho are interested in becoming part of theSierra Club leadership in Arizona please don’thesitate to submit your names as candidates.Be thinking about potential organizedenthusiastic candidates (yourself or friends)and look to the next “Echo” for deadlines. Formore information, contact Kathy Roediger,(602) 266-6358 or [email protected].

McCain Helps Stop Arctic DrillingSupports Sierra Club’s Stance, Becomes Key Vote

by Sandy Bahr, Grand Canyon Chapter, Conservation Director

Nighthunting Revisited:

Game and Fish CommissionersSee the Light, Suspend Night Hunting

We have one less reason to blush relative to wildlife management policies in Arizona. At the May Arizona Game and Fish Commissionmeeting, Commissioners terminated a proposal to allowthe night hunting of predators and furbearing mammals inArizona.

After significant opposition from the public andespecially negative comments from Game and Fishpersonnel, Commissioners voted unanimously to suspendthis effort. The current rules limit hunting to sunrise tosunset, except for hunting of raccoons. If this nighthunting proposal would have moved forward, manyspecies — badgers, bobcats, beavers, otters, ringtail cats,coyotes, etc. — could have been hunted with the use ofartificial light well after the sunset.

The Sierra Club opposed this measure because it wasnot based on solid scientific information. There is noevidence that indicates this type of proposal wouldbenefit other species or promote better functioningecosystems and it is unclear what the impact might be onthe predators themselves. We were also concerned

“Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.” — Mark Twain

about the other problems associated with night hunting— public safety risks and law enforcement challenges.All of these issues and more were raised by Departmentpersonnel and this comment from Department personnelsums it up rather well, “Never before in my career haveI observed the Department expend hundreds ofmanhours developing and evaluating a constituentproposal that has no legitimate biological need or value.”

Luckily Commissioners listened to the Departmentexperts and to public. We need to stay vigilant when itcomes to wildlife management, but we also need tothank commissioners for doing the right thing on thisissue.

Mr. Michael M. Golightly, Chairman,Arizona Game and Fish Commission, 2221W. Greenway AvenuePhoenix, AZ 85023-4399Fax (602) 789-3299E- mail [email protected].

Right: ponderosa pine, © Dawson Henderson

Publicly undecided until the last minute, Senator John McCain became a key vote against an attempt to open the Arctic National WildlifeRefuge to oil development during debate on the Senateenergy bill in April. An amendment to the energylegislation was proposed by Senator Murkowski (R-AK)which would allow oil drilling on the Arcticcoastal plain of the refuge, the last 5% ofAmerica’s Arctic coastline not alreadyavailable to energy development.

To attract more votes at the last minute,Murkowski added in provisions to send oilto Israel, money to steelworkers and evendesignate more wilderness in the refuge,although not where any oil developmentwould occur. Senators John Kerry (D-MA) and Joe Lieberman (D-CT) mounteda filibuster against this amendment for twodays. At that point the vote was taken onwhether to stop the filibuster and clear theway for a vote on the Murkowskiamendment, or allow debate to continue.The pro-environmental vote was againstinvoking cloture, or limiting debate. In effect, thisprocedural vote was the key test of whether Arcticdrilling would pass the Senate or not.

Drilling proponents needed 60 votes to overcome thefilibuster, which they knew would be tough to achieve,but they were confident that they could at least muster amajority of Senators to open the refuge and keep theissue alive through negotiations with the House, whichhad approved Arctic drilling last year in their energy bill.

But the Senate voted 54-46 against Murkowski, seriouslytaking away momentum for opening the Arctic refuge.Among those voting against cloture, and for protectingthe Arctic, was Senator John McCain.

After casting his vote, McCain said, “Had we adoptedan increase of fuel efficiency standards to 36 mpg by2013, we could have potentially saved 2.5 million barrelsof oil per day by 2020, which is about equal to presentimports from the Persian Gulf. This prudent conservationmeasure would also save twice as much, if not more, oil

than what is in ANWR.”

“What gives this generation theright to deplete this vital resourcewhen we have the opportunity topreserve it for the benefit offuture generations?”

“With other viable energy optionsavailable to us today, to approveANWR drilling would be adereliction of duty.”

Earlier in the Senate energy billdebate McCain had teamed withKerry to propose increasing fuelefficiency standards for cars, butit was voted down. And

unfortunately, Arizona’s other Senator, Jon Kyl, votedagainst the environment consistently on the energylegislation.

The Grand Canyon Chapter sponsored radio spots androunded up co-signers to a newspaper ad thankingSenator McCain for standing up to Big Oil and Big Autointerests during the Senate energy bill debate.

Please contact Senator John McCain’s office to saythanks for voting to protect the Arctic and forpushing for more fuel efficient cars.

Washington D.C. (202) 224-2235Phoenix (602) 952-2410Tucson (520) 670-6334

E-mail: [email protected].

“What gives thisgeneration theright to deplete thisvital resource whenwe have theopportunity topreserve it for thebenefit of futuregenerations?”

– Senator John McCain

If you have any of these items that you wouldlike to donate or if you know of someone whowould be interested in donating them, pleasecontact our office at (602) 253-8633 [email protected] gracias!

• Power point projector• Scanner — high resolution• Your time — to do data entry• A small set of bookshelves• Computer desk keyboard drawer• Office chair with back support/

adjustable height

Please write:

by Rob Smith, Southwest Region Staff Director

Renewable Energy FairAugust 9–11

Northern Arizona University, FlagstaffThe Fair brings together renewable energy and

green building companies, associations andenthusiasts.

Dennis Weaver is the Keynote Speaker.For more information call (928) 779-7658

or e-mail [email protected] or go towww.gfec.org/swref.

WISH LIST


Legislative Session Endsby Sandy Bahr, Grand Canyon Chapter, Conservation Director

Buenos días! Buenas tardes! Buenas noches! The Arizona legislaturewrapped up and approved the motion to sine die on May 23rd. This is goodnews for all Arizonans. Amazingly enough, the Heritage Fund survived the

budget mess, our initiative and referendum rights are intact, and the legislaturefailed to undercut efforts in Pima County to develop a good conservation plan.The worst of the session involved the State Land Department. As the Arizonalegislators pack up their briefcases, they can’t leave without receiving their finalgrades. This issue will highlight your legislators and give you a look at what wenton in the House and Senate this year. In the coming months, I encourage you toget involved with helping your favorite candidates for office and help those whoare protecting Arizona’s environment. Thanks for hanging with us for anothersession and for making those calls, sending those e-mails, and writing thoseletters. Your efforts do make a difference.

What is the Grand Canyon Chapter Report Card?

On June 5th, we issued our 2002 Report Card for Arizona legislators and GovernorHull. The Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter develops the report card in orderto inform Arizonans about how their legislators are voting on environmental issuesat the end of each legislative session. This year’s grades are based on 14 Housevotes and 14 Senate votes on issues ranging from air quality to state trust landmanagement.

Each year since 1995 the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter has gradedArizona legislators on their performance regarding environmentally relatedlegislation. Legislators are graded only on bills where the Sierra Club hadexpressed an opinion to legislators.

How are Grades Determined?

On key bills, Chapter staff provides written communication, meets with legislators,testifies in committee hearings, and telephones legislators. The bills are weightedaccordingly to their environmental impact. In order to provide a level playing fieldfor legislators, the Sierra Club does not count committee votes and very seldomincludes procedural votes. All legislators are graded on a curve.

Where can I get a Copy?

Complete copies of the scorecard and report card are available on the Chapter’swebsite, www.arizona.sierraclub.org or you can call for copies at the office, (602)253-8633.

Who is not represented in the Report Card?

Two legislators are not graded in this year’s report card because they are on the“disabled list.” We wish both Representative Carolyn Allen and SenatorMarilyn Jarrett a speedy recovery.

