The Mountaineers Currents

A hiker’s orientation to the Suiattle River region

2012-01-25T16:03:00.000-08:00

By Kim Brown, Public Lands Intern

Sulphur Mtn. fire lookout site and the true summit beyond

A generation of hikers have never seen what lies beyond milepost 12.0 of the 23 mile-long Suiattle River Road – and many who have seen it, have missed out on all the Suiattle region has to offer since a series of washouts in 2003, 2006, and 2007 have steadily gnawed away at the road. An important portal to the west side of the Glacier Peak Wilderness Area, the Suiattle River Road, which runs along the Suiattle River northwest of Darrington, has been missed by many Northwesterners. Nearly a decade later, the road is still not repaired. To some, this blog post is a reminder to what we’ve been missing – to others, it’s a primer.

Initially a Native American route used for hunting and trading across the Glacier Peak region, then later a logging railroad grade, the present-day Suiattle Road was built in phases, completed around 1931. Generations of people have enjoyed the wild places of the Suiattle River, including renowned guidebook author and conservationist Harvey Manning, who received his advocacy epiphany high on the flanks of the mountains above the Suiattle River (see pg 62 of linked article).

Trails wind through old growth forests, popping out at high mountain lakes and meadow- laden ridges that lead to glaciers and thick walls of volcanic ash deposited by Glacier Peak, Washington’s most remote volcano. Destinations accessed by the Suiattle River Road include the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), the Suiattle River Trail, Miner’s Ridge Fire Lookout, the Milk Creek trail, Lime Ridge, Sulphur Mountain trail, Bath Lakes High Route, Sulphur Hot Springs, Green Mountain Lookout, Huckleberry Mountain trail, Downey Creek trail, the Ptarmigan Traverse and Dome Peak. Popular drive-in campgrounds near the roads end include Sulphur Creek, Buck Creek and Downey Creek.

On October 21, 2003, nearly 10 inches of rain fell in the Suiattle watershed. Floodwaters swept away multiple bridges, including the 265 foot-long Skyline Bridge, as well as a steel -beam bridge that led to the Milk Creek trail, and Boundary Bridge, the automobile bridge that spanned the river at Forest Road 25.

The Suiattle Road suffered a washout at milepost 14.4, and further down the road, the river scoured the bank away from the foot of the Downey Creek Bridge. The Sulphur Creek Bridge at milepost 22.9 was also damaged. A helicopter rescued hikers caught on the wrong side of the damage, and later the Forest Service constructed a temporary ramp to get the trapped vehicle across Downey Creek.

Over the years, undaunted hikers constructed various styles of ladders to clamber onto the Downey Creek Bridge and beyond.

In 2006, more floods added damage to the ailing Suiattle Road. This flood was especially devastating, because now the road ends at milepost 12, making each trailhead that much farther away.

And so time goes by. In 2007, milepost 6.0 was severely damaged and the Forest Service built a temporary re-route. The Boundary Bridge was repaired in 2010, and a new bridge spanning the Suiattle at the PCT was completed in 2011, marking the official re-opening of the PCT on the west side of Glacier Peak, administratively closed since 2003.

So – What’s taking so long to fix the road? Stay tuned!

In the meantime, pull out your Green Trails maps and peruse 112 Glacier Peak, 79 Snowking, 80 Cascade Pass, and 144 Benchmark….

Ross Lake National Rec Area's new Plan

2012-01-09T23:30:00.000-08:00

By Kim Brown, Public Lands Intern

The turquoise of Ross Lake & green mosses and trees

Here’s more information to impress your friends with: North Cascades National Park (NCNP) and RossLake National Recreation Area (Ross Lake NRA) are both managed by the NationalParks Service (NPS), but the Park and the NRA are managed for differentobjectives.

The primary purpose of a NRA is to provide for outdoor recreation,rather than the focus of the National Park System on conservation and historicpreservation. The management plan of an NRA is consistent with the managementplan of its land manager, in this case, Ross Lake NRA is managed by NorthCascades National Park.

OK now for the business at hand: It's time toupdate the management guidance for Ross Lake NRA, which historically has been apart of the North Cascades National Park General Management Plan (GMP). The separateRoss Lake GMP will guide management of the Ross Lake NRA for the next 15-20years.

NPS has completed the Environmental Impact Statement detailing the various Alternative management plans for Ross Lake NRA,the Preferred plan being Alternative B (see Chapter 4, Alternatives, at bottom of the page of this link ). Thepublic comment period ends January 17.

Since the last GMP was implemented in 1988, campgrounds havebeen severely damaged by storms and visitation has increased, so a facelift isneeded for Ross NRA.

Alternative B allows for the management of future stormdamage with as little interruption to recreation as possible. Visitors may have more front-country andbetter backcountry trails, more front- and backcountry campsites, bettercampground amenities, more educational opportunities and new viewpoints. Sportclimbing in the gorge between Newhalem and Diablo will be better managedthrough four Climbing Management Areas.

Wild places will be kept wild, continued efforts for the preservation of grizzly bear habitat, and nearly 5,000 acres of previously proposedWilderness at Big Beaver Natural Preservation Area and Thunder Creek will beofficially added to the Stephen Mather Wilderness Area. Goodell and NewhalemCreeks and a portion of the Skagit will be recommended for Wild & Scenic River status.

With the new GMP, we may see an on-line reservation systemfor backpacking permits, which will benefit National Park visitors as well. You’ll still have to pick up the permits in person,however. The last mile of the road to Thornton Lakes (within the Wildernessboundary), will be officially decommissioned and a better trailhead built.

A second water taxi for Ross Lake Resort will better servebackpackers and resort visitors, its footprint on the lake being tempered by morerestrictions on types of motors allowed on the lake.

Currently a National Forest Byway and a Washington State Scenic Highway, the North Cascades Highway will be nominated as a designatedNational Scenic Byway.

An immediate change will be the name -- to better associatethe Ross Lake NRA with North Cascades National Park, it will be re-named “NorthCascades National Recreation Area.”

Ross Lake, the Skagit River, the Seattle City Light dams andthe North Cascades Highway corridor compose a special destination forrecreationists, and the proposed Alternative B for the GMP will continue to providea range of opportunities at the re-named North Cascades NRA, while providing anappropriate gateway to the grandeur of North Cascades National Park.

State DNR to kick off recreation planning for the Snoqualmie corridor

2012-01-06T09:17:00.000-08:00

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is planning for the future of recreation on 53,000 acres of state trust lands, natural areas, and other lands managed by DNR along the Snoqualmie corridor in eastern King County. DNR is inviting the public to an open house on January 18 in the City of Snoqualmie to kick off the planning process and get feedback from citizens.

Who: DNR Recreation Program

What: Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation Plan Open House

When: 7 to 9 p.m., Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Where: Snoqualmie Middle School, Commons Room
9200 Railroad Ave. S.E.
Snoqualmie, WA 98065
Directions

Why: The Snoqualmie corridor, located in eastern King County,
offers tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation near the ever-growing Seattle metropolitan area. In the past 20 years, DNR has increased the amount of land it manages in the corridor. Some are state trust lands-working forests; other lands form the largest network of natural areas in the state. As a major provider of recreation opportunities in this landscape, DNR understands the need for a comprehensive and strategic approach to recreation management.

Meeting Format: The first part of the open house will be a brief presentation by DNR staff on the planning process. Following the introductory presentation, the public will have the opportunity to share their thoughts and ideas about recreation in a "listening station" format.

Snoqualmie corridor planning area
The 53,000-acre planning area includes two newer DNR-managed properties:
the Raging River State Forest, purchased in 2009 to replace state trust lands previously transferred out of trust status, and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Natural Resources Conservation Area (NRCA), which was designated in 2009 by Peter Goldmark, Commissioner of Public Lands.

While the main focus of this effort is to develop recreation management plans for Raging River and Middle Fork Snoqualmie, the planning process also involves DNR-managed lands with existing management plans, such as Tiger Mountain State Forest, West Tiger Mountain NRCA, Mount Si NRCA, and Rattlesnake Mountain Scenic Area.

The corridor also includes recreation lands managed by federal, state, and local entities. Although planning will not include activities on those lands, this strategic planning process will look at ways to improve coordination with managers of many of these lands.

During the last few months, DNR has been gathering information related to recreation in the Snoqualmie corridor. This information will help to guide planning for future recreation opportunities. In addition to the open house, the public will have numerous other ways to be involved throughout this process.

More information about the Snoqualmie Corridor Recreation Plan.

Workshop Explores Climate Change and Access to Public Lands

2011-12-19T12:58:00.000-08:00

By Kim Brown, Public Lands Programs Intern

Huge gouges from roads. Trails little more than dotted lines of tread on a slumping slope. Piles of old growth trees ripped from the forest, now horizontally huddled against broken bridge pilings, still other bridges twisted and tossed about like toys (and one that was swept away and never found). Scenes from a Mad Max movie? Nope – just another day at the office from our public lands managers.

Western Washington’s devastating floods of 2003, 2006 and 2007, termed “100 year floods,” were a wake-up call to public land managers and the public. Eight years after the 2003 floods, the Forest Service is still dealing with that flood damage, and National Parks are still dealing with damage caused by the 2006 and 2007 floods. Careers have been launched – and bailed – as a result of the nebulous flood repair processes. Due to climate change, we can expect flood damage to become more frequent.

On November 30 and December 1, 2011, the North Cascadia Adaption Partnership (NCAP) - a collaboration of the US Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) - hosted a Climate Change and Human Access workshop to explore changing hydrology and its impact to access on public lands - including roads, trails, campgrounds and infrastructure.

Presentations by the University of Washington’s Climate Impacts Group, Western Federal Lands Highways Division, Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie and Olympic National Forests, Mt. Rainier, Olympic and North Cascades National Parks showed climate change trends, road repair specifications, costs, and predictions.

NPS and USFS gave presentations about their flood issues - these presentations were dubbed “The Battle of the Floods” – with each agency outdoing the other with their devastation photos.
Climate scientists and land managers anticipate more frequent and larger storms due to changing precipitation patterns and the rising snow levels. We can expect more volumes of water roaring down our watersheds in winter, creating more swift-moving, or “flashier” floods capable of undermining roadbeds and scouring away riverbanks so that bridges no longer lead anywhere, their far ends jutting out into thin air and looking like ancient Roman ruins, their purpose long-gone.

The lack of rain in extended summers will dry out the forest vegetation and soils, meaning more fires and less vegetation to absorb the frequent and heavier fall and winter rains, resulting in - you guessed it – flashier floods.

Thousands of miles of secondary, un-used logging and spur-roads remain in Washington’s National Forests. There is no funding to upgrade every road to standards that will withstand 100 year floods. Factors to consider are geologic hazard, how much sediment enters fish habitat and how often, how many streams a road crosses per mile, and riparian zone buffers. In the future, those roads that are kept open will need upgrading to meet the newer standards needed withstand the impacts of climate change.

There are a lot of things we can do now to prepare ourselves for change, before the impacts of climate change become bigger. Check out some of the resources below; consider participating during public comment periods for road repairs, and advocate for appropriate federal funding for public land agencies.

More information about road issues & climate change :
US Fish & Wildlife, on Climate Change in the Pacific Northwest

Olympic National Forest Climate Change publication, August, 2011 (144 pages). The USFS Pacific Northwest Research station just completed the 2nd of a 2-part study on climate change and how it might affect roads, vegetation, wildlife and hydrology in Olympic National Forest and Olympic National Park. These studies will be a tremendously useful resource to all land managers when determining a course of action regarding the management of their lands for climate change.
The Way In - a study by National Parks Conservation Association after the 2006 floods at MRNP

Way-cool technical dork stuff:

Engineered log jams (ELJ’s). Placing woody debris in strategic locations can slow down the pace of water, which helps in preventing disastrous undermining of roadbeds (as a bonus, ELJ’s create aquatic habitat and resting places for fish).
Fish passage culverts . Used for fish-bearing streams, these culverts are now termed Aquatic Organism Passage culverts, or AOP’s (I am not making this up!). Larger AOP’s are being used more routinely. It’s not uncommon nowadays to see AOPs that are designed to accommodate 100 year floods, plus 20%, for added debris to move through them (to impress friends and family: this is written as a Q100 + 20% AOP - how you say it is up to you). This is quite a change from the old standard of a 25-year flood standard (Q25, of course).

Federal Court Upholds the Roadless Area Conservation Rule

2011-10-21T15:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to our friends at Washington Wilderness Coalition for breaking the news with the following press release!

SEATTLE, WA – Today, the 10^th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the legality of the Roadless Rule, affirming protections for nearly two million acres of wild national forests in Washington and nearly 60 million acres around the country. The Court upheld the Rule’s provisions protecting Roadless Areas from road building and associated logging and development. This rule has been under attack for almost a decade but this influential decision ensures that the roadless rule is now unequivocally national policy.

“This is a great victory for the people of Washington and America who have spoken out, time and again and in record number, in support of protecting these wild backcountry lands,” said Tom Uniack, Conservation Director for Washington Wilderness Coalition. “Today’s decision was a home run for roadless forests and clears up any legal ambiguity about the Roadless Rule nationwide.”

The ruling upholds one of the most popular land conservation policies in Washington and the nation and will preserve protections for special places like the Dark Divide near Mt St. Helens and the Kettle Range in northeastern Washington and South Quinault Ridge on the Olympic Peninsula.

“I welcome the news that this court has rejected essentially every legal argument against protecting pristine forests,” said Senator Maria Cantwell. “Today’s ruling affirms the 2001 Roadless Rule was a well-crafted, balanced policy which continues to enjoy strong public support. The Roadless Rule is not just good environmental policy, but it protects outdoor industry jobs and helps stem the growth of the Forest Service’s road maintenance backlog. We now have the wind at our backs as we continue working to codify the Roadless Rule into law to ensure future generations of Americans will continue to benefit from these last remaining wild forestlands.”

The rule has been the subject of conflicting court decisions over the past decade. In August 2009, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court ruling to reinstate the roadless rule, leaving the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals decision still pending. Today’s decision dismissed all of the legal arguments made against the Roadless Rule in the lower court and affirmed that the Rule did not violate the Wilderness Act and that the two-year public process was consistent with the National Environmental Policy Act.

“This decision makes the Roadless Rule the law of the land.” said Rep. Jay Inslee (WA-01). “For years, the public has voiced its overwhelming support for the Roadless Rule. Now, the court has settled the debate and 49 million acres of public lands will be protected. This decision confirms our efforts in Congress to permanently protect pristine roadlesss areas, preserving our natural legacy for generations to come.”

Roadless areas are often referred to as “backyard wildlands” because of their proximity to population centers and the multi-season recreational opportunities they provide for youth, families and outdoor enthusiasts. Over the past several years hundreds of elected officials, local businesses and diverse stakeholders throughout Washington State have voiced their support for the roadless areas, which are a large part of the quality of life we all enjoy here in the Pacific Northwest.

Background

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is a popular and balanced policy that protects nearly 60 million acres of undeveloped national forests from road-building and other industrial activity. It was issued by the Clinton Administration in early 2001 after the most extensive public involvement process in the history of federal rulemaking and enjoys the support of hundreds of local elected officials, conservation and recreation groups, religious leaders and local businesses throughout Washington State. With more than one-half of America's national forests already open to logging, mining and drilling, the rule was intended to preserve the last third of undeveloped forests as a home for fish & wildlife, a haven for recreation and a heritage for future generations.

The values of protecting roadless forests include:

• Sixty million Americans rely on clean and safe drinking water from the national forests. Roadless areas provide the purest source of that water due to their pristine and road-free condition. In the Northwest Forest Service Region, which includes Washington and Oregon, drinking water on national forest land is worth approximately $941 million annually, which is more than any other region or state in the country except California.

• Outdoor recreation has become more and more popular over time as Americans participate in everything from hike and camping to hunting and fishing in roadless areas. Approximately 2.5 million Washington residents took part in hunting, fishing, and wildlife-watching in 2001, contributing $2.4 billion to the state economy.

• A majority of the unspoiled habitat for hundreds of threatened, endangered, and declining species is found in roadless areas. In Washington, 25 at-risk species, including bald eagles, steelhead and bull trout and chinook salmon are found in national forests and could be harmed by the building of new roads and the ensuing destruction of roadless areas.

• Protecting roadless areas would be fiscally responsible, by saving taxpayers the cost of adding subsidized logging roads to the existing network of nearly 400,000 miles of national forest roads, which have an unfunded maintenance backlog of nearly $10 billion.

The 10^th Circuit decision can be read at: http://www.ca10.uscourts.gov/opinions/09/09-8075.pdf

Open House & Cookout for Okanogan-Wenatchee & Colville Forest Plan Revision

2011-08-09T13:54:00.000-07:00

The Forest Service is revising Forest Plans for the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forests. These plans guide the agency's management of important natural and recreational resources for the next 10-15 years. Learn more.

If you care about Eastern Washington's National Forests, attend the only scheduled public meeting west of the Cascade crest and join the recreation and conservation community for a cookout following the open house.

