All of Sierra Club’s positions on ballot measures for the November CA ballot are at
http://www.sierraclubcalifornia.org/elections.html
Friday, October 10, 2008
Thursday, September 11, 2008
September 11, 2008
[For the latest news, go to http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/.]
To: Sierra Club Staff and Volunteers
Fr: Allison Chin, President, and Carl Pope, Executive Director
Background
To meet the most demanding challenge of our time, the Sierra Club is designing, building, and will be implementing the Climate Recovery Partnership -- a bold, comprehensive, and complementary set of six campaigns crafted to combat climate change.
The aims of the Climate Recovery Partnership -- a joint effort by the Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation -- are to curb runaway global warming, ensure that wildlands, wildlife, and communities are prepared for the changing climate, and eventually reverse global warming. Find out more here.
We have already launched one of the Partnership’s campaigns -- the highly successful effort to "Move Beyond Coal.” Now we are ready to take the next steps on developing four of the remaining five featured objectives and to build them into full-fledged, large-scale, priority campaigns. (The Community Preparedness Campaign is on a slower time frame.)
Request
We need your help in developing these four campaigns. The perspectives you bring, from different parts of the country, with differing types of expertise and unique local and national knowledge are key to shaping winning strategies and effective campaigns.
Currently, we are mapping out strategies for the following campaigns:
Clean Energy Solutions: Rebuild and Repower America We need to grow a clean energy economy by repowering America with green, renewable energy and rebuilding America with high performance homes and buildings, linked together by a 21st century electranet.
Curbing CarbonThe Curbing Carbon Campaign will focus the Sierra Club’s effort for the next four years to achieve public support and U.S. ratification of a strong international climate treaty and passage of key federal laws and policies. These outcomes will shape the transformation of the economy to reduce emissions that destabilize the climate and endanger natural systems and human society.
Green Transportation: Cars, Fuels, and CommunitiesAmerica needs clean and highly efficient vehicles powered by sustainably-produced and steadily lower carbon fuels and clean electricity. Our communities need accessible and convenient transportation options other than cars available to them.
Strengthening Resilient HabitatsOur current philosophy and approaches to protecting America’s wild legacy must change in the reality of a changing climate. We must test, learn, and implement new approaches to protecting natural areas, both in remote locations and in close proximity to human communities. Our goal is to minimize the losses of wild places and biodiversity and to protect nature which will provide a vital and cost-effective way of protecting human communities against the adverse effects of climate change.
We invite you to share your experiences and perspectives with us in one or both of the following ways:
Weight In on Online Survey
The survey here asks questions about each of the four campaigns, different approaches we could take and strategies we could pursue, and about the overall Climate Recovery Partnership. Your knowledge of issues, combined with specific knowledge of your community, will provide valuable information that will help us shape these campaigns.
[Available through September 30.]
Post Feedback on Comment Board
We have comment boards for each of the draft Strategic Summaries, which you can find on the Climate Recovery Partnership pages in Clubhouse Please share your comments after reading through the draft Strategic Summaries.
[Comment period ends September 30.]
Next Steps
The feedback, comments, and survey results will inform the next draft of the Strategic Summary for each of the four campaigns. The revised versions will then be submitted to the Board of Directors on their October call for approval.
Thanks,
--Allison Chin Sierra Club President
--Carl Pope Sierra Club Executive Director
Update My Profile Manage My Email Preferences Update My Interests
Sierra Club85 Second St.San Francisco, CA 94105
hasEML = false;
[For the latest news, go to http://clubhouse.sierraclub.org/.]
To: Sierra Club Staff and Volunteers
Fr: Allison Chin, President, and Carl Pope, Executive Director
Background
To meet the most demanding challenge of our time, the Sierra Club is designing, building, and will be implementing the Climate Recovery Partnership -- a bold, comprehensive, and complementary set of six campaigns crafted to combat climate change.
The aims of the Climate Recovery Partnership -- a joint effort by the Sierra Club and The Sierra Club Foundation -- are to curb runaway global warming, ensure that wildlands, wildlife, and communities are prepared for the changing climate, and eventually reverse global warming. Find out more here.
We have already launched one of the Partnership’s campaigns -- the highly successful effort to "Move Beyond Coal.” Now we are ready to take the next steps on developing four of the remaining five featured objectives and to build them into full-fledged, large-scale, priority campaigns. (The Community Preparedness Campaign is on a slower time frame.)
Request
We need your help in developing these four campaigns. The perspectives you bring, from different parts of the country, with differing types of expertise and unique local and national knowledge are key to shaping winning strategies and effective campaigns.
Currently, we are mapping out strategies for the following campaigns:
Clean Energy Solutions: Rebuild and Repower America We need to grow a clean energy economy by repowering America with green, renewable energy and rebuilding America with high performance homes and buildings, linked together by a 21st century electranet.
Curbing CarbonThe Curbing Carbon Campaign will focus the Sierra Club’s effort for the next four years to achieve public support and U.S. ratification of a strong international climate treaty and passage of key federal laws and policies. These outcomes will shape the transformation of the economy to reduce emissions that destabilize the climate and endanger natural systems and human society.
Green Transportation: Cars, Fuels, and CommunitiesAmerica needs clean and highly efficient vehicles powered by sustainably-produced and steadily lower carbon fuels and clean electricity. Our communities need accessible and convenient transportation options other than cars available to them.
Strengthening Resilient HabitatsOur current philosophy and approaches to protecting America’s wild legacy must change in the reality of a changing climate. We must test, learn, and implement new approaches to protecting natural areas, both in remote locations and in close proximity to human communities. Our goal is to minimize the losses of wild places and biodiversity and to protect nature which will provide a vital and cost-effective way of protecting human communities against the adverse effects of climate change.
We invite you to share your experiences and perspectives with us in one or both of the following ways:
Weight In on Online Survey
The survey here asks questions about each of the four campaigns, different approaches we could take and strategies we could pursue, and about the overall Climate Recovery Partnership. Your knowledge of issues, combined with specific knowledge of your community, will provide valuable information that will help us shape these campaigns.
[Available through September 30.]
Post Feedback on Comment Board
We have comment boards for each of the draft Strategic Summaries, which you can find on the Climate Recovery Partnership pages in Clubhouse Please share your comments after reading through the draft Strategic Summaries.
[Comment period ends September 30.]
Next Steps
The feedback, comments, and survey results will inform the next draft of the Strategic Summary for each of the four campaigns. The revised versions will then be submitted to the Board of Directors on their October call for approval.
Thanks,
--Allison Chin Sierra Club President
--Carl Pope Sierra Club Executive Director
Update My Profile Manage My Email Preferences Update My Interests
Sierra Club85 Second St.San Francisco, CA 94105
hasEML = false;
Monday, August 11, 2008
Bidwell Park Summit 2008 August 18th
Bidwell Park Summit 2008, August 18th, 7:00 to 9:00 P.M.
You're Invited to the Bidwell Park Summit 2008 to discuss recommendations for the Bidwell Master Management Plan Update which will Come before the Park Commission on August 25!
Friends of Bidwell Park invite you to participate in the Bidwell Park Summit 2008 on Monday, August 18, from 7-9 pm at the Chico Creek Nature Center's new building, 1968 East 8th St. This year's summit will focus on the Final Master Management Plan Update for Bidwell Park and the Final Environmental Impact Report and its proposed major park projects. These documents are on the agenda for the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission's (BPPC) meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25 in the Chico City Council Chambers.
Specifically, we will review and discuss whether or not the responses to the public and agency comments adequately addressed the questions and concerns expressed. We will also discuss the City's current financial situation and how it might affect recreation and resource management in Bidwell Park for the next several years.
At its August 25 meeting, the BPPC commissioners will decide what changes, if any, they wish to recommend for the document. They will also decide whether to recommend approval of the Environmental Impact Report to the Chico City Council and whether to legitimize disc golf at its current "unofficial" Hwy 32 location. The final decisions will made by the City Council at a later meeting.
We have reviewed the Plan and have concerns about many aspects of it. For example, the proposed Plan:
Removes the vision and conditions of the Bidwell Deed as the guiding policy for the Park.
Paves the way for new intensive recreational development by embracing the previously unauthorized disc golf development, and ignores policies found in the General Plan and Municipal Code designed to keep the Park wild and for passive recreation.
Removes Management Plan policies that take a firm stand against unauthorized trails and roads.
Removes Management Plan policies to place development restrictions on Park adjacent properties.
and much more!
The proposed Plan is accompanied by an EIR that acknowledges the damage done to the wildflower fields, vernal pools and Blue Oak woodlands of the fragile shallow soiled Tuscan ridge top environment by the sport of disc golf, but fails to convincingly mitigate for the impacts.
