Mazamas September 2016

SEPTEMBER 2016 • VOL. 98 | NO.9

Conservation Stewardship Advocacy

MOSIER DERAILMENT FIRE SPARKS ALARM & ACTION MOMENTUM GROWS TO PROTECT OREGON’S OWYHEE CANYONLANDS STEWARDS & ADVOCATES: THE VOICES OF CONSERVATION 4 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THE PUBLIC LANDS HEIST

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An AYM group working in conjunction with the Pacific Crest Trail Association to maintain the Pacific Crest Trail near Frog Lake by removing rocks, improving drainage, and cutting back overgrowth. From left to right: Sándor Lau, Jess Buttler, John Stevenson and Brian Kowalesky.

Contact Us MAZAMA MOUNTAINEERING CENTER | 527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, Oregon, 97215 | 503-227-2345 | adventure@mazamas.org | Center Hours: Mon.–Thu. 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Fri. 10 a.m.–2 p.m.

MAZAMA LODGE | 30500 West Leg Rd. •Government Camp, Oregon, 97028 | 503-272-9214 | Hours: Thu. Noon–Mon. Noon

Mazama Staff LEE DAVIS • Executive Director • lee@mazamas.org SARAH BRADHAM • Marketing & Communications Director• sarah@mazamas.org ADAM BAYLOR • Stewardship & Advocacy Manager • adam@mazamas.org MATHEW BROCK • Library & Historical Collections Manager • mathew@mazamas.org LAURA BURGER • Membership & Development Assistant • laura@mazamas.org CHARLES BARKER • Mazama Lodge Manager • mazama.lodge@mazamas.org

Publications Committee

Committee Chair: Kristie Perry, publications@mazamas.org; Committee Members: Ken DuBois, Joe Fox, Sue Griffith, Darrin Gunkel, Kevin Machtelinckx, Wendy Marshall, Lacy Turner, and Michael Vincerra. (publications_group@mazamas.org)

MAZAMA (USPS 334-780) Editor: Sarah Bradham (mazama.bulletin@mazamas.org). Advertising: mazama.ads@ mazamas.org. Subscription: $15 per year. Bulletin material must be emailed to the editor. All material is due by noon on the 14th of the preceding month. If the 14th falls on a weekend, the deadline is the preceding Friday. The Mazama Bulletin is published monthly by the Mazamas—527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97215.

Periodicals postage paid at Portland, OR. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to MAZAMAS, 527 SE 43rd Ave., Portland, OR 97215.

The Executive Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members. The Mazamas is a 501(c)(3) Oregon nonprofit corporation organized on the summit of Mt. Hood in 1894. The Mazamas is an equal opportunity provider.

Feature Articles

The Curtis Brothers, p. 6 Portland Alpine Festival, p. 10 Mosier Derailment Fire Sparks Alarm & Action, p. 12 4 Things to Know About the Public Lands Heist, p. 14 Mazama Ranch at Smith Rock, p. 16 Momentum Grows for Protecting Oregon's Owyhee Canyonlands, p. 20 Of Billboards and Backlogs, p. 22 Stewards & Advocates: The Voices of Conservation, p. 29 Strategic Plan Update, p. 34

Monthly Columns

Executive Director's Report, p. 4 Volunteer Opportunities, p. 8 Outings, p. 18 Mazama Lodge, p. 23 Successful Climbers, p. 24 Adventurous Young Mazamas, p. 25 Classic Mazamas, p. 26 Membership Report, p. 27 Evening Travel Programs, p. 28 Trail Trips, p. 36 Executive Council, p. 38

ADVERTISER INDEX Active Adventures, p. 9 Base Camp Brewing Company, p. 37 Centered in Motion, p. 37 Classifieds, p. 37 Climb Max Mountaineering, p. 23 Embark Adventures, p. 24 & 34 Green Trails Maps, p. 39 Montbell, p. 2 Mountain Shop, p. 25 Next Adventure, p. 27 Oregon Mountain Community, p. 28 Sunny Freeman Real Estate, p. 27 Tracey Andrews Acupuncture, 37

Advertise now! tinyurl.com/ MazamaAdvertising

Cover: Mazamas Star Party atop Mauna Loa. 13265 feet. Lit up is the Summit cabin with silhouettes of Kevin Clark (climb leader), Kaitlyn Rupert and Allison Legg. Photo: Sachi Murthy.

SEPTEMBER 2016 3

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Support Outdoor School for All! Vote YES on Ballot Measure 99 Dear Members and friends, In 1966 Mazama Life Member, Warren "Gil" Gilfillan, became Oregon’s first Outdoor Education Director, formally starting what we now know as Outdoor School. Inspired by early projects in conservation education, and a weeklong pilot program in Prineville, OR (1958), Outdoor School provided an innovative, hands-on science education program during the normal school week.

For over sixty years, young Oregonians were bussed to camps in the mountains or on the coast, learning science as they worked in teams, developing leadership skills, and being exposed to basic conservation ethics and the wonders of the natural world.

Initial funding for the Multnomah County program was secured through President Johnson’s “Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965”. However, in the last 20 years, state and federal funding for Outdoor School has been dramatically cut. As a result, only about half of Oregon students get to attend Outdoor School and most remaining programs have been trimmed to just three days, with parents fundraising or paying fees so their kids can participate.

This fall, all Oregonians have the chance to vote on Measure 99-Outdoor School for All, and renew our statewide commitment to Outdoor School. Measure 99 provides $22 million each year from the state lottery fund, while protecting current lottery appropriations for education, parks, and conservation. If passed, this funding will provide a full week of Outdoor School, including overnight lodging, food, and expert instruction for every 5th or 6th grader across Oregon.

Opponents of the measure have expressed concern that approval of this measure would reduce funding for economic development in Oregon. However, the Governor’s office recently released a statement in support of Measure 99 and also promised to 4 MAZAMAS

“preserve funding for important economic development programs currently funded by the lottery.” With the funding concern off the table, supporting Outdoor School for All seems like an easy decision for all Oregonians to make.

The benefits of Outdoor School go far beyond core science and conservation curriculum.

Outdoor School builds a sense of connection with the natural world; teaches leadership, acceptance, and cooperation; and encourages students to integrate outdoor physical activity into their lives. Research data (outdoorschoolforall. org/research/) shows that Outdoor School participants also score higher on standardized tests, exhibit fewer discipline issues, and are generally more engaged in their communities.

At the Mazamas, our vision is for everyone to enjoy and protect the mountains. One of the ways we can achieve our vision is to ensure that the next generation of Oregonians has the chance to build a relationship with the outdoors and learn basic conservation ethics. Therefore, we must give every child in Oregon the opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Oregon.

It is critical now, and possibly more than ever in history, that children experience the thrill of learning in the great outdoors.

Because of this fundamental human concept, along with our legacy of promoting outdoor experiences in Oregon, the Mazamas have formally endorsed the Outdoor School for All (outdoorschoolforall. org ) campaign, and encourage you to vote

YES on measure 99.

In addition to the Mazamas, more than 200 organizations have pledged their support through the Outdoor School for All campaign. Many of our community partners including the Mountain Shop, KEEN, REI

It is critical now, and possibly more than ever in history, that children experience the thrill of learning in the great outdoors.

Co-op, Columbia Sportswear, Nike, the Gray Family Foundation, Oregon Natural Desert Association, Northwest Outward Bound School, Hells Canyon Preservation Council, Oregon League of Conservation Voters, and Oregon Wild are also actively promoting and supporting the campaign.

For more information on Measure 99 and to show your support with a donation and a pledge to say yes, please visit: tinyurl.com/ mazamasoutdoorschool. If you have any questions, feedback or comments, please send them to me or Adam Baylor at adam@ mazamas.org.

Lee Davis Executive Director

Make Your Voice Heard

by Freda Sherburne, Mazama Member since 1993

T

he experiences I had at Outdoor School (ODS) as a high school student leader led me to career in environmental education, including many years as a field instructor and site supervisor at ODS. As a Mazama, I fully support ballot measure 99 for the following reasons: ▶▶ Providing every 5th or 6th grader in Oregon the opportunity to engage in science and geography lessons in a natural setting fits with our Mazama values. To help protect the mountains and wild places that we love, students (AKA future voters, homeowners, business owners, government workers) need to understand how natural systems work and how each of us impacts the environment in our everyday lives. ▶▶ Staying a full school week at ODS allows students to become fully immersed in the program, allowing for greater learning and positive social impacts. Field study activities are outside, hands-on and incorporate science, math, geography, art and more. Plus, they are fun. (We all learn more when we enjoy the activity!) ▶▶ The high school students who volunteer for a week or two each year make huge gains in leadership skills, (Mazamas are always looking for more leaders!) including teaching and caring for the 6th grade students. As a reviewer for ODS scholarship applications, I have heard first-hand how students have come to love and respect the environment and have decided to become teachers or scientists because of their time spent at ODS.

MAZAMA PRESIDENTS WHO SUPPORT BALLOT MEASURE 99 Steve Hooker (15–16) Sojo Hendrix (14–15) Doug Couch (11–13) George Cummings (10–11) Keith Dubanevich (06–07) Wendy Carlton (04–05) John Youngman (03–04) David Sauerbrey (02–03) Lis Cooper (90–91) Keith Mischke (81–83) (dates served in parentheses)

Please join me in keeping this valuable program alive and providing ALL students in Oregon the opportunity to attend ODS in the 5th or 6th grade, by voting YES for ballot measure 99.

Mazamas supports Outdoor School for All! It’s time to say Yes: For the many benefits it offers our kids, our state and our future, let’s Save Outdoor School for All. We encourage ALL Mazamas to vote YES for Ballot Measure 99. Learn more:

outdoorschoolforall.org.

SEPTEMBER 2016 5

The Curtis Brothers “It will be a grand trip, but there are too many inexperienced people in the party. I fear that before we return some accident will happen which will bathe the trip in gloom.�

by Mathew Brock

S

o said Edward Curtis before the Mazama Annual Outing to Mt. Rainier in 1897. The Mazamas have many notable members. Some of the them are well known, John Muir and President Theodore Roosevelt among them. For others, their notoriety is more obscure but no less important.

Into this lesser known group fall the brothers Edward and Asahel Curtis of Seattle. They were both

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early Mazamas, experienced mountaineers, and accomplished photographers. Their photography collections provide an invaluable glimpse into the early history of Northwest mountaineering and the Mazamas.

Sometime in the late 1890s, Edward Curtis began climbing and photographing Mt Rainier. He produced a sizeable body of work and learned the mountain first hand.

When he joined the Mazamas in 1897 to climb Mt. Rainier, the party elected him

as climb leader. The Outing generated interest in the Pacific Northwest and attracted climbers from around the nation. Of the 75 climbers who started out, 59 made the summit, a remarkable record for what we might consider amateurs. The death of University of Oregon Professor Edgar McClure during

Mt. Rainier. Photo: Edward Curtis.

the descent, and the near-death of two others put a damper on an otherwise successful outing.

By all accounts, Edward was a skilled climb leader who remained calm under pressure. In acknowledgment of his leadership efforts, the Mazamas made Curtis an honorary member in 1897.

Edward returned and joined the Mazamas for their 1898 Outing to Mt. St. Helens the following year.

During his time climbing Mt. Rainier and St. Helens, Edward made significant personal connections and produced a relevant body of photographic work. He went on to other adventures, most notably the Harriman expedition to Alaska in 1899 and his quest to publish The North American Indian, in part due to the people he met on the two Mazama outings. His photographs from the two Outings captured a broad range of the expedition's activities. His work on Mt. Rainier featured prominently in an August 1899 issue of Harper's Weekly.

There is no indication that Edward photographic studio. By all accounts, Curtis ever climbed with the Mazamas Asahel continued to climb and was a again after the outing to St. Helens. founding member of The Mountaineers, Around 1900, the Mazamas exhibited a the Seattle-based offshoot of the collection of original prints given to the Mazamas. Over his lifetime, Asahel organization by Curtis. produced a body of work that Asahel Curtis followed his brother by documents the early days of Seattle and joining the 1899 Mazama Outing to the the Northwest.

Lake Chelan area in Washington state.

Timothy Egan’s excellent book, Short As a Mazama, Asahel took part in the Nights of the Shadow Catcher (Mazama 1901 Outing to Mt. Hood, 1902 Outing Library call #920.C94) chronicles to Mt. Adams, and the 1905 Outing to Edward’s years-long struggle to finish Mt. Rainier. For the1906 Outing to Mt. his magnum opus, The North American Baker, Asahel returned, this time as a Indian. You can find more on Asahel’s member of the Sierra Club and one of career and work in, Seattle, An Asahel its climb leaders.

Curtis Portfolio, Mazama Library call Asahel Curtis returned to Seattle #779.S8. sometime around 1906, where he worked "Drying the Cascara Bark,” Edward Curtis, 1898 as a newspaper reporter before joining a successful

Bottom row, from left: Mt. Rainier climbing party, summit of Mt Rainier. Edward Curtis, lower right with box camera and white kerchief. Edward Curtis, left, and two other climbers on Mt. Rainier, 1897. Asahel Curtis, right, and fellow climber on top of Mt. Shuksan, 1906. Mount St. Helens Outing party in camp, 1898.

SEPTEMBER 2016 7

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES LIBRARY & ARCHIVE ASSISTANT ONGOING Library assistants help move library books back into circulation, and may include sorting materials, verifying the order of books on shelves, and other tasks. Archive assistants help with processing, preservation, and reference requests. Volunteers should have an interest in Oregon mountaineering history, basic computer skills, and a willingness to do repetitive tasks, including putting items into alphabetical, numerical, and chronological order.

Experience with standard library and archival practices helpful, not mandatory. Please contact Mathew Brock at mathew@ mazamas.org to sign up or learn more.

HIKE LEADERS ONGOING Do you like to hike? Do you want to give back to the Mazamas? Become a hike leader. If you want to know more, or get started down this path, attend our Basic Hike Leader training on September 14th at the MMC (6:30-9:00pm).

If you want to register for the class, or just have questions, contact Regis Krug at regis_krug@mentor.com.