Okanogan-Wenatchee & Colville National Forest Open House & Cookout

Saturday, August 13, 2011, 10 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

The Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115

10 a.m. - 12 p.m. - Open House for Okanogan-Wenatchee & Colville National Forest Plan Revision

Forest Service representatives will provide a brief presentation about the proposed action and the public comment process, followed by a short question and answer session. Before and after the presentation, tables will be set up in an open house format to provide an individual opportunity to learn more about specific topics of public interest, and to have one-on-one conversations with Forest Service representatives. Details.

12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. - Community Cookout

Continue the conversation about the proposed actions for the forest plan revisions during a free community cookout after the open house. Representatives from the recreation and conservation community will be on hand to share perspectives and discuss important aspects of the forest plans. This event is sponsored by Conservation Northwest, The Mountaineers, Sierra Club, Washington Trails Association and Washington Wilderness Coalition.

For questions about the cookout, contact Sarah Krueger, Conservation Manager, The Mountaineers, 206-521-6012 or email sarahk @ mountaineers.org.

Planning for the Okanogan-Wenatchee & Colville National Forests

2011-07-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

The U.S. Forest Service is updating the Okanogan-Wenatchee and Colville National Forest Plans this year and recently released Draft Proposed Actions for public review through September 28, 2011. During the Draft Proposed Action review period, the Forest Service collects public input to help shape a range of alternatives to consider for their respective forest plans. Once approved, these forest plans will dictate management practices for the next 10-15 years.

The revised forest plans have the potential to radically change the way the forest is managed for a range of values including human-powered and motorized recreation, wildlife habitat, wilderness preservation and resource extraction.

If you visit the Okanogan-Wenatchee or Colville National Forests for the incredible opportunities for hiking, climbing, kayaking, mountaineering, camping, backcountry skiing, snow-shoeing, and nature study – or care about the preservation of roadless and potential wilderness areas – take the time to get familiar with the Proposed Actions and share your perspective with the Forest Service.

Get involved!

Review the Draft Proposed Actions & Maps online
Attend the only west-side open house event Saturday, August 13, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle
Join the Mountaineers and other recreation and conservation groups for a post-open house picnic and discussion August 13, 12:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. at the Mountaineers Program Center. Food and beverages provided, RSVP to sarahk@mountaineers.org.
Attend one of two lunch-time webinars with the Forest Service August 9 & 18, 12-1:30 p.m. Details TBA.
Submit your comments by September 28th! Submit comments via email to r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us or mail written comments to the Colville and Okanogan-Wenatchee Forest Plan Revision Team, Okanogan Valley Office, 1240 Second Ave. South, Okanogan, WA, 98840.

Mt. Rainier in our own Backyard

2011-06-15T16:21:00.000-07:00

The Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics recently designated Mount Rainer National Park as a Leave No Trace Hot Spot. Learn more about this important effort during the Leave No Trace Backyard Session at The Mountaineers Program Center on Monday, June 27, 7-9 p.m.

Jordan Mammel, from Mount Rainier National Park, will discuss recreational impacts to the Paradise meadows as well as ways that we can help restore and protect these precious alpine resources.

Enjoy food and beverages, networking with other Leave No Trace supporters, and a rumored appearance from Leave No Trace's Bigfoot at the event. This event is free and open to the public, RSVP to bigfoot@LNT.org.

Weigh in on the Wild Sky Trails Plan

2011-06-10T11:40:00.000-07:00

The Wild Sky Wilderness encompasses rugged peaks, roaring rivers and lush forests. The area protected by the Wild Sky Wilderness is roadless and, well... wild, without many established trails.

When Wild Sky was established in 2008, the legislation called for a trail plan to establish system of hiking and equestrian trails to provide access to the wilderness area. A public meeting will be held on Thursday, June 23, 2011 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Park Place Middle School commons in Monroe, WA to take the next steps to establish a trail plan.

Join The Mountaineers in participating in this unique opportunity to craft a vision for a trail system that will serve the incredible opportunities for backcountry recreation in the Wild Sky. Tom Davis is the project leader for the plan and can answer questions - he may be reached at tdavis@fs.fed.us. If you would like to get involved with the Mountaineers response to the Trails Plan study, contact conservation@mountaineers.org.

Governor signs Discover Pass into law

2011-05-13T10:47:00.000-07:00

Pass to take effect July 1, 2011

Official Press Release

OLYMPIA – Flanked by recreation enthusiasts, Governor Chris Gregoire today signed legislation that will keep state park and recreation lands open with revenue from a vehicle access pass known as the Discover Pass.

“It is essential that we keep our recreation areas open to the public,” said Governor Gregoire. “I applaud the Legislature for coming together with a solution that allows us to help keep our state recreation lands open and accessible during the worst budget crisis in the state’s history.”

The Discover Pass will be required as of July 1 for vehicle access to recreation lands and water-access sites managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), and Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The pass — which will be available for sale in mid-June — will cost $30 a year per vehicle or $10 for a day-use pass. State recreation lands include state parks, boat launches, campgrounds, heritage sites, wildlife and natural areas, trails and trailheads.

Holders of certain types of fishing and hunting licenses, registered campers in state parks and other users are exempt from some Discover Pass requirements. For details, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.

Once available, the Discover Pass can be purchased at one of nearly 600 sporting goods or other retail stores that sell hunting and fishing licenses. It will also be available for purchase online or by calling toll free 1-866-320-9933. Beginning next fall, the public will be able to purchase a pass when renewing a vehicle license through the Washington State Department of Licensing. The Discover Pass or day-use pass must be visibly displayed in the front windshield of any motor vehicle.

Revenue from the Discover Pass will fill budget gaps created by the loss of State General Fund support for parks and recreation on state lands. Revenue will be split among the three state agencies that provide recreational access to state lands in proportion to their need for general fund replacement: 84 percent to State Parks; 8 percent to WDFW; and 8 percent to DNR.

State Parks, WDFW, and DNR jointly requested legislation that led to the creation of the Discover Pass, intended to provide revenue to maintain recreation access to state lands and meet the increasing demand for outdoor recreation. The legislation was sponsored by Sen. Kevin Ranker, D-San Juan Islands, who conducted stakeholder work and coordinated with other legislators. In addition to providing a stable source of revenue, the legislation provides reciprocal authority for law enforcement staff from each agency, which will improve public safety and help protect state resources.

Park Service Considers Air Tours at Rainier

2011-04-26T12:43:00.000-07:00

Whether you enjoy exploring the wilderness backcountry or picnicking at Paradise or Sunrise Visitor Centers at Mt. Rainier National Park, commercial sightseeing flights could affect your experience of Washington’s most iconic park. The National Park Service is considering how to manage air tour flights, low altitude “fly bys” aimed at giving tourists a unique view of Mt. Rainier and the surrounding territory. But for many on-the-ground visitors looking for a wilderness experience, these flights are not as scenic.

You can have a voice in developing plans for air tour operations by attending a public meeting hosted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Park Service (NPS). The three meetings are open for public commenting on the Air Tour Management Plan:

April 26th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Mountaineers Program Center, 7700 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA.

April 27th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m at the Mt. Rainier National Park Education Center , 55210 238th Ave. E., Ashford, WA.

April 28th, 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Washington State History Museum, 1911 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, WA.

Can’t make a meeting? Recreationists are encouraged to submit comments online by May 16th at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/MORA_ATMP.

During the meetings, four alternative plans will be discussed. These alternatives will apply to all commercial air tour operations below 5,000 feet above ground level flying over the area of the park including a .5 miles buffer zone.

1. No Air Tours Alternative: No commercial air touring flights will be allowed.

2. Interim Operating Authority (IOA) No Action Alternative: The IOA sets the number of flights for an air tour business in a year. In this region, there are five air tour operators that have been allotted a total of 114 flight days. This plan maintains the number of flight days set at 114 days. There are no restrictions on the time, day, and season that flights can occur, and the plan allows for two loop routes around Mt. Rainier.

3. Existing Flights Alternative: Although the IOA allows up to 114 days, the actual number of days used by operators is significantly less. This alternative better reflects actual trends, capping the number of flights of 4-6 seat single engine planes at 55 per year with no restrictions on time, day, or season of flights. It does set restrictions for minimum flight altitude at 2,000 feet above ground and a 3-4 lateral buffer from Mt. Rainier.

4. Highway 123 and Southern Route Alternative: In this plan, aircraft must fly over these roads. The alternative also allows 0-114 days of flights, but with time of day restrictions. This alternative caps the number of flights per day at four and allows air tours only on Monday-Thursday. The minimum altitude requirements are contingent on the destination of the flight.

National Forest Management Planning Under Review

2011-03-16T10:36:00.000-07:00

The U.S. National Forest Service is now considering new rules that will determine how our National Forests are managed, including more than 9 million acres here in Washington State. While the draft rule is a good first step towards modernizing Forest Planning for the 21st century, there are some areas where the rule needs improvement. Those who recreate in National Forests may pay particular attention to the following aspects of the draft rule:

The Good

• Sustainable Recreation: The proposed rule recognizes that recreation needs greater consideration in the Forest Planning process. All forest plans must provide for sustainable recreation, defined as: “…the set of recreational opportunities, uses and access that, individually and combined, are ecologically, economically, and socially sustainable, allowing the responsible official to offer recreation opportunities now and into the future.”

The Bad

• Water Quality: While the rule makes progress by approaching management from a watershed perspective, the language leaves much open to interpretation and fails to define minimum standards for riparian buffers or establish guidelines for watershed protection.

• Wildlife Management: The rules would roll back protections for fish and wildlife by allowing agencies to pick and choose which species to protect and failing to provide a measurement for managing viable and resilient populations.

• Role of Science: The proposed rule requires the responsible official to “take into account” the best available science, allowing managers to rely on inferior scientific information or opinions rather than conform to the best available information. Decisions affecting wildlife and forest management, as well as forest users need to be based on sound ecosystem or social science.

• Public Process: Throughout the proposed new rule a theme of providing local officials greater discretion appears. While the Forest Service attempts to provide more flexibility, the many non-binding subjective terms throughout the rule such as “desired conditions”, “taking into account”, and “should consider” leaves much to debate and interpretation that could result in future discord. In addition the appeal process, referred to as an “objection”, includes new barriers and procedures that limit opportunities for the public to constructively engage in management decisions.

What You Can Do

Please come to the only open house that will be held by the Forest Service in Washington State on these important proposed rules. The Forest Service scheduled more than 70 meetings around the country but excluded Washington State until local conservation leaders insisted on a local meeting. The Mountaineers will co-host a Friends of Our Forests Happy Hour before the Forest Service’s open house on March 23rd in downtown Seattle.

Please RSVP so that we can get an accurate estimate of who will be attending at: http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/2CQKZYN

Event Information

Friends of our Forests Happy Hour

When: 5-6pm Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011 (before the open house and walk over after)

Where: Elephant & Castle, (1415 Fifth Avenue, Seattle)

• Discuss the basics of what’s at stake

• Meet other Forest Activists

Forest Rule Open House

When: 6-8pm, Wednesday, March 23rd, 2011,

Where: Sheraton Hotel (1400 Sixth Avenue, Seattle)

• Learn about the proposed forest management rule and how it needs to be improved to strength protections for fish, wildlife, watersheds and recreational opportunities

• Weigh in by submitting an official comment on the rule

The public is encouraged to submit written comments on the draft rule at http://www.govcomments.com. The Mountaineers will be developing comments in advance of the May 16 deadline for public comments. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and observations on the proposed rule – contact Sarah Krueger, sarahk@mountaineers.org.

National Parks Clarify Climbing Policies

2011-02-22T13:53:00.000-08:00

For climbers who frequent routes in the North Cascades National Park, or other favorites like Yosemite and Joshua Tree, new proposals may change how you climb within National Parks. The National Park Service recently released revised Wilderness Stewardship policies to guide Service-wide management of park wilderness areas, including specific requirements for how parks will manage climbing activities where ropes and fixed or removable anchors are used to support an ascent or descent, including rock climbing, snow and ice climbing, mountaineering, canyoneering and caving.

In a departure from its traditionally unclear stance on climbing, the Service’s new directive explicitly defines climbing as a legitimate use and offers guidance on issues like anchor placement. Recommendations from the document include:

• "Clean climbing" techniques should be the norm in wilderness. This involves the use of temporary equipment and anchors that can be placed and removed without altering the environment (e.g. slings, cams, nuts, chocks, and stoppers).

• Placement of fixed anchors does not violate the Wilderness Act, but the replacement, removal, or installation of fixed bolts must be authorized.

• Parks with significant climbing use must develop climbing management plans. Strategies to control, or in some cases reduce, proliferation of fixed anchors in wilderness must be articulated in the plans. Climbing management planning will include public comment periods.

• Motorized drilling will remained banned.

• The establishment of bolt-intensive face climbs, such as “sport climbs,” is considered incompatible

with wilderness preservation and management due to the concentration of human activity which they support, and the types and level of impacts associated with the development of such routes.

Washington climbers should make use of the public comment period to voice any concerns or questions about the draft by March 10, 2011. The Access Fund, a leader on climbing access issues, is analyzing this issue and soliciting climber feedback via a survey found on their homepage.

State Lands Access Fee Evolves

2011-02-22T12:01:00.000-08:00

Washington legislators continue to craft proposals to keep state lands open and accessible for recreation despite the lack of general funds. At the heart of bills in the Senate (SB 5622) and the House (HB 1796) is a three-agency Discover Pass for vehicle access to State Parks, Department of Natural Resources (DNR), and Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW) lands. The annual pass would cost $30 per vehicle or $10 for a day-pass. The Senate Bill 5622 recently moved out of the Natural Resources & Marine Waters committee with the following improvements:

Volunteers on state lands will receive a complimentary pass after 24 hours of service.
State Parks may establish up to 12 days a year when entry to parks is free.
Registered campers will not require a day pass or annual pass.
People purchasing hunting or fishing licenses can purchase a $7 vehicle access fee for activities exclusive to DFW lands.

Under the governor’s current budget proposal, general funds appropriated to State Parks will be cut by 2/3 in the next two-year biennium. The outlook for the 2013-15 biennium is a State Parks department entirely cut-off from general funds, and the prospects for access and recreation programs at DNR and DFW is equally dire. The need for user-generated funding has never been greater for agencies that manage state lands.

The Discover Pass strives to raise $71 million in the first two years. With the lion’s share of visitors, State Parks would receive 85% of funds generated by the Discover Pass, with the remaining 15% divided between DNR and DFW. While there are those who are skeptical that Washington can maintain state lands on user-generated funds alone, the pass is an important step in the right direction and offers an alternative to massive closures on state lands.

If you value the opportunities for recreation on our state lands, please take a minute to tell your legislators that you support the Discover Pass!

Planning Ahead for Washington's Wildlife

2011-02-03T16:51:00.000-08:00

Ask a room of climate change researchers what Washington State will look like in the next 100 years and you will see dozens of different maps illustrating changing climate’s affect the natural world. Projections for climate change differ vary greatly depending on how each scientific model considers an array of factors. Maps of the future may show arid lands increasing or decreasing, forest types migrating east or west, and wildlife habitat and corridors expanding, contracting, or vanishing altogether. Only one thing seems certain about the future – change is coming.

In tandem with climate change, a growing demand for renewable energy makes its mark upon the landscape. Throughout Eastern Washington, rows of white wind turbines occupy the ridgelines and transmission lines stripe the terrain. As the pace of wind development increases, so does the urgency for planning ahead for connectivity and resiliency of wildlife habitats across the region.

Wildlife managers at the state and federal levels have the challenging job of anticipating a range of factors when planning for the future survival of fish, wildlife, and bird species in Washington State. Join the Conservation Division for “Planning Ahead for Washington’s Wildlife”, an evening lecture and discussion with two of the state’s leading wildlife managers February 18, 7-9:00 p.m. at The Mountaineers Program Center.

Rocky Beach, 32-year veteran of the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, will discuss the impacts of climate change on Washington’s wildlife species and their habitat, as well as the possible strategies to address this daunting challenge at international, national, state and local levels.

William O. Vogel, Biologist with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, will introduce landscape-level efforts to plan for the exploding wind energy market in Washington State. Vogel will explain how the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is adapting to address concerns about wildlife and bird species by working cooperatively with land owners and project developers, as well as local agencies.

Help Clear the Way to the Ptarmigan Traverse!

2011-01-03T14:50:00.001-08:00

Hikers and climbers who complete the North Cascades’ Ptarmigan Traverse return home with memories of alpine meadows, colossal glaciers, rugged peaks, and a treacherous slog through the Bachelor Creek trail, the southern approach route from Downey Creek and the Suiattle River Road. If you have ever traveled the Ptarmigan Traverse, or if the route is on your bucket list, your support is needed to add the abandoned Bachelor Creek trail to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Trail System so that the trail can receive well-overdue maintenance.

