C arizona: CritterS - Sierra Club...Phoenix – Inner City Outings Sandy Bahr 602-253-8633 202 E. McDowell Rd, Ste. 277 Phoenix, AZ 85004-4536 Item Cost Quantity Total Engagement Calendar

Celebrating arizona: CritterS

Explore, enjoy, and protect the planet

http://arizona.sierraclub.org Grand Canyon Chapter Fall 2012

It’s election season! Please vote for our environment!

Arizona’s Wonderful WildlifeBy Randy Serraglio

TOP: A condor soars over Grand Canyon. Photo by Tina Bickel. MIDDLE LEFT: An Arizona mountain kingsnake winds through the trees. Photo by Tom Slaback. MIDDLE RIGHT: A jaguar stalks the land. Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. BOTTOM LEFT: A Yaqui beautiful shiner swims through a river. Photo by Bill Radke, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. BOTTOM RIGHT: An Arizona treefrog stands at his podium. Photo by Scott Sprague.

Don’t forget to vote in chapter and group elections! See pg. 6 for ballot and instructions.

Deadline is December 1.

Deep in the lush canyons and rug-ged terrain of southern Arizona’s Sky Islands, a ghost cat roams what

was once his undisputed kingdom. With its exotic spotted coat and terrifying roar, the jaguar – the largest feline in the Western Hemisphere – brings a mysterious, tropical aura to our state.

High above the brilliant red cliffs and tortuous sandstone canyons of northern Arizona, a ghost bird soars on thermal up-drafts over vast expanses of wilderness that were once thick with its brethren. With its nine-foot wingspan and featherless head, the California condor – the largest flying land bird in North America – lends a prehistoric mystique to the Colorado Plateau.

The fact that Arizona can claim both of these majestic animals as native testifies to the richness of its biodiversity, the highest of any inland state in the nation. The fact that both of these species have nearly disappeared from Arizona in recent decades lends urgen-cy to the flip side of that coin – we also have one of the highest incidences of threatened and endangered species in the country.

In a state where water is generally scarce and habitat runs the gamut from tundra and evergreen alpine forests to savannah and lowland desert scrub, it’s not surprising

that there are so many different species or that so many of them endure such a tenu-ous existence. Life in Arizona has evolved in an ecological kaleidoscope, including more than half of all the bird species on the con-tinent, the second-highest butterfly diversity in the U.S., and the highest bee diversity on the planet.

Some of that ecological magic happens on a grand scale, as continental land forms such as the Colorado Plateau and the Sierra Madre meet and mix. In Arizona, one can find the southernmost breeding population of the iconic bald eagle juxtaposed with the northernmost ranges of such subtropical species as coati, ocelot, and ringtails.

Niche habitats provide an oasis of op-portunity for many species, yet they’re par-ticularly vulnerable to human influences and catastrophic collapse. The slim riot of life along the San Pedro River supports some of the highest mammal diversity in North America. Arizona is the second most arid state, yet it has more springs than any other. Arizona’s 10,000 springs harbor a long list of threatened and endangered amphibians, fish, plants, springsnails, and other critters.

See Wildlife continued on pg. 4.

2 SierraClub GrandCanyonChapter

http://arizona.sierraclub.org

Canyon EchoFall 2012

Vol. 48 No. 4 Canyon Echo © 2012. Canyon Echo (ISSN 0164-7024) is published quarterly for Sierra Club mem-bers by the Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, 202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004. Phone: 602-253-8633, Fax: 602-258-6533. Printed at Valley Newspapers.

Front page banner designed by Erika Gronek.

Printedon100%recycledpaperwithsoyink.

EDITOR: Tiffany Sprague602-253-9140, [email protected]

DEDICATED VOLUNTEERSOutings Editor: Jerry Nelson

602-279-4668, [email protected]

Mailing Organizers: Bill Gill, Jerry Nelson

Publications Committee: Priscilla Benbrook, Jon Findley, Kurt Florman, Chris Gehlker,

Tricia Gerrodette, Renée Guillory, Tyler Kokjohn, Jerry Nelson, Carole Piszczek-Sheffield,

Mike Smith, Rosé Sullivan

Publications Chair: Keith Bagwell520-623-0269, [email protected]

Webmaster:Dawson [email protected]

SUBSCRIPTIONS: Annual dues to the Sierra Club are $39 (including $1 for Canyon Echo). Subscription rate for non-members is $10. Send check payable to Sierra Club - Canyon Echo, 202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004.

ADVERTISING: Advertising is sold on a first-come, space-available basis. The editor reserves the right to re-fuse any advertisements, and inclusion of advertisements does not imply endorsement by the Sierra Club. All in-teractions between advertisers and consumers are solely the responsibilities of those parties.

SUBMISSIONS: Send electronic or hard copies to the editor (include a S.A.S.E. for return of hard copies). In-dicate copyright or Creative Commons preference. We are not responsible for lost or damaged items. Writer’s guidelines can be obtained by contacting the editor. All rights to publication of articles in this issue are reserved. The deadline is the first day of the month preceding the issue. Opinions expressed in Canyon Echo are those of the contributors and do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of the Sierra Club.

POSTMASTER: Send address changes and postage due to Sierra Club Member Services, c/o Canyon Echo, P.O. Box 421041, Palm Coast, FL 32142-6417. Periodi-cals postage paid at Phoenix, AZ.

Arizona Chapter Action DirectoryChapter Director Sandy Bahr 602-253-8633 [email protected] Chapter CoordinatorTiffany Sprague 602-253-9140 [email protected] Canyon Conservation Program CoordinatorAlicyn Gitlin 928-774-6514 [email protected] Conservation Program Coordinator and Tucson Coal to Clean EnergyDan Millis 520-620-6401 [email protected] Sentinels Program CoordinatorSteve Pawlowski 602-254-9330 [email protected] Southwest Regional OfficeRob Smith 602-254-8362 [email protected]

CHAPTER OFFICES & COMMITTEE CHAIRSChairperson: Ken Langton (xc) 520-749-3829 [email protected]/Delegate: Elna Otter (xc) 520-212-9736 [email protected]: Carole Piszczek-Sheffield 928-204-1517 [email protected]: David McCaleb (xc) 602-840-7655 [email protected]: Jenny Roberts (xc) 480-488-2256 [email protected]: Don Steuter (xc) 602-956-5057 [email protected]: Jim Vaaler (xc) 602-553-8208 [email protected]: Cynthia Pardo 928-380-9175 [email protected]: Doug Mings 480-628-2481 [email protected]: Keith Bagwell (xc) 520-623-0269 [email protected] (At-Large): Bev Full (xc) 480-221-2554 [email protected]

Tom Martin (xc) 928-558-0742 [email protected]

Palo Verde: Mike Brady Saguaro: Bob MoorePlateau: Cynthia Pardo Sedona/Verde Valley: Carole Piszczek-SheffieldRincon: Randy Serraglio Yavapai: Tom Slaback

2012 Group Voting Representatives to Chapter Ex-Com (see pp. 12–13 for contact information):

(xc) 2012 Chapter Executive Committee (Ex-Com) members

Chapter AnnouncementsTBD. Political Committee meetings. Do you love Arizona but feel left out by the political direction the state is taking? Your voice for reason and recognition of the role of conservation can be even louder if you participate in our Political Committee! This is the most important time to get involved. For more information, contact Doug Mings at 480-628-2481 or [email protected].

TBD. Wildlife Committee meeting. Are you interested in learning more about the wildlife that calls our state home and in working for species’ protection? Join us to learn more about what’s happening with Arizona’s wildlife, upcoming projects and opportunities, and how you can get involved. For more information, contact our chapter office at (602) 253-8633 or [email protected].

OCT 23 and NOV 27 (TUE) 6 p.m. Energy Committee gatherings. Discussions, programs, and field trips encompass various energy activities, including renewable energy and energy efficiency campaigns nationally and locally. Everyone is invited to participate, no matter how much or how little you know about energy issues. Specific time and location will be announced online or via email. To be added to our list or to get more information, please contact Jon Findley at 480-756-2916 or [email protected].

NOV 7 (WED) 5:30 p.m. Publications Committee meeting. Have an idea? Help plan future issues of Canyon Echo! Contact Keith Bagwell at 520-623-0269 or [email protected] or Tiffany Sprague at 602-253-9140 or [email protected]. All meetings conducted via Skype/phone.

DEC 1 (SAT) Copy deadline for Winter 2013 Canyon Echo. Theme TBD. Articles, art, photographs, poetry, essays, and brief epiphanies are welcome. Contact the editor before submitting at 602-253-9140 or [email protected] to discuss word count, photos to include, licensing, issue topics, and to request submission guidelines.

DEC 26 (WED) 1–5 p.m. (stop by anytime) Canyon Echo Mailing Party. Volunteers save the Chapter hundreds of dollars by preparing Canyon Echo for mailing. Thank you! The job is easy to learn, and we all have a great time. Any amount of time that you’re available is appreciated. Contact Jerry Nelson at 602-279-4668 or [email protected] or Bill Gill at [email protected] for details.

Tucson

Prescott

Flagstaff

PALO VERDE

YAVAPAI

SEDONA/ VERDE VALLEY

Phoenix

PLATEAU

SAGUARO

RINCON

GRAND CANYONCHAPTER

mailto:[email protected]




Fall2012 CanyonEcho 3


2 Chapter Announcements

5 Thank You!

6 Chapter/Group Election Ballot

7 Chapter Candidate Statements

8 Group Candidate Statements

10 Borderlands Team Meeting

11 Grand Canyon Aircraft Noise

12 Climate Change Leaders

13 The Verde River

14 Rosemont Mine Update

15 EQIP Funding and Ranchers

16 Group Happenings

18 Hikes and Outings

20 Service Outings

Grand Canyon Chapter – What’s Going On?

Steve PawlowskiWater Sentinels Program Coordinator

Getting to Know Your Chapter Staff

Help support our conservation activities by purchasing these lovely calendars! Filled with beautiful pictures and handy infor-mation, they make great holiday gifts! Please fill out the order form below, then send a check made payable to “Sierra Club” to one of the addresses at the left.

Tucson – Rincon GroupLee Oler 520-791-9246

207 West Dahil Rd, Tucson, AZ 85705

Phoenix – Inner City OutingsSandy Bahr 602-253-8633

202 E. McDowell Rd, Ste. 277Phoenix, AZ 85004-4536

Item Cost Quantity Total

Engagement Calendar $13.95 $

Wilderness Calendar $12.95 $

Shipping ($3 first; $1 each add’l to same address) $

Membership discount (-$0.95 per calendar) $

Grand ToTal $

Name

Address

City State ZIP

Phone Email

Buy Your 2013 Sierra Club Calendars!Picnic Time!

Volunteer and Member Recognition PicnicSaturday, November 1711:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.Papago Park, Phoenix

(Ramada #2)

As a way to say thank you to all of our members and volunteers, we invite you to join us for this fun potluck and volunteer/member

awards recognition picnic! Spend a beautiful fall day at Papago Park and meet and mingle with others devoted to Arizona’s environment. FREE event! All you need to bring are your friends and family and a dish you wish to share. Sierra Club will provide a main dish.

Please RSVP to [email protected] or 602-253-9140. Directions provided when you RSVP!

I am a happy and fortunate man. I married my high school sweetheart 35 years ago, and we’re still going strong. We have a beautiful daughter, Sarah, who now is a junior at Northern Arizona University (NAU). She studies biology and chemistry and is an NAU Outdoors trip leader. I like to think that I had some-thing to do with shaping her interests in hiking and the outdoors. Being her father is the best and most important work I’ve ever done.

Like many members, I came to Arizona from elsewhere, and I stayed. In my case, I left Virginia for Arizona State University (ASU) in 1975. I’ve come to love the landscapes and the open spaces of the West, and I’ve never looked back.

I’ll celebrate my 60th birthday this year. Over the years, I’ve been a natural foods restaurant owner/vegetarian cook/dishwasher-in-chief. I was also an ele-mentary school teacher for five years. I’m an amateur musician (in the truest sense of the word). Despite my Polish ancestry, I love playing traditional Irish music.

