The document provides information about events and issues related to the Sierra Club's Toiyabe Chapter. It includes an obituary for longtime conservationist Michael McCurry and encourages members to consider running for executive committee positions. It also discusses efforts to oppose large interbasin water transfers in eastern Nevada and western Utah through protests and providing information to affected communities.

1. trails
toiyabe JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 sum
outi mer
Iss nGs ue
environmental news of nevada and the eastern sierra from the toiyabe chapter of the sierra club
in memoriam What, me run for ExCom?
(I don’t even know what that means!)
michael mcCurry yES, yoU. you could be a candidate.
1940 - 2010 or maybe you know another member
Artist, Desert Lover, Conservationist who’d like to be more involved in the
Sierra Club? Now is the time to start
M ichael McCurry was remem-
bered for his fabulous pho-
tography, passion for conservation,
thinking about running for a Toiyabe
Chapter elected position. If the Si-
erra Club is the premiere grassroots,
and free spirit by his friends and col-
democratic environmental group in
leagues in Reno at the Interpretative
Nevada and Eastern California, it is
gardens on the banks of the Truckee
because people like you make the
River last month
before moving to Tucson, aZ, Mike
decision to put in time and energy
lived in Reno from 1998 to 2006. In that to make it that way.
short time, Mike served on the Execu- The Toiyabe Chapter has an ExCom,
tive Committees of both the great basin as does each of our groups (great basin,
group and the Toiyabe Chapter and Endangered Moapa Dace swims in the sparkling clear water of Moapa Warm Range of Light, Southern Nevada, and
produced the Wild Nevada calendars Springs at the Moapa National Wildlife Refuge. Scientists say that the water Tahoe area). ExComs – Sierra Club
for both the Sierra Club and friends of supplying the complex of springs comes from desert valleys in eastern Nevada. lingo for Executive Committees – are
Nevada Wilderness for over 10 years. The springs are the source of Nevada’s Muddy River and are threatened by the teams of people who make your local
McCurry’s passions were many, from proposed massive interbasin water transfer projects. Please see article, page 6. Sierra Club work. They make decisions
his glowing art (see www.MikeMc- (Photo: Dennis Ghiglieri.) and, perhaps even more importantly, do
Curry.com), to the black Rock Desert the behind-the-scenes work to carry out
(Burning Man aficionado and founder those decisions. Questions of policy,
Grassroots action! resource allocation, priorities, and just
of the counter-celebration, Smoldering
Woman), and protection of the owyhee
Canyonlands, a wild and beautiful place
water buffaloes about anything else, are handled by
volunteer leaders, from group commit-
shared by Nevada, oregon, and Idaho.
Mike felt especially close to this area
meet tsunami of protests tee members to ExCom members to the
Chapter Chair.
where his grandfather ranched in the by Rose stRickland The Chapter Executive Committee is
late 1800s - early 1900s. for people with a fair amount of prior
Sierra Club experience. group ExComs,
“Mike brought many people closer
to desert landscapes through his pho-
tographs, his hand-tinted scenes, his
D ue process oppportunity seized! The broad coalition of opponents
of proposed massive interbasin transfers in E. Nevada and W.
Utah exercised their right to protest water decisions affecting senior
however, mostly require willingness to
pitch in and do some work. (groups are
dauntless leadership on many trips to the most local level of the Sierra Club
water rights and their futures. This was possible due to the Nevada within the Chapter.)
desert places, and his constant promo-
tion of conservation of wild places in
Supreme Court’s affirming due process for citizens in this situation. What you can do
our state,” said David von Seggern, anti-pumping allies give assistance to details on how to file a protest and If you’d like to get more involved,
one of the organizers of the memorial to affected areas. Southern Nevada how to raise important issues for the and/or have an issue you think the Club
celebration. Water authority (SNWa) is proposing State Engineer to consider if and when should tackle, running for an office in
on a more personal note, Carol Tresner rural groundwater pumping to provide future water hearings are scheduled, the Club is a great first step.
water for S. Nevada urban centers. they supplied a list and map of where The bottom line is that to run for an
Please see MICHAEL McCURRY, page 2.
Determined to prevent another owens applications already had been filed. Pro- ExCom position, you need to file paper
valley disaster, the Sierra Club and its test workshops were held in E. Nevada, work starting next month, in July 2010.
water network allies provided assis- Utah, Las vegas and Reno. Information (our elections take place in November.)
tance to affected rural and urban areas was posted on the website of the great Please see WHAT ME? page 2.
Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter, P.O. Box 8096, Reno, NV 89507
Non-Profit Org.
Permit No. 356
Reno, Nevada
U.S. Postage
in the form of information. In addition Please see SAGE GROUSE, page 12.
PAID
TRAILS Totally paperless in this issue
In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Toiyabe Trails not an option Nat’l Board of Directors Results . 2
by jean stoess
Lobby Day for Activists . . . . . . . . 3
Sierra Nevada Alliance . . . . . . . . 3
If yoU’vE bEEN WaITINg with bated Hard copies aren’t distributed only Range of Light Group . . . . . . 4-5
breath to see if Toiyabe Chapter is going to Toiyabe Chapter members. They are Ruby Pipeline & FERC . . . . . . . . 6
to stop mailing hard copies of Toiyabe also sent to or dropped off at libraries, Washoe County Sprawl . . . . . . . 7
Trails to its members, you can exhale museums, and other high-traffic areas Gold Butte Progress . . . . . . . . . . 7
now. The Trails will continue to be around the Chapter area. our newslet-
ter helps provide information about the
Hope for Walker Lake . . . . . . . . . 7
published in both hard copy and on the
website. Sierra Club, especially Toiyabe Chapter, GB Peak Section Up & Running. . . 8
When asked if they wanted to con- to the public. Who Will Keep Tahoe Blue? . . . . . 8
tinue receiving Toiyabe Trails by mail, Having Toiyabe Trails on the internet Great Basin Group . . . . . . . . . 8-9
over 50 members responded with a has several advantages over our quarter- Kalaupapa Service Trip . . . . . . . 10
heartfelt “yes.” The responses came via ly hard copy newsletter. for example, it S. Nevada Group . . . . . . . . . 10-11
postcards, telephone, written and typed can be updated at any time. also, anyone Bookshelf: NV High Points . . . . 12
letters, and, yes, e-mail. We appreciate Chapter ExCom Dates . . . . . . .12
the input. Please see PAPER TRAILS, page 2.

