1. trails
toiyabe OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010
ELEC
TION
Issu
e
environmental news of nevada and the eastern sierra from the toiyabe chapter of the sierra club
From the Chair In Memoriam
Get out YOUR vote! Billie Jean James
by DAVID hORNbECk 1942 - 2010
O ne feature of the Sierra Club
which has always impressed me
is how truly democratic (small “d”)
Philanthropist of the Arts
& Conservation Activist
our Club is. Every member of the
Club can vote in the election of the F riends and family are sad to
report the passing of Billie Jean
James due to a tragic accident in her
national Board of Directors – and you
and every one of our more than 5000 home near Las Vegas, NV.
Toiyabe Chapter members can vote Billie Jean
to elect the members of your Chapter James was born
in Laramie, Wy-
and Group Executive Committees. oming on De-
For the second year, the annual election
cember 2, 1942.
ballots will be mailed in November to
Billie Jean has
every member of the Chapter. Mailing
numerous friends
the ballots for the first time last year
relatives and ex-
resulted in a new high of returned bal-
This August, Range of Light Group traveled to Bridgeport Reservoir for a tended family
lots: 11.7% (587 ballots). This was about
kayak/canoe outing. We paddled, bird watched, and explored for several members that live in Nevada, Utah, Il-
a 3.5-fold increase over the previous
hours. As this picture shows, the American pond weed was in full bloom and linois, California, Wyoming, and New
year’s election (when the ballot was in
quite stunningly dressed the water surface in bright pink. It was a great trip Mexico. They indicated that “Billie Jean
the Toiyabe Trails). This increased re-
loved life and did not waste time with
turn justifies the added cost of mailing. and one that will probably be repeated next year. Photo: Shalle Genevieve.
talk. She actually went out and partici-
The Chapter Election Committee is
pated in the activities that she loved.”
RUBY PIPELINE EMBATTLED
ably chaired this year by Chapter Vice-
A graduate of the University of Wyo-
Chair, Jean Stoess. See her article on the
ming and UNLV with an MA in English,
election schedule on this page. Then, in
November, you can participate in your ON SEVERAL FRONTS she was a professor at UNLV and at the
College of Southern Nevada. She was
Club’s democratic process by carefully by DAVID VON SEGGERN an accomplished poet and was Nevada
considering and voting for your fellow
Council of the Arts poet in residence
members who have stepped up to vol-
unteer their time and expertise on your
Chapter and Group ExComs.
What you can do. Your Toiyabe Chap-
T he Record of Decision (ROD) for the Ruby Pipeline was signed on
July 12 by BLM. This decision gave approval to Ruby Pipeline,
LLC, to build its natural gas pipeline on federal lands in the states of
during the 1970s. Billie Jean was also
a supporter of the Contemporary Dance
Theatre, the CSN Dance program, and a
number of other arts organizations.
ter of the Sierra Club faces many chal- Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, and Oregon, along the route approved in
Billie Jean loved the earth. A conser-
lenges and opportunities in its mission the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS). vationist and a naturalist, she planted
to explore, enjoy and protect the wild This decision included several condi- posed to the Nevada part of the route her own nature garden in front of her
places in Nevada, Eastern California, tions which must be met before Ruby can chosen in the FEIS due to its environ- home. She could identify wildflowers,
and Lake Tahoe. You can enjoy the fun commence construction on federal lands. mental and cultural impacts, which were birds, and animals just as easily as if she
and excitement of advancing that mis- These conditions are not expected to be inadequately analyzed in the EIS. had a Ph.D. in those areas. She was an
sion of your Club by becoming involved met fully for weeks or perhaps months. The legal and political climate around activist for environmental causes and
Please see FROM THE CHAIR, page 2. Meanwhile, Ruby has sought and gained the Ruby pipeline project is complex and was often seen carrying a sign or wear-
Federal Energy Regulatory commission changing rapidly, and while this article ing a t-shirt in support of an issue. She
(FERC) approval to commence construc- goes to press there will undoubtedly be was a member of several hiking clubs as
tion on non-federal lands. new developments changing that climate Please see IN MEMORIAM, page 2.
Sierra Club, Toiyabe Chapter, P.O. Box 8096, Reno, NV 89507
Non-Profit Org.
Permit No. 356
Reno, Nevada
Toiyabe Chapter remains firmly op-
U.S. Postage
Please see RUBY PIPELINE, page 2.
PAID
~ DEADLINES ~ in this issue
Club Local Outing Policies . . . . . 3
2010 Toiyabe Chapter & Group Elections Sierra Club CA Fall Desert Trips . . 3
by JEAN StOESS, ExCOm VICE-ChAIR & ElECtION COmmIttEE ChAIR E. Sierra Land Trust News . . . . . . 3
(775-322-5326, JStOESS@AOl.COm) Range of Light Group . . . . . . 4-5
Ruby Pipeline Embattled . . . . . . 6
F or 2010, the Chapter ExCom has set the following dates and
deadlines for both Chapter and Group ExCom elections:
September 29. Deadline for receipt nomination should contact their respec-
Snake Valley Festival . . . . . . . . . . 6
Washoe County Sprawl . . . . . . . 7
by Chapter or Group Nominating Com- tive Group Chair (listed elsewhere in History Made at Walker Lake . . . 7
mittee of names for consideration as Group directories in this edition of the “Quiet Quadrant” Campaign . . . 7
candidates for the Chapter or respective Trails). BLM & Wild Horse Population . . . 7
Group ExCom. Each Nominating Com- October 1. Each Nominating Commit- Chapter Staff Updates . . . . . . . . . . 8
mittee will contact possible candidates, tee reports its slate of willing nominees Great Basin Group . . . . . . . . . 8-9
but any member can submit name(s) to the Chapter or Group ExCom and Hikers’ Etiquette: Trail Rules . . . 10
of any member, including his or her notifies any self-nominee if he or she has S. Nevada Group . . . . . . . . . 10-11
own, for consideration by the Chapter not been selected as a candidate. Black Rock Desert . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
or Group Nominating Committee. October 15. Deadline for receipt at CA State Parks in Danger . . . . .12
Members interested in a Group ExCom Please see ELECTION DEADLINES, page 2.