A number of dedicated environmentalists commented on the Draft EIR, but failed to receive adequate answers. Come find out what members of the environmental community plan to do about this!
This is a critical time for Bidwell Park's future. The decisions made by the BPPC and the City Council will affect the Park for decades to come. Public participation is essential to ensure that future generations will enjoy the majestic beauty of this valuable and irreplaceable public resource. We urge you to attend both our August 18 Summit and the August 25 BPPC meeting. If you are unable to attend our Summit, please visit our Friends of Bidwell Park web site www.friendsofbidwellpark.org for information regarding Bidwell Park's past, present and, more importantly, its future!
Thank you,
Susan Mason
Friends of Bidwell Park
You're Invited to the Bidwell Park Summit 2008 to discuss recommendations for the Bidwell Master Management Plan Update which will Come before the Park Commission on August 25!
Friends of Bidwell Park invite you to participate in the Bidwell Park Summit 2008 on Monday, August 18, from 7-9 pm at the Chico Creek Nature Center's new building, 1968 East 8th St. This year's summit will focus on the Final Master Management Plan Update for Bidwell Park and the Final Environmental Impact Report and its proposed major park projects. These documents are on the agenda for the Bidwell Park and Playground Commission's (BPPC) meeting at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, August 25 in the Chico City Council Chambers.
Specifically, we will review and discuss whether or not the responses to the public and agency comments adequately addressed the questions and concerns expressed. We will also discuss the City's current financial situation and how it might affect recreation and resource management in Bidwell Park for the next several years.
At its August 25 meeting, the BPPC commissioners will decide what changes, if any, they wish to recommend for the document. They will also decide whether to recommend approval of the Environmental Impact Report to the Chico City Council and whether to legitimize disc golf at its current "unofficial" Hwy 32 location. The final decisions will made by the City Council at a later meeting.
We have reviewed the Plan and have concerns about many aspects of it. For example, the proposed Plan:
Removes the vision and conditions of the Bidwell Deed as the guiding policy for the Park.
Paves the way for new intensive recreational development by embracing the previously unauthorized disc golf development, and ignores policies found in the General Plan and Municipal Code designed to keep the Park wild and for passive recreation.
Removes Management Plan policies that take a firm stand against unauthorized trails and roads.
Removes Management Plan policies to place development restrictions on Park adjacent properties.
and much more!
The proposed Plan is accompanied by an EIR that acknowledges the damage done to the wildflower fields, vernal pools and Blue Oak woodlands of the fragile shallow soiled Tuscan ridge top environment by the sport of disc golf, but fails to convincingly mitigate for the impacts.
A number of dedicated environmentalists commented on the Draft EIR, but failed to receive adequate answers. Come find out what members of the environmental community plan to do about this!
This is a critical time for Bidwell Park's future. The decisions made by the BPPC and the City Council will affect the Park for decades to come. Public participation is essential to ensure that future generations will enjoy the majestic beauty of this valuable and irreplaceable public resource. We urge you to attend both our August 18 Summit and the August 25 BPPC meeting. If you are unable to attend our Summit, please visit our Friends of Bidwell Park web site www.friendsofbidwellpark.org for information regarding Bidwell Park's past, present and, more importantly, its future!
Thank you,
Susan Mason
Friends of Bidwell Park
Sunday, July 27, 2008
Good news for family planning & the environmnet!
Pop News: Good News for International Family Planning and the Environment!
Last Wednesday July 16th, the House State-Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee chaired by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) approved $600 million for international family planning and reproductive health programs ($540 million for USAID’s programs and $60 million for UNFPA). This represents the largest total amount ever recommended for international family planning programs and the largest one-year dollar increase in these programs on record, not accounting for inflation. $600 million would be a 28% increase above current levels and an 83% increase above the President’s budget request of $327 million. Wow!
On Thursday July 17th, the Senate Appropriations Committee took up their version of the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The committee approved $520 million for international family planning ($475 for USAID's programs and $45 million for UNFPA). The Senate version also includes language that would repeal the Global Gag Rule, which disqualifies overseas family planning organizations from receiving U.S. family planning funds if they, with their own money, lobby to change abortion laws or provide legal abortion services in their countries. The House version is silent on this issue.
Both the House and Senate versions of the bill include language that would allow funds to be released to UNFPA, even if the Administration invokes what's known as the Kemp-Kasten amendment to withhold the funds, by directing those funds to targeted projects in any of the 150 countries other than China where UNFPA works. These targeted projects include things like safe childbirth, contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and the provision of maternal health services in disaster areas.
We are encouraged to see these substantial increases in Congressional allocations for international family planning programs. This represents an important step forward in our goal to increase funding to $1 billion for international family planning programs that save lives, improve community health, and ensure a more sustainable environmental future!
With the good news coming out of the House and Senate, this is an important time to reinforce the efforts made by members of Congress and remind them that we are paying attention!
Click here to find your Representative and his/her contact information, or here to find your Senator and his/her contact information. If he or she sits on the Appropriations Committee, please thank him or her for passing a bill that includes increased funding for international family planning.
Your message could go something like this:
Hi, my name is (your name) and I'm from (your city). I am a Sierra Club activist and I care about the health of families and the planet.
Thank you for voting last week to increase funding for international family planning in the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.
Increasing access to voluntary family planning around the world is crucial to protecting our global environment. Couples with access to family planning education and services are able to choose the size and spacing of their families, ultimately leading to healthier families and reducing strain on the Earth's natural resources.
PopNews, the Sierra Club's Global Population & Environment Program e-newsletter, keeps you up-to-date on current and emerging population issues and resources. Every month you will receive an email with the information and tools to put real population solutions to work.Subscribe to PopNews.Unsubscribe to PopNews.Tell a Friend about PopNews.View previous editions of PopNews.Become a Sierra Club Member.Want to keep up with the Sierra Club's latest activities and news?Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the Sierra Club's flagship e-newsletter sent out twice a month. The Insider provides everything from information on new reports and issues to planning great hiking trips to how you can help change environmental policy. View recent editions of the Insider.
Sierra Club 408 C Street, NE, Washington DC 20002 sierraclub.org/population population@sierraclub.org
Last Wednesday July 16th, the House State-Foreign Operations Appropriations subcommittee chaired by Rep. Nita Lowey (D-NY) approved $600 million for international family planning and reproductive health programs ($540 million for USAID’s programs and $60 million for UNFPA). This represents the largest total amount ever recommended for international family planning programs and the largest one-year dollar increase in these programs on record, not accounting for inflation. $600 million would be a 28% increase above current levels and an 83% increase above the President’s budget request of $327 million. Wow!
On Thursday July 17th, the Senate Appropriations Committee took up their version of the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill. The committee approved $520 million for international family planning ($475 for USAID's programs and $45 million for UNFPA). The Senate version also includes language that would repeal the Global Gag Rule, which disqualifies overseas family planning organizations from receiving U.S. family planning funds if they, with their own money, lobby to change abortion laws or provide legal abortion services in their countries. The House version is silent on this issue.
Both the House and Senate versions of the bill include language that would allow funds to be released to UNFPA, even if the Administration invokes what's known as the Kemp-Kasten amendment to withhold the funds, by directing those funds to targeted projects in any of the 150 countries other than China where UNFPA works. These targeted projects include things like safe childbirth, contraceptives to prevent unintended pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, and the provision of maternal health services in disaster areas.
We are encouraged to see these substantial increases in Congressional allocations for international family planning programs. This represents an important step forward in our goal to increase funding to $1 billion for international family planning programs that save lives, improve community health, and ensure a more sustainable environmental future!
With the good news coming out of the House and Senate, this is an important time to reinforce the efforts made by members of Congress and remind them that we are paying attention!
Click here to find your Representative and his/her contact information, or here to find your Senator and his/her contact information. If he or she sits on the Appropriations Committee, please thank him or her for passing a bill that includes increased funding for international family planning.
Your message could go something like this:
Hi, my name is (your name) and I'm from (your city). I am a Sierra Club activist and I care about the health of families and the planet.
Thank you for voting last week to increase funding for international family planning in the Foreign Operations Appropriations bill.
Increasing access to voluntary family planning around the world is crucial to protecting our global environment. Couples with access to family planning education and services are able to choose the size and spacing of their families, ultimately leading to healthier families and reducing strain on the Earth's natural resources.
PopNews, the Sierra Club's Global Population & Environment Program e-newsletter, keeps you up-to-date on current and emerging population issues and resources. Every month you will receive an email with the information and tools to put real population solutions to work.Subscribe to PopNews.Unsubscribe to PopNews.Tell a Friend about PopNews.View previous editions of PopNews.Become a Sierra Club Member.Want to keep up with the Sierra Club's latest activities and news?Sign up to receive Sierra Club Insider, the Sierra Club's flagship e-newsletter sent out twice a month. The Insider provides everything from information on new reports and issues to planning great hiking trips to how you can help change environmental policy. View recent editions of the Insider.