2. 2 JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 toiyabe trails
National Sierra Club in memoriam
2010 Board of Directors election
by Gene coan
Harriet burgess
elected nance, and keeping the Club effective in
Allison Chin (VA) 38,471 pursuing our key mission to Explore, En- Public lands lose a good friend
Donna buell (Ia) 33,116 joy and Protect the planet. The Board is
Robbie Cox (NC)
Jim Dougherty (DC)
32,959
30,965
the highest governing body in the Club.
It consists of 15 members, of whom five
S ierra Club members were sad-
dened to hear from her family of
the death of Harriet burgess, founder
Jared Duval (CT) 30,403 stand for election every year.
of the american Land Conservancy,
Runners-up in april. Harriet was instrumental in
Jonathan Ela (WI) 27,404 PAPER TRAILS . . . acquiring many important parcels
Phil Wheeler (CA) 21,996 continued from page 1 of private lands for federal and state
Katherine Pendleton (TN) 20,778
with access to the internet can check up agencies all over the country, but we
Valid returns by Internet 12,705
on Chapter and group activities. remember her for her work in Nevada,
Valid returns by Mail 38,087
To access the Trails online and find out Lake Tahoe, and the Eastern Sierra.
Total valid ballots 50,792
about the latest outings and meetings, one of Harriet’s greatest land deals
Invalid ballots 351
go to <http://toiyabe.sierraclub.org> in our chapter was the acquisition of
Total ballots distributed 514,972
and click on “Toiyabe Trails online” Mt. Rose, in the Carson Range between
The board of Directors of the Sierra (on the left side of the page) or “Chapter Reno and Lake Tahoe. The area, popular
Club is elected to serve the membership Newsletter online” (in the center, under with recreationists and in Reno’s water-
in deciding policy, conducting gover- the group listings). shed, was threatened by a proposed ski
area, condo, golf course, and residential
Toiyabe ChapTer DireCTory development, all of which were avoided
when the lands were purchased and
ChApTEr ExECuTIvE CommITTEE offICErS transferred to the US forest Service.
Chair Dave Hornbeck 775-323-6655 another successful deal protected
DavidHornbeckLaw@msn.com Bodie State Historic Park from mining
Vice-Chair Jean Stoess 775-322-5326, jstoess@aol.com development. and Harriet deserves
Secretary Jane Feldman 702-648-0699 credit for the acquisition of the historic
Treasurer Kristine Cunningham 702-285-6832 Thunderbird Lodge at Lake Tahoe. over
At Large Eric Blumensaadt 702-566-9429 30 years, Harriet helped acquire and
At Large Ann Brauer 702-879-3376 preserve lands protecting the natural
At Large Malcolm Clark 760-924-5639 environment at ash Meadows, High
At Large Charlotte Cox 775-322-7567 Rock Canyon, Rosachi Ranch, Pah Rah toiyabe trails
At Large Erik Holland 775-322-3582 and Peavine Mountains, Red Lake and
At Large Glenn Miller 775-786-0462 High Meadows at Lake Tahoe, Carson Serving nevada
Group ChAIrS (DELEGATES To ThE ChApTEr ExECuTIvE CommITTEE) Valley, Pyramid Lake, and the Faye- & California’S e. Sierra
Luther Canyon Trailhead. Toiyabe Trails is published six times each year
Great Basin Group Catherine Schmidt 775-323-6316 according to her fellow workers, Har- by the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club,
Range of Light Group Malcolm Clark 760-924-5639 riet began her career in the early 1970s, P.O. Box 8096, Reno, NV 89507, to help keep
S. Nevada Group Kristine Cunningham 702-285-6832 volunteering for the Washington DC our members well-informed and better able to
Tahoe Area Group Roger Rosenberger 775-588-8101 office of the Sierra Club. She worked
protect the environment—for our families, for
our future.
ISSuES, ouTINGS, & CommITTEES as a congressional assistant and for the Editor – Lynne foster (94 Mountain view
Trust for Public Lands before founding Drive, Swall Meadows, Bishop, CA 93514-9207;
Campaign Coordinator Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 aLC on Earth Day, 1990. 760-387-2634; <lfoster@schat.net>; fax avail-
Chapter Delegate Lois Snedden 775-827-2353 Her family remembers her natural able, call first.
Chapter Delegate Graham Stafford graham@grahamstafford.com Assoc. Editor – Kathy Morey (760-938-2050).
beauty, vibrant energy and enthusiasm.
Conservation Co-Chair Yuki Takagi 702-263-7327 Kathy usually does one issue each year.
Those of us who worked with Harriet re- Deadlines – Contributions are due by the
Conservation Co-Chair Dennis Ghiglieri 776-329-6118
Elections Chair Erik Holland 775-322-3582 member her passion and tireless energy, 1st of the month for publication in the following
her creative approaches to land acquisi- month’s issue: December 1 for January-febru-
Endangered Species Chair Tina Nappe 775-786-1178 ary-March; March 1 for April-May-June; June
Energy Task Force Chair Joe Johnson 775-348-7192 tions, and her breathless phone calls, 1 for July-August-September; September 1 for
Environmental Ed. Chair Jean Dillingham 760-648-7109 asking for help to resolve difficulties, october-November-December.
