march - april 2005 canyon echo

EEEEEnjonjonjonjonjoyyyyy, explor, explor, explor, explor, explore and pre and pre and pre and pre and protect the planetotect the planetotect the planetotect the planetotect the planet

Canyon Echowww.arizona.sierraclub.orgwww.arizona.sierraclub.orgwww.arizona.sierraclub.orgwww.arizona.sierraclub.orgwww.arizona.sierraclub.org Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005

Enjoy the Special Grand Canyon issue!Enjoy the Special Grand Canyon issue!Enjoy the Special Grand Canyon issue!Enjoy the Special Grand Canyon issue!Enjoy the Special Grand Canyon issue!

For more information on the campaign orto get on our Grand Canyon campaignemail list, please contact Roxane George,Grand Canyon Conservation ProgramCoordinator at:[email protected] (928) 774-6514.

Grand Canyon Constant throughGrand Canyon Constant throughGrand Canyon Constant throughGrand Canyon Constant throughGrand Canyon Constant throughWind, WWind, WWind, WWind, WWind, Watatatatater and Eonser and Eonser and Eonser and Eonser and Eons

SupporSupporSupporSupporSupporting & Preserting & Preserting & Preserting & Preserting & Preserving the Grandeurving the Grandeurving the Grandeurving the Grandeurving the Grandeurn October 1st, the Sierra Club –Grand Canyon Chapter initiated an

exciting new campaign to protect andrestore Grand Canyon National Park andthe greater Grand Canyon Ecoregion.This area is one of the largest and mostdiverse landscapes in Arizona. Itencompasses two national monuments,two national forests, several wildernessareas, and the crown jewel of our nationalparks: Grand Canyon National Park(GCNP).

Despite special protections for thepark and surrounding areas, there arenumerous threats to this importantlandscape. Threats include logging of oldgrowth forests, roads in importantwildlife areas, invasive plant and animalspecies, lack of focus and understandingon how to sustain native species likebighorn sheep, pronghorn, and prairiedogs, regional haze that affects visibility,noisy air tours over backcountry areas,development in and around GCNP itself,and water diversions via pipelines andgroundwater pumping that have alreadyimpacted springs.

Management of Grand CanyonNational Park (GCNP) is a central focusto the Chapter. In fact, our chapter wasfounded during a campaign to protectthe Grand Canyon from dams. TheSierra Club, along with otherorganizations, has made great strides inour efforts to safeguard and restore thePark’s beauty and tranquility. As a resultof our litigation with other groups,Southern California Edison signed aconsent decree to install pollution-control equipment at its coal-firedMohave Generating Station, an actionthat will help reduce haze in GrandCanyon National Park.

The Sierra Club is also working vialitigation and public education to restorethe Canyon’s natural quiet by reducingair tours. Recently a federal court ruledin favor of our lawsuit challenging theFederal Aviation Administration’s weakattempts to restore the natural quiet ofthe Park.

The Sierra Club won a major victoryin December 2002 to keep a majordevelopment—Canyon Forest Village—from being constructed just outside thePark’s boundary. Local activists workedwith former Secretary of the Interior

Bruce Babbitt to ensure the designationof the Grand Canyon–ParashantNational Monument, just north ofGCNP. Because of the efforts of GrandCanyon Wildlands Council, includingthe research on the important resourcesin this area, and the strong advocacy ofthe Sierra Club and other conservationorganizations, we were able to ensurethat the monument’s boundariesencompassed the key ecological aspectsof that area. Overall, the monument wasmuch larger than originally planned.

The key goal of the campaign is toensure more protective management ofthe Park and its associated forests andmonuments. To ensure protection ofthis area we will work to:····· Ensure that a large portion of thePark—the 90% proposed—is managedas wilderness.····· Ensure that the Colorado RiverManagement Plan is protective of theColorado River and its corridor.····· Restore the natural fire regime onthe north rim and the nearby KaibabNational Forest.····· Protect all remaining old growthand rare mature and large diameter treesin the Greater Grand Canyon Eco-region including in the Park, the KaibabNational Forest, and in the GrandCanyon-Parashant National Monument.····· Eliminate redundant roads androads that foster resource damage in

OBy Roxane George

Grand Canyon–Parashant NationalMonument. Limit development ofnew roads and protect roadless areas.····· Stop development proposalssimilar to Canyon Forest Village inand near the Park.····· Keep the north rim of the Parkprimitive and limit development.····· Stop further water diversions fromthe Park and surrounding area such asthe pipeline proposal for Jackass Canyonor groundwater pumping that affects theseeps and springs in the Canyon.····· Further reduce regional haze andincrease visibility at the Park by ensuringthat the Mohave Generating Station andother power plants use the best availablepollution control equipment.····· Protect and restore native species ofplants and wildlife and eliminate non-native invasive species to the greatestdegree possible with minimal impact tothe habitat and other species.····· Support further wildernessdesignation and protection of roadlessareas.

Opportunities for ActionOpportunities for ActionOpportunities for ActionOpportunities for ActionOpportunities for ActionOver the next two years, we will be

organizing grassroots efforts around theseissues, including hikes and service trips,media, activist workshops, andcompelling presentations to educatepeople about the importance ofprotecting this special place. We will

participate in planning processes thataffect natural quiet, the Colorado Riverin Grand Canyon, Grand CanyonNational Park’s Fire Management andBackcountry Management Plans and themanagement plan for Grand Canyon-Parashant National Monument. Therewill be many opportunities for ourmembers to help make our goals for theCanyon and surrounding areas a reality.

We will also develop a citizens’proposal to protect the Park entitledProtect and Restore the Natural Wondersof Grand Canyon National Park. Thiscomprehensive protection plan willprovide a clear outline on how to protectthis vast area and integrate the variousmanagement proposals.

Now is a critical time for GrandCanyon. How the Park and surroundingareas will be managed and whether thePark’s wilderness values and natural quietwill be protected are key issues that willbe addressed in the next few years. It isexciting work and together we willrestore and protect the ecological valuesof this wonderful crown jewel of ournational park system and the GreaterGrand Canyon region.

Backcountry camp in the Grand Canyon, photograph byElias Butler.

Cape Royal at Grand Canyon, photograph by Elias Butler.

Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter

wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org

PPPPPALALALALALO VERDE GRO VERDE GRO VERDE GRO VERDE GRO VERDE GROUP—PHOENIXOUP—PHOENIXOUP—PHOENIXOUP—PHOENIXOUP—PHOENIX http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde/ChairChairChairChairChair Paul Zemboy (x) 602-989-1977 [email protected] :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair : Diane Nolan (x) 480-425-8948 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Dan Cline 480-921-9142 [email protected]:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation: Don Steuter (x) 602-956-5057 [email protected]/utings/utings/utings/utings/MounMounMounMounMountaineeringtaineeringtaineeringtaineeringtaineering:::::Ted Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected] CInner CInner CInner CInner City Outings (ICity Outings (ICity Outings (ICity Outings (ICity Outings (ICO):O):O):O):O):Denise Berringer-Wood 602-867-3017 [email protected] Chair:Programs Chair:Programs Chair:Programs Chair:Programs Chair: Connie Gartner (x) 480-961-0370 [email protected] Singles:Sierra Singles:Sierra Singles:Sierra Singles:Sierra Singles: Alan Stater [email protected] i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical :Pol i t ical : Stormy Rose [email protected]

PLAPLAPLAPLAPLATEATEATEATEATEAU GRU GRU GRU GRU GROUP—FLAOUP—FLAOUP—FLAOUP—FLAOUP—FLAGSTGSTGSTGSTGSTAFFAFFAFFAFFAFF http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau/Chair:Chair:Chair:Chair:Chair: Jim McCarthy (x) 928-779-3748TTTTTreasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Sharon Galbreath (x) 928-774-1571 [email protected]:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Carol Tepper (x) 928-638-9827 [email protected]:Membership:Membership:Membership:Membership: Lara Schmit (x) 928-779-3186 [email protected] Members:At-Large Members:At-Large Members:At-Large Members:At-Large Members: Tom Martin (x) 928-556-0742 [email protected]

RINCON GROUP—TUCSONRINCON GROUP—TUCSONRINCON GROUP—TUCSONRINCON GROUP—TUCSONRINCON GROUP—TUCSON http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon/Chair/ TChair/ TChair/ TChair/ TChair/ Transporransporransporransporransportation:tation:tation:tation:tation: Keith Bagwell (x) 520-623-0269 [email protected]/ProgramsVice-Chair/ProgramsVice-Chair/ProgramsVice-Chair/ProgramsVice-Chair/Programs Linda Rothchild-Tepper (x) 520-747-5078 [email protected]/ Membership:Secretary/ Membership:Secretary/ Membership:Secretary/ Membership:Secretary/ Membership: Kim Beck (x) 520-326-9587 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Roy Emrick (x) 520-326-7883 [email protected] Chair:Conservation Chair:Conservation Chair:Conservation Chair:Conservation Chair: Jan Anderson (x) 520-682-8850 [email protected] Outings (ICO):ity Outings (ICO):ity Outings (ICO):ity Outings (ICO):ity Outings (ICO): Matt Nelson 520-404-7992 [email protected]

Andy Small 520-326-9079 [email protected] ical/Merchandise:Polit ical/Merchandise:Polit ical/Merchandise:Polit ical/Merchandise:Polit ical/Merchandise: Lee Oler 520-791-9246 [email protected] Chairs:Newsletter Chairs:Newsletter Chairs:Newsletter Chairs:Newsletter Chairs: Brian and Kim (x) Beck 520-326-9587 [email protected] Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair: Stu Williams 520-465-0322 [email protected]:Webmaster:Webmaster:Webmaster:Webmaster: Bart Beck 520-885-8326 [email protected] Coordinator:Volunteer Coordinator:Volunteer Coordinator:Volunteer Coordinator:Volunteer Coordinator: Pete Bengston 520-219-3507

SSSSSAAAAAGUGUGUGUGUARARARARARO GRO GRO GRO GRO GROUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTHOUP—NORTH MARICOPMARICOPMARICOPMARICOPMARICOPAAAAA COUNTCOUNTCOUNTCOUNTCOUNTY Y Y Y Y http://wwwhttp://wwwhttp://wwwhttp://wwwhttp://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguar.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguar.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguar.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguar.arizona.sierraclub.org/saguaroooooChair/Group Rep:Chair/Group Rep:Chair/Group Rep:Chair/Group Rep:Chair/Group Rep: Louis Lantz (x) 480-488-4581 [email protected] :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair : Barbara Sciacca (x) 480-488-0329 [email protected]/Polit/Outing:tary/Polit/Outing:tary/Polit/Outing:tary/Polit/Outing:tary/Polit/Outing:Bev Full (x) 480-595-2306 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Jenny Roberts (x) 480-951-4261 [email protected]:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation: Tinker Ouse (x) [email protected]/Hospitality:ng/Hospitality:ng/Hospitality:ng/Hospitality:ng/Hospitality:Norma Hand 480-595-9977 [email protected]:Membership:Membership:Membership:Membership: Mike Mlodzik 480-488-8606 [email protected]:Webpage:Webpage:Webpage:Webpage: Elizabeth DiethelmMembership:Membership:Membership:Membership:Membership: Phyllis Strupp [email protected]

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUPSEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUPSEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUPSEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUPSEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUP http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona/Chair:Chair:Chair:Chair:Chair: Carole Piszczek-Sheffield(x) 928-204-1269 [email protected]:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Henry Mellon (x) 928-646-5484TTTTTreasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: vacantMembership/Outreach:Membership/Outreach:Membership/Outreach:Membership/Outreach:Membership/Outreach: Angela Greco (x)Interim Ex-Com Interim Ex-Com Interim Ex-Com Interim Ex-Com Interim Ex-Com Member:Member:Member:Member:Member: Marilyn Thaden Dexter 928-204-2250

YYYYYAAAAAVVVVVAPAPAPAPAPAI GRAI GRAI GRAI GRAI GROUP—PRESCOOUP—PRESCOOUP—PRESCOOUP—PRESCOOUP—PRESCOTTTTTTTTTTChair/Conservation:Chair/Conservation:Chair/Conservation:Chair/Conservation:Chair/Conservation: Tom Slaback (x) 928-778-4233 [email protected]/Outings:Vice-Chair/Outings:Vice-Chair/Outings:Vice-Chair/Outings:Vice-Chair/Outings: Carolyn York (x) 928-541-1952Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Joe Wenzel (x) 928-771-0838 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Paul Poyner (x) 928-778-6534 [email protected]:Membership:Membership:Membership:Membership: Doris Cellarius 928-778-6724 [email protected] Member:At-Large Member:At-Large Member:At-Large Member:At-Large Member: Sherry Celine (x) 928-776-8726 [email protected]

Vol. 41 No. 2March/April 2005

Canyon Echo (ISSN 0164-7024) ispublished bimonthly for Sierra Club

members by the Sierra ClubGrand Canyon Chapter,

202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277,Phoenix, AZ 85004.

Phone: (602) 253-8633Fax: (602) 258-6533

POSTMASTER

Send address changes to Sierra ClubMember Services, c/o Canyon Echo, P.O. Box

52968, Boulder, CO 80322-2968.Periodicals postage paid at

Phoenix, AZ. Printed at Valley Newspapers.Copyright Sierra Club Grand Canyon

Chapter, Canyon Echo 2004.

EDITORMichelle Pulich Stewart

(602) [email protected]

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERS

Outings EditorJerry Nelson


PhotographersBob Ball, Nathaniel Kastelic, Alex Stewart

Mailing OrganizersJohn C. Blakney, Bill Gill, Jerry Nelson

Publications CommitteeBob Ball, Jack Foster, Richard Genser,

Dawson Henderson

Publications ChairMichelle Harrington


WebmasterDawson Henderson

[email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONSAnnual dues to the Sierra Club are $39,

($1for the Canyon Echo). Subscriptions ratefor non-members is $10. Send check payable

to “Sierra Club” - Canyon Echo,202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277

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ADVERTISINGAdvertising is sold on a first-come, space-

available basis. Endorsement of theadvertisers by the Sierra Club is not implied,and all interactions between advertisers and

consumers are solely theresponsibilities of those parties.

SUBMISSIONSSend typed articles to the office. Label disks with

your name and the file name. Please send aS.A.S.E. for return of disk. We are not respon-

sible for lost or damaged items. Writer’sguidelines can be obtained by sending a #10

S.A.S.E. to the Sierra Club office. All rights topublication of articles in this issue are reserved.

The deadline is the first day of the monthfirst day of the monthfirst day of the monthfirst day of the monthfirst day of the monthpreceding the two months of the issue. Opinions

expressed in the Canyon Echo are those of thecontributors and do not necessarily reflect the

official views or policies of the Sierra Club.

Arizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona ChaptArizona Chapter Aer Aer Aer Aer Action Directction Directction Directction Directction Directorororororyyyyy

Canyon Echo

CHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSCHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSChairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Chairperson/Personnel/Counci l :Counci l :Counci l :Counci l :Counci l : Ken Langton (xc) 520-749-3829 [email protected] :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair :Vice-Chair : Jim McCarthy (xc) 928-779-3748Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary:Secretary: Bev Full (xc) 480-595-2306 [email protected]:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer:reasurer: Dale Volz (xc) 480-892-5102 [email protected] Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate:Council Alternate: Jan Anderson (xc) 520-682-8850 [email protected]:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation:Conservation: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 [email protected] Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair:Nominations Chair: Jim McCarthy (xc) 928-779-3748Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair:Political Chair: Lynn DeMuth [email protected] Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair:Outings Chair: Jim Vaaler (xc) 602-553-8208 [email protected] Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair:Membership Chair: Chris Gehlker 602-866-9024 [email protected] Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair:Elections Chair: Tom Cadden [email protected] Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair:Legal Chair: Pam Hyde 928-214-6492 [email protected] Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair:Fundraising Chair: Rich Genser 520-529-4899 [email protected] (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Elna Otter (xc) 520-212-9736 [email protected] (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Chad Campbell (xc)Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large):Ex-Com (At-Large): Sharon Galbreath (xc) 928-774-1571 [email protected]

2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:2004 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Comm:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde:Palo Verde: Jon Findley Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro:Saguaro: Louis LantzPlateau:Plateau:Plateau:Plateau:Plateau: Jim McCarthy SSSSSedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valleedona/Verde Valley:y:y:y:y: CarolePiszczek-SheffieldRincon:Rincon:Rincon:Rincon:Rincon: Keith Bagwell YYYYYaaaaavvvvvapai:apai:apai:apai:apai: Tom Slaback

GRANDCANYONCHAPTER

(x) Group Ex-ComMembers

CONSERCONSERCONSERCONSERCONSERVVVVVAAAAATION OUTREATION OUTREATION OUTREATION OUTREATION OUTREACH DIRECTCH DIRECTCH DIRECTCH DIRECTCH DIRECTORORORORORSandy Bahr 602-253-8633 [email protected] Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorGrand Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorGrand Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorGrand Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorGrand Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorRoxane George 602-774-6514 [email protected] Program AssistantConservation Program AssistantConservation Program AssistantConservation Program AssistantConservation Program AssistantMichelle Pulich Stewart 602-253-9140 [email protected]

SOUTHWEST REGIONAL STSOUTHWEST REGIONAL STSOUTHWEST REGIONAL STSOUTHWEST REGIONAL STSOUTHWEST REGIONAL STAFF DIRECTAFF DIRECTAFF DIRECTAFF DIRECTAFF DIRECTORORORORORRob Smith 602-254-9330 [email protected]

BECOME INVOLVED:Contact a

representative inyour area to voice

your concerns andto participate inlocal activities.

(xc) 2005 ChapterExecutive Committee(Ex-Com) Members

TTTTTu c s o nu c s o nu c s o nu c s o nu c s o nRINCONRINCONRINCONRINCONRINCON

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SEDONA/ VERDESEDONA/ VERDESEDONA/ VERDESEDONA/ VERDESEDONA/ VERDEVVVVVALLEALLEALLEALLEALLEYYYYY

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March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005March/April 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo


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Echo News You can Use

On the WebSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home PageSierra Club Home Pagewww.sierraclub.org

Sierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra MagazineSierra Magazinewww.sierraclub.org/sierra

Online NewsOnline NewsOnline NewsOnline NewsOnline Newswww.sierraclub.org/news

Chapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action NetworkChapter Action Networkgrandcanyon.sierraclubaction.org

The PlanetThe PlanetThe PlanetThe PlanetThe Planetwww.sierraclub.org/planet

11111 Protecting Our Namesake

33333 Power of Engagement

55555 Ask the Echo

66666 Grand Canyon Issues

77777 Did You Know?

88888 Jaguar Event

1111111111 Arizona Hikes and Trips

On the Web

Grand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand CanGrand Canyyyyyon Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapton Chapter What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going Oner What’s Going On

Inside

Jim McCarJim McCarJim McCarJim McCarJim McCarthththththyyyyyVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerVolunteerExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaireExtraordinaire

Cast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of CharactersCast of Characters

Chapter ElectionChapter ElectionChapter ElectionChapter ElectionChapter ElectionResultsResultsResultsResultsResults

Photo by Peter Trainer.

PPPPPolitical Inolitical Inolitical Inolitical Inolitical Invvvvvolvolvolvolvolvement, Vement, Vement, Vement, Vement, Vererererery Ry Ry Ry Ry ReleeleeleeleelevvvvvantantantantantEnvironmental Advocates Visit the CapitolEnvironmental Advocates Visit the CapitolEnvironmental Advocates Visit the CapitolEnvironmental Advocates Visit the CapitolEnvironmental Advocates Visit the Capitol

Jim McCarthy chairs the Grand Canyon ProtectionCampaign committee, chairs the Plateau Group, andis a member of the Colorado River Task Force. In2003, he was chapter chair and he previously chairedthe Palo Verde Group. He is a mechanical engineerbut also has a Master’s degree in environmentalplanning. His Master’s course work focused on waterissues but his thesis addressed aircraft noise at theGrand Canyon. Jim says he plans to write a book onthe importance of natural quiet but admits that hehas not started yet. He has enjoyed 180+ days hikingand river running the Grand Canyon.

By Lynn DeMuth

In the post-election issue of Sierramagazine I was struck by a letter to theeditor in which the author requestedthat ‘less politics’ be included in themagazine. He stated that all the politicsdetracted from his enjoyment of theother articles. “Here is someone,” Ithought, “who fails to see the connectionbetween politics and environmentalprotection.” Truth be told, until youstart studying the history ofenvironmental policy in America (andwho but a wonk would do that?), youmight not see the connection either.

However, it was political action andwill—from both activists and electedofficials—that made the Clean Air Act,the Endangered Species Act, and theWilderness Act possible. Unfortunately,it’s also political action and will—fromthose opposed to or ‘inconvenienced by’environmental protection—that areworking to undermine these sameprotections.

That’s why it’s so important todevote time to political action. It’s

interesting to note that many citycouncil members move into thelegislature and that many legislatorsmove into Congress or into stateexecutive positions. When a localelection is coming up, study thecandidates and then vote. During thelegislative session, contact yourrepresentatives and senator to expressyour opinion on bills. Consider runningfor office yourself.

The Chapter Political Committee isone way to get involved. Your localgroup may also have a politicalcommittee. This year, the Chaptercommittee will be assessing andplanning its role in the 2006 elections,as well as staying in touch with localgroups. City council elections are heldthis year, so contact your local group andfind out if it’s supporting candidates.

It is through political action andpublic will that good can be done. Nowmore than ever, it is time to make theconnection.

By Sandy Bahr

The Palo Verde Group of the Sierra Club will offer two programsthis spring to prepare you to march off into the great outdoors insearch of fun and adventure. Both programs will be held at thePhoenix Zoo at 7:00 pm.

On Tuesday, April 19, David Bremson of the Central ArizonaMountain Rescue Association (CAMRA) will present the Ten Essentials, critical items thatdeserve a place in your pack. You will leave knowing exactly what to have packed andhow to use them to survive the unexpected.

On Tuesday, May 17, Dan Cline and Tom Cadden (longtime Sierra Club outings leaders)will present on the Do’s and Don’ts of backpacking. Drawing on actual experiences (andanecdotes about things that went wrong), they will discuss how to keep your enjoyabletrip from imploding - including proper planning, gear and wilderness ethics. They will alsotalk about some great places to go for backpackers of all levels. Questions – contact Connie Gartner, [email protected] or (480) 961-0370.

PPPPPrrrrrepareparepareparepare to Answe to Answe to Answe to Answe to Answer the Caller the Caller the Caller the Caller the Callof the Outdoorsof the Outdoorsof the Outdoorsof the Outdoorsof the Outdoors

On the first of February, 90 environmentaladvocates gathered at the state Capitol to learnabout and help advance renewable energy andenergy efficiency measures, plus water qualityand air quality protections. They also heardabout an assortment of bills that are aimed atundermining environmental protections, landuse planning, citizen initiatives and referenda,and funding for conservation programs such asthe Arizona Heritage Fund.

Representative Leah Landrum Taylor spoketo advocates about her efforts to make neighborhoods safer by requiringbetter coordination, information and monitoring when there are incidents such aschemical fires like the ones that have occurred in her district. Matt Salmon discussedthe need to promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. The Director of theArizona Department of Environmental Quality’s Water Quality Division addressedthe gathering and outlined the agency’s responsibilities under the Clean WaterAct, the Safe Drinking Water Act, and Arizona’s Environmental Quality Act. About 20 organizations provided information on tables around House lawn.They included the Sierra Club, Arizona Wildlife Federation, Arizona EcumenicalAssociation’s Earth Care Commission, the Arizona Public Interest Research Group,and the Arizona League of Conservation Voters, among others. About a dozenlegislators stopped by to look at the tables and speak to advocates. They includedSenator Gabrielle Giffords, Representative David Bradley, Senator Ken Bennett,Representative Lucy Mason, Representative Kyrsten Sinema, and several others.

Thank you to all the speakers and groups that participated. Special thanks toMichelle Pulich Stewart for all her work on helping put the event together and alsothanks to Brianna Beller, Diane Brown, Susan Culp, Scott Jones, Nicole Dement,

Chad Campbell, Dale Volz,Maggie Huntington, MikeHarrison, Jon Findley, JimMcCarthy, and Jim Vaaler fortheir help with the event.

If you would like moreinformation on this and futureevents, would like to beincluded on the Chapter’sLegislative Alerts list, or wouldlike information on gettinginvolved in environmentaladvocacy in general, pleasecontact Sandy Bahr [email protected] (602) 253-8633.

Lynn is the Chapter’s Political Committee Chair.

Grand Canyon Chapter ExecutiveGrand Canyon Chapter ExecutiveGrand Canyon Chapter ExecutiveGrand Canyon Chapter ExecutiveGrand Canyon Chapter ExecutiveCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeKen LangtonBeverly FullSharon GalbreathChad CampbellElna Otter

PPPPPaloaloaloaloalo VVVVVerererererde Gde Gde Gde Gde Grrrrroup Eoup Eoup Eoup Eoup Exxxxxecutivecutivecutivecutivecutive Committeee Committeee Committeee Committeee CommitteePaul ZemboyDon SteuterChris GehlkerStormy Rose

Plateau Group Executive CommitteePlateau Group Executive CommitteePlateau Group Executive CommitteePlateau Group Executive CommitteePlateau Group Executive CommitteeSharon GalbreathLara SchmitCarol Tepper

Rincon Group Executive CommitteeRincon Group Executive CommitteeRincon Group Executive CommitteeRincon Group Executive CommitteeRincon Group Executive CommitteeJan AndersonKim BeckRich Genser

SSSSSedona/Vedona/Vedona/Vedona/Vedona/Verererererdedededede VVVVValley Galley Galley Galley Galley Grrrrroup Eoup Eoup Eoup Eoup ExxxxxecutivecutivecutivecutivecutiveeeeeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCommitteeCarol Piazczek-SheffieldAngela GrecoHenry Mellon

Saguaro Group Executive CommitteeSaguaro Group Executive CommitteeSaguaro Group Executive CommitteeSaguaro Group Executive CommitteeSaguaro Group Executive CommitteeBeverly FullBarbara SciaccaLouis LantzTinker OuseJenny Roberts

YYYYYavavavavavapai Gapai Gapai Gapai Gapai Grrrrroup Eoup Eoup Eoup Eoup Exxxxxecutivecutivecutivecutivecutive Committeee Committeee Committeee Committeee CommitteeDoris CellariusSherry Celine

Orientation Dinner for Phoenix Inner City Outings AnnouncedOrientation Dinner for Phoenix Inner City Outings AnnouncedOrientation Dinner for Phoenix Inner City Outings AnnouncedOrientation Dinner for Phoenix Inner City Outings AnnouncedOrientation Dinner for Phoenix Inner City Outings AnnouncedPhoenix Inner City Outings (ICO) is an outreach program of Sierra Club providingwilderness opportunities to Inner City Youth. There will be an ICO orientation dinneron April 9, after the Outings Leader Training workshop. New volunteers & interestedparties are welcome! Please contact us at [email protected] (602) 867-3017 to confirm meeting place and time.

Congratulations to all candidates. Thefollowing were elected for the 2005-2006term.

Louis Lantz (left) and Jim Vaaler atEnvironmental Day at the Legislature, and

below left, Matt Salmon speaks to the crowdabout renewable energy. Photos by Maggie

Huntington.

Sierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra ClubSierra Club Grand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon ChapterGrand Canyon Chapter


4

Frost at the Grand Canyon, gouacheFrost at the Grand Canyon, gouacheFrost at the Grand Canyon, gouacheFrost at the Grand Canyon, gouacheFrost at the Grand Canyon, gouache painting byAllison Alexandra.

Mary is a writer and

activist based near Flagstaff.

By Mary Sojourner

Fog is.I wait. I am crouched in the polished

hollow of an old juniper. The GrandCanyon is invisible five feet to the north.I have waited for two hours. The earthbelow me is wet-dark. I watch for whatmoves across it. Lizard. Beetle. Leaf.When I return my attention to mybreath, I smell only weather.

A window opens out in the fog. Notabruptly, as one might snatch aside acurtain. Opacity thins to a JapaneseShoji screen, transmutes to a quartz lens.A second portal alchemizes. A third. Isee the possibility of the North Rim. Isee the immutable eroding layers ofmadder and gray and cinnabar rock afew hundred yards opposite my perch.

I climb down and walk to the edge.I am here to say thank you. I am here tomake a promise. I am waiting for thesignal to begin the ceremony.

The portals begin to merge. Suncuts through vapor. The Canyon is fullyvisible. I sit on wet rock and dangle mylegs in space. I have been in this spotonce before. A friend walked me out tothe edge with his hands over my eyes.“Alright,” he said. He is Cockney, so thewords came out, “Alroyt.” He took hishands away. “Open your eyes, luv,” hesaid. “Open yir oyes.” I did. My formerlife ended.

I have occupied my new life exactlyone year. In that time, I have monkey-wrenched a mine site, prayed over mymischief, fallen in love six times, fallenout five. I have understood exactly how

much I brought with me from myEastern home. The work, the prayer, thefolly and the knowledge are the reasonsfor my gratitude. And, my promise.

I wait. I look down into the Canyon.I look up and check the position of thesun. When I look down again, I see ascattering of black dots. I wonder if myeyes now carry the scars of solar flares. Iblink. The dots grow larger. There is afaint abrasion on the wind. The soundgrows louder. Scraawwww...

The dots are scraps of ash, swirlingup from space. They drift on ripples oftime. We know what has burned.Threads. Scrawwwkkkkk. The sound ofa ceremony beginning.

“Thank you,” I say. Ash becomesbird. One. Two. Three. Four, five, six andseven. They move steadily. I understandI am to make my Promise as the ravensclear the rim of the canyon.

For a long moment, they hover a fewhundred yards in front of me. Or not.My sight and my breath are one. I hover.Then, as they circle up and past me, Iwhisper. “I will fight for You.”

The ravens gather speed. They aregoing on—the size of blackbirds, ofimpossible obsidian hummingbirds.Time and flight cauterize them. Theyare ash. Specks. Gone.

Their ascent sounds in my pulse:scrawwww—and the delicate lacerationof air that can only be a wingbeat.

What WWhat WWhat WWhat WWhat Was, What Is, What Will Be: Coras, What Is, What Will Be: Coras, What Is, What Will Be: Coras, What Is, What Will Be: Coras, What Is, What Will Be: Corvidvidvidvidvid

When I was very young I used tothink that sparrows ate horse manure. Ilater learned that they were eating seedsthat the horse had eaten but had notdigested. In those days, at least in mysmall city (pop. about 200,000), pilesof “horse-balls” on the paving were acommonplace. Daily, in season, the citydeployed water trucks up and down thecity streets, which washed debris suchas that into grates in the gutters, whereit eventually mixed with whatever elsewas in the sewage system.

Most of the horse-balls came fromvendors of milk, baked goods,vegetables, and ice for your ice-box, whodrove horse-drawn wagons on their dailyrounds, or the rag man on his regularroute, who came down every streethollering, “REX!” At least that was whatit sounded like. He was not selling them,he was asking for donations. As a child,I quickly learned an important lesson:you can’t roller skate in a horse ball pile.Some up-country wit much later wrotea song about the similar feature of aBuffalo herd.