Sierra Club 408 C Street, NE, Washington DC 20002 sierraclub.org/population population@sierraclub.org
Sierra Nevada Alliance Conference 9/12-14/2008
The Sierra Nevada Alliance will be holding its 15th Annual Conference and Anniversary Celebration September 12-14 at the North Tahoe Conference Center in Kings Beach at Lake Tahoe . This year’s conference theme is Leading in a Climate of Change: Hot Topics, Cold Facts and New Answers for the Sierra.
Despite its iconic recognition, the Sierra Nevada has often been seen by those within and without the region as California ’s poor stepchild. Rural with a limited population but a wealth of natural resources, the region has been exploited and frequently left out of key statewide decisions. But after fifteen years of a united regional conservation movement, the stepchild days are over.
Come and join others to celebrate our past 15 years and strategize together how to save the Sierra, be a leading region in adapting to climate change, achieve sustainable communities and contribute to saving the world.
The conference features inspirational speakers—including Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Tom Knudson, author and photographer Tim Palmer, and biologist and Sierra field guide author John Muir Laws--eight cutting edge conservation workshops, top notch networking and more. Also on Friday is the Sierra Nevada Yard and Garden Summit, where Sierra homeowners, organizations, and agencies will learn tips and techniques for creating a conservation-minded landscape that defends against wildfire, is in harmony with Sierra wildlife, reduces pollution, deters invasive weeds, and conserves water.
For more detailed information about registration and the conference schedule, go to www.sierranevadaalliance.org/conference or call the Alliance office at 530.542.4546.
Despite its iconic recognition, the Sierra Nevada has often been seen by those within and without the region as California ’s poor stepchild. Rural with a limited population but a wealth of natural resources, the region has been exploited and frequently left out of key statewide decisions. But after fifteen years of a united regional conservation movement, the stepchild days are over.
Come and join others to celebrate our past 15 years and strategize together how to save the Sierra, be a leading region in adapting to climate change, achieve sustainable communities and contribute to saving the world.
The conference features inspirational speakers—including Pulitzer Prize winning reporter Tom Knudson, author and photographer Tim Palmer, and biologist and Sierra field guide author John Muir Laws--eight cutting edge conservation workshops, top notch networking and more. Also on Friday is the Sierra Nevada Yard and Garden Summit, where Sierra homeowners, organizations, and agencies will learn tips and techniques for creating a conservation-minded landscape that defends against wildfire, is in harmony with Sierra wildlife, reduces pollution, deters invasive weeds, and conserves water.
For more detailed information about registration and the conference schedule, go to www.sierranevadaalliance.org/conference or call the Alliance office at 530.542.4546.
Claire Tappaan Lodge: Fundraising weekend!
Note: The Lodge needs to break even by September in view of the national Sierra Club! They threaten to sell it.
Reach the Goal - 4th Annual Fundraising Weekend
Moonlit Nights at Clair Tappaan Lodge
Friday evening August 15 until Sunday afternoon August 17, 2008
Tentative Program
Friday Night (August 15)
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Mixer outside with children - s’mores, brandy
8:30 Movies in dining room
8:30 Full Moon Hike
Saturday Morning (August 16)
7:30 Lunch preparations – fix your own sack lunch
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Hikes begin
Saturday Afternoon and Evening (August 16)
3 to 5 Wine & Cheese and Silent Auction outside
6:00 Wild fish Dinner
7:00 Living Room- Mountain Fire (live music)
Dining Room - Presentation on The Moon
8:30 Another Full Moon Hike (if there is sufficient interest)
9 to 12 Moon gazing outdoors
Sunday Morning (August 17)
8:00 Finale Breakfast and Raffle
9:00 Hikes begin
Entire weekend (including food and lodging) $150 per person
Children (4-13 years) $ 70 Child
Day-only rates
Saturday only $100 Adult
$ 30 Child
Sunday only $ 25 Adult
$ 10 Child
The bulk of the fees go to support the Lodge.
For reservations call 800-679-6775.
http://ctl.sierraclub.org/ -- to see what it is like and where it is!
Reach the Goal - 4th Annual Fundraising Weekend
Moonlit Nights at Clair Tappaan Lodge
Friday evening August 15 until Sunday afternoon August 17, 2008
Tentative Program
Friday Night (August 15)
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Mixer outside with children - s’mores, brandy
8:30 Movies in dining room
8:30 Full Moon Hike
Saturday Morning (August 16)
7:30 Lunch preparations – fix your own sack lunch
8:00 Breakfast
9:00 Hikes begin
Saturday Afternoon and Evening (August 16)
3 to 5 Wine & Cheese and Silent Auction outside
6:00 Wild fish Dinner
7:00 Living Room- Mountain Fire (live music)
Dining Room - Presentation on The Moon
8:30 Another Full Moon Hike (if there is sufficient interest)
9 to 12 Moon gazing outdoors
Sunday Morning (August 17)
8:00 Finale Breakfast and Raffle
9:00 Hikes begin
Entire weekend (including food and lodging) $150 per person
Children (4-13 years) $ 70 Child
Day-only rates
Saturday only $100 Adult
$ 30 Child
Sunday only $ 25 Adult
$ 10 Child
The bulk of the fees go to support the Lodge.
For reservations call 800-679-6775.
http://ctl.sierraclub.org/ -- to see what it is like and where it is!
Friday, May 30, 2008
CORRECTION to Notes – Deer Herds
Fish & Game Biologist Henry Lomeli has advised that the first sentence of the second paragraph should be stricken from my previous blog post Notes on Preserving Open Space – Deer Herds.
"Lungworm has been reported as a high source of mortality in resident valley deer along the Sacramento River during the late winter months of high water years," wrote Mr. Lomeli, "It is not however a significant factor of mortality (fawn or adult) in the migratory deer herds of Butte County. The 78% number that you used is not a lungworm related figure , but rather an annual fawn mortality number. That means due to a wide variety of mortality factors the annual mortality rate of fawns is 78 percent during the first year of life."
Mr. Lomeli also suggested that I mention that "poor livestock management can have a significant negative impact on the condition of young fawns in migratory herds."
My apology for the misinformation! I will endeavor to better check my facts before writing any more articles for the blog. This is especially embarrassing to me, as our Yahi Group website & blog wizard is also our newsletter editor and decided to surprise me by printing this article in our summer newsletter as originally posted.
"Lungworm has been reported as a high source of mortality in resident valley deer along the Sacramento River during the late winter months of high water years," wrote Mr. Lomeli, "It is not however a significant factor of mortality (fawn or adult) in the migratory deer herds of Butte County. The 78% number that you used is not a lungworm related figure , but rather an annual fawn mortality number. That means due to a wide variety of mortality factors the annual mortality rate of fawns is 78 percent during the first year of life."
Mr. Lomeli also suggested that I mention that "poor livestock management can have a significant negative impact on the condition of young fawns in migratory herds."
My apology for the misinformation! I will endeavor to better check my facts before writing any more articles for the blog. This is especially embarrassing to me, as our Yahi Group website & blog wizard is also our newsletter editor and decided to surprise me by printing this article in our summer newsletter as originally posted.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Notes on Preserving Open Space - Deer Herds
Did you know that Butte County migratory deer herds have been in decline for several decades? Critical deer herd winter range is generally on south and southwest facing slopes from 3000 feet in elevation down to about 500 feet, especially where the land has not been subdivided into smaller parcels with scattered houses and prioritized fire suppression. A regular interval of low-intensity wildfire is needed for fresh deer browse and biological diversity. It is not the resident herds eating ornamental yard bushes that are threatened. It is the herds that migrate up to 100 miles, twice a year, that are threatened by increased human presence.
In a presentation to the Butte County General Plan Citizens Advisory Council on 2/28/08, Fish & Game Biologist Henri Lomeli reported that the migratory deer herds are being decimated by lung worm disease causing 78% mortality among yearling fawns. Then the few that remain are subject to poaching and being run over by the ever-increasing number of motor vehicles found in the mountain forest and foothill chaparral, especially along their ancient migration routes. The ancient migration routes were used by native Americans following the herds. Those trails became wagon roads, eventually were paved, and now are where many highways are found.
The National Forests have recently been closed to off-road, cross-country, motorized travel to try to stem an incredible proliferation of poorly sited user-created routes, with their consequent adverse impacts to forest resources such as wildlife habitat connectivity, clean water, and quiet recreation. Off highway vehicle routes are being evaluated for inclusion into the Forest road system. There is considerable pressure from ATV and motorcycle users to designate more circular routes just for them, which would further increase an already high road density.
