To: Editor, DPS Sage Feb 25, 1990 From: Bill T. Russell I oppose the bylaw amendment that extends the DPS activity year from Oct-May to Sep-Jun. Many DPSers are active in the Sierra in the summer and the turnout for meetings could be light, particularly on the first Wed in Sep. Furthermore, the longer year would call for more time and work by the management committee and make it even harder to recruit people to serve. We have gotten along just fine with the traditional Oct-May year, why change? I support deletion of Navaho from the Peak List. It is 660 miles from LA. farther than any peak but Ruby Dome and twice as far as Las Vegas. Navaho is prominent from an airplane but it is not much as a climbing event. There is a poor 4WD road to the flat summit area where there are microwave repeater antennas sticking up above the aspens and no view at all. Our peak list has a powerful influence on our behavior - in this case to burn a lot of gasoline for a very weak mountaineering experience. I urge retention of Maturango on the Peak List. The climb from the east up Bendire Canyon is very good. The peak, like Argus, is within the boundary of the Naval weapons Center. However there is no government activity in the vicinty and no signs prohibiting entry where the access road crosses the boundary. Maturango is one of the 13 peaks on the original Peak List that was published before 1950.

In Opposition to Peak Deletion

What is the purpose of the Peaks List? Provides a goal Sense of achievement Encourages exploration

Again, two peaks have been placed on the ballot for deletion from the Peaks list. Namely, Maturango, and Navajo. The reasons:

It is in a "restricted" area It Is a drive-up It is a "sacred" mountain or some other reason

Since both peaks are climbable, they should be left on the list. There are other reasons as well, and just as compelling of why they should not be removed. Navajo Mountain is a special mountain in American Indian culture, and the most dominant peak in southeastern Utah. It is located in the middle of the Navajo Nation, and the drive to it by itself, is worth the trip. This is one area where you come in contact with our native americans and their way of Life. Although one can drive up to the summit in a 4WD, there is no reason why one can not hike. Alternately, there is no requirement for anyone to drive it, or hike it if they don't choose to do so. I might add that the view of the Indian Country is magnificent.

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