I went to the ASU College of Law to study environmental law, which I used to get a job with the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ). During my 21-year career at ADEQ, I advised agency directors and wrote envi-ronmental regulations, including the rules establishing surface and ground water quality standards for rivers and streams in Arizona and Safe Drinking Water regulations that protect the quality of water that comes from our taps. The best part of my job was managing the Surface Water Monitoring Unit – I had many opportunities to travel across Arizona, collecting water samples and doing field work. The highlight of my ADEQ career was the water quality monitoring work we did while running the Colorado River through Grand Canyon.

I’m still passionate about protecting Arizona’s rivers and streams, and that’s another reason why I’m a happy and fortunate man. The day after I retired from ADEQ, I got another great job. I went to work with the Grand Canyon Chapter as the Water Sentinels Program Coordinator. Now, I have the good fortune to work with amazing volunteers who are passionate about preserving rivers and streams and with exceptionally committed colleagues who enjoy nature and who work so hard to protect it.

Sarah and Steve Pawlowski. Courtesy of Steve Pawlowski.



Cast of Characters

Dawson HendersonWonderful Wizard of Web – and Wilderness

Grand Canyon Chapter’s Book Corner

Reviewed by Beverly Full

This story takes place in the near future amidst a south-eastern Colorado landscape suffering from deteriorating climate change. Escalating dust storms and severe weather conditions fail to deter the hero, Ward, from his work as a dedicated ornithologist who observes and records bird num-bers and species while logging changes in habitat, numbers, and migration patterns. He seeks to find and report the ef-fects of climate change on bird populations.

Several related subplots play into this theme and involve a host of colorful and some unsavory characters whose lot is also affected by this changing world. Ruby, the unlikely heroine, is a struggling unwed mother who is also an avid self-taught birder. In her effort to survive in her bleak world, she convinces Ward she can assist him with his project. How they manage to work together to gather this information in spite of the many difficulties that arise is the central theme of this novel.

The thread of joy and hope that runs through the sto-ry is baby Lila, whose zest for life refuses to be daunted by the circumstances surrounding her and her family and who symbolizes the human will to live and thrive.

Bill Cobb has several published novels to his credit and numerous acclaimed short stories that have been published in major magazines. He is a Sierra Club member, hiker, and mountain climber who I met while leading Sierra Club out-ings in the ’90s. In addition to being a published author, Bill is a professor at Penn State.

The book is available on Amazon.com and can also be ordered through Barnes and Noble.

THE BIRD SAVIORS. By William J. Cobb, Unbridled Books, 2012.

Bev is an avid outdoorswoman.

Dawson is one of those volunteers who often receives little notice or recognition. He is also one of the nicest and most sincere. If you were stranded on a desert island or the Arizona Strip, Dawson is the person you want along as he is someone who just helps people – young and old; friends, family, and acquaintances; and all of us in the Grand Canyon Chapter.

Dawson has been our webmaster for more than a decade, posting material regularly, helping us design and redesign our site, and assisting our group webmasters on a regular basis. Dawson has responded to reasonable and not-so-reasonable requests with good cheer, patience, and a willingness to work through problems.

He did not start his Sierra Club activism with computers and the web, however. Dawson’s passion for the land – for wilderness, national parks, and national forests – was where he focused his early volunteer work. He met his wife, Sharon Galbreath, in 1979, when he was volunteering for Sierra Club doing wilderness inventories on the Arizona Strip. He went on to do many more wilderness inventories and helped protect numerous Forest Service lands included in the Arizona Wil-derness Act of 1984.

Dawson and close friend and father of the Arizona Trail, Dale Shewalter, worked together on routing large sections of the Arizona Trail. Restoring natural quiet at Grand Canyon and a healthy Colorado River below Glen Canyon Dam have benefited from Dawson’s stewardship, as well. It was his work on forest issues that highlighted his technical and creative skills – he developed compelling slide shows, educational materi-als, newspaper advertisements, websites, and media pieces.

Dawson even stepped up and served as chair for our chapter. When the chapter needed someone to help with the web page, it was no surprise that Dawson again answered the call.

He was born in Carmel, California, but from ages six to 16 lived in south Florida, where he fell in love with snorkeling, diving, and sailing. He later returned to the San Francisco Bay area and, in his early twenties, hiked 21 days on the John Muir Trail for his first backpacking trip. He was hooked on wilderness after that.

Recently, Dawson said he would like to turn over the webmaster responsibilities to someone else. He did not resign immediately or even give a hard deadline. As is his way, he said he would continue until we found someone else.

Dawson is a considerate and dedicated conservation advocate who has always set the highest standards for himself as well as the rest of us. He is willing to provide constructive criticism when he thinks we are off-base with a message. While this is not always easy to hear, it is welcome as we need people such as Dawson who care enough to tell us when we are not being clear or consistent with the Sierra Club mission.

Thank you, Dawson, for the countless hours you have devoted to Sierra Club, to the land, and to helping to advance our conservation mission.

Sadly, all of these rare and beautiful life forms are threat-ened by a single exceedingly common and successful species – humans. Land use changes, extractive industry, competi-tion for resources, drought and climate change – the most catastrophic threat of all – result from human needs, desires, habits, and choices. Sprawl, groundwater pumping, cattle grazing, mining, timber harvest, and vast volumes of green-house gas pollution threaten to impoverish the miraculous diversity of life in our state, perhaps permanently.

Wherever and whenever possible, our chapter works to bring the often harmful activities of humans back into bal-ance with the fundamental needs of nature so that we may find a way to live in harmony with the spectacular array of living beings that call Arizona home.

Randy is the Rincon Group chair.

Wildlife continued from pg. 1.

Electronic Newsletter Available!

Help save resources and money by signing up for the elec-tronic newsletter! Send an email with your full name and membership ID (8-digit number on your mailing label) to [email protected] or fill out the short form at http://arizona.sierraclub.org/echo/paperlessform/form.asp.

You will receive an email when issues are available online.



Thank You to Our Donors!The Morning Stars Sing Together ($500+)Ruth Rettig & David Dube

Make the Mountains Glad ($100–499)Patricia & Briggs AckertT. & R. BerringerMr & Mrs Rudy DankwortRichard & Harriet EdwardsMr. & Mrs. Dwight FinkelDiana ImigKenneth P. LangtonJanet E. MooreSally RingsStephen & Susan ThompsonLois TyaackUnitarian Universalist AssociationPatricia & Richard Vivian

Keep Close to Nature’s Heart ($50–99)Robert FerraraRenée GuilloryS. Herweck & S. NicolTyler KokjohnTom LazzelleJoan & Clyde McClellandCarrol McDonaldPaul MorenoHoward MyersMichael QuinlanPaul RawsonCheryl RitenbaughT. Sharp & M. BeikmanTom Timmer

Hitched to Everything Else in the Universe ($1–49)Sandy Bahr & David KommJohn BeilmannErin ClendeningRobert J. CoxNancy FahringerRoxane GeorgeLinda HowellPaul JehleJules KetchamMichael LandrumRobert LangMargaret LeavittPaul LucchiniBarbara MaderaH. MazziottaJulia MehrerKaren & Cecil MichaelJon MidgleyBea QuirogaBarbara RiderTony & Evelyn SanchezEdward SpenceCliff WilkinsonLiz WiseUna Yazzie

George AbbottAl BellaviaLaura BertrandM. Jeanette BonnellPaul BottKen & Carole CorneliusRachael DeierlingGale GarrettStephen & Jan HertzfeldSandra Hoffman

Thank you to our fundraising outing donors!

Bob Karn & Christina LaukatisJayne MarshallJanet MillardDavid MooreBob MooreDiana RanbyTom SchroerPete WeineltJim Wilkey

Photo by Sandra Hoffman.

The Grand Canyon Chapter is also thankful for the generous support from those who chose to remain anonymous.

Howls and Happy Birthday!Arizona Conservation Leader Turns 90

By Sandy Bahr

Take Action to Protect Mexican Gray Wolves!

The work that Bobbie started continues. Mexican gray wolves struggle for their survival in the southwest. Intolerant livestock operators, illegal killings, and lack of strong leadership and actions by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) have plagued these animals and limited their numbers to only 58 animals in the wild. Re-cently, USFWS decided to kill an alpha female that had been feeding on livestock, but, after strong opposition, changed the kill order to a capture order. We asked that they change the capture order to “leave her alone and let her raise her pups.” At press time, she was still in the wild with the Fox Mountain pack.

Please contact the USFWS and tell them to allow these animals to thrive in the wild and to also release additional wolves to ensure the long-term health of the population.

You can call the Mexican Gray Wolf Recovery Coordinator for USFWS at 505-761-4748 or contact the USFWS Southwest Regional Director, Benjamin Tuggle, at [email protected] or the Acting Southwest Regional Director, Joy Nicholopoulos, at [email protected].

Bobbie Holaday, long-time Sierra Club member, advocate for wilderness, and leader for returning the Mexican gray wolf to the wild in Arizona and New Mexico, celebrat-ed her 90th birthday on August 4 (her actual

birthday is August 5). On hand to help her celebrate were her daughters, for-mer activists in Preserve Arizona’s Wolves (PAWs), her silver sneakers friends, neighbors, officials from wildlife agencies, former Game and Fish commis-sioners, and many Sierra Club members and ac-tivists. We enjoyed a nice lunch, delicious cake, and many stories about Bob-bie.

I talked about work-ing with Bobbie on Mexi-can gray wolf issues and organizing around a ma-jor public hearing where more than 300 people showed up in support of wolves. Even though

Bobbie advised me against dressing as Little Red Riding Hood for the hearing, it was a great and fun event, nonetheless, and really helped to solidify support for moving for-ward with the initial wolf releases in 1998.

Joni Bosh, former national Sierra Club board member and lead organizer with the Arizona Wilderness Coalition, thanked Bob-bie for helping to get wilderness protected, including the Eagletails and Hells Canyon. Bobbie had intrepidly jumped in and set up meetings with some hostile ranchers who later came to support wilderness protection.

Beth Woodin and Tom Woods, both former Game and Fish commissioners,

talked about Bobbie’s tenacity and profes-sionalism in helping to gain support for wolf reintroduction and recovery. Many in attendance spoke about enjoying the previ-ous 80th birthday celebration and looking forward to celebrating her 100th.

Thank you and happy birthday, Bobbie!

Sandy Bahr and Bobbie Holaday. Photo courtesy of Sandy Bahr.

Sandy is the Chapter Director.



Sierra Club ElectionsWhy are there two boxes following each candidate’s name?The second vote column is for joint memberships (two people living in the same household who are members). If you fill in the “S” box, your vote will count once. If you have a joint membership, fill in the “J” box and your vote will count twice for one household. If you have a joint membership and the two members want to vote for different candidates, check two “S” boxes in the same section. Do not check both the S and the J boxes.

What do I need to remember when marking the ballot?Do not put your name on the ballot. Before counting, names and joint memberships will be verified from your return address on the outside of the envelope. Ballots will be counted after the deadline (December 1). All members may vote for Chapter Executive Committee candidates, but members may only vote for the candidates in the Group in their respective residential location. If you are unsure of which Group you’re in, contact 602-253-9140 or [email protected].

Who can vote?All current Sierra Club members in good standing (dues paid) who belong to the Grand Canyon Chapter.

How do I vote?1) Review the candidate biographies on pp. 7, 8, and 9.2) Mark whether you have a Single or Joint (household) membership. 3) Vote by marking the box space(s) beside the candidates of your choice. Vote for no more than the number of candidates indicated for the Chapter or Group. 4) After voting, photocopy or cut out your ballot and place it in an envelope with your name, membership number (if known; call 602-253-9140 if not known), and address as the return address. Your membership number is the 8-digit number above your name on your newsletter mailing label. Deadline: December 1. Ballots postmarked later than December 1 OR without a name and address on the envelope will not be counted.

ELECTION BALLOT

Is your membership Single or Joint?

Single Joint

CHAPTER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEAll Members Vote

Vote for no more than 5 candidates

Keith Bagwell

Kenneth P. Langton

David McCaleb

Elna Otter

Don Steuter

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

_________________

Single Joint(Membership Type)

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

Postmark deadline for ballots is Dec. 1!

Very Important!Be sure to include your name and address on the envelope (not on the ballot). Any envelopes without this information will be dis-carded and the ballot will not be counted. Mail to

Sierra Club Elections 202 E. McDowell Rd., Ste. 277

Phoenix, AZ 85004-4536

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEYVote for no more than 2

Tina Myers

Carole Piszczek

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

GROUP EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: Vote ONLY for Your GroupIf you are not sure which group you’re in, contact 602-253-9140 or [email protected].