This year environmental advocateshelped head off most of theenvironmentally damaging

legislation, plus we were able to get afew key amendments added to improvebills. There was not much in the way ofenvironmental progress, however, andthat is disappointing. Legislators continueto defer key environmental issues (andmany other issues as well) to the courts,the federal government, and to theinitiative and referendum process.There were six bills that receivedhearings that would have in some wayeroded these important rights, includingRepresentative Marian McClure’sbills to penalize the campaign committeesfor invalid signatures, and to require acertain percentage of signatures fromthree different counties. Senator HarryMitchell also had a bill that aimed tomake local referenda more difficult.Luckily, all of these measures wererejected in one committee or another.

The main bill intended to weaken andundercut Pima County’s efforts todevelop the Sonoran DesertConservation Plan, (and any other realconservation planning) was amended andeventually became a property rights taskforce as passed in HB2380. The originalbill, HB2638 (local planning; grazingprotection) had almost nothing to do withprotecting grazing and everything to dowith picking our pocketbooks and limitingour ability to protect our quality of life.The bill said that if any county adopts aconservation regulation that causes areduction in use or value of property often percent or more, then that isconsidered a taking and the propertyowner is entitled to compensation. Thebill focused on the establishment ofconservation lands systems or sciencebased biological reserves or permitsrelative to the Endangered Species Act.

The bottom line is it targetedconservation. Three measures passedthat can assist with planning efforts.These bills: • allow counties to promote infill incentives • allow counties to purchase development rights • improve the requirements relative to lot-split affidavits.

There were a couple of positive airquality bills — one that allows the stateto move forward with developing aregional haze state implementation planand one that continues the emissions inlieu fee to provide funding for clean airprograms. Representative LandrumTaylor’s electronic chemical reportingbills passed this time around and theGovernor signed them. These bills helpto facilitate getting information toemergency response personnel.

The worst legislation of the session camefrom one of the state agencies — theState Land Department. The State LandCommissioner, Michael E. Anable,made it clear that he is really notinterested in upholding his trustresponsibility to Arizona’s school children,but instead is more interested in protectingsacred cows — ranchers and developers.The Department pushed through a bill thathurts conservation interests’ ability toobtain grazing leases and also one thataccommodates more urban sprawl andleapfrog development on state trust lands.

While the Heritage Fund was protected,the State Parks Department was not solucky. This agency budget was hit reallyhard; it is likely that the State Parks Boardwill face closing parks this year. On thechopping block are parks like LymanLake, McFarland, and Homolovi.

Report Card AwardsMost Valuable Players

Representative O’Halleran tried to hold the State Land Department accountableand promote better land use and water supply issues and management, plus give thecounties a greater ability to address lot split issues earn him the MVP recognition.With the assistance of the Democratic caucus in the Senate, Senator Solomon dida yeowoman’s job of protecting the Heritage Fund in the budget fights. The Housesent over a budget that hit the Game and Fish Heritage Fund for $2.5 million, butSenator Solomon’s Appropriations Committee amendment eliminated that provision.We very much appreciate that.

Rookies of the Year

Representative Gabrielle Giffords helped protect the Heritage Fund and improveother environmental measures, plus spoke out against the state land department’sbills.

Representative Deb Gullett tried to make the House Environment Committee tobe more environmentally friendly. She worked behind the scenes to improve severalmeasures, plus pushed through an air quality bill.

Senator Virginia Yrun spoke out against the state land department bills and tried todefeat the bill that eliminated the requirements for schools to phase out diesel buses.

Register to vote.Arizona form:

www.fec.gov/votregis/pdf/nvra.pdfwww.vote-smart.org/index.phtml

out of state: www.fec.gov/votregis/vr.htm

Find your legislator:www.vote-smart.org

Find your district:http://www.azleg.state.az.us/maps/state.htm

AZ Legislature online:www.azleg.state.az.us

Dates to Remember:

Primary ElectionSept. 10, 2002

General ElectionNovember 5, 2002

Register to Vote.

Upper Right: Arizona State Capitol Building.© S. D. Mittelsteadt, Palo Verde Group.


Chapter sizes up the PitfallsThe big disappointments for this session include: • unwillingness to require cleaner burning diesel fuel such as CARB diesel. • unwillingness to address environmental injustice in the state and require that agencies evaluate the disparate impacts of certain types of facilities on minority neighborhoods. • unwillingness to reinstate citizen suit provisions in the environmental laws. These are critical to promote enforcement by recalcitrant agencies.Another disappointment was the disregard for basic public safety as was evidencedby legislators’ refusal to eliminate so-called “confidentiality agreements” which protectcorporations like Firestone and hurt consumers affected by dangerous defects inthe products they buy or environmental harm in their neighborhoods. The biggestdisappointment was the Legislature’s unwillingness to address water issues and toprovide even a smidgen of protection for our state’s riparian areas.

Poor SportsRepresentative Marian McClure tried to undercut one of the best planning effortsin the state — Pima County’s Sonoran Desert Conservation Plan. To make mattersworse, she sponsored some of the worst legislation relative to initiatives and referenda.Senator Scott Bundgaard showed lack of concern for environmental protectionmatters, did not stand up to big business interests on the Firestone bill (he pulled itbefore it even got a hearing), and he continued to “mislead” people about his positionon particular bills.Hall of ShameGovernor Jane Dee Hull’s tenure has been a huge disappointment to environmentaladvocates. She signed the sprawl promoting state trust land bill, as well as the billthat hinders conservation grazing leases. She also led efforts to sweep the HeritageFund and did nothing to assist a beleaguered State Parks Department. She appointedanti-wildlife Game and Fish Commissioners, undercut efforts to promote real growthmanagement, and undermined efforts to promote state land trust reform. She didalmost nothing to move forward the recommendations from her Brown Cloud TaskForce or her Water Commission. The one environmental accomplishment in theHull years is the preservation of Spur Cross Ranch. Overall, Governor Hull mostcertainly gets a failing grade when it comes to protecting Arizona’s environment.

HB2162 state land; planning and administration is the State LandDepartment’s “just say yes to sprawl bill.” The bill accommodates andencourages sprawl and leapfrog development on state trust lands. The“notwithstanding” language in 37-132 Section (B) 8 effectively negates the anti-sprawl language in Section 37-132 (A) 4 which states the commissioner shall“Promote the infill and orderly development of state lands in areasbeneficial to the trust and prevent any urban sprawl or leapfrogdevelopment on state lands.” This passed the House 31-27-2, the Senate 16-9-5, and was signed by the Governor.

SB1274 state land; leases and improvements imposes additional roadblocks onthose who would bid on grazing leases for conservation purposes. At a minimum,the bill is premature — the State Land Department has not even considered onegrazing lease from a conservation interest, yet the bill already makes significantchanges to how these leases are administered. The bill virtually assures additionallitigation over these leases. This passed the House 38-19-3, the Senate 19-11, andwas signed by the Governor.

HB2560 air quality fund; control measures was amended on the Senate Floorto include a provision regarding the phase out of diesel buses in the schools. Wewere not thrilled with this provision as it allows schools to meet the clean burningfuel requirements by using low sulfur diesel, instead of something much cleanerlike natural gas, but it was better than the original provision in Senator Smith’s bill(see SB1117). Because the bill continues the new vehicle emissions in lieu feeand funds clean air programs, we continued to support the bill however. TheClean Air funds can be used for improving or maintaining attainment status andspecifically reducing emissions of particulate matter, carbon monoxide, oxides ofnitrogen, volatile organic compounds, and hazardous air pollutants. The measuresthat are included in the bill include a voluntary lawn and garden equipmentemissions reduction program, a voluntary vehicle repair and retrofit program, thediesel vehicle low emission incentive grant program, and other measures that havebeen evaluated by the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality. This passedthe House 42-15-3, the Senate 22-5-3, and was signed by the Governor.