Many people did not have cars, andeither walked, biked or rode the trolleysto get where they were going. Trolleyswere almost everywhere, and where therewas no trolley line, there was a bus line.During the depression, when many

people were jobless, the few who didhave cars either sold them, or “put themup”—meaning up on blocks in thegarage. The trolley was cheaper at 7½¢to anywhere in the city.

When travelling out-of-town youtook the train. Passenger trains werecommon, provided good and frequentservice to nearly anywhere in thecountry. Riding the train overnight wasfun—and still is, when you can find atrain. You had a bed in the Pullman car,and breakfast or any meal in the diningcar. Your duffel went into the baggagecar, to be revived at your destination. Youcould get up and walk around as yourode! Go to the bar car and have a belt!Freedom wearing its finest clothes.

I never heard any complaints aboutthe difficulty of living without a car. Wenever had a car until my big brotherbought an old Model “T” Ford. Theworld was arranged to accommodate acar-free society, and for the most partpeople who did have a car didn’t regardit with the worship that prevails today.

Today, the only reason we are notlikely to return to a semblance of thatcar-free utopia is our mad, passionate loveaffair with our expensive, murderoustoys. Perhaps one day we will grow up.

By Jack Foster

Hitching UpHitching UpHitching UpHitching UpHitching Up

Jack is a writer, publisher, and activist in the

Rincon Group.

OutingsOutingsOutingsOutingsOutings

Leaders!Leaders!Leaders!Leaders!Leaders!

Remember!Remember!Remember!Remember!Remember!Saturday, APRIL 9 isSaturday, APRIL 9 isSaturday, APRIL 9 isSaturday, APRIL 9 isSaturday, APRIL 9 is

Outings Leadership TrainingOutings Leadership TrainingOutings Leadership TrainingOutings Leadership TrainingOutings Leadership Training

Day (OLT 101).Day (OLT 101).Day (OLT 101).Day (OLT 101).Day (OLT 101).All current Sierra Club outings leaders

and people who would like to lead SierraClub outings are required to take this newtraining course. The training will be goodfor four years. We will spend an easy andenjoyable day in the Wilderness learning.

We are asking all outings leaders toplease keep this date open on your

calendars.For information contact:Jim Vaaler (602) 553-8208 andPaul Zemboy

[email protected](602) 989-1977.

Before the Storm,Before the Storm,Before the Storm,Before the Storm,Before the Storm, photograph by Bob Ball.

Ol’ DobbinOl’ DobbinOl’ DobbinOl’ DobbinOl’ Dobbin



5

Call & Echo

The Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club also wishes to thank all ofthe other generous and kind support received.

Is it OK to water my garden with the waste waterfrom my washing machine? If so, what would bethe best detergents to use?

Maggie,Phoenix

Do you ever get really curious and need some an-swers to your environmental questions? Ever haveconservation questions that you’d like for an ex-pert to answer? In each Canyon Echo, we featurea question from our members focusing on environ-mental concerns. One of our committee chairs whofocuses on that particular issue, researches andanswers the question. When we don’t know the an-swer, we find someone who does. You do not needto include your name. If you have a question for us,please send it to:

Sierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterSierra Club—Grand Canyon ChapterEditEditEditEditEditororororor, Can, Can, Can, Can, Canyyyyyon Echoon Echoon Echoon Echoon Echo

202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDo202 E. McDowwwwwell Drell Drell Drell Drell Dr. St. St. St. St. Ste. 2e. 2e. 2e. 2e. 27777777777Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004Phoenix, AZ 85004

Call to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the CanyonCall to the Canyon

Echo ResponseEcho ResponseEcho ResponseEcho ResponseEcho Response

Thank YThank YThank YThank YThank You tou tou tou tou to All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our Donoro All of Our DonorsssssWilliam J. BreedBarbara M. CainMarilyn CarneyJames R. CooleyMike DemlongMiriam DowneyClaudia EllquistRobert & Patricia Foster

Memorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsMemorial GiftsThe Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter isgrateful and honored to be the recipient ofmemorial gifts.

The Grand Canyon Chapter wishes to expressits appreciation to all who have helped fortheir generous support of our Restore GrandCanyon Campaign.

Chuck & Susan OttLee PagniMarsha PresleyRobin Silver & Karyn McCrearyTeresa SmithDeb Swartz & Mark ElsonStephen SwaugerF. Oliver Westfall

20002000200020002000

AwakeningAwakeningAwakeningAwakeningAwakeningSingle silvery strand

entangles the morning sunamong the mullein stalks

IntentIntentIntentIntentIntentWhen the grass is dry

I shall make my way to the streamto cast a tiny fly

HHHHHaiku Qaiku Qaiku Qaiku Qaiku Quaruaruaruaruartet- Stet- Stet- Stet- Stet- Second Pecond Pecond Pecond Pecond PararararartttttPausePausePausePausePause

I have killed this oncebold beautiful fish that could

swim in cold waters

EveningEveningEveningEveningEveningDrugged bees at peace,white polyanthus linencradling their dreams

By Tom Savage

The Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Chapter would like to

recognize the generosity of Earth Friends for its

continued support of our

conservation work on behalf

of Arizona’s wildlife. Thank

you Earth Friends for

supporting our Mountain

Lion Project.

This wastewater from your washing machine,shower, and bath sinks is known as graywater.Using a graywater system at home to watergardens and compost piles can help conservewater. To use graywater at home correctly andhealthfully, it is a good idea to do some researchbefore plunging ahead. There can be challengeswhen setting up graywater systems. Graywater canbe used for some applications with a good deal ofsuccess and savings in money (lower water bills)and actual water use efficiency.

In Arizona, residents who use graywater mustadhere to guidelines for a Reclaimed Water Type 1General Permit. This is a simple permit to use. Itrequires nothing formal except following 13 bestmanagement guidelines, the major one being toavoid human contact with graywater (see the ADEQlink in the web resources box). For example, youwould never want to use water that had been usedto wash diapers or items from sick rooms or waterfrom the kitchen sink (possible food-bornecontamination). Do not let puddles of wateraccumulate and don’t ever try to store graywater.Graywater may only be used in areas wheregroundwater is at least five feet below the surface.

When choosing detergents, be aware thatlaundry products contain various chemicals toassist cleaning. These chemicals may harm plants.Using products that are labeled biodegradable is agood idea. You can contact a store like EcoCleanat 1-866-287-6892 to get recommendations ofactual brands.

GGGGGetting Setting Setting Setting Setting Startartartartarted:ted:ted:ted:ted: WWWWWeb Reb Reb Reb Reb Resouresouresouresouresources forces forces forces forces forGraywater UseGraywater UseGraywater UseGraywater UseGraywater Usehttp://www.rmi.org/sitepages/pid287.php

http://www.sahra.arizona.edu/programs/water_cons/tips/re-use/gray.htm

www.azdeq.gov/environ/water/permits/download/graywater.pdf

http://www.oasisdesign.net/greywater/

http://www.umassgreeninfo.org/fact_sheets/plant_culture/gray_water_for_gardens.html

www.watercasa.org

Jon Findley, Chapter Energy Chair& Michelle Stewart, Editor/Cons. Pgm. Asst.

FourFourFourFourFour th Annual Tth Annual Tth Annual Tth Annual Tth Annual Teaceaceaceaceach-inh-inh-inh-inh-inBBBBBrrrrreathing Leathing Leathing Leathing Leathing Life into Oife into Oife into Oife into Oife into Oururururur VVVVVisionisionisionisionisionMMMMMarararararch 4-5, 2005 in ch 4-5, 2005 in ch 4-5, 2005 in ch 4-5, 2005 in ch 4-5, 2005 in TTTTTempe, Arizempe, Arizempe, Arizempe, Arizempe, ArizonaonaonaonaonaASU Farmer Education BuildingHow do we breathe life into our vision of a better world?Join us for networking, spirit-lifting, awareness-raising fun!Speakers includeLeslie Kauffman of ULeslie Kauffman of ULeslie Kauffman of ULeslie Kauffman of ULeslie Kauffman of United for Pnited for Pnited for Pnited for Pnited for Peace and Jeace and Jeace and Jeace and Jeace and Justiceusticeusticeusticeustice

BBBBBrianrianrianrianrian TTTTTokarokarokarokarokar, author and ecological activist, author and ecological activist, author and ecological activist, author and ecological activist, author and ecological activistThere will be more workshops, activities and music.This is a free event.

For more information, please see

www.azteachin.orgwww.azteachin.orgwww.azteachin.orgwww.azteachin.orgwww.azteachin.org



6

O n e o f t h e G r a n d e s t, M o s t S p e c i a lO n e o f t h e G r a n d e s t, M o s t S p e c i a lO n e o f t h e G r a n d e s t, M o s t S p e c i a lO n e o f t h e G r a n d e s t, M o s t S p e c i a lO n e o f t h e G r a n d e s t, M o s t S p e c i a l

NativNativNativNativNative Americans in Grand Cane Americans in Grand Cane Americans in Grand Cane Americans in Grand Cane Americans in Grand Canyyyyyononononon

Robert is the Environmental Justice Organizer

in the Southwest Office of the Sierra Club.

PPPPPooooowwwwwer of Place: Caner of Place: Caner of Place: Caner of Place: Caner of Place: Canyyyyyon Soundscape Impairedon Soundscape Impairedon Soundscape Impairedon Soundscape Impairedon Soundscape Impaired

By Robert Tohe

ative American Indians have beenliving at Grand Canyon for at least

4,000 years. Native American Tribeshave cultural and spiritual ties to theGrand Canyon. Archaeologists believethat Desert Culture people were someof the first inhabitants of the GrandCanyon. In many locations in the GrandCanyon region, they left evidence of theirinhabitation with small twig effigiescalled “split-twig figurines” madeprimarily from willow and cottonwood.The Desert Culture people maderepresentations of animals with thesetwigs that have been found in cavesbelow the rim.

Pictographs from many cultures arewidely found in this region. Evidenceof the Desert Culture is found inpictographs made of minerals mixedwith plant juice or animal oils that wereapplied to rock surfaces as paint.Numerous images are still plainly visible,however, weathering and erosion willeventually obliterate them.

The Desert Archaic seemed to vanishfrom the area about 1,000 BC, possiblyblending or absorbing their culture withthe Anasazi Indians who beganoccupying the Grand Canyon.

The ancestral Puebloan people ofthe southwestern United States madetheir home in the four corners region,

where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico andArizona share a common point. Theirrich history in this region spans the timeperiod from 200 BC to AD 1300. TheAnasazi, who had been occupying landseast of the Grand Canyon forapproximately 600 years began driftinginto the Grand Canyon region by 500AD. By 800 AD the Anasazi wereentering a phase known as the Pueblo.Ruins of adobe houses in the GrandCanyon show that Pueblo Indians lived

By Jim McCarthy

N

in this area, probably as early as the1200’s.

The ancestral Puebloan people arebelieved to be the ancestors of the Hopipeople, who inhabit a region east ofGrand Canyon. The Hopi name forthese ancestors is Hisatsinom (hee-SOT-sin-ahm). The Hopi people believe theyemerged from the canyon and that theirspirits rest here.

The Havasupai people inhabit theinner canyon in a region west of GrandCanyon Village. In this remote andbeautiful corner of the canyon sits thevillage of Supai and the descendants of apeople who have lived within the canyonfor several hundred years. The village isaccessible only by foot, pack animal,helicopter, or the river itself. Despitethis, it is heavily visited each year bytourists.

The Hualapai Reservation bordersthe Grand Canyon to the south. TheHualapai are descendants of the Cerbat

he Grand Canyon has intense psy-chological power. Consciously and

subconsciously, visitors perceive this pow-er through all their senses. Unfortunate-ly, intrusions can blur the visitors’ focusand can diminish the energy. The GrandCanyon is one of the quietest nationalparks, but its natural soundscape is im-paired. Motorboat and air tour ridersdiminish the Grand Canyon’s power forthemselves and visitors who come to theCanyon specifically for reflective recre-ation.

From my first Canyon trek, I remem-ber the visual grandeur. But there wasalso the feel of the trail under my feet,the subtle odor of pine trees, and thecascading call of a canyon wren. When Irowed the river, I appreciated the subtleand intense water sounds. By compari-son, the Canyon’s feeling was lost dur-ing a later motorboat trip; the enginesdroned for most of the trip.

I studied air tours at the Grand Can-yon for my masters thesis. My thesiscommittee insisted that I take a helicop-ter ride over the Canyon. The ride lackedthe evocative Grand Canyon power be-cause only the view could be experienced.The intense helicopter sounds maskedall the natural sounds; I was disconnect-ed from the Canyon.

Natural quiet is not necessarily theabsence of sound, but the absence of hu-man generated sound. Indigenoussounds are part of natural quiet. Quiet,sometimes primeval silence, is funda-mental to the undiminished Grand Can-

yon experience. We know instinctivelythat natural quiet is important and hasintrinsic value, as do clean air and water.

Environmental diversity is importantto the human psyche. Opportunities forcontemplative recreation in natural set-tings are essential. We must save someplaces for quiet, even while letting noiseinto the bulk of our surroundings. Thenational parks and wilderness areas arethe only places where we can protectnatural quiet.

The 1916 Organic Act gives the ParkService responsibility to protect naturalquiet. The 1975 Grand Canyon Nation-al Park Enlargement Act directly ad-dressed park aircraft noise. In 1987,President Reagan signed SenatorMcCain’s National Parks Overflights Act.The act called for “substantial restora-tion of the natural quiet” at the GrandCanyon.

While there were caps on the num-ber of hotel rooms, backcountry hiking

permits, and river userdays, air tour numbersmore than doubled. In1987, air tour companiesconducted 50,000 flightsover the canyon. By1998, there were132,000 tour rides.

The NPS (NationalPark Service) defined“substantial restoration”as 50 percent of the park

being naturally quiet (no aircraft audi-ble) for 75 percent of the day. Half thepark could have any high noise level 100percent of the day. Although the Feder-al Aviation Administration (FAA) andthe NPS have issued various rules, theyadmit that they have not met even thisnoise-biased definition of substantial res-toration.

As most Grand Canyon hikers willtell you, the air tour sounds over the Can-yon are major intrusions. Through flightfree zones, the noise has moved from thetourist areas into the wildernessbackcountry, but it has not diminished.The noise is essentially continuous nearthe air tour routes.

The FAA and the NPS have recentlystarted Alternate Dispute Resolution.We have yet to see if this is a route to asolution or just another stalling effort.However, chapter members will be ac-

tively and constructively involved in theprocess over the next year.

A quality Grand Canyon experiencerequires time without industrial distrac-tions. The NPS and the FAA should takethe following actions:

1. FFFFFinite Ninite Ninite Ninite Ninite Number of umber of umber of umber of umber of TTTTToursoursoursoursours - Cap airtour numbers at the level they werewhen Congress first addressed Canyonaircraft noise – 1975.

2.2.2.2.2. CurfewsCurfewsCurfewsCurfewsCurfews - Continue the existing ear-ly morning and late evening curfews.

3.3.3.3.3. FFFFFlight Flight Flight Flight Flight Frrrrree Zee Zee Zee Zee Zonesonesonesonesones - Increase theflight free zones until natural quiet issubstantially restored.

4.4.4.4.4. QQQQQuieteruieteruieteruieteruieter TTTTTechnologyechnologyechnologyechnologyechnology - Phase out air-craft that do not closely match the mostquiet aircraft technology.