The Bachelor Creek trail was originally constructed in the 1930’s for response to a wildfire. Although the primitive trail was dropped from Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest’s official inventory after 1990, Bachelor Creek remained an important route for those accessing the Ptarmigan Traverse as well as anglers hiking to alpine lakes in the Glacier Peak Wilderness. Slide alder and downed trees mangle the route, but until the trail is officially added back to the National Forest’s trail inventory, the Bachelor Creek trail cannot legally receive attention by eager volunteer trail crews.

The Mountaineers encourages hikers and climbers to submit comments in support of designating the Bachelor Creek trail as a Class 1 Wilderness Trail. Comments in support of the trail will be considered until January 30^th, 2011, during the public comment period for the Suiattle Access and Travel Management Plan. Comments may be directed to Peter Forbes, Darrington District Ranger of the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, at pforbes@fs.fed.us. Use the template below or write your own original letter. With your help, we can reclaim the Bachelor Creek trail and make the entire Ptarmigan Traverse something to look forward to!

Template Letter

Peter Forbes

Darrington District Ranger

Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest
1405 Emens Street
Darrington, WA 98241-9502

Dear Peter,

I am writing in response to the Suiattle Access and Travel Management Plan. Please consider adding the Bachelor Creek Trail to the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Trail System as a Class 1 Wilderness trail. The Bachelor Creek Trail is a critical link from the Downey Creek Trail and the Suiattle River Road to the Ptarmigan Traverse, a nationally-recognized crown jewel of the North Cascades.

The Bachelor Creek Trail is notoriously overgrown but still remains a vital access route to the Glacier Peak Wilderness and the Ptarmigan Traverse. Please add the Bachelor Creek Trail back into the National Forest Trail System with a Class 1 Wilderness Designation so that the trail can be legally cleared of downed logs and overgrown brush.

Thank you,

[Name]
[Address]

Condit Dam Removal Ordered

2010-12-20T12:46:00.000-08:00

What does it take to remove a 125-foot tall wall of concrete from a mountain-fed river? Nearly two decades of perseverance and dedication. The Mountaineers celebrated long-awaited news on Thursday, December 16, when the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ordered the decommissioning of the White Salmon River’s Condit Dam. In the project surrender order, FERC stated,"We conclude, based on the record of this case, that the benefits of dam removal to anadromous fish, wildlife, and whitewater recreation outweigh the costs associated with the loss of Condit dam and Northwestern Lake."They further stated that these benefits of removal "cannot be achieved if the dam is left in place."

The Mountaineers, along with partners such as American Whitewater, Friends of the White Salmon, American Rivers, Yakama Indian Nation, and Trout Unlimited have worked for years alongside dam owner PacifiCorp to pursue one of the region’s most significant dam removal projects. Thomas O’Keefe, Mountaineers Recreation Resources Chair and Stewardship Director of American Whitewater, said "Condit Dam was originally constructed a century ago for hydropower and at the time met a local community need. Now we recognize other values of the river and while the dam itself is big, the hydropower project is relatively small especially in light of its major environmental impacts--its time has passed."

The dam removal, scheduled to begin in October 2011, will restore habitat for salmon and steelhead, boost recreation opportunities, and revitalize the health of this Columbia River tributary. Restoration of this river is important for both fish and recreational users. Fed by the springs draining off Mt. Adams, the river is one of the more important tributaries in this reach of the Columbia River with consistent summer flows of cool water that provide year around boating for paddlers and critical cold water habitat for fish trying to escape the heat of summer.

Special Events vs. Educational Events on State Lands

2010-12-06T16:10:00.000-08:00

The budget situation for the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Recreation Program is particularly dire – although DNR generates revenue by logging its state trust properties, all of those funds are dedicated to fund schools and state and county institutions. The agency relies on allocations from the state’s general fund, as well as grants from the Non-highway Off Road Vehicle Account (NOVA), generated by 1% of the state's gas tax. During the last budget cycle, DNR lost 50% of its revenue from the general fund and NOVA money was shifted to State Parks to keep them open. Basically, DNR is already down to the bone and closing recreation sites. The odds are that revenue from the general fund will be slashed just as dramatically for the pending 2011-13 budget.

The Recreation Reform Bill proposed by DNR and WDFW is a last ditch effort to keep recreational trails and facilities open. The bill outlines a number of cost-saving and revenue generating tactics, including the $10 per day/$40 per year Explore Washington Pass required for individual access to DNR and WDFW land. Notable to The Mountaineers and similar organizations, the draft bill also includes a provision that will require a $200 special event license for any organized event for which participants pay a donation or participation fee ( in addition, all participants will still need to carry either a $10 day pass or $40 annual pass.)

As it is written, this provision could be prohibitive for Mountaineers courses on DNR lands such as scrambling or rescue classes at Mount Si or sea kayaking field trips to Cypress Island. Mark Mauren of the DNR explained that the impetus behind this provision is that organizations and businesses often use DNR lands for money-making events like poker runs and races, generating thousands of dollars without paying a penny for their impact to the land.

While the intention of the special event fee is to prevent exploitation of natural resources, The Mountaineers' intention is to train responsible recreationists. DNR encourages the Mountaineers to submit reasonable recommendations for a revised special event license that might better accommodate non-profit educational activities.

The Mountaineers may wish to recommend the following changes to the draft legislation:

- Distinguish between events that serve to raise money and events that serve to educate by creating two categories of permits: Special Event and Educational Event licenses

- Define Special Event: commercial or competitive organized event which any person, group, or organization makes or attempts to make a profit, or collect compensation from participants in the form of fees or donations for the purpose of participating in an event.

- Define Educational Event: organized educational presentation, training, or exercise provided to participants for a nominal fee, collected for the sole purpose of covering the expense associated with event.

- Keep existing language regarding $200 fee or 10% of total income of event intact for Special Events.

- Propose fee exemption for educational events, but maintain that all participants possess the required Explore Washington pass.

What do you think? What, if any, is a reasonable amount to charge organizations for hosting courses and trainings on public lands? Share your ideas and comments on the Recreation Reform Bill, as well as the special event fee language, contact conservation@mountaineers.org. Deadline for comments is December 15, 2010.

Fees Proposed for Access to State Lands and Boat Launches

2010-11-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

Washington State agencies are bracing for another tough round of cuts and compromises as the Governor prepares her budget proposal for the 2011-13 biennium. A recent news release by the Office of Financial Management (OFM) announced a projected loss of $1.2 billion in General Fund Revenue for the remainder of the current biennium (2009-11) and the next budget period (2011-13).

The Department of Natural Resources (DNR) has long provided free access to popular trails and destinations such as Mount Si, Blanchard Forest, Cypress Island, and Tiger Mountain thanks to allotments from the state’s general funds. As budget cuts loom, DNR and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) are jointly proposing a Recreation Reform Bill to supplement slashed budgets with user-generated funding. The agencies insist that the alternative to new user fees is the inevitable closure and reduction of services at recreation sites across the state.

A central feature of the proposed legislation is the “Explore Washington Pass” for access to WDFW and DNR lands. Under the proposal, the cost of an annual Explore Washington Pass would be $40 per person for general users age 19 and older, or $5 for those purchasing fishing or hunting licenses or a watchable-wildlife package. Short-term passes would be available at $20 for a three-day pass; $15 for a two-day pass; and $10 for a one-day pass. Revenue from the new pass, estimated at $5.5 million annually, would be split between WDFW and DNR for land management capital, operational, maintenance and enforcement needs.

Unlike the Northwest Forest Pass or State Sno-Park Pass, the Explore Washington Pass is a per-person fee, not per vehicle. Whether you are biking, hiking, climbing, or launching your boat on DNR or WDFW property, each person in your party will need to carry an Explore Washington Pass, even if you do not arrive by vehicle. The legislation also includes a mandatory $200 license for all organized events on DNR or WDFW lands. As written, the legislation could require licenses for Mountaineers courses on DNR lands and also require that all participants carry day or annual Explore Washington Passes. One proposal from the Mountaineers suggests that the club could contribute to the maintenance of state lands by harnessing our volunteer stewardship force in lieu of prohibitive event license fees.

As the legislation evolves, the Mountaineers is in discussion with DNR and WDFW to help determine a fair and reasonable proposal that will keep our state lands accessible to the public. You can share your thoughts about the proposal or learn more by emailing conservation@mountaineers.org or submit comments directly to the DNR by contacting explore@dnr.wa.gov.

What lands will be affected by the proposed fees?

DNR Recreation Sites

WDFW Lands & Water Access Sites

Act Now for Full Funding of the LWCF

2010-11-09T14:40:00.000-08:00

Congress heads back to work on November 15^th facing a huge backlog of legislation. While the federal budget and a host of other issues will compete for attention during the short, lame-duck session, the bipartisan support for fully funding the Land and Water Conservation Fund separates it from most other proposals. Having passed the House, all that remains is to secure passage in the Senate to restore the single most important funding source for conservation and recreation in the United States. Urge your Senators include the Land and Water Conservation Fund in legislation during the last session of the 111th Congress.

Please write your Senator’s office and ask for LWCF funding!

What is the Land and Water Conservation Fund?

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established in 1965 to meet the nation's growing desire to preserve natural areas, culturally and historically significant landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing provides the revenue for LWCF--the concept is a simple one where extraction of resources we all use provides some revenue for important access and conservation projects on our nation's public lands.

Unfortunately only a fraction of the intended revenue from these leases has gone into the fund with the balance being diverted to general funds for other purposes. In fact last year LWCF funding approached an all time low of $155 million. Legislation that has already passed the House would rectify this situation with full funding available each year, not subject to cuts in the annual appropriations process. Recent national bipartisan polling shows overwhelming support (86% of voters) for the continued use of offshore oil and gas feed for land and water protection through full funding of the LWCF.

Why Is This Important For Outdoor Recreation?

If LWCF was fully funded, it would have a rather large positive and direct impact on organizations like The Mountaineers who depend on access to outdoor recreation and conservation of treasured landscapes on public lands. There would be 5 times the amount of federal money available to protect land and assure access to human-powered recreation. More trails, more river access, more crags, more backcountry skiing.

Since its creation, LWCF has made nearly 7 million acres of land available for outdoor recreation. The fund has helped to complete iconic American landscapes like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, the Appalachian Trail, and Grand Teton National Park and here at home the North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, and Olympic National Parks have all benefitted from this program. In addition the fund has established close-to-home parks and recreation facilities providing new and improved recreation opportunities for all Americans.

Washington is home to over 500 successful local, regional, state, and federal projects made possible by LWCF. The Duwamish River Trail, Green River Gorge Conservation Area and associated State Parks, mature forest lands in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, lands along Icicle Creek in the Wenatchee National Forest, Green Lake Park in Seattle, public access on the White Salmon River, public shoreline access along Puget Sound, and Fort Worden State Park are just a few examples of public recreation lands in Washington that have received aid from LWCF.

Unfortunately the recent lack of funding has resulted in lost opportunities. In 2004 the State of Washington received only 5 percent of requested funds through the program and while we have enjoyed key successes, there have been a number of lost opportunities. For example key conservation opportunities along the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River acquired by a land trust for sale to the Forest Service had to be sold on the open market due to a lack of available LWCF.

Write your Senators today!

Mt. Rainier NP Considers Fate of Carbon River Road

2010-11-01T15:10:00.001-07:00

The Road: The six-mile Carbon River Road provided vehicular access to the northwestern corner of Mount Rainier National Park and the Ipsut Creek Campground. Until closure in 2006, the road afforded easy access to the Carbon River glacier and day-hike access to several of the popular Irish Cabin Peaks. The Mountaineers has a long history of recreating in the Carbon River Road region, essentially the backyard of the Irish Cabin property.

The Floods: Washouts have plagued the Carbon River Road since it opened in 1925, even flooding twice during the four years of construction. The most dramatic flood occurred November 6-7, 2006, when 17.9 inches of rain fell in the park, triggering flooding that washed out several segments of the road. Floods damaged the road again in 2008. The road has been closed to vehicle use since 2006, but bikers and hikers have been using the trails.

Between 1933 and 2007, the Carbon River flooded 59 times, 24 of these events caused significant damage to the road. Aggravating the damage is the fact that the river bed is rising. Due to the accumulation of sediment and debris, the riverbed is now higher than the road in certain areas. The Carbon River stream gauge reflects a an increasing trend of higher flood frequencies and magnitudes – tied to recent weather patterns in the Pacific Northwest that result in more frequent rain-on-snow fall flooding. Climate change predictions suggest this pattern will continue to exacerbate the situation.

The Environmental Assessment: The 2001 Mount Rainier General Management Plan, endorsed by the Mountaineers, calls for the roadway to be closed upon the next washout and be maintained as a bicycle and hiker access trail. In September 2010, the MRNP released an Environmental Assessment outlining five alternatives for the fate of the Carbon River Road:
Alternative 1: Take no action and continue current management of the road as unimproved trail for hiking and biking. Estimated cost: More than $1 million.

Alternative 2 (preferred): Reopen the road 1.2 miles to private vehicles as far as a turnaround at the Old Mine Trailhead. From there, the road would be converted into an improved trail. Estimated cost: $3.2 million.

Alternative 3: Reopen 3.6 miles of road, to Chenuis, to public vehicles. Beyond that, it would be an improved trail. Estimated cost: $10.8 million.

Alternative 4: Repair the road from the Old Mine Trailhead turnaround to milepost 4.4 to be used only by seasonal and weekend shuttle service. A trail would lead to the Wonderland Trail. Estimated cost: $11.4 million.

Alternative 5: Temporarily use the road as a hiking and biking trail while a 36-inch-wide wilderness trail is built. Bikes typically are not allowed on wilderness trails. Estimated cost: $4.5 million. Superintendent Dave Uberuaga endorses Alternative #2 as the preferred alternative, citing sustainability as the primary factor. It is notable that the MRNP is in the process of acquiring 800 acres to establish camping at Carbon River entrance; these facilities will replace the year-round drive-in camping that was lost at Ipsut. Under the preferred alternative #2, access to Ipsut Campground and the glacier will still be achievable by foot or bike along 5.4 miles of easy-grade trail.

The public comment period is open through November 3rd, 2010. For a complete look at the Environmental Assessment, or to submit comments electronically, visit the Mount Rainier park planning website.

2010-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

We have been busy...

In the past year The Mountaineers' has partnered with many local and national recreation and conservation organizations in our work to protect our outdoor spaces. During this time The Mountaineers:

Received National Forest Service Award for Community Awareness for our work on Watershed Health and Habitat Restoration (The Mountaineer - December, 2009)

Awarded the Forest Service's Rise to the Future Award for Community Awareness for our work on the Legacy Roads and Trails Remediation Act.
As a charter member of the Washington Watershed Restoration Initiative we worked to raise awareness and funding to repair 820 culverts that were blocking fish passage, improve 3,170 miles of trails, and fix 166 bridges. This worked helped restore 1,147 miles of stream habitat in addition to tens of thousands of acres of watershed nationwide.
Helped move legislation for the addition of 22,000 acres and Wild & Scenic River designation for the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (The Mountaineer - May, 2009)

Joined with wilderness-advocacy partners to bring the 22,000-acre expansion one congressional step from fruition
Two Wild and Scenic River designations for 40 miles of stream is included in the proposal
Kicked off "Conservation on the Ground" hiking series to investigate ("ground truth") proposed alternative motorized routes for the new Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest Motorized Travel Management Plan (The Mountaineer - August, 2009)

Led 20 volunteers on "ground-truthing" hikes of proposed alternative routes to survey motorized incursion along proposed alternative routes that dead end at or intersect with trails in designated wilderness areas. Participants learned about threats to aquatic resources and sensitive plants and animals and other resource damage due to illegal motorized use.
Protected 9,000 acres along the borders of the Wild Sky Wilderness Area from resource and wildlife damage due to illegal off-road vehicle use (The Mountaineer - March, 2009)

Vigilant volunteer "ground-truthing" and yearlong participation on the Department of Natural Resources Reiter Foothills Advisory Committee resulted in the protection of 9,000 acres from motorized use in the swath of state forest trust land between two state parks and along the borders of the Wild Sky Wilderness Area.
Provided over 5,250 hours of leadership advocacy (January - December 2009)

Our volunteers partnered with other local and national conservation and recreation organizations to form powerful coalitions to advocate for wildlife, state parks, national parks, wilderness and Wild & Scenic River designations in Washington State. These volunteers researched public land use regulations, reviewed environmental impact statements for proposed projects on public lands and provided comprehensive comments for federal, state and local land managers. Volunteers attended public meetings, conferences and workshops, planned and hosted conservation events and fundraisers , organized hikes, wrote newspaper and magazine articles and just about anything you can think of to raise public awareness about conservation issues.
Saved Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources Lands from Closure (The Mountaineer - June, 2009)

Mountaineers volunteers and professional representatives in Olympia worked to secure funding solutions for huge gaps in the Washington State Parks and Department of Natural Resources recreation budgets. The budget gaps threatened closure of popular recreation destinations on our state lands. Working with our local partners, were able to dodge the bullet in 2009, but in October 2010 the new state budgets will be released and we expect serious shortfalls once again. We need your help to let our lawmaker's know that even in times of economic downturn recreational opportunities hold great value for our communities.
Empowered 43 environmental advocates through our Northwest Environmental Issues Course (January - March 2009)

Advocates earned independent-study college credit through our Northwest Environmental Issues Course on Climate Change. This course covered green house gasses and human influence, projected impacts on the Pacific Northwest, the science behind climate modeling, climate change effects on ecosystem services, calculating carbon footprints and green building as mitigation measures and action individuals can take to address climate change
Supported two individuals who became Leave No Trace™ Master Educators (March 2010)

These individuals are now certified to teach Leave No Trace™ ethics to at the trainer level for other non-profit trainers and have poised The Mountaineers Program Center to become a regional center for "master educator" certification.

