Being a Conservation Chair is not an easy task. While most of us are for conservation in general, we don't want to go, even a little bit, out of our way unless there is some direct benefit for ourselves (myself included). The Chair's job is to prod the membership into taking some action, and thus bring their wrath upon himself.
The issues that are set forth are not cut and dried. There seem to be as many viewpoints as members. Taking the Desert Bill as an example: some do not like it because it makes access, to some peaks too difficult, some do not like the closure of some 4wd roads, others think that it does not go far enough; so where does this leave the Conservation Chair? (For myself, I think that war would be better, this peace nonsense is jeopardizing my cushy aerospace job.) On most issues I support the Sierra Club point of view, however I believe that each member has a right to express his/her own views without the Club's retribution. The issues for which I am not in favor, or know very little about, I may not report, or may only make a factual comment. If anyone feels that this is not enough, speak up!
At the first meeting of the season, we wrote letters to government officials requesting to bar the Barstow to Las Vegas motorcycle race, and the cyanide mine in Castle Mountains. About 30 letters were written and mailed. My thanks to everyone who wrote. In the future I plan to do some more of this.
ENVIRONMENTAL HOT LINE
Sometimes environmental problems require immediate action, and can not be delayed till a DPS meeting or start of the season. Therefore, I would like to get a few volunteers whom I could call and request their help. They in turn would call some others. As I see it, those people would be asked to write a letter or make a phone call. The volunteers will be also listed in the SAGE so others could contact them. Please call me or drop me a card.
VOLUNTEERS FOR BUREAU OF LAND MANAGEMENT (BLM)
BLM in Barstow would like to get some volunteers to hike and take some photos of future trails in a Wilderness Study Area. This is for the purpose of determining impact on the area. The area is Rodman and Newberry Mountains, just east of Barstow. They would prefer that two people hike together. BLM considers this a high priority.
Call Maris Valkass (213) 379-8592 after 10 pm.