Please contact …Please contact …Please contact …Please contact …Please contact …····· Jim McCarthy, (928) 779-3748

····· Superintendent, Grand CanyonNational Park, PO Box 129, Grand Can-yon, AZ 86023

...and thank Senator McCain for his...and thank Senator McCain for his...and thank Senator McCain for his...and thank Senator McCain for his...and thank Senator McCain for hissupport.support.support.support.support.····· The Honorable John McCain, Unit-ed States Senate, 241 Russell SenateOffice Building, Washington, DC20510-0303.

people and have been in the area sinceAD 1300.

The Southern Paiute Indians occupyland north of the Colorado River in whatis known as the Arizona Strip. They havetraditionally used the Grand Canyon forhundreds of years. The Zuni Indiansview the Grand Canyon as their place oforigin, though today they live in NewMexico.

The Navajo people make up one ofthe largest tribes in North America. TheNavajo live throughout the region andon the Navajo Reservation, whichborders the park to the east. Relativenewcomers to this region, they are thedescendants of Athabascan peoples whomigrated into the southwest from thenorth in the 15th Century.

The Grand Canyon continues tohold deep meaning for many NativeAmerican Tribes.

T

Climbing Wotan’s Throne, photograph by Elias Butler.

Granite Rapid, photograph by Elias Butler.

Helicopters, photograph by Jim McCarthy.

You can learn more about Elias Butler’sphotographs at wwwwwwwwwwwwwww.eliasbutler.eliasbutler.eliasbutler.eliasbutler.eliasbutler.com.com.com.com.com



7

IntIntIntIntInterlopererlopererlopererlopererlopers in the Cans in the Cans in the Cans in the Cans in the Canyyyyyononononon

Sandy is the Chapter’s Conservation Director.

D

B

By Susan Lamb

By Sandy Bahr

HHHHHome Some Some Some Some Swwwwweet Heet Heet Heet Heet HomeomeomeomeomeGrand Canyon National Park provides adiverse range of important habitat. Itholds 75 mammal species, 50 reptileand amphibian species, 25 fish species,and more than 300 bird species. Twenty-three federally listed animal and plantspecies are known to occur in andadjacent to the Park:(E = Endangered, T = Threatened)

PlantsPlantsPlantsPlantsPlantsBrady pincushion cactus (E)Sentry milk-vetch (E)Arizona cliffrose (E)Navajo sedge (T)San Francisco peaks groundsel (T)Siler pincushion cactus (T)Welshs milkweed (T)Jones’ cycladenia (T)

Aquatic wildlifeAquatic wildlifeAquatic wildlifeAquatic wildlifeAquatic wildlifeKanab ambersnail (E)Humpback chub (E)Bonytail chub (E)Virgin River chub (E)Razorback sucker (E)Woundfin (E)Little Colorado spinedace (T)

BirdsBirdsBirdsBirdsBirdsSouthwestern willow flycatcher (E)Bald eagle (T)Mexican spotted owl (T)Yuma clapper rail (E)California condor (treated as (T) innational parks)

MammalsMammalsMammalsMammalsMammalsHualapai Mexican vole (E)Black-footed ferret (E)

ReptilesReptilesReptilesReptilesReptilesDesert tortoise, Mohave population (T)

List Source: Grand Canyon National Park,http://www.nps.gov/grca/resources/te.htm

ue in April, the new Grand CanyonNational Park Fire Management Plan will

replace a plan written in 1992 and amendedmost recently in 2003. The new plan is intendedto address concerns raised by park managementand the public, to ensure consistency in federalfire policy, and to incorporate recent science.

We hope that the plan will meet its goal torestore natural ecosystem processes and diversity.The historic suppression of naturally-occurringseasonal fires has left thickets of stunted treesand an accumulation of debris on the forest floor.Before their elimination from the park, cattle alsotrampled soils and springs and grazed down thegrasses that once carried these fires.

Federal management policies evolvethrough research, experience, andexperimentation andhave different goalsdepending on whichagency will implementthem. This is easy toobserve on the NorthRim of GrandCanyon, where theForest Service managesits lands in part for‘productivity.’ AroundDry Park on theKaibab NationalForest, recent timbercutting has left rawgaps in the foreststrewn with loggingdebris, invasive weeds,and a rutted forest floor. The adjoining ParkService forest—where resources are to be kept‘unimpaired for the enjoyment of futuregenerations’—appears much less disturbed,although it is choked in places with spindlyconifers and burdened by natural debris due tofire suppression.

Nearby Powell Plateau, on the other hand,is a good place to observe the desired outcome ofthe park’s new fire management policy: an intactponderosa pine forest ecosystem. Powell Plateauis so difficult to access that its trees have neverbeen thinned, nor has fire been suppressed there.

It supports a virgin old-growth woodland that,even during the terrible drought of 2002,contained carpets of grass and wildflowers, cloudsof butterflies and many singing birds.

The Sierra Club is working to promoteefforts that can return essential natural processessuch as fire to our forests without extreme andinvasive measures and scientifically unsupportedlogging of large and old growth trees. GrandCanyon National Park has a reputation for aminimalist approach that includes one of thebest and least expensive tools for restoring fire:letting fires burn whenever possible.

Through the Grand Canyon protectioncampaign, we will continue to work to influenceboth the Park Service and the Forest Service totake fire management actions that increase the

health of the forests within and adjoining GrandCanyon National Park, without degrading anddestroying forest ecosystems. There will be manyopportunities for our members to be involved inforest protection and restoration in the yearahead. Look for the next issue of the CanyonEcho which will focus on forests.

To check the progress of the Grand CanyonNational Park Fire Management Plan, log ontow w w . n p s . g o v / g r c a / f i r e / p l a n /w w w . n p s . g o v / g r c a / f i r e / p l a n /w w w . n p s . g o v / g r c a / f i r e / p l a n /w w w . n p s . g o v / g r c a / f i r e / p l a n /w w w . n p s . g o v / g r c a / f i r e / p l a n /documents/faq.htmdocuments/faq.htmdocuments/faq.htmdocuments/faq.htmdocuments/faq.htm

PrPrPrPrProooootttttect the Canect the Canect the Canect the Canect the Canyyyyyon’s Fon’s Fon’s Fon’s Fon’s Forestsorestsorestsorestsorests Before the February 1 deadlinefor comments on the ColoradoRiver Management Plan DraftEnvironmental Impact Statement,the Chapter reached out tomembers and media all over thecountry with our message: theColorado River in Grand CanyonNational Park deserves the highestpossible protection for itsoutstanding natural resources andwilderness character. Many thanksto all who attended the openhouses in Phoenix and Flagstaffand who wrote comments insupport of the Canyon! At last count,the Park Service had received over18,000 comments on thisimportant issue.

The Grand Canyon Chaptersubmitted a 72-page commentletter in support of our position. Wehope that our letter, and all thecomments received from ourmembers, will guide the ParkService away from the destructionthreatened by their PreferredAlternative H and towards an improved Alternative B that is consistent with theirmandate in the Organic Act: “to conserve the scenery and the natural and historicobjects and the wild life [sic] therein and to provide for the enjoyment of the same insuch manner and by such means as will leave them unimpaired for the enjoyment offuture generations.” We will continue to weigh in and keep you posted as the Parkmoves towards a final decision later in the year. Our comments are available at:http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/http://www.arizona.sierraclub.org/

ison are not your everyday sight inGrand Canyon National Park.

However, in recent years a herd of about150 are calling it home. The animalsbegan wandering into the Park in the1990’s as the drought conditionsworsened. It appears the bison may havebeen drawn to the area because of thebetter condition of the Park and theavailable forage. These animals comefrom the nearby House Rock ValleyWildlife Area, where Game and Fish hasmaintained the herd for the past 50years.

While bison are a welcome site inYellowstone National Park, that is notthe case in Grand Canyon. Theseenormous animals cause major damageto the Park’s fragile vegetation andsprings. While classified as buffalo orbison by the Game and FishDepartment and the Grand CanyonNational Park, these animals containsignificant amounts of cattle genes. Theywere first brought to the area early inthe last century by Charles “Buffalo”Jones. He was experimenting with

Bison (Cattelo) – Uninvited guestsBison (Cattelo) – Uninvited guestsBison (Cattelo) – Uninvited guestsBison (Cattelo) – Uninvited guestsBison (Cattelo) – Uninvited guests

breeding cattle and bison – looking tocombine the traits of both animals toprovide another food source. When hisefforts went awry, the Game and FishDepartment assumed responsibility forthe animals and currently offers annualhunts in the House Rock Valley.

Irrespective of their genetic makeup,bison are not native to the GrandCanyon. According to the best evidenceavailable, bison have not frequented thisarea for more than 10,000 years. TheNational Park Service has a responsibilityand a mandate to find a way to removenon-native species.

There is a constant struggle betweenfederal and state agencies over which

agencies have responsibility for what andunfortunately they often act as thoughmanaging wildlife can be separated frommanaging land. The Game and FishDepartment and Grand CanyonNational Park have been in a powerstruggle over the bison issue for severalyears, but now appear to be working todevelop a solution. Some of the optionsbeing explored include a fence on thePark boundary, rounding up the animalsand relocating them, rounding up theanimals and replacing them withanimals that have not yet found theirway to the Park, and other variations onthis proposal. Any fence that would keepbison out would also make it difficultfor other animals to move between thePark and the Kaibab National Forest, sothat is a questionable solution. PerhapsGame and Fish should evaluate whetheror not it makes sense to maintain thisherd of non-native animals in the HouseRock Valley.

Special thanks to EliasSpecial thanks to EliasSpecial thanks to EliasSpecial thanks to EliasSpecial thanks to EliasButler and TButler and TButler and TButler and TButler and Tom Beanom Beanom Beanom Beanom Bean forsharing their photographs withthis issue of the Canyon Echo.

Susan is a scientist in Northern Arizona.

Colorado River Management Plan Update

-Roxane George

P l a c e s o n t h e P l a n e tP l a c e s o n t h e P l a n e tP l a c e s o n t h e P l a n e tP l a c e s o n t h e P l a n e tP l a c e s o n t h e P l a n e t

Old Growth Ponderosa Pine Grows on the Rim of Grand Canyon at Timp Point, photographby Tom Bean.

Recommended ReadingRecommended ReadingRecommended ReadingRecommended ReadingRecommended ReadingHow the Canyon Became Grand by Stephen J.

Pyne, 1998. New York: Penguin Books.

Hiking the Grand Canyon by John Annerino, Sierra

Club Books.

William Henry Holmes and the Rediscovery of the

American West by Kevin J. Fernlund, 2000.

University of New Mexico Press.

Clarence Dutton’s famous Tertiary History of the

Grand Cañon District was reprinted in 2001 by

University of Arizona Press.

Rafting on the Colorado River through Grand Canyon,photograph by Elias Butler.



8

($8 for 30 words or less each issue. $48 for entire year. 25cents for each additional word. Reaches more than 13,000readers throughout Arizona. To place an ad, mail or email yourcopy to the Editor. We are not accepting personals. Pleasemake check payable to Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter.)

Join Us FJoin Us FJoin Us FJoin Us FJoin Us For Jaguaror Jaguaror Jaguaror Jaguaror Jaguarsssss

EARTH WISE SINGLES.EARTH WISE SINGLES.EARTH WISE SINGLES.EARTH WISE SINGLES.EARTH WISE SINGLES. Where eco-passionate,politically active adults meet others of like mindand heart. Join the community that cares.FFFFFree free free free free for limitor limitor limitor limitor limited timeed timeed timeed timeed time. www.EWSingles.com

WWWWWOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAOMEN’S TRAVELVELVELVELVEL Nature, Body, Mind, Spiritjourneys 2005- HUMPBACK WHALES snorkelingencounters- Feb./ March. COSTA RICARAINFORESTS- March. PERU/MACHU PICCHUshaman guide- July. Call Gayle (727) 785-5563.Email: [email protected]:/www.ajourneyofdiscovery.com

4th Annual Spring4th Annual Spring4th Annual Spring4th Annual Spring4th Annual Spring

GGGGGrrrrreen Riveen Riveen Riveen Riveen Rivererererer, U, U, U, U, Utahtahtahtahtah

Canoe/KayakCanoe/KayakCanoe/KayakCanoe/KayakCanoe/Kayak

LabLabLabLabLabyrinth Cyrinth Cyrinth Cyrinth Cyrinth Canyanyanyanyanyon Fon Fon Fon Fon Floatloatloatloatloat TTTTTripripripriprip

April 22-26, 2005April 22-26, 2005April 22-26, 2005April 22-26, 2005April 22-26, 2005Join this 65-mile tour along John WesleyPowell’s historic route through spectacularLabyrinth Canyon. Spot many bird species andother wildlife. Lunch and camp 4 nights onsandy beaches. Relax and enjoy fun andconversation during commissary preparedmeals, social hours and nightly campfires.

Canoes, shuttles, food, and equipment provided. You needonly bring a tent, sleeping bag, eating utensils, and per-sonal belongings. Canoeing is rated easy. Kayakers maybring their own or arrange to rent a kayak at an additionalcost. A donation of $275 is requested and will be used tofurther Chapter conservation projects.

Carpools can be organized to make transportation easier.

To sign up please send a $100 deposit to Grand CanyonChapter Fundraising Committee, 202 E. McDowell Rd, Ste.277, Phoenix, AZ 85004.After April 1, the deposit is not refundable and at that timethe remaining $175 should be mailed to the same address.Number of participants limited to 12.

For information contact: Bev Full ([email protected])or(480) 595-2306 or (480) 221-2554

For more information or tor.s.v.p. please contact Sandy:[email protected]

or (602) 253-8633.

Free and open

to the public

Sponsored by the Arizona Wildlife

Federation, Defenders of Wildlife,

Northern Jaguar Project, The

Phoenix Zoo, and the Sierra Club’s

Grand Canyon Chapter

RESTORING THE AMERICAN JAGUARRESTORING THE AMERICAN JAGUARRESTORING THE AMERICAN JAGUARRESTORING THE AMERICAN JAGUARRESTORING THE AMERICAN JAGUAR

Thursday, April 21st at 6:00 p.m.

At the Phoenix Zoo

455 N. Galvin Parkway in PhoenixThis early Earth Day celebration will feature an informative and

interesting presentation by Craig Miller with Defenders of Wildlife

and the Northern Jaguar Project.

Jaguars are the largest cats in the Americas— females’ average weight is about 150pounds and the males approximately 200pounds. While most people think of jaguarsinhabiting the rainforests of Central andSouth America — and that certainly is true—they also are found in Arizona. In fact,numerous photos of these magnificent catscurrently living in Arizona and northernSonora have recently been produced byautomated cameras. Historically jaguarslived in Arizona as far north as the GrandCanyon. But habitat loss and direct killingto protect livestock have nearly completelyeliminated jaguars from the Grand Canyonstate. Despite these obstacles there isstrong potential for jaguars to recover northof the international border and the jaguarsmay be attempting just that. Come learnmore about the research and conservationstrategies now underway to help jaguarsreestablish themselves in the wildlands ofArizona and northern Mexico.- Sandy Bahr

One of the longest promontories on either rim ofthe Grand Canyon, Point Sublime, is noteworthy inthe Canyon’s early history of scientific exploration. TheGrand Canyon Chapter and the Grand Canyon Trustare pursuing Point Sublime’s nomination for a NationalRegister of Historic Places listing.

With its North Rim elevation at 7,458 feet, PointSublime’s unsurpassed exposures reach far and deep,even beyond the opposite South Rim, affording maybe“the greatest view in the West.” The Point was ideallysituated to enthrall two brilliant scientists, CaptainClarence E. Dutton and William Holmes.