2. 2 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2010 toiyabe trails
ELEctIoN dEadLINEs . . . In Memoriam
continued from page 1
Chapter Post Office Box of any issue winners notified. The exact date, time, continued from page 1
petition or any petition by a Chapter and place of ballot counting to be de-
member seeking to be placed on the termined by the Chapter ExCom at its well as the Sierra Club. She was also a
ballot for Chapter ExCom. To qualify October meeting. peace activist.
for candidacy by petition, petitions A religious liberal, she took time out to
must be signed by 1.5% (currently 77) renew her soul and spirit. She attended
of Chapter members on the eligible- fRom thE chaIR . . . the Green Valley Methodist Church
voter list. continued from page 1 and regularly met with several Jungian
November 2. Election Committee organizations.
orders production of a list of eligible in the many activities of your local Billie Jean will be very much missed by
voters for the elections. Group or Chapter committees. her family, friends, and acquaintances.
November 9. Ballots and candidates’ And, finally: this fall, don’t forget
— by Norma J. Price
statements mailed to Toiyabe Chapter to VOTE in the Chapter and Group
members on the list of eligible voters. ExCom election, as well as in your
No later than December 10. Bal- state election!
lots must be received by the Toiyabe
RUBY PIPELINE . . .
Chapter Election Committee. Ballots continued from page 1
received after that date will not be significantly. [In July, Ruby signed
counted. agreements with Oregon Natural Des-
December 11 or 12. Ballots counted, ert Association (ONDA) and Western
Watersheds Project (WWP) to provide
Toiyabe ChapTer DireCTory funding for mitigation and restoration
projects desired by these groups, and
the total funding could exceed $20
ChAptER ExECUtIvE COmmIttEE OffICERS
million. These groups subsequently, as
Chair Dave Hornbeck 775-323-6655 part of the deal, withdrew their petitions
DavidHornbeckLaw@msn.com for rehearing FERC’s order to go ahead
Vice-Chair Jean Stoess 775-322-5326, jstoess@aol.com with the project.
Secretary Jane Feldman 702-648-0699 Remember that the Toiyabe Chapter,
Treasurer Kristine Cunningham 702-285-6832 which also filed a petition for rehear-
At Large Eric Blumensaadt 702-566-9429 ing, is still awaiting FERC’s decision
At Large Ann Brauer 702-879-3376 on the merit of our petition, fully three
At Large Malcolm Clark 760-924-5639 months after filing it. In early August,
At Large Charlotte Cox 775-322-7567 the Center for Biological Diversity toiyabe trails
At Large Erik Holland 775-322-3582 (CBD) also filed a petition on the basis
At Large Glenn Miller 775-786-0462 of new information that has come out Serving nevada
GROUp ChAIRS (DELEGAtES tO thE ChAptER ExECUtIvE COmmIttEE) since the FERC order to proceed. CBD & California’S e. Sierra
also filed a suit appealing the ROD in Toiyabe Trails is published four times each
Great Basin Group Catherine Schmidt 775-323-6316 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.] Si- year by the Toiyabe Chapter of the Sierra Club,
Range of Light Group Malcolm Clark 760-924-5639 erra Club, among others, is weighing P.O. Box 8096, Reno, NV 89507, to help keep
S. Nevada Group Kristine Cunningham 702-285-6832 our members well-informed and better able to
its legal strategy at this time. A first
Tahoe Area Group Roger Rosenberger 775-588-8101 protect the environment—for our families, for
foray was the filing of an IBLA (Interior our future.
ISSUES, OUtINGS, & COmmIttEES Board of Land Appeals) appeal of the Editor – Lynne Foster (94 Mountain View
Campaign Coordinator Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 ROD by the Toiyabe Chapter. Drive, Swall Meadows, Bishop, CA 93514-9207;
760-387-2634; <lfoster@schat.net>; fax avail-
Chapter Delegate Lois Snedden 775-827-2353 Meanwhile, Toiyabe Chapter is issuing able, call first.
Chapter Delegate Graham Stafford graham@grahamstafford.com press releases, planning media events, Assoc. Editor – Kathy Morey (760-938-2050).
Conservation Co-Chair Yuki Takagi 702-263-7327 and closely communicating with our Kathy usually does one issue each year.
Conservation Co-Chair Dennis Ghiglieri 776-329-6118 partners in opposing the Ruby pipeline Deadlines – Contributions are due by the
Elections Chair Erik Holland 775-322-3582 route. Interestingly, the Oregon natural 1st of the month for publication in the following
Endangered Species Chair Tina Nappe 775-786-1178 Desert Assoc. (ONDA) and Western
month’s issue: December 1 for January-Febru-
ary-March; March 1 for April-May-June; June
Energy Task Force Chair Joe Johnson 775-348-7192 Watersheds Project (WWP) agreements 1 for July-August-September; September 1 for
Environmental Ed. Chair Jean Dillingham 760-648-7109 have evoked the ire of ranching advo- October-November-December.
