Andy Smatko has the following comments regarding peak additions. "Firstly, before a peak is considered, is it truly a desert peak? By definition (and whose?), what is a desert peak or a desert range? The definition of a desert is pretty clear cut, but to my knowledge a desert range has not been so clarified. Factors such as altitude, latitude, precipitation, year round streams, lakes and so forth must be taken into account. The presence of permanent snowfields, glaciers or evidence of glaciation are additional factors to consider. I vaguely recall that the Ruby Mountains, beautiful as they are, hardly qualify as a desert range. Permanent snowfields, rushing streams, and many lakes and alpine scenery make it difficult to conjure a desert setting. If Ruby Dome is selected as a "desert peak" then all the peaks in the Sierra Nevada qualify, because the Great Central Valley is largely desert on the west and the Owens Valley is desert on the east, so the Sierra occupies a desert. For these reasons, the DPS should take a stand in precisely if possible - defining a desert peak. Secondly, the matter of distance merits some consideration. A large area of the western United States and nearly all of the country of Mexico qualifies as desert. Should worthy peaks in this vast area be legitimate claimants for DPS status? Guadalupe Peak in Texas (the highest point in Texas) is most assuredly a desert peak. Should it be placed on the list? What about the beauties in Big Bend National Park? And the thousands in New Mexico? The line has to be drawn somewhere, and it is high time to resolve these two most important questions. As striking a peak as is Mount Humphreys in Arizona, I do not think it qualifies as a desert peak. The lush forests all around it, and the ski area on its slopes make it almost laughable to include it as a desert peak. I am sure these observations and comments will stir up a little controversy, both pro and con - good - that is the intent of this missal." Andy is right that this is a tricky business. For example if we rule out year round streams and/or lakes all of the following peaks would go: Boundary, Montgomery, Dubois, Wneeler, Arc Dome, Jefferson, and even Big Picacho (not to mention the new peaks). If lush forests and ski slopes are the criteria the following would all bite it: Hayford, Charleston, Navajo, and Humphreys. And distance would cut out Baboquivari, Superstition, and Weaver's Needle and possibly Cerro Pinacate, Ajo, and Kino as well as many of the others already mentioned. Have you noticed that two of our emblem peaks and many of our finest peaks in both beauty and climbing are included in these lists? If there weren't a Sierra Peaks Section it is very likely that many of their peaks would be on our list. The purpose of the DPS is: To explore the desert ranges of California and the SOUTHWEST (caps are mine), and to stimulate the interest of the Sierra Club membership in climbing these ranges;... Obviously a peak must have a certain beauty or other qualities to be a reasonable addition to the list. Certainly no one would drive to eastern Arizona to climb Marble or Orocopia. To me, one of the most important things about a peak is to get me into an area so that I might discover what beauties there might be. And if the time and inclination is there, I see no reason why we shouldn't explore (and enjoy) all of the Southwest. Now if we can only talk Andy into leading Guadalupe... Any comments?

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