RINCON (Tucson)Vote for no more than 3

Michelle Crow

Carl Kanun

Russell Lowes

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

YAVAPAI (Prescott)Vote for no more than 2

Gary Beverly

Bart Brush

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

PALO VERDE (Phoenix)Vote for no more than 5

David McCaleb

Blair McLaughlin

Don Steuter

Jim Vaaler

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

PLATEAU (Flagstaff)Vote for no more than 3

Dick Hingson

Montana Johnson

Sarah Johnson

Paul Jones

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

SAGUARO (N. Maricopa County)Vote for no more than 4

Beverly Full

Douglas Murphy

Urb Weidner

Pete Weinelt

___________________

___________________

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J

S J



Meet the Chapter Executive Committee CandidatesKeithBagwell(Membership #42044629)

I have been on the Grand Canyon Chapter Executive Committee for 10 years, first as the Rincon Group representative and then elected to an at-large seat such as I seek re-election to now. I am an ardent advocate for the environment and a staunch supporter of the Sierra Club and its approach to the issues as a democratic, grass-roots organization.

An environmental journalist for many years, I have knowledge of every facet of industry’s assault on our environment – from nuclear power and weapons, to livestock grazing on public land in the Southwest; from toxic chemical use and abuse, to the unchecked suburban sprawl’s impact on our beautiful and delicate Sonoran desert.

I am a member of Service Employees International Union and the National Writers Union, a delegate to the Southern Arizona Central Labor Council in Tucson, and member of the Arizona AFL-CIO General Board. It is my view that working people such as those in organized labor can be, should be, and in many cases are, environmentalists. We have a common enemy in corporate America and working people want clean air, clean water and a natural environment in which to recreate and find solace.

KennethP.Langton(Membership #15799889)Inappropriate development and misguided planning continue to destroy natural areas and wild-

life habitat in Arizona. I am a candidate because as your State Chair I want to continue to preserve our wild areas and help build a conservation-based community. I bring the leadership skills that I honed as a Sierra Club leader and as a university professor. I have chaired the chapter’s Southern Arizona Wild-life Refuges and National Parks Conservation Committee for the last three years. Previously I served as the State Chair in Michigan and as the National Forest Committee Coordinator. Later I was elected Chair of the Sierra Club’s National Chapter Chairs Forum. At the University of Michigan I served on the Executive Committee of the Environmental Studies Program. More recently, I have served on three national Sierra Club Governing Committees. I am a member of Tucson’s Rincon Group where I work on national wildlife refuges and national parks.

I am often asked: why do you spend so much time working for the Sierra Club? Because con-servation requires a persistence and dedication that often takes years. Our reward in the interim is the personal, unobserved sense of integrity that comes from being in the right fight.

DavidMcCaleb (Membership #40829837)I am presently a member of the Executive Committee and have been serving as the Chapter Trea-

surer for the past four years. I first moved to Arizona in 1960, grew up in the desert outside of Phoenix and have considered it my home ever since. I have lived out of the state several times for education and work, but this time away has only strengthened my appreciation for the wonders of Arizona. I moved back to the state in 1994 and have been distressed by the rate of change taking place which is putting our beautiful land and resources at risk of being destroyed forever.

As a biologist, hiker and semi-retired executive, I would like to continue bring to the ExCom my years of management experience, an awareness of the wonders of the environment and a commitment to do my best to keep Arizona a special place. I believe that one of our greatest challenges is managing our resources and the environment while coping with the expected influx of new residents. I would work with the ExCom and all members to preserve our state to ensure that we all can continue to enjoy living here.

ElnaOtter(Membership #27519989) I have been on the Chapter Executive Committee for 10 years and have served as chapter secre-

tary for 5 of them. This past year I have been serving as vice-chair. I see the Sierra Club and our chapter as trying to preserve as much as possible of our natural heri-

tage in the face of a variety of attacks – from irresponsible developers, mining interests, the occasional misguided governmental agency, and others. I would like to continue to be part of that effort.

Formerly a Tucson resident, I now live out in the country on the San Pedro River. I am involved with the issues affecting the river – water, endangered species, and more recently, energy and working against the SunZia transmission line proposal (since I don’t believe its proponents). I also enthusiasti-cally support our Borderlands campaign.

Extensive foreign travel some years ago convinced me of the reality of global warming, and the profound threat that it poses to the planet. I subsequently became involved in the Climate Reality Project, try to keep up with the science, advocate for efficiency and renewable energy, and make

presentations to interested groups on the subject. Advanced degrees in both physics and engineering have been helpful.

DonSteuter (Membership #23812444)Writing a candidate statement seems to trigger memories – usually good ones. This time my

recollection is the dedication of the Arizona BLM wilderness bill held in the Eagletail Mountains in 1991. The event was memorable not just because it protected 2.4 million acres but because the ceremony was attended by almost all of our congressional delegation, including Senators Kyl and Mc-Cain. A different era to be sure!

Since that time I have served as the Palo Verde Group Conservation Chair and for the past 11 years as Chapter Conservation Chair and respective Executive Committees. I have worked on several campaigns including the Conferences on Conservation of State Lands (1998-99), the steering com-mittee for the Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative in 2000, and the Grand Canyon Protection Campaign. I presently chair the chapter Mining Committee, serve on the steering committee for the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition, and recently the Establishing National Monuments Team. My primary interests throughout have been protection of public lands, particularly from irresponsible mining practices and poorly managed grazing.

I certainly can’t promise any wilderness legislation, but if re-elected, I will work hard to create more good memories for conservation in our state.

Group Candidate Statements on pp. 8 and 9.

Canyon Echo Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation1. Publication Title: Canyon Echo2: Publication Number: 0164-70243. Filing Date: 17 September 20124. Issue Frequency: quarterly5. No. Issues Published Annually: 46. Annual Subscription Price: $107. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, 202 E. McDowell Rd. Ste. 277, Phoenix, AZ 85004-45368. Complete Mailing Address of General Business Office of Publisher: Same as #7

9. Names and Addresses of Publisher and Editor: Publisher: Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, address as #7; Editor: Tiffany Sprague, address same as #710. Owner: Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages, and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1% or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages, or Other Securities: None12. Tax Status: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months13. Publication Title: Canyon Echo14. Issue Date for Circulation Data: Summer 2012

15. Extent and Nature of Circulation Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months

No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date

a) Total Number of Copies (Net press run) 9450 9300

b) Paid Circulation (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

1) Mailed Outside-County Paid Subscriptions 4725 4719

2) Mailed In-County Paid Subscriptions 4084 4028

3) Paid Distribution Outside the Mail 0 0

4) Paid Distribution by Other Classes of Mail Through the USPS 1 1

c) Total Paid Distribution 8810 8748

d) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution (By Mail and Outside the Mail)

1) Free or Nominal Rate Outside-County included on Form 3541 45 46

2) Free or Nominal Rate In-County included on Form 3541 9 6

3) Free or Nominal Rate Mailed at Other Classes Through the USPS 1 1

4) Free or Nominal Rate Distribution Outside the Mail 313 300

e) Total Free or Nominal Rate Distribution 367 353

f) Total Distribution 9177 9101

g) Copies Not Distributed 273 199

h) Total 9450 9300

i) Percent Paid 96.01 96.12

16. Publication of Statement of Ownership: Fall 2012 17. Signature: Tiffany Sprague, Editor 09/17/2012



DavidMcCaleb (Membership #40829837)I am presently a member of the Executive Committee and have been serving as the Chapter

Treasurer for the past four years. I first moved to Arizona in 1960, grew up in the desert outside of Phoenix and have considered it my home ever since. I have lived out of the state several times for education and work, but this time away has only strengthened my appreciation for the wonders of Arizona. I moved back to the state in 1994 and have been distressed by the rate of change taking place which is putting our beautiful land and resources at risk of being destroyed forever.

As a biologist, hiker and semi-retired executive, I would like to continue bring to the ExCom my years of management experience, an awareness of the wonders of the environment and a commitment to do my best to keep Arizona a special place. I believe that one of our greatest challenges is managing our resources and the environment while coping with the expected influx of new residents. I would work with the ExCom and all members to preserve our state to ensure that we all can continue to enjoy living here.

BlairMcLaughlin (Membership #40110274)I ask for your vote to serve another two years on the Palo Verde Group Executive Committee. I

have served many roles within the Palo Verde Group in the past and believe it is important to make thoughtful and informed decisions as I serve the ideals of our Sierra Club membership at large. Along with many other very dedicated members, I plan to push forward and continue my work with the Palo Verde Group as a means to expand our message of protecting and enjoying Arizona. Respectfully submitted.

DonSteuter (Membership #23812444)Writing a candidate statement seems to trigger memories – usually good ones. This time my

recollection is the dedication of the Arizona BLM wilderness bill held in the Eagletail Mountains in 1991. The event was memorable not just because it protected 2.4 million acres but because the ceremony was attended by almost all of our congressional delegation, including Senators Kyl and McCain. A different era to be sure!

Since that time I have served as the Palo Verde Group Conservation Chair and for the past 11 years as Chapter Conservation Chair and respective Executive Committees. I have worked on several campaigns including the Conferences on Conservation of State Lands (1998-99), the steering committee for the Citizen’s Growth Management Initiative in 2000, and the Grand Canyon Protection Campaign. I presently chair the chapter Mining Committee, serve on the steering committee for the Arizona Mining Reform Coalition, and recently the Establishing National Monuments Team. My primary interests throughout have been protection of public lands, particularly from irresponsible mining practices and poorly managed grazing.

I certainly can’t promise any wilderness legislation, but if re-elected, I will work hard to create more good memories for conservation in our state.

JimVaaler (Membership #11880851)I have been a Sierra Club member since 1973. I have been involved in wilderness and public

lands issues ever since joining. I was very active in doing field work on the 1984 and 1990 Arizona wilderness bills that ended up designating thousands of acres of new wilderness in Arizona. I am currently the Chapter Outings Chair. In this capacity I hope to be able to promote a better understanding of Arizona public lands. I will also be encouraging others to “adopt a trail” and learn how to do basic trail maintenance.

Meet the Group Executive Committee Candidates

PALO VERDE GROUP PLATEAU GROUP

DickHingson (Membership #19250733)Experience: Currently I serve on the Club’s National Parks and Monuments Team, am one of

three national environmental group representatives to advise the FAA and NPS via the National Parks Overflights Advisory Group (NPOAG). I have been working for twenty years on restoring natural quiet to the Grand Canyon. I have worked similarly for other parks, especially in the four corners states, affected or threatened, by the extreme use of noisy air tours, night sky pollution, and/or air pollution. (I developed the Sierra’s national policy on “Air Tours and Principles of Natural Quiet.”) My portfolio is broadened by my 8-1/2 years as Angeles Chapter Conservation Coordinator 1990-1998, and work with other similarly focused national committee teams. I won our Chapter’s 2011 “Conservationist of the Year” Award.

I am running for the Plateau executive committee to be part of our team focused on the Grand Canyon and the valuable, natural and national recreation areas surrounding it, including other national park units. I am strongly against the rampant abuse of these parks through over-commercialization. I bring considerable strengths in research and planning, and with the National Environmental Policy Act potential to guide public lands management and conservation.

MontanaJohnson (Membership #46436680)I would like to serve on the Plateau Group executive committee. I moved to Flagstaff as an

NAU Environmental Science Major with an emphasis in Policy. I volunteered with Alicyn Gitlin (Grand Canyon Protection Campaign coordinator) as soon as I moved here. I loved learning about the different issues and fighting to protect the areas that we love.

On my backpacking trip to Havasupai, I witnessed the beauty and vastness of the canyon shadowed by the extreme level of trash. It fueled my fire to protect the beautiful environment we have. All of the issues with the Colorado Plateau are worthy of everyone’s action, however few actually act. I want to get more people involved with these issues and make sure that people are aware of them.

I attended the Sierra Student Coalition’s Summer Program (SPROG) and I’m really motivated and enthusiastic about mobilizing Arizona to protect these beautiful areas. I also intern with a local group called Rios Libres that fights to keep dams out of Patagonia. I studied abroad in Chile last semester and the fire that the Chileans have to protect Patagonia rubbed off on me. We all could use a little more fire.