The Thousand Skiers Project

2010-07-22T13:29:00.000-07:00

The Thousand Skiers Project: Advocating for a Non-Motorized Recreation Area in the Wenatchee National Forest

Winter Wildlands Alliance is assisting our local partners through the Wenatchee Mountains Coalition to advocate for the designation of two non-motorized winter recreation areas in the Wenatchee National Forest. Please lend your voice to this important initiative.

Currently, little of the Wenatchee National Forest is protected for human-powered winter recreation. Winter access to wilderness areas is challenging and, sadly, illegal snowmobile activity prevalent. By designating non-motorized winter recreation areas for the Wenatchee National Forest there will be greater opportunity for quite winter recreation and in turn create a non-motorized buffer toenhance wilderness protection.

The Thousand Skiers Project, formed by the Wenatchee Mountains Coalition, hopes to generate one thousand letters and emails, from human-powered snowsports enthusiasts - in support of designating new non-motorized areas in the Wenatchee National Forest. Please take a moment right now to help achieve our goal.

These non-motorized winter recreation areas will be significant in size and include two separate contiguous areas along the pristine and unroaded crest of the Wenatchee Mountains. The western non-motorized area will include the higher elevation portion of Wenatchee Crest next to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. The eastern non-motorized area will include the Wenatchee Crest from Blewett Pass (Hwy 97) to the Mission Ridge Road. These non-motorized winter recreation areas will offer backcountry snowsports enthusiasts multiple opportunities for short, long and overnight ski tours.

For more information click here and Get Involved by emailing or calling;

Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest
The Forest Plan Revision Team
215 Melody Lane Wenatchee, WA 9880
509-664-9200
r6_ewzplanrevision@fs.fed.us

Sign your letter or email with your full name and place of residence so the Forest Service can verify you're a real person. And please Carbon copy the wenatcheemountainscoalition@hotmail.com so we can track support.

Mountaineers North Cascades Book Project

2010-07-22T13:25:00.000-07:00

The North Cascades

Everyone seems to be in agreement these days... the North Cascades represent a unique area of natural beauty and recreational opportunity that must be protected from development and other resource management threats. The economic stability of the rural towns around the North Cascades are now directly tied to the protection of these natural resources and the revenue generated from recreation-based business. Coalitions of local and national conservation, recreation, business and other organizations have been working on various proposals to promote conservation objectives and economic opportunities for the North Cascades. These proposals include completion of North Cascades National Park, Wilderness and Wild and Scenic River designations and public private partnerships to help promote sustainable, recreation based economies.

The Mountaineers to Produce a Book on the North Cascades
To support these efforts The Mountaineers and Mountaineers Books/Braided River have joined forces to produce a book about the North Cascades. Beautiful coffee table photographic books published by Mountaineers Books have been held up on the Senate floor, hand delivered to U.S. Presidents during legislative debates, and played an integral role in galvanizing people to become engaged in public policy debates.

The book will be part of a robust campaign that will include events, media, exhibits, and more—all based on magnificent images and stories of this iconic landscape. The Mountaineers will collaborate with numerous regional grassroots organizations, and plans to craft the book so it will be a useful media tool for the overall campaign.

While gorgeous works of art and important advocacy tools books like these are rarely money makers. With this in mind The Mountaineers is leading a donation drive to raise money to produce this book on the North Cascades. Contributions to this campaign help us doubly to reach our goal since every dollar donated up to $25,000 is generously matched by The Mountaineers. Please make checks out to Braided River- and be sure to put North Cascades Advocacy Book in the memo of your check. Publication will be in 2011 or 2012.

Donate now at www.braidedriver.org

Public Input Sought on Salmon Program

2010-07-19T16:10:00.000-07:00

The Tacoma News Tribune has an article about two public sessions this week (7/19) concerning a program that produces blackmouth chinook salmon in the Puget Sound.

Read more here.

Seattle Listening Session for America's Great Outdoors (July 1)

2010-06-18T20:16:00.000-07:00

NOTICE OF A PUBLIC LISTENING SESSION ON THE PRESIDENT’S AMERICA’S GREAT OUTDOORS INITIATIVE

In April, at the White House Conference on America’s Great Outdoors, President Obama established the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to develop a conservation and recreation agenda worthy of the 21st century and to reconnect Americans with our great outdoors. The President understands that protecting and restoring the lands and waters that we love and reconnecting people to the outdoors must be community driven and supported.

The President directed the Secretaries of Interior and Agriculture, Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality to lead this effort and to listen and learn from people all over the country. Please join senior representative of these agencies for a public listening session and discussion on land conservation, recreation, and reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.

In the Northwest many citizens and organizations are deeply involved in the conservation of working farms, forests, lakes, and rivers, scenic lands, and historic areas, and in celebrating and enjoying the region’s rich outdoor and cultural heritage.

This public listening session and discussion is an opportunity for leaders of the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative to hear from you about solutions for building a 21st century conservation and recreation agenda and reconnecting all Americans with the outdoors. Please join us – here are the details:

Listening Session and Discussion Information:

When:

Thursday, July 1, 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

What:

Public Listening Session on President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative

Where:

Franklin High School
3013 South Mount Baker Blvd, Seattle, Washington, 98144
http://www.franklinquakers.org/school_info/directions.htm

Who:

Representatives from DOI, USDA, EPA, and CEQ will be present to hear your thoughts
and to participate in a conversation with you about land conservation, recreation, and
reconnecting Americans to the great outdoors.

Register:

This event is free and open to the public and we will make every effort to accommodate everyone. To help with our
planning, we encourage you to pre-register by Monday June 28. To pre-register, go to:
http://www.discovernw.org/ago-signup.htm and input your name, organization and primary area of interest:

· Working land, open space, and landscape conservation
· Outdoor Recreation
· Youth engagement and environmental education.
· General

More Info:
You can find more information on the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative and submit
comments on-line at: www.doi.gov/americasgreatoutdoors/.

We hope you will participate and look forward to hearing from you.

2010-05-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Mountain Stewards Protect Mt. Baker ecosystems

Volunteers are needed to teach day hikers, backpackers and climbers on the three busiest Mt. Baker area trail systems: Heliotrope Ridge, Park Butte/Railroad Grade and Heather Meadows. As a Mountain Steward volunteer you will train in low-impact recreational skills, natural history and back country management. Volunteers work in the lower segments of the trails with fellow Mountain Stewards interacting with the public for three daytime shifts.

Qualifications: Volunteers must be 18 years or older with hiking and outdoor recreation skills.

Timeline: Volunteers attend training July 10 & 17 and commit to volunteer a total of three weekend days between July 24 – Sept. 12. An optional training for Heather Meadows volunteers is July 24.

Apply: Return the application by June 25. Applications are here. Mail to Mt. Baker Ranger District, Mountain Stewards, 810 State Route 20, Sedro-Woolley, WA 98284, or fax to 360-856-1934. Call 360-845-2615 for more information.

Climate Change Legislation: Opportunity to Speak Up

2009-10-21T21:20:00.000-07:00

It’s really rather simple – human-powered outdoor pursuits need a healthy climate. If the climate is out of balance, then our favorite ways to enjoy the outdoors can go from being degraded to actually disappearing. The Outdoor Alliance, a coalition representing the human-powered outdoor recreation community, has just released a short film (view on YouTube) that bottom lines how our community intersects with this humongous issue. It also gives everyone a way to step-up and make a tangible difference in getting the climate back on track. Check out the film and take action here: www.outdooralliance.net/climate.

2009-10-15T11:46:00.001-07:00

INDEX FUND RAISER!!!!

*******************************************************************************************
SAVE INDEX CLIMBING ACCESS!!!

Goal:
The Washington Climbers Coalition (WCC) seeks to raise $300,000 to buy the Lower Town Wall and surrounding crags near Index, Washington. The Lower Town wall is Washingtons most famous crag and climbers have been climbing here for nearly fifty years; it is currently threatened with closure and even possible quarrying and we seek to preserve it as a climbing park. We also seek to upgrade the parking lot and install a toilet facility, two simple improvements that have long been sought by Index climbers. These actions will enhance the area and preserve climbing access while contributing to overall conservation efforts in the Skykomish Valley.

The Climbing.
The cliffs and crags surrounding the town of Index have long offered some of the best granite climbing in Washington. The Lower Town Wall is the gem of the area and has been touted as one of the best climbing crags in the United States. Several years ago the British climbing magazine Mountain declared it one of the top 10 crags in North America and it remains a vibrant hub for local and visiting climbers. The climbing is diverse in both difficulty and style and there is truly something for every rock climber at the Lower Town Wall and its satellite cliffs. This is the only year round granite climbing in the State.

Why Now?
In the early 1900's the quarry at Index literally helped to build the foundation of Seattle and rock quarried there was used in the construction of buildings throughout Puget Sound. Climbers discovered the Town Walls soon after quarry operations stopped and have enjoyed climbing there for 50 years. In March of 2009 the owner put up no trespassing signs because she was prepared to market the area to interested quarry operators. Seeking to prevent any quarrying and loss of climbing access, the Washington Climbers Coalition secured an option to purchase this property in May of 2009. We also obtained the owner's commitment to allow climbing to continue while we raise the money to buy her land.

It Will Be A Climbing Park Forever!
Forks of the Sky State Park presently contains other cliffs near the Lower Town Wall and park managers have been very supportive of rock climbing. We seek a legal agreement that will provide for permanent preservation and operation of the area as a climbing park and then we propose to turn the land over to State Parks. This scenic backdrop to the town of Index will be preserved and this outstanding crag will be saved.

See the WCC Site for how to donate and get involved! You can check this webpage for updates on the situation:

http://www.washingtonclimbers.org/IndexFund/

2009-10-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

ACTION ALERT – Comment on the DNR Sustainable Recreation Work Group’s Preliminary Recommendations
Deadline – October 12

The Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Sustainable Recreation Work Group (SRWG) has completed their Preliminary Recommendations for funding and access for recreation on DNR lands.

The report was released on September, 28, 2009.

The initial press release said the report would be available on SRWG’s webpage on September 28, 2009 with a comment deadline of October 1. = 3 days!

Contacted about this unreasonable comment period, DNR blaimed a typo and quickly issued a second press release listing a two week comment deadline of October 12, 2009.

Public comments on the recommendations can also be made in the form of an online survey The deadline for completing this survey is also Monday, October 12th.

The trend on federal lands has been to decrease ORV trails and to establish policies in which ORVs are not allowed on trails unless specifically posted. DNR is taking the opposite approach: ORVs are allowed anywhere unless posted as prohibited. The problem with this of course is that the signs are used for target practice and/or torn down almost immediately after posted.

A particularly alarming aspect of the Sustainable Recreation Work Group’s preliminary recommendations is that they seem to signal that DNR is seriously considering allowing illegal trails to become incorporated into the designated DNR trail/road network. This sets a precedent that will encourage and reward new illegal trail creation (often forged in areas least suitable for motorized use) resulting in serious detrimental environmental impact.

All citizens of the state have a vested interest in the management of our state trust lands yet most people never even hear about these meetings, comment periods and surveys. Thus the relatively small number of ORV recreationists are continually over-represented.

Please take the time to fill out this online survey and help represent to DNR the many who enjoy non-motorized recreation and are concerned about environmental degradation on our public lands.

Addressing Forest Road Maintenance

2009-09-22T15:08:00.000-07:00

Earlier this year the president signed the American Recovery and Reninvestment Act more commonly known as the legislation providing economic stimulus funding. Over the past couple months a number of projects have been announced on National Forest lands in Washington State that address the region's massive road maintenance backlog. As the forest service road network continues to unravel the impacts are felt by both recreational users, who desire access to public lands, and aquatic resources, that feel the impact of all that sediment which ends up in the rivers. With limited agency budgets the Forest Service has been stuck reacting to the problem and has not had the resources to address some of the known issues before disaster strikes. There are many examples of undersized culverts, bridges that have outlived their design life, and drainage problems that sit as time bombs waiting for the next season of storms. Addressing some of these problems on the front end could result in reduced impacts when the storms do come resulting in fewer interruptions to public access and reduced impacts to aquatic resources.

An old road on the Mt. Baker - Snoqualmie National Forest with significant drainage and culvert issues that need to be addressed.

Earlier this year representatives from the Outdoor Alliance met with Forest Service leadership to highlight opportunities and present perspectives from the outdoor recreation community (both Access Fund and American Whitewater conducted membership surveys to identify areas of interest). We are now starting to see how the funding will be distributed to different projects.

Throughout the region of Washington and Oregon $9 million will go towards road maintenance including structure replacement, improved drainage, and culvert replacement all in the name of improving long term integrity of the road network in a manner that also addresses ongoing impacts to the aquatic resources that suffer from poorly maintained roads.

In the Puget Sound Region another $5.6 million will be directed towards deferred road maintenance and road decommissioning. These projects will focus on longstanding maintenance issues on key transportation corridors while removing roads that have served their social and economic purposes. Many old roads that have not been drivable for many years and are no longer needed continue to have ongoing impacts to aquatic resources.

On the Gifford Pinchot National Forest $4.9 in projects have been identified that focus on forest bridge design and replacement. Bridges that now provide important access for recreational users were constructed over 50 years and have outlived their design life. This project will address access issues to trailheads on this forest.

On the Olympic National Forest $4.5 million will be directed to watershed projects with a focus on the South Fork Skokomish and Sol Duc watersheds. The projects will include decommissioning some roads and upgrading others. Work will include replacements of failing culverts with appropriately sized bridges which will reduce the risk of collapse, improve vehicle and visitor safety, and insure continued access to many miles of existing forest roads.

In addition to these projects there will also be a project to replace the single pane windows at the Olympia Forestry Sciences lab and a series of projects to repair and restore facilities used by the public on the Olympic National Forest.

Congress to Discuss Full Funding of Land and Water Conservation Fund

2009-09-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

The House Natural Resources Committee, the committee with jurisdiction over public lands, will be holding a hearings this week on a bill that would fully fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (HR 3534) at the authorized level of $900 million.

What is the Land and Water Conservation Fund?

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established in 1965 to meet the nation's growing desire to preserve natural areas, culturally and historically significant landmarks, and outdoor recreational opportunities. Federal Outer Continental Shelf oil and gas leasing provides the revenue for LWCF--the concept is a simple one where extraction of resources we all use provides some revenue for important access and conservation projects on our nation's public lands. Unfortunately only a fraction of the intended revenue from these leases has gone into the fund with the balance being diverted to general funds for other purposes. In fact last year LWCF funding approached an all time low of $155 million. The proposed legislation in Congress would rectify this situation with full funding available each year, not subject to cuts in the annual appropriations process.

Why Is This Important For Outdoor Recreation?

If LWCF was fully funded, it would have a rather large positive and direct impact on organizations like The Mountaineers who depend on access to outdoor recreation and conservation of treasured landscapes on public lands. There would be 5 times the amount of federal money available to protect land and assure access to human-powered recreation. More trails, more river access, more crags, more backcountry skiing.

Since its creation, LWCF has made nearly 7 million acres of land available for outdoor recreation. The fund has helped to complete iconic American landscapes like Yosemite, the Grand Canyon, the Everglades, the Appalachian Trail, and Grand Teton National Park and here at home the North Cascades, Mt. Rainier, and Olympic National Parks have all benefitted from this program. In addition the fund has established close-to-home parks and recreation facilities providing new and improved recreation opportunities for all Americans. Washington is home to over 500 successful local, regional, state, and federal projects. The Duwamish River Trail, Green River Gorge Conservation Area and associated State Parks, mature forest lands in the Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest, lands along Icicle Creek in the Wenatchee National Forest, Green Lake Park, public access the White Salmon River, public shoreline access along Puget Sound, and Fort Worden State Park are just a few examples of public recreation lands in Washington that have received aid from LWCF.

Unfortunately the recent lack of funding has resulted in lost opportunities. In 2004 the State of Washington received only 5 percent of requested funds through the program and while we have enjoyed key successes, there have been a number of lost opportunities. For example key conservation opportunities along the White Salmon Wild and Scenic River were recently lost due to a lack of available LWCF.

Hearings this week by the House Natural Resources Committee are an important step towards realizing the full potential of this important program. Here in Washington State, Congressman Inslee is a key member of this committee and the the Mountaineers have joined other members of the outdoor recreation community in asking for the Congressman's leadership on this issue.