Fundraising Chair Charlotte Cox 775-322-7567 contact donors and allies, and answer a Submissions – Call or e-mail editor before
deadline for late submissions. Submit news, sto-
Legislative & Mining Co-Chair Lois Snedden 775-827-2353 million questions, all with urgent dead-
ry ideas, photos, and letters-to-the-editor to the
Legislative & Mining Co-Chair Joe Johnson 775-348-7192 lines. Harriet will be missed. editor (contact info above). Please include your
Membership Chair Sharon Marie Wilcox 775-852-5075 name, phone/fax, e-mail address, and group with
Outings Chair Eric Blumensaadt 702-566-9429 all contributions. you may send contributions by
Outreach & Public Rel. Chair Launce Rake 702-451-9363 mIchAEL mccuRRy . . . e-mail or on a PC-compatible disk (Word, text,
or ascii). Please send hard copy by snail mail
Political Co-Chair Taj Ainlay 702-682-9361 continued from page 1
Political Co-Chair Ellen Pillard 775-746-1726 for all submissions on disk. for photo or disk
return, please include a stamped, self-addressed
Political Co-Chair Erik Holland 775-322-3582 said “If I were asked the one defining envelope. The Toiyabe Trails reserves the right
775-324-7383, pjs- quality of this ever-gentle soul, I would to edit all contributions for reasons of space,
Political Compliance Officer Pete Sferrazza ferra@yahoo.com reply his intense, pervasive spirituality. clarity, slander, or libel.
Public Lands Chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 Subscriptions – Toiyabe Trails is free to all
I believe it guided his every moment
Ruby Pipeline Task Force Chair David von Seggern 775-303-8461 Toiyabe Chapter members. Subscription cost for
as it was to him like water to a fish. non-members is $12 per year. To subscribe, send
Sierra Club Council Delegate Jane Feldman 702-648-0699 check for $12, payable to “Toiyabe Chapter,” to
Sierra Club Council Delegate Jean Stoess 775-322-5326 His photographic treatments of cloud
formations expressed the divinity of Toiyabe Trails Subscriptions, Sierra Club, Toi-
Sierra Club Staff, Reno Emily Rhodenbaugh 775-284-8695 yabe Chapter, c/o Treasurer. Contact Treasurer,
Sierra Club W. Reg. Organizer Vinny Spotleson 702-732-7750 nature.” Kris Cunningham (702-285-6832) for address.
Sierra Student Coalition Vinny Spotleson 702-732-7750 Change of address – Postmaster & Members,
Sierra Student Coalition Glenn Miller 775-786-0462 please send address changes to Sierra Club, Change
Sustainable Consumption Chair Phillip Moore 775-224-1877 whAT mE? . . . of Address, P. O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80322-
2968 or <address.changes@sierraclub.org>.
Toiyabe Trails Editor Lynne Foster 760-387-2634 continued from page 1 Membership information – There is a mem-
Toiyabe Trails Ed. Comm. Chair Jean Stoess 775-322-5326 bership coupon in each issue of Toiyabe Trails.
Water Chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 for more information, contact your you can also call the Chapter Membership Chair
Webmaster Dennis Ghiglieri 776-329-6118 group chair or Chapter Nominating (see Chapter Directory, this page) or the Sierra
Wild Lands Chair Marge Sill 775-322-2867 Committee members. Phone numbers Club office in San Francisco (415-977-5663).
Other Sierra Club information – Call the Toiyabe
Wilderness Chair Marge Sill 775-322-2867 are in the directories on pages 2, 4, 8, Chapter Chair or Conservation Chair (see Chapter
Wildlife Co-chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 and 10. Directory, this page) or the Sierra Club Information
Wildlife Co-Chair Tina Nappe 775-786-1178 — thanks to the Bay Chapter’s yodeler Center in San Francisco (415-977-5653). Also, see
newsletter for the “What, me . . .” template group pages for website addresses of groups.

3. toiyabe trails JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 3
Sierra Club California Clair Tappaan Lodge
Lobby Day in Sacramento summer-fall Desert trips 6th Annual Fundraiser
Friday-sunday
sunday-Monday
august 15-16, 2010
by annie PhaM
T he CNRCC Desert Committee’s purpose is to work for protec-
tion, preservation, and conservation of California/Nevada desert.
all Desert Committee activities, unless stated otherwise, are suitable
august 13-15, 2010
LOCATED AT 7000 FEET off Soda
Springs offramp of Highwy 80, Clair
CoME JoIN US in Sacramento for our for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The average car or high clearance Tappaan Lodge provides a respite from
annual Lobby Day! be part of a team vehicle will be adequate for most trips. for a good guide to desert travel we the summer heat. at last year’s fund
that will help Sierra Club California recommend the Sierra Club book, Adventuring in the California Desert, raiser, we had to move the Sunday
pass our priority bills during the most by Lynne foster. breakfast indoors because we were con-
exciting and challenging time of the
year at the State Capitol. you’ll have op-
for questions about, or to sign up for, a particular outing, please cerned the milk would freeze. freeze
contact leader listed in write-up. for questions about Desert Com- in august?
portunities to work with other activists yes, our august fund raiser, scheduled
and our professional lobbying staff, as mittee outings in general, or to receive outings list by e-mail, please this year for august 13-15, offers sunny
well as with legislators and their staff. contact Kate Allen (kjallen@wildblue.com, 661-944-4056). days, exciting and invigorating hikes,
on Sunday afternoon, our advocacy and crisp nights.
team will train you on how to lobby and Hikes! Ernie Malamud, Chair of the
brief you on our priority bills so you can event, will once again offer a multi-
effectively advocate for them. on Mon-
day, you’ll work the halls of the Capitol
sierra Club California/nevada tude of guided hikes on Saturday and
as teams, with meetings scheduled from regional Conservation Committee Sunday. Many hikes will have a theme.
In addition, there will be hikes to an
morning through afternoon. alpine lake for lunch and swimming, a
auGust 21-22 (sat-sun) ghosts of California’s colorful past?