SB1117 school buses; alternative fuels exempts schools from meeting alternativefuel goals for school buses. While the schools asked for this due to financialconstraints, continuing to run the buses on diesel fuel contributes to our air qualityproblems and it is unhealthy for kids. There are numerous studies that indicatehumans have a significantly higher risk of developing cancer from exposure to exhaustfrom diesel fuel. According to the California Air Resources Board scientific reviewpanel, diesel exhaust contains more than 40 substances that are listed by theEnvironmental Protection Agency as hazardous air pollutants, fifteen of which areproven or probable carcinogens. These include arsenic, benzene and formaldehyde,among others. As children wait and as they ride in the bus itself, this is what they areinhaling. There are 1510 excess cancers in the Phoenix area alone due to dieselexhaust (Pollution Report Card - Grading America’s School Bus Fleets, PatriciaMonahan, Union of Concerned Scientists, February 2002). Not only are thecarcinogens in diesel exhaust a threat to children’s health, particulates are also aharmful byproduct of diesel exhaust. The exhaust from diesel engines contains up to100 times more soot than ordinary gasoline engines. These small pieces of soot anddust are inhaled deep into the lungs where they cause permanent damage to therespiratory system. Children, whose lungs are not yet fully developed, are at a higherrisk to particulates and ozone. There are more than 6600 school buses in Arizona;each year they produce 329 tons of nonmethane hydrocarbons, 1145 tons of nitrogendioxide, 1473 tons of smog-forming pollution, 4699 tons of carbon monoxide, 49 tonsof particulate matter (soot), and 159,409 tons of greenhouse gases (Pollution ReportCard - Grading America’s School Bus Fleets.) These emissions can and should bereduced by converting the school bus fleets to cleaner burning fuels. This passed outof the Senate 18-9-3, was amended in the House and then never brought up for aThird Read. A less damaging form of the bill was tacked on to HB2560.

At a Glance: Key Bills this SessionFor more information visit www.arizona.sierraclub.org

How did YOUR legislator do?Not sure who your legislator is?

Visit www.vote-smart.org, go to the candidateinformation page and type in your zip code.

Grade House Grade SenateReport Card

HartleyRichardson

RiosYrun

MitchellValadez

Cummiskey

LopezSolomonVerkamp

BlanchardBurnsDanielsGerard

AguirreArzbergerGuentherDBeeBennettBrownBundgaardCirilloGnant

HamiltonHellonJacksonJarrettMartinPetersenSmith

F

AvelarBrothertonBurton Cahill

CamarotCardamone

CheuvrontFosterGiffordsLandrum TaylorLopez

LoredoPoelstraSolteroWeason

GullettKraftMirandaNorris

O’HalleranSedilloTom

HershbergerLeff

MayPickens

AndersenCannellCarruthersChaseClark

Hatch-MillerHuffmanLaughterLugo MarshTully

BinderBlenduBrimhallCarpenterCooleyFarnsworthFlakeGleasonGraf

GrayHansonHuppenthalJohnsonKnaperekMaioranaMcClureNelsonPearce

PierceRobsonSomersVossWeiers

Legislature, Governor Report Card

BC

AA+A+

A

BCD

F

On the Ballot this Fall:HCR2012 state lottery; continuation refers to the ballot a continuation of theArizona State Lottery and the Commission that oversees it. The Sierra Clubsupports the lottery because of the important programs it funds; all of the state’sHeritage Fund dollars come from the Lottery. Normally, continuation of thiswould not have to go to the ballot, but due to the shenanigans of former Speakerof the House Jeff Groscost several years ago, it must now be re-referred. Hetried to kill the lottery and placing it on the ballot was the only way to keep it. Now,because of that, it must be re referred to continue it. This passed out of the House37-17-6, the Senate 18-11-1.


Around the State, Around the NationChapter and Southwest Office Staff make the Sierra Club Proud

by Julie Sherman, National Monuments Organizer

Local Sierrans receiveNational Honors

Our Pride:National Monuments

T wo local Sierrans, Sandy Bahr and Rob Smith, have recently been honored by the national Sierra Club.

Sandy Bahr, Director of the Grand Canyon Chapter,has received the Virginia Ferguson Award forconsistent and exemplary service to the Sierra Club.Sandy may be the best-known activist in the state ofArizona, and is frequently called upon by the media tocomment on environmental issues. Her commitmentto the organization is demonstrated through hercompetence, congenial attitude, extraordinary spirit,and unquestionable integrity that makes her aninspiration to all of us. Here’s what the PhoenixNew Times recently had to say about her: “Sandy

Bahr, the Sierra Club legislativelobbyist, is one of the smartest,most dedicated and hardworkingpeople. She is well-schooled in awide range of conservation issues,she's politically savvy and herintegrity should be the envy of alot of other people who haunt thehalls of the state Capitol."

Rob Smith, Regional StaffDirector of the Southwest Office,has been honored for completing20 years of service (closer to 21,but who’s counting). In 1981,Rob began working for the SierraClub in Santa Fe, NM, thenmoved on to open the first SierraClub field office in Salt Lake City,

UT. After working for passage of Arizona and Utahforest wilderness legislation in 1984, Rob moved toPhoenix, where he married Joni Bosh on Earth Dayin 1989. Rob is an instrumental part of anincreasingly effective organization built around acommunity of great people.

Together, Sandy and Rob are the heart and soul ofour efforts to protect Arizona’s environment. They

embody the spirit of the Sierra Club ina way that we can aspire to maintain.

Please join us in congratulating Sandyand Rob for jobs well done!

Help ProtectGrand Canyon-Parashant andVermilion CliffsNational Monuments!

Commenting to BLMabout the importance of

these monuments iscritical.

It does make a difference!

by Ted Gartner, Palo Verde Group

Left: VermilionCliffs Monument© Julie Sherman,Plateau Group.

Canyonby David Chorlton

The lizard is a thumbprintat the canyon’s edgewhere evolution left its mark.Below it, the earth

is a cross section through timewith sounds still trappedbetween the layersfrom birds that fused with rockleaving their bones

impressed in the walls.As a condor back from the deadheaves his wingspanthrough empty space

his shadow is the flagof a country that never had a border.

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM)recently held a series of public scopingmeetings to identify issues and gather input on

how to manage Grand Canyon-Parashant andVermilion Cliffs National Monuments, located on theArizona Strip, north of the Colorado River. Theseareas were designated monuments by PresidentClinton to protect their spectacular scenery, pristinebut threatened habitat, and remarkable concentrationof natural, cultural and historic resources. Theproclamations creating each of the two monumentsmandate protection of specific monument features.For both monuments, these features includeremoteness, and objects of scientific and historicinterest, such as: the Navajo Sandstone of CoyoteButtes and other geologic wonders; traces ofAncestral Pueblo cultures, Spanish explorers, andMormon settlers; untrammeled desert and foresthabitat; and native wildlife including desert bighornsheep, deer, pronghorn, desert tortoise, spotted owls,mountain lions, and California condors.