SarahJohnson (Membership #45612171)After attending the Sierra Student Coalition’s Summer Program training (SPROG), I have

realized I need more; more involvement, more responsibility, and more opportunity. Serving on the group executive committee would give me exactly that. I am only 20 years old, but this is my leg up. I am ready to give my resources and enthusiasm to the Sierra Club and help out in any way I can.

I would be a good addition to the group, because I can bring a youthful energy and a different point of view. I am an active volunteer with the Sierra Club Grand Canyon chapter, having just completed the Colorado River Days. I feel prepared for any other event planning challenge or new campaign organizing. I am confident in my ability to understand new concepts, make important decisions, and I believe I can be an asset to the group.

Thank you for considering me.

PaulJones(Membership #42580559)I was a member of the Sierra Club for many years while I lived in California, then drifted away

after moving to New Mexico following the usual midlife reconstruction. During all those years I worked in civil engineering, city planning, alternative energy, environmental impact analysis, and even campus planning for NAU. Now I teach NAU courses on the culture-nature relationship. I’ve recently been volunteering with Alicyn Gitlin on issues related to the mega-resort proposed for Tusayan, right outside the Grand Canyon.

Why do I now want to join the Executive Committee? I’ve met people I really like and admire in the Plateau Group, and I’d like to work with them. It’s that simple. Oh, and I still like hiking, bicycling, swimming in natural water, exploring, an interesting story, and good music.



UrbWeidner (Membership #41397461)I have been Treasurer of the Saguaro Group of the Sierra Club for the past six years. And, since

moving to Arizona in 2002, have participated in numerous Sierra Club activities including trail maintenance service projects, Earth Day, hikes, camping, etc. Prior to moving to Arizona, I lived near and often camped in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness located in upper Minnesota.

PeteWeinelt (Membership #44176428)This is my fourth year as a Sierra club member. Have hosted hikes, attended outings, events and

meetings. Also, I’ve been sharing information and videos with individuals and groups on recycling and reducing our carbon footprint for almost 20 years. I am a member of Wickenberg recycling committee, helping to achieve curbside recycling for that town.

TinaMyers (Membership 44535328)Having been raised on a farm in the Midwest, I have always had a close relationship with Nature

and the understanding of how it sustains us throughout our life. Since moving to the Verde Valley years ago, I immediately saw that we had an opportunity, in a closely defined valley ecosystem, to maintain the balance between Nature and Man. I welcome the opportunity to join the ExCom of the Sedona-Verde Valley Group and play a more active role to preserve this valuable environment.

CarolePiszczek (Membership #40777530)Since I have called Verde Valley home for years, I welcome the chance to again serve as an ExCom

member of the Sedona-Verde Valley Group. Among other charitable endeavors I have supported in the region, I have been the past President of the Sedona-Verde Valley Group as well as currently being the Secretary for the Grand Canyon Chapter. With so much open and public lands in Arizona, I feel we can make great strides to preserve our ecosystem on a statewide level.

GaryBeverly (Membership #11123716)I have been a member of the Sierra Club for three decades and have been active in the Yavapai

Group ExCom since 2006 as vice-Chair, Outings Chair, and Publications. My primary project is to protect the base flow and riparian environment along the Verde river, which can in part be achieved through Congressional designation of the Upper Verde Wild and Scenic River. My other interests are in air and water quality, the Grand Canyon, forest management, and in trails. If re-elected, I will continue my efforts with increased vigor. These are the most challenging times for environmental interests in the last century, so now is when we should redouble our efforts by speaking loudly and clearly to defend the earth that sustains us.

BartBrush (Membership #44454102)I believe that protecting the environment from degradation is the essential foundation for a

strong and vibrant sustainable economy. I am concerned that we are depleting our groundwater resources instead of managing them sustainably. I am also interested in introducing youth to the natural environment through kayaking, canoeing, and bicycling. I recently retired from teaching music, and I have owned a bike store and bike tour company on the east coast. I am a Sierra Club member because of the breadth of issues that the Club is concerned with, and I am anxious to help the Yavapai Group protect our quality of life.

MichelleCrow (Membership #45409806)I have enjoyed being on the ExCom of the Rincon Sierra Club this past year and would like to

continue serving. Tucson has been my home for over 30 years and I believe the Rincon Group has played a key role in protecting our unique natural surroundings and making it such a wonderful place to live.

Professionally I operate my own community relations firm, Crow Consulting Group. These past few years I have worked on a number political campaigns and community based projects that generally focus in the areas of health, education and environment.

Before that I worked for Congressman Grijalva for eight years, alternating between managing his re-election campaigns and working in his district office on a variety of community outreach issues including climate change and public lands, among others.

I am also on the Tucson Parks and Recreation commission and recently founded a nature club for Tucson families. Through this I hope to connect with other families in the area and the growing movement of people recognizing that we need to encourage youth to “log–off”, get outdoors and connect with nature so that future generations will enjoy it, value it, and commit to protect it.

CarlKanun(Membership #29767823)I would like to continue serving on the executive board of the Rincon group as I have been doing

for the past two years. Preserving the environment is a critical issue for me and I believe that serving in this capacity will allow me to have an impact in furthering this goal.

RussellLowes (Membership #43781677)I have been the Rincon Group Energy Subcommittee Chair since summer of 2009 and have

been an Executive Committee member since 2010. I am now running for election to this volunteer position.

I believe it is very important to have a working team of people on the ExCom that listens to Sierra Club and community members voicing environmental concerns. It has been a pleasure to work with the other ExCom members. I enjoy working on environmental issues involving our community.

Issues of high importance to me include dealing wisely on energy issues with electricity, transmission and transportation, Wilderness Area designation, environmental issues along the border, chemical pollutants, mining; genetic engineering, and of course there are many more issues of importance. One of the main focuses of the Rincon Group is to engage in issues locally, but to keep the big picture of the nation and world in mind. We need to be aware of the dynamics of the different communities.

I will continue to write letters for the Rincon Newsletter, and work with others to improve the environmental relationship we in Southern Arizona have.

BeverlyFull (Membership #10337194)I have been active in Sierra Club at all levels since 1980. I’ve been a Saguaro Group ExCom

member since I helped start the Group in 2004. I want to continue my work promoting the Sierra Club projects and issues. I lead many outings and work on the Political Committee. My current project is organizing one fund raising outing per month to help fund Chapter projects.

DouglasMurphy (Membership #43848824)Doug has been active with the Saguaro Group since 2005, mainly volunteering as publicity

chair although what he really enjoys is volunteering for service outings that the group has organized. He and his wife also enjoy kayaking on nearby lakes and travel. He works in law enforcement for the Courts and has been an award winning journalist. Doug was also political director for the Arizona Democratic Party and before moving with his wife to Arizona, was elected twice to the Grants Pass, Oregon, city council. He can often be found walking through the Reach 11 area in the early morning in summer before he goes to work.

Meet the Group Executive Committee Candidates

RINCON GROUP

SAGUARO GROUP

SEDONA/VERDE VALLEY GROUP

YAVAPAI GROUP



Four Days with the People and Wildlife of Arizona’s Southern BorderBy Sarah Loftus

Twenty people gathered in August from as far away as Michigan to participate in the Borderlands Team meeting. My partner and I flew in after dark, and waking up sur-rounded by mountains was a nice surprise. Southern Arizona is a beautiful place. All along the borderlands, extending from the mouth of the Rio Grande at Boca Chica to the beaches of San Diego and Tijuana, are beautiful places. But, for many of us who don’t live here, their breathtaking diversity is reduced. Frequently, our only perceptions of this vast region are framed by media ac-counts focused on sensationalizing violence and crime.

The goals of the team are to help change these perceptions and to stop the wasteful construction of expensive walls that don’t stop people but do sever critical migration corridors and habitat for mule deer, ocelots, jaguars, pronghorn, and thousands of other wildlife species.

Our journey began at Organ Pipe Cac-tus National Monument, a sacred space nestled in the heart of the Sonoran Desert. Team members witnessed how the wall rips its way across this sensitive area, dangerously compromising an ecosystem designated as an International Biosphere Reserve. This section of wall is infamous for its 2008 fail-ure, when a muddy slew from seasonal rains was blocked and self-diverted to Lukeville,

costing millions in damages. In Texas, re-cently approved wall construction within the Rio Grande floodplain threatens to carry the same ill-conceived design and will likely impact the future of several small river com-munities and wildlife preserves.

The next two days, we gathered in Tuc-son and met with representatives from many tireless activist groups. Each person had their own narrative concerning the pervasive physical and psychological violence the wall inflicts on people and wildlife. Although of-

ten devastating, their messages were coupled with a sense of hope that together we can work to change bad policies.

Our most recent concern is fighting H.R. 1505, legislation that would allow

Sarah is a member of the Sierra Club Borderlands Team.

Homeland Security to waive 16 major en-vironmental laws within 100 miles of U.S. land borders. This includes well-established policies such as the National Environmental Protection Act, Clean Water Act, and En-dangered Species Act and could lead to ac-tions along the northern border that mirror those in the south.

Our final day was spent in the San Pe-dro Riparian National Conservation Area, which serves as a migratory highway and habitat for a variety of wildlife. In 2007, Homeland Security divided this sanctuary, one of the last remaining riparian systems in the Southwest. Nearby landowners Bill Odle and John Ladd shared their daily experienc-es living with the wall, which scars its way across the San Juan River, towards the foot-hills of the Huachuca Mountains. To quote Bill, “If you build a wall, you need people to watch it, but, if you have people to watch, you don’t need a wall.”

Get Involved!

Homeland Security’s current methods need to be challenged, and local communities, land managers, and the greater public need to be engaged. Please join us in the fight for smart border reforms. Check us out at http://www.sierraclub.org/borderlands.

Standing by the border wall. Photo by Krista Schlyer/enviro-pic.org.

First published in Canyon Echo Vol. 39, No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2003).



The Long-nosed Leopard LizardBy Thomas Hulen

The Sonoran Desert is the most bio-logically diverse desert on earth. Plants and animals have evolved here to cope with the extremes in temperature and water availabil-ity. To survive, species have carved out niches for themselves that reduce competition for scarce resources while giving them an edge over other species. The long-nosed leopard lizard’s story is a great example of survival in the extreme.

The long-nosed leopard lizard’s color can vary from white, cream, or gray with un-even brown or dark gray spots along its body and head. Occasionally, there are dark bars across their back and tail. Perfect camouflage for a predator lurking in the shade of a shrub for its prey.

Sexual dimorphism occurs in this spe-cies. Females are larger, nearly six inches in length (nose to base of tail), and the males measure about five inches. Breeding females develop reddish-orange spots and bars on their sides and underneath the tail. Males develop a reddish color on the throat, chest, and sometimes the body.

Long-nosed leopard lizards occupy des-ert and grasslands throughout the western

U.S. and much of northern Mexico from sea level to around 6000 feet. In Sonoran Des-ert National Monument, flat creosote bush and bursage plant communities with plenty of open space for running provides the best habitat for this lizard.

Long-nosed lizards are diurnal and are ambush predators. They eat lizards (includ-ing their own species), insects, and, occa-sionally, small mammals.

Their coloration and pattern is ideal camouflage for hiding under desert shrubs where they do most of their hunting.

The breeding season runs from May to June with a single clutch laid in June or July. The eggs hatch in the late months of July and August during the summer rainy season. Young arise in August, when adult activity is winding down. It is believed that the timing of the juvenile emergence coinciding with the termination of adult activity may have evolved to prevent cannibalism.

Agricultural, residential, and energy de-velopment are threats to this species. Many areas considered suitable for these activities are located in flat creosote-bursage commu-nities, which many people consider waste-

lands. In addition, fragmentation of habitat by roads and utility corridors affects this spe-cies as well as many others.

Development of solar power generation facilities in long-nosed leopard lizard habitat is of some concern, and we need to be vigi-lant in making sure we plan wisely for the fu-

Thom is the Executive Director of Friends of Sonoran Desert National Monument.

ture. A future that, I believe, would be bleak without the long-nosed leopard lizard and the other plants and animals that comprise creosote-bursage communities.

A long-nosed leopard lizard peeks out of a burrow. Photo by Scott Sprague.

Grand Canyon Na-tional Park will stay noisy from air tours, thanks to last-minute secret ma-neuvers during passage of a federal transportation funding bill by Congress before its July 4th recess.