It’s possible to have fun and save our few vigorous hikes, and still others for
environment at the same time! Past BRISTLECONE PINES Come with us to this spooky desert
Come with us to the beautiful White landscape near Death valley. Camp at people who prefer an easier, shorter
participants have found Lobby Day
to be an eye-opening and rewarding Mtns to camp, hike, just relax. on Sat- historic ghost town of Ballarat (flush
experience. Participants should expect urday, hike the Ancient Bristlecone Pine toilets, hot showers). on Saturday, do
to pay some costs, but some travel reim- forest on moderate 5 mi RT interpre- challenging hike to ghost town Look-
bursements will be available, depending tive trail, followed by picnic lunch and out City with expert Hal fowler, who
on location. short optional hike to nearby old mining will regale us with eerie tales of this
cabin. back at camp, enjoy Happy Hour, wild west town. Later, return to camp
What you can do potluck feast, campfire. Sunday, pack for Happy Hour and special holiday
for more information and to register, up and head home. group size strictly potluck feast, followed by midnight
contact Annie Pham (lobbyday@sierra- limited. Info: contact leader, Lygeia visit to ghosts and goblins in ballarat’s
clubcalifornia.org, 916-557-1100, x 107). Gerard (760-868-2179). graveyard. on Sunday, quick visit to the
CNRCC Desert Committee infamous Riley townsite before heading This lake hike is one we do each year.
home. group size strictly limited. Info: It’s a short one that ends with a swim
SAvE ThE DATE! octobeR 30-31 (sat-sun)
contact leader, Lygeia Gerard (760- and a bag lunch.
GHOST TOWN EXTRAVAGANZA
Sierra Nevada Alliance What could be more appropriate this
868-2179).
CNRCC Desert Committee
foray intoTahoe National forest.
17th Annual Conference Halloween weekend than visiting the other Saturday activities will include
lunch at the historic Warming Hut, wa-
august 27 & 28, 2010 tercolor techniques, etc.
lake tahoe community final arrangements are being made
college, s. lake tahoe, ca and speakers, events, and hike leaders
will be announced soon on the Clair
Keeping the Sierra Resilient Tappaan Lodge website. Watch for
Strategies and partnerships for prices and details at <www.ctl.sierra-
helping communities and our club.org>.
Reservations! Consider making a
natural world thrive in this century! reservation and joining the fun and
A GROWING POPuLATION, changing great camaraderie with fellow lodge
climate, and degrading natural resources enthusiasts. Proceeds will benefit the
mean that the Sierra Nevada needs to Lodge and the Sierra Club’s Clair Tap-
be resilient. The Sierra is a foundation paan Lodge Environmental Education
of California’s and Nevada’s prosperity fund.
– supplying clean water, energy, and What you can do. If you can’t join
recreational refuge to millions. We need us in august, but want to contribute to
the Environmental Education fund,
just write a tax deductible check to
“CTL Environmental Education fund”
and mail to Peter Lehmkuhl, General
Manager, Clair Tappaan Lodge, P.O.
Box 36, Norden, 95724.
Island hopping in Channel Islands National park cONFERENcE . . .
continued from L column
july 16-19 • july 30- august 2 • september 9-11 • october 17-19
Carson Pass: A reminder of what the torneys. There will be two tracks, a
Alliance is about.
to keep alive a strong vision of the beauty
and diversity of our region for the future.
E xplore the wild, windswept islands of Channel Island National Park.
Enjoy the frolicking seals and sea lions. Train your binoculars on
unusual sea and land birds. Hike the trails to find blankets of wildflowers
State track and a federal track, with
some overlap.
Saturday will begin with an inspi-
We need to adapt to changes we cannot and plants found in no other place on earth. Kayak or snorkel the pristine rational keynote speaker, Member
predict and adopt smarter policies and waters--- or just relax at sea. group updates, motivating speakers,
programs than in our past. These live-aboard ecotours depart from Santa barbara aboard the 68-foot twin excellent networking, informative
Join us for our two-day conference! diesel Turth. Fee ($785 for July trips; $590 for September and October) includes an workshops, and joyous celebration
We’ll kick off on friday with our Sierra assigned bunk, all meals, snacks, beverages, plus the services of a ranger/naturalist as we explore keeping the Sierra
Legal Services Day. There will be an who will travel with us to lead hikes, call attention to items of interest and present resilient.
excellent legal program focusing on the evening programs. Profits support Sierra Club. Program & registration infor-
needs of activists & conservationists, Reservations. Mail a $100 check (payable to “Sierra Club”) to leader Joan Jones mation. Contact Kay ogden (530-
and also provide MCLE credit for at- Holtz, 11826 The Wye St., El Monte, CA 91732. Contact leader for more information 542-4546, x. 304) or go to <www.
Please see CONFERENCE, R column. (626-443-0706; jholtzhln@aol.com). (Photo: Joan Jones Holtz.) sierranevadaalliance.org>.

4. 4 JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 toiyabe trails
From your summer outings committee
by henninG jensen, Rol suMMeR outinGs chaiR
T his year, after bryce Wheeler stepped down as outings Chair, our sum-
mer outings were planned by a committee of seven members.
Range of Light Group
Group news
letter from the chair
by MalcolM claRk (WMalcolM.claRk@GMail.coM)
NEW ROL GROuP E-MAIL. our new email
is RangeofLight.sc@gmail.com (the “sc” on plans to drill new wells and build two new
is for Sierra Club). The address is NoT case plants that will almost double the output of
sensitive. In case of the chair’s extended ab- Mammoth Pacific Geothermal plant.
sence or a new chair, we can simply change SuMMER OuTINGS. Next highway ROL hikers and friends in O’Harrel Canyon on May 9 2010. The canyon is in the
the email forwarding setting. cleanups: 8am, July 21 and Sept 21. If the White Mountains; Owens Valley and Sierra in background. (Photo: Malcolm Clark.)