It was from there, in the waning September daysof 1880, that they studied high questions of the cosmos:how did Grand Canyon actually form? What lendsscientific meaning and so much aesthetic power to thisplace of confounding mystery?

Dutton, an accomplished geologist and writer,completed his insightful, scientific synthesis of Canyonlayering and erosion with the extraordinary TertiaryHistory of the Grand Canyon District, with Atlas. Itbecame one of the definitive books on the GrandCanyon. Dutton’s 1882 monograph also containsbeautiful, evocative early descriptions. Its extraordinaryAtlas folio sheets featured his companion WilliamHolmes’s famed, three-part “Panorama from PointSublime.” Wallace Stegner praised Holmes’smasterpiece as, “probably the most magnificent pictureof the Grand Canyon ever drawn, painted, orphotographed. It has more of the Canyon’s vastnessand stillness than any picture I know… It cuts throughthe haze.”

Produced by the fledgling U.S. Geological Survey,the Tertiary History is now seen as one of the mostremarkable government reports ever written. Itsclimactic chapter —infused with key scientificmeanings and the ethereal power of the Grand Canyon— rested its vision upon the very spot which ClarenceDutton self-consciously and aptly named “PointSublime.”Dick is a Plateau Group member.

Point Sublime HonoredPoint Sublime HonoredPoint Sublime HonoredPoint Sublime HonoredPoint Sublime Honored

Classified AdsClassified AdsClassified AdsClassified AdsClassified Ads

By Dick Hingson

Detail from “Panorama from Point Sublime, Part I, Looking East” by Holmes, sheet XV, in Dutton,Atlas to Accompany the Monograph on the Tertiary History of the Grand Cañon District. imageprovided by Joan Carstensen.

5th Annual Caring for Creation5th Annual Caring for Creation5th Annual Caring for Creation5th Annual Caring for Creation5th Annual Caring for CreationConferenceConferenceConferenceConferenceConference

“Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”“Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”“Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”“Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”“Sharing the Earth with All God’s Critters”Saturday, April 16

Community Christian Church,1701 S. College Ave., Tempe, Arizona

Keynote SpeakersKeynote SpeakersKeynote SpeakersKeynote SpeakersKeynote SpeakersDoug Elliott, Storyteller and Naturalist

“Nature and Spirit”“Nature and Spirit”“Nature and Spirit”“Nature and Spirit”“Nature and Spirit”

Rev. Peter Sawtell, Director, Eco-Justice Ministries“Thou Shalt Not Exploit What God Has Made”“Thou Shalt Not Exploit What God Has Made”“Thou Shalt Not Exploit What God Has Made”“Thou Shalt Not Exploit What God Has Made”“Thou Shalt Not Exploit What God Has Made”

Plus 8 workshops, lunch, book sales, information displays, live Arizona species, and a blessing of the animals

Pre-conference Storytelling Event, Friday, April 15, 7:00 pm“Groundhogology: Whistlepigs and World Politics”“Groundhogology: Whistlepigs and World Politics”“Groundhogology: Whistlepigs and World Politics”“Groundhogology: Whistlepigs and World Politics”“Groundhogology: Whistlepigs and World Politics”

For more information or to registervisit http://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreationhttp://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreationhttp://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreationhttp://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreationhttp://home.earthlink.net/~caringforcreation

or email [email protected]@[email protected]@[email protected] call (480) 967-5266

Sponsored by the Arizona Ecumenical Council, Earth Care Commission



9

RRRRReporeporeporeporeporting frting frting frting frting from the Wildernessom the Wildernessom the Wildernessom the Wildernessom the Wilderness

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

You can purchase your copy of Wild

at Hearth by sending a check made out

to the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter

today with the form at the right, or pick

up your book at the Chapter office. Call

us at (602) 253-9140 to schedule your

drop-in by the Phoenix office. For folks

living in Flagstaff, Tucson, Prescott, etc.,

call your Group Chair (see page 2 of this

issue for numbers). Thanks!

____number of cookbooks ($15.00 each; $12.00 each for 3 ormore)____+ $3.00 postage cost per book

Clip out & send form with your payment to:Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter,

202 E. McDowell Rd Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004

Name:

Shipping Address:

Phone:

E-mail:Here’s HowHere’s HowHere’s HowHere’s HowHere’s How

YYYYYes, Cookbookses, Cookbookses, Cookbookses, Cookbookses, CookbooksMean YMean YMean YMean YMean Yumumumumum

Whales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsWhales and PinnipedsInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toInterpretive Outings toChannel Islands NationalChannel Islands NationalChannel Islands NationalChannel Islands NationalChannel Islands NationalP a r kP a r kP a r kP a r kP a r kMar. 18-21, 2005 San Miguel, SantaRosa, Santa Cruz, & Anacapa ($625)Apr. 2, 2005 Santa Cruz Island($175)Apr. 29-May 1, 2005 San Miguel,Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz ($470)

Cruises depart from Santa Barbaraaboard the 68' twin diesel Truth. Pricesinclude assigned bunks, sumptuous meals &snacks, & the services of a ranger/naturalist who will travel with us to leadhikes & help identify whales, dolphins, seals& sea lions & numerous species of bird andplant life.Please call or email Bev Full forinformation [email protected] or (480)595 2306. Sponsored by Sierra ClubGrand Canyon & Angeles Chapters.

ConserConserConserConserConservvvvvationationationationation Chair: Don Steuter,

(602) 956-5057, [email protected]

EnergyEnergyEnergyEnergyEnergy Chair: Jon Findley,


Environmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeEnvironmental JusticeChair: Keith Bagwell,

[email protected]

Forest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationForest ConservationChair: Sharon Galbreath,(928) 774-1571, [email protected]

Grand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonGrand CanyonChair: Jim McCarthy, (928) 779-3748

MiningMiningMiningMiningMining Chair: Don Steuter,


National Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesNational Parks & Wildlife RefugesChair: Ken Langton, (520) 749-3829

[email protected]

Volunteer Opportunities—

RecreationRecreationRecreationRecreationRecreationTTTTToooooxicsxicsxicsxicsxicsGrazingGrazingGrazingGrazingGrazingUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlUrbanism & Urban SprawlPlease contact Don Steuter if you are

interested in chairing one of these

committees.

Water & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionWater & Watershed ProtectionChair: Elna Otter, [email protected]

WildernessWildernessWildernessWildernessWildernessCo-Chairs: Joni Bosh, [email protected]

Jason Williams, [email protected]

Wildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesWildlife & Endangered SpeciesChair: Halina Szyposzynski,[email protected]

Join a Committee

It seemed like a simple plan. Startat point A and end at point B. Look forWilderness values along the way. Nevermind the weather forecast, those boysare always wrong anyway.

With the help of perennial optimist,Ken McGinty, our return vehicle wasdropped off Friday evening in Agua FriaNational Monument. Andrewgenerously offered his car for the trip tothe trailhead early (dark o’clock)Saturday. After we arrive and have a briefeducational indoctrination, the four ofus begin heading West.

The upper part of Squaw CreekCanyon is like a wide open valley, apleasant juniper woodlands withinteresting place names like Turkey Holeand The Island. Goat Springs is a short,scenic area of polished granite and a niceplace to lose the trail. We continue westalong the bed of Squaw Creek (pleasenote that Squaw Creek as a place namehas been abandoned by the ForestService). We now have permanent waterin the creek and numerous sycamoretrees. We boulder hop and bushwhack,finding bypass routes along the side ofthe creek as best we can.

At length we come to a long areawith numerous chutes in polishedgranite and a twenty foot waterfall. Wemake our way, climbing along. Suddenly

Squaw Creek RSquaw Creek RSquaw Creek RSquaw Creek RSquaw Creek Roadless Area Inventoadless Area Inventoadless Area Inventoadless Area Inventoadless Area Inventororororor y Bacy Bacy Bacy Bacy Backpackpackpackpackpack December 200k December 200k December 200k December 200k December 20044444

Janet and I hear a large splash. Danhollers that Andrew has just fallen off ofthe twenty foot waterfall. We get toAndrew and he appears to be alright.He has landed, fortunately, in six toeight feet of cold water. We help himout of the water and make sure hechanges into dry clothes. He has a gashon his elbow and what I think may be afew bruised ribs (later we find out hehas suffered three broken ribs). Aftersome discussion Andrew insists he wantsto continue on with the trip, eventhough I am inclined to turn back atthis point. So we have lunch and go onwith the trip. Andrew has lost his glassesand ruined his camera equipment.

We arrive at trail #257 and rainstarts falling. The weatherman waswrong, but he erred on the side ofoptimism. Mother Nature has the lastword, and now we are walking in thefalling rain. And falling snow. All of ushave rain gear on, but we are gettingsoaked anyway. My original plan hadbeen to walk until near darkness, builda campfire and enjoy the evening. Thenew plan is to find a level spot on thetrail, pitch our tents and try to avoidhypothermia.

Dan has a tarp and a Gortex bivvysack. Janet, Andrew and I fit into Janet’sthree person tent and begin the processof drying out and trying to eat inside ofa crowded tent.

It stops raining sometime aftermidnight and we wake up to brokenclouds and scattered pockets of sunshine.The snow level has come down to 4,000feet and the surrounding New RiverMountains are a beautiful sight. Andrewhas a very difficult time getting out ofthe tent. Pain medication will help himtoday. Amazingly, we are hiking on thetrail by 8:20. The old trail ends and webegin a fairly difficult butstraightforward cross-country route backto the bottom of Squaw Creek. We havefollowed a series of ridges and slopes,working carefully with topographicmaps. Saguaro cacti now dominate thelandscape and we have transitioned intothe upper Sonoran desert.

The mountain lion is hiding in thedense riparian foliage near a pool inSquaw Creek. I am within fifteen feetwhen it leaps out from hiding and swimsacross a thirty foot pool, disappearingbehind large willows. This all happensin perhaps two seconds. Was the animalstalking me? Doubtful. It may have beensleeping in the bushes or feeding on adeer kill. Andrew also sees the lion.

After lunch we lose the routeslightly. It works out and we get backto my Bronco at 6:00 and I am homeby 11:45PM.

The upshot of this roadless areasurvey, besides surviving the trip, is that

COME HOMECOME HOMECOME HOMECOME HOMECOME HOMETO THE DESERTTO THE DESERTTO THE DESERTTO THE DESERTTO THE DESERT

www.desertspirituality.com

we transected the area and verified thatthere is a viable roadless area of 20,000to 40,000 acres. This area was missedin ’84 due to its remote location,difficulty of access, and lack of aWilderness adopter.

What are the future plans for thisarea? We will defend the area against anyintrusions that would alter the roadlesscharacter. We will document ourfindings. We can work with the CaveCreek District of the Tonto NationalForest We can further publicize the areaby leading more Sierra Club dayhikesand backpacks into this extraordinaryplace. This roadless area is alsocontiguous with and adjacent to anexisting roadless area in the Agua FriaNational Monument. We have a largearea rich in historical, archeological, andecological values. It is important todefend these on our public lands. Weneed more defenders, more voices for theWilderness –we need YOU!! I invite allSierra Club members to “step outside ofthe box” of your own experience, yourown perceived limitations; get beyondthat which is cozy and familiar, andbecome part of something that is biggerthan you. Don’t ask why, the answer isin the doing.

By Jim Vaaler

Jim chairs the Chapter Outings Committee.

to Get One!to Get One!to Get One!to Get One!to Get One!



10

KKKKKeepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Greepin’ Groups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loopoups in the Loop

Happenings ArHappenings ArHappenings ArHappenings ArHappenings Around the Sound the Sound the Sound the Sound the StattattattattateeeeeYYYYYou are inou are inou are inou are inou are invitvitvitvitvited!ed!ed!ed!ed! The Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter is composed of six groups (see page two for listings). Conservation, politicalactivism, and administrative work are just a few areas which offer diverse opportunities for activism. All are open t All are open t All are open t All are open t All are open to membero membero membero membero members ints ints ints ints interesteresteresteresterestedededededin learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club.in learning more about the Sierra Club. We are working to make this world a better, more livable place. W W W W We need ye need ye need ye need ye need your help!our help!our help!our help!our help! For moreinformation and meetings/events near you, please check out our website: www www www www www.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org.arizona.sierraclub.org - click on meetings.

Chapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter AnnouncementsChapter Announcements

Mar 1Mar 1Mar 1Mar 1Mar 16 (W6 (W6 (W6 (W6 (Wed) Yed) Yed) Yed) Yed) Yaaaaavvvvvapai Grapai Grapai Grapai Grapai Group General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeoup General Meeting 7PM ting 7PM ting 7PM ting 7PM ting 7PM at the PrescottLibrary 2nd floor meeting room. Michelle Harrington of the Center for Biological Diversitywill discuss the threats facing the Verde River from the City of Prescott’s JWK Ranch purchaseand proposed water pumping to accelerate residential growth in the tri-city area. For informationand directions phone (928) 778-4233.Mar 2 (WMar 2 (WMar 2 (WMar 2 (WMar 2 (Wed 6PM), Apr 6 (Wed 6PM), Apr 6 (Wed 6PM), Apr 6 (Wed 6PM), Apr 6 (Wed 6PM), Apr 6 (Wed 6PM), & Maed 6PM), & Maed 6PM), & Maed 6PM), & Maed 6PM), & May 4 (Wy 4 (Wy 4 (Wy 4 (Wy 4 (Wed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) Yed 6PM) YaaaaavvvvvapaiapaiapaiapaiapaiGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee MeetingsGroup Executive Committee Meetings For information and directions phoneTom at (928) 778-4233.

Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group Palo Verde Group (Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)(Phoenix and suburbs)

Mar 9 & Apr 1Mar 9 & Apr 1Mar 9 & Apr 1Mar 9 & Apr 1Mar 9 & Apr 12 (T2 (T2 (T2 (T2 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde Grerde Grerde Grerde Grerde Group Conseroup Conseroup Conseroup Conseroup Conservvvvvation and Exation and Exation and Exation and Exation and Execu-ecu-ecu-ecu-ecu-tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, tive Committee meetings, Conservation Committee meets at 7PM7PM7PM7PM7PM to discuss issuesrelated to desert preservation, forest protection, wildlife and endangered species, energy conser-vation, growth management, etc. For more information call Don Steuter (602) 956-5057([email protected]). The Group Executive Committee meets at 8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM8:30PM to review mattersrelated to group policies, outdoor activities, finances, and other business. At the Sierra Clubconference room, 202 E. McDowell Road in Phoenix (2nd floor conference room in thesoutheast corner of the Los Olivos - Econolodge suites). For information contact Paul Zemboy([email protected]) (602) 989-1977.