Why do National Monuments need your help?Grand Canyon-Parashant and Vermilion Cliffs NationalMonuments are threatened by off-road vehicle (ORV) use,grazing, development and new recreational uses. Theexisting network of roads and tracks within the monument isthreatening the resources the monuments were created toprotect. Motor vehicles are damaging wildlife habitat, and driving over and through archaeological sites andhistorical trails. All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and other ORVs are creating new tracks by traveling offestablished roads, which is illegal under the monument proclamations. The off-road vehicle community isputting intense pressure on both the BLM and the Department of Interior in Washington to keep every singleroad and track within these monuments open, regardless of whether or not it was legally created, or whether itharms monument resources. Help ensure that BLM provides protection for these national treasures: send incomments telling BLM to provide long-term protection for monument resources.Please ask BLM to: Keep it WildSafeguard the remote character of these landscapes by designating a transportation network consistent withpreservation, retaining the minimum route network needed to provide reasonable access and closingextraneous routes, and routes that impact wildlife, archaeological resources and other monument objectsPreserve Wildlands and WildlifeInventory and protect lands qualifying for wilderness designation; protect and restore springs and seeps,critical wildlife water sources; assess and mitigate negative grazing impacts on grassland animals and deserttortoise habitat; protect and restore native fish populations impacted by dams and non-native species.Preserve historyProvide better protection for archaeologicalresources, which are threatened by pot huntersand off-road vehicle use.What you can do: Send written comments by July 31, 2002.Bureau of Land Management

Arizona Strip Field OfficeAttention: Diana Hawks345 E. Riverside DriveSt. George, UT, 84790Phone (435) 688-3266Fax (435) 688-3388e-mail [email protected].

For more information contact: Julie Sherman(928) 213-1176 or [email protected] up on our monuments e-mail list to get thelatest news about our five national monuments.

Above Center: Juvenile femaleCalifornia Condor at the VermilionCliffs National Monument inNovember 2001, afternoon light withKodak VS100. © Elias Butler,Plateau Group Above: Rob Smith andSandy Bahr at the Grassroots TrainingAcademy in Tucson in June. Photocourtesy of Liz Pallatto, National SierraClub Trainer. Left: Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument, © KimCrumbo, Plateau Group.


After the talk,join us on the week-end for a spotlighting walk...

The Arizona Game & Fish Department & the ChapterWildlife Committee need your help to monitor thehighly endangered black-footed ferret.

Spotlighting:This is the primary method used to monitor ferrets. Many species’eyes reflect the light from the high-powered spotlights used. Thismethod allows us to gather information on species’ and individuals’locations, movements, and population size. We may also be able to trapand/or identify a wild ferret!

Ferret outings are scheduled for three-day blocks(Friday through Sunday). Volunteers are invited to comefor all or part of any block. Times vary throughout theyear, but sessions typically last from dusk to dawn. Thedates may change due to weather or othercircumstances that prevent work. Official spotlightingdates are:

July 19-21 - Wildlife Committee outingFor information about joining us and making reservationsfor this exciting outing, please contact Dale [email protected] or call (602) 253-8633.

July 26-28 Aug. 16-18 Aug. 23-25Sept. 20-22 Sept. 27-29 Oct. 18-19Oct. 25-27 Nov.15-17 Nov. 22-24Dec. 13-15 Dec. 20-22

We also hope to spotlight on these dates,depending on volunteer assistance:July 10, 11 or 31 Oct. 2, 3, 9 or 10Aug. 1, 7, 8, 28 or 29 Nov. 6 or 7Sept. 4, 5, 11, or 12 Dec. 4 or 5

An Endangered Speciesneeds your Help and Support!

Pinnacle Peak stands 3,170 feet tall, a regional promontorythat on a clear day can be seen from as far away as 40miles. It is the most beloved landmark in Scottsdale, nestled

in the foothills of the McDowellMountains. In 1989, the State ofArizona sold Pinnacle Peak to thehighest bidder, as is customary whenthere are majestic lands withmagnificent prospects of profit to bemade by developers.

The state and the City of Scottsdalerecognized that the Peak belonged tothe public in spirit, if not actual title, andso in 1994 they cut a deal with the developers that allowed themto build their luxurious houses around the Peak, and build theirgrand golf course in its shadow, and make their millions of profiton the land. They realized they would have to return the peakitself to the public. Then came many years of holdups, hang-ups,setbacks, unforeseen delays, unanticipated difficulties, and generalall-around foot-dragging. Finally, on Saturday, April 20, PinnaclePeak Park was re-opened to the public.

Freedom for Pinnacle PeakThe park totals more than 150 acres of continuous pristine desertwith wonderful views of the surrounding desert and mountains,

and is open from dawn todusk daily. There areopportunities for hiking,horseback riding, and rockclimbing. City-sponsoredevening programs arescheduled for activitiessuch as moonlight hikesand astronomy talks.The grand opening wasthe result of the dedicationand commitment of manypeople. At the openingceremonies, Mayor MaryManross recognizedsome of the folks for their

time and devotion:• McDowell SonoranLand Trust and executivedirector Carla (her legalname) for having the

foresight to include the Pinnacle Peak trailhead within theMcDowell Sonoran Preserve Study Boundary, thusfacilitating the acquisition of the trailhead acreage fromthe Arizona State Land Department

• Arizona State Parks for a $76,000 Heritage Fund Grantfor trailhead improvements (those Arizona state lotterydollars at work!)

• Volunteers for Outdoor Arizona (Michael Baker andcrews) for the trail improvements (many Sierra Clubvolunteers helped with this! Thank you.)

• Arizona State Horsemen’s Association pitched in withtrail improvements

• Rock climbers Paul Deifenderfer, Wayne Schroeter,and Marty Karabin for planning and constructingclimbing access routes and safety improvements

• Access Fund for helping to construct the climbingaccess routes

Together, these folks have helped give a timeless gift to futuregenerations. Most importantly, Pinnacle Peak Trail is not a “standalone” trail or park. Instead, the trail is an integral part of theoverall citywide trail system. The Pinnacle Peak Trail will connectto neighborhoods as well as planned areas of the McDowellSonoran Preserve.

Mayor Manross summed it up best at the dedication ceremonieswith her closing remarks: “In a few generations when ourgrandchildren are standing at the trailhead ready to embark on ahike with their grandchildren, we can be assured that our effortsare consequential. That our collective work has contributed toScottsdale’s preservation legacy.” With Pinnacle Peak Park,Scottsdale now has the crown jewel of parks.

Let us treasure it.

by Ted Gartner, Palo Verde Group

Inside Peek at the PeakPinnacle Peak’s Facelift - April 20th

Public Claim:Renovations to reopening

PinnaclePeak were slow in coming, but positiveand (hopefully) will last for future generations.

Photo courtesy of John Loleit, Pinnacle Peak Park

Black-footed Ferret Returns to ArizonaJuly 18th - 7:00 PM

Gentle Strength Activity CenterAsh and University in Tempe

Bill Van Pelt, Arizona Game and Fish, will give a presentation on how Arizona has returned theblack-footed ferret to Arizona after 65 years. Van Pelt has been the project manager of thiseffort since March of 1996.

Arizona is the fourth state to return the ferret. The black-footed ferret lives out its entire life inprairie dog towns. When disease and government poisoning decimated the prairie dogpopulations, many of the black-footed ferrets died with them and were thought to be extinct.A great find of a small population in Wyoming in 1981 led to a captive breeding andreintroduction program. Join us as we learn how ferrets are protected from their predators andhow their homerange area is prepared. Learn how you canvolunteer to help the “kits” and sustain the ferret populations.

For more information contact Connie Gartner, (480) 961-0370,[email protected].

Wildlife: Ferret FestivitiesLearn about Arizona’sBlack-footed ferretthrough an informativetalk on July 18th andthen join the WildlifeCommitee on July19th-21st to help ourferret friends!

Pen tear-down, construction, and repairs assistance: The project uses large outdoor pens topre-condition captive ferrets to the area prior to their release. Arizona hopes to receive anallocation of ferrets later this year, so the pens need to be ready. This is a HUGE project thatcannot be done without your support! If none of these dates work for you, there’s still hope.Please inform us if a different date would be better, and we will try to work it into our schedule.Please contact: Tiffany Volz or Kristen Hoss at [email protected] or(928) 422-0155 if you would like to help with either of these projects or have any questions.