GROuP MEETINGS. our July and august Crestview Rest area is still closed, meet on
(3rd Tuesday) meetings will be cook-outs. E- east side of Highway 395 intersection and Our objectives and plans. We consider Independence to bridgeport. We’ve done
mail us or check the web for place and time. Mammoth Scenic loop. Wednesday evening outings, together with conservation, the our best to address interests from hiking to
This March, we enjoyed a presentation and Sunday hikes are now underway as well most important parts of Sierra Club activi- birding, nature walks, kayaking, photogra-
on Devil’s Postpile NM by Supt. Deanna as several special interest hikes (new this ties. It is essential to integrate these two phy tours, day hikes, hikes with car camps,
Dulen, including a letter Deanna recently year) noted elsewhere in the RoL pages. activities so that all outings include ele- overnight hikes, easy to challenging hikes,
discovered in which early Sierra Club lead- CONSERVATION NEWS. With the ap- ments of conservation. “Protect,” together outings with dogs, and outings without
ers urged preservation of Devil’s Postpile. pointment of a new, interim general Man- with “Enjoy” and “Explore”! dogs. We’ll have outings every Wednesday
In april, Jim Nichols of Kern Kaweah ager, the long range solar plans of LADWP However, outings are also a key to the night, Sundays, and many Saturdays (ex-
Chapter told us about his experiences lead- (Los Angeles Dept. of Water & Power) in strength and health of our organization. cept holidays), to accommodate members’
ing an expedition to Nepal (in the 50s) and owens valley are unclear. RoL and other outings encourage members, activate different schedules.
later to Mt. Denali. local groups continue to monitor the situa- leaders, and attract new members. In order We hope this program will result in many
In May, Ron Leiken of ormat updated us Please see CHAIR’S LETTER, page 5. to meet the many needs of our members new faces among the familiar ones on this
and future members, outings planning summer’s outings. However, please let us
must do its best to provide a broad variety know if there is anything we’ve missed, so
On May 1, Rosemary Jarrett was staffing
the Range of Light and Club information of outings. we can continue to improve the program.
booth at the Tri-County Fairgrounds fortunately, the RoL outings Commit- Thanks! finally, a big “Thank you!” to
in Bishop when Smokey dropped by. tee has wide expertise and experience in our leaders for their input and for volun-
(Photo: Stephen Kalish.)
many areas, as well as an adequate number teering. and, of course, also to our com-
of well qualified leaders. (We can always mittee members: Dick baggett, Malcolm
use more leaders, though, so don’t hold Clarke, Jean Dillingham, grethe Jensen,
back!) Mary K. Prentice, and Ron Stormo.
Our summer outings program. We’ve PLEASE SEE
planned an exciting variety of outings
for this summer, geographically cover-
RANGE OF LIGHT GROuP
ing both Mono and Inyo counties, from CALENDAR ON PAGE 5!
You’re Invited!
range of light Group monthly meeting
everyone welcome!
Group Excom meetings ROL ExCom candidates needed! July 20 (tues) august 17 (tues)
WE USUaLLy MEET on the first Tuesday of by MalcolM claRk
outdoor potluck & BBQ 6:30 pm! outdoor potluck & BBQ 6:30 pm!
the month at 3 pm. all Sierra Club members OuR GROuP IS SEEKING CANDIDATES for Hayden Cabin Museum, Mammoth Lakes Forest Service Picnic Area,
are welcome. To confirm date, place, and our ExCom election in November or early
(near old Mammoth Rd/Sherwin Creek Rd) Mosquito Flat, Rock Creek
time, contact the Chair, Malcolm Clark (760- December. The three members whose terms
Please bring your own non-disposable
Please bring your own non-disposable
924-5639, wmalcolm.clark@gmail.com). end this year are Shalle genevieve, Henning
table setting, something to grill for your-
Jensen, and Malcolm Clark. one or all of the table setting, something to grill for your-
NoTE: We may not meet some months. self, and a dish to share.
three may run for reelection. self, and a dish to share.
range of LighT group When possible we like to offer a choice by Join your Sierra Club Friends Join your Sierra Club Friends for the
fielding more than three candidates. Please
send to any member of our nominating com- for a summer get-together. Ar- 2nd summer BBQ at the picnic area at
oFFiceRs
rive early to spend some time Mosquito Flat near road’s end on Rock
Chair Malcolm Clark* 760-924-5639 Please see ROL CANDIDATES, page 5.
Vice Chair Shalle Genevieve* 760-934-9668 wandering through the interest- Creek. Exit Hwy 395 at Tom’s Place.
Secretary Brigitte Berman* 760-924-2140
Conservation Mary K. Prentice* 760-934-0355 ing museum exhibits or to stroll Come early to hike the trails. By 6:30
Treasurer Lyle Gaston 760-387-2634 the BBQs will be ready for your use.
down Mammoth Creek or along
at Large
Chapter Del.
Rosemary Jarrett*
Jean Dillingham
rosemaryjjar-
ett@gmail.com
760-648-7109
rol Group website the bike path. By 6:30 the BBQs Check our website and local media for
Editor Lynne Foster 760-387-2634 <http://nevada.sierraclub. will be ready for your use. details and possible changes.