Thursday July 9, 2009, 7:00PM-9:00PM at The Mountaineers - "Crossroads on the Columbia"

2009-06-30T15:10:00.000-07:00

The film Crossroads on the Columbia chronicles
a community’s response to private energy
investment companies’ proposals to build
controversial Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)
receiving terminals on the lower Columbia River
near the historic town of Astoria, Oregon. The
passion and power of grass roots activism set
against the backdrop of the beauty, heritage
and history of the Columbia Pacific Region
make this a compelling story of America at the
crossroads of fossil fuel dependence,
renewable energy and decisions over who
controls our air, water and economy.

After the film, join Dan Serres, Conservation Director of
Columbia Riverkeeper, to discuss the details of
LNG projects targeted for our region. Learn about
the impacts of importation terminals and pipelines
to our forests, rivers, and communities and how
you can take action and join the movement:

• LNG projects would drastically increase
Washington’s greenhouse gas emissions

• LNG competes with a clean, renewable
energy future

• Cowlitz Co. WA is threatened with pipeline
development that could use eminent
domain

July 10, 2009 - Ice Caves Trail on Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest Reopens

2009-06-30T11:47:00.000-07:00

Help celebrate the opening of the Ice Caves Trail Bridge with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Washed out by floods in 2006, the bridge accesses one of the most popular trails on the Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest.

When: FRIDAY, JULY 10, 2009 at 10:00AM.

Where: 25 miles east of Granite Falls along the Mountain Loop Scenic Byway, park at the Big Four Picnic Area lot. Overflow parking available half mile up the senic byway at the Ice Caves Trailhead. Follow connector trail back to the Big Four Picnic Area.

Saturday July 11th - Team Up with the North Cascades Conservation Council for a Plant Restoration Day at Diablo Lake Overlook

2009-06-11T12:56:00.000-07:00

Join the volunteer work party to help restore a native plant community at the Diablo Lake Overlook on State Route 20. Volunteers and National Park Service staff will remove non-native invasive plants in the morning and collect seed from native plants in the area in the afternoon. We will plant some of the seed where they have pulled weedy species and some will be propagated in the park nursery for future use.

Plan to camp at Newhalem Creek Campground for the NCCC-sponsored evening program (see below). A group campsite has been reserved for volunteers. Please RSVP by email to: ken@skookumpeak.com, or call 360-733-7014.

July 11, Saturday – Evening program on NCNP Newhalem Creek Campground Amphitheater Slide program on the “Wilderness Alps.” Come hear the story of how North Cascades National Park came to be — as told by some of those who were there in the 1950s and 1960s working to create the new park. Presented by the NCCC.

June is National Rivers Month!

2009-06-09T10:58:00.000-07:00

June is National Rivers Month! American Rivers is presenting their popular "National River CleanupTM Program" again this year. If you would like to participate, you can find an American Rivers sponsored cleanup event near you by linking to the American Rivers website here

Kick Off of the Completion of North Cascades National Park Campaign held at The Mountaineers May 15th

2009-05-20T12:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the front page Seattle Times article on the American Alps Legacy Campaign to complete North Cascades National Park here

Sign Up to Conduct Invasive Plant Surveys in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley

2009-05-20T11:45:00.001-07:00

Do you like to hike and look at plants? Would you like to help stop the spread of invasive plants into one of the most pristine wilderness areas in King County? If so, we welcome you to join our team of weed watchers looking for invasives in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie Valley.

Volunteers are needed to survey trails throughout the Mid Fork Valley from Mt. Si to Dutch Miller Gap in the heart of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. By finding the new invaders early, we are able to quickly move to stop them and protect the relatively pristine upper watershed. To do this, we need many eyes out there on the trails watching for invaders. It helps to know common northwest plants, but we will train you to identify the key invasives, so you don't need to be an expert to be a weed watcher.

To find out more about the Mid Fork Snoqualmie Invasive Weed Project, visit our website here and read past reports about what we have done. (We may also expand the project to selected Wilderness trails along the South Fork.)

To join our team, come to an orientation meeting and practice day of surveying on Sunday, June 14, 2009. We will meet at the Snoqualmie Ranger Station in North Bend at 9:00 a.m in the meeting room behind the main building. After a short meeting and weed ID workshop, we will head up the Middle Fork Road to get some hands on practice surveying for invasive weeds and pick our trails for summer surveys. We should be back to North Bend by 5:00 p.m. or earlier.

For more information or to sign up, please contact Mark Boyar (mboyar@q.com) or Sasha Shaw (sasha.shaw@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-6468).

Global Warming a Threat to Human Health: EPA Hearing in Seattle May 21st

2009-05-14T11:22:00.000-07:00

The EPA is holding hearings on the threat to human health posed by global warming in only two cities. Seattle is one of them.

Stopping global warming isn’t just a challenge, it’s a huge opportunity. It’s an opportunity for us to be at our best – Americans have proven time and again that given a chance, we’ve got the ingenuity and grit to tackle just about anything.

On May 21st Seattle will host one of only two EPA public hearings in the entire country. The EPA is seeking public input on their decision that global warming pollution is a threat to human health, the first step in establishing new rules to reduce global warming pollution.

A broad base of conservation, recreation, business and faith groups are planning a big rally outside the hearing, because it’s time for all of us to say with one strong voice: It’s time to tackle climate change!

Rally for Climate, Clean Energy, and Public Health

When: Thursday, May 21st at Noon
Where: Outside of Bell Harbor Convention Center, 2211 Alaskan Way, Pier 66, Seattle Waterfront
Who: Washingtonians who want action on climate change

There is power in numbers and that’s why we need YOU to be there
We need to make it crystal clear to our state and national leaders: the people of Washington want bold action on climate change! Washington is being given a huge opportunity to impact our country’s global warming policies.

American Alps presentation on May 15th, 2009

2009-05-13T14:59:00.000-07:00

Dear Mountaineers:
I just want to remind all about the American Alps presentation at the clubhouse at 6:00 PM, Friday, May 15th, 2009. Leesa Wright has worked for many months with Jim Davis of the North Cascades Conservation Council (NC3) on proposals to expand North Cascades National Park, and this gathering will give all Mountaineers members an opportunity to hear about Jim's proposals and hear concerned and informative speakers, including the P-I's Joel Connelly, discuss the importance of expanding the park's boundaries. The Mountaineers has a long and distinguished history of working to establish our national parks in Washigton State, and this meeting will continue that tradition.

Hope to see all of you there!

Cheers,

Michael Shurgot

CEC Chair

The Dam Issue

2009-05-07T14:49:00.000-07:00

The Mountaineers has a history, over a decade old, of supporting removal of the 4 Lower Snake River Dams for the purpose of restoring and protecting wild salmon runs.

This, itself, has been an issue for nearly 2 decades, and fell dormant under the Bush administration. Hopes rose again last January and recent judicial decisions (see Ed Henderson's piece in the April magazine, page 4), while not specifically supporting Dam removal, have certainly pointed the finger at the Feds, and specifically the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) to get their act together to protect the fish.

I suspect nearly all Mountaineer Members are perfectly aware of the historical and cultural importance of the Columbia-Snake river basin salmon runs, which once were the greatest in the world, and logically would support any efforts to help the Endangered Species Act (ESA) protection of salmon in the Snake/Columbia.

The trouble is, questions are being raised, under the spectre of Global Warming, and while no one is "against" protecting the salmon, one could rightfully wonder what impact dam removal would have on the twin spires of CO2: energy and transportation.

Investigating the impacts of damn removal involves immersion into a morass of bureaucratic alphabet soup, the details of which I will spare you here. What matters, as usual, are numbers But first, history, courtesy of Ed:

"The dams were originally built, in the 60's & 70"s, to supply power to DOE/DOD at Hanford to make nuclear weapons. The local booster group "Inland Empire" in Eastern Washington wanted them for barge transportation. RR's already existed there, but they weren't government subsitdized. Only one dam, Ice Harbor, the lowest down the river, provides irrigation for some 35,000+/- acres. In the scheme of things that ain't much.

The Mountaineers and many other group's objections to the dams are based on saving salmon. Global warming/climate change didn't enter into the conversation over ten years ago. Advocacy groups such as NW Energy and SOS Believe that the power lost can and should be replaced by conservation and renewables.."

The 4 dams are rated at a maximum output of 3,000-3,7000 megawatts, which is a phantom number because they are really only capable of producing 1250-1400 MW, because they are "run of the river" dams with little or no storage capacity in their reservoirs, which also means maximum power potential is during the spring, when electricity demand is low.

(Its worth pointing out that the 1250-1400 MW the dams can provide is about that which the state's only coal-fired power plant, in Centralia provides, at the cost of 16% of the entire states CO2 emissions. This isn't to suggest the lost potential from the dams is necessarily going to be made up by coal, its just meant to offer perspective.)

Another thing the dams provide is a deep water port in Lewiston, and barge traffic down river to Portland is made up of 85% agricultural products, primarily wheat and barley (for export, or course)., The idea would be to replace this with rail traffic (all subsidized, of course) but the obvious concern is what impact this all might have on increasing the CO2-emmissions inefficient truck traffic factor.

Getting back to the Power issue, It's worth pointing out that the area, primarily the Columbia Gorge, is ripe for wind power. The BPA has a nice brochure on wind power, and there is certainly the potential to make up for the 4 Dams.

links:
these are from the BPA, so take them for what they are worth!
BPA factsheet (pdf)
Federal Columbia River Power System brochure

Navigational Concerns paper from UW (no info on CO2 impacts)

Wolves delisted...

2009-05-07T12:04:00.000-07:00

... now what? Lawsuits? Wolf Hunts? Not much has happened yet.
Washington post article
read about Idaho wolf management:
http://fishandgame.idaho.gov/cms/wildlife/wolves/

The Curious Case of Peter Goldmark

2009-05-07T11:14:00.000-07:00

Follow the bouncing ball: This next one is a bit complex, so I can't go into much detail here. It Involves the Forests and Fish Report (FFR) and the Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), which regulates and covers forest practices on Non-Federal lands in Washington, and affects 9 million acres and 60-100,00 miles of streams in the state. The issue at hand here regards stream buffers, which had been festering for 5 years.

In a meeting of the Forest Practices Board (FPB) on March 30th, State Lands Commissioner Peter Goldmark surprised many when he sided with the timber industry in a 7-5 vote - AGAINST the enviros -- to have taxpayers pay the industry for the cost of additional compliance. This was much to the chagrin of other state departments, and the Attorney General, and the Conservation Caucus and Washington Forest Law Center (WFLC).

This move was partially resolved through legislative action, thanks to a "full court press" by the enviros, led by the WFLC. In the meantime, in early to mid April, two emergency FPB sessions were convened to deal with the fallout from the bomb that Goldmark dropped.

Another FPB meeting has been set for later this month to decide the buffer issue that was originally to take place March 30th. Three options have been proposed, one of which is bad (option #3), another is worse (#2), and the third (option #1) is acceptable to the Caucus. Now its a matter of getting the votes, which won't be easy, seeing as how 5 almost always got with industry. At this point, it appears that Option #3 appears to be most likely to win. As usual, these options involve all manner of specious to credible interpretations of economic impact and "good science."

This is all incredibly disappointing to enviros, who are sensibly feeling betrayed by the "Trojan Horse" actions of Goldmark, who was narrowly elected last November thanks to the very people he seems to be turning his back on now.

Dyche Kinder, CEC member and a member of the WFLC (link to WA Forest law Center website explaining the Caucus) is heavily involved in this ongoing issue and is reporting regularly on developments to the CEC. Stay Tuned!

Ken Salazar on Daily Show

2009-05-07T11:05:00.000-07:00

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar will be on the Daily Show tonight, 11:00 pm on Comedy Central... and before you pooh-pooh the appearance, keep in mind that John Stewart has become about the most credible interviewer of political, economic, and socially controversial figures on TV (this from a guy who hosts a fake news show and is a comedian by trade, what that says about the state of 24-hour TV news is up to your interpretation!). Set your DVR' s if you're not a night owl, or check out the interview when it gets posted to the Daily Show website as soon as it airs.

Wolf Bauer Recognized for Leadership in Protecting the Green River Gorge

2009-05-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Mountaineers were well represented at a gathering of approximately 500 passionate advocates for the Green River who recognized Wolf Bauer and his leadership in protecting the Green River Gorge.

The occasion was the 24th Annual Green River Clean-Up an event organized by Friends of the Green in which the Mountaineers have participated for many years. At the conclusion of the clean-up the lodge at Flaming Geyser State Park was renamed in Wolf's honor.

Wolf Bauer, now 97 years old, came out for the day and presented a slide show of his early explorations of river canyons in Washington State and his first journey into the Green River Gorge.

Wolf's work is recognized in state statute which in part states:

The area, a unique recreational attraction with more than one million seven hundred thousand people living within an hour's driving time, is presently used by hikers, geologists, fishermen, kayakers and canoeists, picnickers and swimmers, and those seeking the solitude offered by this unique area... A twelve mile strip incorporating the visual basins of the Green River from the Kummer bridge to Palmer needs to be acquired and developed as a conservation area to preserve this unique area for the recreational needs of the region. RCW 79A.05.700

Mountaineers on the river.

Squeezing a raft through the Nozzle, one of the most challenging rapids on the river.

Wolf honored by State Parks as the lodge at Flaming Geyser is renamed in his honor.

Tom Steinburn tells stories of the first kayak trip down the Green River Gorge, an exploratory first descent more than 50 years ago that took the group 2 days but now takes experienced paddlers only a few hours.

Mountaineers Trustee Lynn Hyde with Wolf. Lynn's biography of Wolf titled Crags, Eddies & Riprap will be coming out soon.

State Parks Commissioner Joan Thomas, climbing legend Lou Wittaker, and Middle Green River Coalition Executive Director Lisa Parsons.

King County Council Member Larry Phillips came out to address the group. As Chair of the Growth Management Committee, Larry Phillips sponsored the motion to endorse the "Green River Gorge Mountains to Valley Greenway" which was subsequently passed by the County Council in a unanimous vote. The Mountaineers has joined the coalition to support this project which is currently being coordinated with the assistance of the National Parks Service Rivers and Trails Program.

Mountaineers Recreation Access Chair Fran Troje with State Parks Commissioner Joan Thomas.

Gary Snyder-"The Practice of the Wild"

2009-04-22T15:10:00.000-07:00

Read the rest of the post...
Dear Mountaineers:

On this Earth Day, 2009 I want first to thank Leesa Wright and Jake Reeder, a new and very active member of CEC, for their timely posts today. They remind us of the complex conservation work that we at CEC engage in every day, and their work from now on will keep all Mountaineers members aware of developments on the most important conservation issues of our day, especially in Washington State.

Second, I'd like to post a short paragraph from an essay by Gary Snyder called "On the Path, Off the Trail" from his book The Practice of the Wild. Snyder writes:

"Our skills and works are but tiny reflections of the wild world that is innately

and loosely orderly. There is nothing like stepping away from the road and

heading into a new part of the watershed. Not for the sake of newness, but for

the sense of coming home to our whole terrain. 'Off the Trail' is another name

for the Way, and sauntering off the trail is the practice of the wild. That is also

where--paradoxically--we do our best work. But we need trails and paths and

will always be maintaining them. You must first be on the path, before you can

turn and walk into the wild."

Snyder explains that "Way," derived from the Taoist Dao De Jing, means "way, road, trail, or to lead/follow," and "the nature and way of truth." We can walk off the trail to find the wilderness that we have not seen before, as when we summit a mountain, but we also need paths and trails to lead us to understand our place within that wilderness and what we have to do to preserve it--and ourselves within it. So on this Earth Day, let us all ponder for a moment the Way we are following as we try to learn how to walk gently in the wilderness we love.