The compromise legislation includes sev-eral anti-environmental measures pushed by Re-publican leadership in the House, but this provision was in neither the Senate nor House version before final negotiations started.

Ironically, this legislation came imme-diately before the National Park Service was prepared to issue final recommendations on reducing air tour noise over Grand Canyon. The recommendations followed years of

agency noise studies costing $6 million and after gathering almost 30,000 public com-ments.

The Park Service plan was expected to extend quiet hours in the morning and evening; move air tour routes away from popular beaches, trails, and overlooks during

certain seasons; and limit air tour numbers in the future.

Congress tried to lock into place the noise we have today at Grand Canyon. It tried to stop the National Park Service from protecting the natural quiet of our premier national park.

The law is now changed to allow half the park to have unlimited aircraft noise and to allow the rest of the park to hear air tour noise 25% of the time throughout the day. Plus, air tour numbers can increase without limit into the future.

What You Can Do

Write a letter to the editor of your local paper to let our Congressional delegation know that you value natural quiet at Grand Canyon and other national park units. For more information, contact Rob Smith at 602-254-8362 or [email protected].

“President Teddy Roosevelt set aside this special place to protect its naturalness for future generations, but commercial interests dominated this time,” said Smith. “Grand Canyon should not sound like an airport.”

Rep. Paul Gosar (R-northern Arizona) introduced legislation earlier this year very similar to the Grand Canyon provisions in-cluded in the transportation bill, and Sena-tors John McCain and Jon Kyl, both Repub-licans, issued a joint statement supporting the new language.

Grand Canyon Aircraft Noise ContinuesBy Rob Smith

Photo by Jim McCarthy.Rob is the Senior Organizing Manager

for Sierra Club in Phoenix.



Armed with enthusiasm and a name-tag necklace, I headed to my assigned table at the Climate Reality Leadership Training in August. I was delighted to learn I was seated with seven other Arizonans (and one Californian we tried to convince to move to Arizona). We made hasty introductions with the few spare minutes before the training be-gan. That first day, we learned how to effec-tively use social media and digital marketing to our advantage and listened to the bitter-sweet tale of country music star Kathy Mat-tea’s coal-dusted family history. As day one concluded, my tablemates and I said good night and went our separate ways.

The next day, we were trained by Al Gore. He presented the newest version of his famous slide show, this time highlight-ing the connections between severe weather events and climate change. Throughout the day, he broke the slideshow down section by section and explained the science and inten-tion behind each slide. He kept us engaged and motivated through some heavy content, communicating urgency and hope with hu-mor and eloquence. The most important

Win the ConversationBy Melissa Antone

message of the day? Win the conversation about climate change to move beyond de-nial and get to action!

After lunch, I spotted a familiar face: Elna Otter – long-time Sierra Club leader, activist, and role model. When Elna visited our table during a break, we discovered that many of us were involved with Sierra Club. Jill Pyatt joined us from Prescott and Vince Pawlowski from Tucson. Ken Sweat, Scott Anderson, Kate Huffman, Steve Thompson, and I are all residents of the Phoenix area.

The final day of the training was partic-ularly eye opening. We all know the impor-tance of climate science, but we often think the facts alone are enough. It was a revelation to learn that facts do not necessarily lead to action. It is an authentic and passion-driven story, supported by facts, which connect with others emotionally, that leads to action. When we talk to others about the environ-

ment, whatever the topic, we have to relate to them on a personal level and help them see that issues we care about have a direct impact on their lives.

After three days, we had the tools we needed to educate others, new friends to help and support, and a sense of renewed

Melissa is a hiking enthusiast and an active Sierra Club member.

Are you looking for a climate change presenter? Find one in your area by visiting

http://presenters.climaterealityproject.org/presenter_search.

purpose. The climate crisis needs us all; the support of national organizations, the personal encouragement of individuals, the wise guidance of long-time leaders, and the enthusiasm and optimism of new Climate Leaders like us! Congratulations to my new fellow Climate Leaders, and thank you to the Sierra Club for your ongoing work, sup-port, and wonderful local champions. Let’s go win the conversation!

A group of intrepid fifth graders from Safford Elementary braved the coldest day in April to go caving. Adults from the school and from Inner City Outings (ICO) accom-panied us to Kartchner Caverns, where we learned its history and how caves form. This trip would have been out of reach for most of the students without funding from the Education Enrichment Foundation, Friends of Kartchner Caverns, and ICO. It was the first time out of Tucson for some students.

It was toasty warm inside the Discov-ery Center, where the kids competed to an-swer the most questions about caves. They were thrilled to ride the tram to the Throne Room where our wonderful docents made sure everyone followed the rules in the cave. Each student wanted to be the one to turn the lights on for the next section. We only picked good listeners! The light show in the Throne Room inspired comments that were amazing from fifth graders.

Exploring the World BelowBy Cheryl Walling

After braving the cold for an outdoor lunch, we quickly loaded the vans and cars and headed to Coronado Cave, which I had found in the book Best Hikes with Children in Arizona. Of course, being typical Arizona weather, it was warmer on the other side of the Huachuca Mountains.

We stopped at the ranger station before the trailhead. The students had just finished a unit on explorers and were thrilled to try on the Spanish Conquistador costumes in the kids’ corner. They even connected Coro-nado National Forest with the famous Span-ish explorer.

We climbed the half mile up to the cave entrance, where we fitted the kids with helmets and lights – they looked like real spelunkers – and then crawled down the hole into the cave. I led the kids to see the dinosaur first. One of my students, An-

See Caving continued on pg. 17.Youth explore the wonderful world of caves. Photo by Cheryl Walling.



Our joy at seeing a deer, an eagle, a tur-key, or a river otter in the wild expresses an instinctive heritage shared by all of us. As a nation, we love wildlife – often as a symbol of nature’s wonder and as a connection to our earth.

Wildlife depends on habitat. Especially in arid areas, riparian habitats support an abundance of wildlife species. We recognize them as “keystone habitats” having a dispro-portionately large share of wildlife compared to their size. Despite their importance, we haven’t treated them very well.

The Colorado River – dammed, chan-nelized, litigated, and over-allocated – no longer flows to the sea, so the once-largest wetland in North America is now a dry, cracked mudflat. The Gila, Santa Cruz, and lower Salt rivers have been sucked dry by ir-rigated agriculture, diversions, and ground-water pumping. The San Pedro is struggling to survive; groundwater models predict it will be dry in a century. Overgrazing, dams,

Celebrating WildlifeBy Gary Beverly

and groundwater mining have obliterated nearly all our riparian habitats. Under this onslaught of exploitation, the Verde River survives as the longest living river remaining in Arizona.

The Verde Watershed, with less than 6% of Arizona’s land area, hosts 446 ver-tebrate species: 270 breeding birds species (78% of the state’s total), 25 of 28 bats, 17 of 19 carnivores, 5 of 6 native ungulates, 94% of the lizard genera, and 68% of the snake genera. That’s an impressive concentration of wildlife.

Upstream from Horseshoe Dam, the Verde River and Fossil Creek freely flow for over 160 miles, forming a resilient habi-tat. Resilient habitats – a conservation goal of Sierra Club – are continuous and large enough to encompass a range of elevations and climates, enabling species to maintain genetic diversity, to migrate, and to move in response to climate change. More than 500,000 acres of protected public land is

directly connected to this riparian river cor-ridor, plus three national forests.

The upper Verde River, upstream from Clarkdale, represents the best of the best. Here, we see the river healing itself, recov-ering from a century of gross overgrazing and mismanagement – thanks to beaver, a keystone species. Beavers significantly alter the habitat around them and affect large numbers of other organisms. Beaver dams, abundant on the upper Verde, broaden the riparian zone, create wetlands, increase water storage, blunt flood flows, and create habitat for insects, birds, native fish, and all wildlife.

I’ve spent this summer interning with the Grand Canyon Chapter of the Sierra Club, working on a report detailing the state of the Verde River. As someone who’s grown up among the homogeneity of the Valley’s suburbs, I’ve never spent enough time get-ting to know the wild places of Arizona nor understanding the value of such places. Dis-

Despite the unique ecological value of the Verde, the same forces that have de-stroyed all of Arizona’s other major rivers now may doom the upper Verde. State water law has authorized de-watering the upper 25 miles. The upper Verde is now on death row – it’s only a matter of time – unless citizens demand that Arizona water law honors envi-ronmental water needs. As conservationists, it’s our duty to lead that effort by educating citizens about the plight of the Verde and by electing legislators who value our natural re-sources.

Protect the Verde!

connected from such environments, it’s hard to imagine how heavily dependent human life here is on the resources of such rivers. Awareness, as it is, is a powerful thing.

I spent the first weeks reading, attempt-ing to understand the complexities of the hydrological and climatological processes that govern the entirety of the Verde, as well

as the sum of human actions and impacts on these pro-cesses. Despite the slightly overwhelming nature of this task, I’ve seen how many fac-tors contributed to the num-bers I was looking at, and I gained an understanding of what this could mean for the future of the river as an ecological resource and for future generations to come.

Despite the abstract nature of these notions, fieldwork will always un-doubtedly be a messier task than processing and analyz-

ing numbers on a computer screen. Before working this summer, I had never even seen the Verde River. Putting on waders and minding the algae and uneven riverbed was definitely a new experience and another way to get to know the river, as well as the hu-man and ecological communities growing and changing alongside it.

Overall, working so closely with facts and figures and statistics and predictions has stressed to me the importance of conserva-tion. Flow rates have decreased consider-ably in the past five years. The Sierra Club’s Water Sentinels have been making observa-tions, especially as the Southwest has been experiencing an overall hotter and drier climate than in decades past. Despite the uncertainties that come with making predic-

tions for such complex systems, the Verde is undoubtedly threatened by the growing im-pacts of climate change and by further de-velopment and dependency on groundwater pumping. In the future, there is a possibil-ity that the Verde could lose its status as a perennial river and become an intermittent stream. Meeting the challenge of reconciling human needs with the resource constraints of this river will be difficult but is imperative to sustaining such an important place for the state of Arizona.

It is so important, as I’ve learned, to connect to these places, not just because of their natural beauty, but because knowing about these resources is an important step in protecting them.

Gary is Vice-Chair of the Yavapai Group.

Saritha is a student at ASU’s School of Sustainability.

Beaver dam on the upper Verde River. Photo by Gary Beverly.

Getting to Know the Verde RiverBy Saritha Ramakrishna



Rosemont Mine and Cyanide BeachBy Gayle Hartmann White Nose Syndrome

With the eye light burning low in their tiny faces the bats come out of hiding

and become a stream of darkness and silence

stretching tight as a nerve in the night where they dip and they swerve

around whatever stands in their way as they feed on the wing and fly back

to the caves where they cling to the creases in rock. They’re too many to count

and too fast to keep track of. Who knows where they go when they’re gone?

Does daylight dissolve them? Is it true they like blood and to bite

into flesh for a taste? Can they haunt an old house and move in

to the attic whose walls are all mildew and webs? But who would eat the insects

should they fade away? Here they come, little purses

flying, companions to the moon, with all their strength in numbers, and their numbers

wearing thin as their transparent skins.

–David Chorlton

A recently released documentary by well-known investigative journalist John Dougherty entitled Cyanide Beach provides insight into the unseemly past of five of Augusta/Rosemont’s board of directors. These are the same Canadian mining speculators who want to blast a mile-wide, half-mile deep hole near the ridgeline of the Santa Rita Mountains. Their proposed open-pit mine project would also dump waste rock and tailings up to 800 feet (80 stories) in height on more than 3,000 acres of the Coronado National Forest. In addition, it would likely lower our water table, pollute our drinking water, and provide eastern Tucson and Saguaro National Park East with dirty air.

The documentary details the past activities of these five directors at a mine on the island of Sardinia, Italy. The film has shown to near-capacity crowds at a Tucson theater and will be shown at other venues in southern Arizona.

Between 2003 and 2007, five members of Augusta Resource’s current board served together on the board of another Canadian speculative company, Sargold Resource, which owned and operated an open-pit gold mine in Sardinia. Sargold overstated the amount of gold reserves, misspent a government loan, failed to pay vendors on time, forcing them to obtain court judgments, and failed to disclose required information to Canadian securities

regulators, including the personal bankruptcy of Richard Warke, Sargold and Augusta board chairman.