Fundraising Chair Charlotte Cox 775-322-7567 cates who fear that grazing permits are Submissions – Call or e-mail editor before
Great Basin Peak Section Sharon Marie Wilcox 775-852-5075 under attack.
deadline for late submissions. Submit news, sto-
Legislative & Mining Co-Chair Lois Snedden 775-827-2353 The media across Nevada and the
ry ideas, photos, and letters-to-the-editor to the
Legislative & Mining Co-Chair Joe Johnson 775-348-7192 editor (contact info above). Please include your
U.S. have picked up the developments, name, phone/fax, e-mail address, and group with
Membership Chair Sharon Marie Wilcox 775-852-5075 all contributions. You may send contributions by
Outings Chair Eric Blumensaadt 702-566-9429 and there is a lot of internet chatter on
e-mail or on a PC-compatible disk (Word, text,
Outreach & Public Rel. Chair Launce Rake 702-451-9363 this issue. We expect this huge project, or ascii). Please send hard copy by snail mail
Political Co-Chair Taj Ainlay 702-682-9361 which FERC and Ruby Pipeline, LLC, for all submissions on disk. For photo or disk
Political Co-Chair Ellen Pillard 775-746-1726 had wished to quietly and rapidly push return, please include a stamped, self-addressed
Political Co-Chair Erik Holland 775-322-3582 through, will become an open and con- envelope. The Toiyabe Trails reserves the right
to edit all contributions for reasons of space,
775-324-7383, pjs- tentious issue and that the concerns of
clarity, slander, or libel.
Political Compliance Officer Pete Sferrazza ferra@yahoo.com the Sierra Club and our partners can still Subscriptions – Toiyabe Trails is free to all
Public Lands Chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 be addressed. Toiyabe Chapter members. Subscription cost for
Ruby Pipeline Task Force Chair David von Seggern 775-303-8461 What you can do. Contact David non-members is $12 per year. To subscribe, send
Sierra Club Council Delegate Jane Feldman 702-648-0699 von Seggern (vonseg1@sbcglobal.net), check for $12, payable to “Toiyabe Chapter,” to
Sierra Club Council Delegate Jean Stoess 775-322-5326 Ruby Pipeline Task Force, for further Toiyabe Trails Subscriptions, Sierra Club, Toi-
yabe Chapter, c/o Treasurer. Contact Treasurer,
Sierra Club Staff, Reno Emily Rhodenbaugh 775-284-8695 information or if you want to help in Kris Cunningham (702-285-6832) for address.
Sierra Club W. Reg. Organizer Vinny Spotleson 702-732-7750 this very important Chapter issue. Change of address – Postmaster & Members,
Sierra Student Coalition Vinny Spotleson 702-732-7750 please send address changes to Sierra Club, Change
Sierra Student Coalition Glenn Miller 775-786-0462 of Address, P. O. Box 52968, Boulder, CO 80322-
Sustainable Consumption Chair Phillip Moore 775-224-1877
Deadline!
2968 or <address.changes@sierraclub.org>.
Toiyabe Trails Editor Lynne Foster 760-387-2634 Membership information – There is a mem-
bership coupon in each issue of Toiyabe Trails.
Toiyabe Trails Ed. Comm. Chair Jean Stoess 775-322-5326 You can also call the Chapter Membership Chair
Water Chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118
Webmaster
Wild Lands Chair
Dennis Ghiglieri
Marge Sill
776-329-6118
775-322-2867
december 1 (see Chapter Directory, this page) or the Sierra
Club office in San Francisco (415-977-5663).
Other Sierra Club information – Call the Toiyabe
Wilderness Chair Marge Sill 775-322-2867 Chapter Chair or Conservation Chair (see Chapter
Wildlife Co-chair Rose Strickland 775-329-6118 for jan-feb-mar issue Directory, this page) or the Sierra Club Information
Center in San Francisco (415-977-5653). Also, see
Wildlife Co-Chair Tina Nappe 775-786-1178 group pages for website addresses of groups.

3. toiyabe trails OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 3
NOVEmbER 20-21 (SAt-SUN)
Fall Desert Trips CARRIZO PLAINS SERVICE &
ExPLORATION (CAR CAMP) ESLT News
See October 23-24 for details.
T he CNRCC Desert Committee’s purpose is to work for protec-
Conservation
CNRCC Desert Committee
tion, preservation, and conservation of California/Nevada desert. DECEmbER 4-5 (SAt-SUN)
All Desert Committee activities, unless stated otherwise, are suitable CARRIZO PLAINS FENCE REMOVAL Real Estate
for anyone who enjoys the outdoors. The average car or high clearance
vehicle will be adequate for most trips. For a good guide to desert travel we
Removing barbed wire fences on Carrizo
Plain Nat’l Monument opens it up for Program
recommend the Sierra Club book, Adventuring in the California Desert, pronghorn antelope and other wildlife. Here by SARAh SPANO, EDUCAtION
is another chance to destroy fences! Meet COORDINAtOR, AmERICORPS mEmbER,
by Lynne Foster. 9a Saturday, Goodwin Visitor Center or EAStERN SIERRA lAND tRUSt
For questions about, or to sign up for, a particular outing, please Friday night, Selby campground. Potluck
contact leader listed in write-up. For questions about Desert Com-
mittee outings in general, or to receive outings list by e-mail, please
dinner, campfire, on Saturday. Bring fence
tools if you can, heavy leather work gloves,
long pants, long-sleeved shirts, clothing ap-
E astern Sierra Land Trust has
begun an exciting collaboration
with local real estate professionals
contact Kate Allen (kjallen@wildblue.com, 661-944-4056). propriate for weather. Bring everything you and conservation-oriented buyers.