In the Bucks Mountain / Mooretown Deer Herd Management Plan it states "From 1.5 to 6+ acres of habitat are destroyed for each mile (12 to 50+ feet wide) of road construction. Although the road mileage of the range is unknown, it is great enough to account for several thousand acres of land. Vehicular disturbance further reduces habitat utilization. Roads significantly compound the poaching problem by causing easy and widespread access to deer. Road kill can cause a considerable loss (see A.7.c above)." Section A.7.c states in part, "For both herds, a road kill exceeding 34% of the reported buck take is estimated."
Dogs allowed to run loose also take a high toll on migratory deer. The Department of Fish & Game allows free-running dog packs to be shot. Stress from loose dogs chasing them is one of the top 3 factors causing increased deer mortality. Shortening the hunting season would have little effect in preserving migratory deer herds because it is not the bucks that need protection. Current hunting restrictions leave plenty of bucks for breeding.
Ideally, some deer migration routes along sloping SW to NE ridges should have no roads so as to better exclude humans with dogs that scare the migratory deer causing the does and fawns to panic and drown in canals and rivers and use up what little fat reserves they have from browsing sparse winter vegetation. A weak fawn is less likely to survive disease. The North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan recommends, "evaluating road densities to ensure that road densities are not adversely impacting mule deer habitat, particularly fawning areas."
As part of the Butte County General Plan update, Galloway Consulting has used Geographic Information System data to map where the best winter habitat is for migratory deer. Preliminary maps from that effort may now be viewed online by browsing to http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/ebinder/2008/2008-02-28/default.asp then opening and scrolling the Butte County Deer Range document.
Unfortunately the foothills are about 90% private property; and deal deer habitat there is also favored as building sites. The existing parcel size restrictions in critical deer winter range are not the best way to protect deer habitat, but about the only tool Fish & Game has aside from acquiring preserves and conservation easements from willing sellers. This is just one of the reasons why subdivision of the large remaining foothill parcels into many, smaller ranchettes must be discouraged. Human population growth should occur within existing urban boundaries or, if allowed on the remaining large lots of 160 acres or more, be clustered so as to preserve large areas of open space.
In a presentation to the Butte County General Plan Citizens Advisory Council on 2/28/08, Fish & Game Biologist Henri Lomeli reported that the migratory deer herds are being decimated by lung worm disease causing 78% mortality among yearling fawns. Then the few that remain are subject to poaching and being run over by the ever-increasing number of motor vehicles found in the mountain forest and foothill chaparral, especially along their ancient migration routes. The ancient migration routes were used by native Americans following the herds. Those trails became wagon roads, eventually were paved, and now are where many highways are found.
The National Forests have recently been closed to off-road, cross-country, motorized travel to try to stem an incredible proliferation of poorly sited user-created routes, with their consequent adverse impacts to forest resources such as wildlife habitat connectivity, clean water, and quiet recreation. Off highway vehicle routes are being evaluated for inclusion into the Forest road system. There is considerable pressure from ATV and motorcycle users to designate more circular routes just for them, which would further increase an already high road density.
In the Bucks Mountain / Mooretown Deer Herd Management Plan it states "From 1.5 to 6+ acres of habitat are destroyed for each mile (12 to 50+ feet wide) of road construction. Although the road mileage of the range is unknown, it is great enough to account for several thousand acres of land. Vehicular disturbance further reduces habitat utilization. Roads significantly compound the poaching problem by causing easy and widespread access to deer. Road kill can cause a considerable loss (see A.7.c above)." Section A.7.c states in part, "For both herds, a road kill exceeding 34% of the reported buck take is estimated."
Dogs allowed to run loose also take a high toll on migratory deer. The Department of Fish & Game allows free-running dog packs to be shot. Stress from loose dogs chasing them is one of the top 3 factors causing increased deer mortality. Shortening the hunting season would have little effect in preserving migratory deer herds because it is not the bucks that need protection. Current hunting restrictions leave plenty of bucks for breeding.
Ideally, some deer migration routes along sloping SW to NE ridges should have no roads so as to better exclude humans with dogs that scare the migratory deer causing the does and fawns to panic and drown in canals and rivers and use up what little fat reserves they have from browsing sparse winter vegetation. A weak fawn is less likely to survive disease. The North American Mule Deer Conservation Plan recommends, "evaluating road densities to ensure that road densities are not adversely impacting mule deer habitat, particularly fawning areas."
As part of the Butte County General Plan update, Galloway Consulting has used Geographic Information System data to map where the best winter habitat is for migratory deer. Preliminary maps from that effort may now be viewed online by browsing to http://www.buttegeneralplan.net/ebinder/2008/2008-02-28/default.asp then opening and scrolling the Butte County Deer Range document.
Unfortunately the foothills are about 90% private property; and deal deer habitat there is also favored as building sites. The existing parcel size restrictions in critical deer winter range are not the best way to protect deer habitat, but about the only tool Fish & Game has aside from acquiring preserves and conservation easements from willing sellers. This is just one of the reasons why subdivision of the large remaining foothill parcels into many, smaller ranchettes must be discouraged. Human population growth should occur within existing urban boundaries or, if allowed on the remaining large lots of 160 acres or more, be clustered so as to preserve large areas of open space.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Water water everywhere...and politics!
by Maria Phillips - mariaphillips05@comcast.net
Hello, friends! Once again, I am impelled to write to you because last night I went to a most amazing presentation at the Chico Grange with terrific speakers on the issue of water. The featured speaker was Maude Barlow, a water activist from Canada with credits that won't quit and brilliant in every way. Inspiring is what she was. Just shining! I came away convinced that I'm going to channel a good part of my new watchdogginess and energies to water issues.
I wouldn't dream of trying to synthesize the events of the evening, but I'll attach the pdf flier announcing it —and wish I'd sent it earlier so you could all have joined us. And I bought Barlow's new book, Blue Covenant, now on sale at Lyon Books. I think the talks were recorded—I'd sure like to have a transcript, because all the speakers offered such important details. All of them were wonderful, mind you, but I must say that Barbara Vlamis knocked my socks off. Suffice it to say she came armed with an old water hose as visual aid and prop. If any of you were around during the 1994 local water crisis, you'll know what that coil of hose represents. Barbara spoke on local water histories and issues; Maude on global water histories and issues. Water warriors. That's what she said we were and I believe her. Water water everywhere….and that brings us to politics.
It's abundantly clear, I think, that the people that represent us at every level, city, county, state, and federal, will have tremendous impact on how we grow and what our quality of life. And we have an election or two coming up, right? And that's where politics comes in.
A few days ago, I received an email from Mike McLaughlin in response to my last report on the gravel mine, the one where I reported that Kim Yamaguchi was the last holdout in the vote against approving the mine. I got Mike's permission to forward his email on to you, and it is below. After giving it all some consideration, I've decided that I'm going to pin my hopes for the local environmental and water fortunes on Yamaguchi's opposition, Robin Huffman. I'm going to send her a little money. Maybe you want to send a few bucks too, or maybe just words of support.
With your permission, I'll continue sending you these emails, highly personal though they be. Needless to say, let me know right away if you want off my list. I don't want to clutter up your life.
Sincerely,
Maria Phillips
*****************
Below is McLaughlin's email. Feel free to contact him directly. I'm copying him on this email so you can pick up his address from there: Maria: thanks for the review. In regard to Kim Yamaguchi, I am afraid to say I am not surprised at his vote for M&T. I have known him for the eight years he has been in office. He is adamantly on the side of development, which I see as a great problem for the county. It is expected to grow 55% in population in the next decade and a half. To accommodate the growth, there will be development, but the important thing is to maintain a balance between that and agriculture. I fear Kim is not the Supervisor for that. Instead, you might want to take a look at Robin Huffman, a Paradise Town Councilwoman who is running against Kim. Go to her web site, http://www.robinhuffman.com/. you will see that among other things she wants to encourage the agricultural economy. she comes from a midwest farming family. She also wants to protect the Green Line. But she needs help, in terms of backing and financial support. I'm looking forward to having that coffee with you. Mike
Hello, friends! Once again, I am impelled to write to you because last night I went to a most amazing presentation at the Chico Grange with terrific speakers on the issue of water. The featured speaker was Maude Barlow, a water activist from Canada with credits that won't quit and brilliant in every way. Inspiring is what she was. Just shining! I came away convinced that I'm going to channel a good part of my new watchdogginess and energies to water issues.