Kind regards,

Mike Shurgot

CEC Chair

Happy Earth Day

2009-04-22T11:45:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day, everyone. I'm Jake, your latest blogger, and I hope to regularly post at least every Wednesday with news and notes from the latest developments in the Conservation fight, amongst the Mountaineers and anything I may find interesting in the paper, on TV, or on the internet. without further ado, lets get the ball rolling:

Raging River preservation fills "donut hole" in I-90 Greenway (link to Seattle Times)

Recently brought to the attention of the CEC is the impending wolf slaughter in Idaho. The de-listing of Idaho and Montana Grey Wolves was approved by Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, a decision based largely on what Salazar called "good science," and an apparent endorsement of wolf management at the state level (Wyoming wolves are still protected). It hardly inspires confidence in conservationists when the Governor of Idaho, C.L. "Butch" Otter proclaims he would like to be the first person to kill a wolf when the hunt opens. Idaho's Dept. of Fish and Game will target 26 packs, and the de-listing is scheduled to take effect May 4th.

plenty has been written and editorialized, here is but a sampling:
NY Times, April 12th
Daily Camera (Boulder CO) April 14th
Idaho Statesmen April 15th

The sad reality is that, without federal protection, there seems to be very little standing in the way of Wolves being hunted to near extinction, just as they were before they were re-introduced to the Northern Rockies in '95/'96

Lastly, there is, of course, some "good news" on the front of Climate Change as a result of human activity, as much as such a thing can exist concerning this 900-pound gorilla that haunts seemingly every aspect of modern industrialized civilization. The EPA has officially ruled that Greenhouse Gases are a "threat to human health and the environment." Although to most eco-/enviro-conscious folks, such a decision at this late a stage may seem strangely naive, it nonetheless represents a huge leap forward in allowing the EPA to mandate reductions in CO2 and other Greenhouse pollutants (such as methane and Nitrous oxide). Getting Federal, state, and local governments to recognize greenhouse gasses as a pollutant, just as PCBs and Lead, will be a major battle victory in the war against Global Warming.
Seattle Times Article, April 18th

2009-04-22T11:39:00.000-07:00

This originally aired last night:
Frontline: Poisoned Waters
Only about a third of this deals with Puget Sound and Western WA, and the conclusions are already evident to most eco-/enviro-conscious people, but it is excellent viewing. You can watch it from the website or set your DVR's to record the re-air on Sat, April 25th and 2:00 am, on KCTS 9 (109 Comcast digital in HD)

Press Conference Held on Proposed Additions to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness

2009-04-14T11:31:00.000-07:00

Mountaineers Recreation Resources Division chair Tom O'Keefe speaks at a press conference held by Senator Patty Murray (D-Wash.) and Representative Dave Reichert (R-Wash.) on completion of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness (photo by Harry Romberg).

On Friday, April 10th, Senator Patty Murray and Representative Dave Reichert announced at Three Forks Park that they are co-sponsoring a bill "The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act" (S. 721 and H.R. 1769) to complete the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.

This bi-cameral legislation will help protect some of the most gorgeous and accessible backcountry (located less than an hour from a major metropolitan area) anywhere in the country. The proposal includes adding 22,000 acres to the exisiting Alpine Lakes Wilderness as well as protecting 30 miles of Middle Fork Snoqualmie River and 10 miles of the Pratt River under Wild and Scenic designation.

“The Alpine Lakes Wilderness connects the wildlands between Snoqualmie, Stevens and Blewett passes,” said John Chelminiak, North Cascades Initiative Director for The Wilderness Society. “This legislation preserves key recreation opportunities for more than three million people in the region, improves wildlife habitat and enhances our communities by protecting two river corridors. Future generations will look back on this measure as one of the most significant in our efforts to ensure the future of Washington’s remaining wildlands for our children and grandchildren.”

Stay tuned here and in the Mountaineer for updates as this exciting piece of legislation progresses through the House and Senate.

Highway Crews Clearing Winter Snow from SR - 20 in the North Cascades

2009-04-10T15:16:00.000-07:00

The annual rite of spring of clearing 37 miles of Highway 20 in the North Cascades began in earnest on March 30th. Every spring Washington State Department of Transportation(WSDOT) crews work the highway with snow plows and blowers---one crew from the east, one from the west---until they reach Washington Pass at 5,477 feet. Crews usually make it to the pass in early May, however this year's heavy snows may delay the effort. WSDOT crews have their own website set up where those itching to get to their favorite North Cascades spot can track their progress.

Nominate your Favorite Local Environmental Hero for The Trust for Public Land "Cox Conserves Heroes Award"

2009-04-09T12:51:00.000-07:00

the Trust for Public Land is searching for candidates to be recognized for their conservation efforts in Western Washington State.

Launched in 2008 by The Trust for Public Land and Cox Enterprises, Cox Conserves Heroes is a nationwide awards program created to honor conservation in everyday life. The program celebrates individuals who take it upon themselves to create, preserve, or enhance the shared environment, making our communities better places to live.

Nominees will be featured on KIRO-7! Winners, chosen by public vote, will receive up to $5,000 for their favorite environmental nonprofit organization. Nominations must be received by 5 p.m. PST on Friday, May 1, 2009.

If you could forward this to anyone who might know of candidates within the Washington environmental community it would be greatly appreciated.

To nominate someone click nomination page.

This Year's Washington Coastal Cleanup is Saturday April 18th !

2009-04-09T12:34:00.000-07:00

It is time for this year's Washington Coastal Cleanup on Saturday, April 18, 2009. NPCA will once again be leading a volunteer group to the Olympic National Park for a day of cleaning up the coast and camping (if you want!).

If you would like to camp, we will be camping at the Kalaloch Campground in the southwest corner of Olympic National Park (for free!) on Friday, April 17th and participating in the cleanup on the 18th. We will finish the cleanup in the afternoon, which will be followed by a cookout with all the volunteers. Afterwards, you are welcome to head home or stay another night, free of charge, at the beautiful beach side campground at Kalaloch. Last year we had no rain and a beautiful day on the beach. However, the year before we had non-stop rain, so come prepared for all types of weather!

To join the group and get the details, please contact David at dgraves@npca.org or (206) 902-1444, ext.25.

The Case for Wild & Scenic River Designation for The Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt River

2009-04-09T11:22:00.000-07:00

Whitewater rafting on the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River (c/o Tom O’Keefe)

Few rivers anywhere in the country can match the quality of recreational, scenic, and ecological resources provided by the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and its major tributary, the Pratt River.

Whether it's a quiet fishing trip after work, a day out with friends on some of the most outstanding whitewater the region has to offer, or a weekend with the family in one of the most scenic river valleys in the country, these rivers are tremendous resources for our community. They are also an important source for clean water that sustains the culturally and biologically-significant fishery resources of the Snohomish River system.

Wild and Scenic River designation will ensure that the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers are forever protected – securing important habitat for fish and wildlife, protecting a quality recreational experience for current and future generations, and celebrating the community-based stewardship efforts that have resulted in the Middle Fork Snoqualmie valley being one of King County’s greatest natural assets.

Recommended for Protection

In 1990, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) recommended the Middle Fork Snoqualmie and Pratt Rivers to Congress for Wild and Scenic designation, noting their outstanding, regionally-significant recreation, fisheries, wildlife, geological and ecological values and “very high public support” for designation.

Benefits of Wild & Scenic Designation

• Protects the river’s free-flowing character, water quality and outstanding values

• Promotes river-friendly land use practices

• Protects important fish and wildlife habitat

• Protects existing, compatible uses of the river corridor including the quality of the recreational experience

• Promotes natural flood protection by protecting and restoring wetlands and floodplains, and by protecting a river’s natural flow and meandering channel

• Enhances the local community’s civic awareness and pride by having a nationally-recognized river in their backyard

What Designation Will Do

• Prohibit dams and other water projects that impair the free-flow of a river or its outstanding values.

• Establish a protected corridor extending ¼ mile from the high-water mark on both sides of the river.

• Encourage partnerships among landowners, river users, tribal nations and all levels of government to protect the river’s outstanding values.

• Bring river stakeholders together in a collaborative process to develop a river management plan, to be completed within three years of designation.

What designation Will Not Do

The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act carries no authority to affect the zoning of private lands. At one time much of the Middle Fork and Pratt River valleys were privately owned, but today only a few small in- holdings remain along the Middle Fork Snoqualmie; all of the Pratt River is now in public ownership.

Volunteer to Install Remote Wildlife Cameras!

2009-04-09T11:09:00.000-07:00

I Spy…A Grizzly!

North Cascades grizzlies are so rare they’re known as “ghost bears.” Take part in efforts to save grizzlies, wolves, lynx and other rare species by joining a wildlife camera team!

RSVP here to attend a training, learn more about this volunteer opportunity and join a Wildlife Camera Team!

Help spread the word. Forward this message on to friends in the area who might be interested in helping.

Defenders of Wildlife is teaming up with Conservation Northwest for a second time this year to help document the presence of rare species like grizzlies, wolves, lynx and wolverines in the Cascades -- and you can help!

Last year, one of the camera teams caught the first Washington wolves on tape!
Don't miss out on this great opportunity to get your hands dirty for Washington wildlife this year. Join the Wildlife Volunteer Corps and be a part of an exciting camera monitoring project this spring and summer.

There are two trainings coming up next week in Seattle on Tuesday, April 7th and in Bellingham on Thursday, April 9th -- and we hope you'll be able to join us! RSVP now to let us know you're planning to attend. Volunteers will help track the presence of wildlife in the North Cascades by installing remote cameras and monitoring the footage these cameras capture each month.

Here’s a short description of the volunteer positions we’re looking to fill with caring wildlife supporters like you:

Grizzly Camera Teams
These camera teams will be active from April to June and then will resume activity from July-October in the East, West and North Cascades. Volunteers will need backcountry hiking skills and many of these locations will require overnight trips.

Wolverine Camera Teams
These teams will be working at four locations in the North Cascades to capture footage of the rare and elusive wolverine.

Pacific Fisher Camera Teams
These teams will be working with the North Cascades National Park, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Olympic National Forest to monitor Pacific fishers that were just released into the wild as part of the current recovery plan. This project will involve longer, steeper hikes on the Olympic Peninsula.

I-90 Camera Teams
There are a few positions left for projects on Amabalis Mountain and Mount Margaret, just east of Snoqualmie Pass. Both projects involve moderate day hiking.

Space is limited, so please RSVP today!

© Copyright 2009 Defenders of Wildlife.
Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities.
Defenders of Wildlife can be contacted at:
1130 17th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Senator Murray, Congressman Reichert Introduce Alpine Lakes Wilderness and River Protection Legislation

2009-03-30T14:41:00.000-07:00

On March 26th, Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) and Congressman Dave Reichert (WA-08), joined by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Washington State Congressman Jay Inslee (WA-01), Brian Baird (WA-03), Adam Smith (WA-05), and Jim McDermott (WA-07) introduced legislation in the Senate and House that would expand the Alpine Lakes Wilderness Area and designate both the Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers as Wild and Scenic. The Alpine Lakes Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act will expand the existing wilderness by over 22,000 acres to include important lower-elevation lands and complete watersheds.

Stay tuned for developments in the House and Senate.

2009-03-28T13:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Mountaineers:

We have important news on two wilderness issues.

First, I am pleased to announce that the Senate and House of Representatives have now passed the Omnibus Lands Bill which sets aside two million acres of new wilderness in the United States. Washington State senators Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell worked to pass this legislation, as did several members of the state's House delegation.

Second, For several months The Mountaineers Public Policy Associate Leesa Wright has been working closely with Jim Davis of American Alps to promote a plan to expand significantly the boundaries of North Cascades National Park. In the tradition of legendary members of the Mountaineers Conservation Committee Polly Dyer and Norm Winn, who have worked for decades on establishing national parks, including NCNP, and The Mountaineers are now part of a new coalition working with Jim Davis to expand the park. The Conservation Committee would therefore like to invite all Mountaineers members to a presentation on the American Alps project on Friday, May 15th, 2009 at the Magnuson Clubhouse from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Guest speakers will be noted naturalist author Art Davidson, author of Edge of the Earth, Corner of the Sky (with Art Wolfe); and P-I correspondent and wilderness advocate Joel Connelly. This will be an important event that all lovers of wilderness should attend, and it continues the Mountaineers long association with wilderness causes in our region. Join us!

Regards,

Michael Shurgot

CEC Chair

Senate Bill 5840 to Slash Voter Approved Clean Energy Goals

2009-03-20T15:41:00.000-07:00

In 2006 Washington State voters passed Initiative 937 which set the goal of obtaining 15% of our energy from new, clean, renewable energy sources by 2020. Reportedly at the urging of some utilities and business interests, Chris Marr D-Spokane, introduced Senate Bill 5840, which would essentially repeal the goals set in I-937, in February of this year. SB 5840 passed in the Senate on March 10th.

Now it moves on to the house with a public hearing before the House Committee on Technology, Energy and Communications scheduled in Olympia for March 25th at 8:00AM, at the John L. O'Brien Building, Hearing Room B.

Have Fun in the Dark During Earth Hour - March 28th from 6:30-9:30PM

2009-03-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

Earth Hour: Meet like-minded people & be part of this historic event! On the evening of March 28, 2009 people all over the world will turn off unnecessary lights from 8:30-9:30PM for Earth Hour - a global event to show how much energy we can save by just turning out the lights. Each one of us, working together, can make a positive impact on climate change and bird migration…

Join the Sierra Club at the Seattle REI flagship store, upstairs auditorium (222 Yale Ave N) for a forum on the power of turning out the lights. We will have a variety of experts, from University of Washington astronomers to Audubon wildlife experts on hand to discuss the impact of light pollution and steps we all can take. Q&A time, plus lovely snacks & beverages provided!

The following panel of experts will lead a forum from 6:30 to 8:30pm explaining the power and importance of the simple act of turning out unnecessary lights:

Professor Woodruff T. Sullivan III, UW Department of Astronomy and David W. Ingram, Dark Sky Northwest, a Chapter of the International Dark Sky Association. They will show satellite images documenting light pollution from space & demonstrate street and other lighting solutions that use less electricity and do not contribute to night sky glow.

Katherine L. Jope National Park Ranger will document how city lights and increased air pollution are encroaching on what should be our pristine National Parks. In many parks even the Milky Way cannot be seen. The National Parks Conservation Association is a major participant.

Matt Mega Conservation Director of the Seattle Audubon Society joins the panel. Audubon has long decried the millions of song birds killed each year, disoriented by flying into tall office buildings whose lights are left on all night when the offices are essentially unoccupied

Dan Ritzman, Northwest Director of the Sierra Club’s Coal Campaign will document the greenhouse gas emitted and dollars it costs consumers to generate electricity for unnecessary Lights.

Ed Smalley, Supervisor, Seattle City Light will provide an overview of their Conservation program for reducing industrial, commercial, retail and residential electricity usage in general and lighting in particular including an upcoming trial of LED (Light Emitting Diodes) overhead street lights that have a very long life time, use much less power than any other illuminant and produce a downward focused beam minimizing night sky glow.

Mike Mann, Acting Director, City of Seattle Office of Sustainability and Environment will also talk about city plans for energy conservation.

People are invited to bring cameras to take pictures of Seattle ’s skyline before and after the lights go out.

Learn more about Earth Hour here.

Two excellent background references on this subject are:

Questions or to volunteer at this event contact: Art Kaufman 206-985-9489

DNR Planning Process for Reiter Foothills Coming to an End

2009-03-19T16:38:00.000-07:00

Photo by Karl Forsgaard

Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is winding down its recreation planning committee meetings for the Reiter Foothills area near Gold Bar. The planning committee was charged with making recommendations to DNR for a mix of motorized and non-motorized recreation opportunities based on the land suitability criteria of geology and soil, biological and trust management objectives.

The year-long session of meetings will come to a close with the final meeting on April 22nd at the Snohomish County Parks Administration Building at 6705 Puget Park Drive in Snohomish, Washington.

March Conservation Meeting and Current Issues

2009-03-08T18:19:00.000-07:00

This month's March Conservation Executive Committee meeting will be at 7 pm, Wednesday, March 18th. This meeting is open to all, newcomers welcome! If you are interested in finding out more about what you can do to help preserve the environment, halt global warming, protect endangered species, and so forth, please join us.

The committee is working on several issues related to sustainable forestry practices, climate change, and the potential ecological and physical hazards that may accompany the opening up of National Parks trails to mountain bikes. See below for details.

• Forest Coalition Meeting: The Forest Group discussed a recent proposal by U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore. According to his website, “The Wyden proposal, called the Oregon Forest Restoration and Old Growth Protection Act, halts cutting of trees currently 120 years old and older in moist forests and 150 years old or older in dry forests, prohibits clear-cutting and cutting in inventoried roadless areas, and requires the Forest Service and BLM in Oregon to re-direct their management activities to addressing fire and insect risk, protecting environmentally-sensitive and significant lands, and promoting sustainable, ecologically-sound production of wood fiber in a way that produces many more good-paying jobs while living up to the original promise of the Northwest Forest Plan. “

However, this plan proposes an increase in board feet output volume while demand for timber products is low, puts politics ahead of science-based forest management, and separates Oregon out from states with similar forest environments such as Washington and northern California, which also contain habitats for some of the same keystone species, such as the spotted owl. The loss of a “keystone species” can have a dramatically negative impact on the surrounding ecosystem, just as the loss of a keystone from an arch causes it to collapse.

• Coal-fired power plants: Ed Henderson and Jim Adcock have taken responsibility for drafting a policy letter on coal-fired power plants before Lobby Day. A bill for greenhouse gases is currently up for debate which would establish a permit process, or cap and trade, for industries that emit greenhouse gases.

• Fire Suppression Policy: Some members of the committee are working on developing a policy position on fire suppression on public lands.

• Use of Mountain Bikes in National Parks: Reed Jarvis, Pacific Northwest Region Chief Ranger (Retired), gave a presentation on the potential environmental and physical hazards of a recent proposed change from the Department of the Interior which would allow mountain bikes on the same National Parks trails used by hikers.