ChaptChaptChaptChaptChapter Energy Committer Energy Committer Energy Committer Energy Committer Energy Committee Meeee Meeee Meeee Meeee Meetingstingstingstingstings will be held the fourth Tuesday eveningof each month. Time and place to be decided. Join us and get active with energyissues, from renewables to policy and more. Please contact Jon [email protected] or (480) 756-2916.Mar 23 (Wed) 6:30PM Wilderness Committee MeetingMar 23 (Wed) 6:30PM Wilderness Committee MeetingMar 23 (Wed) 6:30PM Wilderness Committee MeetingMar 23 (Wed) 6:30PM Wilderness Committee MeetingMar 23 (Wed) 6:30PM Wilderness Committee Meeting This is for continuingand new wilderness committee folks to gather, check in and check out what peoplehave been up to and what needs doing. Location: Sierra Club Conference Rm (2nd Floor,202 E. McDowell Rd) in Phoenix. Please contact: Jason Williams at [email protected] (928) 717-6076 and Joni Bosh: [email protected] or (602) 703-3059.Apr 3 (Sun)Apr 3 (Sun)Apr 3 (Sun)Apr 3 (Sun)Apr 3 (Sun) The Chapter Executive Committee The Chapter Executive Committee The Chapter Executive Committee The Chapter Executive Committee The Chapter Executive Committee (Ex-Comm) Meeting will beheld the first weekend in April in Phoenix. Location Sierra Club 2nd floor ConferenceRoom. 202 E. McDowell Rd. For more information, location and directions, call(602) 253-8633.Apr 1 (Fri) Apr 1 (Fri) Apr 1 (Fri) Apr 1 (Fri) Apr 1 (Fri) (Seriously!)(Seriously!)(Seriously!)(Seriously!)(Seriously!) Copy Deadline for May/ June 2005 Copy Deadline for May/ June 2005 Copy Deadline for May/ June 2005 Copy Deadline for May/ June 2005 Copy Deadline for May/ June 2005 Canyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon EchoCanyon Echo,,,,,Theme: Forests and Other Amazing AZ EcosystemsTheme: Forests and Other Amazing AZ EcosystemsTheme: Forests and Other Amazing AZ EcosystemsTheme: Forests and Other Amazing AZ EcosystemsTheme: Forests and Other Amazing AZ Ecosystems. Submissions of articles.drawings, photographs, poetry, essays, calls to action, and brief epiphanies are wel-come. See writer guidelines on pg. 2. We recommend contacting the editor beforewriting (602) 253-9140 or ([email protected])to discuss word count,issue topics and other writerly details.

Meetings are open to the public. For directions, please call or email thecontact person listed.

MarMarMarMarMarccccch 3 (Thurh 3 (Thurh 3 (Thurh 3 (Thurh 3 (Thursdasdasdasdasday) 7y) 7y) 7y) 7y) 7:00PM ExCom Mee:00PM ExCom Mee:00PM ExCom Mee:00PM ExCom Mee:00PM ExCom Meetingtingtingtingting Please come to the ExCombusiness and conservation meeting. The meeting will be held at the Sierra Club Flagstaffoffice, at 408 E. Route 66, just behind Babbitt’s used cars. Call Jim McCarthy at 928-779-3748 for further information.Apr 2Apr 2Apr 2Apr 2Apr 21 (Thu) 71 (Thu) 71 (Thu) 71 (Thu) 71 (Thu) 7:00PM General Mee:00PM General Mee:00PM General Mee:00PM General Mee:00PM General Meetingtingtingtingting Roxane George will discuss thechapter’s Grand Canyon Protection Campaign. Her presentation will include color slides andinteresting discussion regarding the park’s river and backcountry management plans, as well asother timely issues. Roxane is the Conservation Program Coordinator for the campaign. Themeeting will be held at the Federated Church in Flagstaff, 400 W. Aspen, just west of theFlagstaff Library. Call Jim McCarthy at 928-779-3748 or Roxane George at 928-774-6514for further information.

Mar 15 (TMar 15 (TMar 15 (TMar 15 (TMar 15 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeting 7PMting 7PMting 7PMting 7PMting 7PM Forest EnergyProgram Rob Davis of Future Forests LLC will speak about the contract that the US ForestService awarded to Future Forests in August 2004 for logging small trees from overgrownforests in Arizona. The small trees that are logged may be converted to wood pellets or biomassfor energy production. This should be an interesting presentation and discussion on the roleof market-based solutions to forest health issues. Program starts at 7pm at the Phoenix Zooauditorium. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. For more information pleasecontact Halina Szyposzynski at [email protected] or Connie Gartner at [email protected].

March 16 (Wed) General Membership Meeting, 7 PMMarch 16 (Wed) General Membership Meeting, 7 PMMarch 16 (Wed) General Membership Meeting, 7 PMMarch 16 (Wed) General Membership Meeting, 7 PMMarch 16 (Wed) General Membership Meeting, 7 PM at the HarrisBank (basement meeting room) SE corner of Scottsdale Rd. and Carefree Hwy. Members andguests are invited to a presentation by a staff member from Southwest Wildlife Rehabilitationand Education project who will show slides, display rescued wildlife, and explain the importanceof their work. The program will be followed by conversation and refreshments. For furtherinformation call (480)595-2306.Apr 20 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperApr 20 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperApr 20 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperApr 20 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck SupperApr 20 (Wed) Excom Meeting and Potluck Supper 7PM7PM7PM7PM7PM at the HarrisBank All members interested in participating are welcome. For further information call (480)595-2306.

Stay tuned for meetings, hikes, events & more in the next Echo.In the meantime, please check out the Yavapai Group’s Verde River program on March16, please see below.

Apr 19 (TApr 19 (TApr 19 (TApr 19 (TApr 19 (Tue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Pue) Palo Valo Valo Valo Valo Verde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeerde General Meeting ting ting ting ting Get Adventure Ready!!Guest speaker David Bremson of Central Arizona Mountain Rescue Association (CAMRA)will present on the 10 Essentials to keep you safe on your outdoor adventures10 Essentials to keep you safe on your outdoor adventures10 Essentials to keep you safe on your outdoor adventures10 Essentials to keep you safe on your outdoor adventures10 Essentials to keep you safe on your outdoor adventures. CAMRAis committed to public education of Outdoor Safety and firmly believe that education is thekey to preventing unfortunate situations, including possible injury or death in the wilderness.The program starts at 7pm at the Phoenix Zoo auditorium. Admission is free and refreshmentswill be served. For more information please contact Connie Gartner ([email protected] or(480) 961-0370).Mar 1Mar 1Mar 1Mar 1Mar 18 (F8 (F8 (F8 (F8 (Fri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meeri) Outings Leader Planning Meetingtingtingtingting at The Monastery inPhoenix (4114 N. 28th Street.) All are welcome to attend this bimonthly meeting to gatherideas for our May/June outings calendar. New hikers & first-time members are stronglyencouraged to attend! Join us at 7PM for fun and great food & drinks- just remember to bringcash, as they don’t take the plastic! Contact Ted Gartner ([email protected] or 480-961-0370).Phoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City OutingsPhoenix Inner City Outings—An outreach program of the club providing wildernessopportunities to Inner City Youth. New volunteers & interested parties welcome! 2nd F2nd F2nd F2nd F2nd Fridayridayridayridayridayof evof evof evof evof evererererery month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the y month, 7PM, at the WWWWWilloilloilloilloillow Hw Hw Hw Hw Houseouseouseouseouse, 3rd Ave. & McDowell. Please contact us [email protected] or (602) 867-3017 to confirm meeting time & date.

Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group Plateau Group (Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)(Flagstaff and surrounding area)

Sedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley GroupSedona/Verde Valley Group

Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group Rincon Group (Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)(Tucson and surrounding area)

Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group Saguaro Group (North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)(North Maricopa County)

Mar 2 (Wed) Mar 2 (Wed) Mar 2 (Wed) Mar 2 (Wed) Mar 2 (Wed) Rincon Group is having a special Arizona Legislative Issues discussion andCitizen Lobbying Workshop at 6PM with the Club’s Conservation Outreach Director SandyBahr at the Historic YWCA, 738 N. Fifth Ave., TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

Mar 10 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMMar 10 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMMar 10 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMMar 10 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMMar 10 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PM New Urbanism/Energy EfficientHousing/ Time & Transit Theory/ Sprawl/ Billboards/ Garbage/ Recycling. As Tucson’sboundaries are pushed to its outer limits, what will become of the relaxed southwestern lifestyleand scenery many of us had hoped to find here? How will we adapt? What might we do toimprove our quality of life? This program is still in the planning stages, but we will exploreurban issues, and we welcome your participation in the conversation. Tucson Botanical Gardens.2150 N. Alvernon. For more info, call (520) 747-5078.Mar 24 (Thu) & Apr 28 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive CommitteeMar 24 (Thu) & Apr 28 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive CommitteeMar 24 (Thu) & Apr 28 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive CommitteeMar 24 (Thu) & Apr 28 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive CommitteeMar 24 (Thu) & Apr 28 (Thu) Rincon Group Executive Committeemeets at 7PM the last Thursday of the month (with the exception of some holidays) to discusspolicy, budgetary, and business matters. The executive committee meetings are open to SierraClub members only. Location: main floor conference room of the Historic YWCA. 738 N. 5thAve. at University Blvd. (520) 623-0269.

Apr 14 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMApr 14 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMApr 14 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMApr 14 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PMApr 14 (Thu) Evening Program 7 PM Sierra Club Rincon Group CelebratesEarth Day! Please join the Rincon Group in helping us celebrate Earth Day. Focus for thisevening will be the Sierra Club’s Grand Canyon Campaign to Protect and Restore the GrandCanyon. “Saving Our Treasure: For Our Family/ For Our Future” Special guest Roxane George(see her related article this issue) will present this exciting and beautiful powerpoint program.Weather permitting, this program will take place on the patio. Free, ample, on-site parking.Refreshments served. Tucson Botanical Gardens. 2150 N. Alvernon. For more info, call (520)747-5078.Rincon’s ConserRincon’s ConserRincon’s ConserRincon’s ConserRincon’s Conservvvvvation Committation Committation Committation Committation Committeeeeeeeeee meets the third Thursday of each month at7PM at the Historic Y, First Floor Conference Room, 738 N. Fifth Ave., to hear presentations,discuss issues, plan and take action. Open to Sierra Club members and guests. Join in andbecome active in the Sierra Club’s mission of preserving and protecting our natural heritage. Formore information contact Jan Anderson at [email protected] or (520) 404-1501.Rincon Group is developing a long-term campaign strategy Rincon Group is developing a long-term campaign strategy Rincon Group is developing a long-term campaign strategy Rincon Group is developing a long-term campaign strategy Rincon Group is developing a long-term campaign strategy topush for a new U.S. policy for this country’s border with Mexico that recognizes and protectsthe fragile Sonoran Desert lands it impacts, and that prevents the abuse and loss of life ofmigrants. For information on meeting times and places contact Keith Bagwell [email protected] or at (520) 623-0269.

Apr 2Apr 2Apr 2Apr 2Apr 27 (W7 (W7 (W7 (W7 (Weds) Caneds) Caneds) Caneds) Caneds) Canyyyyyon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pon Echo Mailing Pararararartytytytyty,,,,, 2:00–8:00PM (stop by anytime). Club volunteers save the chapter thou-sands of dollars every year by preparing the Canyon Echo formailing. Thank you! The job is easy to learn and takes only afew hours once every two months. We all have a good timegood timegood timegood timegood time.Work begins at 2:00PM and continues until all copies are ad-dressed, bundled and sacked, usually around 7:00PM or earlier. You’re free toarrive as your schedule allows and any amount of time is appreciated. Contact JerryNelson at (602) 279-4668 ([email protected]) or Bill Gill at ([email protected])for location and other details.

Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group Yavapai Group (Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)(Prescott and surrounding area)



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See Outings continued on pg. 12

The Sierra Club is a nationwide organization with active local outings for members andnon-members. Please join us as we make friends and explore life-enriching interests.Simply find an outing by date and phone the contact for directions, reservations, time andadditional information.RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS:RESTRICTIONS: NO FIREARMS, RADIOS OR PETS.Outings are by reservation. Call early (group limit 20). Each hike is rated for degree ofdifficulty and risk by the leader.

“A” +16 miles or + 3,000 ft. elevation change (EC)

“B” 8–16 miles and 1,500–3,000 ft. EC

“C” 3–8 miles, 500–1,500 ft. EC RT Round Trip

“D” – 3 miles and 500 ft. EC OW One Way

Trip leader has absolute authority to question trip participants as to their equipment,conditioning and experience before and during the trip. All participants on Sierra Cluboutings are required to sign a standard liability waver. If you would like to read the liabilitywaver before you choose to participate in an outing, please go to http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms/ or contact the National Outings Dept. at (415)977-5528 for aprinted version. Sierra Club liability covers leaders only. Each person is responsible for hisor her own first aid equipment. If you are injured, notify the leader immediately. If you leavethe trip, with or without the leader’s permission, you are considered to be on your own untilyou rejoin the group. Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share the driver’s fuel expense.Suggested compensation is 5 cents/mile. Donations accepted from all participants at $1(member) and $3 (nonmember). Money is collected by the leader and deposited with thegroup treasurer. For more information, call Jim Vaaler, (602) 553-8208. Hikes and outingsare also listed in the Rincon Group newsletter and in the Palo Verde Group Sierra ClubSingles newsletter.

Hiking Guidelines

MAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SATTTTT) P) P) P) P) Prison Camp Rrison Camp Rrison Camp Rrison Camp Rrison Camp RockclimbingockclimbingockclimbingockclimbingockclimbingFormally renamed the Gordon HirabayashiRecreation Site on November 11, 1999, theclimbing area runs along the upper banks ofSoldier’s Creek in the Santa Catalina Mountainsnorth of Tucson. This outing focuses on top-roped climbing routes in the 5.6 to 5.10 rangeon the Cell Blocks and Jailhouse Rock walls,about a 15-minute walk from the parking area.The outing will further our knowledge of fireecology as we approach the climbs by passingthough the burn area from the 2003 AspenFire. Participants may also discuss the proposedwildlands fire amendment to the 1986Coronado National Forest Land and ResourceManagement Plan. As part of the recreationalfee demonstration area of the Santa Catalinas aday-use ($5) or annual pass is required. It canbe purchased en route to the climbing area.Sponsored by the Rincon MountaineeringSection, this outing requires Sierra Clubmembership, rock climbing experience and thefollowing equipment: climbing harness,climbing shoes, helmet, belay device, threelocking carabiners and personal anchor sling.Bringing ropes, extra slings and carabiners isalways appreaciated. Contact Janet Krisinski-Saxer or Chris Saxer at [email protected] or (520)743-8017. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

MAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SATTTTT) “) “) “) “) “A”A”A”A”A” TTTTTanqueanqueanqueanqueanque VVVVVerererererde Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge toSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore BasinSycamore Basin (6-8 hours, approx. 14 milesround-trip, 2,500-foot elevation change). Thehike up Tanque Verde Ridge offers splendidviews of the peaks and topography of theRincon Mountains, a great cardiac workout andis a great way to get ready for summertime “peak-bagging.” Meet-up expected to be at SaguaroNational Park East Visitors Center. (Park feesapply.) Call Stu Williams at (520) 465-0322.TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

MAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SAMAR 5 (SATTTTT) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” B) “C” Bulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyulldog Canyon-Hon-Hon-Hon-Hon-Hillillillillill2685 Day Hike 2685 Day Hike 2685 Day Hike 2685 Day Hike 2685 Day Hike (5 miles, +-800' elevationchange) On this easy wilderness excursion we’llvisit the upper reaches of Bulldog Canyon inthe Tonto National Forest. The trail featuresattractive views of peak 3269, Bulldog Ridge,and the southern skyline of the GoldfieldMountains in a region of colorful Sonoranvegetation and wildlife. Bring your camera aswe leave the trail to climb hill 2685. Call TedTenny, (480) 396-3389. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

MAR 6 (SUN) “MAR 6 (SUN) “MAR 6 (SUN) “MAR 6 (SUN) “MAR 6 (SUN) “A”A”A”A”A” TTTTTanqueanqueanqueanqueanque VVVVVerererererde Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge tode Ridge toJuniper BasinJuniper BasinJuniper BasinJuniper BasinJuniper Basin (6-8 hours, approx. 14 milesround-trip, 2,500-foot elevation change). Note:This outing moved to Sunday from Saturday.The hike up Tanque Verde Ridge offers splendidviews of the peaks and topography of theRincon Mountains, a great cardiac workout andis a great way to get ready for summertime “peak-bagging.” Meet at Saguaro National Park EastVisitors Center at 8 a.m. (Park fees apply.)Contact Stu Williams at (520) 465-0322 [email protected] TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

MAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SATTTTT) “C” S) “C” S) “C” S) “C” S) “C” Sunriseunriseunriseunriseunrise TTTTTrail Hrail Hrail Hrail Hrail HikeikeikeikeikeRecently opened trail in the McDowellMountains, this unique 4.5 mile hike up andback begins in possibly the largest field of TeddyBear Cholla, also known as “Jumping Cactus.”A magnificent “Field of Gold” when struck byan early morning sun. The trail elevates to 800feet to a ridge that offers a fine view of WesternVistas. An optional half mile further, and another200 feet elevation to Sunrise Peak will give anawesome view of Picacho Peak some 75 milessouth. Contact Steve Yap, [email protected], or phone (480) 315-0569 PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

MAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SATTTTT) “B” O) “B” O) “B” O) “B” O) “B” Oldldldldld WWWWWest Boulderest Boulderest Boulderest Boulderest BoulderCanyon Day HikeCanyon Day HikeCanyon Day HikeCanyon Day HikeCanyon Day Hike (9 miles, +-1200' elevationchange) To visit this seldom-hiked canyon we’llfollow First Water Creek upstream, climb dry(hopefully) waterfalls, continue cross countryto the canyon, and return by way of BoulderBasin and Parker Pass. Come prepared for wetcobblestones, boulder scrambling (glovesrecommended), bushwhacking through pricklyvegetation, charismatic rock formations, and theSuperstition Mountains’ majesty! Call TedTenny, (480) 396-3389. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

MAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SATTTTT) “B”) “B”) “B”) “B”) “B” VVVVVultee Arultee Arultee Arultee Arultee Archchchchch TTTTTrail Drail Drail Drail Drail DayayayayayHHHHHikeikeikeikeike (4.0 miles RT, 1000 feet EC) This hiketakes you to a natural arch and to a beautifulbox canyon where there is a bronze plaquecommemorating the airplane crash that killedaviation pioneer Gerald Vultee and his wife in1938. It’s a steep hike in upper Oak CreekCanyon, climbing through a heavy forest to amountain pass with scenic views along the way.The first 1.65 miles is the Sterling Pass Trail. Atthe crest you come onto a saddle where there isa gap in the cliffs. The trail continues down theother side to intersect the Vultee Arch Trail.Located 6.2 miles north of the Sedona Y. TripLeader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-9309,for meeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff

MAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SAMAR 12 (SATTTTT) Cour) Cour) Cour) Cour) Courthouse Rthouse Rthouse Rthouse Rthouse Rock Climbingock Climbingock Climbingock Climbingock ClimbingEEEEExpeditionxpeditionxpeditionxpeditionxpedition Expect “adventurous” rock anddawn to dusk action on this thrilling multi-pitchclimbing ascent to the summit of CourthouseRock in the Eagletail Mountain Wildernessabout 60 miles west of Phoenix. We’ll ascendabout 1000 vertical feet in the course of 8 pitchesranging from Class 3 to 5.5. Fantastic view fromthe summit register, and a fun series of rappelson the descent. Requires Sierra Clubmembership, rock climbing experience, and thefollowing equipment: climbing harness, rappeldevice, helmet, 3 locking carabiners, prusik cordsor other ascending device, personal anchor sling,and a headlamp. Approach to trailhead requires4WD vehicles with good clearance. ContactConnie or Ted Gartner at [email protected] or(480) 961-0370. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

MAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SATTTTT) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” S) “B” Sabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyon/Bon/Bon/Bon/Bon/BearearearearearCanyCanyCanyCanyCanyon Loopon Loopon Loopon Loopon Loop (13 mi, 1740' EC). Thisexploratory outing in the Santa CatalinaMountains begins with a narrated tram ridethrough Sabino Canyon. As we enjoy the beautyof the canyon, the guide will discuss its abundantplant and animal life. At the end of SabinoCanyon Road we’ll pick up the Sabino CanyonTrail, taking it to Sabino Basin. We’ll do a littleexploring there, then continue on the east forkof Sabino Canyon to Bear Canyon. After a longdescent, we’ll stop and enjoy Seven Falls. We’llthen continue down Bear Canyon and backto the Visitor Center. The cost of the tram is$7 and there is a $5 per car parking fee.Contact Gary Hendrickson [email protected] or (480) 423-3898.Phoenix

MAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SATTTTT) “) “) “) “) “A”A”A”A”A” VVVVVentana-Esperentana-Esperentana-Esperentana-Esperentana-Esperererererero-o-o-o-o-Sabino Canyons Day Hike, Santa CatalinaSabino Canyons Day Hike, Santa CatalinaSabino Canyons Day Hike, Santa CatalinaSabino Canyons Day Hike, Santa CatalinaSabino Canyons Day Hike, Santa CatalinaMountainsMountainsMountainsMountainsMountains 15-1/2 miles, 4,450-foot elevationchange. This one-way, day-long hike starts inVentana Canyon and heads up-canyon to “TheWindow,” a natural arch on the crest of the SantaCatalinas front-range. (For more on TheWindow, see Andy Flach’s description andphotos at http://arizona.sierraclub.org/trail_guide/HIKE4.HTM.) The hike continuesvia Esperero Canyon to the Sabino CanyonVisitors Center. Contact David Martin at (520)795-9159 or [email protected]

MAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SAMAR 19 (SATTTTT) “C” ) “C” ) “C” ) “C” ) “C” WWWWWishbone Jishbone Jishbone Jishbone Jishbone JunctionunctionunctionunctionunctionLoop Day HikeLoop Day HikeLoop Day HikeLoop Day HikeLoop Day Hike (7 miles, +-600' elevationchange) Walk a pleasant loop through the rangeland of the southern Goldfields and return byWillow Springs Canyon. After crossingPrevention Gap we’ll follow a streamside routeto Wishbone Junction and slightly beyond.Then head east over beautiful golden slickrockwith inspiring views of the high country. CallTed Tenny, (480) 396-3389. P. P. P. P. Phoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

MAR 25-27 (FRI-SAMAR 25-27 (FRI-SAMAR 25-27 (FRI-SAMAR 25-27 (FRI-SAMAR 25-27 (FRI-SATTTTT) 7) 7) 7) 7) 7ththththth Annual O Annual O Annual O Annual O Annual OrganrganrganrganrganPPPPPipe Easter ipe Easter ipe Easter ipe Easter ipe Easter WWWWWeekend Car Campeekend Car Campeekend Car Campeekend Car Campeekend Car Camp..... This willbe the seventh annual pilgrimage to thiswonderful place. There are lots of hiking/bikingtrails with varying degrees of difficulty. TheVisitor Center contains a garden to help youlearn the different cacti and vegetation that growin this stunning example of Sonoran desert.Saturday we will hike to the Arch in the AjoMountains and discover the cause of thisgeologic formation. This hike is quite steep butis brief and has expansive views of Mexico, theTohono O’odham Reservation, and Cabeza

Prieta. The usual camp hilarity and fun willprevail. Potable water and flush toilets at thecampsite make this event comfortable. Groupcampsite No. 1 is reserved, and the leader istrying to arrange a presentation by an interpreteron the history of the Monument. We will dineacross the border in Sonoyta one night, have acookout the other, and enjoy a potluck breakfastSunday morning. Park fees have i i i i increased to$5/person/night along with a car fee. Event ledby Marge with Jon Radtke as co-leader for thisevent. Please direct all inquiries and indicate yourparticipation to Jon at:[email protected] . PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

MAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SATTTTT) “C” O) “C” O) “C” O) “C” O) “C” Organ Prgan Prgan Prgan Prgan Pipe Nipe Nipe Nipe Nipe NationalationalationalationalationalPPPPParararararkkkkk This outing includes a brief 2.2-mile hiketo Arch Canyon on the Ajo Mountain Loop, anout-and-back hike that gains 1,100 feet. Thereare several additional trails off the loop, beforeor after Arch Canyon that feature this park’snamesake cactus. Incredible sightseeingopportunities on the way across the TohonoO’odham Reservation, including a good chanceof wildflower viewing. We may run into a PaloVerde Group-led outing. Fees apply at VisitorsCenter. Departure time is 8 a.m. Meeting placeis University Starbucks, Euclid Ave. &University Blvd. Bring lunch, cooler withdrinks for post-hike ramada relaxation beforereturning to Tucson. Since the drive takes overtwo hours, expect to return to Tucson around 7p.m. Contact Stu Williams at (520) 465-0322or [email protected] TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

MAR 26-27 (SAMAR 26-27 (SAMAR 26-27 (SAMAR 26-27 (SAMAR 26-27 (SATTTTT-SUN) “C+” Castle C-SUN) “C+” Castle C-SUN) “C+” Castle C-SUN) “C+” Castle C-SUN) “C+” Castle CrrrrreekeekeekeekeekWilderness Beginners BackpackWilderness Beginners BackpackWilderness Beginners BackpackWilderness Beginners BackpackWilderness Beginners Backpack (1,500 ft.EC, 4 miles per day) Have you ever thoughtabout going on a backpack and then read thedescription and realized the trip was to difficult?Here is an opportunity to go on an easy backpackand learn what it is all about. We will be hikingon the Algonquin Trail which descends 1,500ft. into a nice riparian area along Horse ThiefCreek and then climbs 1,000 ft up and out ofHorse Thief Creek. A car shuttle will be involved.On this trip we will be able to observe andevaluate first hand the Bark Beetle damage thathas occurred in the Bradshaw Mountains. Wewill also visit two very nice historical sites withinthis Wilderness Area. For reservations, meetingtime and place; call your leader Jim Vaaler at(602) 553-8208. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

MAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SATTTTT) “C” ) “C” ) “C” ) “C” ) “C” WWWWWoods Canyoods Canyoods Canyoods Canyoods Canyononononon TTTTTrailrailrailrailrailDDDDDay Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike (6.5 miles RT, 100 feet EC) Thistrail follows Woods Canyon, through which DryBeaver Creek flows and features views, runningwater (sometimes) and Riparian habitat. Thefloor of the canyon is quite impressive with

massive high walls and supports a lush growthof vegetation. At 3.25 miles the path goes ontoa sloping redrock shelf above the water, a goodplace to enjoy Dry Beaver Creek. Located 8.7miles south of the Sedona Y. Trip Leader: NancySutherland, (928) 774-9309, for meeting timeand location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff

MAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SAMAR 26 (SATTTTT) “) “) “) “) “A” MA” MA” MA” MA” Marsharsharsharsharsh VVVVValley Loopalley Loopalley Loopalley Loopalley Loop(Superstitions) Hike. The creeks should beflowing and the hills in full bloom, giving us agolden opportunity to study the flora of theSonoran Desert. On this fairly fast-paced hikewe’ll hike through La Barge and BoulderCanyons, by a “crested” and a large 20plus-armed saguaro, and experience extraordinaryviews of Weavers Needle and Aylor’s Arch. Thisloop has it all! We’ll begin at First Water trailheadin the Superstition Wilderness; hiking on theconnecting trails of Second Water, BoulderCanyon, Cavalry, and ending on Dutchman’s.We’ll go approx 16 miles RT, with accumulated1600’ EC – trailhead elevation of 2300’.Afterwards we will gather for dinner andconversation. Limit 15 – Wilderness regulation.Contact Darrell Foster [email protected] (preferred) or (602)569-5549. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SATTTTT) “B+” Agua F) “B+” Agua F) “B+” Agua F) “B+” Agua F) “B+” Agua Fria Rivria Rivria Rivria Rivria River Canyer Canyer Canyer Canyer CanyonononononHikeHikeHikeHikeHike I have never been able to make it whenothers scheduled this classic Arizona hike, so Idecided to lead it myself. A deep and beautifulcanyon, lined with saguaros, which may have arunning river. Expect lots of scrambling andboulder-hopping, wading, and just possibly,swimming. Strong hikers only. We may set up ashuttle. Up to 11 Miles total, 600 ft. EC.Contact Jay Skardon at (602) 943-6583 [email protected] . PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SAAPR 2 (SATTTTT) “C” Lost Cany) “C” Lost Cany) “C” Lost Cany) “C” Lost Cany) “C” Lost Canyononononon TTTTTrail,rail,rail,rail,rail,DDDDDevilevilevilevilevil’’’’’s Bs Bs Bs Bs Bridgeridgeridgeridgeridge TTTTTrail Drail Drail Drail Drail Day Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike (4.4 milesRT, 500 feet EC) (2.0 miles RT, 400 feet EC)Lost Canyon features scenic canyons, Indianruins and a cave. One short stretch of the trail isstrenuous as you must make a 450 feet climb toa ledge. When the trail goes into the canyon thewalls are tall, sheer and beautiful. Devil’s BridgeTrail is a short hike into a beautiful canyon whereyou climb sandstone stairs to a fascinating arch.Located 7.7 miles south of the Sedona Y. TripLeader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-9309,for meeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff

APR 5 (APR 5 (APR 5 (APR 5 (APR 5 (TUE) “C” GTUE) “C” GTUE) “C” GTUE) “C” GTUE) “C” Go-Jo-Jo-Jo-Jo-Johnohnohnohnohn TTTTTrailrailrailrailrail Hike theGo-John Trail Loop in Cave Creek RecreationalPark, 32nd Street and Carefree Hwy. 9 AM.



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MAR 12 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-HighwayMAR 12 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-HighwayMAR 12 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-HighwayMAR 12 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-HighwayMAR 12 (SAT) “C” McDowell Mountain Road Adopt-a-Highway

Cleanup ProjectCleanup ProjectCleanup ProjectCleanup ProjectCleanup Project In the eastern foothills of the McDowell Mountains, our 5-milestretch of blue highway meanders in and out of McDowell Mountain Regional Park. Situatedbetween Four Peaks, the Superstitions, the McDowells, and the Mazatzal Mountains, thisscenic road is a favorite for bicycle and motorcycle enthusiasts. We’ll cleanup the roadwhile enjoying the great Sonoran desert. We may visit “McGinty’s Hidden Spring,” a secretand seldom seen Shangri-La, known only to Adopt-a-Highway alumni, or “McGinty’s KitchenSink,” otherwise known as the “Grand Canyon” of McDowell Mountain Road. We’ll finishbefore noon leaving the afternoon free. Each trip participant receives an official Adopt-a-Highway t-shirt and gloves courtesy of Maricopa County’s Adopt-a-Highway program! 3 mi.RT, 300 ft. EC. Call Michael Brady (602) 534-1355. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

Help Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing OwlsHelp Build Homes for Burrowing Owls During the month of March, Greg Clarkand Bob Fox of Wild at Heart will greatly appreciate our assistance with erecting sheltertents at artificial burrow sites for rescued burrowing owls. Several owls will be releasedupon completion of the tents.