LEAD HIKES FOR MAZAMA FAMILIES ONGOING

The Mazama Families program runs regular hikes for kids and their parents to participate in together. These hikes give families a chance to explore the beauty of the outdoors, and to prepare for more strenuous activities like climbs. Hike Leaders receive basic leadership training, first aid and CPR, 8 MAZAMAS

and do a provisional lead with the guidance of a hike leader mentor. Families hike leaders must also complete a background check. If interested, contact Bill Stein, billstein. rpcv@gmail.com.

AYM CLIMB NIGHT HOSTS ONGOING

Indoor rock climbing is held once-a-month throughout the winter for all Mazama members and non-members, regardless of age or climbing ability. Hosts welcome newcomers, encourage safe climbing, and help people to pair up as belay partners.

Choose the climbing gym of your choice! Contact aym@ mazamas.org if you would be interested in hosting.

MAZAMA FAMILIES ONGOING The Mazama Families Committee has openings for new members to join the committee for 2016–2017.

Since its inception in 2013, the committee has offered a variety of activities and courses to help families develop outdoor and mountaineering skills and to apply those skills in our wonderful region. If you would like to help this strong program carry forward into the future, please consider joining the committee. To express your interest, or for more information, email families@ mazamas.org.

KIDS CLIMB INSTRUCTOR ORIENTATION

SEPT 16, 7:30 PM Each month the Mazamas hosts climb classes for community youth, via partners like Friends of the Children.

If you’d be interested in teaching the basics of climbing

and belaying skills to these kiddos, join us for a volunteer orientation. If you have experience in Mazama climbing classes, or with other equivalent programs, consider joining us!

R.s.v.p. to class coordinator Rebecca Olsen, rebecca.eileen. olsen@gmail.com.

PORTLAND ALPINE FEST (PAF) ONGOING

Join the team that puts on the biggest event of the year!

We have opportunities for you to get involved with a long-term volunteer gig, or to drop in for a few hours. Visit the PAF website to express interest and learn more: portlandalpinefest.org/ volunteer/.

STORYTELLERS, WRITERS, AND EDITORS WANTED! ONGOING

Are you a published writer or working editor looking for the perfect Mazama volunteer gig? Would you like to polish up your proofreading, work on your word craft, or bring your college-era editing skills out of mothballs? Or would you simply like to learn about any or all of the above in a supportive group?

The Publications Committee is a group of Mazamas who love linking climbing, hiking, and wilderness adventures to the written word (online and off)! We meet the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. at the MMC. For more information, please contact Marketing & Communications Director Sarah Bradham (sarah@mazamas.org) or Publications Chair Kristie Perry (publications@mazamas.org).

USED EQUIPMENT SALE VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR ONGOING

The Used Equipment Sale takes a huge amount of volunteer care and effort. This year’s coordinators are seeking to add a new member to their team who will coordinate and support UES volunteers, both team captains and day-of volunteers. If you are interested in helping out, please contact ues@mazamas.org.

PARTNER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: INSPIRING CONNECTIONS OUTDOORS ONGOING

The Sierra Club’s Inspiring Connections Outdoors (ICO) program creates opportunities through outdoor experiences for personal growth, lifestyle change, and leadership skill development. The program is seeking volunteers to lead and to chaperone day hikes for local youth. Join us for a meeting and volunteer orientation the first Thursday of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Sierra Club offices at 1821 SE Ankeny, or contact volunteer@mazamas.org for more information.

Curious about volunteering but don’t see an opportunity that interests you? Fill out the Mazama Volunteer Survey, tinyurl.com/MazVolSurvey, to let us know more about your skills and interests, and we’ll be in touch to brainstorm with you.

MAZAMA MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

Whether you are a lifelong Mazama member, currently enrolled in the Basic Climbing Education Program, reading this Bulletin at your local climbing shop, or somewhere in between, you should make sure you know all of the benefits of Mazama membership.

JOIN THE MAZAMAS TODAY! Get all the details on how to become a member of one of the oldest mountaineering organizations in the country: mazamas.org/join • DISCOUNTED rates on all Mazama activities—climbs, hikes, classes, and outings.

• This MAGAZINE, filled with articles, photos, activites, and events delivered to your door monthly.

• DISCOUNTS at local retailers and gyms.

Icebreaker, Mountain Hardwear, The Mountain Shop, Mountaineers Books, Next Adventure, Oregon Mountain Community, Portland Rock Gym, Patagonia, Prana Portland, Redpoint Climber’s Supply, Rock & Ice Magazine, Sharp End Books, Trail Butter, US Outdoor Store

• Access to Mazama Lodge at the base of Mt. Hood, along with great member rates.

• Access to SPECIAL MEMBER PAGES on the Mazama website with climbing route information and much more.

• Free RESCUE INSURANCE anywhere in the world below 6,000 meters.

• Full access to the world-class MOUNTAINEERING LIBRARY.

STAY CONNECTED WITH THE MAZAMAS ▶▶ Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/ mazamas.pdx ▶▶ Follow us on Instagram: mazamaspdx and tag us in your photos with #mazamaspdx ▶▶ Subscribe to our blog: mazamas.blogspot.com ▶▶ Read the Mazama Bulletin online at issuu. com/mazamas. ▶▶ Advertise your business in the Mazama Bulletin.

Go to tinyurl.com/ MazamasAds for details.

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SEPTEMBER 2016 9

Plan to join us for the 4th Annual Portland Alpine Fest! For 2016 we have a great lineup planned with something to suit everyone who loves to play in the mountains!

Go to: portlandalpinefest.org 10 MAZAMAS

Sasha DiGiulian

Colin Haley

Portland Alpine Fest Nov. 15–19

ATHLETES

Sasha DiGiulian Colin Haley Scott Bennett John Frieh Angela VanWiemeersch

EVENTS

Clinics & Seminars Portland Ice Comp Presentations & Movies Photo Contest NW Sustainable Climbing Conference THE SUMMIT

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SEPTEMBER 2016 11

MOSIER DERAILMENT FIRE SPARKS ALARM, ACTION TO STOP OIL TRAINS MOSIER FIRE EXPOSES FLAWS IN TRACKS, DANGER OF OIL-BY-RAIL

by Dan Serres, Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper

O

n June 3, the debate over crude oil rail shipments took a dramatic turn when a 96-car train carrying Bakken crude oil derailed, rupturing four cars and causing a fire that prompted the evacuation of over 100 residents and Mosier School. On June 4, after the fire was extinguished, Mosier Fire Chief Jim Appleton told OPB News that the shipment of volatile crude oil in rail cars was “insane.” Echoing his concerns, Senators Merkley and Wyden, and Governor Brown, have called for a temporary halt in oil train traffic through the Columbia River Gorge. Meanwhile, thousands of Oregon and Washington residents are urging Washington Governor Inslee to deny a pending application for the largest oil-byrail terminal in North America in Vancouver, Washington.

What really happened in Mosier? Here’s what we know from the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) initial report: ▶▶ A 96-car trainloaded with Bakken oil derailed in Mosier traveling at 25 mph. ▶▶ The train originated in New Town,

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"The oil industry needs to stop exploiting communities, and instead reduce its oil transportation activities, rather than ramping it up..."

North Dakota, and was destined for Tacoma, Washington. ▶▶ 16 cars derailed, and four cars ruptured. ▶▶ Spilled oil ignited, causing four cars to be involved in a fire that burned for over 14 hours. ▶▶ The derailment was caused by broken lag bolts (bolts that hold the rail ties and track together), a flaw that allowed the tracks to spread apart. ▶▶ "Union Pacific’s failure to maintain its track and track equipment resulted in the derailment.”

Almost simultaneously with the FRA’s assignment of blame, Union Pacific announced plans to restart oil train traffic through the Gorge. Yet, as Senator Merkley and Governor Brown later noted, neither Union Pacific nor the FRA have determined why inspections had failed to detect the broken lag bolts. As a result, Oregon’s key elected leaders have called for a halt in oil train traffic through the Columbia River Gorge until oil trains can be proven safe and the underlying causes of oil train derailments are understood and prevented.

Mosier Mayor Arlene Burns summed up Union Pacific’s plans to restart oil train traffic despite unresolved safety concerns: “It’s the definition of being railroaded.”

A DISTURBING TREND HITS HOME Unfortunately, Mosier is not the first community to experience a catastrophic oil train accident. On July 6, 2013, an oil train derailed, spilled, and ignited in the small Quebec town of Lac Megantic. The ensuing series of explosions and fires resulted in 47 deaths and the devastation of the small community, as well as a huge toxic release of oil into a nearby river and the town.

This month, dozens of communities across North America are pausing to remember the community of Lac Megantic, Quebec, which experienced the first—and worst— of over a dozen oil train derailments in the past three years. Jacques Gagnon, a survivor of the Lac Megantic disaster, wrote an open letter to those participating in vigils and marches, stating: “The recent derailment on June 3rd, 2016 in Mosier, Oregon reminds us that we need to work to change the regulations.

Protesting Oil Trains in Hood River Photo: Riverkeepers

Hood River Mayor Paul Blackburn Photo: Riverkeepers

The oil industry needs to stop exploiting communities, and instead reduce its oil transportation activities, rather than ramping it up…I know we are all working towards a common cause, and working for the public good means changing the status quo. Public safety needs to be a top priority for our legislators. Our fight is very important; in the memory of the 47 victims of Lac Megantic, we will continue this battle.”

Oil-by-rail is a relatively new phenomenon in North America, so the catastrophic derailment in Lac Megantic came as a surprise. In 2008, railroads shipped roughly 4,000 carloads of oil in the U.S. In 2014, the number exceeded 400,000. In the three years between the Lac Megantic disaster and the Mosier oil train incident, fiery derailments in Alabama, North Dakota, Illinois, Virginia, West Virginia, and Canada repeatedly demonstrated the recklessness of this new method of transporting oil. Referencing this long string of derailments, Rob Davis, reporter for the Oregonian, tweeted on the day of the Mosier derailment: “People calling this #oiltrain explosion a wakeup call: We were already awake.”

NEW TERMINALS WOULD POUR MORE FUEL ON THE FIRE Despite the accident in Mosier, oil companies are pushing plans for huge new facilities that would bring more dangerous oil trains through the Columbia River Gorge. Tesoro and Savage companies are backing the largest proposal, called

“Vancouver Energy”, which could ship 360,000 barrels of oil daily. At full capacity, the terminal would require up to five loaded oil trains each day—trains potentially carrying the same volatile oil, on the same unsafe tracks through the Columbia River Gorge, that were involved in the Mosier derailment. With the Mosier derailment fresh in the minds of Northwest residents, Riverkeeper, tribes, cities, and the Stand Up to Oil Coalition are urging the state of Washington to deny the new terminal because of the obvious, overwhelming, and unresolved public safety and environmental risks.

In mid-June, an impressive array of cities, agencies, and tribes joined Riverkeeper and our partners in the Stand Up to Oil Coalition in submitting extensive, emphatic testimony to Washington’s Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council (EFSEC). These parties submitted thousands of pages of testimony and evidence, building a powerful argument for EFSEC and Governor Inslee to deny the Vancouver Energy proposal. Most notably, the Washington Department of Natural Resources (DNR) led the way by asking EFSEC to recommend rejection to Governor Inslee, who will make the final decision. Citing public safety concerns, spill risks, and the disturbing oil train fire in Mosier, DNR called for EFSEC and Governor Inslee to deny the project, writing: “Because of the potential for tremendous catastrophic loss associated with shipment of crude-by-rail, and the difficulty in

adequately assessing the frequency at which disasters will occur, EFSEC simply cannot provide adequate assurance in a draft site certification agreement that the safeguards associated with the Proposal are ‘technically sufficient for [public] welfare and protection’ or ensure ‘that the location and operation of such facilities will produce minimal adverse effects on the environment’ as required…DNR respectfully submits that the evidence as [a] whole compels the conclusion that the application for site certification for the Proposal should be denied.”

The Washington Attorney General’s Counsel for the Environment offered a blunt assessment of the “significant and unprecedented” impacts of the Vancouver Energy oil train terminal, stating, “Human error piloting a vessel in the Columbia River or one broken bolt on a track could lead to a significant environmental and public safety disaster.”

With the town of Mosier and the region still grappling with Union Pacific’s recent oil train derailment, fire, and spill, EFSEC should heed the testimony from DNR and Washington’s Counsel for the Environment and recommend that Governor Inslee deny Vancouver Energy.

VANCOUVER POISED TO ACT, WITH CRITICAL DECISIONS ON OIL TERMINAL TO FOLLOW As EFSEC continues its evaluation of the proposed oil terminal in a monthlong, trial-like hearing, the residents of

continued on page 15 SEPTEMBER 2016 13

4things

to know about the public land heist right now

"...it puts millions of acres of national forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, wilderness, and historic sites at risk of being privatized and sold off."

by Tania Lowe-Hecht, Outdoor Alliance

A

s Mazamas, you likely treasure this country’s parks, forests, rivers, plains, and wilds, especially those in the West. In the last few years, the public land heist—the effort to seize and privatize public lands—has gained serious steam, first in western states and more recently in Congress and on the presidential campaign trail.

As this movement enters the mainstream, it puts millions of acres of national forests, rangelands, wildlife refuges, wilderness, and historic sites at risk of being privatized and sold off.

Perhaps more damaging, it also calls into question the very existence of our public land, a legacy we’ve protected for hundreds of years. While the public land heist is pretty clearly unconstitutional when driven by state legislatures, it has gained frightening traction in Congress, which does have the power to dispose of public lands that belong to all Americans. Last spring, the Senate even passed a bill that would facilitate land sell offs across the west.

Outdoor Alliance has been following the issue closely and has identified four major developments to keep an eye on: 1.

This spring, a number of presidential candidates endorsed selling off public lands. In fact, both political parties took stances on the public land heist in their platforms.

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2.

In June, the U.S. House just advanced 3 bills that would dispose of National Forests to states for the express purpose of intensive logging.

These bills were passed through the Subcommittee on Federal Lands and then through the House Natural Resources Committee. What does this mean? These bills could now be voted on at any time, or added to an omnibus bill.

3. This spring, the standoff at a wildlife refuge near Malheur, Oregon brought public attention to the extremist fringe of the movement gunning for an end to public ownership of American lands.

Land transfer advocates are seizing on tensions between rural and urban communities to advance their agenda to strip public lands of public ownership.

4. Land takeover bills continue to be introduced in state legislatures.

This year, there were almost 20 bills seeking to privatize public lands in state legislatures (see them all here).