In 2007, Sargold merged with Buffalo Gold, another Vancouver junior mining company; the same five individuals that are on Augusta’s board were on the Buffalo Gold board. In 2008, Buffalo Gold abandoned the Sardinian mine site, leaving behind rusting mining equipment, five tons of cyanide, and a massive, leaking tailings pond that local residents call “Cyanide Beach.” Former mine workers were so concerned, they worked to continue environmental clean-up work for months, without pay, after the mine was abandoned. The local mayor said that allowing this mine to operate in his community was a terrible mistake.

The question is this: Should we believe individuals who tell us that Rosemont Mine will be an economic boon with minimal environmental impact when they have a past like this? I don’t think so.

Gayle is the president of Save the Scenic Santa Ritas.

It is said that there was once a time when Earth sighed in contentment after a drenching by Summer Rain in her Sonoran Desert. Her hot sands were cooled, her watercours-es wet, her tinajas full. She smiled to see a stretch of low mountain reflected in a pool at its base, a temporal pool, but what was not? Brevity, she knew, heightened preciousness.

Moving Mountains: A FableBy Ann McDermott

“Such clarity,” she whis-pered in awe. “See how the jag-ged crest running the length of the mountain range is still re-vealed in the reflection, like the spine of some enormous, living creature?”

Imagination inspired, she searched for more likenesses between alp and animal.

“This rounding-mounding of rock looks like a head,” she mused. “There, might be a hind leg. And there, a striped tail.”

She yawned. Sun dominated the former-ly cloudy sky now, and heat waves sported in mirages before her gaze. Everything seemed drowsy. All was still as timelessness in the mid-

afternoon heat. Shadows shifted on the mountain. Earth daydreamed, unsure just how long.

She startled into awareness again when something moved within her line of sight. She breathed deeply, lazily.

“Oh, it’s you,” she smiled at Desert Iguana and stretched.

The round-headed lizard did pushups on the rock at the edge of the pool. He cared nothing about hiding from Sun’s heat.

The mountain shimmered in mirage. Was it moving?The sixteen-inch long reptile hopped from the reddish

volcanic stone and strode unhurriedly to the creosote bush above his burrow, climbed it, and ate the plant’s blossoms, his favorite food.

Earth noticed the dorsal keel, tracing his spine. His rounded head. His streaks and spots of red-brown against the “dirt tan” of his skin – looking for all the world like the spotting of dry plants and stones on the hillside before her.

“Why,” said Earth in amazement, “you look just like....”“A chip off the old block?” asked Desert Iguana, finish-

ing her thought. He smiled and winked.Ann is committed to the fable as an art form that reaches across rational mind limitations.

A desert iguana. Photo by Florian Boyd.



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EQIP Grants to Ranchers a Waste of Tax DollarsBy Jeff Burges

Jeff is a public lands grazing activist.

Congressional budget hawks looking for wasteful government spending should take a close look at the Environmental Qual-ity Incentives Program (EQIP) funds being awarded to public lands ranchers by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Re-sources Conservation Service (NRCS).

EQIP funds provide cost-sharing as-sistance to agricultural producers to help them implement conservation practices. The NRCS was historically prohibited from awarding EQIP funds to public lands ranch-ers because the grazing fees these ranchers paid to the Forest Service and Bureau of

Land Management (BLM) were supposed to fund livestock management plans.

Public lands ranchers first became eli-gible for EQIP funds after Arizona’s Gila County Cattlegrowers complained to the second Bush administration that the Tonto National Forest was requiring them to drasti-cally cut cattle numbers in response to severe drought. The Arizona NRCS was authorized to proceed with a $1.5 million EQIP pilot program on the Tonto in 2004. According to the NRCS, most of these funds went to 19 public lands ranchers on the Tonto that “voluntarily” reduced their herds.

Congress subsequently expanded the scope of the program in the 2008 Farm Bill and made EQIP funds available to all public lands ranchers in the West. The program’s cost has grown, too. In Arizona, for exam-ple, EQIP funds awarded to ranchers grew to $4.96 million in federal fiscal year 2008. (There are only about 900 federal lands graz-ing permit holders in Arizona.) Although Arizona’s public lands ranchers continue to receive EQIP funds, the latest amounts are difficult to identify because the NRCS says they no longer track them as unique recipi-ents.

Many EQIP-funded livestock manage-ment plans issued by Arizona’s national for-ests during the last few years have included claims they will improve riparian habitat conditions. But rarely have these plans called for restricting livestock from streams. In-stead, in nearly identical language, they say the construction of new livestock watering sites in the uplands will draw enough cattle away from the streams to allow riparian habitat to improve. But none of these pro-posals have included examples of where this strategy has worked in the desert Southwest. Instead, the Forest Service promises it will use its adaptive management strategy to take more effective measures to keep cattle out of the streams if monitoring shows these plans aren’t working. The chances of this happen-ing are lower than the odds that these ranch-ers will be allowed to increase their herd sizes because of the new upland watering sites.

These plans have nearly identical word-ing because they have been drafted by the NRCS, which provides the EQIP funding. They are being implemented, however, on public lands that are supposed to be man-aged under the multiple-use doctrine, wherein lands are utilized in the combina-tion that will best meet the needs of the American people. The purpose of the NRCS is to promote better agriculture. Federal land managers with the Forest Service and BLM may technically veto power over these plans, but their ability to appropriately manage livestock is being hobbled by the fact that another agency with a different agenda is controlling the purse strings.

A grazing sign welcomes visitors to Tonto National Forest. Photo by Tiffany Sprague.



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Happenings Around the StateSix groups make up the Grand Canyon Chapter. All the events and meetings listed below are open to members interested in learning more about the Sierra Club. You can find out more at our website: http://arizona.sierraclub.org/meetings_events.asp. Schedules are subject to change. (x) Group Ex-Com members

Rincon Group (Tucson)http://arizona.sierraclub.org/rincon

Chair: Randy Serraglio (x) 520-784-1504 [email protected]: Keith Bagwell (x) 520-623-0269 [email protected]: Ken Bierman 520-661-7555 [email protected]: Roy Emrick (x) 520-326-7883 [email protected]: Russell Lowes (x) 520-321-3670 [email protected]: Mitch Stevens 520-991-1199 [email protected] City Outings: Judy Rubin 520-891-3310 [email protected]: Lee Oler 520-791-9246 [email protected]: Natalie Lucas (x) 928-600-7844 [email protected] (At-Large): Michelle Crow (x) 520-743-9958 [email protected]

Carl Kanun (x) 520-297-1128 [email protected]

OCT 25 and DEC 6 (THU) Conservation Committee (6 p.m.) and Executive Committee (7:15 p.m.) meetings. Located in the first floor conference room of the Historic YWCA, 738 N. Fifth Ave., Tucson. Open to the public. Sierra Club members, in particular, are urged to attend and to participate. Hope to see you there!

Programs are at SEIU (Service Employees International Union), 1600 N. Tucson Blvd., Tucson. Free and open to the public. For more information, contact Keith Bagwell.

OCT 11 (THU) 7 p.m. Splendors of the Colorado Plateau. The Colorado Plateau is 130,000 square miles of plateaus, mesas, canyons, arches, and cliffs in Arizona, Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico. With elevations from 3,000 feet to 14,000 feet, the scenery, geology, flora, and fauna within the plateau are dramatically varied, from desert to alpine conditions. Mitch Ste-vens and Russell Lowes of the Sierra Club focus on the beautiful and fascinating grandeur of the canyon country and how we can help conserve it for now and for generations to come.

NOV 8 (THU) 7 p.m. Tucson Inner-City Outings (ICO). The Sierra Club’s Tucson ICO program took 393 youth and 71 adults on 35 outings this past school year – its biggest year yet! ICO is a community outreach program that provides opportunities for urban youth and adults, many of whom would not otherwise have such opportuities, to explore, enjoy, and protect the natural world. ICO is made up entirely of volunteer leaders who organize a variety of adven-tures – hiking, camping, kayaking, mountain biking, caving, and service learning for people of all ages and abilities. Tucson ICO Chair Judy Rubin promotes this very successful program.

DEC 13 (THU) 7 p.m. “SunZilla” – An Electric-Power Line That Would Eat the San Pedro River Valley. A panel of experts – people who care passionately about the land, its waters, and the wonderful diversity of life they support – will discuss the proposed SunZia Transmis-sion Project, which would cut through the Lower San Pedro River Valley or through one of the most unfragmented areas in Southern Arizona, the Galiuro-Aravaipa-Santa Teresa wildland complex. Learn about why this transmission line is not needed, why the proponents’ selected routes are unacceptable, and how you can help stop or re-route this ill-advised proposal.

Saguaro Group (North Maricopa County)http://arizona.sierraclub.org/saguaro

Chair/Secretary: Bob Moore (x) 480-543-7409 [email protected]/Membership: Louis Lantz (x) 480-575-1782 [email protected]: Urb Weidner 602-595-3301 [email protected]/Fundraising: Bev Full (x) 480-221-2554 [email protected]: Nancy Santori (x) 623-780-4734 [email protected]: Lynne Cockrum-Murphy (x) 602-569-6078 [email protected] Co-Chair: Jim Wilkey (x) 480-649-2836 [email protected]: Pete Weinelt 623-388-2209 [email protected]: Doug Murphy (x) 602-569-6078 [email protected]

NOV 8 (THU) 5:30 p.m. Executive Committee meeting at Bob Moore’s home in Anthem. Dinner is at 5:30 p.m. followed by planning meeting at 6 p.m. All interested members are invited to attend. Contact Bob Moore at 480-543-7409 or [email protected].

DEC 16 (SUN) 4–7 p.m. Annual Holiday Party at Bev Full’s home. This event is for our outings participants and club activists. For information and to RSVP, contact Bev Full at 480-221-2554 or [email protected].

Plateau Group (Flagstaff)http://arizona.sierraclub.org/plateau

Chair/Political: Tom Martin (x) 928-556-0742 [email protected]: Jim McCarthy (x) 928-779-3748 [email protected]/Membership: Cynthia Pardo (x) 928-380-9175 [email protected]: Sharon Galbreath 928-774-1571 [email protected]: Marti Callahan (x) 928-525-9165 [email protected]: Sarah King 928-266-0475 [email protected] (At Large): Steve McKellar (x) 928-526-4864 [email protected]

For information about activities in the Flagstaff area, contact Sarah King.

Palo Verde Group (Phoenix)http://arizona.sierraclub.org/paloverde

Chair/Membership: Michael Brady (x) 480-250-4054 [email protected]: Fareed Abou-Haidar (x) 480-345-1779 [email protected]: Jerry Nelson (x) 602-279-4668 [email protected]: Blair McLaughlin (x) 602-618-8591 [email protected]: Don Steuter (x) 602-956-5057 [email protected]: Jim Vaaler (x) 602-553-8208 [email protected] City Outings: Lisa Vaaler 602-468-4158 [email protected] Justice: Gil Venable (x) 602-254-4574 [email protected] (At-Large): Ute Brady (x) 480-250-9716 [email protected]

David McCaleb (x) 602-840-7655 [email protected]

OCT 2, NOV 6, DEC 4 (TUE) 6:30 p.m. Conservation Committee meetings. Contact Don Steu-ter. OCT 9, NOV 13, DEC 11 (TUE) 6:30 p.m. Executive Committee meetings. Contact Mike Brady. Held in the 2nd floor conference room of the Quality Inn, 202 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix.

Programs are held in the Quality Inn Garden Room, 202 E. McDowell Rd., Phoenix. FREE and open to the public. Visit http://paloverdegroup.org or call 480-990-9165 for more info.

OCT 16 (TUE) 6:30 p.m. TBD. Join us for an informational presentation and to meet and mingle with fellow members.

NOV 20 (TUE) 6:30 p.m. The Amazing Biological Diversity of the Upper Verde River Water-shed. Biologist Anthony Krzysik will talk about the biological diversity and fascinating plant and animal species in the Upper Verde River Watershed. You will be amazed at the extraor-dinary biological richness of the Verde, its environmental challenges, and the risks it faces.

Canyon Echo encourages contributors to use Creative Commons licensing.This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCom-mercial-ShareAlike License. To view a copy of this license, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/2.5 or send a letter to Creative Commons, 543 Howard Street, 5th Floor, San Francisco, California 94105.

All other contributions, including photos, cartoons, and written work, fall under standard copyright restrictions.