Hway Cleanup John Walter 760-934-1767
Hospitality Wilma Wheeler 760-934-3764 org/rolgroup/>
LORP Mark Bagley 760-873-5326
Membership Shalle Genevieve*
Winter Outings John Walter
760-934-9668
760-934-1767 & september 21 (tues)
rol Group e-mail
Summer Outgs Henning Jensen* 760-934-7176
Outings Asst. Dick Baggett 760-924-5749
Programs Claus Engelhardt 760-872-4596
Publicity
Webmaster
Rosemary Jarrett* see At Large, above
Jo Bacon jbacon22@verizon.net <RangeofLight.sc@gmail.com> to be announCeD
Webmaster Emeritus Owen Maloy 760-934-9511
* Voting ExCom member

5. toiyabe trails JULY - AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2010 5
range of light Calendar
Friends of the Inyo
SummER 2010 cALENDAR
by stacy coRless, executive diRectoR
WE HAVE PLANNED another full
July thru August July 24 (Saturday) windswept subalpine ridges, cirque ba-
summer of preservation, exploration,
Starkweather Lake from Minaret Over-
“fun & fitness hikes”
sins, extensive white bark pine Kromholtz
look. Wildflower hike from Minaret stands. bring lunch, plenty of water, hat, and stewardship for the Eastern Sierra.
Please join us for a trail work day, a hike
Wednesday Evenings overlook to Starkweather Lake. See large
variety of wildflowers, old mine site while
sunscreen, hiking boots, etc. Meet 8a, ML
Union bank parking lot. Leaders: grethe in the hills or for a weeklong steward-
JoIN US EvERy WEDNESDay EvENINg descending 3.5 mi through old red fir for- & Henning Jensen (760 934 7176). Dogs ship vacation. get details on all these
at 6 pm at ML Union bank parking lot for est. observe result of avalanches on forest. limited. events at <www.friendsoftheinyo.org>,
a hike to get fit, stay fit for summer fun.
Explore local trails, learn about our natural
Ride bus back to Minaret overlook or to auguSt 8 (Sunday) or email stacy@friendsoftheinyo.org
other points of interest along San Joaquin Lakes Basin to Solitude Canyon via Saturday, July 3. Mammoth Summer of
surroundings, geology, wildflowers, trees. River for $7. Bring lunch, plenty of water, Sherwin Red Ridge. Car shuttle. Strenu- Stewardship (SoS) Lakes basin Cleanup.
all hikes are moderate to easy, completed hat, sunscreen, hiking boots, etc. Meet 9a, ous but enjoyable 6 mi trail, x-c up back
by dark. bring water, layered clothes, sturdy Minaret overlook. Leaders: Jean Dilling- Saturday, July 10. Hike to Dry Lakes
of Sherwins for spectacular view of lakes,
shoes. Info: call leader, Dick Baggett (760 ham (760 648 7109), Wilma Wheeler (760 Plateau in the Bodie Hills.
town. Then down Solitude Canyon to end
934 5749). Dogs Limited. 934 3764). No dogs. at Sherwin Lakes trailhead parking. Prepare Saturday, July 17. SoS volunteer Trail
July 25 (Sunday) for off-trail adventure. bring lunch, plenty Day Crystal Lake Trail.
summer outings Dana Plateau. Hike to spectacular Tioga of water, hat, sunscreen, hiking boots, etc.
Saturday, July 31. SoS volunteer Trail
by henninG jensen, Lake Roadless Area, Dana Plateau in Meet 8a, ML Union bank parking lot.
Leaders: Mary K. Prentice (760 934 0355), Day Coldwater Trails.
Rol suMMeR outinGs chaiR ansel adams Wilderness north of Mt.
Dana. group size limited: 15 hikers. See Maurica Anderson (760 932 7175); expert August 1-7. EvoLvE (volunteer wilder-
July 3 (Saturday) spectacular wildflowers, explore giant direction, Wilma & Bryce Wheeler. Dogs ness vacation) Thousand Island Lake.
Birding with Nancy States & Sierra Club. wind-sculptured granite boulders distrib- limited. August 19-22. EvoLvE Steelhead Lake
Nancy States is expert birder from Santa uted over plateau surface, undisturbed by auguSt 15 (Sunday) (Mcgee Creek Canyon).
barbara. walk through many eco systems Crater Meadows from Horse-
of Mammoth Meadows. See different spe- shoe Lake. Moderate hike, 7 Saturday, August 28. SoS volunteer
cies inhabiting aspen/conifer forest, open mi RT to Upper, Lower Crater Trail Day Panorama Dome.
meadow, wetland, Hidden Lake. bring Meadows, Red Cones, from Saturday, September 11. SoS Convict
snacks, binoculars, scopes, bird books, or Horseshoe Lake. See lots of wild- Lake.
just come, enjoy. finish before noon, but flowers in meadows. Bring lunch, Saturday, September 25. National Pub-
you may want to stay with a picnic. Meet plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, lic Lands Day project, owens Headwaters
7:30a , ML union Bank parking lot. Lead- hiking boots, etc. Meet 8a, ML (Glass Creek Meadow Trail); FOI Member
ers: Nancy States, Mary K. Prentice (760 Union bank parking lot. Leaders: & Volunteer Party.
934 0355). No dogs. Henning, Grethe Jensen (760 934
July 4 (Sunday) 7176). Dogs limited. Editor’s Note. SOS = Summer of Stewardship
auguSt 22 (Sunday) EVOLVE = Volunteer Wilderness Vacation.
Holiday. No outing.
July 11 (Sunday) Virginia Canyon. beautiful,
Valentine Lake from Sherwin Lakes mountainous hike. about 6 mi
Trailhead (or shorter option). Hike to RT, 800 ft gain, along virginia eastern sierra land trust
valentine Lake from Sherwin Lakes trail- Lakes to Virginia Pass, overlook coming events
head with Sierra Club, Range of Light to Excelsior. bring lunch, plenty
group. See some of largest Sierra junipers of water, hat, sunscreen, hiking by saRah sPano,
in region, exceeding 8 ft diameter. about 10 boots, etc. Meet 8a, ML Union education cooRdinatoR
mi RT, 1885 ft gain, moderate to strenuous bank parking lot oR 8:45 am,
trail. Short option to Sherwin Lakes, only Lee vining visitor Center oR brown bag lunch series
4 mi RT, gain 860 ft, easy to moderate trail. 9:15 at virginia Lakes trailhead. june 30 & august 4, 2010
bring lunch, plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, Leaders: Janet & Davis Carle
hiking boots, etc. Meet 8a, ML Union bank (760 647 6431) Dogs limited. We are hosting a brown bag Lunch series
parking lot. Leaders: Pat & E.L.Smoogen auguSt 29 (Sunday) on the first Wednesday of every month.