Wyoming recently voted on 2 of the worst land takeover bills we’ve seen.

The architects behind the public land heist are getting smarter and the new bills they are feeding to state legislatures sometimes arrive in disguise—like bills that propose spending millions to “study” land transfers or are packaged with other issues like wildfires. Using the guise of state’s rights rhetoric, these special interests are advancing what is baldly a land grab that would take what belongs to all Americans and put it in the hands of a few.

This “land transfer movement” is the brainchild of a few shadowy special interest groups, including the American Lands Council. These groups are backed by oil and gas moguls and developers, whose desire to see public lands privatized has little to do with “local control” and much more to do with extraction and profit.

The idea that we should sell off public lands for profit is a threat to the landscapes we love and to the idea that underpins public lands. America’s craggy mountains, golden plains, and rivers belong to all of us, whether you are an Oregonian for life or have lived in New York or New Jersey. They belong to you whether you visit these places every year or hope that your children or grandchildren will someday see them. Permanently protected public lands distinguish America from the rest of the world and are a legacy to hand down to the next generation.

If you haven’t already, speak out to defend your public lands by signing the petition at www.protectourpublicland.org Tania Lown-Hecht is the Communications Director for Outdoor Alliance, a national coalition of membership groups representing paddlers, climbers, hikers, mountain bikers, and backcountry skiers working together to protect public lands.

The Mazamas were early supporters of efforts to stop the sale and privatization of our public lands. Please join us by visiting protectourpublicland. org and sign the petition if you agree.

Moser, continued from page 13 Vancouver and its City Council are committed to doing whatever they can to reduce oil train risks for themselves and communities like Mosier. On July 25, the Vancouver’s city council unanimously voted to prohibit new crude-byrail facilities in Vancouver. Already, city staff and Vancouver’s Planning Commission unanimously recommended that the City Council prohibit bulk crude oil storage, handling, and refining in the City’s industrial zones.

Vancouver’s ban on crude oil terminals sent a strong message to Governor Inslee that Vancouver has better plans for its waterfront than a polluting, dangerous oil-by-rail project. Just as importantly, prohibiting crude oil terminals is a common-sense way to reduce the number of dangerous oil trains through small towns like Mosier. Vancouver’s prohibition on crude oil signals a dramatic shift in public perception about oil trains since July 2013, and confirm that Pacific Northwest communities are poised to take real, concrete steps to prevent the next oil train derailment.

Just a week after the Mosier derailment, Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President of the Waterkeeper Alliance, visited Mosier and spoke in support of tribal nations who oppose oil trains through the Columbia River Gorge.Kennedy shared his remarks with JoDe Goudy, Chairman of the Yakama Nation, who convened a group of tribal leaders to seek healing for Mosier and an end to dangerous oil and coal train traffic. Kennedy summed up the huge threat posed by oil trains, urging Governor Inslee to deny the next oil train terminal: “The oil industry has offered a suicide pact, and you don’t have to take the deal.”

To get involved or learn more about the growing campaign to stop dangerous oil trains, visit columbiariverkeeper.org or standuptooil.org.

About Columbia Riverkeeper : Columbia Riverkeeper’s mission is to protect and restore the water quality of the Columbia River and all life connected to it, from the headwaters to the Pacific Ocean. Representing over 10,000 members and supporters, Columbia Riverkeeper works to restore a Columbia River where people can safely eat the fish they catch, and where children can swim without fear of toxic exposure.

About the Author: Dan Serres, is Conservation Director of Columbia Riverkeeper and a member of the Hanford Advisory Board. A fourth-generation Oregonian, Dan’s background is in Earth Systems science. He received a B.S. and M.S. from Stanford University. When not traveling around the Columbia River watershed for his work, Dan can be found on the basketball court or hiking through the desert.

JOIN US! For a fundraiser to support the

Mazama Library & Historical Collections Featured speaker: Doug Robinson When: Late September/Early October Date to be announced via the Mazama E-News and on Facebook Mazama Mountaineering Center 527 SE 43rd Avenue Tickets $35 include dinner.

Doug Robinson is a professional mountaineer known internationally for his climbing, guiding and backcountry skiing, as well as his poetic writings about the mountains and why we climb them. Closely identified with California’s High Sierra, Doug has been called “the modern John Muir.” Evening program to include: Historic lantern slide show, exhibits, tours, & more!

Mazama Climb Awards Every year the Mazamas recognizes climbing accomplishments and gives out climbing awards in various categories. The Climbing Committee is now accepting applications for all climbing awards. All qualifying climbs for these awards must be successful official Mazama climbs.

CLIMBING AWARDS Guardian Peaks: Mount. St. Helens, Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams.

Seven Oregon Cascade Peaks: Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Washington, North Sister, Middle Sister and South Sister.

Sixteen Major Northwest Peaks: Mt. Shasta, South Sister, Middle Sister and North Sister, Mt. Washington, Three-Fingered Jack, Mt. Jefferson, Mt. Hood, Mount St. Helens, Mt. Adams, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Stuart, Glacier Peak, Mt. Olympus, Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan.

LEADER AWARDS Terry Becker Award: Successful leads on the 16 Major Northwest Peaks 5, 10 and 15 Point Leadership Awards: Leading and assists on sixteen major Northwest peaks.

All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. Application deadline is October 15.

Submit your application (including scanned copies of your summit certificates) online. Login to the Mazama Member section of the website, click on Awards, and then Awards–Climbing.

SEPTEMBER 2016 15

MAZAMA RANCH te Upda

at Smith Rock

by Steve Hooker, Mazama President & Tom Bard, Mazamas Foundation President BACKGROUND: Dear members and friends, the Mazamas have been climbing at Smith Rock for nearly sixty years, and many of the first ascents, notable routes and features were initially climbed by Mazamas.

Students from our Intermediate and Advanced climbing schools have been learning how to rock climb, place protection and build anchors at Smith for decades, making the park the second most visited location for Mazama programs (Mt. Hood NF being primary). The vast majority of our climb leaders, who have facilitated thousands of mountaineering trips and ascents throughout the Cascades, honed their rock climbing skills at Smith Rock.

There is no comparable place in our region to master rock.

Several years ago, the Mazamas learned of a chance to purchase a parcel of land directly adjacent to Smith Rock State Park. Currently owned by a Mazama, the site holds a vacation rental home that is very popular with our members, many of whom have offered to buy the property privately. From this interest came the 16 MAZAMAS

idea that maybe the Mazamas should buy it themselves and develop it to greater advantage.

The vision is to create a ‘Ranch’ which would include a commons building, bunk rooms, cabins, campfire rings, tent platforms, an interpretive center, future amphitheater, parking on-site, and possibly simple food & beverage service. The look & feel of the facility would complement the local architecture and culture. To maintain the dark and quiet Central Oregon nights we all love, the design would ensure little to no noise or light pollution.

We hope to run the Ranch like we run the Mazama Lodge-- with the whole community in mind: open to the public on a first-come first-serve basis, and extending deep discounts, additional services, and preferential reservations to members of the Mazamas and affiliate organizations.

The property is special. It is literally across the street from Smith Rock State Park, commanding panoramic views of the park’s iconic skyline. It offers rare relief to overcrowding: the closest overnight lodging is 20 minutes away in Redmond,

Oregon, and the campgrounds near the park are almost always full. While the Smith Rock Climbers’ Bivy does offer campsites, showers, and a group cooking area, space at the bivy is tight, tent sites are dispersed, and campfires are not allowed.

Finally, the property is available to us off the market. The Mazama who owns it is willing to negotiate a favorable purchase option agreement with the Mazamas Foundation.

In late 2012 the Mazamas and the Mazamas Foundation spent nearly a year researching the feasibility of developing property at Smith Rock for overnight lodging. We formed a task force of members from the Mazamas and the Foundation, and hired an architect to aid in the research of issues such as site capacity, zoning changes, utilities and community concerns. That work cost roughly $8,000 which was funded entirely by the foundation. The task force completed its study in the spring of 2013, reporting that the property could be developed.

With unanimous support from Mazamas Executive Council, the property owner,

“As a hiker, climber, RTM committee member, and Mazama member for 6 years, I think the Smith Rock Climbers Ranch is the most exciting project the Mazamas are working on today. This will make Smith Rock a lot more accessible for students taking classes, and for rock climbers and hikers in general.”

– Shane Harlson, 2016 RTM Coordinator and the volunteer task-force, the Mazamas Foundation negotiated a purchase option agreement that was signed in June of 2013.

The agreement gave the Mazamas Foundation the exclusive right to purchase the property anytime in the next four years in exchange for annual ‘option payments’ that reduce the total purchase price. We were also approached very quickly by the American Alpine Club and several corporate sponsors who are interested in partnering on the project.

Having secured the option agreement, the Mazamas held an open house to gather member feedback. We collected ideas on how to develop the property and published articles on this topic in the Bulletin. Not surprisingly, differences of opinion about the idea became evident right away.

The split seemed to fall on demographic lines. Many of our younger members see the explosion of popularity in rock climbing both in our community and within the Mazamas (A few years ago the parking lot at Smith Rock would fill to overflowing on every sunny weekend.

Now this happens nearly every day).

They see this as a chance to strengthen our service model and add value for our members and for the community. And they are willing to support the project through donations, so far having covered 100 percent of the R&D costs to date.

While more than 80 percent of the feedback and comments collected were positive, a strong minority of members opposed the idea on a basis of fiscal prudence. Aware of our decades-long struggle to sustainably manage the Mazama Lodge on Mt. Hood, they were skeptical that the Mazamas could

operate another facility without losing money. Additionally, some felt that Smith Rock was not an important location for the Mazamas; if we were to ever build another facility it should actually be in the mountains.

In 2014 we decided to begin addressing “the business question.” Can we afford this? Can we make it sustainable? For the next two years we held some small fundraisers, completed several site surveys, and developed three potential business plans for the property. All three plans showed positive returns in just two years, and encouraged us to move forward.

We also secured an appraisal of the property, indicating that its value now slightly exceeds the total price of the purchase option agreement (One of the reasons the Foundation was willing to sign the initial option agreement was the feeling that their overall financial risk was very low).

In 2013 we published an article and timeline that described this as a ten-year project for the Mazamas. That timeline is still accurate. If we decide to purchase and develop a permanent Mazama facility across the road from Smith Rock State Park, it will take some time to complete.

CURRENT STATUS: There is roughly a year left on the option agreement, and so the Mazamas Foundation is nearing a critical decision point. Before exercising the option, and to give themselves full confidence in our ability to develop the property, the Foundation board asked the Mazamas to secure a conditional use permit (CUP) from the county prior to May of 2017.

So, in July, we hired Henneberry Eddy Architects to help us go for the CUP. They will work with the county, local neighbors, and interested members of the Mazamas and the local business community to prepare schematic designs for the property, and to confirm with the county

that we can indeed build out a future Mazama Ranch at Smith Rock.

DECISION POINT: The next major decision point for the Foundation is in April of 2017, when they will decide if they should purchase the property for $231,000. Their decision will be based in the following questions: ▶▶ Strategy and Public Relations: Will building this property improve the public perception of the Mazamas in Oregon, and at the park, and with our members? Is it likely to increase future public and member support for the Mazamas? ▶▶ Management: Can the Mazamas manage both the development and future operations of the facility well, and ensure that this project will not negatively affect our core operations? ▶▶ Capacity: Can we convince the county to allow the overnight capacity that this project needs in order to be feasible? ▶▶ Financial: Does the business plan realistically show a self-supporting future operation? Will it pay back any capital investment made by the Foundation and or our partners? ▶▶ Support: Are the Mazamas committed to this project? Will members and the public use the site enough to pay for it? Do we have sufficient financial commitments? Will our community partners, individual donors, and corporate sponsors help enough to make this project solvent?

As we approach this decision, we will continue to be interested in the thoughts, concerns, and questions of our members, of the local community, and of our potential new neighbors in Terrebonne. If you would like to provide feedback, help by volunteering on the project, or indicate your interest, go here: tinyurl.com/mazamaranch.

SEPTEMBER 2016 17

OUTINGS

ADVENTURE TRAVEL—FOREIGN & DOMESTIC GREAT SMOKY MOUNTAINS—HIKES & CULTURE SEP. 25–OCT. 1, 2016 Explore spectacular Appalachian scenery and experience culture in western North Carolina. There will be B-level hikes, 7–8 miles with elevation gain up to 2,000 ft., with options for harder ones. Typical pace will be leisurely.

Cost is $495–$565, depending on number of participants, includes lodging, one meal, and all fees. Participants are responsible for their meals, airline cost (estimated $550), and car rental.

Maximum 26 participants. $200 deposit due June 30. For information and approval to participate, contact leader Bill Dewsnap, billdewsnap@ gmail.com, 503-260-6712. For information only, contact assistant leader: Tony Spiering aespiering@gmail.com, 503-6808112. Jim Selby, who has led this outing in the past, will also be participating in the outing and advising the trip leaders. Jim lived in this area for a number of years and has insider information on all the great places to go!

MARIN COUNTY ADVENTURE WEEK OCT. 23–29, 2016 Hike the beautiful trails of the Marin County region, through redwood forests, along the coast, and into the Bay Area. This outing will be in cooperation with the Mazama Lodge and will

18 MAZAMAS

be organized similarly to Round the Mountain and the Lost Lake Chuckwagon Weekend.

We will stay in two different historic lodges on the flanks of Mount Tamalpais: California Alpine Club’s Alpine Lodge and the West Point Inn. Food will be provided, but as at the Mazama Lodge we will all pitch in to assist with prep, clean-up, and other chores. Typical hikes will be A- or B-level, depending on the group’s interests and desires. Cost is approximately $950 based on approximately 21 participants.

Note that nonmember cost is $60 more than member cost.

Price includes all food, lodging, transportation to the hikes, and most of the entry fees. Cost does not include transportation to/ from California, but coordination and carpooling with the other participants is encouraged.

Contact Charles Barker at the Mazama Lodge (lodge@ mazamas.org) or Rick Amodeo at rickamodeo@yahoo.com for more information. Sign-up deadline is Aug. 1, 2016, and a $200 deposit is required.

CHAMONIX—MT. BLANC ALPINE CLIMBING JULY 9–24, 2017 Intermediate Climbing School graduates, Advanced School graduates, or equivalent experience required. Most climbs involve following pitches of 5th class terrain and/or WI2+.