need, including water. There are no stores Known as the Eastern Sierra Con-
in Carrizo. Resource specialists: Alice &
Bob Koch. To sign up, contact leaders: Cal
servation Real Estate Program, this
initiative aims to connect real estate
Sierra Club California/Nevada
& Letty French (lettyfrench@gmail.com,
805-239-7338). buyers who are interested in land
Regional Conservation Committee CNRCC Desert Com/Santa Lucia Chapter preservation in Eastern California
and Nevada with properties that
SEPtEmbER 24-26 (FRI-SUN) OCtObER 23-24 (SAt-SUN) DECEmbER 28, 2010 -
contain beautiful and important
SERVICE & HIKING CARRIZO PLAINS SERVICE & JANUARy 2, 2011 (tUE-SUN)
conservation values. Properties are
IN CARRIZO PLAINS ExPLORATION (CAR CAMP) HOLIDAY SERVICE
IN CARRIZO PLAIN
listed online at <www.eastsidelands.
Opportunity to visit and help an outstanding Pronghorn antelope don’t jump fences com/> with links to both the real es-
and relatively unknown national monument. to escape predators but attempt to Celebrate end of one year and beginning of
crawl under. Saturday, either remove next in one of our new national monuments. tate agent representing the property
Friday, optional scenic hike high in Caliente
or modify several sections of fence to Carrizo Plain, W of Bakersfield, is a vast and Eastern Sierra Land Trust.
Mountains. Others may join us for National When a match is made between an
give pronghorns more mobility. Sunday, grassland, home to pronghorn antelope,
Public Lands Day on Saturday, when we’ll tule elk, kit fox, and wide variety of birds. interested buyer and a suitable property,
either hike in Caliente Range or tour
work with other volunteers restoring a popular viewing areas. Leader: Craig Welcome hike on Tuesday, December 28; Eastern Sierra Land Trust works with
historic homestead in center of Plain. Sun- Deutsche (craig.deutsche@gmail.com, 3.5 days of service modifying barbed wire the landowner to develop a conservation
day, tour several historic, prehistoric, geo- 310-477-6670). fencing; full day for hiking and explor- easement designed to permanently pre-
logic sites. Leader: Craig Deutsche (craig. CNRCC Desert Committee ing. Use of accommodations at Goodwin serve the specific resources of the site.
deutsche@gmail.com, 310-477-6670). Ranch included. Limited to 14; $30 covers
This arrangement ensures that the land
CNRCC Desert Committee
OCtObER 30-31 (SAt-SUN) five dinners. Info: contact leader, Craig
GHOST TOWN ExTRAVAGANZA Deutsche (craig.deutsche@gmail.com, will be preserved for future generations
OCtObER 1-3 (FRI-SUN) 310-477-6670) or co-leader, leader Melinda and potentially provides the buyer with
What could be more appropriate this
DEATH VALLEY NAT’L PARK Goodwater (mgoodwater@sbcglobal.net, significant federal tax benefits from the
Halloween weekend than to visit
SERVICE TRIP 408-774-1257). donation of the conservation easement.
some ghosts of California’s colorful
Wilderness restoration work party in Eastern Sierra Land Trust does not
past? Come with us to this spooky
Butte Valley, a beautiful and remote area
of park in S Panamint Range. Meet Fri-
desert landscape near Death Val- Sierra Club Local seek a commission from these real
estate transactions, but has developed
day afternoon, drive to work site. High
ley. Camp at historic ghost town of
Ballarat (flush toilets, hot showers).
Outings policies this program as a way to further its
clearance vehicle required. May start AS A HIKE LEADER OR HIKER, you’ve conservation mission and assist private
Saturday, a challenging hike to the
work on Friday if time permits. Saturday, probably occasionally wondered what the landowners in our region.
ghost town of Lookout City with
workday followed by a potluck supper. expert Hal Fowler. Hal will regale us Club’s policies are on various subjects
Sunday, work half-day; project and lo- with eerie tales of this wild west town. – say, pets, complaints, fundraising on out-
cation may change. Bring work gloves, Later, return to camp for Happy Hour ings, transportation, contact info, etc., etc.
camping equipment, food and water for and special holiday potluck feast, Well, wonder no more. Go to <http://club-
weekend. Leader: Kate Allen (kj.allen@ followed by midnight visit to ghosts house.sierraclub.org/outings/GCO/policy.
wildblue.net, 661-944-4056). and goblins in Ballarat’s graveyard. asp> for information on the Club’s policies
CNRCC Desert Committee and procedures for local outings.
