CONSERVATION UPDATE UPDATE ON THE DESERT BILL The Desert Bill in its new form was introduced in January '93. It's called S-21 in the Senate and HR-518 in the House. Basically, it's very similar to the bill that passed in the House in 1991 (HR-29). The BLM has at this time dropped its original bill and is ready to negotiate on the wilderness boundary. The NRA is also trying to introduce the hunting amendment. Also, on January 20, '93, U.S. District Judge Marilyn Patel in San Francisco extended a temporary restraining order against selling Ward Valley to the State to allow the Clinton Administration a chance to examine the environmental issues involved. Secretary Babbitt is at this writing undecided and may let it go to court on the Endangered Species Act (Desert Tortoise). Your comments and letters would be greatly appreciated. On either of the above items send comments and letters to:

Sen Diane Feinstein 331 Hart. Senate Office Bldg Washington, D.C., 20510 Sen Barbara Boxer 307 Cannon Bldg Washington, D.C., 20515 Bruce Babbitt, Sec. of the Interior "C" Street Washington D.C., 20240

Pat Acheson Conservation Chair

Nine years ago, I did my 1st hike with the Sierra Club, eventually taking LTC. After completing my provisional lead in LTC, more than a year passed before any leader had the courage to ask me to assist on a trip-finally, Gene Olsen asked me to assist his on one of the very first trips listed by the BRE. My memories of Gene have always been so vivid, because he was always so such fun & had such a wonderful sense of humor. Trips led by Gene were to se, adventures & always memorable, as if we were pioneers driving an old dirt road in the Panamints for the very 1st time. On one trip, he had a friend air-drop the Sunday Times to us from an airplane. Another trip, we sat in his van drinking tequila, high atop a desert ridge above the Imperial Valley. And almost always, Edna was there, too, with Gene. That's how I remember it anyway. Gene's own love & enjoyment of the people who came along on his trips & his love of the beautiful wild places, probably encouraged sore people to become involved with the Angeles Chapter. I'm sorry it was so hard for his these past few years, but he can rest assured that we won't ever forget him & what he gave to us will continue on in our hearts for years to come. Good-bye Gene,

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