Outing cost will be $2,250 per person, airfare to Geneva

Want to go on an outing? Contact the leader for more information. Forms you will need: application, liability release, and a medical information form. Send those forms to the leader and then, upon acceptance for the trip, send payments directly to the Mazama office with the name of the outing written on the check. As a service to our members, we are providing links to the following organizations that may also offer trips of interest: Seattle Mountaineers—seattlemountaineers.org, Colorado Mountain Club—cmc.org, Appalachian Mountain Club—outdoors.org, and the American Alpine Club—americanalpineclub.org. “As an incentive for leaders to put in the time and effort to arrange and lead outings, the leader and assistant leader costs may be paid by the participants.”

not included. Costs include round-trip transportation from Geneva to/from Chamonix and all lodging and transportation within the Chamonix-Mt. Blanc area for 15 days (nearly all lifts, gondolas, trains, and cable cars are included). Food cost, hut fees and the Midi-Hellbronner gondola not included. For full details go to the website. Contact leader Lee Davis, lee@mazamas. org for more information.

YELLOWSTONE OUTING JULY 30–AUG 5, 2017 The Mazamas will be hiking in America’s oldest national park in the summer of 2017. Richard Getgen and Robert Smith are your leaders. We will day hike for five days (Monday through Friday). There will be two hikes offered each day (a combination of A and B-level hikes) in the national park.

Our base camp will be in the southeast section of Yellowstone National Park. Participants will

make their own reservations at the resort which offers cabins, tent sites, and RV sites. The cost of the outing is $175.00 for members and $245.00 for nonmembers.

We will have a pre-outing meeting next spring to meet the group members, organize carpools, and present information. Contact Richard at teambears@frontier.com to register for this fun and scenic hiking opportunity.

PRESENTS

September 21 & 22 at Revolution Hall.

Brett Lowell

C OGet M IYour N GTickets F A LToday!

L 2016

Trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

www.reelrocktour.com

SEPTEMBER 2016 19

MOMENTUM GROWS FOR PROTECTING OREGON’S OWYHEE CANYONLANDS THE STATEWIDE EFFORT TO PROTECT ONE OF OUR LAST, BEST, MOST WILD PLACES—OREGON’S OWYHEE CANYONLANDS—CONTINUES TO MAKE IMPORTANT AND EXCITING STRIDES FORWARD. Owyhee Canyon. Photo: Nate Wilson

by Corie Harlan

BILL INTRODUCED

I

n late June, U.S. Senators Wyden and Merkley introduced the Southeastern Oregon Mineral Withdrawal and Economic Preservation and Development Act (S.3048), a bill that strives to address some of the industrial development threats, such as mining, which are clawing at the edges of the Owyhee. The primary effect of this bill would be to withdraw approximately 2 million acres of the Owyhee from hard rock mining, oil and gas development and right-of-way development.

This bill recognizes that the Owyhee is at risk from the sort of ill-advised industrial development that could forever alter its wild rivers and impact fish, wildlife, and abundant recreation opportunities. The bill also includes provisions aimed at addressing concerns about the Malheur County economy such as economic development grant programs,

20 MAZAMAS

transportation studies, workforce training, and the creation of a USDA grazing research center.

This legislation isn’t perfect.

But stopping development threats in the Owyhee Canyonlands is one of the core pillars of the decades-long effort to provide permanent protection to these unique and fragile public lands. This bill provides critica land long overdue movement towards safeguarding the Owyhee’s wild lands, life and waters for future generations.

Senators Wyden and Merkley should be thanked for their leadership in working to protect our wildest public lands and Oregon’s recreational opportunities— especially in the face of anti-public lands fervor across the west.

But our work isn’t done.

Now is the time to keep urging our Senators to champion a strong,

"Owyhee is at risk from the sort of ill-advised industrial development that could forever alter its wild rivers and impact fish, wildlife and abundant recreation opportunities." comprehensive conservation approach that affords the highest degree of protection for the Owyhee. Such an approach would include National Conservation Area, Wilderness and Wild & Scenic Rivers designations like those put forth in the Owyhee Canyonlands Conservation Proposal (wildowyhee.org/ why-protect-it/ConservationProposal).

The Owyhee Canyonlands is a worldclass area. Only permanent protection offers the assurance that it will stay that way—that the Owyhee’s rivers will remain clean and unpolluted by oil and gas development, that the vast, intact wildlife habitat won’t be chopped up, and that the dark night skies won’t be marred by light pollution.

Help protect the Owyhee, now!

STATEWIDE POLL, ECOLOGICAL STUDY FAVOR PROTECTION Support for protecting the Owyhee is nothing short of astounding and continues to grow.

A recent statewide, bipartisan poll (olcv.org/owyhee-survey/) found that a majority of Oregonians support permanently safeguarding the Owyhee Canyonlands.

Specifically, the survey found that 70 percent of Oregonians statewide and 66 percent in the 2nd Congressional District (Eastern Oregon) support permanent protection.

This support cut across all five congressional districts, demonstrating strong statewide support.

Additionally, over 35,000 people from Oregon and beyond have now voiced their support for protecting the Owyhee. Hailing from every corner of Oregon, 200 hundred of these supporters rallied in Salem this spring to show elected officials just how much this place means to them. Over 150 local businesses have signed on to help with the effort. And new diverse voices, such as Oregonians for the Owyhee (wildfortheowyhee.org)are adding their own calls for protection.

Oregonians’ reactions mirror a recent scientific analysis by Conservation Science Partners, affirming just how special these lands are from a conservation standpoint (csp-inc.org/2016/05/18/csp-releases-report-proposed-owyhee-canyonlands-nationalconservation-area/). The report ranked the Owyhee in the top 1% of all western U.S. lands in terms of dark night skies and the top 1% in terms of wildlife connectivity.

It’s no surprise why this area is beloved by so many Oregonians across the state and beyond.

It is clear that protecting this special place NOW is a good move for Oregon's economy and our cultural and ecological heritage. Here are three simple things you can do TODAY to help ensure the Owyhee gets the protection it deserves: ▶▶ Send an email to Senators Wyden and Merkley. Tell them you love the Owyhee and thank them for introducing the mineral withdrawal legislation. But let them know you still want to see the highest degree of protection for the Owyhee, now. ▶▶ www.merkley.senate.gov/contact/ ▶▶ www.wyden.senate.gov/contact ▶▶ #WildForTheOwyhee: Post about why you love the Owyhee on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter with the #WildForTheOwyhee hashtag. These posts demonstrate to our leaders the widespread support for permanently protecting the Owyhee. ▶▶ Ready for more? Email corie@ wildowyhee.org to pen a letter, attend a meeting and make more big moves on behalf of the Owyhee.

Author Bio: A native Oregonian, Corie Harlan's life-long passion for ensuring our environment is a healthy, diverse place for future generations brought her to the Oregon Natural Desert Association in 2012. As ONDA's Owyhee Coordinator, Corie uses her background in environmental science, business, and communications to bring people and communities together to protect Oregon’s spectacular Owhyee Canyonlands.

SEPTEMBER 2016 21

OF BILLBOARDS AND BACKLOGS: ADDRESSING AMERICA’S NATIONAL PARK FUNDING CRISIS

by Darrin Gunkel

C

hances are, if you’ve ever trekked the coast in Olympic National Park, you’ve done it the right way: made sure your group is smaller than 12 people, stopped by a ranger station and picked up your permit, rented your required bear canister, and camped in the places you’re supposed to when you’re supposed to. You may also have run into groups completely ignoring these rules. Who’s to stop them? Some popular areas only see ranger patrols on weekends. Take for example, the unincorporated coastal community of La Push, Washington, west of Olympic National Park. Walk the oncelonely part of the coast south from La Push, and you’re unlikely to see a ranger patrol ever.

Each year, the understory in the old growth behind the beaches there retreats further as campers clear space in violation of park rules and wilderness ethics. With a $140 million funding backlog, Olympic National Park’s administrators have tough decisions to make. Paying for a full complement of rangers is just not in the budget. And the wilderness suffers without monitors who can ensure visitors don’t love it to death.

If Olympic’s $140 million maintenance backlog sounds high, the number pales next to Rainier’s $285 million deficit. The figure balloons to half a billion dollars in Yosemite. We’re getting off light in Oregon, with “just” $83 million of needed work at Crater Lake, and $16 million at Oregon Caves. Add up every unit in the National Park System, and the backlog soars to $11.9 billion The majority of this deficit is costly road maintenance. Who can blame early

22 MAZAMAS

An unobstructed view of Mt Rainier. Photo Credit: Darrin Gunkel

20th Century engineers for not anticipating the size and weight of contemporary RVs or the ever increasing numbers of visitors driving SUVs? In this sense, our parks are victims of their own success. So too, the number of parks is on the rise, with dozens of new units added to the system in the last quarter century.

And then there’s climate change, bringing bigger and fiercer storms to pummel precarious roads. It’s never been cheap and it's getting more expensive to run this huge and amazing system. What do we do about this?

Public private partnerships are getting a lot of buzz these days. In this partnership, the public still owns the parks, but companies, guided by the efficiency inherent in the invisible hand of the marketplace, manage them. Running our parks the way we run our businesses sounds like a good idea until you spend an hour on hold with Comcast, and a day waiting for them to show up for their appointment. Beyond professionalism and customer service, there are—and should be—differences between an employee working for a private company and a public servant.

Along these lines there is a proposal to sell naming rights in our parks. Again, pragmatists will say, why not? It’s the way we fund things now, and it makes sense to leverage the power of the marketplace for the greater good. Besides, the Park Service

will set clear rules, sensible guidelines, and ensure signage is done tastefully. So goes the argument. All this may be so, but the Chateau at Oregon Caves is different from a Trimet bus or a sports stadium.

Just as our parks are refuges, either in the wilderness or history, from the complex tensions of our contemporary social landscape, so too are they refuges from contributors to those tensions.

That includes the insistent pressure of advertising and the competition it stokes— competition not for a first ascent or some other grand aspiration, but for dollars. Of course we’re not talking about billboards and neon over Wizard Island, but even subtle signage feels like an encroachment.

Our national parks are a legacy.

“National Parks are the best idea we ever had," wrote Wallace Stegner. They are just as good a century after far-sighted leaders first thought it. Selling naming rights in those parks is a legacy decision. Regardless of how you ultimately feel about it, is it wise to make such a decision, one that the next century of park visitors will have to live with, in reaction to a crisis?

Darrin Gunkel is a freelance writer and editor in Portland, OR. When not working, volunteering at OMSI or with the Mazamas, he enjoys exploring the Northwest in a 1990 Westy with his wife Karin and a pug named Lola.

AYMMAZAMA LODGE

YOUR HOME ON THE MOUNTAIN at the lodge. On a recent stay they got all the emergency exit signs working again, replaced new emergency lights for when the power goes out, and helped get new LED bulbs installed. Thank you Richard and Anita

WINTER HOURS Mazama Lodge is going back to our “winter hours.” Starting in September, we are open Thursday noon until Monday at noon. If you are looking to visit the lodge, consider coming up on a Sunday when only a few guests will be staying during the month of September.

SUNDAY EVENING PROGRAMS

IMPROVEMENTS AT MAZAMA LODGE The rebuilding of the firebox at Mazama Lodge has just been completed. Most fireboxes will last for 100 years or longer, unless your firebox is at Mazama Lodge were we burn 5 cords of wood a year. We should be good for another 50+ years on this project.

A special thank you to Richard Sandefur and Anita Melbo who have been helping make the lodge more energy efficient and safe. Richard is a recently retired electrician from Tice Electric and

Dinner will be served at 5 p.m. and the one hour program begins at 6 p.m. Event is free; dinner available for $13.25.

September 4: History of the Mount Hood National Forest and its Lookouts

Anita Melbo and Richard Sandefur

when he and Anita are not sailing the world (yes, they literally the spent 12 years sailing the world) they can frequently be seen up at Mazama Lodge helping untangle generations of electrical issues

Local author Cheryl Hill will highlight several interesting stories from the forest’s past and talk about the history of its lookouts. She will also talk about her favorite lookout hikes and give you a few tips for staying in a lookout cabin.

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SUCCESSFUL CLIMBERS May 1, Lane Peak, The Zipper. Leader: Vaqas Malik, Asst: Tyler Bax. Steven Loos, Linda Man, Margaret McCarthy, Brad Wood June 12, Middle Sister, Hayden Glacier. Leader: Bruce Yatvin, Asst: Kaitlyn Rupert. Danielle Allen, Brian Buchnoff, Drew Dykstra, Justin Moulton, Kirk Rohrig, Suresh Singh, Rachel Smith, Erin Wirtz, Walt Benz June 25, Ingalls Peak, South Ridge. Leader: Vaqas Malik, Asst: Stephen Hirai. Laura Guderyahn, Karthik Jambunathan, Andrew Leaf, Stephen Penaskovic July 16, Middle Sister, North Ridge. Leader: Tim Scott, Asst: Stephanie Spence. Lynny Brown, Nick John, Patrick Thorpe, Tracie Weitzman, Carmen Brown July 17, 8913 (CA), South Ridge. Leader: John Meckel, Asst: Alan Papesh. Mark Curran, Jean Hillebrand July 19, Slide Mt, Buck Creek. Leader: Doug Wilson, Asst: Cathy Gaylord. Drew Gaylord, Pam Gilmer, Lisa Hemesath July 20, Marcus Peak and the Palisades, Hidden Lake. Leader: Doug Wilson, Asst: Cathy Gaylord. Drew Gaylord, Pam Gilmer, Lisa Hemesath July 22, Glacier Peak, Cool Glacier. Leader: Michael Hortsch, Asst: Lisa Ripps. Jesse Applegate, John Creager, Mark Fowler, Dawn Van Seggen, Maggie Woodward, Mark Jenkins July 22, Mt. Olympus, Blue Glacier. Leader: Rico Micallef, Asst: Michael Austin. Ann Marie Ames, John Andrews, Walker McAninch-Runzi, Steven Wagoner July 23, Mt. Adams, South Side. Leader: George Shay, Asst: Gowri Chitloor Parthasarathy. Forrest Koran, Prajwal Mohan, Alexandra Ross July 23, Mt. Baker, Coleman Deming. Leader: Jon Major, Asst: Linda Musil. Angela Bohlke, Howard Buck, Daniel Gibson, Karin Masunari July 23, Mt. Rainier, Emmons Glacier. Leader: Larry Beck, Asst: Marc Milobinski. Eric Bruckbauer, Ardel Frick, Daniel Sherman, Helene Simon, Patrick Thorpe, Brooke Weeber July 23, Mt. Rainier, Disappointment Cleaver.