Sunday, a quick visit to infamous
OCtObER 9-13 (SAt-WED) Riley townsite before heading home. Please note that “Local Outings” refers
DEATH VALLEY DIGITAL Group size strictly limited. Info: to all outings sponsored by local entities
PHOTOGRAPHY CAR CAMP contact leader, Lygeia Gerard (760- (chapters, groups & sections), with the
See page 9 for details. 868-2179). exception of Inner City Outings. View over historic Swall family orchard
CNRCC Wilderness Committee CNRCC Desert Committee – Sierra Club Local Outings and homestead in Swall Meadows,
Support Committee north of Bishop, California.
mono Basin traditions
completion of the study, the Mono Lake
Committee organization was conceived
preserved around the embers of a campfire on this
property.
by SERENA DENNIS, ESlt The DeChambeau Creek Conservation
In late spring, Mono County landowner Jan Simis Easement, named after DeChambeau
permanently preserved 135 acres for future genera- Creek, which runs through the property,
tions. Her land, which sits at the very western edge is within the boundaries of Mono Basin
of the Mono Basin, has now been preserved with National Forest Scenic Area, and is sur-
a conservation easement, a voluntary binding land rounded by public lands. More than 150
protection agreement between the landowner and species of birds have been identified on
Eastern Sierra Land Trust (ESLT). the property, as well as mule deer, black
Simis’ property has a rich history, with evidence of human bear, mountain lion, coyotes, bobcats,
use spanning hundreds of years. It contains portions of the skunk, gray fox, and long-tailed weasel.
original Silvester and DeChambeau homesteads from the late Animals use the property and the associ-
1800s, one of which has been maintained and restored. Agri- ated waterway as habitat and a corridor
culture also continues,with a small-scale farm and garden. between adjacent public lands and the
Interestingly, the property was used as a base camp lake basin below.
for the Mono Basin Research Group, while they To learn more about this newly preserved
Along DeChambeau Creek, which drains into Mono Lake, 135 acres were perma- were conducting the original Ecological Study of property, please visit ESLT’s website at
nently preserved with a donated conservation easement by landowner Jan Simis. Mono Lake in 1976. Local lore has it that following <www.eslt.org> or call 760-873-4554.

4. 4 OCTOBER - NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2010 toiyabe trails
Range of Light
Calendar
ALL ouTings inCLuDe ConservATion eDuCATion ACTiviTies!
all phone numbers are 760 unless otherwise noted.
CST 2087766-40. Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.
Fall - Winter Outings News
Range of Light Group Summer outings. These conclude September 26. Because this
issue is coming out early, the last three September outings are
Group News included below. Also included on page 5 are several good photos
of recent Group outings.
Fall outings. Several Sierra Club Desert Committee Fall outings
letter from the Chair are in or near the ROL area. See page 3 of this issue for details.
by mAlCOlm ClARk (WmAlCOlm.ClARk@GmAIl.COm)
Winter outings. Snow outings begin in January and will be
ExCom Meetings. We have switched to a quarterly meeting schedule: 2 pm announced in the Jan-Feb-Mar 2011 issue of the Trails.
on the first Tuesday of January, April, July, and October. The next meeting September 19 (Sunday) ft gain in first 5 mi. Option for alter-
is on October 5. Your ExCom held a very productive planning retreat in Tuolumne Cascades. Lovely day nate 8-mi day hike to Third Lake and
June. (See page 5 for article.) trip along fishermen’s trail with back. South of this lake basin are im-
Program Meetings. In June, member project. The Owens dry lake bed master white heather and huckleber- posing Temple Craig, Mt. Sill, North
Sue Barak, updated us on her research planning process group (Mark Bagley is ries along route. Opportunities for Palisade (the latter two both 14,000-ft
into flow patterns and water chemistry at our representative) intends to produce a swimming. Easy hike, 6 mi RT. peaks). North Palisade Glacier S of
Big Springs (Owens River Headwaters). plan by the end of 2010. Bring lunch, plenty of water, hat, Third Lake is nearly 2 mi long and
Our summer cookouts for July and August • We continue to participate with other sunscreen, hiking boots, etc. Meet several hundred feet thick. Parking
were held at Hayden Cabin in Mammoth groups monitoring Los Angeles DWP
8a, ML Union Bank parking lot or limited at road’s end, which is about
and at Rock Creek Lake. On September solar plans for Owens Valley (they now
21, club members and former California speak of renewable energy plans). 8:45, Lee Vining Ranger Station on 10 mi up the canyon. Meet Saturday,
state park rangers Janet and David Carle • To the south of the ROLG area, Club Hwy 120. Leaders: Jean Dillingham 8a, ML Union Bank parking lot for
will update us on their project of circling activists are alarmed at the approval (760 648 7109), John Walter (760 drive. Owens Valley hikers meet in
the globe at the 38th parallel. of the Ivanpah Solar Project, despite 934 1767) No dogs. Big Pine by 9a, Hwy 395/Crocker
Outings. Last highway cleanup: 8 non-mitigable environmental conse- September 22 (WedneSday) Ave.(Glacier Lodge Road). Begin
am, Sept 22 (see details in Outings, quences. Watch for propositions on the Highway Cleanup. This is the final hike around 10a. Day hikers and
this page). Wednesday evening summer November ballot with environmental cleanup of the year. If Crestview campers need raingear, hiking boots,
hikes ended on August 25 (many thanks impacts (e.g., Prop. 23). For details, see Rest Area is still closed, meet at 8a warm clothes. Also needed are food,
to leader Dick Baggett). Sunday outings <www.sierraclubcalifornia.org>.
on E side of intersection of Hwy sunglasses, sunscreen, water purifiers
will end on September 26 (see Outings Please see GROUP NEWS, page 5.