Night Visionby David Chorlton

A CanyonWren’s callsoaks back into the rockswhose rough shapes blendinto the sky behind themas a Common Poorwillcuts a sudden arcfrom the desert grasses,broadcasting its tworepeated syllablesto the Moon,half of which appearsas a desert of light,half as a moth’s wing.The mountain’s spinecracks as it opens:a book to be readonly in the dark.

“If you wiselyinvest in beauty,it will remainwith you all thedays of your life.”

- Frank Lloyd Wright


You are invited! The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter is composed of five groups (see page two for listings). Attending meetings isthe first step in getting active. Conservation, political activism, and administrative work are just a few areas which offer diverse

opportunities. All are open to members interested in learning more about the Sierra Club. We are working to make this world abetter, more livable place. We need your help! For more information and meetings/events near you, please check out our website:

http://arizona.sierraclub.org/meetings_events.asp.

ChapterChapterChapterChapterChapter and Group and Group and Group and Group and Group HappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappeningsHappeningsMeetings, Events, & NewsMeetings, Events, & NewsMeetings, Events, & NewsMeetings, Events, & NewsMeetings, Events, & News

Canyon Echo: Save the Date(s)Sept/Oct Copy Deadline:Friday, August 2, 5 PMPlacing your meeting/event is a greatway to notify all members in yourarea. Remember we have bi-monthlyissues, so plan ahead. Next theme:Riparian. Please send meetings andevent information to Canyon Echo,Editor (details, pg. 2).

Wild Utah: America’s Redrock WildernessBob Brister, Outreach Associate of the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliancewill give an informative presentation on the current status of the Utahwilderness with a slide show titled “Wild Utah: America’s RedrockWilderness.” There will be a special reading by Pulitzer Prize winning authorWallace Stegner from his famous Wilderness Letter.

Tuesday, July 23rd - 7 PMREI Paradise Valley, 12634 North Paradise Valley Parkway West

Wednesday, July 24th - 7 PMREI Tempe, 1405 W. Southern (at Priest)

This multi-media slideshow documents citizen efforts to designate public landsin southern Utah’s canyon country as Wilderness under the 1964 WildernessAct. This inspirational event is a must see for citizen’s wishing to becomepersonally involved to make the difference in this tremendous Americanpublic lands conservation effort.

Aug 22 (Thu) Palo Verde GroupExecutive Committee MeetingThe Palo Verde Group ExecutiveCommittee meets to discuss localpolicy on issues ranging from conserva-tion to politics to outings. The 7:00 PMmeeting will be held at the Sierra Cluboffice at 202 E. McDowell Road,Second Fl. Conference Rm. Phoenix,AZ 85004. For information, contactTed Gartner 480-961-0370([email protected]).

Aug 8 (Thu) Palo Verde Groupconservation meetingThe Palo Verde Group conservationcommittee holds its monthly meeting todiscuss regional environmental issuesconcerning forest protection, wildlifemanagement, energy conservation,growth management, etc. The 7:30 PMmeeting will be held at the Sierra Cluboffice at 202 E. McDowell Road,Second Fl. Conference Room, Phoenix,AZ 85004. For information, contactDon Steuter, (602) 956-5057 [email protected].

Mailing Party: Monday, August26th, 2 PM Your effort is greatlyneeded. The more the merrier! Helpus label and bundle the Sept/OctCanyon Echo for our members. Yourparticipation helps save thousands ofdollars each year in mailing costs.Confirm date and time with Bill Gill,[email protected] or call (602)253-9140 for directions/confirmation.

One-Club Outings are “One-of-a-Kind”

OCT 26 (SAT) “B” GO JOHN CANYON HIKE & BARBECUE 2 - 6 PMLearn more about the acquired 500 acres in Go John Canyon. This acquisition is due tothe hard work of the Desert Foothills Land Trust (DFLT) and the Nature Conservancy. Avolunteer from DFLT will make a short presentation about saving this unique part of theSonoran Desert. Join us as we hike the 5 1/2 mile loop hike. Enjoy a barbecue served atRamada 5 (veggie & beef burgers). A donation of $15.00 is requested for a reservation.There is a $5 charge per car to get into the park which is located on Carefree Highway,east of Cave Creek at 32nd Street. Meet at 2 PM at Ramada 5 in the park.

For all trips contact:Bev Full (480) 595-2306 [email protected]. To reservesend a check payable to:Sierra Club Grand Canyon

Chapter. Mailing Address:202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277Phoenix, AZ 85004

OCT 19 (SAT) “C” SPURCROSS HIKE 9 AMMeet at the Spur Cross parkinglot, end of Spur Cross Road in thetown of Cave Creek. NaturalistBob Gualden will be our guide fora tour of this spectacular area. Adonation of $10 is requested tomake a reservation.

Green RiverGreen RiverGreen RiverGreen RiverGreen River, Utah Canoe/, Utah Canoe/, Utah Canoe/, Utah Canoe/, Utah Canoe/Kayak Float TKayak Float TKayak Float TKayak Float TKayak Float Tripripripriprip

OCT 12–16 (SAT–WED) Missed the lastone? Here’s your second chance. Meet inMoab (8 hour drive from Phoenix) to be put in atCrystal Geyser by ouroutfitter. Float/paddle forfive days through beautifulLabyrinth Canyoncamping 4 nights on sandybeaches. Included: canoes,shuttle, most equipmentand all meals. Kayaksmay be rented for anadditional charge or bring your own.A donation of $250 is requested.

Assuring the Chapter’s Spirit Lives On

Arizona is a fabulous place full of majestic treasures, often remote and waiting to

be explored. This is what the SierraClub outings are all about! Explore thisstate so full of life (seven life zones!)and enjoy one of the seven naturalwonders of the world. Our Chapter isnestled in the heart of thisdiversity. In this state you’llfind large treasures, as wellas hidden delights, such as,the red sandstone ofSedona, ponderosapinecones, and red Monkey-flowers dotted betweenferns. Nature creates aparadise in the cool mist ofHavasu Falls or shows usbeauty in a hummingbird.It’s the small things thathelp us appreciate the largerthings, like the SanFrancisco Peaks, the pinnacles, thespires, the valleys, ponderosa andAspen and the Sonoran desert. TheGrand Canyon Chapter is doing its partto help preserve Arizona’s environmentand wilderness. We need your help.

You’ve heard the saying, “you are whatyou eat”. You are where you livetoo. Many of our members have livedhere most of their lives. They havechosen to retire here. Arizona holds aspecial place in their heart, as it doeswith us.

We understand your financial resourcesare not as wide and deep as the GrandCanyon. The plain truth is most of usare very careful with the way wespend our money. But what happens toour money when we pass on? You canmake your money grow when youpass, and your money can fulfill thewishes that you might not have beenable to afford when you were alive.The money will compound. Over time,compounding is a miraculous thing. Weare frugal. At the Chapter level ourexpenses are low, but ourenvironmental goals are high.

Explore the wilderness and then thinkwhat you can do to ensure the spirit ofnature, liberty and beauty lives onpeacefully. Your spirit will endurethrough the wild spirit of Arizona.

Hike.

by Rich Genser, Grand Canyon Chapter Chair

But ponder the following:What if your local group and/orstate chapter was endowed and hadplenty of savings investedconservatively and wisely?

We would be able to plan meticulouslyknowing that yearly budgetary needs

would be met. TheGroup or Chapter coulddevelop better strategiesfor conserving Arizona’streasures.