(760 934 0359), Grethe Jensen (760 934 Kearsarge Pass. about 10 mi Talks are from 12-1 pm in the ESLT gar-
7176). Dogs limited. RT, 2600 ft gain from 9200-ft den, at 176 Home Street, Bishop.
July 18 (Sunday) A preview of this summer’s hiking opportunities: trailhead. Trail passes Little and The next two brown bag Lunches
Mammoth Crest with car shuttle. views, ROL hikers and four-legged friends resting along Big Pothole Lake, with Flower will be June 30 (first week of July) and
views, views! Hike from Lake george to Lower Rock Creek on May 16, 2010. (Photo: Lake and Heart Lake in be- August 4. Please visit <www.eslt.org>
top of actual Crest at Mammoth Pass with Malcolm Clark.) tween. Kearsarge Pass view into for the upcoming topics, or call Sarah
grand views, then along entire crest to Sequoia/Kings Canyon is spec- at 760-873-4554.
off-trail descent down steep scree slope to glaciations that occurred in canyons below. tacular! Lunch at pass. bring lunch, plenty
McLeod Lake, Horseshoe Lake. Car shuttle. about 9 mi RT, 1500 ft gain, moderate of water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, hiking
Semi-strenuous trail, 6 mi RT, gain 1650 ft. trail, x-c. bring lunch, plenty of water, hat, boots, raingear, warm clothes, etc. Car pool GPs Workshop
bring lunch, plenty of water, hat, sunscreen, sunscreen, hiking boots, etc. Meet 8a, ML from Mammoth or Independence. Trailhead
hiking boots etc. Meet 8a, ML Union bank Union bank parking lot or 8:45, Lee vining is 15 mi up valley from Independence. Meet saturday, august 21, 2010
parking lot. Leaders: Mary K. Prentice (760 Ranger Station on Hwy 120. Leaders: Jean 8a, ML Union bank parking lot or 9:15 am Join Eastern Sierra Land Trust’s Lands
934 0355), Brigitte Berman (760 924 2140). Dillingham (760 648 7109), John Walter in Independence at Hwy 395/onion valley Program Coordinator for a day explor-
Dogs limited. (760 934 1767) No dogs. Road. Leaders: Monica & Ron Stormo (760
876 5401) Dogs limited. ing the world
auguSt 1 (Sunday) of GPS on Sat-
Duck Pass to Deer Lakes & Lake George. September 5 (Sunday)
urday, august
Car shuttle. Strenuous hike partly off-trail, Labor Day Weekend. No outing.
ROL cANDIDATES . . . 12 mi RT, 2200 ft gain. From Duck Pass September 12 (Sunday)
21. Learn the
continued from page 4 trailhead via Duck Pass, Deer Lakes to Lake Hall Natural Area Reserve. Explore Hall basics of glob-
george with car shuttle back to trailhead. Natural area Reserve in shadow of Mt. al Positioning
mittee your suggestions for someone you
Interesting variety of terrain, including Conness, in a magnificent glacial lakes Satellite (GPS)
think could make a valuable contribution
to our ExCom and who might be willing to basin. about 5 mi RT. bring food, plenty including ba-
serve. Don’t hestitate to suggest yourself of water, hat, sunscreen, hiking boots, etc. sic GPS use,
(self-nomination) if you have time and chAIR’S LETTER . . . Meet 8a, ML Union bank parking lot. Some
of us will camp at Sawmill campground
a cross-coun-
willingness to serve. try geography
continued from page 4
Nominate yourself! We would appreci- the night before. you are welcome to join Volunteer Kim walk, and dis-
ate having self-nominations and suggested tion. Work continues on a small, pilot solar us, but you’ll need to get your own camp Forkner teaching cussion of ap-
names of other possible candidates by project on Owens (dry) Lake. The group site. Leaders: Jean Dillingham (760 648 participant how to use plications and
august 31, though we don’t yet know the drawing up a conservation management plan 7109), Mary K. Prentice (760 934 0355). a GPS device. uses.
for the lakebed is progressing steadily. Dogs limited.
deadline the Chapter will decide on. Please bring your own GPS unit.
What you can do. Please contact any RoL is participating in a renewed push for September 19 (Sunday)
Drinks and snacks will be provided.
member of our nominating committee Bodie area federal protection. Tuolumne Cascades. This is a lovely day trip
with your suggestion/s: Rosemary Jarrett a draft Ea has been released proposing along a fishermen’s trail with white heather, Suggested donation $15. Space lim-
(rosemaryjjarrett@gmail.com), Mary Kay United Airlines flights from the bay area to huckleberries along route. opportunities for ited. To sign up for the workshop and
Prentice (mkp@npgcable.com), and Wilma Mammoth next winter. The Ea raises some swimming along the way. Easy hike, 6 mi RT. for more information, please contact
Wheeler (wilma.bryce@verizon.net). serious environmental questions. Please see ROL CALENDAR, page 12.
sarah@eslt.org or call 760-873-4554.

6. 6 july - august - september 2010 Toiyabe Trails
conservation roundup “So extraordinary is
Nature that the beauty
of lilies falls on angels
and men, bears and
sqirrels, wolves and
sheep, birds and bees ....”
Conservation Briefs Spring meeting report — John Muir
by marge sill
Sierra Club CA/NV
Wilderness Committee
California Desert Protection Act of Many hearings have been held on the
2010. Introduced by Senator Dianne roadless rule since it was first issued participants were asked to express
Feinstein, the Act includes several areas during the Clinton administration. The by viCky hoover, their concerns to the Committee staff
in Inyo County which lie in Toiyabe public has overwhelmingly supported wilderness Committee Chair while the hearing record remains open.