(or plenty of water for day hikers).
for details of last few). Thanks to Sum- 395 and Mammoth Scenic Loop. We
usually finish in 2-3 hours. Bring camera if you wish. Those with
Holiday Party
mer Outings Chair Henning Jensen for
expanded outings in the more northern September 25-26 fishing gear are welcome. Leaders:
and southern portions of our area. New (Saturday-Sunday) Monica & Ron Stormo (760 876
this year were four Saturday special
interest outings: birding, wildflowers,
& Potluck Big Pine Campout or Day Hike
near Third Lake. About 12 mi, 3000
5401), Grethe & Henning Jensen (760
934 7176). Dogs limited.
kayaking, and photography. Tuesday
Conservation. The Group was in- December 21
You’re Invited!
volved in several important and interest- 6:30 pm
ing area issues:
• Group members were interviewed Home of John
& Nancy Walter
Range of Light Group Monthly Meeting
during the “pre-scoping” stage of
the planned doubling of Mammoth 240 Mammoth Knolls Drive
Pacific’s geothermal facility. THE WALTERS ONCE AGAIN Everyone welcome!
• We are participating in a group seek-
ing federal protective designation for
graciously invite you to their September 21 (Tues) October 19 (Tues)
home for our annual Holiday
potluck & Social, 6:30 pm! potluck & Social, 6:30 pm!
the Bodie area, and another group is
seeking federal protective designation celebration. Join your Sierra Club
for the Alabama Hills area. friends and enjoy an evening of New Crowley Lake Community Ctr New Crowley Lake Community Ctr
(next to Crowley Lake Store) (next to Crowley Lake Store)
• A number of Group members are also food, conversation, and cheer.
participating in the renewed Friends Please bring your own non-disposable Please bring your own non-disposable
Please bring your own non-dis- table setting and a dish for 6-8 people. table setting and a dish for 6-8 people.
of the Inyo water quality monitoring
posable table setting and a special “Traveling the World “Hendersons’ Habitat: How to
range of LighT group dish for 6-8 people. Along the 38th Parallel” Bring in Birds, Beat the Lawn Po-
Call the Walters at 760-934- with David and Janet Carle, lice, & Have a great Time Doing it”
OFFICERS 1767 for directions or more in- former CA State Park Rangers with Brad Henderson, Environmental
Chair Malcolm Clark* 760-924-5639 David and Janet will present photos and Scientist, Calif Dept of Fish & Game
Vice Chair Shalle Genevieve* 760-934-9668 formation. stories gathered during their ongoing
Secretary Brigitte Berman* 760-924-2140 Brad and Amy’s wildlife-friendly native
Conservation Mary K. Prentice* 760-934-0355 world travels along the 38th Parallel in landscape was very popular with the birds,
Treasurer Lyle Gaston 760-387-2634 quest of water-related environmental and
ROL Group Website
At Large Rosemary Jarrett* rosemaryjjar- toads, and bees – but not so appreciated
ett@gmail.com cultural connections. To date they have by code enforcement staff in Lawndale.
Chapter Del. Jean Dillingham 760-648-7109 driven the USA, Europe, and Turkey –
Editor Lynne Foster 760-387-2634 <http://nevada.sierraclub. and in June 2010 visited the demilitarized
See how they built their habitat garden and
Hway Cleanup John Walter 760-934-1767
org/rolgroup/> prevailed over the Lawn Police.
Hospitality Wilma Wheeler 760-934-3764 zone in Korea! And much more . . . .
&
LORP Mark Bagley 760-873-5326
Membership Shalle Genevieve* 760-934-9668
Winter Outings John Walter 760-934-1767
November 16 (Tues)
ROL Group E-mail
Summer Outgs Henning Jensen* 760-934-7176
Outings Asst. Dick Baggett 760-924-5749 See above for time, place, & what to bring.
Programs Claus Engelhardt 760-872-4596
Publicity
Webmaster
Rosemary Jarrett* see At Large, above
Jo Bacon
Webmaster Emeritus Owen Maloy
jbacon22@verizon.net
760-934-9511
<RangeofLight.sc@gmail.com> “Bats of the eastern sierra”
with Dr. Patricia Brown-Berry, research biologist, environmental consultant,
* Voting ExCom member & bat researcher for 40 years. Please see YOU’RE INVITED, page 5.

5. toiyabe trails OCTOBER-NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2010 5
ROL Group News ROL Summer Scrapbook
continued from page 4
Group ExCom Who is running for
meetings Range of Light Group
by mAlCOlm ClARk Executive Committee?
PLEASE NOTE that we have changed by mARy k. PRENtICE
our meeting schedule will now meet THE GROUP NOMINATING Com-
at 2 pm on the first Tuesday of each mittee announces the following
quarter (January, April, July, Octo- nominees for the ROL Excom:
ber). The next meeting is at 2 pm,
Malcolm Clark
October 5, at Malcolm Clark’s home
(637 John Muir, Mammoth Lakes). Mauriça Anderson
All Sierra Club members are wel- Jean Dillingham
come. To confirm date, place, and
Questions? Contact any of the
time, contact the Chair, Malcolm
NomCom members: Wilma Wheel-
Clark (760-924-5639, wmalcolm.
er, Rosemary Jarrett, or Mary K.
clark@gmail.com). If you have
Prentice. (See ROL Group Direc-
an item requiring group ExCom
tory, this page, for contact numbers.) Although final congressional approval is still to come, observant visitors to
approval, please note our meeting Minaret Vista in mid-July would have noted a newly identified mountain in
Also see article on Page 1 for the the view scope: mt. andrea Lawrence. ROLG submitted a letter earlier
schedule and plan accordingly.