Leader: Alexander Fox, Asst: James Pitkin. Eric Dattoli, Kalin Karich, Michael Nied, Yun Long Ong, Ashish Shavarna July 24, Middle Sister, Hayden Glacier. Leader: Dan Schuster, Asst: Karthik Jambunathan. Raven Cashen, Matthew Gardner, Nancy Goering, Jessica Minifie, Aaron Morgan, Laetitia Pascal, Elena Sias, Michael Simek, Justin Thibeault July 24, Mt. Baker, Coleman Deming. Leader: Preston Corless, Asst: Rebecca Madore. Sharon Birchfield, Chris Cosgriff, Pushkar Dixit, Stephanie Spence July 24, Mt. Adams, South Side. Leader: Patrice Cook, Asst: Allison Legg. Michael Ard, Andrea Ogston, Kristie Perry, Jessica Witt, Anna Becker, Amanda Enneking, Nancy Lin, Carlos Martins, Barbara Martins July 24, Eagle-Chutla, Longmire Trail. Leader: James Jula, Asst: Bianca Pyko. Amanda Brown, John Dwyer, Christine Hadekel, Lori Ireland, Jeffrey Shuman

24 MAZAMAS

July 25, Three Fingered Jack, South Ridge.

Leader: Paul Underwood, Asst: Tim Donner. Jennifer Cox July 28, Lane, Denman, Plummer, SE Gulley and Standard. Leader: Richard Bronder, Asst: Morgan Harvey. John Bronder, Joe Petsche, Suresh Singh, Patrick Thorpe July 29, Glacier Peak, Cool Glacier. Leader: Gary Bishop, Asst: Amy Graham. Christopher Killmer, Todd Perimon, Darin Richardson, Gary Riggs July 30, Old Snowy, Snowgrass Flat. Leader: Joe Whittington, Asst: Jason Breaker. Lidia Beaumont, Alexander Cooley, Katy Hagert, Dana Knickerbocker, Kristofel Simbajon, Beth Westbrook, Richard Whittington, Shelly Whittington July 30, Mt. Adams, South Side. Leader: Lori Freeman-LaDuke, Asst: Erin Wirtz. David F. Church, Richard LaDuke, Angelika Schaefer, Roger Sharp, Leslie Shotola, John Sterbis, Lawrence Welsh July 31, Mt. Baker, Coleman Deming. Leader: Joseph Eberhardt, Asst: Howie Davis. Yun Long Ong, Ryan Reed, Richard Schuler August 1, Mt. Shuksan, Sulphide Glacier. Leader: Larry Beck, Asst: Lisa Ripps. Brett Allin, Sujay Deshmukh, Amad Doratotaj, Eddie Ferrer, Craig Karls August 2, Middle Sister, Renfrew Glacier. Leader: Rico Micallef, Asst: John Andrews. Chad Atwood, Jennifer Cox, Adam Haas, Greg Robillard, Kirk Rohrig, Max Rudolph, Chaitanya Sathe, Nancy Lin, Alex Ross, Matt Waddell August 5, Mt. Shuksan, Fisher Chimneys. Leader: Larry Beck, Asst: Eric Brainich. Stephanie Keske, Rob Olsztyn, David Roche, Michelle Van Kleeck August 5, Mt. Adams, South Side. Leader: Donna Vandall, Asst: Sherry Aanerud. Sue Dimin, Carol Federiuk, Regina Hauser, George Mercure, Jun Wang August 5, Eagle-Chutla, Longmire Trail. Leader: Elizabeth Copeland, Asst: Rayce Boucher. Scott Britell, Toby Contreras, Ralph Oyler, Erica Rothman, Christine Troy August 6, Mt. Stuart, Cascadian Couloir. Leader: Bob Breivogel, Asst: Joe Powell. Lynny Brown, Virgil Hall, John Hamann, Marty Hinkle August 6, Mt. Washington (Or.), North Ridge.

Leader: Robin Wilcox, Asst: Tracie Weitzman. Aaron Bailey, Milton Diaz, Debbie Dwelle, Melissa Guarin, Sara Jensen, Ryan Johnson, Chris Nichols, Mark Stave, Shelley Searle August 6, Mt. Jefferson, Whitewater Glacier.

Leader: Rico Micallef, Asst: Joe Petsche. Michael Austin, Andrew Leaf, Jerome Leedy, Alex Lockard, Linda Musil, James Pitkin, Adam Russell August 7, Castle-Pinnacle, Traverse. Leader: Dan Schuster, Asst: Aaron Morgan. Fabian Becerra, Raven Cashen, Kenneth Huang, Nancy Goering, Kirk Rohrig, Max Rudolph, Ben Zoon

AYM AYM ADVENTUROUS YOUNG MAZAMAS OFFERS ACTIVITIES TARGETED TO THOSE IN THEIR 20S & 30S AND ANYONE YOUNG AT HEART. This month, AYM is hitting the books. Laura Foster's book, that is. Krista is wrapping up her Portland History Hike series. On Sept. 9, she will be leading AYM events to Washington Park/Arlington Heights, and on Sept. 11 to Clackamas/Mt. Talbert Nature Park. The latter event will also feature a fun social event—mini golf !—at the conclusion of the hike. See the AYM website and our Meetup page for more details and to RSVP. In preparation for fall, Reena will be hosting a hike to Tamanawas Falls followed by apple picking at Kiyokawa Family Orchards in Hood River.

A fun perk is that we will be able to pick pink-fleshed (yes,

you read that correctly) apples. Be sure to check the AYM webpage for details on this event!

Interested in learning what AYM is about or looking for a casual introduction to our group?

Be sure and join us for pub night on the third Monday of the month or board game night on the first Wednesday of the month (check our website and Meetup page for location).

We are always adding new events for getting outdoors!

Be sure to watch both the mazamas.org/activities/aym page and the AYM Meetup page for our updated schedule.

A group of AYM'ers on a classic summer hike to Opal Creek, led by Reena Clements. Photo: Reena Clements.

SEPTEMBER 2016 25

CLASSIC MAZAMAS FOR MEMBERS WITH 25 YEARS OR MORE OF MEMBERSHIP OR FOR THOSE WHO PREFER TO TRAVEL AT A MORE LEISURELY PACE

W

e lead a wide variety of year round activities including hikes, picnics, and cultural excursions. Share years of happy Mazama memories with our group. All ages are welcome.

CONTACTING THE CLASSICS If you wish to contact the Classics, you can call or email Chair Rose Marie Gilbert at 503762-2357 or gilbertrosemarie@ centurylink.net, or Executive Council liaison Kate Evans at 503-635-6540, kateevans97@ gmail.com, or classics@ mazamas.org.

FAREWELL, THANKS, AND WELCOME As of Oct. 1 Kate Evans will be leaving Executive Council and her position as EC liaison to the Classics. She really enjoyed working with the group and is looking forward to actually becoming an official Classic in 2019.

She would also like to thank the Classics team: Rose Marie Gilbert, chair, financial manager, and event coordinator; Lanning Russell, Bulletin content manager; Darlene Nelson, listserv manager; Flora Huber, transportation coordinator; and Dick Miller, friend of the committee extraordinaire.

Thank you also to our event leaders: Anne Jacobs, David Christopher, Buzz Lindahl, Lanning Russell, Dick Miller, Richard Getgen, Rose Marie Gilbert, Kent Meyer, Heather Rosenwinkel, Hal Howard, Wilma McNulty, Ray Sheldon, 26 MAZAMAS

Steve Couche, and Marty Hanson.

After October Marty Hanson will be the new EC liaison. Marty has been a member for 24 years.

He is an active volunteer for Trail Trips with more than 750 leads; he also is now leading for the Classics and was awarded the Hardesty Cup for his Trail Trips leads and leadership. He has served on the Trail Trips, Finance, Bylaws, Internet/ Web, and Strategic Planning Committees. Marty has taken BCEP and ICS and assisted with BCEP for 12 years. Currently he volunteers at the MMC front desk on Fridays and is serving his second term on Executive Council. Welcome, Marty!

LEADING EVENTS IN OCTOBER If you are interested in leading an event next month, please contact Rose Marie Gilbert by Sept. 12.

TRANSPORTATION PLAN Our east side transportation pick up point will be Gateway; our west side will be the Sunset Transit Center. If you are interested in providing or receiving rides to Classics events you can sign up on the Classics section of the Mazama website or contact our new

transportation coordinator Flora Huber at flobell17@comcast.net or 503-658-5710.

SEPT. 16: LUNCH AT THE LODGE AT NOON Come join the Classics for lunch at the Lodge at noon. Dick Miller has arranged for Linny Adamson, a Mazama Classics member and the curator of Timberline Lodge, to join us for lunch and give a short talk. According to Dick, she’ll speak about “the care taken to maintain the building in a manner that preserves it as it was constructed in the 1930s."

Linny claims that she is not a polished public speaker, but that is even better for she will share with us from her heart and answer questions we might pose about Timberline.

You can drive yourself to the lodge or travel in a van or bus provided by the Mazamas. The lunch is free, but the van or bus will cost $10, and leave from the MMC at 10 a.m. If you are interested in the van or bus you MUST RSVP to Dyanne Foster at dyfozter@gmail .com or 503267-8937 by Friday Sept. 9. If you are not riding in the van or bus, please RSVP to Dyanne for lunch by Tuesday, Sept. 13.

SEPT. 21: SALMON RIVER WALK We will meet at the MMC at 9 a.m. to carpool to the trailhead.

The 21⁄₂ mile one way trip is relatively flat, and we will likely make some detours to the edge of the river to see Chinook salmon spawning and digging their redds. If the weather cooperates we should get some good views of salmon moving up the river to spawn. Bring a lunch as we will stop at a nice

location along the river to enjoy the sounds of the water and the beauty of the river.

Leader: Steve Couche, 503998-0185 steveco1948@comcast. net. Advanced sign up required.

SEPT. 28: OLD STONE HOUSE STROLL IN FOREST PARK This is a gentle three mile hike up Balch Canyon to the stone house, returning via the Wildwood Trail to Holman Lane and then streets back to our start under the Thurman Street bridge. About 500 feet gain.

Meet under the Thurman Street bridge at the Upshur Street turnaround. Leave at 10 am. No host lunch after the hike.

Leader: Marty Hanson, 503-227-0974,martyhanson@ mazamas.org.

OCT. 24: CLASSICS MEETING 11 A.M., MMC Come meet Marty Hanson, your new Executive Council liaison. We will be planning fall events and looking for new events and other leaders. You are always welcome to attend our meetings. We usually meet at 11 a.m. at the MMC on the last Monday of the month, every other month.

DEC. 16: CLASSICS HOLIDAY PARTY AT NOON AT THE MMC

UPCOMING MAZAMA LIBRARY INVENTORY SEPTEMBER The Mazama Library will be conducting an inventory in September. Please look around your house, car, and gear room to see if you have any overdue Mazama Library books. If you do, please return them, no questions asked.

And while you are at it, do you have any books you would like to donate to the Library? And no—we do not need National Geographics or Mazama Annuals, unless they are 1924 or earlier. If you have any questions about donations or returns, please call Mathew Brock at 503-227-2345 Mondays, Tuesdays, or Thursday from 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

WELCOME NEW MAZAMAS! New Members: 32 Patrick Beeson—Mt. St. Helens Alex Bell-Johnson—Mt. Adams John Bennett—Mt. St. Helens Janos Bodnar—Mt. Hood Nicholas Boswell—South Sister Eric Burmester—Mt. St. Helens Eric Cole—Mt. St. Helens Taylor Courier—Old Snowy Nate Crumet—Mt. St. Helens Samuel Denney—Mt. Thielsen Jean Galli—Mt. St. Helens Jeff Gard—Byron Peak Stephen Hatfield—Mt. St. Helens Frank Hood—Mt. St. Helens Jamie Horst—Mt. St. Helens Pearce Hyatt—Mt. St. Helens

Sam Jones—Mt. Hood Jen Kendall—Mt. St. Helens John Larsen—Mt. St. Helens Ellen McClure—Mt. Adams Rebecca Morris—Mt. St. Helens Maureen O’Hagan—Mt. Hood Gregory Ouellette—Denali Andy Phan—Mt. Hood Jonathan Pincus—South Sister James Rehill—South Sister Nicholas Salsburg—Mt. Hood Terry Sayre—Mt. Shasta Justin Settlemier—Mt. Hood Erika Waters—Mt. St. Helens Mike Wilson—Mt. Hood Andie Wright—Mt. Shasta

Reinstatements: 2 Kevin Beckman (1978), Brandon Larkin (2012) Deceased: 0

Total Membership: 2016—3,568; 2015—3,448

Sunny Freeman sunnyfreeman@windermere.com SunnyFreemanHomes.com twitter.com/sfreemanhomes

Your Mazama Realtor SEPTEMBER 2016 27

EVENING TRAVEL PROGRAMS Wednesday Programs begin on Oct. 12 at 7 p.m.

We appreciate voluntary contributions at the discretion of each attendee. Carpooling, public transportation, biking, and walking to the MMC are encouraged. Thank you for supporting our successful series by your regular attendance. Programs are free and open to the general public; a small donation at the door is at your discretion.

Low-to-High Africa: An Adventure Presentation Wednesday, Oct.12 In 2011 Kyle Henning embarked on a solo, human-powered adventure by bicycle and on foot 1,800 miles through Africa— from the lowest point on the continent to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. Kyle reflects on the motivations, obsessions, successes, and failures of his younger self on a personal mission through the unknown. Presentation followed by Q&A.

Mt. Rainier Fumarole Cave Project Wednesday, Oct. 19 The Mt Rainier Fumarole Cave Project is an integrated study of the various processes and ecology of one of the largest volcanic crater glacier cave systems in the world.