Chapter. This legislation would add two the moratorium on logging and mining THIS GALA THREE-FOLD EVENT
small areas to Death Valley National in roadless areas. with the Sierra Club’s Southern CA
Park and designate three additional ar- Travel Management Project DEIS. Forests Committee and Great Old
eas in the Park as wilderness. It would The Mountain City, Ruby Mountains, Broads for Wilderness in San Diego
also establish 7871 acres of wilderness and Jarbidge Ranger Districts of the County on May 22-23, 2010, was
at Great Falls Basin and add a small Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest
section to the Amargosa Wild & Scenic has released the Draft Environmental
a great success. In addition to the
River designation. Impact Statement (DEIS) for the Com- joint meeting Saturday, the gather-
Support for this legislation is neces- bined Travel Management Project. ing featured a service project in the
sary if the bill is to be passed in this The proposed action would add an Cleveland National Forest, improv-
session of Congress. Please contact additional 1151 miles of unauthorized, ing a trail in the Agua Tibia Wilder-
Ryan Henson (rhenson@calwild.org) user-created routes to the existing 1103- ness, and a fine hike in the proposed
for further information. mile forest transportation system on the Beauty Mountain Wilderness.
Logging & mining moratorium. The three ranger districts. Toiyabe Chapter California Desert Protection Act of 2010.
Obama administration has extended the has requested an extension of time for The groups heard news of Senator Dianne
moratorium on most logging and min- comments so that (1) routes can be stud- Feinstein’s new bill which adds several new
ing on the 58.5 million acres of Forest ied and (2) a better map made showing California desert wilderness areas, expands Beauty Mountain in background, Toiyabe
Service roadless inventory lands for one which routes are user-created, particu- several other areas, and establishes two Chapter member, Lois Snedden, on left.
more year. This will give the Secretary larly in inventoried roadless areas. national monuments. Several wilderness (Photo: Vicky Hoover.)
of Agriculture time to study what should For further information, please contact additions are in Inyo County, within the Nevada wilderness management.
be done in certain situations and also Karen Boeger (kboeger@juno.com) or domain of the Range of Light group. The Draft Management Plan is out for
give the courts time to decide verdicts Marge Sill (msill@juno.com.) Though Sierra Club supports good eight wilderness areas in Clark County.
on the many suits that have been filed. land protection, it has serious concerns Comments are sought until mid-July.
about the bill’s legislative mandate for These eight areas are all or in part in the
five off-road vehicle recreation areas
ruby Pipeline decision and omission from wilderness of high
Lake Mead National Recreation Area;
the National Park Service has prepared
priority areas like Cady Mountains
petitioned at FerC and Conglomerate Mesa. The bill
the plan. The Bureau of Land Manage-
ment is also involved, as three of the
by david von seggern
had just had a hearing in the Senate eight areas are jointly managed.
Energy & Natural Resources Commit-
oiyabe Chapter has filed a “petition for rehearing” of the Federal Energy It’s generally a good plan, but Sierra
T Regulatory Commission (FERC) decision* to accept the Environmental
Impact Statement (EIS) and approve the Ruby Pipeline project. The project
tee only two days earlier, so meeting
Please see page 7, top left column.
Duplication of
assumes that the Record of Decision
would put a 4-inch natural gas pipeline across northern Nevada and in three
(ROD) will be signed at some point by
other states.
The Nevada segment is especially the input of many other individuals,
the BLM.
Events which have strengthened our expenditure in
worrisome because it lies in fairly
pristine high desert land -- one of the
organizations, and even government
agencies. Our stance is that we don’t
case. First, even though the U.S. Fish Nevada predator
management
& Wildlife Service (USF&WS) de-
largest contiguous wildlife and scenic oppose the pipeline per se, only the clined in March to list the sage grouse
areas of the lower 48 states. Our peti- selected route. as threatened or endangered, it did rule by don molde
tion for rehearing includes nine major On June 2 FERC ruled that they need- it a “warranted” species. This means
points in which we argue why the order ed more time to consider our petition for THE NEVADA BOARD
the sage grouse deserved to be listed,
was improper. rehearing. If they ultimately deny it, our of Wildlife Commis-
but was not listed for lack of resources
Basically, FERC not only has ignored only option then is litigation in court to within the agency. sioners has for the first
our comments on this pipeline, but achieve rerouting of the pipeline. This Second, the BLM head office in Wash- time approved contro-
ington, D.C. issued an Instructional versial expenditures of
nearly $500,000 from
BIKE TO WORK WEEK
Memorandum which, in recognizing the
USF&WS non-action, requests more its Heritage Fund to
measures to protect the sage grouse in try enhancing mule
its jurisdictions. Our interpretation of deer numbers by kill-
I brought my this memorandum is that rerouting the ing coyotes and cougars. Represen-
bike to work ! Ruby Pipeline to a corridor of lesser tatives from most county advisory
impact would be a logical implemen- game boards objected to this action,
tation.
Third, the BLM has so far refused to
pointing out the questionable nature
sign the ROD allowing Ruby Pipeline of the premise, the lack of opportu-
nity for their members to consider
© Erik Holland 2010.
to proceed with its project on the BLM
portion of the preferred route. The Ne- the matter in detail, and the tradi-
vada part of the route is mostly through tion of using Heritage Fund monies
BLM land. Many mandated items must for nobler purposes. Requests for a
be finished before the BLM can legally delay of the vote were rejected by
sign the ROD. the commission at its May, 2010
What you can do. Contact David meeting.
von Seggern (vonseg1@sbcglobal.net), A duplication of expenditure?
Ruby Pipeline Task Force, for further This controversial move by the Wild-
information or if you want to help in life Commissioners does not seem to
this very important Chapter issue.
* April 5, 2010 Please see PREDATOR MANAGEMENT, page 11.