2010 Chapter and Group election in the year supporting the naming of a Sierra peak after Winter Olympic
Additional meetings by phone, e-
schedule. icon and Eastern Sierra environmental activist, andrea mead Lawrence.
mail, or in person may be called when
necessary (e.g., to meet deadlines for The peak is near Tioga Pass entrance to Yosemite National Park. (Photo:
Malcolm Clark)
commenting on CEQA, etc. docu- YoU’RE INvItEd! . . .
ments). If you have an item concern- continued from page 4 Range of Light members
ing conservation, outings, or other enjoy June cookout at
activities or programs, please contact Dr. Brown-Berry will Hayden Cabin in Mammoth
the relevant group officer who will speak about the history Lakes. (Photo: Malcolm
make a recommendation to the Ex- of our native bats. Also, Clark)
Com for action (if appropriate). she’ll discuss potential
impacts to bat populations in the West
Deadline! by developments such as wind energy
and mine closures, and the White
december 1 Nose Syndrome that is devastating
for jan-feb-mar issue bat populations in the eastern USA.
Eastern Sierra Land Trust coming events Jean Dillingham identifies plants for
by SARAh SPANO, EDUCAtION COORDINAtOR ROLG members on July wildflower
hike down to Devil’s Postpile
AT PRESS TIME, ESLT is in the midst ing basic use, a cross-country geography National Monument. (Photo:
of finalizing fall events – stay tuned at walk, and a discussion of applications Malcolm Clark)
www.eslt.org for specific dates, or e- and uses. Please bring your own GPS
mail sarah@eslt.org. In the meantime, unit. Drinks and snacks provided.
read about what is being planned. tba Sometime in late fall
September 25 2nd Stargazing Party of the Year.
Great Sierra River Cleanup. Eastern Star expert Dave Hardin will lead this
Sierra Land Trust is proud to be part of event, pointing out star constellations
the larger Great Sierra River Cleanup and a giving us a closeup look at the
and Coastal Cleanup Day 2010. Come crescent moon. His enthusiastic and
join the efforts to clean up our precious learned demeanor helps participants
water system! Every piece of trash understand our sky. While observing
eventually ends up downstream, so help amazing views of the night sky, enjoy ROLG Members on Deer
clean a waterway that leads into the an evening on lands in the Wheeler Lakes Hike. (Photo: Lloyd
recreational areas we all enjoy – from Ridge Migration Corridor that have Stevens)
the Owens River to the Pacific Ocean. been permanently protected by an ESLT
For more detailed information, please conservation easement. Drinks and
contact Sarah Spano (sarah@eslt.org, snacks provided.
760-873-4554). tba near thankSgiving
tba before the leaveS turn! Volunteer Training & Appreciation
Workshop: Preparing for Fall Foliage Potluck. ESLT will be hosting this
Photography. In anticipation of another event around Thanksgiving, recogniz-
awesome autumn, we’re hosting this short ing the crucial work undertaken by
workshop with founding ESLT board ESLT volunteers in the office and out ROL kayakers
member, Rick Kattelmann. Rick will on the land. Staff members will be enjoy Crowley Lake
lead the discussion and offer ideas about unveiling several enhancement and after floating down
photographing the colors of autumn. monitoring projects, highlighting ways the Owens River
(Photo: Malcolm
tba Sometime in late fall in which volunteers can stay active
Clark)
Workshop: The World of GPS. Back in the ESLT community. Come to the
by popular demand, we’re hosting our potluck if you’ve volunteered before,
second GPS Field Workshop of the or are interested in learning more. Bring
season. Join ESLT’s Lands Program Co- your favorite Thanksgiving dish along
ordinator for a day learning the basics of to share.
Global Positioning System (GPS) includ- Please see ESLT NEWS, page 3.

6. 6 october - november - december 2010 Toiyabe Trails
conservation roundup N ature is always
lovely, invincible,
glad . . . . All scars she
heals, whether in rocks
or water or sky or
hearts.
Conservation Briefs Ruby Pipeline — John Muir
by marge sill embattled on
Snowmobiles invade Ruby Wilder-
ness. Snowmobile tracks have been
Nevada Wilderness, are concerned that
adequate studies be completed before
several fronts ral Desert Association (ONDA) and
Western Watersheds Project (WWP)
photographed this June in the Ruby permits are issued. by david von seggern to provide funding for mitigation and
Wilderness in Elko County, near Liberty Draft Winnemucca District Resource The Record of Decision (ROD) for the restoration projects desired by these
Lake. This illegal entry into wilderness Management Plan. The Bureau of Land Ruby Pipeline was signed on July 12 groups, and the total funding could
has occurred in spite of signing on the Management (BLM) has released this by BLM. This decision gave approval exceed $20 million. These groups sub-
wilderness boundary. plan for public comment. Among the to Ruby Pipeline, LLC, to build its sequently, as part of the deal, withdrew
Unfortunately, this is not the only area issues covered are management of wild natural gas pipeline on federal lands in their petitions for rehearing of FERC’s
where snowmobile use has occurred in horses, management of new areas with the states of Wyoming, Utah, Nevada, order to go ahead with the project. Re-
Wilderness Areas within Toiyabe Chap- wilderness potential not included as and Oregon, along the route approved in member that the Toiyabe Chapter, who
ter boundaries. Several snowmobile Wilderness Study Areas (WSAs), and the Final Environmental Impact State- also filed a petition for rehearing, is still
intrusions into Mt. Rose Wilderness and management of wildlife areas. ment (FEIS). awaiting FERC’s decision on the merit
into Eastern Sierra wilderness have been Comments must be submitted to BLM This decision included several condi- of our petition, fully 3 months after fil-
documented over the past few years. by Sept. 15. For more information or to tions which must be met before Ruby ing it. In early August, the Center for
The Forest Service does not have funds to obtain a copy of this document, contact can commence construction on federal Biological Diversity (CBD) also filed a
hire rangers to catch these criminals. With Bob Edwards, RMP Team lead (rob- lands. These conditions are not expected petition on the basis of new information
more powerful machines that can go almost ert_edwards@blm.gov). to be met fully for weeks or perhaps that has come out since the FERC order
anywhere, those people who deliberately Draft Travel Management Plans months. Meanwhile, Ruby has sought to proceed. CBD also filed a suit appeal-
break the law are difficult to stop. for Humboldt -Toiyabe Forest. These and gained Federal Energy Regulatory ing the ROD in the 9th Circuit Court of
Mining exploration in roadless draft plans have been released for public commission (FERC) approval to com- Appeals.] Sierra Club, among others, is
areas. Several companies have applied review and comment. Controversy has mence construction on non-federal weighing its legal strategy at this time.