Unlike regular rock caves, or even conventional glacier caves, such as those on Mt. Hood, the geomorphology of fumarole caves are driven by a complex suite of processes, including climate, geothermal, geochemistry, and airflow, working in concert to form and change the cave system year by year, and sometime week by week. The caves not only contain laboratories for astrobiology, climatology, and hydrochemistry, but may well serve as an indicator to changing behavior of this dangerous volcano. The extensive mapping efforts will also assist rescuers in the event of an incident in these caves, which are visited by climbers regularly. Listen to the latest update on this ongoing study in one of the most inhospitable environments in the US. Eddy Cartaya, the project coordinator, will guide you on a photo and video journey of this incredible cave system, and share the challenges and success of the team that work there to gather this valuable data.

Cuba: Amidst Ongoing Change Wednesday, Oct. 26 Byron Rendar travelled to Cuba in February 2016. He walked, and talked to people while sightseeing. As well as showing photos of Cuba he will discuss how to visit Cuba independently, the logistics of visiting and some of the ways Cubans cope.

28 MAZAMAS

Take Your Place in Mazama History From stories of climbing and hiking adventures, to conservation and research articles, to stunning photos, we need your contributions tothe 2016 Mazama Annual! Each year the Mazamas compiles articles, administrative reports, committee reports, and photographs— consider it our "Mazama Yearbook" —and creates a beautiful book that you'll enjoy reading time and time again. Take your place in Mazama history by contributing your voice and images to this volume. Send content to mazama.annual@mazamas.org by Oct. 15.

STEWARDS AND ADVOCATES: THE VOICES OF CONSERVATION The journey of 10,000 miles begins with one step, according to the ancient Taoist sage, Chuang Tzu. And so it goes it goes with advocacy: a movement of 10,000, or a million, or ten million people working to preserve and protect our natural world begins with individuals. It’s easy to get lost in the high concepts, intricate details, and thorny politics of advocacy, but it’s wise to remember that it’s the energy and dedication of real people that make good things happen. In that spirit, for this year’s conservation, stewardship, and advocacy issue of the Bulletin, we offer interviews with four diverse Northwest advocates and stewards: a rank and file Mazama, our own stewardship and advocacy manager, a manager from Washington Trails Association, and a Native American leader in salmon restoration efforts. It’s our hope that these profiles help inform you and inspire your individual efforts, no matter where you are on the journey.—The Publications Committee.

CARRIE BENZSCHAWEL, MAZAMA SINCE 2016 WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO? I’m Carrie Benzschawel and I’m a freelance graphic designer. I worked in the nonprofit sector for over a decade and for the most part my clients are a bunch of amazing nonprofits doing phenomenal things to change the world. I lived in the flat Midwest for most of my life and just started climbing, backpacking, and hiking hard in the last couple of years when I moved to Portland. I climb and get outdoors for the pure joy of it and because it takes me to new places. I’m not in it to rack up points or build a resume (I’ve been enjoying Exit 38 and Vantage the last couple of seasons).

For gym climbing, I climb at Planet Granite and occasionally The Circuit. I worked for Greenpeace and was active in clean energy work around the Great Lakes, where I lived for most of my life.

WHAT DOES CONSERVATION MEAN TO YOU? To me conservation means preserving as much of the wild spaces on earth as we can for our animal friends and because of the land’s inherent value.

WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP MEAN TO YOU? Stewardship is the way we come together as a society to support the value of protecting the land. I think we need lots more of it. I grew up next to one of the biggest sources of fresh water on the planet. The Great Lakes are awesome and support tens of millions of people, but it takes constant vigilance to protect them from industrial pollution. Thankfully there are organizations like the International Joint Commission—a co-effort between

Photo: Josh Silverman

the U.S and Canada—that serve to watch over the Lakes. While the IJC isn’t perfect, it is a critical pressure point for local communities and citizen’s concerned about their water and the health of the wider ecosystem. I think these types of structures help us come together to protect the earth, provide for the people, and hopefully also mitigate the effects of profitdriven resource use.

WHAT DOES ADVOCACY MEAN TO YOU? I spent a lot of my life as a career advocate and now carry around some guilt about feeling like I don’t do enough. Whether it’s organizing our communities, taking personal action, or doing our best to spread awe and wonder about the natural world, I think we each have to find the niche that feels right for us in any given moment.

WHAT ARE YOU DOING ABOUT IT? Right now I support conservation, stewardship, and advocacy by designing websites and publications for nonprofits doing the real good work. A number of my clients are environmentaly- and conservation-focused groups. I also try to be conscientious about what I’m consuming and to live a smaller-thanaverage footprint. I’m relatively new to the Pacific Northwest and I’m thrilled to be able to explore here. I have a wonderful community of friends who like to adventure outdoors as well. I try to spread the sense of amazement I feel for the places I visit through trip tales and photography. When people have a direct experience, an emotional connection, and a sense of reverence for a place they’ll do more to make sure it’s protected.

continued on next page SEPTEMBER 2016 29

Voices, continued from previous page RYAN OJERIO, WASHINGTON TRAILS ASSOCIATION WHO ARE YOU AND WHAT DO YOU DO? I work as the Southwest Washington Regional Manager for the Washington Trails Association. I spend most of my time managing volunteer trail restoration and construction projects. In that role I often serve as a voice for hikers in helping land managers set priorities for maintenance work and new construction.

WHAT DOES CONSERVATION MEAN TO YOU? Speaking personally, conservation means to me that you recognize that your activities have an impact on others and on the environment. And with that awareness you take responsibility for your behavior so others in your community as well as future generations can also enjoy the outdoors.

WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP MEAN TO YOU? I liken stewardship to taking care of your home. Our family is not the first to live in our home and we hope to pass it on to our kids or another family someday.

To preserve its value we have to protect it from harm and do the weekly, daily, annual maintenance make it last.

than simply stating your position. You have to explain how the desires of your constituency fit into a greater good. What solutions can your organization bring to the table to help the hiking community meet their goals while also helping the broader community of other trail users?

WHAT’S ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES YOU FACE? Staff and funding for our trail infrastructure is very limited. Consequently land managers haven't kept up with the demand for trails as the population grows.

User-created pathways are one symptom of this problem. Adopting these routes into the trail infrastructure is the easy thing to do in the short term, but we inherit a host of maintenance problems because these routes almost always lack adequate planning and design. In the long run it is much harder to care for a poorly located trail so the limited time and money we have for stewardship is squandered. It can be really hard to convince both land managers and hikers we will be better off if we take the time necessary to build the right trail even though it will take longer and cost more in the short term.

WHAT’S THE ONE MAIN THING YOUR ORGANIZATION IS DOING TO ADDRESS ONE OF THE ABOVE? WHY? Our volunteer trail maintenance program is the largest of its kind in the nation. By promoting opportunities for all hikers to participate in stewardship we achieve two goals. One, the trails can get some of the attention and maintenance they deserve. But equally important our volunteers learn what it takes to build and maintain a high-quality infrastructure.

Equipped with that knowledge they are better users, educators and advocates in their communities.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A BETTER STEWARD OR ADVOCATE? There are so many ways that one can get involved. I would advise people to find an activity that suits their personality and that they truly enjoy doing. For some it is trail work, others may enjoy writing trip reports or helping with a fundraiser. You can even make a difference by setting a good example for others. Hike often, be friendly to those you meet on the trail, and strive to leave no trace.

Photo: Ryan Ojerio

WHAT DOES ADVOCACY MEAN TO YOU? Land managers are faced with a difficult task of balancing all the different desires of a very diverse population. As a voice for hikers we need explain the hiker perspective whenever a manager is considering an action that will have an impact on the trail experience. But effective advocacy needs to be more

Benzschawel, continued from previous page WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A BETTER STEWARD OR ADVOCATE? My advice would be to find a way to advocate that also gives you sense of 30 MAZAMAS

delight. When advocacy feels like drudgery it’s easy to burn out, so try to find a way to sustain your interest and enthusiasm for the long haul as it can take decades for change to happen. Also, I feel like the

people who are doing the brunt of the work never have enough resources, so if you have funds to share, donate, donate, donate.

ADAM BAYLOR, MAZAMA STEWARDSHIP AND ADVOCACY MANAGER WHAT DOES CONSERVATION MEAN TO YOU? Conservation means many things for Mazamas. In fact, it’s the second half of our mission, “to protect the mountain environment.” But we’ve developed a deeper understanding for the concept.

For example, we have a conservation ethic toward managing the Mountaineering Center. Rick Craycraft has worked diligently to divert our huge waste stream from the landfill to a more sustainable situation with much of our trash being recycled or composted. There’s also efforts afoot to put solar panels on the MMC, so conservation extends to the world of waste and energy use. The much more obvious form of Conservation that Mazamas understand is the protection of public lands. One of the first Conservation actions by the Mazamas was to lobby Congress to create Crater Lake National Park. Once the boundaries were drawn, the federal government followed guidelines set forth by the people to manage the land in a way that will be intact for future generations to use. Many times that means using the 1964 Wilderness Act to create the standards of how acreage is managed. But Conservation efforts on land use extend beyond Wilderness and National Parks. As climbers and hikers, we see the degradation of our favorite places from overuse and climate change. So it is more important today to extend our Conservation ethic to Stewardship of climbing areas and trails.

WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP MEAN TO YOU? The concept of stewardship is really old. This is a word that pops up early in our childhood with the stories of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In fact, all religious texts have some discussion of caring for the Earth. So for thousands of years, humans have known that we can make changes to a landscape, both good and bad. For trails and climbing areas, our unique form of recreation has an impact.

It’s not every day that we’re out fixing

Mazamas staff member Adam Baylor (right), who is also a veteran, meets with a team of veterans in Senator Wyden's office to support permanent protection of the Owyhee. Photo: Wyden staff member.

trails but it is everyday that someone is stomping down a climber trail to clip bolts at a crag or making their way around Mt. Hood to find a backcountry campsite. Each of these special and sacred activities have impact on the environment. So it is our responsibility, as it has been for a very long time, to get out there and repair eroded trails, place fixed-protection responsibly (save a tree, place a bolt), and to keep old, overgrown trails in good condition so that overcrowding doesn’t happen on the few trails that happen to be in good condition.

Ultimately, stewardship is the process of protecting the places we love by working with the land.

WHAT DOES ADVOCACY MEAN TO YOU? For as long as Mazamas have climbed, we have also been advocates for good outdoor recreation and land use public policies. For example, in the 1960s our first female president, Martha Ann Platt, worked directly with the federal government to help create the Wilderness Act. She was part of a federal advisory committee. There were many people throughout the country contributing to this visionary law, yet right here in Portland, we had we had executive leadership from the Mazamas weighing in on what places should be considered for the Wilderness Preservation System.

Another good example of our advocacy efforts and more recent is the work we have done to streamline the access to U.S. Forest Service special use recreation permits. This is the formal process that the agency uses to authorize commercial recreational activities on the forest is especially in Wilderness areas. For years,

the USFS has been unable ( for many reasons) to authorize new permits for outdoor recreation programs like the Mazamas, Portland State University or the YMCA. As major permittees on Mt. Hood, we advocated for additional permits to become available for other organizations.

Today, we are happy to report that Mt. Hood’s exceptional recreation leadership team is authorizing and issuing more permits for organizations getting kids and minority groups outside. At the end of the day, advocacy for Mazamas means finding an issue with public policy and trying to make it better by working directly with federal, state, or local government and sometimes with our Oregon Congressional delegation.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BE A BETTER STEWARD OR ADVOCATE? Be tenacious yet pragmatic. This concept is alive and well in many aspects of Mazamas programs. Some people teach the Basic Climbing Education Program year after year, some manage our advanced schools, and some are fully engaged in youth programs. So to become a really good steward or advocate, find an issue (trail conditions, raptors, public lands heist, oil trains) and stick with it. But remember to be sensible. That trait will break through the noise created by some of the ridiculous political posturing that exists in our world. And at the end of the day, join our Conservation Committee!

That’s the key entry point for volunteers wanting to do this type of work.

continued on next page SEPTEMBER 2016 31

Voices, continued from previous page OLNEY “JP” PATT JR., CONFEDERATED TRIBES OF WARM SPRINGS. Before retirement, JP was a key figure in the effort to restore salmon runs in the Columbia. He served As Executive Director of the Columbia Inter-tribal Fish Commission and as a U.S. Commissioner to the Pacific Salmon Treaty, playing a role in renegotiating that crucial agreement.

He was Chairman of the Warms Springs Tribal Council from 1998 to 2003. Amid all that work, he still found time to bag 8 of the highest cascade peaks, including Mt Jefferson, the summit of which is on Warm Springs Reservation.

HOW DOES THAT PLAY OUT ON WARM SPRINGS? Our approach to things is based on life-style, for instance hunting, fishing, gathering, and so we tend to be much more status quo. You probably see that when you visit the reservation. We don’t have a lot of development, or a lot of concrete, although we do have a major highway that goes through our reservation. We’ve refrained from developing the roadsides because it borders areas that have elk and deer and other kinds of wildlife and fish habitat.

WHAT’S BEEN THE FOCUS OF YOUR CONSERVATION WORK? On the Warm Springs Reservation I’ve been involved in fish and wildlife, primarily. Fish and wildlife takes in a lot of things -- it’s a lot of habitat work. For instance, there are provisions that limit the miles of road per acre in the forest land. We have committees that discuss any new roads and new activities in the forest land and in the range land and so forth. So we have all eyes on maintaining our habitat. For instance, when you bring a deal for logging sales and so on, you have a wildlife manager, a fisheries manager, you have a cultural resources person, you have a forester, so you get all perspectives represented in the discussion. I think it’s a good vetting of issues prior to taking action.

DOES CONSERVATION AND STEWARDSHIP OF NATIVE CULTURE TIE IN TO ALL THIS? I think there is a connection there.

I believe there are beliefs that are tied to language and lifestyle that need to be preserved. As recently as a couple generations ago there were people who spoke only our native language and didn’t even speak English. I think each time we lose one of our elders I think we’re losing a huge reservoir of knowledge.

WHAT DOES STEWARDSHIP MEAN TO YOU? It’s a responsibility to pass on these resources to the next generations. I don’t believe that any resource belongs to the current generation. They’re here for us to manage and protect and pass on, much as our ancestors passed them on to us. I think we’ve failed in some of those areas, but I think we’re succeeding in others.

A lot of old growth is gone, but here on the reservation, we have what we call conditional use areas that past leaders in their wisdom have set aside for long term management. In those conditional use areas, major activities like logging are not allowed.