I can be sure of only onething – I will pass on oneof these days. I loveArizona, so I havestipulated a sum in mywill for the GrandCanyon Chapter. Youcan easily do the same,from one dollar to

whatever. One hundred dollars woulddo wonders. In a state where wondersdo not cease to amaze us, please dosomething wonderful for your GrandCanyon Chapter. Do not make themistake of believing that a small sumhas no meaning.

Take a minute and add the Chapter toyour Will, name the Chapter as thebeneficiary on a certificate of deposit(CD) or a savings account. A will isused to distribute your wishes. • Contact your local attorney-at-law • List the full name of your Chapter

or Group i.e. Sierra Club GrandCanyon Chapter and theiraddress.

• Ask your attorney-at-law what kindsof options are available – tax-free stocks, bonds, certificates.

Knowing that you have provided foryour family and the future of Arizonawill help ensure that your spirit thrive.Remember your Grand CanyonChapter or local group. There arethose whom I love and I will providefor these people but there are otherthings that I also love deeply and thesethings have made my life grand. Theydeserve to last forever. Think aboutthe memories that you shared with yourfamily and friends. Were they in thegreat outdoors? Remember, a littlemoney for the Chapter will go alongway for future generations.

Breathe deep.Invest in your spirit.

For more information, please contactSandy Bahr, Grand Canyon ChapterConservation Director, (602) 253-8633.

a river. Ride a trail.

Paddle

Center: Saguaro cactus.© Heidi K. Slagle, Palo Verde Group

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can changethe world. Indeed it’s the only thing that ever has.”

– Margaret Mead


The Sierra Club is a nationwide organization with an active local outings program for members and non-members alike. You are invited to explore the beauty of Arizona while making friends and possibly finding newlife enriching interests. Simply find an outing that appeals to you and phone the leader for more information.For general Club information visit out website at: http://arizona.sierraclub.org. We look forward to seeingyou in the beautiful Arizona outdoors. SIERRA CLUB RESTRICTIONS:

NO FIREARMS, RADIOS OR PETS.

Outings are rated for degree of difficultyand risk by the leader. As a guideline,outings are classified as follows:

“A” More than 16 miles or more than3,000 feet elevation change.

“B” 8 to 16 miles and between 1,500-3,000 feet elevation change

“C” 3 to 8 miles, 500 to 1,500 feet.

“D” Less than 3 miles and 500 feet.

RT means round trip; OW means oneway; EC means total elevation change;Name of city after the descriptionmeans city of origin for the grouphiking.

Trip leader has absolute authority toquestion trip participants as to theirequipment, conditioning andexperience before and during the trip.

Sierra Club liability covers leaders only.

Each person is responsible for his orher own first aid equipment. If you areinjured, notify the leader immediately.

If you leave the trip, with or without theleaders permission, you areconsidered to be on your own until yourejoin the group.

Hikers are encouraged to carpool andshare the driver’s fuel expense.Suggested compensation is 5 centsper mile.

Outings are by reservation; call theleader early. Group limit is 20.

Donations are accepted from allparticipants at $1.00 per member, and$3.00 per nonmember. Money iscollected by the leader and depositedwith the sponsoring group treasurer.

For more information, call Ted Gartner,(480) 961-0370.

Hiking Guidelines:Starting on the Right Foot

Outdoor Adventures

See outings, page 12

JULY 7 (SUN) Wasson Peak Dayhike,Tucson Mtns. (9 miles RT, 1800 ft. EC)The Forest Service closed our playgroundfor awhile due to high fire danger. It lookslike it’ll be that way until we get some rain.So we’re limited to warm hikes at lowerelevations. It’s either that or mall walks(ugh!). This hike will start early in themorning and we will climb to the top ofWasson via King’s Canyon trail. We planto be back to the cars by 11:00 AM since itis well known that only mad dogs andEnglishmen go out in the mid day heat.The distance is 9 miles and the elevation is1800 ft. Since there is no shade, hikers willwant to bring 4 quarts or more of water anda broad brimmedhat and sunscreen. Call Sid Hirsh (520)326-0583 or e-mail [email protected].

JULY 12, 13, 14 (FRI, SAT, SUN) “B”Lees Ferry Weekend. Carcamp or Motel.Hike three historic Lees Ferry area trails onone weekend. We will carcamp at the NPSLees Ferry campground. Those wantingcomfort are welcome to stay at the nearbyMarble Canyon Lodge. On Fri. we hike thehistoric Sand Hills Crack trail to the top ofthe Vermillion Cliffs (11 mi. RT, 1,600 ft. EC).Bring plenty of water and be prepared forjust a little exposure on this one. See rockart as well as historic cowboy etchings onthis one. On Sat. we will hike the veryhistoric Dominguez Trail to the top of theEcho Cliffs and then descend via theSpencer Trail (10 mi. RT, 1,800’ elev. gain).This trail was used by early explorers aswell as Native Americans. Fantastic viewson this one! On Sun. we will hike theBonelli Spring Indian Trail to the top of theVermillion Cliffs (8 mi. RT, 2,000’ elev. gain).See the historic Honeymoon trail as well aspetroglyphs on this. We leave early onSun. morning’s hike for those folks needingto get back to the Phoenix area. Bring lotsof extra water, sun screen and hot weatherclothes for the heat. For more details or toregister for these hikes contact the leader,Bob Audretsch at (928) 638-2077 before 9PM or [email protected]. GrandCanyon

JULY 19-21 (FRI-SUN) “D” Bisbee/Tombstone First-Class Road Trip. Bisbee isthe best preserved original Victorian MiningTown in Arizona. Similar to Globe, Prescott,Jerome with a bit more charm and history.The average July high temp is 84 degrees F.We’ll hike up to the large rock Bisbee “B” onthe mountainside behind the town for somegreat views. We’ll visit the Historical District,have dinner out and lurk around BreweryGulch. We’ll spend the night in a three-story,wood framed Victorian Bed & Breakfast builtin 1890 as a Miners’ Boarding House.Saturday we’ll do the Copper QueenUnderground Mine Tour, shopping andsightseeing, then head for Tombstone. We’llwander around town, watch a few hangings,check out the junk shops and try not to upsetthe gunfighters. This place is a lot of fun forfans of the old west. Tombstone is not a movieset and has not burned since May 1882. Youcan sit in the same two saloons Doc, Virgil,Morgan and Wyatt actually did. We stay in aCowboy Motel Saturday night 100 ft. fromthe Crystal Palace Saloon, if we can find it.The cost is $75.00 per person for lodgingand the mine tour, limit 12. Contact RandySmith at (602) 944-1905. Phoenix

JULY 20-21 (SAT-SUN) “A” CaliforniaCanyoneeringSurfing the San Gabriels Technicalcanyoneering adventures in the San GabrielMountains of California involvingbushwacking, bouldering, downclimbing,wading, and swimming as we journey thrudeep narrow gorges, cross over streams andpools, rappel over waterfalls, etc. OnSaturday we’ll do the Great Falls of the Fox, achallenging and spectacular dawn-to-duskadventure for strong and sure-footed hikersonly, featuring many rappels up to 100 ft. OnSunday we’ll do the Middle Fork of LytleCreek, featuring several rappels up to 130 ft.Some rappels may require floatingdisconnects into deep water. Sponsored bythe Palo Verde Group mountaineering activitysection. You must be a Sierra Club memberand bring the following equipment: climbingharness, rappel device, helmet, headlamp, 3locking carabiners, and a personal anchorsling. Get bonus points for bringing a rope,extra slings or rap rings. Limit 8. ContactConnie or Ted Gartner (480) 961-0370 [email protected]. Phoenix