Yavapai Group (Prescott)http://arizona.sierraclub.org/yavapai

Chair/Conservation: Tom Slaback (x) 928-778-4233 [email protected]/Outings: Gary Beverly (x) 928-636-2638 [email protected]/Political: Joe Zarnoch (x) 928-636-5501 [email protected]: Constance Eichenlaub (x) 928-776-2402 [email protected]

OCT 3, NOV 7, DEC 5 (WED) 6 p.m. Executive Committee meetings. All members are in-vited to attend and participate in our monthly meetings. There has been another change of location. Contact Tom Slaback for directions.

OCT 6–7 (SAT–SUN) 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Prescott Outdoor Expo. Help establish Wild and Scenic River designation for the Upper Verde River. Help at our booth or stop by to see us. Located at Watson Lake Park. Contact Gary Beverly for more information.

DEC 14 (FRI) 6 p.m. Annual Holiday Party. Come and have some fun and good food at the Prescott Estates Clubhouse. Set up at 5 p.m. for a dinner time of 6 p.m. The group will provide the main course. Please bring a potluck dish and your own service. There will be an optional gift exchange. For more info and to RSVP, contact Tom.

Contact Gary to subscribe to our monthly e-newsletter. Current information and announce-ments may be found there and on our website.

Atop a narrow and exposed redwall ledge, we gazed below at Kanab Creek slicing a serpentine gorge on its journey to the Colorado River. Our “route” appeared to be petering out, and we had to find a way down to the creek. I located a talus slope plunging steeply to the canyon floor. However, the rock was loose and crumbly, and I was concerned for my fellow hikers who perhaps weren’t used to the rugged terrain. Just a few days ago, they flew out west from cooler, wetter environs to take part in this backpacking trek.

The morning sun on this early May day was already bearing down, and the cool waters below looked enticing. One step at a time, we gingerly climbed down the talus slope, which delivered us safely to the creek. Welcome to the Kanab Creek Wilderness!

Kanab Creek itself, located in the western reaches of Grand Canyon, is the largest tributary drainage north of the Colorado River and one of the most beautiful. The

scenery is indeed spectacular, and it features solitude, delightful springs, and mysterious side canyons complete with pools and running water. The geological layer cake of the ages unfolds as one descends through the canyons. One could easily spend weeks exploring this part of the canyon and barely scratch the surface. Edward Abbey summed it up nicely when he wrote: “May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds.”

Join Russell Lowe and me on October 11 as we present for the Rincon Group in Tucson a slideshow and talk showcasing the Kanab Creek Wilderness and other special places in the canyon country. In addition, we will discuss a few of the conservation issues of the Colorado Plateau and how we can help preserve this amazing part of the world.

Kanab Creek WildernessBy Mitch Stevens

Mitch is the Rincon Group’s Outings Chair.

The moon rises over Fishtail Mountain. Photo by Mitch Stevens.

gelita, was not happy to turn her light off to see the eyes glow. The whole cave was a challenge for Angelita as she was worried about not finding the entrance again or get-ting lost. We discovered her claustrophobia in the long tunnel. This changed, though, when we discovered a hole in the floor of the cave. We couldn’t even see the bottom. An-gelita followed Anais into the hole, but, as Rebecca started to follow, Angelita told her to stop. She started to climb back up. As we watched, she stopped almost at the top and said, “Okay, we can still get out!” and headed

back down the hole. I was so excited that she overcame her fear and started leading every-one else around the cave.

As we gathered at the ranger station af-terward for the last snack before the long ride back, the kids described how the experience changed them. It stretched their boundaries, they overcame their fears, and Jesus couldn’t wait to bring his mom and show her around. For a free caving experience, I would highly recommend Coronado Cave for easy explor-ing. Be sure to stop at the ranger station for directions and advice.

Cheryl is a teacher, ICO leader, and Sierra Club member.

Caving continued from pg. 12.

Take Out

The comical roadrunner races across the bumpy dirt road. Curled in its beak, like a burrito, is a ground squirrel.

Its mate follows, chasing, barking, lamenting.

The roadrunner, knows better than to open his mouth to protest his innocence. He’s just looking for his meal.

The ground squirrel continues his wail, to no avail.

And I drive on.

–Linda ZelloRound-tailed ground squirrel. Photo by Scott Sprague.

Sedona/Verde Valley Grouphttp://arizona.sierraclub.org/sedona

Chair: Brian Myers (x) 928-204-1703 [email protected]: Bob Donahue (x) 928-639-1885 [email protected]: Carole Binswanger 928-282-1206 [email protected]: Margaret Anderson 928-203-4355 [email protected] (At Large): Anne Crosman (x) 928-284-9252 [email protected]

Carole Piszczek-Sheffield (x) 928-204-1517 [email protected] Rayner (x) 928-203-0340 [email protected]

For information about activities in the Sedona/Verde Valley area, contact Brian Myers.



Explore and Enjoy ArizonaFor up-to-date information about outings, visit http://arizona.sierraclub.org/outings.asp.

Explore, Enjoy, Learn, and ContributeJoin us for a wild adventure! Any funds in excess of trip expenses will be used to support chapter projects. Carpooling is available for all trips. For reservations and information about the following outings, please contact Bev Full at 480-221-2554 or [email protected].

NOV 27–30 (TUE–FRI) Canoe/Kayak the Lower Colorado River through Imperial Wildlife Preserve. Enjoy moonlight camps in Picacho State Recreation Area (in Califor-nia), Norton’s Lake, and Fisher’s Landing. Experience a guided power boat trip up river to Draper’s Lake, then paddle down river to Picacho Outpost Camp, then on to Norton’s Lake, and finally back to Fisher’s Landing, stopping for a short hike and lunch en route. Cost: $225 includes camp fees, meals in camp, shuttle, and canoe rental.

DEC 18–21 (TUE–FRI) Ski Cross-country or Downhill or Snowshoe in the Sunrise Ski Area. Join us in Greer, AZ, to stay in a large cabin for group dining and entertainment. Spend two days skiing or snowshoe this gorgeous area (rentals available). Experienced skiers will help beginners. Cost: $235 includes lodging and meals.

JAN 21–26 (MON–SAT) Leadville, Colorado (elevation 10,000’). Cross-country or downhill ski or snow shoe in quaint, historic Leadville. Stay at the comfortable Silver King Motel, enjoy many interesting eateries and antique shops in town, swim and soak at the new Aquatic Center, and enjoy fantastic views of 14,000’ Mt. Elbert and Mt. Mas-sive. Cost: $315 covers lodging, breakfasts, lunches, happy hours, and pizza party. Cost does not include ski rentals, dinners, or in-town excursions.

Rafters enjoying the Colorado River through Flaming Gorge. Photo by Sandra Hoffman.

OCT 7 (SUN) “D” Catalina State Park, Bird-ing Trail (1.5 mi., <500’ EC). Join us on this easy birding hike in Catalina State Park. Begin-ning and experienced birders welcome. Some common desert plant and wildlife identifica-tion also will be included. Please note that birding takes quiet time, patience, and a slow pace, so, if you are looking for a high-speed hike, this is not for you. Bring binoculars, wa-ter, snacks, hat, sunscreen, hiking boots/shoes, and a curious mind. Catalina State Park charges an entrance fee. Limit 8 people; adults only, please. Contact Beth Ann Krueger at 520-405-5470 or yardengine1919@ hotmail.com. Tucson

OCT 8 (MON) “C” Vulture Peak (4 mi. RT, 1000’ EC). Follow a pleasant path through a hilly desert floor area, then venture up to the saddle on a challenging almost non-stop uphill of 700’ over a number rocky surfaces and high stepping parts. The saddle offers good views of the far northwest valley. Plans are open if some want to go the top. The fi-nal 240’ from the saddle to the top of Vulture Peak is a steep non-maintained path that involves some hand-over-foot climbing. Op-tional lunch in Wickenburg after. Contact Pete Weinelt at 623-388-2209 or [email protected]. Phoenix

OCT 13 (SAT) “C+” ICO Four Peaks Browns Saddle. Come join Inner City Outings kids as we tackle Browns Peak to the saddle! Contact Lisa Vaaler at 602-468-4158 or [email protected]. Phoenix

OCT 20 (SAT) “B” Horseshoe Peak (8–10 mi., 1000’ EC). This hike in Agua Fria National Monument near Cordes Junction will take us to the 4232’-high summit of Horseshoe Peak, where we’ll enjoy spectacular views. Along the way we’ll follow jeep trails, dirt roads, and an off-trail route and experience steep and slip-pery slopes and spiny plants aplenty (leather gloves recom-mended). Drive 50 mi. from Phoenix. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

OCT 27 (SAT) “D” Catalina State Park, Canyon Loop Trail (3 mi., <500’ EC). The Canyon Loop Trail provides nice view of the Catalina Mountains, water in several washes if there has been rain, and a nice introduction to both desert and riparian hiking. Bring water, snacks, hiking boots/shoes, hat/sunscreen, hiking poles (if desired), and an interest in en-joying nature. Catalina State Park does charge an entrance fee. Please contact Beth Ann Krueger at 520-405-5470 or [email protected]. Tucson

OCT 27 (SAT) “B” East-West Fork Divide (6–8 mi., 1600’ EC). This exploratory hike in the Mazatzal Mountains near Sunflower will take us on jeep and pack trails along the di-vide separating the east and west forks of Sycamore Creek. We will hike to a 5610’ summit and return along another ridge by an off-trail route. Expect steep and slippery slopes, brushy and spiny vegetation (leather gloves recommended), and spectacular views. Drive 50 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

OCT 27 (SAT) “B” Hike The Verde: Part 1 – Perkinsville Bridge to Bear Siding (7 mi., 100’ EC). After shuttling ve-

hicles, we’ll hike through a very pretty and wild part of the upper Verde River. There is no trail – be prepared to push through the brush and wade the river. Bring your camera. We’ll learn about the natural history of and conservation issues surrounding our Verde River. This will be a long day, but there is outstanding fall col-or, scenery, and photography. Lots of shallow wading. Reservation required, 10 hiker limit. Contact Gary Beverly at [email protected] (preferred) or 928-636-2638. Prescott

OCT 27 (SAT) “A” Tanque Verde Peak: Tanque Verde Ridge (18 mi. RT). This trail follows one of the most topographically aesthetic ridge-lines in southern Arizona. Most folks hike to Juniper Basin, which makes for a good strenu-ous day hike in the Rincons. From Juniper Ba-sin, Tanque Verde Peak is another 4.2 mi. RT. The views from the summit are spectacular; you will need both hands to count the number of prominent mountain ranges that are vis-ible. We will discuss the ecology and geology of the sky islands. Contact Mitch Stevens at 520-991-1199 or [email protected]. Limit 12. Tucson

NOV 3 (SAT) “B” Hike The Verde: Part 2 – Bull Basin to Hell Point (7 mi., 600’ EC). After shuttling vehicles, we’ll hike down the most isolated and beautiful section of the upper Verde River. There is no trail. Be prepared to push through the brush and wade the river. Bring your camera. We’ll learn about the natu-ral history of and conservation issues sur-rounding our river. This will be a long day in the wilderness with outstanding fall color, scen-ery, photography, and wildlife. Lots of shallow wading. Reservation required, 10 hiker limit. Contact Gary Beverly at [email protected] (preferred) or 928-636-2638. Prescott

NOV 3 (SAT) “B+” West Granite Mountain (10–12 mi., 1150’ EC). West Granite Moun-

tain is a 4555’ peak in the southern Mazatzals near Sun-flower. On this hike, we’ll follow a jeep road and then climb off-trail to the summit. On the climb, expect steep, rocky, and slippery slopes; spiny plants (leather gloves recommended). Views should be spectacular. Drive 45 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

NOV 3–4 (SAT–SUN) “B” Sierra Ancha Wilderness Back-pack (8 mi. RT, 2000’ EC per day). This moderate backpack will begin on Reynolds Creek Trail, climb over Center Moun-tain, and descend on Lucky Strike Trail to camp at Dripping Springs. The next day, we will have an easy hike out on Lucky Strike Trail, ending the trip along Cherry Creek Rd. Expect















Explore and Enjoy ArizonaFor up-to-date information about outings, visit http://arizona.sierraclub.org/outings.asp.