February Conservation Meeting

2009-02-16T10:50:00.000-08:00

Dear Mountaineers:
The Conservation Executive Committee will meet this Wednesday, February 18th, at 7:00 PM in the Magnuson clubhouse. We will feature a guest speaker, Mr. Reed Jarvis, formerly of the National Parks Service, who will address the issue of proposed mountain bike trails in the National Parks. All Mountaineers members are always welcome to attend our meetings. Come join us!

Thanks,

Mike Shurgot

CEC Chair

January Meeting + Wildlife/Forest Issues

2009-01-23T11:38:00.001-08:00

Dear Mountaineers:
The Conservation Executive Committee (CEC) held its January meeting on the 21st, and I am pleased to announce that we had four guests who are interested in becoming active members of the CEC: Sarah Owens, Sandy Bowman, Jessie Dye, and Greg Barnhouse. Greg has volunteered to work as communications issues for the CEC, which will greatly help us keen connected wwith the club membership. We also welcomed Peter Teigen, who is a graduate student in the Evans School at the UW. Peter will be working with the CEC as an intern as part of his graduate work at the UW. We are honored by Peter's willingness to work with the CEC and the Mountaineers.
The CEC is likely to take action on two important issues in the next few weeks. Gov. Palin of Alaska has sued the Fish & Wildlife Service over the agency's listing of the Beluga Whale as endangered. CEC member Dyche Kinder is drafting a letter to Gov. Palin that the CEC will likely approve and ask President Eric Linxweiler to sign. The CEC has a long history of work on wildlife issues in Alaska, so a letter on whales should be within the parameter of our previous wildlife issues. The other issue is signing on to a letter about the workings of the state's forest management at the Department of Ecology (DOE). The Environmental Caucus seeks our support for a letter to the new Public Lands Commissioner, Peter Goldmark, about some forest practices of the DOE and the conduct of its meetings where important forest decisions are made.
The next CEC meeting is Wednesday, February 18Th at the clubhouse at 7 PM. Join us!
Cheers,
Michael Shurgot

2009-01-15T11:06:00.000-08:00

Dear Mountaineers:

As chair of the Mountaineers Conservation Executive Committee I want to welcome you to a blog that Leesa Wright, our Public Policy Associate, and I hope to update frequently. We will post minutes of the CEC meetings, as well as news about the conservation division's activities and ways that you can join us to advance our conservation agenda.

For beginners, the next open meeting of the CEC will be Wednesday, Feb. 18th at the Magnuson clubhouse at 7 PM. All members of the Mountaineers are welcome to join us. Contact me at mwshurgot@earthlink for an agenda. You may contact Leesa for information about the conservation activities at Leesaw@mountaineers.org. Please also see every month in The Mountaineer the section "Conservation Currents," which contains essays by CEC members on recent conservation issues and information on how you can get involved.

Wild Sky Wilderness Area Becomes a Reality

2008-04-30T13:39:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, April 29, the U.S. House of Representatives put to rest any question about the fate of the proposed Wild Sky Wilderness Area - they passed it. The first new wilderness area in over two decades, the Wild Sky covers around 106,000 acres of forest in the Cascades around Index and Skykomish. This is a momentous occasion for the many outdoor groups and individuals who have devoted their time towards securing the wildereness designation. The president still has to sign the bill that Wild Sky is attached to, but he is widely expected to sign.

Read the Seattle Times article on Wild Sky's passage.
Read Joel Connelly's article in the Seattle P-I
Representative Rick Larsen's website has news about Wild Sky

2008 Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Festival

2008-04-23T16:29:00.000-07:00

May 1-4, 2008
Johnson Hall, University of Washington, Seattle

Over a decade ago, a group of dedicated environmentalists and filmmakers organized the first environmental festival in the heart of the Wenatchee forest near Leavenworth, WA. It was the beginning of a decade-long convergence of filmmakers, activists, and concerned citizens to experience, create, and share environmental films. Inspired by their success, organizers formed a board of directors in 2002 and created the nonprofit organization, Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network (HWEFN). The organization is named in honor of the passionate and much-loved local activist, Hazel Wolf.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Hazel Wolf Film Festival, and we would like to invite you to attend. The Mountaineers is sponsoring the opening night event of the festival, a screening of "Oil + Water." This film is a jaw-dropping white water adventure film about two kayakers embarking on the longest-ever, biofuels-only road trip road trip through 16 countries in a retro-fitted Japanese fire truck named "Baby." Kayaker/filmmaker Seth Warren, founder of the Biofuels Education Coalition, will attend the screening and answer questions. Also joining the discussion is UW associate professor Martha Groom, lead author on a recent study quantifying differences in biofuel crops and their impacts on the environment.

Over the course of four days, the festival features over 50 films, animations, speakers and family programming. Films explore environmental justice, appropriate technology, wilderness adventure, urban wildlife, mining, wolves, rivers, youth activism and more. The festival also offers filmmaking workshops and expert panels focusing on sustainability and controversial environmental issues and campaigns happening locally and around the world.

Get more information about the Hazel Wolf Film Festival and buy tickets through their website.

Revel in the Mid-Fork’s Recovery

2008-04-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

If you remember the days when jaunting up the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River sometimes involved sidestepping tossed beer cans, fire rings full of everything but wood, and flinching at the all-too-frequent blasts from young guns testing their prowess with repeater firearms aimed at targets along and across the stream, you can appreciate how far the Mid-Fork Valley has come. Thanks to concerned organizations such as The Mountaineers, the Sierra Club, Cascade Land Conservancy and Mountains to Sound Greenway—just to name a few—the Mid-Fork has recovered from its dark days and become a sanctuary for the entire public to enjoy. You can celebrate the success of the Mid-Fork preservation effort at a function sponsored by Cascade Land Conservancy on Sat., May 31.

Read what the Cascade Land Conservancy has to say about it.

A tribute to the tree keeper

2008-04-18T14:46:00.000-07:00

The Issaquah Alps Trail Club is rallying the environmental ranks to erect a larger-than-life statue for a former Mountaineer whose work in preservation looms larger than life in the great Northwest: Harvey Manning. You can lend your hand to this sculpture, destined for positioning near the Issaquah Alps Trail Center in Issaquah, by donating.

Find out how you can help and what it’s all about on page M5 of last month’s Mountaineer.

Sierra Club panel on Transportation & Climate Change

2008-03-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Transportation & Climate Change: What's tolling got to do with it?
Monday, March 24th, 7-8:30pm. REI - Seattle

Climate change is real, it's here, and it is quickly taking over as the greatest environmental challenge of our time. In Washington State, the majority of our global warming pollution comes from the transportation sector. This month's Cool State Forum will discuss variable tolling as a solution to our transportation woes. The panel will also tackle the tough question: is tolling an equitable solution for our communities?

Our expert panelists include:
Representative Judy Clibborn, House Transportation Chair
Eric De Place, Sightline Institute
Mark Hallenbeck, Director of UW Transportation Research Center
Mark Muriello, Assistant Director of the Tunnels, Bridges and Terminals Department within the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Facilitating the discussion will be Erica Barnett, reporter for The Stranger.

There will be time for questions in this 1 ½ hour forum. Please join this lively discussion and help kick off the 2008 Cool State Campaign!

Please RSVP to help us plan ahead. Email or call the Sierra Club at 206.378.0114 x308 or Jessica.eagle@sierraclub.org.

Mount Rainier Recovery Poster

2008-03-14T13:25:00.000-07:00

Following the amazingly destructive winter season of 2006, The Mountaineers joined a coalition of outdoor groups to help with recovery at Mt. Rainier National Park. Assembling volunteer teams, donations and generating awareness, this coalition successfully helped repair many of the damaged roads and trails within the park. The work is ongoing.

The attached poster, given to the coalition by Ranger Doug Enterprises, is a reproduction of a classic WPA poster. These were produced between 1935 and 1943 and were designed to motivate citizens to take a greater interest in the outdoors, and by extension, their health and well-being. The Ranger Doug website has more background on this.

We thought you all would appreciate seeing this classic-style poster. It's nice to have The Mountaineers logo attached to something so beautiful and meaningful.

Public Policy Associate opening at The Mountaineers

2008-03-12T10:32:00.000-07:00

The Mountaineers, with over 100 years in Western Washington, is hiring a full-time Public Policy Associate for our headquarters in Seattle. We have had a long history of wilderness preservation in the region, helping to create Olympic National Park, North Cascades National Park and areas like the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We've also been at the forefront on many issues dealing with wildlife and recreational access for outdoor enthusiasts.

The Public Policy Associate will help track current environment issues and policies within Western Washington and the greater Pacific Northwest region. This position reports directly to the Executive Director and liasions with our Conservation and Recreational Resources Divisions.

The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of public policy as it relates to wilderness, the environment and access. A four-year degree is required. We would like someone who can multitask, and who understands that life in a non-profit means that you will do a
variety of work. This is a good position for those with people skills, as The Mountaineers is a very diverse group with many strong personalities.

For a full description of the position, and details on how to apply, please visit the 'jobs' page of our website.

Conservation NW seeks volunteers

2008-03-10T09:16:00.000-07:00

This came from our good friends at Conservation Northwest - they're seeking some volunteer help. - webmaster

Would you like to get out into the woods this spring and summer and help wildlife at the same time? Volunteer to be on one of Conservation Northwest's remote camera teams. Our Cascades Citizen Wildlife Monitoring Project depends on volunteers like you! This project is a joint effort between Conservation Northwest, I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition, and Wilderness Awareness School to conduct citizen monitoring of wildlife in Washington’s Cascades mountains.

The goal of the project is to track the presence of all wildlife using habitat near the proposed crossing structures along I-90 as well as to document and collect data on wildlife presence in core habitat areas of the North Cascades, with some cameras targeted towards rare species such as lynx, wolverine and the North Cascades grizzly. For more information, we have a webpage on the program at: http://www.conservationnw.org/northcascades/centralcas-remote-camera and http://www.i90wildlifebridges.org/monitoring.htm

You can also view some of the some of the great wildlife photos that we captured last year on our cameras, including pine martens along I-90 and wolverines in the North Cascades (more photos to come)!

Read the rest of the post...

We need volunteers willing to join a camera team that will be collectively responsible for installing a camera and checking it monthly from March to October (that is about 7 trips), and some cameras may not be installed until snowmelt in later spring for the backcountry. Depending on your time and interest, you may either elect to adopt a camera as a “team leader” (and even form your own team if you choose) or simply join a camera team as a member that will attend at least 2 checks. We will have 4 teams checking cameras along I-90 and 8 teams checking cameras in core habitat areas of the North Cascades. The North Cascades teams are the ones most likely to start later in the spring.

Team leaders who “adopt” a camera will coordinate and schedule their team members to conduct checks and refresh lure on that camera. We are looking for both short-distance volunteers to check cameras along I-90, which involve short day hikes; and long-distance volunteers to check cameras in core habitat areas of the North Cascades, which may involve strenuous hiking off-trail and overnight backpacks. Volunteers should plan to attend one of our trainings on protocol and equipment and commit to at least two remote camera checks this spring/summer. We will be also be scheduling optional amphibian surveys over the summer where biologists will train you on-site to conduct surveys.

If you’d like to find out more about the program, contact us and/or join us on Thursday evening March 13th for our annual celebration in Seattle over pizza and drinks to thank our volunteers by looking back at the last full year of citizen wildlife monitoring and ahead to the next. Space is limited, so RSVP is required to Marlo Mytty marlo@conservationnw.org 206.675.9747 x 201.

If you’re interested in helping out – either as a dedicated team member or an occasional responder to help if and when you can, here’s what to do:

-- Let me know you’re interested. Please include what your availability is like, whether you’d prefer short or long-distance checks and your desired level of commitment - whether you’d like to commit to at least two trips as a team member or team leader... or whether you’d prefer not to commit, but rather be on a responders' pool list.

-- Attend one of our trainings which will be held from 6-8 pm Monday March 31st in our Seattle office and Wednesday April 2nd in our Bellingham office.

-- If you are unable to attend one of these trainings, but would still like to volunteer, please let me know and we may schedule alternate trainings.

Thank you for helping us keep the Northwest wild! Please contact me for more information.

Sincerely,

Marlo Mytty, Volunteer Coordinator for Cascades Citizen Wildlife Montoring Project
I-90 Wildlife Bridges Coalition & Conservation Northwest
206.675.9747 x 201
3414 ½ Fremont Ave N
Seattle, WA 98103
http://www.conservationnw.org/

Wilderness 2008 Conference

2008-03-04T10:17:00.000-08:00

April 3-5, 2008
Kane Hall, UW Campus and Mountaineers Building, Seattle

Over the space of three days, people from all over North America will come together at the University of Washington campus and The Mountaineers Building in Seattle to discuss the future of wilderness. The Wilderness 2008 Conference boasts an amazing schedule of workshops, speakers and social events. Participants will look at some of the changes happening in the world and their impacts on wilderness preservation.

The event kicks off on Thursday, April 3, with an evening presentation by award-winning environmental photo-journalist Gary Braasch, author of Earth Under Fire: How Global Warming is Changing the World. The conference ends with a banquet featuring Stephen Brown, editor of the Mountaineers book Arctic Wings. He will speak on the importance of the arctic as the nesting grounds to many of the world's birds.

For more information on conference activities and to register, visit www.wilderness2008.org.

Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust is hiring

2008-02-27T08:55:00.000-08:00

Mountains-to-Sound Greenway Trust is hiring an office associate for their offices in downtown Seattle. Details about the position can be found on their website.

The Greenway stretches along 100 miles of Interstate 90 in Washington State from the waterfront in Seattle to the edge of desert grasslands in Central Washington. Today, most of the landscape not already developed along I-90 is in public ownership and protected as the Mountains to Sound Greenway and designated as a National Scenic Byway. The Greenway includes historic towns and over 700,000 acres of foothills, working farms and forests, spectacular alpine scenery, wildlife habitat, campgrounds, trails, lakes and rivers right in our backyard.

WDFW works to keep invasive mussels out of state

2008-02-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

-A press release from Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife-

OLYMPIA - In early February, a truck hauling a boat covered with thousands of quagga mussels was decontaminated at the Washington-Oregon border. The vessel's engine and trim tabs were pressure-washed with scalding hot water at the Ridgefield Port of Entry, and the non-native mollusks were quickly destroyed.
Read the rest of the post...

The 24-foot pleasure boat was the 11th vessel in the past year found to be carrying quagga or zebra mussels and cleaned at Washington's borders. Both types of mussels - few larger than a nickel - are aquatic invasive species and are prohibited in Washington.

While the tiny mussels didn't make it into Washington, the mollusks have spread throughout a number of other states, overrunning public waterways and displacing native fish and wildlife.

"These invasive mussels have been found in several western states, and they continue to move closer to Washington every year," said Allen Pleus, aquatic nuisance species coordinator for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW). "That's a big concern, because if they get into our waters, they will likely spread rapidly."

Once established, quagga mussels and their relative zebra mussels can multiply quickly and threaten native fish and wildlife by consuming available food and smothering other species. The mollusks, which spread by attaching to boats or other water-based equipment, also clog water-intake systems at power plants, irrigation districts, public water suppliers, and other facilities.

Zebra and quagga mussels are native to the Caspian Sea. They entered the Great Lakes in the mid 1980s in ship ballast water, and have since spread to more than 20 states, including California and Nevada, and two Canadian provinces. Both zebra and quagga mussels are easily transported on boats and trailers because they can live out of water for up to a month.

To help prevent the spread of these invasive mollusks, WDFW is working cooperatively with the Washington State Patrol to inspect commercially hauled watercraft at the state's Port of Entry weigh stations. WDFW enforcement officers also conduct vessel inspections during fishing seasons, while other department staff inspect boats at ramps and at events such as fishing tournaments.

Later this year, WDFW plans to operate several check stations for vessels and post signs with information about aquatic invasive species at boat launches and marinas throughout the state.

Unlawful importation of aquatic invasive species is a gross misdemeanor punishable by up to $5,000 in fines and up to a year in jail.

"Boat owners need to take responsibility for their vessels if we are going to have any success at keeping these invasive species from spreading to our waters," Pleus said. "Recreational boaters and anglers should always carefully inspect and clean their boats and equipment before moving their vessels from one body of water to another."

For more information on zebra and quagga mussels, as well as other aquatic invasive species, visit WDFW's website.

Yellowstone 2 Yukon encounters opposition

2008-02-26T14:51:00.000-08:00

The following email was received from Helen Cherullo, Publisher of Mountaineers Books. She warns of a movement to undermine the efforts of the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative. You can also view a summary of the Washington Senate Bill 5318, which supports the Y2Y movement.

There will be a hearing in Olympia on Wednesday, February 27 at 8 a.m. in House Hearing Room B in the John L. O'Brien Building.

-------Begin Email--------
Over the past two years we have worked extensively with Florian Schulz and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative to educate and promote the Y2Y vision through his book "Yellowstone to Yukon: Freedom to Roam." Through his book, media, and public outreach efforts-- including an exhibit at the Burke Museum last year seen by over 45,000 people-- we hope to inspire a greater public understanding of this thoughtful and visionary plan.

