Sepulveda, California 91343
December 26, 1983
Editor, Desert Sage
P.O. Box 1911
Newport Beach, California 92663
Dear Barbara:
I just wanted to make a few comments about the proposed change of emblem status from Kofa to Baboquivari and the list in general.
First, I agree with your reasons for not wanting to change the status of Kofa. The climb via Palm Canyon is one of the best Arizona desert climbing and ecological experiences to be offered, and I think most DPS members elect to experience it.
But this brings to light what I feel is a bigger issue. Why do we chose to climb in the desert and what is the function of the DPS list? Not just anyone chooses to climb in the desert let alone visit it! With the DPS list there is more than peakbagging occurring. True, for many the DPS list offers another goal to be conquered, but then there exist the HPS and SPS lists which provide in many cases closer alternatives.
It's a fact that many of us chose to climb the DPS peaks because we like the desert and we like to explore it. The list provides that vehicle. And I think that we should consider this when we consider list changes and additions.
Our goal is not exclusively peakbagging. if that was true we would have 200+ on the list, in making future additions we should not be arguing about the merits of questionable peaks like Saline or Virgin which are in areas where there already list peaks. The desert isn't exclusively confined to the Mojave (we already have too many peaks there (see enclosed slide)). What about the Henry Mountains in Utah, or the Steens Mountain area in Oregon? Nevada has numerous basin and range peaks.
Many of you probably don't agree with me. That's fine. But what we should do then is try to reach some type of official concensus before we offer any other list revisions. If this doesn't occur then the present directionless list shuffling and arguments over these "brushfires" will continue to occur.
Mike Scuderi
cc: Chuck Stein, Mtrng Comm.