Mazama Climate Strategy

gov allows a permit seeker to list themselves as the hike leader, but also up to two co-leaders). 3.Do your homework before the big moment. Pre-register with recreation.gov and practice logging on. Get online before 7 a.m. and refresh your screen until the 7 a.m. release moment. And, know your hike/hiker details so you can call an audible if necessary. 4.Don’t give up. People turn permits back into the system at random times, keep a lookout for them. A DEEPER LOOK AT DETAILS:

Permit Costs:

■ Overnight-Use Permit Cost: $6 processing fee (nonrefundable) and covers up to 12 people for up to 14 continuous days. ■ Day-Use Permits: The 19 trailheads requiring day-use permits, and are as follows: ▷Mt. Jefferson Wilderness Area: PCT-Breitenbush/ Breitenbush Lake, South Breitenbush, Whitewater, Pamelia Lake, Marion Lake, Duffy Lake and Jack Lake ▷Mt. Washington Wilderness Area: PCT-McKenzie Pass and Benson/Tenas ▷Three Sisters Wilderness Area: Scott, Obsidian, Sisters Mirror, Devils Lake/Wickiup, Green Lake/ Soda Creek, Todd Lake, Crater Ditch, Broken Top, Tam McArthur Rim, and Lava Camp ■ Day-Use Permit Cost: $1 per person processing fee (nonrefundable).

Permit Access & Help:

■ Permits may be purchased online through recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777—this number provides access to their help desk as well. ■ USFS help desks are at Detroit Ranger Station (Willamette

NF) and Bend-Ft. Rock Ranger Station.

Also Keep in Mind:

■ NW Forest Pass/Daily Permit will still be required, in addition to permits/reservations, at designated trailheads. ■ Recycle: Please cancel any early permits not needed, so others can get access to them. EPILOGUE:

For those of us who choose to live in the Pacific Northwest, the Cascades are an integral part of our total environmental consciousness, and for those of us among the growing number of outdoors enthusiasts, they are a treasure—a place we both love and feel a responsibility to protect and preserve for future generations. As our population continues to grow so does the need to make changes. And we’ve all been there. A first-time permit seeker/ first-fail can leave a mark on our psyche, just like a pop quiz or driving test. Hopefully the information here and more experience will provide a sharper skill-set for future success. See you on the trail.

David Rempel is the Mazamas Trail Trips Committee Chair. He can be reached at trailtrips@mazamas.org.

THE MAZAMAS MOVE AHEAD WITH CLIMATE STRATEGY POSITION

by John Rettig

Although Earth Day 2021 fell on a date that dictated it again be commemorated as a virtual event, the Mazamas has not been idle in this area. In January, the Executive Council approved our Climate Strategy, to wit:

The Mazamas recognizes that we are in the midst of a global climate emergency, and we are committed to working for solutions. Climate change is already impacting the Northwest’s people, economy, and the wild places where we hike and climb.

As scientists have forecast and Mazamas are witnessing, exposed glaciers on Cascade peaks are quickly receding and at risk of disappearing, and the frequency and severity of wildfires are increasing.

Our commitment:

■ We will strive to address the root causes of climate change, such as carbon emissions, deforestation, and inappropriate management of public lands, through political advocacy and scientific research. ■ We will develop resources to keep our own organization climate positive, offering sustainable choices for members as they plan trips and expeditions. ■ We will continue efforts to offset the carbon footprint of our facilities. ■ We will continue to offer our members resources to be individually climate positive. ■ By acting locally and thinking globally, we make the commitment to being part of the solution.

And to follow that up, in March the Mazamas adopted a formal execution strategy on the climate crisis, acknowledging the threat of climate crisis and clarifying how the organization plans to respond. The strategy will continue the work of bringing the organization to carbon neutrality, will help provide members resources to reduce their own carbon footprint, and will commit the organization to advocating for the legislative solutions needed to address climate change.

The Conservation Committee is in the process of kicking off several initiatives that support this strategy and is looking for volunteers who are interested in taking part. If you’re interested in volunteering or have questions about the strategy, please reach out to us at conservation@mazamas.org.

With COVID resrictions being put to rest sometime in the near future, we’ll soon be taking this strategy into real actions, including feet-on-the-street activities. The Committee will provide periodic updates on the progress fulfilling the strategy as well as upcoming opportunities to get involved, so stay tuned.