I wouldn't dream of trying to synthesize the events of the evening, but I'll attach the pdf flier announcing it —and wish I'd sent it earlier so you could all have joined us. And I bought Barlow's new book, Blue Covenant, now on sale at Lyon Books. I think the talks were recorded—I'd sure like to have a transcript, because all the speakers offered such important details. All of them were wonderful, mind you, but I must say that Barbara Vlamis knocked my socks off. Suffice it to say she came armed with an old water hose as visual aid and prop. If any of you were around during the 1994 local water crisis, you'll know what that coil of hose represents. Barbara spoke on local water histories and issues; Maude on global water histories and issues. Water warriors. That's what she said we were and I believe her. Water water everywhere….and that brings us to politics.
It's abundantly clear, I think, that the people that represent us at every level, city, county, state, and federal, will have tremendous impact on how we grow and what our quality of life. And we have an election or two coming up, right? And that's where politics comes in.
A few days ago, I received an email from Mike McLaughlin in response to my last report on the gravel mine, the one where I reported that Kim Yamaguchi was the last holdout in the vote against approving the mine. I got Mike's permission to forward his email on to you, and it is below. After giving it all some consideration, I've decided that I'm going to pin my hopes for the local environmental and water fortunes on Yamaguchi's opposition, Robin Huffman. I'm going to send her a little money. Maybe you want to send a few bucks too, or maybe just words of support.
With your permission, I'll continue sending you these emails, highly personal though they be. Needless to say, let me know right away if you want off my list. I don't want to clutter up your life.
Sincerely,
Maria Phillips
*****************
Below is McLaughlin's email. Feel free to contact him directly. I'm copying him on this email so you can pick up his address from there: Maria: thanks for the review. In regard to Kim Yamaguchi, I am afraid to say I am not surprised at his vote for M&T. I have known him for the eight years he has been in office. He is adamantly on the side of development, which I see as a great problem for the county. It is expected to grow 55% in population in the next decade and a half. To accommodate the growth, there will be development, but the important thing is to maintain a balance between that and agriculture. I fear Kim is not the Supervisor for that. Instead, you might want to take a look at Robin Huffman, a Paradise Town Councilwoman who is running against Kim. Go to her web site, http://www.robinhuffman.com/. you will see that among other things she wants to encourage the agricultural economy. she comes from a midwest farming family. She also wants to protect the Green Line. But she needs help, in terms of backing and financial support. I'm looking forward to having that coffee with you. Mike
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Call for Yosemite Valley Volunteers
By Suzanne Sharrock
Le Conte Memorial Lodge Committee, Volunteer Chair
The LeConte Memorial Lodge is a 104-year-old museum, library and visitor center operated by the Sierra Club in Yosemite National Park. We are looking for Sierra Club members interested in volunteering for one or two weeks between May 1 and September 28th. Hours of operation are from 10 am - 4 pm, Weds.-Sun, and 8 - 10 pm for weekend evening programs.
Volunteers enjoy free entrance to Yosemite National Park and free camping at the group campsite during the time they volunteer. For more information visit http://www.sierraclub.org/education/leconte/volunteering.asp or contact Bonnie Gisel, the LeConte Lodge curator, at leconte.curator@sierraclub.org or (209) 403-6676 (before May 1). After May 1 call (209) 372-4542.
Le Conte Memorial Lodge Committee, Volunteer Chair
The LeConte Memorial Lodge is a 104-year-old museum, library and visitor center operated by the Sierra Club in Yosemite National Park. We are looking for Sierra Club members interested in volunteering for one or two weeks between May 1 and September 28th. Hours of operation are from 10 am - 4 pm, Weds.-Sun, and 8 - 10 pm for weekend evening programs.
Volunteers enjoy free entrance to Yosemite National Park and free camping at the group campsite during the time they volunteer. For more information visit http://www.sierraclub.org/education/leconte/volunteering.asp or contact Bonnie Gisel, the LeConte Lodge curator, at leconte.curator@sierraclub.org or (209) 403-6676 (before May 1). After May 1 call (209) 372-4542.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
M & T Mine Resolution
By Maria Phillips
Dear Friends,
I'm attaching a pdf of the resolution the Supervisors voted on today. I've never been inspired to send you all one of these documents before, but this one is really a keeper. I won't try to tell you what it says except that it lists very clearly all the reasons why this project was not going to fly and couldn't be approved. And that's why we all need to keep it somewhere. I have printed it out on sort of distinctive paper so it will be hard to lose, and I'll keep the electronic file also. This will be an excellent place to start if the project ever rears its ugly head again--and I suspect it will.
So here's my report: The ceremony was blessedly short and sweet. Jane Dolan moved and Maureen Kirk seconded the motion to accept the resolution as written. All in favor say "aye"--and four of them did. All opposed? "Nay" intoned one of them....guess who? The answer is upside down on page 7. Hah! No, of course not. It was none other than Kim Yamaguchi.
And there you go. Once again, in less than 5 minutes we were out of there. I saw no one in the
audience from Baldwin or M&T--but then again, there may have been someone there.
Representing us appellants , Lila and Frank Prentice, Cathy Cottle, Roger Beadle, and a couple of others whose names I don't know. Of course, Roger Aylworth was there with his little notebook. So we'll read about our quiet moment of resolution tomorrow in the ER.
I shouldn't feel so elated, maybe, but I do! One thing I've learned in the past few years is to enjoy the good times fully while there is possibility for enjoyment. Another thing I've learned is that there are many good and generous people out there, people of good will who care a lot about the public good and who are willing to extend themselves to ensure it. You on this short email list are among those people--I can't believe how many of you sort of materialized, like an epiphany here and there, genies out of a bottle, and you lent so much energy! The last couple of you to get on board--you know who you are--where would we be today if we hadn't sort of stumbled upon you? I hate to think. And I think it took all we gave it to get to the anticlimactic moment today.
Today it was 4:1 instead of 3:2, though, so we're getting closer to sanity. I'd like to think that come the fall, we might pick up at least one other Supervisor who would ensure than in a project of this magnitude the vote would be unanimous.
Love to all, Maria
Dear Friends,
I'm attaching a pdf of the resolution the Supervisors voted on today. I've never been inspired to send you all one of these documents before, but this one is really a keeper. I won't try to tell you what it says except that it lists very clearly all the reasons why this project was not going to fly and couldn't be approved. And that's why we all need to keep it somewhere. I have printed it out on sort of distinctive paper so it will be hard to lose, and I'll keep the electronic file also. This will be an excellent place to start if the project ever rears its ugly head again--and I suspect it will.
So here's my report: The ceremony was blessedly short and sweet. Jane Dolan moved and Maureen Kirk seconded the motion to accept the resolution as written. All in favor say "aye"--and four of them did. All opposed? "Nay" intoned one of them....guess who? The answer is upside down on page 7. Hah! No, of course not. It was none other than Kim Yamaguchi.
And there you go. Once again, in less than 5 minutes we were out of there. I saw no one in the
audience from Baldwin or M&T--but then again, there may have been someone there.
Representing us appellants , Lila and Frank Prentice, Cathy Cottle, Roger Beadle, and a couple of others whose names I don't know. Of course, Roger Aylworth was there with his little notebook. So we'll read about our quiet moment of resolution tomorrow in the ER.
I shouldn't feel so elated, maybe, but I do! One thing I've learned in the past few years is to enjoy the good times fully while there is possibility for enjoyment. Another thing I've learned is that there are many good and generous people out there, people of good will who care a lot about the public good and who are willing to extend themselves to ensure it. You on this short email list are among those people--I can't believe how many of you sort of materialized, like an epiphany here and there, genies out of a bottle, and you lent so much energy! The last couple of you to get on board--you know who you are--where would we be today if we hadn't sort of stumbled upon you? I hate to think. And I think it took all we gave it to get to the anticlimactic moment today.
Today it was 4:1 instead of 3:2, though, so we're getting closer to sanity. I'd like to think that come the fall, we might pick up at least one other Supervisor who would ensure than in a project of this magnitude the vote would be unanimous.
Love to all, Maria
Meet the Troika
By Olivia Diaz
In November, after hearing Ernie’s announcement that he was resigning as Chair effective December 31, a sub group of the CTL Committee met. This group drafted three committed members: Diane Boyer, Olivia Diaz and Liz Wise, to form a “Troika” of three co-chairs to provide future leadership. In January, the recommendation of the CTL Committee was approved by the Outdoor Activities Governance Committee (OAGC).
Diane Boyer has been coming to CTL for the past 20 years and has been active on the CTL Committee for over 5 years, serving as Secretary. She was formerly an Outings Leader and Napa Group Outings Chair and has spent many volunteer hours working on revitalization of Hutchinson Lodge with her husband, Wally Juchert. Diane brings many years of business experience including management, administrative, financial and negotiating skills to the Troika.
