Newsletter	May 2004 Newsletter March 2004 Newsletter

April Club Meeting Wednesday Apr 7th - 7 pm, 911 Center, 2911 E College Way Bears by Chris Morgan Ecologist, educator and bear specialist Chris Morgan will give a presentation on the grizzly bears of the North Cascades and the acclaimed Grizzly Bear Outreach Project (GBOP). The North Cascades grizzly bear is an illusive creature, and one that is little understood by scientists, or the public. Chris will talk about the work of the North Cascades Grizzly Bear Outreach Project (GBOP) in the context of the bear research and education work he been involved with internationally. The GBOP promotes an accurate understanding of grizzly bears and their recovery through community education and involvement. Come along to hear about grizzly bear ecology, biology, behavior, safety in bear country, the recovery process, and also the perceptions (and misperceptions) that shape the image of the grizzly bear in the human mind. Chris Morgan is a wildlife biologist, ecologist and conservationist. He is the Director of Insight Wildlife Management (IWM) (www.insightwildlife.com) – an ecology and education consulting company based in Bellingham, Washington State. He is also a Faculty member of Western Washington University’s Huxley College of Environmental Science in Bellingham, and Co-founder and Director of Science Strategies at Canopy (www.thecanopy.org), a non-profit organization that builds relationships between corporations, and wildlife biologists. He holds a B.S. in Applied Ecology (East London, UK) and an M.S. in Advanced Ecology (Durham, UK). Chris’s activities vary immensely in scope and scale. Some current activities include coordination of the unprecedented Grizzly Bear Outreach Project (GBOP) in Washington’s North Cascades (www.bearinfo.org); production of several unique TV/media productions focusing upon the bears of the world; creation of cutting edge conservation initiatives for Canopy (including the development of a global network of wildlife biologists); an award winning grizzly bear research and conservation field course through WWU; and many additional efforts to promote bears and other charismatic megafauna as ‘umbrella’ species for the wider appreciation of natural areas and the development of sustainable solutions for our planet’s humans and wildlife. Snacks will be provided by Margy Miller Secretary’s Report March 3, 2004 Like my grandmother, official business at the March SAC meeting was short and sweet. Old business included more discussion on the climbing committee and soon-to-be-made appointments by the President (per SAC by-laws). The committee will assist the class instructors and students, discuss standardized teaching methods, techniques, and curriculum, and make any possible changes to the mountaineering class for next year. Rick Rogers introduced comments that followed closely with the discussion regarding the climbing committee. At issue was what we teach for basic skills, what SAC instructors should know, and the effectiveness of sponsored climbs that allow for the development of skills that we can use to teach and climb safely and successfully. No new business. Incredible slide show was presented by Bob Kandiko. I’m in the process of burning all my possessions, giving the finger to the Man, and figuring out how to hop a steamer to the islands of Palau, where cold beer is drank at all hours, the people are friendly, and every day is like a Jimmy Buffet song. Respectfully submitted, Brian Heinrich Some Announcements... We Are Not Alone Two Whatcom County outdoor clubs welcome us to join in their outings: The Bellingham Mountaineers (not to be confused with the Seattle Mountaineers!) meet the 2nd Tuesday of each month at the Bellingham Public Library. Like us, they are a small climbing club who put on programs, have club outings and teach a climbing class. They are working on developing a chat room to share climbing info. Their web site: www.belinghammountaineers.org and their contact is Sue Bennett at 360 312-9016. You may know Stan Walsh, who has been sponsoring joint club outings for years - the Salmon Hike and the Solistice Saulk Mountain Hike. Other Alpine Club members have also been and still are members of the Bellingham Mountaineers. The Mount Baker Club has been around since 1911! They do such things as kayaking to the trailhead, bicycle in Spokane, camp-out at Steamboat State Park, backpack in Kettle Falls and hike devotedly in the Cascades, Island County and in Canada! Check