32 MAZAMAS

to keep those habitats intact so we do have good numbers of Elk and deer. We recently, in cooperation with the ODFW, reintroduced rocky mountain goats into the Mt Jefferson Wilderness area. We have bighorn sheep in the Mutton Mountains bordering the Deschutes River. We have a lot of upland birds, migratory birds. I think we’ve done a good job of managing the habitat so those species can thrive.

ARE NON-TRIBE MEMBERS ALLOWED TO HIKE AND CLIMB THERE? There are some limited areas of the reservation that are open by permit. We have high lakes areas that non-tribal members are able to fish with a tribal fishing permit which also doubles as their camping permit. We have areas along the Deschutes River that are open for fishing to non-tribal members. You get a permit

Adventure Awaits!

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE LAND THE WARM SPRINGS RES OCCUPIES? It encompasses a variety of ecosystems— from the alpine to the lower rivers.

Cottonwood ecosystems. We’ve got the desert ecosystem. So we have a pretty wide variety of animals in those areas.

We’ve managed

Oct. 2016

Everest Base Camp & Island Peak Climb Contact us for more details: donovan@embarkadventures.com

Mar. 2017

Southern Patagonia Trek

Annual Election It's time to VOTE for the Mazamas Annual Election. This year you'll be voting for your new Executive Council members, Nominating Committee members, and two Bylaws Amendments.

How Do You Vote?

• E–Voting: All Mazama members (3,343 members) who have an email address on file with the Mazamas AND who did not Opt-Out of E-voting for the Mazama Annual Election, will receive an email to vote in the election on September 3. This email will include a link that is specific to you (if you share an email address with another member, you will receive two emails to that shared address, each with a unique link). You will click on this link to make your election choices. Once you have confirmed your selections you cannot change your vote. You must utilize this voting link by Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. No votes can be accepted after that time.

• Vote by Mail: All Mazama members who Opted-Out of E-voting (28 members opted-out), or who do not have an email address on file with the Mazamas (234 members) will receive a paper ballot by standard USPS mail. This ballot will arrive around September 3, and will include a voter pamphlet, ballot, and return envelope. Make your election choices, put your ballot in the return envelope, place a stamp on the envelope, and drop it in the mail. Paper ballots must be received by Oct. 3 at 3 p.m. to be counted. Ballots received after that time cannot be accepted.

The list of Executive Council and Nominating Committee candidates for our upcoming 2016 election, listed alphabetically, is as follows: Executive Council Steve Couche Bruce Nisker Laura Pigion Marty Scott Barbara Weiss

Nominating Committee Lis Cooper Alex Fox Kristie Perry

You may view candidate biographies for Executive Council online at: mazamas.org/about-us/executive-council/

Show Your Mazama Pride!

Check out a variety of new Mazama products in our CafePress store: cafepress. com/mazamas. You'll find t-shirts, sweatshirts, mugs, onesies, sippy cups, and more!

If there are any other products you would like to see in our store, don't hesitate to ask!

(Email: sarah@mazamas.org)

Voices, continued from previous page by contacting the tribe and it lays out the open areas. The tribe is looking into developing more outdoor experiences and ecotourism and that includes hiking and cross country skiing.

ANY ADVICE TO HIKERS AND CLIMBERS? Leave it the same as you found it. Have a light footprint wherever you go. We’ve had a fair amount of trespassing in the area around Jefferson—people can access the reservation through camp Sherman.

Hiking in there we’ve found a lot of trash.

We picked up the better part of a garbage bag full on a hike out from the mountain.

WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO STAND ON THE SUMMIT OF JEFFERSON? It was very special the first time. I’d looked up at the mountain for many years and wondered about it. I’m 64 and started mountaineering back in the 70’s.

I climbed Mt Hood when I was about 19

years old—as a lark! A friend and I were driving by one day near Mt Hood Meadows and we said, “Man! We oughta climb that thing.” And so the following weekend we went up and each rented an ice axe and took off about midnight. About 9 in the morning, we were on top. We cruised up the hogsback and waited for some other people to see how they got up and followed. So, just a couple of foolish young guys who lucked out and got up and got back down without any bad consequences.

We had no idea what the dangers were, but we got up and got back down. I did get snow blindness and severe sunburn that first attempt at climbing.

After that I became very interested in climbing and so went to the Mt Adams Wilderness Institute in Glenwood WA, and learned a little bit about rope craft and packing for extended hikes and equipment.

I enjoyed mountaineering for years after that. I climbed Shasta, South, Middle and

North Sister, Jefferson, Hood, Adams and Rainier. So I was very glad that I took that step and did those climbs. I wish I’d done a little more. But life intervenes. You have to make a living and keep yourself busy.

My climbing days are kind of behind me. I’ve got really bad knees and I just had quadruple bypass surgery. But I continue to be active. My wife and I planned on hiking a short section of the Pacific crest trail this summer, but then I had the heart operation. Next summer for sure we’re going to do the stretch from Santiam Pass to Mt Jefferson. Hopefully after that we might take the section from Breitenbush north to Highway 26 and then maybe do the section from there down to the Columbia. I like to do short sections like that, mainly for the backpacking experience, but also for the physical activity, and the personal satisfaction. I still love the outdoors and camping and being out in the fresh air.

SEPTEMBER 2016 33

Strategic Plan Update

nd aCORE p x E

As everyone is already aware, in 2015 the Mazamas embarked on a three year strategic plan with three objectives:

PROGRAMS

EXPAND

WE ARE I NVE ST I

Core Programs

EXPLORE

New Opportunities

OPERATIONS

These three objectives contained a variety of goals and strategies. There are currently nine strategic projects in motion to achieve these objectives.

This page provides you with an update on the status of these nine projects. For more details, go to mazamas.org.

lore Exp NEW OPPORTUNITIES

EXPAND

Res ou

ance h n E BUSINESS

MORE Climbs & Activities ONLINE Profiles & Registration NEW Programs & Much More!

Mo

n ey

Core Programs

Create a mission-based policy agenda and lead with outreach and advocacy.

Progress: For the first time ever, the Mazamas have a prioritized policy agenda covering our interests in issues surrounding outdoor recreation, education, and conservation. The agenda was created with over a year of information gathering and collaboration and is reviewed and updated monthly.

Next Action: Coalition building around access and outdoor recreation issues and continued partnership work on conservation projects.

O

O ack Tr

Next Action: An event with Doug Robinson is scheduled within the next month and we are planning for next fiscal year.

n

Progress: Digital Records Management plan development, selection of library circulation software, and Google Drive file structure rationale and file name conventions are nearing completion.

ack Tr

Restore management of historical collections with a focus on sharing stories.

O

n

Next Action: Finalize the 3-year action plan for the implementation of the OSI report recommendations.

ack Tr

Progress: Justin Rotherham (Project Lead) traveled to Colorado in August to meet with the AMGA and talk about the plan to pilot new Climb Leader classifications and training progressions.

n

Reinvent leadership development systems and structures.

34 MAZAMAS

s rce

e Tim

Business Operations

NG

ENHANCE

ENHANCE

Business Operations

Renovate our facilities to be welcome, functional, and sustainable.

Progress: We hired Dangermond Keane Architecture to move forward with plans & prioritization for utilizing the Gray Family Foundation matching grant to improve Mazama Lodge for programs and youth outreach.

Next Action: Finalize plans and report to funders, Lodge management, and key volunteers on the renovation plan for next fiscal year. We anticipate improved access (ADA), as well as additional and/or renovated bathrooms at the lodge in this phase.

Strengthen the organizational structure and culture of the Mazamas.

Progress: Received and reviewed a proposal from Center for Diveristy and Environment (CDE). Submitted a letter of intent to Meyer Memorial Trust for external funding.

Next Action: Pursue an SVP Encore Fellow to create additional capacity, and work with CDE to further define the challanges of this work and develop a shared vocabulary.

EXPLORE

O

Delayed

O

ack Tr

Next Action: Annual fund support for Youth outreach, Stewardship and Advocacy, Historical Collections, and the general fund will be solicited next through the annual membership dues mailing. Events to raise funds specifically for Historical Collections and Advocacy are being planned as well.

n

Progress: Received a KEEN Effecct Grant for our advocacy work. We received a letter of intent for an estate gift. Grant applications are pending and range from $,.500 to $50,000.

ack Tr

Create a culture of giving and fundraise for priority projects.

O

n

Next Action: As soon as our vendor, OMBU, hires a Project Manager dedicated to our project, we will proceed with the CRM and IT Tools build phase.

ack Tr

Progress: Data Model, Workflows, Features & Requirements, and Roles & Responsibilities documents will be finalized by Aug. 30. These documents are the foundation of the new system.

n

Reinvent our IT systems.

New Opportunities Next Action: Obtain the Conditional Use Permit and final schematic design by the end of March 2017 prior to making a purchase decision in May 2017.

Develop youth outreach programs and related events.

Progress: Centennial School Districit is on board for the Mazama Mountain Science School and Ann Griffin has spent the past month preparing to dramatically increase the program size from 150 kids to 600.

Next Action: Ann is focusing on developing sponsorship requests and relationships, and training schools on how to fundraise.

Delayed

O ack Tr

Progress: An architect, Henneberry Eddy, has been hired to move this work forward and obtain a Conditional Use Permit.

The architect has already met with the county and visited the site.

n

Develop a 3-phase development and business operations plan for Mazama Ranch at Smith Rock State Park.

SEPTEMBER 2016 35

TRAIL TRIPS SCHEDULE

JOIN US! MAZAMA TRAIL TRIPS ARE OPEN TO EVERYONE. Contact Trail Trips Committee chair Regis Krug at 503-704-6642 with any questions. To lead a hike next month, go to: mazamas2.org.

WEBSITE UPDATES

Leaders may schedule a hike after the Bulletin is published, or occasionally a hike location will change. Visit mazamas. org/activities-events/hikeschedule/ for updates!

HK A1.5 Sep 01 (Thu) Scarborough Hill. Ray Sheldon 360-991-8489. We will hike the forest trail 1.1 miles to a junction where we take a boot track to the top. Return on the loop trail to the parking lot. Directions: From Astoria take the Astoria Bridge into Washington and turn left on Hwy 101.

After a tunnel turn left for .2 miles to parking lot on the left. 2.9 mi., 900 Ft., Drive 230, Discover Pass, Gateway 8 a.m.

HK A1.5 Sep 03 (Sat) Lolo Pass PCT to Lost lake Junction W. Flora Huber 503-658-5710. Wilderness—Limit 12.

Hike the beautiful PCT from Lolo Pass to the junction with Lost Lake. Great wildflowers and views of Mt. Hood. 8.4 mi., 720 Ft., Drive 112, TH, Gateway 8:30 a.m. (MH) MU HK B2 Sep 03 (Sat) Fish Creek Mountain. Rex Breunsbach 971832-2556 or rbreunsbach@gmail. com. Wilderness—Limit 12. In the Clackamas Ranger district, Fish Creek

Class A: Easy to moderate; less than 8 miles and under 1,500 feet elevation gain Class B: Moderate to difficult; less than 15 miles with 1,500–3,000 feet elevation gain OR 8–15 miles with less than 1,500 feet of elevation gain Class C and Cw: Difficult to strenuous: 15+ miles in distance OR 3,000+ feet elevation gain; Class Cw indicates winter conditions Class D and Dw: Very difficult, strenuous trips in challenging conditions. No specific distance or elevation gain. Special equipment, conditioning, and experience may be required. Contact leader for details before the day of the trip is mandatory. Dw indicates winter conditions.

Numeral after class indicates pace. All pace information is uphill speed range; e.g.

1.5 = 1.5–2 mph: a slow to moderate pace; 2 = 2.0–2.5 mph: a moderate speed common on weekend hikes; 2.5 = 2.5–3.0 mph: a mod36 MAZAMAS

WILDERNESS DESIGNATION

Wilderness—Limit 12. indicates that the hike enters a Forest Servicedesignated Wilderness Area and the group size is limited to 12.

Mountain once a lookout site, delivers great views of Mt. Jefferson and a unique lunch spot on High Lake. 5.8 mi., 1,900 Ft., Drive 110, Gateway 8 a.m. (WO) HK C2 Sep 07 (Wed) Table Mountain from the North. Rex Breunsbach 971-832-2556 or rbreunsbach@gmail.com. This seldom-featured hike will start on the PCT near 3-Corner Rock and hike south to a short bushwhack and final scramble up Table Mountain's back side. Then enjoy lunch with great views overlooking the gorge from this towering giant. 14 mi., 2,700 Ft., Drive 110, TH, MMC 8 a.m. (WO) HK A1.5 Sep 10 (Sat) Harry's Ridge Flora. Huber 503-658-5710. This is an incredible route for getting a sense of the total devastation from the 1980 eruption, from the Mount St. Helen's Crater to Spirit lake and beyond. Not to be missed! 8.3 mi., 800 Ft., Drive 226, TH, Gateway 8:30 a.m. MU

erate to fast pace and is a conditioner.

“Wilderness—Limit 12” indicates the hike enters a Forest Service-designated Wilderness Area; group size limited to 12.

MU: Hike is posted on Meetup.

WF: Hike qualifies for Waterfall Awards.

AR: Hike qualifies for Awesome Ridges Awards.

GH: Hike qualifies for Gorge High Points Award.

WO: Hike qualifies for Wild Ones Award.

MH: Hike qualifies for Mt. Hood Award.

Hike fees: $2 for members, each family participant, and those belonging to clubs in FWOC; $4 for non-members. No person will be turned away if they are unable to pay. Street Ramble fees: $2 per person; $1 per person if over 55 or 14 and under. Both members and nonmembers are welcome at all trail trips. Trail Tending events are free.

ADVENTUROUS YOUNG MAZAMAS HIKING Everyone is welcome.

See the separate list at mazamas.org/activitiesevents/aym/

HK A1.5 Sep 10 (Sat) Rodney Falls & Beacon Rock. Jim Selby 828-508-5094.

Both of these hikes are in Beacon Rock State Park, Washington, so each carload will need a Discover Pass. We will park in the upper lot and hike up Hamilton Mountain as far as Rodney Falls and return. Then to Beacon Rock parking area to hike the Beacon Rock trail with its amazing views of the Gorge. Each hike is about 600 ft. of elevation gain with Rodney being 3.5 miles and Beacon 1.6 miles. 5.1 mi., 1,200 Ft., Drive 88, Washington Discover Pass, Gateway 8 a.m.