Olivia Diaz’ affair with CTL dates back to the 80’s with her future husband. Since moving to northern California in 2000 they have taken advantage of the Sierra and spent their first few Thanksgiving and Christmas days as guests of the Lodge. Since 2005, she and husband Ernie Malamud have been active in the CTL Committee. Olivia is Publicity Team leader and has co-led the Summer Fund Raisers since they began them in 2005. Olivia was previously a rehabilitation counselor in Los Angeles. and then executive director of a science museum in Illinois.
Liz Wise’s affiliation with the Clair Tappaan Lodge stems back to 1991 when she embarked on a school field trip with a group of 5th grade students from Marin County. When her second set of children developed a love of skiing and snow boarding, they became regulars at the lodge. In addition to teaching at Waldorf schools and taking children out on many, many camping trips and hikes in the woods, Liz has an extensive background in business administration, management and finance.
Diane, Olivia and Liz have been working together since early December to distribute the work among them that Ernie did as Chair of the Committee. Liz will be the liaison to the OAGC and to the CTL Staff. Diane will be liaison with the Board and Dave Simon and will continue as Secretary. Olivia will continue as leader of the Publicity Team and will oversee functioning of the overall committee to ensure the Troika is not ignoring issues that need attention. Together they will work to bring CTL to a break-even budget by the Sierra Club’s deadline of September 30, 2008.
In addition to overseeing the volunteers who are researching aspects of improving the south pathway, the Troika has worked on finalizing a draft of By Laws that reflect how the CTL Committee has been functioning in the past year. That draft is under review by the CTL committee and will be discussed at its next phone conference.
The Troika also has drafted a proposal to the FinCom to use an investment of approximately $40,000 the FinCom has offered to help increase occupancy.
In November, after hearing Ernie’s announcement that he was resigning as Chair effective December 31, a sub group of the CTL Committee met. This group drafted three committed members: Diane Boyer, Olivia Diaz and Liz Wise, to form a “Troika” of three co-chairs to provide future leadership. In January, the recommendation of the CTL Committee was approved by the Outdoor Activities Governance Committee (OAGC).
Diane Boyer has been coming to CTL for the past 20 years and has been active on the CTL Committee for over 5 years, serving as Secretary. She was formerly an Outings Leader and Napa Group Outings Chair and has spent many volunteer hours working on revitalization of Hutchinson Lodge with her husband, Wally Juchert. Diane brings many years of business experience including management, administrative, financial and negotiating skills to the Troika.
Olivia Diaz’ affair with CTL dates back to the 80’s with her future husband. Since moving to northern California in 2000 they have taken advantage of the Sierra and spent their first few Thanksgiving and Christmas days as guests of the Lodge. Since 2005, she and husband Ernie Malamud have been active in the CTL Committee. Olivia is Publicity Team leader and has co-led the Summer Fund Raisers since they began them in 2005. Olivia was previously a rehabilitation counselor in Los Angeles. and then executive director of a science museum in Illinois.
Liz Wise’s affiliation with the Clair Tappaan Lodge stems back to 1991 when she embarked on a school field trip with a group of 5th grade students from Marin County. When her second set of children developed a love of skiing and snow boarding, they became regulars at the lodge. In addition to teaching at Waldorf schools and taking children out on many, many camping trips and hikes in the woods, Liz has an extensive background in business administration, management and finance.
Diane, Olivia and Liz have been working together since early December to distribute the work among them that Ernie did as Chair of the Committee. Liz will be the liaison to the OAGC and to the CTL Staff. Diane will be liaison with the Board and Dave Simon and will continue as Secretary. Olivia will continue as leader of the Publicity Team and will oversee functioning of the overall committee to ensure the Troika is not ignoring issues that need attention. Together they will work to bring CTL to a break-even budget by the Sierra Club’s deadline of September 30, 2008.
In addition to overseeing the volunteers who are researching aspects of improving the south pathway, the Troika has worked on finalizing a draft of By Laws that reflect how the CTL Committee has been functioning in the past year. That draft is under review by the CTL committee and will be discussed at its next phone conference.
The Troika also has drafted a proposal to the FinCom to use an investment of approximately $40,000 the FinCom has offered to help increase occupancy.
Big Changes in the Clair Tappaan Lodge Committee (CTL Com)
By Olivia Diaz
July 2006 marked the beginning of Ernie Malamud’s term as Chair of the CTL Com. He assumed direction of the Committee at a time when the Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL) was under threat of being sold by the Sierra Club because of continuing large annual deficits. At the end of his first half year, the deficit was $106,000.
Ernie aggressively built the CTL Committee from its previous small membership to its present membership of thirty-eight. The focus moved from CTL’s traditional role simply as a “snow lodge” to a year-round lodge with opportunities for educational programming for school children. The new members of the CTL Committee have been marketing and pursuing all possibilities they could to increase occupancy, including making small improvements to make moving around the lodge easier, and making Hutchinson Lodge safe and warmer with a more appealing and functional kitchen.
After a year and a half of Ernie’s leadership, the 2007 budget was $60,000 short, the lowest deficit in over 10 years
Three bold initiatives in the direction of the paradigm shift of “snow lodge to all-year lodge” are bearing fruit in the drive to make CTL break even by the Board of Directors’ deadline of September 30, 2008. The appeal to schools to bring their students for environmental education, recreation and science programs continues to grow. A new relationship was established with Elder Hostel and while the initial offerings faltered, the three 2008 summer inter-generational programs are filling up. We entered into a contract with the Global Distribution system (GDS) to get CTL mentioned on hundreds of web sites that offer lodging in the Lake Tahoe area. Bookings from that source are promising.
The Lodge has announced an Outings program and is recruiting Outings Leaders to become certified CTL Outings Leaders to supplement CTL staff’s weekly outings. Staff is currently leading snow outings - snowshoe, cross country and backcountry ski tours. A full moon snowshoe trek is scheduled on March 21. For details, see the web site at http://ctl.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/ctl/contact.asp. With the series of huge winter storms hitting the Sierra, our CTL Lodge is showing that, while it is beautiful all year long and has other uses, it still is a great place to experience the snow.
Last year Ernie spearheaded the Committee to produce a comprehensive and professionally produced Five-Year Strategic Plan, which was published in August 2007. A few copies are still available at $22.50.
At its November 10 quarterly meeting, the CTL Committee started to implement the steps outlined in the Strategic Plan by setting priorities. They agreed that the highest priority for increasing occupancy was to improve the path to the South entrance. A group of committee members has been researching various possibilities that would make the approach less intimidating to guests. Each possibility must be researched for financial data to help us decide the next step. The committee could use help in this phase and also later when we begin to make the changes to improve the pathway. We will need general and construction volunteers, donated supplies and loaned equipment. Will you help us?
At the end of that meeting, Ernie announced his resignation as the Chair effective at the end of 2007 to turn his attention to other professional commitments. The CTL Committee proposed three long-time supporters Diane Boyer, Olivia Diaz and Liz Wise, acting together, to take over the functions of leading the committee. Please see the article introducing the three new members of the Troika.
July 2006 marked the beginning of Ernie Malamud’s term as Chair of the CTL Com. He assumed direction of the Committee at a time when the Clair Tappaan Lodge (CTL) was under threat of being sold by the Sierra Club because of continuing large annual deficits. At the end of his first half year, the deficit was $106,000.
Ernie aggressively built the CTL Committee from its previous small membership to its present membership of thirty-eight. The focus moved from CTL’s traditional role simply as a “snow lodge” to a year-round lodge with opportunities for educational programming for school children. The new members of the CTL Committee have been marketing and pursuing all possibilities they could to increase occupancy, including making small improvements to make moving around the lodge easier, and making Hutchinson Lodge safe and warmer with a more appealing and functional kitchen.
After a year and a half of Ernie’s leadership, the 2007 budget was $60,000 short, the lowest deficit in over 10 years
Three bold initiatives in the direction of the paradigm shift of “snow lodge to all-year lodge” are bearing fruit in the drive to make CTL break even by the Board of Directors’ deadline of September 30, 2008. The appeal to schools to bring their students for environmental education, recreation and science programs continues to grow. A new relationship was established with Elder Hostel and while the initial offerings faltered, the three 2008 summer inter-generational programs are filling up. We entered into a contract with the Global Distribution system (GDS) to get CTL mentioned on hundreds of web sites that offer lodging in the Lake Tahoe area. Bookings from that source are promising.
The Lodge has announced an Outings program and is recruiting Outings Leaders to become certified CTL Outings Leaders to supplement CTL staff’s weekly outings. Staff is currently leading snow outings - snowshoe, cross country and backcountry ski tours. A full moon snowshoe trek is scheduled on March 21. For details, see the web site at http://ctl.sierraclub.org/outings/lodges/ctl/contact.asp. With the series of huge winter storms hitting the Sierra, our CTL Lodge is showing that, while it is beautiful all year long and has other uses, it still is a great place to experience the snow.