out their website for scheduled outings: www.mountbakerclub.org or call Marjan Eicher at 360 332-3195. Trail Maintenance Pacific NW Trail Assoc. Do your part to help maintain our local trails! There's been lots of damage after the flooding last year. Join the Pacific Northwest Trail Association on their Saturday work parties. They'll be meeting April 10, 24 and May 8, 22 and June 5,19. Meet 8:15 at the Cook Road Exit. For more info call 360-424-0407. See you there! Outings April 17th – Squire Lake April 17 – 9am Squires Lake, Beaver Pond, & Alger Alp 1-6 mi., 100-1000 ft eg.The trailhead is located on Hwy 99 between I-5 and S. Lake Samish and Alger exits. The trail partially follows an abandoned railroad grade that is fairly easy and pleasant to Squires Lake. The more adventurous soul may advance on the ridge trail to Beaver Pond and continue on to the 1315 ft summit of Alger Alp for great views of many lakes and the Skagit Valley. Take your pick. You’ve got 3 to choose from. Call Ruth Wiegand if interested at 360-445-3520 or grw.realenergy@verizon.net. Trip Report Mazama Park by Lynn Postler It was time to go snow camping! The weather looked good so we talked Beth and Sylvia into joining us for an “easy” overnight trip. Our goal was Mazama Shelter, just below Park Butte Lookout. We had snow showed into the 3-sided shelter one New Year’s Eve a few years ago. I thought it would be the perfect spot for great views of Baker and a nice roof over our heads. I didn’t remember too much of our previous trip, just that it was a long day. We headed out Saturday morning in good spirits. The dogs were frisky and feeling good. The Sisters looked spectacular frosted in snow. We drove up Mosquito Lake road and parked at the gate at Wallace Creek. Only 3 miles up the road to the trailhead. The snow was firm and packed. No problem. It was only 11 AM and we had just 3.5 miles of trail to reach the shelter. Spoke too soon. Our first obstacle was crossing the Middle Fork of the Nooksack River. It took us an hour before we decided our only option was to wade across. I didn’t remember doing this last time – was there a bridge or a log? Now our boots were soaked but the sun was shining. Followed the trail easily along the river, then started the climb uphill. Oh oh. Lost the trail. Now we were heading straight uphill through the woods in our snowshoes with heavy packs. People started to grumble and the dogs started whining. It’s 4 PM and we are still going uphill. Seems like we should start traversing. Let’s do it. Cliffs. Where did those come from? I don’t remember any cliffs. Fought our way around the cliffs. Then it was up and down steep gulleys. Could have used an ice axe and crampons on one section. Now it is 5:30 and the troops are restless. We take a vote and decide the shelter is still too far away and it’s time to make camp before dark. Picked a beautiful spot at about 4400 ft for our camp. The Black Buttes and Mt Baker looked down on our tents. I KNOW the Mazama shelter was just a little way further, maybe a half hour, but no one else was interested in finding it. Craig and Sancho fell asleep in the tent while the women melted water and made dinner. Another adventure in the great outdoors! Lynn, Craig and Sancho What was my Favorite Part of this Trip? 1. The jarring potholes and boulder size rocks strung across Road 38 on our way to the trailhead. 2. Heading straight up icy slopes on Saturday and straight down icier slopes on Sunday. 3. No way over the Nooksack River – so we had to go through it – soaking wet feet by noon of Saturday. 4. We never quite got to the shelter – though we were somewhere very close and camped in fluffy snow in a park like area below Park Butte with a lovely view of Mt Baker and the frosted Black Buttes. 5. My sleeping bag was soaking wet – when all I wanted was to make a nest and get warm! Then the bag froze when I hung it out to dry. Nothing to do but put on all of my clothes and crawl in – knowing the bag would eventually dry. And it did – by dawn. 6. Good route finders. Good friends, easy laughs, and primo weather. Washington Hiking Trails to get Bigger Share of Gas Tax by Washington Trails Assoc. Legislation signed by Gov. Gary Locke applauded by Washington Trails Association Mar 24, 2004 – OLYMPIA - In a move that will mean more state funds for hiking trails, trailheads, campgrounds and other outdoor recreation, Gov. Gary Locke signed HB 2489 today, which will give hiking trails and other recreation facilities in Washington's parks