Read the rest of this post...

Senate Bill 5318 will help preserve outdoor values for Washington citizens by promoting the collaboration between state agencies and the Yellowstone to Yukon Conservation Initiative (Y2Y) in Washington’s portion of the Yellowstone to Yukon region. Y2Y works collaboratively with government, ranchers, farmers, hunters, anglers, Native Americans, researchers and non-government organizations to ensure that outdoor values and wildlife can be enjoyed by all for now and future generations. The vision for wildlife to move freely across the landscape is shared by Americans and Canadians alike, all along the mountainous spine of the continent. Senate Bill 5318 not only reflects the interests of the individuals from Washington who have supported the vision with over $20 million in ten years, but also fellow Americans across the country.

1) If you haven't done so, call your legislators and express your opinion on Y2Y. You can find out their contact information by plugging in your address/etc. at: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/Default.aspx

2) Call Cameron Duncan, 360-786-7144, staffer of the Agriculture
and Natural Resource Committee if you would like to testify regarding the bill;

3) The hearing will be at 8:00AM in House Hearing Room B in the
John L. O'Brien Building. You may want to get there early, as they're expecting a packed house;

_________________

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS INTENSE OPPOSITION BEING MOBILIZED TO STRIKE DOWN SUPPORT FOR Y2Y-- manifest in the following email we received from Chuck Cushman of Land Rights:

"Y2Y will do great damage to ranchers, miners, forestry, farmers, and all kinds of other users. It would strangle rural communities with new regulations. A vast series of new series of land regulations will be imposed to control land use jeopardizing private property rights and economic growth.

This vast Eco-System land grab affects large portions of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Montana and Wyoming.

If Y2Y passes into law in Washington, it will set the stage to pass it into law in the other states. People living in other states affected by Y2Y must get in touch with their legislators immediately and head Y2Y off.

It will likely be introduced in Congress.

You can make Y2Y less likely by killing it in Washington State now."

___

It is unfortunate to see this kind of fearful and misinformed backlash-- a complete misinterpretation of the Y2Y initiative.

Let's make Y2Y MORE likely by supporting it in Washington state now!

Helen Cherullo
-------End Email--------

Art, Glaciers and Climate Change

2008-02-12T15:43:00.000-08:00

with Maria Coryell-Martin, Expeditionary Artist
Jon Riedel, Geologist - North Cascades National Park
Wednesday, March 12, 2008 - 7 p.m.
The Mountaineers Building, 300 Third Ave W

Join us at the intersection of art and science. Mary Coryell-Martin is an expeditionary artist who has witnessed the effects of climate change in Greenland, Antarctica and the North Cascades. She will talk about how art compliments science as a means to observe and understand our surroundings. A series of her paintings and drawings will be on display.

Jon Reidel is a geologist with North Cascades National Park. He will discuss why glaciers are important, how they are monitored and what's been discovered about them, all in the context of climate change. Jon's talk is highlighted with images from the North Cascades showing the dramatic changes that have taken place in the last few decades.

This is a free show and all are welcome.

Wash. Dept. of Wildlife Discourages Winter Feeding of Wildlife

2008-02-07T16:25:00.001-08:00

When the temperature drops and snow falls, many people want to feed deer and other wildlife. While the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) conducts winter feeding under certain conditions, the department generally discourages individual citizens from feeding deer, elk and other wildlife species.

The best way to help wild animals survive a severe winter is to maintain high-quality habitat plantings year-round. If animals go into the winter in good condition, most are able to survive persistent deep snow, ice and cold temperatures. Even in well-functioning natural ecosystems, however, some animals succumb during winter months. The winter season has always kept wildlife populations in balance with available habitat.

To read more about WDFW's recommendations on the winter feeding of animals, visit their website.

Coast cleanup date announced

2008-02-05T13:47:00.000-08:00

Mountaineers interested in helping to clean up the coastline can now mark their spring calendar. The annual Washington Coast Cleanup will be held on April 26 this year.

Every year, volunteers from around the state set out on the Coast Cleanup day, and some over the weekend, to pick up debris from Washington’s coastline. Often, small groups of Mountaineers organize trips to the Olympic Coast on this day to help out.

Plastic water bottles, fishing nets, tires, and all kinds of other items harmful to the environment wash up on Washington’s beaches all year, creating the need to be removed before they cause irreparable damage to countless marine mammals, fi sh, plants, and birds. Last year, over 800 volunteers removed more than 25 tons of debris, according to Jan Clippert, who helps organize the event.

The annual cleanup is now the signature event of a new, year-round program called CoastSavers. The CoastSavers program is being coordinated and supported by the newly formed Washington Clean Coast Alliance, a dedicated group of nonprofits, community groups, tribal organizations, and government agencies all working together to help clean up Washington’sbeaches.

The Coast Cleanup now hosts a website on which volunteers may sign up to help: www.WashingtonCoastCleanup.org. For more details about the overall event, contact program coordinator David Lindau, davidl@coastsavers.org, 206-220-4279.

113 bulbs replaced with CFLs!

2008-02-05T13:44:00.000-08:00

Though not glacial in porportion, the first effort to bring our club a step closer to carbon neutrality has represented a one-vehicle dent in the planet’s carbon imprint. Put in another context, it represents two acres of forest land spared.

The Mountaineers Conservation Division encouraged club members to convert to CFLs in a December Mountaineer article. Mountaineers responded by submitting their glowing reports: a total of 113 conversions.

Each CFL conversion amounts to about 160 pounds of CO2 otherwise released in a year, according to the Conservation Division’s volunteer energy quotient guru, Jim Adcock. An electrical engineer, Adcock notes that if all Mountaineers were using CFLs entirely in their homes, we could save the equivalent of 2,000 acres of forest. Help our planet go ultra-light by continuing the good deeds and remember to provide us your tally on last month’s carbon imprint entreaty: How many times have you chosen to either take alternative transportation or add a passenger to your vehicle during a regular routine?

Send us to carbon neutrality in breakneck speed. Just report your tally (without breaking your neck or a sweat) by sending an e-mail to conservation@mountaineers.org, or via U.S. Postal Service carbon dispenser (if you must) and addressed to The Mountaineers, Attn: Carbon Imprint, 300 Third Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119.

Land transfer program gets county’s okay

2008-02-05T13:40:00.001-08:00

Originally published in the January 2008 issue of The Mountaineer.

Preservation advocates recently applauded a move by the Pierce County Council to protect rural land through an exchange with land developers.

The swap consists of allowing owners of farmland, timberland or open space in Pierce County to sell development rights to their land without having it actually developed. The developer purchasing the land earns credits that allow it to increase the density of its holdings in urban areas.

The transfer-of-development rights (TDR) was created to offset the county’s rate of farmland loss to other business development over the past 15 years. As the development value of farmland rises, farmers are increasingly more apt to sell. They rarely sell to other farmers because farmers can’t compete with bids from home or business developers.

Cascade Land Conservancy helped to draft the TDR. A 55-year member of The Mountaineers, Helen Engle, attended the council meeting when the TDR was approved. Engle said that three generations of advocates who have worked for legislation to protect rural lands were represented at the meeting. She started her advocacy at a very young age, she stated, “and now as a great-grandmother, I’m delighted to fi nally cheer the victory.”

Some members of the county council indicated that the program may have to be streamlined as it evolves in order to convince developers to participate and to make sure that cities allow for the increased density in their central districts. However, the council voted unanimously to enact the program.

Save gas, save the planet

2008-02-05T13:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some ideas and measures that will contribute to lessening your automobile’s carbon load.

Buy a high MPG hybrid! Fill-ups will soon cost us $100.

Buy a fuel effi cient car that gets a combined gas mileage of at least 30 mpg.

Buy a smaller, lighter car (the Honda Insight is made of aluminum).Choose the smallest available engine.

Fuel waste is proportional to engine size.

Before you buy, review: fueleconomy.gov, safercar.gov, iihs.org and consumerreports.org.

Reduce your yearly mileage. The American average is 12,000 miles a year.

Plug in a passenger and double your effective gas mileage.

Ride a bus and get 1,000 mpg.

Turn off air conditioning and electric seat heaters.

Turn off daytime running lights; they have no proven effectiveness.

Use a bike or sneakers and leave the car in the garage.

Inflate your tires 10 percent above owner’s manual recommendations and then check them at least once a month with a locking dial pressure gauge. Do not rely on built-in sensors!

Use the lowest weight oil recommended in your car and change it regularly.

Avoid aggressive driving and aggressive drivers.

Take off the rack and the ski box when not using them.

Take the extra junk out of your car.

Use a manual transmission and try to keep your engine down to 1,000 rpm, 2,000 going up hills.

Drive as if you have a raw egg under your brake pedal.

Drive 5 mph slower—save 5 percent, and reduce your crash fatality risk threefold.

Make a shopping list and combine trips.

Do not idle for long—turn off your engine at long lights and for trains.

Do not use a higher grade gas than recommended by manufacturer.

Lobby your congressmen and political party for higher gas mileage standards!

Flex-fuel vehicles (and E85 ethanol gas) do not reduce global warming.

– Jim Adcock

Are we what we drive?

2008-02-05T13:23:00.000-08:00

Originally published in the January 2008 issue of The Mountaineer.

By Jim Adcock
What’s the difference in capacity between a Prius, a large pickup, and a large SUV? Answer:Not much. Over 90 percent of the time each is carrying only one person down the road.

Global warming is caused by fossil fuels. The U.S., with 1/20th of the world’s population, consumes a third of the world’s oil. We consume oil at twice the per-person rate of the other developed nations and 15 times that of less developed nations. Our national fuel economy standards for cars and trucks are one-half that of other developed nations, including Europe, Japan and even China.

Read the rest of the post...

Do we love the planet, or are we loving the planet to death? Do we really need to drive an SUV to the trailhead, or can something smaller get us there? Two generations ago our predecessors were driving Model-T’s up to Mt. Rainier while getting better gas mileage thanthe average American vehicle gets today. One generation ago, Mountaineers were taking mass transit together to ski at Meany Lodge.

To avoid the worst effects of global warming and climate catastrophe, the Nobel Prize winning Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change says we need to reduce fuel consumption by 2 percent a year. With the U.S. population growing 1 percent a year, this means we need to increase fuel economy by 3 percent a year. With an average car life of about 10 years, this means that cars we buy now need to be a third more fuel efficient than the cars we have purchased in the past. There is only one technology available today that can meet this requirement: hybrid vehicles.

Today there are only four high-performance hybrid vehicles available to U.S. consumers, but over the next decade there will be an explosion of new high-efficiency hybrids on the market. With global oil reserves becoming exhausted, and 20 million additional vehicles hitting the road each year, expect gas prices to continue to double about every six years. In essence, a vehicle purchased today will be facing $100 fill-ups during its lifetime.

In reducing greenhouse emissions from vehicles, basically only three things matter: 1) the mpg that the vehicle achieves; 2) how few miles a year the vehicle is driven; and 3) how many people share that ride. According to the EPA, the most fuel-efficient car in the world gets almost 13,000 mpg. Mater Dei High School students have built a car that gets over 1,300 mpg. Detroit is still selling consumers trucks and SUVs that get 13 mpg. In this essence, more than 99 percent of the energy you put in your tank is just going up in smoke.

So, in buying a new car, we need at least one-third better fuel economy. Previously we might have bought a car that gets 20 mpg. Now we need to buy cars that get 30 mpg. Unfortunately, the list of vehicles that achieve 30 mpg in America is very short: hybrids Prius, Civic, Camry and Altima, and the conventional Fit, Yaris and Corolla. There is oneSUV: the Ford Escape Hybrid. In Europe there are 2,000 models available with 30 mpg or more,and three dozen with the mpg of a Prius, but the U.S. government blocks their import.

There is one other unheralded but widely available technology that can be plugged into any car or truck to instantly double the fuel efficiency of that vehicle. It is called a “passenger.” Plug a passenger into the seat next to you and the vehicle has just doubled its efficiency. A Prius, for example has now doubled from 50 to 100 mpg per passenger—efficient enough to solve the IPCC’s long-term goals for personal transportation greenhouse gas reductions.

As a club we need to actively discourage single-occupancy vehicles to club events and outings. We need to courteously support and welcome those members who choose not to drive a vehicle. We need to support mass transit options. And as individual Mountaineers, we need to step up to the plate and make sure that our next vehicle gets at least 30 mpg.

This is a political problem, not a technical one, and can only be solved by writing to our representatives in Congress. Sen. Maria Cantwell is on the Senate Transportation Committee, which makes her a logical recipient for your letters and e-mails: http://cantwell.senate.gov/.

Jim Adcock is an electrical engineer and member of the Conservation Division of The Mountaineers.

Bill would repeal user fee law

2008-02-05T13:17:00.000-08:00

A bill to repeal the authority of federal agencies to increase trail and wilderness access fees was introduced in early December by two Western lawmakers. If passed, it would reverse legislation passed in 2004 that authorized federal agencies, with the exception of the National Park Service, to increase fees for such access permits as the Northwest Forest Pass.

The 2004 law followed a fee demonstration program that set into force trailhead-access fees more than 10 years ago. The demo fee, which was repeatedly extended by Congress over the past decade, has fueled debates within the outdoors community over what is dubbed the “pay to play” rule.

The bill introduced by Sens. Max Baucus (D-Montana) and Mike Crapo (R-Idaho) would rescind the 2004 measure, formally known as the Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), but also called the Recreation Access Tax, or RAT.

Baucus, a long-time critic of the fees, said the current system amounts to double taxation because “Americans already pay to use their public lands on April 15,” referring to federal income taxes.If passed, the Fee Repeal and Expanded Access Act of 2007 would reinstate legislation dating back to 1965 that limits the use of fees on public lands.

The creation of trailhead access fees has drawn guarded support by some outdoors and recreation groups such as The Mountaineers and adamant opposition from other groups such as Western Slope No-Fee Coalition, Wild Wilderness and Free Our Forests.

The Mountaineers adopted a policy statement in 2006, during the heat of the debate, that said the club “supports developing programs so that recreational users can contribute to the management of these treasured wild areas.” It cautioned, however, that the club “believes that the success of fee programs and the willingness of recreational users to pay fees depends upon how fees are implemented.”

Crapo argues that user fees “limit accessibility to those who can afford the cost and results in a pay-to-play system that is unacceptable.” However, both he and Baucus noted that lawmakers will have to fight to reallocate federal dollars to the trail and access system if the FLREA is repealed. Crapo said he “will continue to fight in Congress to make sure the funding needs of our public lands management agencies are met.”

Baucus said debates have flared up in communities across the West as fees began to rise after the 2004 bill was passed. He said he hopes the bill will help resolve those disputes. Kitty Benzar, president of the Western Slope No-Fee Coalition, hailed the bill. Baucus worked closely with Benzar as well as the late Robert Funkhouser in crafting the legislation.

Ski Area expansion to be discussed

2008-02-05T13:14:00.000-08:00

Termed a "crossroads issue" by The Mountaineers Conservation Division chair, the proposed expansion of the Stevens Pass ski area will be discussed at a meeting on Wednesday, January 16, at club headquarters.

According to Conservation Chair Mike Shurgot, the expansion plans present issues and questions that cross conservation and recreation lines in the "most obvious ways."

Chester Marler, director of development at the ski area, will present the company's plans, which include new lifts and runs, at the meeting and will answer questions from the audience.

All Mountaineers, winter recreation enthusiasts and users of The Mountaineers' Stevens Lodge are urged to attend the meeting, which will begin at 7 p.m. The club's Conservation and Recreational Access Divisions will jointly sponsor the meeting.

Braided River broadens Mountaineers Books' scope

2008-02-05T13:02:00.000-08:00

A new conservation imprint for The Mountaineers took shape in August when Mountaineers Books announced the launch of Braided River. The Books affiliate will use photography and essays to bring a fresh perspective to some of the key environmental issues facing western North America's wildest places, according to Publisher Helen Cherullo.

Braided River will extend the outreach of Mountaineers conservation and preservation titles by connecting its photographers, writers, environmental groups and the public, Cherullo noted. It will also forge partnerships with leading environmental organizations to build awareness and provide resources for individuals who support critical conservation efforts.

Mountaineers Books has already partnered with the Burke Museum of Natural History and Culture to create exhibits based on three recent publications: "Yellowstone to Yukon," "The Last Polar Bear: Facing the Truth of a Warming World," and "Arctic Wings." Through Braided River, Mountaineers Books hopes to go beyond the printed pages, according to Cherullo, by teaming up with museums, presentations and lecture circuits that deal with key environmental issues of our time.

Inspired by the success of "Arctic National Wildlife Refuge: Seasons of Life and Land," an earlier Books title by Subankar Banerjee, Braided River was created to facilitate similar projects that create environmental awareness nationally.

Cherullo said that Braided River was chosen as a name to reflect the collaborative nature of the various projects. "A braided river consists of several intertwining branches, or braids, that crisscross a low-lying area of sandbars or riverbanks."

For more about the new Books entity, go to http://www.braidedriverbooks.org/.