DPS Management Committee Ballot and Peak List Survey

In order to help us with our Peak List ballot and help shape the future of the DPS, I sent a survey out to all 11 DPS Management Committee members and to 30 other members including past Chairs of the last 8 years & other active hikers-newcomers & veterans, female & male. A remarkable lack of interest was noted as less than 1/2 (20 out of 41) of the surveys were returned, even those who were supplied with a stamped sase. The questions were: #1) Should the peak list remain fixed with never any changes; #2) Should we remove a few peaks that are a) too far away, b) the Mexican Peaks which can only be led officially with difficulty, C) peaks that might be unworthy (Canyon Point, New York Butte [45 minutes from the car], Panamint Butte, Porter or??), d) peaks the Section can't lead because they require the use of a rope; #3) Should we consider setting any criteria (distance away from L.A., minimum gain, etc.) for our peaks; #4) Do you support adding this year to the DPS list: Providence Pt., Mt. Moriah, Mormon Pk., Needle Eye, Mohave, Saline, Sugarloaf. The conclusions are: Most Section members don't have strong feelings or don't have a strong opinion about the DPS list because one-half didn't even respond. And hardly anyone is against unworthy peaks as only 7% of those polled wanted to clean up the list -Editor

Question #1 KEEP THE LIST UNCHANGED Yes No Undec.     Management Committee 0 5 1     General Members 0 13 0

Comments: The Current list is far too limited. At a minimum we should explore all the ranges in California. Have 200 peaks on the list including more in Mexico, AZ and NV. A static list is my definition stagnant. Fix the list at 100. A few new peaks are nice to look forward to. Take one off for every one you add. All new added peaks should be close enough to be done over a weekend. We have enough distant drives.

Question #2 REMOVE PEAKS   a) Too far away   Management Committee 0 5 1   General Members 1 10 3     b) The Mexican Pks   Management Committee 0 5 0   General Members 1 11 3     c) Remove Unworthy Pks   Management Committee 1 4 0   General Members 5 8 2   Comments: Remove Argus & Maturango because of trespass.     d) Peaks requiring ropes   Management Committee 1 6 0   General Members 1 12 1   Question #3 CONSIDER CRITERIA FOR OUR PEAKS   Management Committee 3 2 1   General Members 2 8 3   Comments: Want freedom to choose new peaks. Like to see more Range highpoints on the list. I enjoy the unstructured atmosphere of the DPS. Let's not create any new committees, rules & regulations.

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