(WF,GH) HK B1.5 Sep 10 (Sat) Indian Heaven (Sawtooth/Wood Lake VP). Richard Getgen teambears@frontier.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Follow PCT past Sawtooth Mtn. to viewpoint of Mt. Adams near Wood Lake trail junction. No sign-up list. 10 mi., 1,200 Ft., Drive 165, TH, Gateway 8 a.m.

(WO)

Meeting Places: Gateway–SE corner of P and R Garage near 99th and Pacific (I-84 Exit 7); L and C–Lewis and Clark State Park (1-84 Exit 18); Oswego TC–Boones Ferry Rd at Monroe Parkway; Salmon Creek P and R–Vancouver P and R at 134 St (1-5 Exit 7 or 1-205 Exit 36); Parkrose/Sumner Transit Center–Sandy Blvd. and 98th Ave. (1-205 Exit 23A); Durham–P and R at Boones Ferry and Bridgeport (1-5 Exit 290); MMC– Mazama Mountaineering Center, 527 SE 43rd at Stark; Pendleton–Pendleton Woolen Mills in Washougal; REI–Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson; Target185–Target P/L Sunset Hwy at 185th. Dr.–round-trip driving mileage. ft– Hike elevation gain. TH Pass–USFS parking pass needed for trailhead; SnoPass–Snow park pass.

Trail Trips Hike Rules: Hikers are encouraged to carpool and share costs. The maximum suggested total rate each is a donation of ten cents per mile for up to three people

STREET RAMBLES

Multiple teams hike at different paces every Tuesday and Thursday with various leaders. Bring a headlamp. 4–8 miles, 500–1,500 feet. Meet at REI-Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson. Group leaves promptly at 6 p.m.

HK B1.5 Sep 11 (Sun) Indian Heaven (Junction Lake / Clear Lake Loop). Kelly Marlin mazamamama@ frontier.com or 503-665-6778.

Wilderness—Limit 12. This is a great time to visit Indian Heaven. Beginning from the East Crater side, we can expect a cool morning, serene lakes, and splendid fall colors. Come see!

9.25 mi., 1,200 Ft., Drive 120, TH, Lewis & Clark—near toilets 8 a.m.

HK B2 Sep 14 (Wed) Squaw Mountain & Sheepshead Rock.

Rex Breunsbach 971-832-2556 or rbreunsbach@gmail.com. Two seldom-visited viewpoints with solitude close to Portland. Great views of the Salmon Huckleberry and Roaring River Wilderness areas, south of Mt. Hood. 11 mi., 16 Ft., Drive 85, MMC 8 a.m. (MH)MU HK A1.5 Sep 17 (Sat) Nordic Center to Timberline Trail/Heather Canyon Falls. Flora Huber 503-6585710. Wilderness—Limit 12. Great

per vehicle. Dogs are not allowed except for hikes designated as “dog-walks.” Alcohol and firearms are not allowed. Participants should wear appropriate hiking shoes; carry lunch, water, rain gear (umbrella, parka, or poncho), and the 10 essentials (whistle, extra food and clothing, sun protection, map, compass, flashlight, first aid kit, pocket knife, waterproof matches, fire starter). Participants should be in a physical condition appropriate for the difficulty of the hike.

Leaders may decline anyone not properly equipped or judged incapable of completing the hike in a reasonable time frame. Hikers voluntarily leaving the group are considered nonparticipants. In case of accident, illness, or incapacity, hikers must pay their medical and/or evacuation expenses whether they authorize them or not. Hikes leave the meeting place at the time listed. Adverse conditions, weather, and combined circumstances can affect difficulty.

wildflower hike from the Nordic Center, past Umbrella Falls up to the Timberline Trail and east to Heather Canyon Falls. 5.4 mi., 1,473 Ft., Drive 135, TH, Gateway 8:30 a.m. (WF,MH) MU HK C1.5 Sep 17 (Sat) Table Mountain Loop. Tom Eggers 503-334-6356. A challenging hike at a reasonable pace! Call leader to reserve a spot. If you have ever wanted to hike up Table Mountain but were concerned about the pace this is your chance. We'll hike slower than most trips going to the top of this Gorge classic, so more can enjoy the views from the top. Plan on a long day, lots of perspiration, and great rewards. Ascend via the steep Heartbreak Ridge Trail and over the boulder field. Enjoy awesome views of the big slide from the top.

Return via the challenging, rocky West Ridge trail down a slippery basalt ridge to complete the loop.

Group will stay together. Bring your 10 Essentials and plenty of water.

Trekking poles highly recommended.

Contact leader if you have questions.

10 mi., 3650 Ft., Drive 84, Gateway 7:30 a.m. (AR,GH)MU HK B2.5 Sep 18 (Sun) Wahkeena to Devil's Rest. Kate Evans 503635-6540 We'll detour to Wahkeena Springs then have lunch on the bluff on this lovely, shady hike. 7.2 mi.

2,400 Ft. Drive 44 Gateway 8 a.m.

HK C2 Sep 18 (Sun) Lookout Mountain from Hwy 35. Regis Krug 503-704-6442/regis_krug@ mentor.com. Wilderness—Limit 12. At well over 6,000 ft. Lookout Mountain is much higher than most of the smaller peaks that surround Mt. Hood. It has views of four mountains, broad meadows, and alpine wildflowers. 10.4 mi., 2,975 Ft., Drive 136, TH, Gateway 7 a.m.

(MH,WO)MU HK B2 Sep 23 (Fri) Cape Horn.

Tom Eggers 503-334-6356. Beat the weekend crowds! Get a jump on your weekend and join us for this lovely roller coaster hike (it

goes gradually up, then down to the Columbia River, then back up again). Forested path leads to three Gorge viewpoints then opens up and resembles a country lane with houses and horses. We'll go through a tunnel and down to another viewpoint then descend to a few hundred feet above the river for views of dramatic basalt walls and the Columbia River. Group will stay together. Bring your 10 Essentials and plenty of water. 7 mi., 1,400 Ft., Drive 55, MMC 8:30 a.m. MU HK B1.5 Sep 24 (Sat) Little Huckleberry Mountain and Lava Explorations. Nancy Goering ngoering@att.net. Short hike to a high point in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Good views if it's a clear day. If there are still ripe huckleberries we'll take time to pick them so bring a container.

Since we've made the drive we can combine it with exploring the interesting geology of the Big Lava Bed, Ice Cave, and Lava Bridges. The time we spend at those attractions will depend on group preference and amount of daylight. Bring a headlamp for exploring the Ice Cave.

5.4 mi., 1,800 Ft., Drive 150, Gateway 7:30 a.m. (MH) HK A1.5 Sep 28 (Wed) Old Stone House. Marty Hanson 503-227-0974.

Easy-paced hike up Balch Canyon to the old Stone House, then take Wildwood to Holman Lane. Return via streets to cars. Free to Classic Mazamas. $2 for others. No host lunch afterwards. 3 mi., 500 Ft., Drive 0, Balch Canyon TH at Upshur St. 10 a.m.

STREET RAMBLES Tuesdays & Thursday Multiple teams hike at different paces every Tuesday and Thursday with various leaders. Bring a headlamp. 4–8 miles, 500–1,500 feet. Meet at REI-Pearl, NW 14th and Johnson. Group leaves promptly at 6 p.m.

Wednesday Mt. Tabor Street Rambles Walk at a brisk pace (2.5-3.0 mi/hr.) through the streets, admiring the gardens of SE Portland to Mt. Tabor Park—we may even catch a glimpse of a heritage tree. In the park, we’ll take alternating trails to the top of the 280 stairs at the NE corner of the park.

From there we will have 30 minutes to walk up and down the stairs, then finish with a moderate stroll back to the MMC. 2 hours, 5 mi., 500 ft. (not including stairs climbed up/down). $2 fee. Leave from Mazama Mountaineering Ctr, SE 43rd & Stark at 6 p.m. (please arrive early to sign in).

Tracy Andrews Acupuncture

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3133 NE Prescott St Portland OR 97211

tracyandrewsacupuncture.com

971.251.0320

HK B1.5 Oct 01 (Sat) Indian Heaven (Placid/Bear). Richard Getgen teambears@frontier.com.

Wilderness—Limit 12. Hike past Placid Lake on Chenemus Lake Trail to Bear Lake and return on Placid Lake Trail. Fall colors. No sign-up list. 10 mi., 1,500 Ft., Drive 148, TH, Gateway 8 a.m. (WO)

Classified Advertising THESE LISTINGS ARE PAID ADVERTISEMENTS. THE MAZAMAS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR CONTENT. HOUSE AND PET SITTING BY BILLIE GOODWIN—Mazama member since 1986. Call 503-254-6121 or email oriongood@ aol.com.

503.684.9698

SEPTEMBER 2016 37

THIS MONTH IN EXECUTIVE COUNCIL The Executive Council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings are open to members.

by Mathew Brock, Mazama Libraray & Historical Collections Manager The August meeting focused on operations, committee reports, and the budget reforecast.

No members were present or spoke during the member open comment period. John Rettig’s membership report noted that the organization currently has 3,568 members and we continuing our multi-year growth trend.

The Treasurer noted that the organization is currently performing better than budget at three-quarters of the way through the fiscal year.

In his Executive Director’s Report, Lee Davis noted that the Bob Wilson grant recipients are back from their successful expedition to the Arrigetch peaks in Alaska’s Brooks Range.

The group climbed two new routes and are currently sharing photographs and video from the trip on the Mazama social media accounts. Lee discussed several upcoming events, including the Annual Meeting (Oct 3), Library and Historical Collections fundraiser in mid-October, and the Portland Alpine Festival (Nov. 15–19). The Finance & Office Manager and Volunteer & Leadership Development Manager positions have received over sixty applications. Lee is currently reviewing Finance & Office Manager applicants and will start initial interviews next week. He noted that only a few Mazama members applied for the jobs.

Twenty-two members have opted out of e-voting for the upcoming election. The IT project is moving forward and is still in the Conditioning phase. Wrap up on the Conditioning Phase is expected by the end of the month,

at which time the CRM & IT Tools phase will begin.

Sarah Bradham or Peter Tung will be present at the September meeting to provide a comprehensive update. Lee is working with both the Hackett and Bunnell estates to clarify their recent gifts and donor restrictions to the organization.

He summarized the activities and meetings held at the Outdoor Recreation Show in Salt Lake City. He remarked that Sarah conducted more than 29 meetings in three days and met all her funding goals. Lee concluded his report by summarizing recent meetings with the Outdoor School For All campaign and the Oregon Green Executive Directors group.

Council President Steve Hooker praised Lee on the Mazamas efforts to enhance Mazamas voice through advocacy and to improve access to outdoor recreation in the State of Oregon.

The Council then moved to committee reports. They noted that nine submitted written reports, seven failed to report, and two requested council action.

AYM requested approval for a new committee chair and CISM asked for an out-of-budget funding request. The Council approved the new AYM committee chair.

They passed an amended motion requiring all new committee chairs to appear in person when requesting approval. The upcoming committee chair meeting will represent the new requirement.

Mathew Brock, Mazama Library and Historical Collections Manager, gave a status update on the past year in the library and archives. A consistent presence in the library and ongoing outreach efforts have

led to an increase in the use of the library. Mathew recapped work on priorities presented at the July 2015 Council meeting.

Priorities for the upcoming year included: continued professional management of the Collections; volunteer recruitment; roll out of the library’s online catalog; and updating the L&HC policies, procedures, and collection development plans. Mathew ended his remarks with a request that the Council consider a permanent display space for the L&HC during its discussions about potential changes to the MMC. The Council then entered into a lengthy discussion with Lee concerning the budget, budget reforecast and Foundation report.

Several items of note include the fact that educational programs continue to perform well, activities were budget neutral for the first time, and the Mazamas is on track to phase out any needs for operational funding received from the Mazamas Foundation in just three years.

The proposed FY16/17 budget includes increases in grant allocations for the Expedition, Research, and Conservation committees, continued funding for the Mazamas Strategic Plan, and improvements to the Mazama Lodge.

The public portion of the Executive Council meeting ended with President Hooker giving a recap of the Council Retreat. He specifically mentioned the roll out of the Department Structure, changes to the Bylaws, and the draft Board Roles document that the Council will revisit during its September meeting. The Council then adjourned into Executive Session to discuss the Executive Director’s Annual Review.

MAZAMA ANNUAL MEETING & VOLUNTEER DINNER

Oct. 3; 5:30 p.m. at the MMC The Executive Council hosts this dinner, catered by Charles Barker of the Mazama Lodge, to honor our volunteers for all they have done this year.

We strongly encourage committee chairs to attend the dinner and annual meeting to give your annual reports and share what your committee has accomplished. Date: Monday, Oct. 3. Food service begins at 5:30 p.m. at the MMC. Meeting begins at 6 p.m. Please RSVP for the dinner to dyfozter@ gmail.com by Sept. 25.

Agenda: Annual reports: president, treasurer, secretary, executive director, foundation, and committees. Results of the voting for Executive Council. Regular October Executive Council meeting to follow, in lieu of Oct. 11.

Mazama members all have access to full Executive Council minutes. Go to: mazamas.org, login, go to the Members section and click on Executive Council Reports. Please note: Full minutes are available on a one-month delay due to the approval process.

38 MAZAMAS

SEPTEMBER 2016 39

Portland Alpine Fest

Nov. 15–19

In its 4th year, the Portland Alpine Fest will offer a variety of opportunities, including: clinics, seminars, evening presentations, movies, networking, the Portland Ice Comp, and a great time with friends and soon-to-be friends throughout the week.

The SUMMIT Nov. 19 at Revolution Hall

PORTLANDALPINEFEST.ORG

Colin Haley hosted by

presented by

Sasha an DiGiuli

If you can only make one event during the Portland Alpine Festival this is the one! You'll hear tales of adventure from our keynote speakers Sasha DiGiulian and Colin Haley­—excellent climbers with diverse and impressive climbing resumes—view an extended trailed of Dirtbag: The Legend of Fred Beckey, in addition to enjoying social time, participating in a silent auction to support the Mazama Mountain Science School, and having the opportunity to win great raffle prizes.

Get your tickets today!