superb views, fall colors, and discussion of the history of the Sierra Ancha Wilderness. A car shuttle or a key swap will be necessary. Contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or [email protected]. Phoenix

NOV 10 (SAT) “C” ICO Eagletail Wilderness. Come join In-ner City Outings kids as we explore Hidden Spring Trail and step back in time viewing pre-historic artifacts. Contact Lisa Vaaler at 602-468-4158 or [email protected]. Phoenix

NOV 10 (SAT) “B” Arizona Trail, Sunflower Northwestbound (12–14 mi.). This exploratory hike will join the Arizona Trail at SR 87 near Sunflower and follow the trail northwestward be-fore returning by the same route. This should be an interest-ing and scenic hike. If the trail isn’t well marked, we may have to head off-trail, where off-trail rules (gloves recommended) apply. Drive 45 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

NOV 16 (FRI) “C-” Lake Pleasant (3.8 mi., 250’ EC). We’ll hike the Pipeline Canyon Trail, then do a picnic lunch (bring your own), and then do the short Roadrunner Trail on the lake’s shore by the dam. You’re welcome to do some or all of this. $6 per car entrance fee. We can meet for carpooling. Contact Pete Weinelt at 623-388-2209 or [email protected]. Phoenix

NOV 17 (SAT) “B+” Bronco-Cottonwood Trail (12 mi.). This trek will take us from the Bronco Trailhead on Forest Road 24 to the Spur Cross Trailhead near Cave Creek. We will experi-ence plenty of up- and down-hill travel, a variety of vegeta-tion types, and many points of scenic and historic interest. Drive 40 mi. from Scottsdale. A $3 per person fee is charged for using the Spur Cross Trailhead. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

NOV 18 (SUN) “D” Honey Bee Canyon, Oro Valley (2 mi., 100’ EC). Morning hikes in this canyon afford many wildlife and bird viewing opportunities. Bring water, snacks, hik-ing boots/shoes, hat/sunscreen, and an interest in learn-ing about desert ecology. Don’t expect a high-speed hike. Limit 8. Contact Beth Ann Krueger at 520-405-5470 or [email protected]. Tucson

NOV 18 (SUN) “B” Thimble Peak (9 mi. RT). From the Gor-don Hirabayashi Campground along the Mt. Lemmon high-way, we hike to Sycamore Reservoir and up and down ridges to Thimble Flat. This is grassy terrain with innumerable wide open views of Bear Canyon and, eventually, of Thimble Peak. We then hike to the base of the peak and do a short but steep scramble to the top, with a rope for safety. Return by the same route. Limit 8. Contact Neil Weinstein at 520-299-3005 or [email protected] or Mitch Stevens at [email protected]. Tucson

NOV 24 (SAT) “B+” Wood Canyon (10 mi., 1250’ EC). This partly exploratory on- and off-trail hike near Superior will take

us from near the headwaters of White Canyon over the di-vide into Wood Canyon and up to the summit of Peak 4054. We’ll then follow a dirt road down highly scenic Wood Can-yon to our cars. The road will be easy walking. Expect steep slopes, spiny plants (leather gloves recommended), and gor-geous scenery. Drive 70 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

NOV 24–25 (SAT–SUN) “B” Four Peaks Wilderness Back-pack (5–10 mi. 1800’ EC per day). We’ll start from Lone Pine Saddle and follow the Four Peaks Trail to the Chillicut Trail and then down to the “big spring,” where we will camp. The second day, we will walk out on the Chillicut Trail to the Rock Creek Trailhead. The leader will talk about the history of the Four Peaks Wilderness. Expect excellent views and fall col-ors. A car shuttle or key swap will be necessary. Contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or [email protected]. Phoenix

DEC 1 (SAT) “C” Fall Color Photography Workshop at Ara-vaipa Canyon (7 mi. RT). A fall color canyoneering experi-ence not to be missed! This one-day exclusive workshop will take place in two of the most beautiful and seldom photo-graphed canyons in southeastern Arizona. We will carpool to the eastern end of Aravaipa Canyon and meet professional photographer Michael Madsen, then hike 2 mi. through colorful Aravaipa Creek to the confluence of Hell Hole Can-yon, a long serpentine side canyon, for dramatic photos of spring-fed waterfalls and seeps laced with maiden hair ferns. Contact Mitch Stevens at 520-991-1199 or mitchstevens@ qwestoffice.net. Tucson

DEC 1 (SAT) “C” Hike The Verde: Part 3 – Upper Verde River Wildlife Area to Granite Creek (5 mi., 400’ EC). We’ll hike up the Verde River to the confluence with Granite Creek using informal trails. After stopping for lunch at Verde Springs, we may climb to the rim (spirits willing). Bring your camera. We’ll learn about the natural history of and the con-servation issues surrounding our Verde River. No wading is necessary, but it’s fun to get your feet wet. Pre-reservation required, 12 hiker limit. Con-tact Gary Beverly at [email protected] (preferred) or 928-636-2638. Prescott

DEC 1 (SAT) “B” Migraine Meadows (6–8 mi., 1000’ EC). On this off-trail adven-ture, we’ll return to Migraine Mountain, near Canyon Lake, to explore its western end and enjoy spectacular scenery of this cliff and canyon country.

Expect steep, slippery, slickrock slopes, vicious vegetation, including cholla fields forever, and other adversities (leather gloves recommended). Drive 45 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

DEC 8 (SAT) “B+”Fish Creek Rim (10 mi.). This hike in the Superstition Wilderness will follow the dirt road to Tortilla Well and return off-trail via a series of ridges and high points along the southwest rim of Fish Creek Canyon. Expect plenty of up- and down-hill travel over steep, rocky, and slippery slopes through spiny and possibly dense truculent plants. But you’ll enjoy rarely seen vistas of canyon, cliffs, and rug-ged slickrock terrain. Drive 50 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

DEC 14 (FRI) “C” Thunderbird Park, H1/H3 Trail (3.5 mi., 500’ EC). Meet at trailhead H1/H3 immediately off the 59th Ave. entrance. This hike loops around and then up to the top of a hill on the east side of the park. The last 2 mi. is a gradual steady downhill and offers nice elevated views of almost the entire west valley. Contact Pete Weinelt at 623-388-2209 or [email protected]. Phoenix

DEC 15 (SAT) “C” ICO Painted Rock Mountains. Come join Inner City Outings kids for a no-trail climb up the Painted Rock Mountains, signing the register on top! Contact Lisa Vaaler at 602-468-4158 or [email protected]. Phoenix

DEC 15 (SAT) “B” Black Canyon Trail, New River Rd. to Table Mesa Rd. (12 mi., 500’ EC). This exploratory trek will take us along Black Canyon Trail, a well-built and relatively new trail that passes over interesting terrain. We will have

See Outings continued on pg. 20.

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

The 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 Club outings are required to sign a standard liability waiver. If you would like to read the liability waiver before you choose to participate in an outing, please go to http://www.sierraclub.org/outings/chapter/forms or contact the National Out-ings Dept. at 415-977-5528 for a printed version. Sierra Club liability covers leaders only. Each person is responsible for his/her own first aid equipment. If you are injured, notify the leader immediately. If you leave the trip, with our without the leader’s permission, you are considered to be on your own until you rejoin the group. Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share the driver’s fuel expense. Donations are ac-cepted from all participants at $1 (member) and $3 (nonmember). Money is collected by the leader and deposited with the group treasurer. For more information, contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208. Hikes and outings are also listed online and in the Sierra Singles newsletters. CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.

Hiking Guidelines









Sierra Service OutingsGet involved and make a difference! Join us for these exciting service outings!

Water Sentinels Monitoring San Pedro River – Thursday, October 18 and December 13

Verde River – Saturday, November 10 and December 8 Contact: Steve Pawlowski, 602-254-9330, [email protected]

Get your hands dirty and your feet wet with the Arizona Water Sentinels! This is a great opportunity to help protect our important rivers. Sentinels collect water samples and also make field observations and measure the dissolved oxygen, pH, and total dissolved solids concentrations. These data help us track impacts to the rivers and advocate for actions to protect them. What could be better than spending a day in gorgeous scenery while working to make a difference?

Habitat Restoration Saturday, October 20 and December 8

Contact: Bob Moore, 480-543-7309, [email protected] at Tonto National Forest Ranger Station (intersection of Cave Creek Rd. and Bartlett Lake Rd.) at 8:30 a.m. to help with restoration work in the Camp Creek Waterfalls area and to be followed by lunch served at the nearby Sears Kay Ruins picnic area.

Kick Some Grass! Sunday, October 21, November 18, December 9

Contact: Steve Pawlowski, 602-254-9330, [email protected] us restore habitat! Join us for an invasive weed pull and clean-up at the Rio Salado Habitat Restoration Area, just south of downtown Phoenix. Once a dump site, the area is now a lush riparian corridor that supports a variety of wildlife and recreation opportunities. We need help removing trash and buffelgrass, a non-native, invasive species that alters habitat and increases fire risk. Snacks, drinks, gloves, and tools provided.

Make a Difference Day Saturday, October 27

Contact: Cynthia Pardo, 928-380-9175, [email protected] the Sierra Club and the Flagstaff Area Stream Team to revitalize and restore and important and beautiful piece of the local watershed. The confluence of the Rio de Flag and Sinclair Wash has been neglected and abused, but, with a little work, it has all the makings of a restoration success story. We will be doing fence-building and removal of trash and invasive weeds. Snacks, drinks, gloves, and tools provided.

plenty of up- and down-hill travel and some steep terrain. Leather gloves recommended. Drive 30 mi. from Phoenix. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

DEC 22 (SAT) “B” Tom’s Thumb (10 mi.). This hike in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve will follow a loop of Tom’s Thumb, Windgate Pass, East End, and Gateway Loop trails. Parts of these trails are steep and nar-row and have been rated difficult and very difficult. We’ll gain several hundred feet in elevation and enjoy fine views of the Mc-Dowell Mountains. Drive 15 mi. from Scott-sdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

DEC 29 (SAT) “B” Massacre Grounds–Dutchman’s Trail (8–9 mi.). This on- and off-trail hike will take us through a highly sce-nic area of the Superstition Wilderness near First Water Trailhead. The off-trail section will be exploratory, so expect steep slopes and vi-cious plants. Leather gloves recommended. Drive 45 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

DEC 29 (SAT) “A” Harquahala Wilderness (10 mi. RT, 3300’ EC). We will follow the “observatory trail” to the historic Smithson-ian solar observatory. This historic site was used to measure changes in the radiant energy from the sun and then to attempt to correlate these changes with changes in the weather. Enroute we will transition from Sonoran Desert to a remnant chaparral veg-

etative community left over from the last ice age. Contact Jim Vaaler at 602-553-8208 or [email protected]. Phoenix

JAN 5 (SAT) “B” White Tank Mountains (9 mi.). This hike will take us into the heart of the White Tank Mountains west of Phoenix. We will follow the Ford Canyon and Mes-quite Canyon trails, which will offer plenty of up- and down-hill travel as well as interest-ing sights and fine vistas. Maricopa County charges a $6 per car admission fee. Drive 30 mi. from Phoenix. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

JAN 12 (SAT) “B” Arnett Highlands (8 mi., 1400’ EC). On this mostly off-trail exploratory hike with plenty of up- and down-hill travel, we will follow washes and ridges in the moun-

tains east of Superior. Expect steep and slip-pery slopes, sharp rocks, spiny and brushy plants (leather gloves recommended), miles of panoramic views, and other adversities and rewards. Drive 55 mi. from Tempe. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

JAN 19 (SAT) “B” Herter Mountain (8–9 mi., 1650’ EC). This exploratory hike in the Mazatzal Mountains near Sunflower will take us up 1650’ over dirt roads and off-trail route to the 3693’-high summit of Herter Moun-tain. For the off-trail stretch, expect steep and slippery slopes, sand slogging, and spiny plants aplenty (leather gloves recom-mended). Drive 45 mi. from Scottsdale. Call Ken McGinty at 602-265-2854. Phoenix

Outings continued from pg. 19.

Great egret. Photo by George Andrejko, Arizona Game and Fish Department.

Documents

C arizona: CritterS - Sierra Club...Phoenix – Inner City Outings Sandy Bahr 602-253-8633 202 E. McDowell Rd, Ste. 277 Phoenix, AZ 85004-4536 Item Cost Quantity Total Engagement Calendar