Last year Ernie spearheaded the Committee to produce a comprehensive and professionally produced Five-Year Strategic Plan, which was published in August 2007. A few copies are still available at $22.50.
At its November 10 quarterly meeting, the CTL Committee started to implement the steps outlined in the Strategic Plan by setting priorities. They agreed that the highest priority for increasing occupancy was to improve the path to the South entrance. A group of committee members has been researching various possibilities that would make the approach less intimidating to guests. Each possibility must be researched for financial data to help us decide the next step. The committee could use help in this phase and also later when we begin to make the changes to improve the pathway. We will need general and construction volunteers, donated supplies and loaned equipment. Will you help us?
At the end of that meeting, Ernie announced his resignation as the Chair effective at the end of 2007 to turn his attention to other professional commitments. The CTL Committee proposed three long-time supporters Diane Boyer, Olivia Diaz and Liz Wise, acting together, to take over the functions of leading the committee. Please see the article introducing the three new members of the Troika.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
More letters are needed asking for National Forest road closures!
Dear conservationists,
I just emailed the following letter to the Forest Service (using my real name and primary email address, of course); and I encourage other Yahi Group members to write letters supporting my comments.
Also, I have discovered that any site-specific comments previously sent to Plumas National Forest, regarding their OHV route designation process, should be re-sent soon, as their biologist has just joined their ID team; and my previous comments, asking that user-created roads in major deer herd migration routes be denied, were ignored.
02-10-08
David C. Erwin
District Recreation Officer
P.O. Box 767
Chester, CA 96020-0767
cc: Lassen National Forest Supervisor Kathleen Morse
Dear Mr. Erwin,
Please accept this addition to my comments on the High Lakes OHV Area Management Plan. I just discovered that the primarily Off-Highway-Vehicle-user's group Friends Of The High Lakes is now encouraging members to write again and ask that Soda Ridge be kept open to motorcycles, after I suggested just the opposite in a compromise proposal to their leaders' insistence that all temporary road closures in the High Lakes area should be repealed.
As the Yahi Group Sierra Club outreach coordinator for the National Forest Route Designation Process I was sponsored by one of their leaders to join FOTHL and organize a Yahi Group trail maintenance crew for the High Lakes area. I joined but suggested that due to the excessive damage cause by OHVs creating multiple routes into Saddle Lake, perhaps the Yahi Group would be willing to adopt that lake and attempt to repair the damage, if that area were kept closed to vehicles.
I also suggested that the lower end of the 614 route through the west end of Reese Flat be kept closed to vehicles (it doesn't currently connect to the 610) to protect the goshawk nesting area I confirmed is there.
Both FOTHL leaders I have been in email contact with replied that they want all temporarily closed roads in the High Lakes reopened and would prefer we adopt a trail in the Vehicle Prohibited Area.
I told them that depending upon what wildlife surveys show as possible marten migration routes, the Yahi Group might be willing to compromise with FOTHL and ask Lassen National Forest to allow FOTHL another chance at trail monitoring and restoration in the High Lakes if they would agree to back our environmentalist stand, during the Route Designation Process separate from the High Lakes, that along with some user-created roads being considered for adoption into the system some existing system roads be considered for closure.
In my comments on both the High Lakes OHV Area and on the Lassen National Forest Route Designation Process I suggested that the Vehicle Prohibited Area of Chips Creek canyon be extended northward across Soda Ridge to the northern part of the Chips Creek Roadless Area.
That northern section already has a Research Natural Area around Green Island Lake and Saucer Lake, as well as another RNA at the north end of Soda Ridge stretching down to Soda Creek, both of which are mostly pristine habitat for species associated with old growth.
Specifically, I proposed that at least the 501 road (from 25N05 near Lots Lake to 26N74 at the Pacific Crest Trail) be closed, and that the high-clearance 26N74 road along Soda Ridge be closed and decommissioned from 25N15 all the way east to the LNF / PNF boundary east of Indian Springs, so as to reconnect the northern and southern parts of the Chips Creek Roadless Area. Those roads (except for the southern-most part of the 501) are outside of the High Lakes OHV Area shown on your map and even in a different Management Area in the Lassen Forest Plan.
While leading a Yahi Group hike into the area, I have seen a marten on the banks of Soda Creek; and the California Natural Diversity Database shows marten as once documented in the area just east of Indian Springs.
Soda Ridge would be a crucial part of my proposed Quiet Recreation / Wildlife Migration Corridor / Vehicle Prohibited Area expansion roughly paralleling the Pacific Crest Trail all the way from the Hwy 32 (with the adjacent the Cub Creek roadless area and Spotted Owl Habitat Area) to the SOHA along Soda Creek that extends toward Hwy 70.
Am I correct in assuming that wildlife surveys, including for marten, will be completed before the final decision is reached as to which routes in and adjacent to the High Lakes will be designated for vehicle use?
Alarmingly, during an early meeting on the Plumas National Forest Route Designation Process I heard an OHV enthusiast claim that the Chips Creek Roadless Area was already roaded and thus completely bisected because the Indian Springs trail OHV route extends from the Lassen National Forest boundary all the way down to Hwy 70. He said because there is no sign at the Forest Boundary, he could not be cited for driving that route.
I checked for a connection to Hwy 70 while leading a hike along the PCT, and noticed PCT signs on the trail intersection with an old road coming up the hill from the trailer park south of Belden, that crosses the PCT toward the power line clearing that connects to the Indian Springs trail. That road, however, is not even mapped by Plumas National Forest, though it is obviously an old road; and Plumas proposes the area remain a Vehicle Prohibited Area.
26N74 should be closed and decommissioned so that it no longer invites illegal cross-country travel from its remote eastern end. Many years ago when I hiked in on the 501 road along the Chips Creek / Coon Hollow saddle, I found near Poison Spring a 40"-diameter red fir that had fallen across 26N74, thus effectively closing Soda Ridge to vehicles; but apparently that huge log was subsequently cut up and the road reopened, because later on during Route Designation Process scoping, new motorcycle routes were identified in the north part of Soda Ridge, where someone had apparently tried to drive to Saucer Lake from the old logging road there (that had once also been effectively closed by other fallen old trees and new growing trees when I hiked through).
A larger Vehicle Prohibited Area, where not even chainsaws are allowed to be used (similar in management to Wilderness), is needed in that area to alert law-abiding forest users when illegal vehicle routes are being created. Just hearing the noise from a motor emanating from Soda Ridge should be enough reason to notify law enforcement or other Forest Service personnel that citations are needed to keep vehicles from driving where they are no longer allowed. Keeping noise to a minimum should also serve to encourage continuing use by marten and other wildlife, whose migration routes are all too often already fragmented by an excessive road density elsewhere in the Forest.
Please work in cooperation with Plumas National Forest to keep the Indian Springs trail non-motorized on Plumas NF and close and decommission 26N74 to keep that trail non-motorized at least all the way west to the Chips Creek saddle, as you analyze future management of the nearby High Lakes OHV Area and which roads should provide recreational vehicle opportunities.
Sincerely,
Cedarrrock
a Yahi Group conservation activist
I just emailed the following letter to the Forest Service (using my real name and primary email address, of course); and I encourage other Yahi Group members to write letters supporting my comments.
Also, I have discovered that any site-specific comments previously sent to Plumas National Forest, regarding their OHV route designation process, should be re-sent soon, as their biologist has just joined their ID team; and my previous comments, asking that user-created roads in major deer herd migration routes be denied, were ignored.
02-10-08
David C. Erwin
District Recreation Officer
P.O. Box 767
Chester, CA 96020-0767
cc: Lassen National Forest Supervisor Kathleen Morse
Dear Mr. Erwin,
Please accept this addition to my comments on the High Lakes OHV Area Management Plan. I just discovered that the primarily Off-Highway-Vehicle-user's group Friends Of The High Lakes is now encouraging members to write again and ask that Soda Ridge be kept open to motorcycles, after I suggested just the opposite in a compromise proposal to their leaders' insistence that all temporary road closures in the High Lakes area should be repealed.
As the Yahi Group Sierra Club outreach coordinator for the National Forest Route Designation Process I was sponsored by one of their leaders to join FOTHL and organize a Yahi Group trail maintenance crew for the High Lakes area. I joined but suggested that due to the excessive damage cause by OHVs creating multiple routes into Saddle Lake, perhaps the Yahi Group would be willing to adopt that lake and attempt to repair the damage, if that area were kept closed to vehicles.
I also suggested that the lower end of the 614 route through the west end of Reese Flat be kept closed to vehicles (it doesn't currently connect to the 610) to protect the goshawk nesting area I confirmed is there.
Both FOTHL leaders I have been in email contact with replied that they want all temporarily closed roads in the High Lakes reopened and would prefer we adopt a trail in the Vehicle Prohibited Area.