and forests a bigger share of the gas tax. With backcountry trails and outdoor facilities decimated by budget cutbacks and recent storm damage, the reallocation of the state's Non-highway and Off-road Vehicle Activities (NOVA) program is more important than ever. The reallocation is being applauded by many recreation groups. "The best part of this is that it doesn't mean higher taxes," said Jonathan Guzzo, Director of Advocacy for Washington Trails Association. "It's just slicing a pie in a better way." Before the reform bill passed, 80 percent of the NOVA grant funds went to motorized outdoor activities, primarily off-road motorcycles, while the remaining 20 percent was used for all other types of backcountry recreation, including hiking, horse riding, mountain biking, camping, picnicking, and sightseeing. A 2002 study funded by the state and conducted by Bellevue’s Hebert Research found that 80 percent of revenue for NOVA was generated by back road driving of hunters, campers, anglers, equestrians, hikers, and mountain bikers and other non-motorized users. Twenty (20) percent was generated by motorized trail users. These findings prompted the assignment of a state-appointed NOVA task force whose consensus recommendations to change the way NOVA funds are distributed went to the legislature early this year. "It's not often that you get an off-road driver, a hiker, an equestrian and a mountain biker to agree on something, but we did," said Guzzo of Washington Trails Association. "The Legislature saw that the NOVA program was broken, and they fixed it." "This is a victory for everyone who wants their children and grandchildren to be able to enjoy Washington's natural wonders as we enjoy them today," said the bill’s author, Rep. Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds). The NOVA program, created in 1973, generates about $5 million a year. The new law reallocates NOVA funds so that: * 30 percent will go to non-motorized recreation, such as hiking, biking and equestrian use * 30 percent will go to general recreation facilities, such as campgrounds, toilets and scenic turnouts * 30 percent will go to go to motorized recreation, such as dirt bikes and 4x4s * 10 percent will be competitive to all three categories. The Bill’s prime sponsor in the House was Representative Mike Cooper (D-Edmonds). The Senate version’s prime sponsor was Senator Bob Oke (R-Port Orchard). "One of the great things about the NOVA fund is that every time you drive up to Mount Rainier or go take your family to Hurricane Ridge, you're paying into the gas tax and supporting outdoor recreation," said Guzzo, who said NOVA reform has been a top priority for Washington Trails Association for more than a decade. Since 1998, Washington Trails Association has combined efforts with other like-minded organizations as the Fair Trails Coalition to reform the NOVA program. The Fair Trails Coalition includes Washington Trails Association, the Sierra Club, Washington Wilderness Coalition, the Mountaineers, and Issaquah Alps Trails Club. Washington Trails Association advocates protection of hiking trails, takes volunteers out to maintain them and promotes hiking as a healthy, fun way to explore Washington. Visit www.wta.org for the latest trail news, hiking conditions, backpacking tips, trail work schedules and much more. Mission Statement To promote the use, and prevent the abuse, of all outdoor recreational areas, particularly the North Cascade area and Olympic Mountains, the San Juan Islands, and the Pacific Beaches; to provide companionship and fellowship between outdoorsmen; to disseminate information regarding the safe and pleasant usage of the outdoors; to function as a group dedicated to the preservation of reasonable recreational and wilderness areas on the county, state, and national level. Skagit Alpine Club PO Box 1054 Mount Vernon Washington 98273 www.skagitalpineclub.com Officers President: Kathy Monrad 853-8901 Vice President: Sylvia Trask 856-4050 Secretary: Brian Heinrich 756-6950 mtkulshan@yahoo.com Treasurer: George Reeves 293-3417 Climbingfool2000@yahoo.com Directors: Keith Kraft 428-8568 Eric Sandbo 755-0746 Committees Conservation Fred Darvill 424-5854 Lookout: Fred & Ginny Darvill 424-5854 John & Marie Erbstoeszer 336-5896 Programs: Maggie Sullivan 724-3158 Outings: Lynn Postler 428-4237 sancho@fidalgo.net Website Allen Grenz 422-7593 allen@gotooasys.com Newsletter Thad Hink 770-4528 sacnews@thinkstudios.net

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