JULY 21 (SUN) “B” Fossil Springs Dayhike.Join us on a hike to a cool green oasis nearStrawberry with the most beautiful swimminghole in all of Arizona! Travertine rock linesthe pool, rendering it a deep blue. The milliongallons of 72 F water that gush from thesprings every hour have created a lushenvironment which support more than 30types of trees and bushes and more than 100species of birds. 4 mile hike along a Forestservice road to the shaded pool (8 miles RT).1000 ft. EC. Optional dinner in Payson afterthe hike. Contact Donna Kerwin (602) 266-5077 or [email protected] to sign up.Phoenix

JULY 25–28 (WED-SUN) Sierra NevadaCamping and Hiking. Devils Postpile – InyoNational Forest. After a long journey fromArizona, join Bay Chapter members in theirannual campout in the spectacular sceneryof the High Sierra. Good meals, all cookinggear, and good companionship provided.We’ll have day hiking to glacier-carved lakes,streams, meadows, and peaks, or you canjust plain relax in this stunning 8,000 ft.setting. Enjoy some great hot springs byday or moonlight. Daytime temperatures

should be pleasant and nights chilly. Bring atent and warm sleeping bag, and be ready tohelp in cooking. Count on leaving Phoenixby early Tuesday and returning Monday, ifdriving. Costs, car pooling ideas, and sign-up details coming later. Contact Jon [email protected], or (602) 870-1335.Phoenix

AUG 3 (SAT) “C” Wet Beaver Creek/Bell Trail Hike and Swim. Come along onan easy 3 mile, 400 ft. EC hike along WetBeaver Creek and the red rocks nearSedona. This area is not subject to closurebecause there are no pine trees or housesnearby. The trail is exposed, so bringsunscreen and plan on starting early. Thereward is one of the most scenic desertcanyon swimming holes in Arizona. At BellCrossing, there are giant flat rocks andsandstone ledges at different heights thatyou can jump into the stream from. Don’tpanic, it’s 20 ft. deep there. If you prefer,you can hike further upstream and exploresome of the sandstone caves and crystalclear pools that go on for miles. Bringyour water shoes or an old pair of tennisshoes for navigating the creek, your beachtowel, lunch and dinner because we’ll wantit to cool down a bit before hiking out.Bring at least 1 full gallon of water orequivalent. All roads are paved.Limit 15. Contact Randy Smith,(602) 944-1905. Phoenix

AUG 11 (SUN) “B” Mount Elden Dayhike.Want to escape triple digit temperatures?Join us for a cool day hike up Mount Eldennortheast of Flagstaff, through pines,spruces, firs, and aspens. Great view fromthe top. After July monsoon rains,Coconino National Forest should be openby this date. 7 miles, 2,400 ft. EC, all on-trail, but trail is somewhat steep. This islike doing 2 Squaw Peaks in a row, soexpect a definite workout. To reserve,contact Mike Schwarz (602) 840-0019 [email protected]. Phoenix

AUG 16-18 (FRI-SUN) “D” Train Fans’Car Camp in Williams. Camp in the pinesand junipers North of Williams - 6400 ft.elev. We’ll drive up Friday morning, set upcamp, toss a frisbee around and unwind abit. Then we’ll grab a lawn chair and ourcoolers and drive about a mile West.There’s a hillside spot above a double trackon the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe linewhere you can watch the freight trainsrumble by. They still run the beautiful oldred & silver Santa Fe “War Bonnet”engines up there, sometimes as many asfive at a time to pull a mixed-freight a milelong around the curves. Saturday we’llhike three miles across an old railroadgrade that was cut into the mountainsidehigh above a canyon. There’s an old traintunnel built of flagstone in 1881, the bestone I’ve ever found. The ceiling is linedwith massive, half-round iron plates held tothe rock with thousands of giant rivets.Rail fans and history nuts will love thishike, there’s even a few telegraph poles stillthere. Forest closures due to dryconditions this year are likely, but theSouth Kaibab usually does not get closed.Any vehicle with higher than averageground clearance can make this one, limit15. Contact Randy Smith at (602) 944-1905.Phoenix

Bighorn SheepWorkshop & Boat TripKingman, July 26–27

Heritage Funds are invested in much ofour wildlife management which includesthe bighorn sheep. Arizona HeritageAlliance sponsors educationalworkshops for our members and public.Limit: 30 people. Food and waterprovided. Bring hats, sunscreen andswimsuits. Register as early as possible.Workshop: $35 per person (members) or$55 (nonmembers). Accommodations arenot included however the Best WesternKings Inn is offering us a special rate of$55 per night for two. To register and/orbecome a member, contact the ArizonaHeritage Alliance for a registration form.Participants will receive more informationvia e-mail or mail. Workshop Schedule:Friday, July 26th 4 PM – Tour of VisitorCenter Kingman Power Plant7 PM - Presentation on bighorn sheepSaturday, July 27th 8 AM – Depart forWillow Beach below Hoover Dam10 AM - Float trip (approx. 3 hrs)For more information contact: Pam JonesArizona Heritage Alliance160 S. Ash, Suite 203Tempe, AZ [email protected]

JULY 20 (SAT) “C” McDowell MountainRoad Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup ProjectOur 3-mile stretch of blue highwaymeanders in and out of McDowellMountain Regional Park between FountainHills and Rio Verde. With views of FourPeaks and the Verde River to the east, theSuperstition Mountains to the south, theMcDowell Mountains to the west and theMazatzal Mountains to the North, youcan’t ask for a more scenic place to serveyour community. Best of all, we alwaysfinish well before noon leaving theafternoon free. As usual, the trip highlightis a mid-morning visit to the enchantingand mysterious “McGinty’s HiddenSpring,” a secret and seldom visitedShangri-La, known only to Adopt-a-Highway alumni, where ice coldrefreshments can often be found. Each tripparticipant receives a free Adopt-a-Highway ensemble including t-shirt,gloves, and vest, courtesy of MaricopaCounty’s Adopt-a-Highway program! 3 mi.RT, 300 ft. EC. Call Michael Brady,(602) 534-1355. Phoenix


Outings, from Page 11

Outdoor AdventuresAUG 17 (SAT) Windy Vista RockClimbing. Sport climbing at Windy Vistaon Mt. Lemmon, featuring such routes asHigh Karate, Hitchcock Pinnacle, RupleyTowers, and Space Cowboys. Rated 5.4thru 5.10. Requires Sierra Clubmembership, rock climbing experience, andthe following gear: climbing harness,climbing shoes, helmet, belay device, 3locking carabiners, personal anchor sling,and prusik cords. Get bonus points forbringing a rope or extra slings andcarabiners. Optional overnite in Tucsonfor those who want to do PeppersauceCave with us on Sunday. In Phoenix:Connie Gartner (480) 961-0370 or TedGartner ([email protected]). InTucson: Janet Krisinski ([email protected]).

AUG 18 (SUN) “A” Peppersauce CaveHike down under to a world of wonder inthe Catalina Mountains near Tucson.Experience bizarre subterranean slotcanyons which interconnect majesticcathedral-like chambers and murky lakerooms. This is not for the faint of heart orfor folks with phobias regarding darknessor enclosed places. Helmets withheadlamps required, and two flashlights(make sure you have fresh batteries). Therewill be crawling through tight passagewaysand some 4th-class climbing. Suggest longpants, long-sleeved shirt, gloves, andmaybe even elbow/knee pads. It will bemuddy in many places, and you will surelyget dirty, so don’t wear your Sunday best.Bring a change of clothes for after the hike,and a bag for your dirty clothes. Limit 10.Contact Connie Gartner (480) 961-0370 orTed Gartner ([email protected]).Phoenix

AUG 24 (SAT) “A-” West Clear Creek/Willow Valley Dayhike. Possibly “thenarrowest valley in the world,” WillowValley forms part of the headwaters ofWest Clear Creek. After working our waydown a brushy draw and a short cliff, weimmediately must swim two or three long,cold, deep pools in the CoconinoSandstone narrows. The rest is beautiful.