for permits to do mining exploration, occurred about which roads and ways lands. A first foray was the filing of an IBLA
including road building, in several are open and xhich are not open for Toiyabe Chapter remains firmly op- (Interior Board of Land Appeals) appeal
roadless areas of Humboldt-Toiyabe OHV use, particularly among some off- posed to the Nevada part of the route of the ROD by the Toiyabe Chapter.
National Forest in Nevada. The com- road vehicle (ORV) enthusiasts. chosen in the FEIS due to its environ- Meanwhile, Toiyabe Chapter is issuing
panies have the right to do this under Nye County has designated four roads mental and cultural impacts, which were press releases, planning media events,
the 1872 Mining Law, but either an as RS 2477 roads, three of which were inadequately analyzed in the EIS. and closely communicating with our
Environmental Assessment or an En- closed under the draft management The legal and political climate around partners in opposing the Ruby pipeline
vironmental Impact Statement must plan. Nye County claims have not been the Ruby pipeline project is complex route. Interestingly, the Oregon natural
© Erik
be prepared for each area according to substantiated as yet. (RS 2477 roads are and changing rapidly, and while this Desert Assoc. (ONDA) and Western
stipulations governing Forest Service roads that were used to reach mining article goes to press there will undoubt- Watersheds Project (WWP) agreements
roadless areas. Many environmental or- properties.) edly be new developments changing have evoked the ire of ranching advo-
ganizations, including the Sierra Club, Elko County has asked for a six months that climate significantly. [In July, Ruby cates who fear that grazing permits are
the Wilderness Society, and Friends of extension on comments. signed agreements with Oregon Natu- under attack.
The media across Nevada and the
Snake Valley Festival:
U.S. have picked up the developments,
and there is a lot of internet chatter on
Fundraising for a good cause this issue. We expect this huge project,
which FERC and Ruby Pipeline, LLC,
by rose strickland had wished to quietly and rapidly push
S ierra Club conservationists joined hundreds of local residents
and visitors to celebrate Snake Valley and raise funds to fight the
Southern Nevada Water Authority (SNWA) water grab in eastern
through, will become an open and con-
tentious issue and that the concerns of
the Sierra Club and our partners can still
Nevada. Snake Valley, like many other eastern Nevada valleys, is be addressed.
targeted by SNWA, which plans to pipe remote rural carbonate What you can do. Contact David
aquifer groundwater to support growth and development in Clark von Seggern (vonseg1@sbcglobal.net),
Ruby Pipeline Task Force, for further
County. The water campaign seems to be evolving into a legal battle
information or if you want to help in
for which funds must be raised again and again. this very important Chapter issue.
The 2nd Annual Snake Valley Festival with fire engines, tractors,
in and around Baker, Nevada, provided horses, a band, and floats. One of the many booths at the Snake Valley
fun and interesting activities, including The festivities also included Festival featuring books of all kinds and even a Federation of Western
a pancake breakfast, a 10-block parade book, yard, and cookie sales; kids table! (All photos: Dennis Ghiglieri.)
outdoor clubs
silent auctions; as
well as a BBQ and
hot valley temperatures below -- on trails to Mt. 78th Conference • October 1-3, 2010
Wheeler, Nevada’s second highest peak, to a grove
live auction. In ad- of ancient bristlecone pines, and to a rock glacier The FWOC will hold its annual conference
dition there was a and mountain lakes at adjacent Great Basin Na- at the California Alpine Lodge in Mill Val-
water roundtable tional Park. ley, CA. The conference theme is “Partner-
with writer/activist ships for the West: Protecting Public Lands
Linda Hussa, enter- in an Era of Climate Change.”
tainment in the town Speakers will include Bruce Hamilton, for-
hall, a star show, mer Conservation Director of Sierra Club,
games for kids, a on “Resilient habitats.” Christy Harris,
Dutch oven potluck, California Wilderness Coalition Executor
and a raffle with do- Director, and Shaaron Netherton, Executive
nated elk tags and Director of Friends of Nevada Wilderness,
The 2010 Snake Valley Festival featured an beautiful turquoise on “What environmental groups can do to
innovative parade right in downtown Baker in the jewelry. Photos cap- help agencies protect public lands.”
shadow of Great Basin National Park. There was ture some of the fun The Toiyabe Chapter is an active group
music, political candidates, kids from all around, all enjoyed. in FWOC; all Chapter members are in-
and heme’d floats with political satire, “David vs. Hikes provided vited to attend this exciting conference.
Goliath” dramatization, “no water grab” bucket, fire a cool high eleva- Kids from all around Snake Valley got to be part of Questions? Please contact Marge Sill
engines, and a bevy of interesting farm machinery. tion respite from the the Festival parade with their own float. (msill@juno.com).