Due to the last minute nature of translocation activity, specific dates have not beenset. If you are interested in participating, please contact Halina at [email protected] (602) 749-2063. You will be included on a call-back list when one or more weekenddates have been arranged. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

MAR 12 (SAT) People Helping PlantsMAR 12 (SAT) People Helping PlantsMAR 12 (SAT) People Helping PlantsMAR 12 (SAT) People Helping PlantsMAR 12 (SAT) People Helping Plants Please join us for this service project tohelp the National Park Service salvage plants in Saguaro National Park along CactusForest Drive and move them to a holding area. This will allow them to then use the plantsfor the revegetation work that will occur later this fall, after the Cactus Forest Driverehabilitation is completed. We will meet at 9AM at the Rincon Mountain District (eastside) visitor center. There will also be a carpool leaving at 6:30AM from Phoenix. Please

bring a lunch, snacks, water, and your favorite workgloves. We will provide some light refreshments. Thisis a great opportunity to help out one of Arizona’s pre-mier national parks. As you know, our national parksare increasingly being forced to do more with fewerand fewer resources. We can all do our part by volun-teering a few hours to lighten the load. For more infor-mation or to sign up to help with this project, pleasecontact Sandy Bahr at (602) 253-8633, Phoenix, orKen Langton (520) 749-3829. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

APR 30-31 (SAT-SUN) Anderson Mesa Habitat RestorationAPR 30-31 (SAT-SUN) Anderson Mesa Habitat RestorationAPR 30-31 (SAT-SUN) Anderson Mesa Habitat RestorationAPR 30-31 (SAT-SUN) Anderson Mesa Habitat RestorationAPR 30-31 (SAT-SUN) Anderson Mesa Habitat Restoration Assist theArizona Wildlife Federation with habitat restoration work on the grasslands of AndersonMesa. Anderson Mesa is of major concern due to its wildlife values and diversity of plantsand animals. The area was once home to the largest breeding herd of Pronghorn Antelopein Arizona. This is an opportunity to learn from experts about the interrelated dynamics ofpronghorn reproduction, coyote predation and livestock grazing. We will carpool fromPhoenix at 6:00 AM, to the Lake Kinickinick Campground in the Coconino National Forest,45 miles southeast of Flagstaff. Our workday begins at 8:30 AM on Saturday April 30th

with a check-in and safety meeting. Then we will divide into teams and drive out to thework sites. We will be cutting out small junipers to restore grassland for pronghorn anddiverse bird species. Please bring work gloves and hand tools if you own them, your lunchto eat in the field, sunscreen, hat, etc. Snacks and water will be provided. The work daywill probably end mid-afternoon to allow for some sight-seeing, followed by a Thank YouDinner and campfire on Saturday evening. We will return to Phoenix on Sunday morning,breaking camp at a leisurely pace. Please contact Halina at [email protected] or (602)749-2063. Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix Phoenix

Sierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsSierra Service OutingsOptional lunch afterwards at Harold’s Club inCave Creek. Please call (480) 595-2306 forreservations. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 9 (SAAPR 9 (SAAPR 9 (SAAPR 9 (SAAPR 9 (SATTTTT) “C” O) “C” O) “C” O) “C” O) “C” Outings Leadershiputings Leadershiputings Leadershiputings Leadershiputings LeadershipTTTTTraining Draining Draining Draining Draining Day (OLay (OLay (OLay (OLay (OLT 101)T 101)T 101)T 101)T 101) All current SierraClub outings leaders (this includes WildlifeCommittee outings, Inner City Outings, Singlesand Mountaineering subsection outings), andpeople who would like to lead Sierra Cluboutings are required to take this new trainingcourse. The training will be good for four (4)years. We will be spending an easy and enjoyableday in the Wilderness discussing the followingtopics: Overview and structure of the Sierra Club,Outings Leader Requirements, how to plan anouting, location and route, safety planning,publicity, transportation, trailhead talk, properoutdoor ethics, emergencies, participant issues,ending the outing and what to do after theouting. The discussions will be free-form andopen ended. Everyone will be encouraged toparticipate. When the discussion is finished wewill break up into groups (if necessary) and actout one or two leadership scenarios. Trailheadtalk, over-the-phone screening, and properemergency response may be acted out. We areasking all outings leaders to please keep thisplease keep thisplease keep thisplease keep thisplease keep thisdate opendate opendate opendate opendate open on your calendars. Jim Vaaler (602)553-8208 or Paul Zemboy (602) 989-1977,[email protected] For participantswho live in Tucson, we expect to leave at 7 a.m.in order to make the 10 a.m. training time. Forcarpooling information for Tucson-basedtravelers, contact Stu Williams at (520) 465-0322 or [email protected] from Phoenix and Tucson areas, if youwould like to carpool to the site, meet in theDenny’s parking lot at the southwest corner ofBell Road and I-17 at 8:30AM.

APR 10 (SUN) “B-” Cochise APR 10 (SUN) “B-” Cochise APR 10 (SUN) “B-” Cochise APR 10 (SUN) “B-” Cochise APR 10 (SUN) “B-” Cochise TTTTTrailrailrailrailrail (6+ milesround-trip, 1,100-foot elevation change). Thishike starts at the campground on the east side ofthe Dragoon Mountains and climbs to theStronghold Divide. It is a relatively easy climbthrough oak woodlands surrounded by theStronghold’s scenic boulders. Bring plenty ofwater and expect to have lunch at the divide.The group may also explore a bit of the trail thatheads down the west side of the range. Thisshould be a pleasant hike in historic terrain.Contact Drew Milsom at (520) 908-1087(evenings) or (520) 621-2678 (daytime).TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

APR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SATTTTT) Z) Z) Z) Z) Zappaappaappaappaappa WWWWWall Rall Rall Rall Rall Rockclimbing,ockclimbing,ockclimbing,ockclimbing,ockclimbing,Cochise Stronghold, Dragoon MountainsCochise Stronghold, Dragoon MountainsCochise Stronghold, Dragoon MountainsCochise Stronghold, Dragoon MountainsCochise Stronghold, Dragoon MountainsWhat do Frank Zappa and the ChiricahuaApaches have in common? Find out by joiningus in this newly developed climbing area locatedin the East Stronghold. A variety of routes willbe set up on top-rope in the 5.4 to 5.10c range.Zappa Wall offers superb granite rock and islocated at an elevation of about 5,000 feet, andthe approach is a 15-minute hike from theparking area. Participants will appreciate the area’snatural history, rugged canyons and spectacularvistas. Those who wish to camp on Fri. or Sat.nights will find beautiful areas. Sponsored bythe Rincon Mountaineering Section, this outingrequires Sierra Club membership, rock climbingexperience and the following equipment:climbing harness, climbing shoes, helmet, belaydevice, three locking carabiners and personalanchor sling. Bringing ropes, extra slings andcarabiners is always appreciated. Contact JanetKrisinski-Saxer or Chris Saxer at (520) 743-8017or [email protected] TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

APR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SATTTTT) “C” H) “C” H) “C” H) “C” H) “C” Hike the Sike the Sike the Sike the Sike the Seveveveveven Sen Sen Sen Sen SpringspringspringspringspringsWWWWWaterateraterateraterfallfallfallfallfall TTTTTrailrailrailrailrail Meet at Sears-Kay Ruin parkinglot (l mile from the Tonto Forest sign) at 8:30AM for car pooling to Seven Springs trail head.For information call Louis Lantz at (480) 488-4581. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SAAPR 16 (SATTTTT) “B” B) “B” B) “B” B) “B” B) “B” Brins Mrins Mrins Mrins Mrins Mesa/Sesa/Sesa/Sesa/Sesa/Soldier Poldier Poldier Poldier Poldier PassassassassassLoop (Sedona) HikeLoop (Sedona) HikeLoop (Sedona) HikeLoop (Sedona) HikeLoop (Sedona) Hike. Join us for a beautiful,steady-paced, 11-mile loop hike throughSedona’s red-rock country, giving us ampleopportunity to study the areas unique geology.This hike features Devil’s Kitchen Sinkhole,Soldier Pass Arches, Seven Sacred Pools, and a

perched view of 200’+ Angel Falls (runoffpermitting). The complete hike is approx 11miles RT, with 1500’ accumulated EC. Theelevation at the trailhead is 4600’. Afterwardswe will gather at a restaurant in Sedona for dinnerand conversation. Contact Darrell Foster [email protected] (preferred) or (602)569-5549. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 16-17 (FRI-SAAPR 16-17 (FRI-SAAPR 16-17 (FRI-SAAPR 16-17 (FRI-SAAPR 16-17 (FRI-SATTTTT) H) H) H) H) Highline/AZighline/AZighline/AZighline/AZighline/AZ TTTTTrailrailrailrailrailPPPPPrrrrroject.oject.oject.oject.oject. This trail building and maintenanceproject will enhance the Sierra Club’s adoptedportion of the Highline Trail, a historical tradeand travel route that has existed for hundreds ofyears. Before the white man brought cattle fromTexas to graze and destroy the lush grasslandsthat once prevailed in the area, Indians used thisroute for travel. Settlers followed. Today theHighline has become part of the AZ Trail and isused by hikers and runners in training formarathons. Prepare to be instructed in the propertools and techniques of trail building andmaintenance. Volunteers for Outdoor AZ(VOAz) will provide the equipment, crewleaders, and logistical support to help you learnthe basic elements of a good trail. You’ll neverlook at a trail in the same way again. Register atRegister atRegister atRegister atRegister atthe VOAz web s i te for th i s event :the VOAz web s i te for th i s event :the VOAz web s i te for th i s event :the VOAz web s i te for th i s event :the VOAz web s i te for th i s event :www.voaz.org. For more info., contact Marge at(602) 508-0915 or [email protected]

APR 22-26 (FRI-TUES) Labyrinth CanyonAPR 22-26 (FRI-TUES) Labyrinth CanyonAPR 22-26 (FRI-TUES) Labyrinth CanyonAPR 22-26 (FRI-TUES) Labyrinth CanyonAPR 22-26 (FRI-TUES) Labyrinth CanyonFFFFFull Mull Mull Mull Mull Moon Canoe/Kayak Ooon Canoe/Kayak Ooon Canoe/Kayak Ooon Canoe/Kayak Ooon Canoe/Kayak Outingutingutingutinguting This is aneasy 65 mile float down the Green River nearMoab, Utah. Camp on sand bars 4 nights, allmeals are provided. For information about costsand arrangements call Bev Full at (480) 595-2306. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

APR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SATTTTT) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” G) “B+” Grand Canyrand Canyrand Canyrand Canyrand Canyon,on,on,on,on, TheTheTheTheTheBBBBBattleshipattleshipattleshipattleshipattleship..... This relatively short but beautifulhike will get you below the Grand Canyon rimto a place where few people go. Added bonus: Itis away from the air tour routes. We will startdown the busy Bright Angel Trail but they gocross-country to the point just north of TheBattleship. The elevation change is 1500 feetdown and 1500 back up; four miles RT. Tripleader: Jim McCarthy (928) 779-3748.FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff

APR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SATTTTT) “B”) “B”) “B”) “B”) “B” PPPPPicacho Picacho Picacho Picacho Picacho Peak Seak Seak Seak Seak SummitummitummitummitummitHike, Picacho MountainsHike, Picacho MountainsHike, Picacho MountainsHike, Picacho MountainsHike, Picacho Mountains (4.2 miles round-trip, 1,800-foot elevation change). To mark theend of tax season, this summit of PicachoMountain via the Hunter Trail uses the assistanceof steel cables anchored into the rock and providesa 360-degree view from the top. Participantswill learn about the complex geology that formsthis peak. State park admission is $6 per vehicle,up to four people per vehicle allowed. Bringgloves, two quarts of water, sunscreen, hat andlunch. Contact David Martin at (520) 795-9159 or [email protected]. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

APR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SAAPR 23 (SATTTTT) “B” Lo) “B” Lo) “B” Lo) “B” Lo) “B” Loy Canyy Canyy Canyy Canyy Canyon Don Don Don Don DayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeayhikeThis will be a special outing in the beautifulredrock country for the Sedona-Verde ValleyGroup. While all Club members will be welcomewe would especially like to invite outings leaders,potential outings leaders, and general membersfrom the Sedona-Verde Valley Group. Over ourlunch break we will discuss various aspects ofour outings program as well as how the Clubsconservation priorities and/or ones personalconservation and educational interests can beworked into an outing without taking theenjoyment out of the outing and making it seemlike work. Learning can be enjoyable!! Forreservations, meeting time and place; call yourleader Jim Vaaler at (602) 553-8208 PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

APR 29-30 , MAAPR 29-30 , MAAPR 29-30 , MAAPR 29-30 , MAAPR 29-30 , MAY 1 (FRI- SUN) “B+”Y 1 (FRI- SUN) “B+”Y 1 (FRI- SUN) “B+”Y 1 (FRI- SUN) “B+”Y 1 (FRI- SUN) “B+”Lime Creek-Long Canyon Roadless AreaLime Creek-Long Canyon Roadless AreaLime Creek-Long Canyon Roadless AreaLime Creek-Long Canyon Roadless AreaLime Creek-Long Canyon Roadless AreaBackpackBackpackBackpackBackpackBackpack. E.C. 2,000ft. Mileage: will bewithin reasonable parameters. This trip will bepartially exploratory in nature. The first day willbe spent hiking up an unnamed canyon to aprominent saddle between East Cedar Mtn. andWest Cedar Mtn. We will then descend downLong Canyon to the confluence with Lime Creekwhere we will establish a base camp. The layoverday will be spent dayhiking in Little Lime Creekand along the southern flank of East Cedar Mtn.This wilderness study trip will offer numerousopportunities for trip participants to observe andlearn about the cultural history of this area. Thefinal day will feature a walk up Lime Creek thrua beautiful riparian corridor. Wild flowers willprobably be seen in great profusion. Forreservations, meeting time, and place; call yourleader, Jim Vaaler, at (602) 553-8208. PPPPPhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenixhoenix

APR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SATTTTT) “C” P) “C” P) “C” P) “C” P) “C” Parsonsarsonsarsonsarsonsarsons TTTTTrail Drail Drail Drail Drail Day Hay Hay Hay Hay Hikeikeikeikeike(7.4 miles RT, 200 feet EC) This trail features acolorful canyon and a year - around stream as itenters the south end of Sycamore Canyon. At1.3 miles you reach Summers Spring; from therethe trail gets rough. In spots you must scramble

over boulders. The canyon narrows and the wallsget steeper as you work your way upstream.Located 34 miles south of the Sedona Y. TripLeader: Nancy Sutherland, (928) 774-9309, formeeting time and location. FlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaffFlagstaff

APR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SAAPR 30 (SATTTTT) “D” S) “D” S) “D” S) “D” S) “D” Sabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyabino Canyononononon (2-3hours, leisurely pace). Mixed route on trails androad that is suited for mobile-challenged as wellas families. Call Sandee Binyon at (520) 232-0226. Sandee is affiliated with Sabino CanyonVolunteer Naturalists and Santa CatalinaVolunteer Patrol. TTTTTucsonucsonucsonucsonucson

MAMAMAMAMAY 10 (Y 10 (Y 10 (Y 10 (Y 10 (TUES) “D” HTUES) “D” HTUES) “D” HTUES) “D” HTUES) “D” Hike in Sike in Sike in Sike in Sike in Spur Cpur Cpur Cpur Cpur CrrrrrossossossossossConservation AreaConservation AreaConservation AreaConservation AreaConservation Area 8 AM. Optional coffee stopafterward at the Cave Creek Coffee Co. Pleasecall Bev at (480) 595-2306 for reservations.PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

MAMAMAMAMAY 13-15 (SAY 13-15 (SAY 13-15 (SAY 13-15 (SAY 13-15 (SATTTTT-SUN) “C” -SUN) “C” -SUN) “C” -SUN) “C” -SUN) “C” WWWWWeekendeekendeekendeekendeekendCamp/Hike Outing in S ierra AnchaCamp/Hike Outing in S ierra AnchaCamp/Hike Outing in S ierra AnchaCamp/Hike Outing in S ierra AnchaCamp/Hike Outing in S ierra AnchaWildernessWildernessWildernessWildernessWilderness Camp along Reynolds Creek Fridaynight and Saturday night at base camp (nobackpacking involved). This area is located northof Globe. For information and arrangements callLouis at (480) 488-4581. PhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenixPhoenix

Photographs this page by Alex Stewart.

Cholla flower at close range.

march - april 2005 canyon echo

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