Expect brushbashing, rockhopping,wading, and swimming. Absolutely nonon-swimmers, strong hikers only, personalflotation device (e.g. life jacket or pooltube) strongly recommended. Estimated 7mi. RT, 600 ft. EC. Contact Jay Skardon(602) 943-6583 or [email protected]. Phoenix

SEPT 14 (SAT) “A” West Clear CreekHike. The leader continues to work his waydown this magnificent wilderness canyon.This time we tackle the remote, ruggedstretch between Forest Road 142A andCash Tank. Expect lots of rock hopping,brush bashing, wading, and swimming -there is at least one long deep pool. If timepermits we will peek into the upper end ofthe White Boxes. Absolutely no non-swimmers, strong hikers only, personalfloatation device (e.g. pool tube or lifejacket) strongly recommended. We needhigh-clearance 4wds to cut down on theroad walk - please volunteer! At least 7 mi.RT, 700 ft. EC. Contact Jay Skardon(602) 943-6583 or [email protected]. Phoenix.

SEPT 20–22 (FRI–SUN) Grand CanyonMusic Festival Weekend and “D” hike.Attend one or two of the Grand CanyonMusic Festival concerts and hike Sat. andSun. (optional). Limited crash space at theresidence of Bob Audretsch (bringbedding). Friday evening’s program will bequartets by JS Bach, Haydn andCorigliano. On Saturday we will hike toBob’s “secret” spot along the rim for lunch,a special grove of trees known forcenturies by local Hopi and Havasupai(about 2 mi. RT, little elev. gain). Saturdayevening’s is music composed by David,Smetana and Davids. (More info andordering tickets for the Music Festival website: www.grandcanyonmusicfest.org.Concerts begin at 7:30 PM and individualtickets are $18). Those wanting to reserverooms online can try www.xanterra.com forrooms inside the park orwww.grandcanyoninformation.com forrooms in Tusayan. On Sunday hike onyour own after breakfast at the famous ElTovar. For more info contact:Susan Zeitlin, (480) 704-5134, [email protected]. Phoenix

Educational Service TripHelp Arizona’s Wolves

Saturday, Sept. 7–8Hannagan Meadow

Join us as we head to eastern Arizonafor a Mexican gray wolf service and

field trip. Carpool to HannaganMeadow Friday night (camp or lodge).Saturday morning: help wildlife officialswith disassembling an old acclimationpen and/or other service work.Saturday afternoon: discussion of wolfprogram with informative question/answer session.(Hannagan Meadow).Sunday morning: short“D” hike in the wolfrecovery area (chancesare we will not see wolveson this trip — that’s agood thing — but it’s likelywe’ll see other wildlife).No pets allowed.There are many ways toassist with the Mexicangray wolf recovery inArizona — advocating forwolves with elected officials andagencies, promoting appropriatemanagement, and informing the publicabout wolves and other predators andthe critical role they play in healthyfunctioning ecosystems.For more information about this outingor the recovery program, pleasecontact Sandy Bahr, (602) 253-8633 [email protected].

Struggling, but making a ComebackThe Mexican gray wolves in Arizonaand New Mexico continue to strugglewith re-establishing themselves in aportion of their former range. Thereare many reasons to be hopeful,however, that soon there will be asustainable population in the southwest.

The Mexican gray wolf is the smallest,rarest and most southern of thesubspecies of the gray wolf. Listed asendangered in 1976, these wolves onceroamed the mountains of southeasternArizona, central Mexico, southern NewMexico, and even portions ofsouthwestern Texas, but predatorremoval efforts for the livestockindustry extirpated them from the wild.After years of meeting, planning,captive breeding, pushing, andadvocating, 11 wolves were releasedinto the Blue Range Recovery Area inMarch of 1998. A total of 14 packshave been introduced to date.

The single greatest threat to thesewolves is human inflexibility andintolerance. Since the reintroductionand recovery effort began, ninewolves have been shot, three havebeen hit by vehicles, and five havedied from disease. Many of thewolves have been recaptured andrelocated/recaptured and put back into

captivity when they wandered fromthe recovery area, stayed nearhumans, or developed a taste for beef.(When wolves do take livestock, theowners of the livestock arecompensated by Defenders ofWildlife’s compensation fund.) Whilethe shootings and the frequentrecapturing of wolves is disturbing,

there is much good newsfor the wolves. Recently,the White MountainApache Tribe decided toallow up to six Mexicangray wolf packs on the 1.5million acres of reservationland. This gives thewolves the one thing theyneed most, more space,and less interaction withhumans and livestock.

In the wild, these wolveshave established territories, formedpacks, hunted wild prey, mated andproduced young. Currently, several ofthe females are believed to be denning,but it is still too early to confirmwhether there were pups and howmany. These wolves usually havebetween 4 and 6 pups sometimebetween mid-April and mid-May.Fifteen pups have been born in the wildto date, (not counting this year). Whenmore pups grow into adults and wild-born wolves begin bearing their ownyoung, then we will know, the Mexicangray wolf is really recovering andresuming its natural role in the wild.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service isoffering a reward of up to $10,000 forinformation leading to the conviction ofthose responsible for the shootingdeaths of three wolves last fall. Killinga Mexican gray wolf is a violation ofthe Federal Endangered Species Actand Arizona law. Anyone withinformation that might be helpful in thismatter should contact U.S. Fish andWildlife Service special agents inMesa, AZ at (480) 835-8289 orPinetop at (928) 367-5689; the WhiteMountain Apache Tribe at (928) 338-1023 or (928) 338-4385; or ArizonaGame and Fish Operation Game Thiefat 1-800-352-0700.

TAKE ACTION

Please thank the White MountainApache Tribe for their support of wolfrecovery. Direct your letters to:Dallas Massey, Sr., Chairman, WhiteMountain Apache Tribe, PO BOX1150, Whiteriver, Arizona 85941, Fax(928) 338-1514.

by Sandy Bahr, Grand Canyon Chapter, Conservation Director

SIERRA CLUBTRAIL

MAINTENANCEOctober 12 – 13

Join us as we work a section of the AZTrail adopted by the Sierra Club. TheAZT from the Geronimo Trailhead toBray Creek is under stewardship of thePalo Verde Group. It contains lots ofchallenging and interesting terrain. Inpartnership with the Volunteers for

Outdoor Arizona (VOAz), we willcontinue to improve a portion of thistrail.

Camp at the Geromino Campgroundnear Payson. Children must be 10 or

older. No pets. VOAz will provide alltools and equipment, crew leaders andoversight of trail building and logisticalsupport. Arrive Friday evening, work Sat.morning until 3:30 PM. Meal complimentsof VOAz and Sierra Club. Sat. eveningentertainment. Advance registrationrequired on VOAz website:www.dgcenter.org with links and details.Event limited to 40 volunteers. Rideshare: Contact Marge Sparks, (602) 508-0915 or e-mail [email protected].

HAPPY (AND SAFE) TRAILS!

Join us for this important first aidtraining. The Sierra Club requires thatall Sierra Club hike leaders have firstaid certification. If you areinterested in becominga hike leader orassistant hike leader, agood first step is toattend this first aidclass onWednesday, July 10th

5:30– 9:30 PMat the Sierra Club in thesecond floor conferenceroom located at 202 E.McDowell Rd. in Phoenix. The cost is$25. Food and drinks provided.Scholarships are available.To sign up or to ask questions, contactSandy Bahr, (602) 253-8633 [email protected].

First Aid TrainingJuly 10th 5:30 PM

Center: Mexican gray wolf.© Robin Silver.

july - august 2002 canyon echo

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