I told them that depending upon what wildlife surveys show as possible marten migration routes, the Yahi Group might be willing to compromise with FOTHL and ask Lassen National Forest to allow FOTHL another chance at trail monitoring and restoration in the High Lakes if they would agree to back our environmentalist stand, during the Route Designation Process separate from the High Lakes, that along with some user-created roads being considered for adoption into the system some existing system roads be considered for closure.
In my comments on both the High Lakes OHV Area and on the Lassen National Forest Route Designation Process I suggested that the Vehicle Prohibited Area of Chips Creek canyon be extended northward across Soda Ridge to the northern part of the Chips Creek Roadless Area.
That northern section already has a Research Natural Area around Green Island Lake and Saucer Lake, as well as another RNA at the north end of Soda Ridge stretching down to Soda Creek, both of which are mostly pristine habitat for species associated with old growth.
Specifically, I proposed that at least the 501 road (from 25N05 near Lots Lake to 26N74 at the Pacific Crest Trail) be closed, and that the high-clearance 26N74 road along Soda Ridge be closed and decommissioned from 25N15 all the way east to the LNF / PNF boundary east of Indian Springs, so as to reconnect the northern and southern parts of the Chips Creek Roadless Area. Those roads (except for the southern-most part of the 501) are outside of the High Lakes OHV Area shown on your map and even in a different Management Area in the Lassen Forest Plan.
While leading a Yahi Group hike into the area, I have seen a marten on the banks of Soda Creek; and the California Natural Diversity Database shows marten as once documented in the area just east of Indian Springs.
Soda Ridge would be a crucial part of my proposed Quiet Recreation / Wildlife Migration Corridor / Vehicle Prohibited Area expansion roughly paralleling the Pacific Crest Trail all the way from the Hwy 32 (with the adjacent the Cub Creek roadless area and Spotted Owl Habitat Area) to the SOHA along Soda Creek that extends toward Hwy 70.
Am I correct in assuming that wildlife surveys, including for marten, will be completed before the final decision is reached as to which routes in and adjacent to the High Lakes will be designated for vehicle use?
Alarmingly, during an early meeting on the Plumas National Forest Route Designation Process I heard an OHV enthusiast claim that the Chips Creek Roadless Area was already roaded and thus completely bisected because the Indian Springs trail OHV route extends from the Lassen National Forest boundary all the way down to Hwy 70. He said because there is no sign at the Forest Boundary, he could not be cited for driving that route.
I checked for a connection to Hwy 70 while leading a hike along the PCT, and noticed PCT signs on the trail intersection with an old road coming up the hill from the trailer park south of Belden, that crosses the PCT toward the power line clearing that connects to the Indian Springs trail. That road, however, is not even mapped by Plumas National Forest, though it is obviously an old road; and Plumas proposes the area remain a Vehicle Prohibited Area.
26N74 should be closed and decommissioned so that it no longer invites illegal cross-country travel from its remote eastern end. Many years ago when I hiked in on the 501 road along the Chips Creek / Coon Hollow saddle, I found near Poison Spring a 40"-diameter red fir that had fallen across 26N74, thus effectively closing Soda Ridge to vehicles; but apparently that huge log was subsequently cut up and the road reopened, because later on during Route Designation Process scoping, new motorcycle routes were identified in the north part of Soda Ridge, where someone had apparently tried to drive to Saucer Lake from the old logging road there (that had once also been effectively closed by other fallen old trees and new growing trees when I hiked through).
A larger Vehicle Prohibited Area, where not even chainsaws are allowed to be used (similar in management to Wilderness), is needed in that area to alert law-abiding forest users when illegal vehicle routes are being created. Just hearing the noise from a motor emanating from Soda Ridge should be enough reason to notify law enforcement or other Forest Service personnel that citations are needed to keep vehicles from driving where they are no longer allowed. Keeping noise to a minimum should also serve to encourage continuing use by marten and other wildlife, whose migration routes are all too often already fragmented by an excessive road density elsewhere in the Forest.
Please work in cooperation with Plumas National Forest to keep the Indian Springs trail non-motorized on Plumas NF and close and decommission 26N74 to keep that trail non-motorized at least all the way west to the Chips Creek saddle, as you analyze future management of the nearby High Lakes OHV Area and which roads should provide recreational vehicle opportunities.
Sincerely,
Cedarrrock
a Yahi Group conservation activist
Friday, February 8, 2008
Paving Paradise
Paradise Tree Ordinance at Town Council on Tuesday Feb. 12. The council meeting starts at 6:00 pm.
The tree ordinance report, Agenda item 7b, is posted online:
http://www.townofparadise.com/town_govt/council_agendas/tc_ag_021208/7b_tree_ord.pdf
The Paradise Town Council will be considering tree ordinance changes on Tuesday evening.
I want the tree ordinance changes to be an improvement for Paradise. To achieve balance, we need to look at our tree ordinance, at our landscaping requirements in the building code, and at our treated wastewater (septic) requirements. I want the town staff to work with the community and look at how to increase the connectivity of these departments so that we can achieve an optimal balance of buildings and trees for the town of Paradise.
The Council will very carefully consider the tree ordinance change proposal on Tuesday evening knowing that septic and landscaping requirements are important factors. The Council will consider public comments.
The trees are part of our lives in Paradise. The community appreciates them.
Consider the tree ordinance changes being proposed. They are posted at the Town of Paradise website. The full text of the agenda item is posted at http://www.townofparadise.com/town_govt/council_agendas/tc_ag_021208/7b_tree_ord.pdf
I appreciate the Yahi group's concern for the environment and involvement in decisions that affect all of us.
Robin Huffman
Paradise Town Councilwoman
Candidate for Butte County Supervisor, 5th District
rafh@pacbell.net
Phone: 877-0672
www.robinhuffman.com
The tree ordinance report, Agenda item 7b, is posted online:
http://www.townofparadise.com/town_govt/council_agendas/tc_ag_021208/7b_tree_ord.pdf
The Paradise Town Council will be considering tree ordinance changes on Tuesday evening.
I want the tree ordinance changes to be an improvement for Paradise. To achieve balance, we need to look at our tree ordinance, at our landscaping requirements in the building code, and at our treated wastewater (septic) requirements. I want the town staff to work with the community and look at how to increase the connectivity of these departments so that we can achieve an optimal balance of buildings and trees for the town of Paradise.
The Council will very carefully consider the tree ordinance change proposal on Tuesday evening knowing that septic and landscaping requirements are important factors. The Council will consider public comments.
The trees are part of our lives in Paradise. The community appreciates them.
Consider the tree ordinance changes being proposed. They are posted at the Town of Paradise website. The full text of the agenda item is posted at http://www.townofparadise.com/town_govt/council_agendas/tc_ag_021208/7b_tree_ord.pdf
I appreciate the Yahi group's concern for the environment and involvement in decisions that affect all of us.
Robin Huffman
Paradise Town Councilwoman
Candidate for Butte County Supervisor, 5th District
rafh@pacbell.net
Phone: 877-0672
www.robinhuffman.com
Sunday, February 3, 2008
NEW YAHI GROUP TRAIL GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE!
35 GREAT HIKES IN AND AROUND BUTTE COUNTY
The Yahi Group's new trail guide is now on sale. The hikes in this book are all within a relatively easy day’s drive of the selected starting point of the Chico Park and Ride (Hwy 99 & Hwy 32). Included are trips to waterfalls, lakes, rugged canyons and gorges, secluded forests, peaks and wildflower-filled meadows. Each hike was selected by long-time trail guides of the Sierra Club Yahi Group.
The book has a mixture of easy to reach, in-town, local trips and more distant treks to wild places. This second edition of the guide has carried forward several hikes from the original guide and added more than 20 new hikes. All proceeds from sale of the book will go to the Sierra Club Yahi Group.
Cost: $10 plus shipping if bought directly
Contact: Alan Mendoza - 530-891-8789 or
amendoza@prodigy.net
The Yahi Group's new trail guide is now on sale. The hikes in this book are all within a relatively easy day’s drive of the selected starting point of the Chico Park and Ride (Hwy 99 & Hwy 32). Included are trips to waterfalls, lakes, rugged canyons and gorges, secluded forests, peaks and wildflower-filled meadows. Each hike was selected by long-time trail guides of the Sierra Club Yahi Group.
The book has a mixture of easy to reach, in-town, local trips and more distant treks to wild places. This second edition of the guide has carried forward several hikes from the original guide and added more than 20 new hikes. All proceeds from sale of the book will go to the Sierra Club Yahi Group.
Cost: $10 plus shipping if bought directly
Contact: Alan Mendoza - 530-891-8789 or
amendoza@prodigy.net
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